CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: Voldemort

Draco stared at the fireplace glumly. Silent as his father nursed a small crystal glass of brandy. The leather of the armchair he sat in was unyielding to his wishes of disappearing. All he wanted to do was to crawl into his bed and stay there. Till he returned to school.

He shoved the thought of Evangeline out of his mind. The image of her, long tumbling black hair, bright blue eyes, smiling face . . .

NO.

He clenched his fist tightly, scowling at the fire. Draco glanced at his father, who gazed at nothing in particular. Where was his mother? She should be here by now. A commotion came from outside the doors to the drawing room. Both Draco and his father looked up, eyes glued to the doors. His mother's voice drifted through the door:

"-if that is Harry Potter, he will know."

Who would know? The doors opened, his mother leading in a group of people into the room. Some of them, he saw, were tied up. The one's that were not tied up, were scruffy looking, their clothing shabby looking and full of holes. Four figures were dragged forward, forced down on their knees.

They too looked like they were in need of a good meal, their clothing rumpled. Even their hair was overgrown.

"What is this?" asked his father in a drawing voice.

"They say they've got Potter," his mother replied in a cold voice. "Draco, come here."

He lurched forward, rising from the armchair. The first prisoner avoided eye contact with him. His head hung forward, black hair mussed wildly reaching his shoulders.

"Well, boy?" rasped Greyback, who stood behind one of the kneeling girls. Draco peered at the boy reluctantly. His face was swollen, shiny, and pink, with a pair of glasses seemingly shoved on his face. His brow furrowed. What had happened to his face?

"Well, Draco?" said his father eagerly. "Is it him?"

"I- I don't know," he said, fear gripping his voice.

"What about her?" rasped Greyback, shoving the girl he stood behind forward with his foot. Her black hair fell around her face, as she teetered dangerously close to the floor. Her nose mere inches from the dark hardwood. She was impossibly thin, pale, and looked underfed. Her eyes stayed glued to the floor. She looked remarkably like . . .

NO.

Hesitantly he walked towards her, noticing that her eyes followed his feet until he stood in front of her bent body. It had to be her. She was alive, and if that was Potter then this must be her. Slowly he bent down, raising a shaking hand and pulling up her chin so that she was looking at his face.

Pert nose . . . full lips, pale features . . . he avoided looking at her eyes. But he had to know . . . there were large dark bags under her eyes, a thin cut on her cheek, a dark purple bruise the the left side of her face. He looked at her eyes.

It was her. His Angel. His Evangeline. Yet she looked so tired, as if right now in this moment she wanted to give up. She was more lean, a thin line away from starving, her hair was longer than if had been all those wretched months ago.

Draco sank to his knees. He wanted to pull her into his arms, kiss her like there was no tomorrow, keep her safe. But he couldn't. She was tied up, with Potter in a room full of Snatcher's. Helplessness filled him. He could've cried.

"Well?" his father's voice cut through his thoughts. "Who is it?"

"Evangeline."

Her eyes snapped up to meet his, suddenly alert and full of life. They darted around the room, desperately looking for a way out. When they landed on him again, they widened.

"Draco . . ." her voice was hoarse, yet it sounded like music to his ears.

The drawing room door opened, his Aunt walking through, his heart sank.

"What is this? What happened, Cissy?"

She walked around them and stood before Potter, but her eyes were on Granger.

"Surely," she said in an almost reverent voice, "this is the Mudblood girl? This is Granger?"

"Yes!" cried his father. "And Potter, caught at last!"

"Then we must summon the Dark Lord!" Bellatrix shrieked. His father pulled up his sleeve, panic filled Draco's chest. If the Dark Lord was called then it was over for Evangeline. He would kill her on the spot.

"Begging your pardon," interjected Greyback. His father paused. "But it's us that caught Potter, and it's us that'll be claiming the gold-"

"Gold?" laughed Bellatrix. "Take your gold, filthy scavenger -" she stopped, her dark eyes fixed on one of the Snatchers, wild fear filling her eyes. His father lowered his wand towards the dark mark-

"STOP!" she screamed. "Do not touch it or we will all perish if the Dark Lord comes now!" She strode towards one of the younger looking Snatcher's. "What it that? Where did you get that?"

"It's mine, missus. I reckon, I found it."

She drew her wand and in an angry motion stunned him with a bang and a flash of red light. The other Snatcher's went down as she wildly sent spells at them, Draco ducked his head using his arms to protect Evangeline. Only Greyback remained, on his knees, paralyzed from the neck down. Bellatrix advanced on him

"Where did you find this sword?" she repeated.

"It was in their tent," growled Greyback. Bellatrix waved her wand and he sprang to his feet. With one last glance at them all he exited from the room, slamming the door behind him. Bellatrix turned to his mother.

"Upstairs, now."

Draco knew she was referring to Verity. His mother swept from the room.

"Wormtail!" she screeched. The little balding man appeared, sniveling at the door, his watery eyes filled with fear as she grabbed both Potter and Weasley and shoved them towards him.

"Take the boys to the cellar! I think I'll have a little girl chat with the Mudblood," Bellatrix said.

"No!" bellowed Weasley. "Take me, you can have me!"

Bellatrix hit him across the face.

"If she dies, I'll take you next," she sneered. Wormtail shoved them out of the room, and Bellatrix turned to him, eyes wild. "Draco, take the little blood-traitor and lock her up. The Dark Lord will deal with her, GO!"

Draco rose to his feet, pulling Evangeline up with him, leading her to the door and out of the room. He saw Wormtail leading Potter and Weasley down the hall, they saw Evangeline too.

"Get your hands off her, you ugly wanker!" Weasley yelled, through the blood running down his face. Draco gritted his teeth. "Where are you taking her? Ev! EV!"

Draco turned the corner and pulled Evangeline up the stairs with him. He noticed her breathing was shallow, her grip on his arm bone crushing. What was he to do? His mind ran in circles, she was going to die here. In his home. Merlin. The Dark Lord was going to kill her and he would be a part of it. Maybe even the one forced to kill her.

He entered the hallway, Evangeline leaning more into his weight, and that's when a horrible scream filled the house. He flinched. Evangeline whimpered, her legs giving out as she slumped to the floor. Tears were filling her eyes.

Another horrible scream ripped through the air.

Draco picked her up, alarmed that she felt so light. Frowning he realized that Granger had looked relatively the same. Sleep deprived and almost starving. They all did. He made it to his room, pushing open the door and laying her on his bed. Turning away he shut the door, waving his wand and silence filled the air. Blessed silence.

Turning back to his bed he found her facing away from him, curled up. She sniffled, hands balled into fist.

"Ev?" he asked tentatively. "Angel?"

A sob escaped her lips. Draco rushed to her, gathering her in his arms, tightly holding her to him. She felt cold.

"Ev?" he tried again. Her small hands gripped his shirt tightly. He sighed leaning in and placing a kiss on her forehead. "I have to go back."

"No!" she said, for the first time with intensity and force. "Don't go!"

"I have to," he told her gently. Her beautiful eyes shut with resignation, and she rolled away from him. He wanted to stay, wanted to keep her safe. Draco stood dejectedly, and left the room. Making sure it was still locked, and warded so she couldn't hear Granger's screams from down below.

Draco entered the drawing room silently, keeping his eyes on the floor as he stood beside his father. The muscle in his jaw working as Granger weeped pathetically on the floor where she was spread out on.

"How did you get into my vault?" Bellatrix screamed.

"No," sobbed Granger, "we've never been in your vault! It isn't the real sword, it's a copy, just a copy!"

"A copy?" screeched Bellatrix.

"We can find that out," said his father, "Draco, fetch the goblin, he can tell us if the sword is real or not!"

Draco all but ran to the cellar. He stood before the thick wooden door, gripping his wand as if his life depended on it.

"Stand back!" he called. "Line up against the wall. Don't try anything, or I'll kill you!" He grimaced at how scared his voice sounded. He flung open the door, his wand lighting the way as he stepped into the cellar. He saw the goblin and grabbed him, dragging him out the door. The heavy wood shut as Weasley yelled out to him.

"Where's Ev? What have you done with her?"

Draco ground his teeth together. He dragged the goblin back upstairs, to where his Aunt stood over Granger. Granger wasn't moving. She offered him a sadistic smile before waving her wand at Granger.

She screamed.

Draco held the goblin as Bellatrix continued torturing her. How could he get Evangeline out of here. Along with her friends, she would never forgive him if he saved only her. . .

Crack.

"What was that?" his father shouted. Draco did. It came from the cellar. "Did you hear that? What was that noise in the cellar?"

His father paused.

"Wormtail! Go and check!" Draco watched Wormtail dart out from behind an armchair and out the door. He never thought that, he would never see him again. Not that he minded. Bellatrix snapped his name.

"Bring the goblin," she hissed. Draco shoved the goblin forward. Bellatrix clawed at him, shoving the sword in front of his face. "Well? Is it, or is it not the real sword?"

The goblin stared at the sword, but Bellatrix's nerves were fraying. She slashed a deep cut in his face with the flick of her wand.

"Well? Is it the true sword?"

"No," said the goblin, "It is a fake."

"You are sure?" Bellatrix demanded.

The goblin nodded, his beady little eyes fixed on the sword. Dread filled Draco. Now the Dark Lord could come. He could kill Evangeline. His Aunt smiled, the wild fear leaving her face.

"Good," she said, and with another flick of her wand she added another cut to the goblin's face, he fell with a yell, as she kicked him aside. "Now," she said in a voice filled with triumph, "we call the Dark Lord!"

Pulling back her sleeve, she pressed her forefinger to her Dark Mark.

"NO!" cried Draco. But another voice rose above his.

"NOOOOOO!" Weasley and Potter cried bursting into the Drawing room. His father and Aunt looked shocked, Draco raised his wand unconsciously.

"Expelliarmus!"Weasley roared as Bellatrix raised her own wand. Her wand was flung into the air and caught by Potter.

"Stupify!" cried Potter, his father fell to the ground. Draco shot off spells, making for cover.

"STOP OR SHE DIES!"

The room fell silent, and Draco glanced at his Aunt who now supported Granger, holding a short silver knife to her throat. Draco swallowed.

"Drop. Your. Wands," she whispered. "Or we'll see how filthy her blood really is!"

Potter and Weasley stood dropping their wands, raising their hands into the air, both glaring, jaws tight.

"Good. Draco! Pick them up! The Dark Lord is coming, Harry Potter!"

Draco hurried forward and picked up the wands scrambling back to Bellatrix.

"Now, Cissy, tie these little heroes up again, while Greyback can have the little Mudblood-" a strange grinding noise filled the air, accompanied by a trill squeaking. Draco looked up, at the crystal chandelier, and watched as it broke free, falling directly where his Aunt stood. With a scream, Bellatrix threw herself aside as it crashed to the floor, on top of Granger and the goblin, who clutched the sword. Glass shards cut his face.

Crying out in alarm he bent over and brought his hands to his stinging face. Then he was being pulled, the wands in his hands being ripped away, he looked up, meeting Potter's eyes. He no longer was swollen. They were green, and accusing.

"Where's Evangeline?" he hissed.

"Upstairs," he found himself saying. Potter's brow furrowed.

"Your dead Malfoy," he said and ran.

His mother appeared in the doorway, a scream erupting from her mouth.

"Dobby?"

They turned, seeing the small house elf standing in between Potter and Weasley, who held Granger tightly in his arms. Bellatrix froze.

"You tried to kill me!"

"No. Dobby never meant to kill, only harm, or possibly maim," said Dobby. Potter doubled over suddenly, grabbing his forehead with a groan.

"Ron - GO!" he bellowed, grabbing hold of Dobby's hand and the goblin's before spinning on the spot in Disapparation. Bellatrix screamed flinging her knife at them. It disappeared into thin air.

Silence.

Then wailing, Bellatrix was wailing, screaming, throwing things. Draco slunk over to his mother, who was pale. She gripped his hand tightly.

The Dark Lord was coming.

Harry Potter was gone.

Evangeline was going to die.

Bellatrix stopped suddenly, her back straightening as she turned and fixed her eyes on him. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach. He swallowed.

"The girl, Draco, bring her," she said.

He stared blankly at her.

"Miss Fallon!" she yelled.

No. No, no, no, no. Not her, anything but her.

With a growl, Bellatrix swept from the room, and Draco ran after her. He chased her as she climbed the stairs, heading towards his room.

"Bellatrix, NO!" he yelled.

Too late. His door was opened, Bellatrix dashing in and grabbing Evangeline by her hair. Evangeline let out a startled yelp, her hands desperately clawing at Bellatrix's. Bellatrix shook her, dragging her out of his room. Draco stood in her way.

"Let her go," he demanded, feeling small and insignificant. She cackled at him.

"The Dark Lord wants her! He shall have her!"

"NO!"

"Stand aside!"

"NO!"

Bellatrix raised her one free hand and struck him: a crack filled the air, as he stumbled into the wall. She swept past him, down the stairs and into the Drawing room. Picking himself up, Draco ran after her. Too late.

Her scream filled the air.

"CRUCIO!"

"NO! STOP!" he bellowed, running into the room. Her body writhed on the floor, clawing at the wood, she never stopped screaming. His father grabbed him by his shoulders, holding him back.

"STOP IT! LET ME GO!" His mother was crying, hot tears running down her face, as she turned away. Draco felt tears running down his face. No, no, no, no! He fought his father, desperately trying to reach her. "STOP! PLEASE! STOP!" he begged sobbing.

Bellatrix released the curse, grinning as she twirled his mother's wand in her hands. Evangeline moaned, tears running down her face. She fixed her eyes on his, defeated.

"What is this?" said a cool hissing voice. A shiver of dread ran Draco's spine, he turned to the door. Voldemort stood, clothed in his black robes, red eyes glaring at them all. Bellatrix sank to the floor reverently.

"My lord!" she breathed. "Potter escaped, but we managed to keep his friend. Evangeline Fallon!"

Voldemort's red eyes bore into Bellatrix's, anger seeping from him in waves.

"Potter escaped?" he hissed.

"But we have Evangeline Fallon!" Bellatrix added hastily, her eyes widening as he raised his wand. Fear flashed in them for a second.

"Do you?" he asked in a mildly interested tone. He walked around Bellatrix, standing over Evangeline's body as she lay moaning on the floor. He pushed her with his foot disdainfully. "I suppose you have served me well, I expected more . . ."

Draco grit his teeth, as Voldemort turned her face away from him with his foot. Then Voldemort flicked his wand, as Evangeline rose into the air with a grunt.

"Long have I chased your line, Evangeline," he said walking around her, appraising her. "Long have I awaited this moment. For you to be at my mercy, and utterly helpless . . . like your pathetic brother," he mocked.

Evangeline's blue eyes shot to Voldemort's. Her eyes hardening at the sight of his grin. Draco could see them fill with tears.

"You're a monster," she hissed.

"So I'm told," he replied, "What was his name? I do believe he called himself, Michael?"

A sob tore from her throat.

"I assure you, it was merciful."

The room fell silent, Draco digging his nails into his palms to keep himself standing still. To keep himself from attacking Voldemort. He flicked his wand again, vicious glee in his red eyes as her knees hit the floor, hard.

"Now," said Voldemort, "Iam going to kill you."

No. NO! No, no, no, no, no! Please Merlin NO!

He raised his wand, pointing it directly at her face, streaked with tears. Her eyes glaring back at him. Draco swallowed. This was not happening, it couldn't be happening. He took a step forward, but it felt like it took him ages to lift one foot.

"AVAD-"

"NO!"

"Daddy?"

CLIFFHANGER! MWHAHAHAHAHA! It is awesome.

Thankyou to my fabulous reviewers:

X . Ember . Uchiha . X: This is the third in three days! Feeling pretty awesome. Hopefully I can keep it up, but with finals coming up, you never know.

xXMizz Alec VolturiXx: Must. Have. More. Draco. I realize that the past chapters I've neglected him . . . I am a bad person.

Nizuna Fujieda: I hoped you enjoyed this chapter! Even with my evil cliffie.

TheElegantFaerie: The action is not over! Draco and Ev . . . (sighs dreamily).

The Mysterious E: I realize it wasn't the best reunion, but I plan on giving them some time together later . . . . ( I think I am fangirl sqeeing right now too!)

naynay87: I just love writing Draco's point of view. Although I do not believe I've captured his character very well . . . hopefully I did him justice in this chapter.

wisegirl2772: Sorry that there is no real Draco and Evangeline action in this chapter. But the next one I am super excited about! :)

thereistia: Has Evangeline really become that way? I must make her do something awesome! Thank you!

SilverHeart . Death'sEyes . Icespy: I am so glad you love my story, it's taken a LOT of thought and I am still not satisfied with it. But, I do enjoy writing it. Well, Evangeline isn't really modeled after anyone I know. I just sort of wanted a character that seemed awesome, and she just sort of . . . formed. I think with the pace that I'm writing at I sometimes neglect to showcase her skills because I want her to seem human, and yet not a total mary-sue. But still be epically awesome. As for werewolves, I don't think I've done this area any justice whatsoever. I did at some point plan for her to be able to smell really well, and see better at night, but it seems in all the excitement I forgot to put that in the story, whops! And finally, I will announce this, even though I was planning on keeping it a secret, but since you asked . . . I will be writing a sequel! I've been dying to start writing it. It will be on one of the characters, not Evangeline, but she will still be in it! :)

Erugalatha Fael-ionath: I've been dying to write this chapter! I hope you like it, I can't believe I haven't written about Draco in SOOOOO long!

~Ciao