I woke up in an unfamiliar room, in an unfamiliar bed. I had hands, not paws, so that was a good sign. Briefly I thought that maybe it was all a horrible dream, but I quickly crushed that hope. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, yawning. I stretched my arms high above my head, almost meowing in satisfaction when I heard the pop of my joints.

"Serena?" I called, scanning the room for my sister. I saw another bed across the room with a lump curled up under the blankets. I smiled at the picture, she still slept all curled up. "Oh Serena, wake up!" I gently shook her, but all I got in response was grumbling. This time I laughed, and she curled up tighter, clutching the blankets close. I sat next to her and called for her again, but she refused to wake up. I grinned as I thought of an idea. I layed down on top of her, putting my full weight on her. "What a comfy bed this is!" I said as overly dramatic as I could. I heard more complaints and that just pushed me to tease her more. I rolled around on top of her, effectively squishing her. "Oh my, I could just lay here for days!"

"Stop it Sylva!" Serena whined.

"And it talks! How wonderful!" I cried. "But does it laugh?" I pushed my fingers into her sides and she jerked as she laughed. I tickled her some more, causing her to squirm around in an attempt to escape.

"Alright, alright! I'm up!" she giggled. I got off of her and sat at the edge of her bed. She flipped the blankets off of her and sat up. Her jet black hair was short and messy, and her pink dress was crumpled. Her porcelain skin had red imprints from her sleeping position, but it was otherwise unblemished. I smiled sadly at the thought that I was happy she wouldn't have physical scars from our time with Bellatrix like I would.

"Hey, Sylva?" Serena's quiet voice broke through my thoughts.

"Yes?" I asked.

She crawled closer and sat down next to me. I wrapped my arm around her and waited for her to speak her mind. "Things are going to be okay now right? Bellatrix won't hurt you anymore?" My heart broke when she asked that. I picked her up and set her in my lap, holding her close and petting her hair.

"Yes, everything will be okay now, I promise. And just like before, I won't let anything hurt you, I didn't let Bellatrix, and I won't let anyone or anything else even come near you." I declared firmly. Serena wrapped her arms around me and held me tight, hiding her face in my chest. Guilt consumed me for bringing her into this, and even if it took until my last breath I would get her out. "Now lets get you polished up!"

I stood up and pulled Serena on her feet as well. I glanced around the room again to see the door that was previously closed, was now open. And Draco stood in the doorway. My eyes widened and I'm pretty sure I felt a blush creeping up on me. "How long have you been there?" I asked. By now I knew I really was blushing, and I hoped he just got there and didn't see our affectionate moment.

"Long enough," he casually replied, walking into the room. He stopped in front of me and looked me up and down before smirking. "Mother wants to see you for tea, but you better clean up first."

My blood boiled and a retort was on the tip of my tongue. I glared at his back as he turned around and walked out. I had half a mind to stomp after him and give him a piece of my mind, but then I remembered my position. I would have to put up with his annoying attitude from here on out, so I might as well get used to it now.

I found another door in our room that lead to a small but nice bathroom. A single porcelain sink stood in front of a small mirror. There was a tub and shower combo, and a toilet crammed into the corner. It wasn't as fancy as Bellatrix's room, but it was nice not being near her. I looked in the mirror to see that I do, in fact, look like crap. My long, midnight hair was sticking up in odd angles, and had snarls in random places. My pale skin was normal, a few new scars could be seen on my arms, but most were hidden by my underdress. I saw the outer layers laying out on the chair in our room, and quickly went to retrieve them.

Once dressed I went back to the bathroom, examining my floor length black dress. The corset top hugging my curves nicely, and the way it puffed out once it hit my waist gave me a more elegant look. I found a brush and pulled it through my waist length hair and untangled all the rats' nests. I put it all up in a graceful bun with small strands falling and framing my face. I still looked tired, but it was a big improvement. I finished washing up and made Serena do the same, putting her hair in a french braid.

We walked hand in hand through the large manor. I could hear Mrs. Malfoy in the sitting room drinking tea, the soft clatter of china. I found that my senses were still that of a cat, except for color, I could still see that. I assumed that it was after effects from being a cat for so long. In a way I was glad that I still had heightened senses, they could come in handy.

Navigating the house was different, the distance seemed so much shorter from point A to point B, and things that seemed so big were just average. Although my exploring did help me find my way and not lead myself and Serena lost.

Eventually we made it to the sitting room, pausing by the door. I wasn't sure how to proceed from here. I know my position was not a very high one in this family, they did put us in the servant quarters after all. I wouldn't want to act lower than myself, or they might get the wrong idea and think they could use me, yet if I acted all high and mighty I might get punished.

I knocked on the archway, startling Mrs. Malfoy. She turned towards us and gestured to a red loveseat across from her. We sat down, Serena keeping my hand in a vice like grip. I smiled at her reassuringly, patting her hand that was still clinging to mine.

"Lady Malfoy, what can we do for you?"

"Bella told me what happened, and I would like to offer you something."

"Such as?" I questioned. I was worried about her proposition, if she was anything like Bellatrix it would not bode well for me or Serena.

"Well, you are a gifted witch," she began, her emphasis on gifted not going unnoticed. "And I believe that you aiding my son could be beneficial. I have no doubt in his abilities, don't get me wrong, but it would make me feel better if he had someone to assist him in his endeavors." I watched her curiously, wondering where she was going with this. I already made the unbreakable vow, what more could I possibly do for these people. Narcissa sighed and continued, "I'm offering you and your sister the chance to continue your schooling, on one condition. Your sister may be spared, but you will be spending every spare moment doing anything my son needs you too. His task is your task, his word is your command."

"You are offering my sister freedom from this life?"

"Yes."

"And all I have to do is help Draco in any way possible?"

"Yes."

"I accept."

"Sylva!" Serena cried. "Don't do this, not for me!" She was tugging on my sleeve, trying to catch my eye. I avoided her gaze and refused to look away from Narcissa. I already told Bellatrix that Serena would be going to school, and at least Hogwarts would be safe for her. I never expected to finish my schooling, not after my stupid mistake. I pat Serena's hand and finally turned to smile at her.

"It'll be okay. See, now you get to go to Hogwarts, not some prissy all girls school like I did," I soothed her. She didn't quite look convinced so I added, "It'll be fun, too! I hear that Hogwarts is one of the best schools around and now you won't be cooped up with me all the time. You can make friends."

"But-"

"No buts," I turned to Narcissa. "Thank you for this opportunity, I will not let you down Lady Malfoy."

She nodded and gestured for us to leave. I assumed she would handle the paperwork then. I bet she even had a trick up her sleeve to get me into whatever house Draco was in. I ushered Serena out the archway and looked back. Narcissa had her face in her hands, the weight of the world seemingly on her shoulders. I felt sorry for her, having been born into the family she was in and in the situation her new family found itself, it must be hard. I can't imagine taking care of those you love was easy with the Dark Lord breathing down your neck. At least Serena and I had a chance. Maybe we could make it through this war.

Maybe.

So do bathrooms in England, or I guess Europe in general, have separate rooms for the toilet? I wasn't sure, so I clumped it in with all the other bathroom stuff, but I'm not sure its correct... Anywho! Please review!