Chapter 12: Calling faintly to you

A/N: To Snarkilicious, yes Voldemort does have a past love. I love a little twist like that. It will help later on in the story. Any other questions? Go ahead and fire away! In any case thanks for all the favorites and reviews :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, sadly.

-Flashback-

"Will I see you tomorrow, Crissy?" Draco questioned as he walked his best friend over to the fireplace so she could floo herself home.

"I thought you were going to the Parkinson ball?" Crystal asked with sad eyes. She wasn't allowed to go. The only parties she was allowed to go to were the Malfoy's and any balls that took place at the Nott's, which were actually a lot.

"Crissy" Draco pleaded and reached forward the minute he saw Crystal's sad eyes. "I forgot that you…"

"No it's okay, Draco." Crystal snapped in a cold voice as she turned to the fire. "Nott Manor!" She said as she walked into the flames that turned green and swallowed her up.

Draco was pained and as a child of ten he couldn't understand why his best friend couldn't go where ever she wanted or where her brother could. He never understood why she was so different. What made her so repulsive that she couldn't be seen with the rest of the family? Or even why was she allowed certain places but not others?

It made no sense to Draco, but what he did know was the Parkinson's ball was going to be a pain without his best friend. But he could look forward to his birthday ball that was coming up soon. He knew for sure his best friend would be there.

He suffered through the Parkinson ball. He hung out with Crabbe and Goyle, while Pansy and some of the other girls had danced with them. And the days flew past one by one until it was finally Draco's birthday. He was grateful because it was the day he was looking forward too.

Since he was turning eleven that meant he was going to Hogwarts this fall. Which mean that this ball was a special occasion for him, because it was not just a coming of age for learning magic it was also his day for if he was betrothed it would be his first dance with the girl he was betrothed too. But Draco was not betrothed to anyone, his mother wanted him to have some say (but she had to be pureblood). Since he wasn't betrothed, he choice to dance with Crystal.

His mother was beyond thrilled that he choice Crystal. The minute he decided that he wanted his dance to be with Crystal, Narcissa owled the Nott's and requested she be responsible for Crystal's outfit for the ball. Of course the Nott's allowed it, no matter how much they hated their daughter, any praise from the Malfoy's was high honor. And their daughter getting called for Draco's first dance was a high honor and brought great hope that she would indeed have a future despite their dismay for her.

Narcissa paid no attention to this though, she was too thrilled to be able to make this day perfect for Draco. And a bit of her was thrilled because she would be dolling Crystal up as if she was her own daughter.

So needless to say when Crystal arrived at the Malfoy Manor the afternoon of Draco's birthday, she was in for a real treat.

"Crystal, sweet heart! You are just on time, follow me!" Narcissa clapped her hands excitedly and lead Crystal to the familiar parlor that was only Narcissa's, though the parlor had taken a big transformation. In the corner were the desk usual was, now held a vanity with almost all the magical make-up products one could find. On the left side where the couch usual was, now held a chair and a table with hair products from Sleezy's to MagiKa Hair. Then opposite of that was a platform with her dress and shoes.

It was the first time Crystal had seen her dress and she couldn't help but gap at it. It was beautiful. Narcissa once again had out done herself with this elegant dress robe. It was a beautiful light blue dress that would surely bring out both Draco and Crystal's eyes, with white flowers on it and lace to accent the edges. It was perfect for a girl of nine.

"Narcissa it's beautiful" Crystal nearly whispered out, but Narcissa heard it none the less and couldn't help but put her hands on Crystal's shoulders an lean in.

"It will look even better on you and I am sure Draco will agree as well." Narcissa beamed before letting go and holding out her hand for Crystal to take. "Come on, let's start with your hair!" Narcissa smiled and motioned over to the hair dresser. Unsure of what she had agreed too, Crystal took Narcissa's hand and sat down in the chair.

It was an all-day affair and Crystal now saw why she got there at noon. Narcissa had her hair re-done three times until she was happy with it. It was finally decided that she would have curls that were pinned up with baby's breath lacing around her hair. After the hair it was the make-up, which took just as long. Narcissa insisted on not wanting too much but not too little. In the end Crystal couldn't help but think she looked like a doll.

So by the time 6 rolled around, it was time to get her in the dress itself. Crystal normally would have been exhausted by all this, but Narcissa was being so kind and loving that it was keeping her going. She loved everyone moment of being with Narcissa. It was like being with a mother she wished she had. Everything was so perfect right now. Her dress fit perfectly, her hair was styled to fit her personality, and her make-up even more perfect. It was turning into a dream that Crystal never wanted to end.

"You are adorable Crystal." Narcissa repeated once more before giving her a hug "I know you'll have fun tonight with Draco, but if you change your mind or do not want to be put on a showcase like this, you don't have too." She smiled at Crystal who looked astonished. Crystal had never really had a choice in what she does or doesn't do. For Narcissa to be giving her an option blew Crystal away and nearly brought tears to her eyes.

"Thank you" Crystal just barely breathed out.

"Draco's waiting, follow me." Narcissa gave Crystal one last smile before she turned around and walked the familiar hallways up to Draco's room.

Crystal felt nervous for some reason. She couldn't understand why, but her heart was skipping beats and her stomach felt tingly with each step she took. She was very nervous and by the time Narcissa knocked on Draco's door and left her standing there waiting for Draco to answer the door she couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into.

"Crystal" Draco gapped as he stood there in his black dress robes. "You look beautiful." He finally managed to say after several seconds of them staring at each other.

"Thank you" Crystal whispered as her face flushed bright red. She felt so out of place, she usually didn't blush around Draco, she was usually so composed.

But she couldn't help but notice as her eyes locked on Draco, he was blushing as well. It was an odd situation. Neither of them could say anything to the other. They weren't afraid they were just, wondering about what kind of circumstance they had gotten themselves into. But truthfully, both of them were glad that it was with each other.

The tension was released though the minute they were called to make there entrance into the ballroom. They both were able to dissolve anything that was running through their heads and let the training take over.

With flawless smiles Crystal grabbed the nape of Draco's arm and together they glided into the ballroom fearlessly as all eyes were on them.

Crystal woke with a start, it was the first time in ages she recalled that memory and for it to be in a dream none the less was even weirder for her. Growling to herself she rolled over and got out of bed. It was going to be a long day she could tell. After the loss Gryffindor suffered yesterday, the Gryffindor room would be gloomy while everyone did their homework they neglected. Crystal grumbled once more as she got ready in black pants and a long sleeve black shirt. She wasn't in the mood for this. Nor for the happy memories that followed her dreams this morning, but regardless she was a pureblood and that meant she should act calm and with a smile at all time.

Smiling she descended down the stairs only to hear bickering from Ron and Hermione over in the corner and an irritated Harry. She ignored them all and decided she would look for the twins or Neville at the table to sit with as she left the common room.

She didn't get very far until she was stopped.

"Crystal!" She turned around to see Harry smiled warmly, he was glad to get away from the bickering of Hermione and Ron. "Can I walk down with you?" He asked gingerly.

"I can't say no to thee famous Harry Potter." Crystal smiled and grabbed his arm.

"Hey we've discussed this, I'm not famous." Harry sternly looked at her, but that quickly fell as they both fell into laughter.

"Of course you aren't" Crystal smiled "And I'm not a Death Eater" She carried on their favorite joke as they began walking down to breakfast.

"I never said you were" Harry grinned "It's been a while since I've seen you." Harry commented after a while. It was true, once he started to like Cho, Crystal seemed to disappear and spend more and more time with Draco. He wasn't happy about it for some reason either, he enjoyed her company.

"If you want, we could work on our DADA essay?" Crystal asked with hopeful eyes. She found out from Hermione that the other night that Harry's date with Cho didn't go so well and she truly felt bad. She had wanted to see how Harry was taking it by hanging out with him, but she found her time was stretched enough as it was. They were friends and that's how Crystal liked it.

"I actually already did that essay" Harry said in a serious voice.

"I don't believe you" Crystal stared at him in disbelief.

"You have every right to" Harry laughed "No, I'd like that a lot."

"Only because I'll give you more help than Hermione ever would." Crystal smirked and titled her head knowing she would give more help than Hermione would.

"I didn't say that, you did." Harry pushed her lightly in a teasing manner as they continued to descend to the great hall.

"Does this mean we have a date?" Crystal shook her head catching her choice of words "I mean homework date…not an actual date."

Harry smiled, she was so cute around him. He had noticed how she stumbled around from time to time and tended to take things such as relationships too seriously. He couldn't help but wonder if that was her pureblood upbringing. "I don't see why not. You weren't planning on hanging with Neville though were you?"

"Oh no, Neville and I didn't make any plans. If we have to worry about anyone its Draco" Crystal thought as they made their way down the last staircase.

"We can stay in the common room." Harry supplied "That way we won-" He stopped talking they had entered the great hall the same moment Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle did. The air had become thick.

Crystal cringed under Draco's sharp gaze as she dropped her arms to her side. But no one said anything. People began gather around because they too wanted to get in to the great hall, but no one dared intervene.

It took Crystal's strong wit to end this. "Is there a reason we are all staring at me?" Crystal flipped her hair in the cockiest manner ever as she reached down in her pocked and held her wand tightly. "I understand I am beautiful, but honestly now."

"Crystal, what are you doing with that?" Draco glared not letting his eyes off of Harry.

Crystal was ready for this, she grasped her wand even tighter and pointed it at her leg, while it remained in her pocket. She had managed not to cringe but she was close as the magic cut her leg as she had planned.

"Problem ferret?" Harry growled nasty as he got ready to pull his wand out.

"Harry, no need" Crystal said reassuringly as she stared at Draco "I got stuck in a trick stair and Harry was helping me since I hurt my leg." Crystal lied as she held out her leg for Draco to see. Draco looked down and saw the fresh blood dripping down her leg and nodded confirming what she had said.

"I'll take her from here." Draco sneered as he pulled her roughly over to him.

"She's free to think for her own, Malfoy." Harry did pull out his wand this time. He was wearing a smirk though, he was happy that Crystal was a fast thinker, but not so happy that Draco would never let her do as she pleased. He controlled her so much. She should be free from her past and free to live her life.

"I think not, come on Crystal." Draco smirked and held Crystal tight. He didn't even want her to think about leaving him for Potter today. He was in a good mood, but that had dissipated the minute he saw her with him. He felt like he had been making great progress with her and that she wouldn't hang out with St. Potter, but he felt now that he was wrong.

"Draco, I'll be with you for dinner" Crystal tried to rationalize. It's not that she didn't want to be with Draco, it's just she had already told Harry she would be with him. She doubted though that Draco would listen.

Draco thought for a moment then with one last glare at Potter, he threw Crystal straight into Potter who caught her with his fast reflexes and stormed off, leaving Crabbe and Goyle to follow in his wake. Crystal and Harry blinked for a moment before they made their way to the Gryffindor table.

"Quick thinking" Harry couldn't help but grin as he sat down at the table. "Though you didn't really need to cut your leg, is it alright?"

"Yeah, I can fix it in like two seconds." Crystal waved her hand airily as she sat across from Harry. "I thought it would be a nice touch, though I regret sitting here."

"I'll try and make it worth the glares." Harry smiled as he started serving himself some eggs.

Crystal returned the smiled before grabbing her usual bagel. "Dunno what you are talking about, Draco's as happy as a ferret." Crystal snickered.

Harry joined in "It makes you wonder if hi-" Harry started but was interrupted by a frazzled looking Hermione.

"There you are Harry, we weren't sure if you went ahead to breakfast." Hermione couldn't produce a smile, she was still frustrated from her fight with Ron. It was evident from her face that she was still upset and not just her red face, her hair was even frizzier than usual, which meant she was running her hands through it. "Morning Crissy" Hermione quickly said ignoring Ron who chose to sit across from her.

"Good morning Hermione" Crystal smiled in response and then turned to Ron "Morning Ronald" She smiled knowing how much he hates his first name, but for how frazzled Hermione is she felt that he deserved it.

"Morning Crystal" Ron returned with a glare, but the rest of his face didn't meet it. He was obviously smug about the fight and felt well accomplished.

"Any reason Malfoy's giving us the death glare, other than you sitting with us?" Hermione questioned as she poured herself some tea.

"Not really no, he's just being a prat." Crystal shrugged and went on eating her bagel.

"Or it could be that Crystal is doing homework with us this afternoon." Harry supplied with a shrug.

"That's wonderful!" Hermione smiled and clapped her hands "I've been meaning to ask you about the essay for Defense Against the Dark Arts" Hermione turned in all seriousness as Ron and Harry rolled their eyes with a 'here we go again' look plastered on their faces. "I was wondering what your opinion was on the second essay question she is having a write. I mean obviously the best way to ward off a Dark-raver is to use a simple stunning spell, but the question also asks to name several options."

"Surprisingly enough, since they dwell in the dark a simple cast of lumos would also help, but I guessed you figured that out already." Crystal added and Hermione nodded in agreement. "But you can also perform a patronous."

"I hadn't thought of that! Anything else?" Hermione asked thoughtfully as she nibbled on some toast. Hermione loved having Crystal around during meals. It was great to have her there because she could bounce ideas off of her. It wasn't that easy to do with Harry or Ron, but with Crystal it was always enjoyable.

"Any fire charm as well" Crystal shrugged "But I also read that you can levitate them and they don't put up a fight, they are scared of heights, which is why the dwell in dark holes usually."

"Of course, of course!" Hermione nodded and was about to put her in put in when the morning post came and she knew she had to stop. Any words she said would have been drowned out anyways.

Crystal smiled as she watched the post come in. She had been expecting her father's letter and it looks like it finally came as the familiar brown owl landed in front of her and dropped the letter off.

Once the commotion wore down Harry looked at the letter quizzical "Who is it from?" He asked nodded to the letter as Hermione bustled over the Daily Prophet.

"Oh, just my dad" Crystal said quickly as she opened it up. But she noticed behind it another letter attached to it. Ignoring her dad's letter, she shoved it in her pocket, and picked up the fancy scrawl that seemed unfamiliar. Slowly she grabbed her pumpkin juice and began reading the unexpected letter.

Dear Crystal,

By now I am sure you know of the arrangements made for you this summer. You are soon to be taking the rule of the head female in the household and will need guidance due to the recent death of your mother. I gladly agreed, but as you, a well-respected pureblood realize, there is much preparations to be done for your bedroom in Malfoy Manor.

Crystal stopped reading as she spit out her pumpkin juice all over Harry. She ignored Harry's out cry's and the concern coming from their voices as she blinked rapidly at the letter before her. She set her juice down and began reading again.

I was thinking we could go with light lavender and pink? If I remember correctly those are your two favorite colors, which is a fantastic choice! Let me know what you think. I can't wait for this summer to start, especially for your ball that will be taking place in June! Oh there are so many announcements for you! I promise to do a great job in your mothers honor.

Love,

Narcissa Malfoy

Crystal grabbed the letter tightly, but didn't get a chance to crumple it, seeing as Hermione pulled it out of her hand and started reading it as well.

"What?" Harry gabbed between Hermione and Crystal.

"Who was the letter from?" Ron questioned just as fast as Harry.

"What happened?" Harry asked another question, till finally Hermione passed the letter over to the boys who read it quickly as well. Harry was the first one to speak "Well, I guess you have to write her back and approve the lavender and pink. Though personally I would go with red and gold, they seem more your colors." Harry teased.

Leave it to Harry to find humor in the situation. When Crystal first agreed to this she thought she would be at her house and be able to escape the Dark Lord when she needed too, but being at the Malfoy Manor? That was really unexpected. What was twice as unexpected was the announcement of her ball. She's never had a ball for herself. Never. Not once. Not even for a birthday. So that had to have meant something important. But…what doesn't make sense is moving into Malfoy Manor. She could still get the pureblood training of a head female from her Manor. She could simply floo over every day. Why would she need to live there? Unless there was more…

Crystal quickly stood up as her eyes widened with fear. "Oh god" She mumbled as she started at her friends then over to Draco who had been watching her with curiosity, only confirming her thoughts.

"Crystal?" Hermione reached out and grabbed her hand gently. Crystal still twitched away, as if she was afraid.

"Oh god" She mumbled once more as her eyes locked with Draco's. Draco was smiling, not smirking as they started at each other, but the stare was broken as two bright colors appeared in front of her gaze.

"Crissy" Fred started in a chipper voice.

"Our sweet" George added.

"Sweet friend" Fred finished "You doing alright? You look like death."

Crystal blinked at the two before her and then remembered the letter in her pocket from her father. She reached in and held it firmly in her hand. "Freddie" she said in a soft voice.

"Crissy" Fred responded back quickly as he searched her eyes. She looked afraid and off hinge a bit. Her hair was perfect as usual, her figure just as perfect, but it was her pale skin and her eyes. Her eyes usually weren't so distant and did not dart around. Usually her eyes were shinny and beautiful. Something about the letters she received set her into shock.

"I need you and George to read this letter" She said in an awkward voice as she held out her father's letter. "Do not tell me or anyone what's in it, just confirm my fears with a simple yes or no or something." She knew they were the best ones to read it. They knew how to stay passive and confident. They knew how to accept her for who she was. And if anyone could understand why she was shaking right now, it would be those two.

Fred grabbed the letter first and read it while his twin read over his shoulder. They both decided to wear a smile as they read it, though deep down inside they wanted to rip the smile off their face so quickly, but they couldn't. They knew they had to be strong for their friend.

As they finished the letter, they finally tore the smile off their faces and turned into a frown and nodded, to confirm why Crystal was so afraid. They didn't blame her at all. They would feel the same way as her if they were in her shoes.

"I didn't sign up for this." Crystal closed her eyes as a small tear trickled down her cheek.

"We know" The twins said as they folded up the letter to hand it back to her.

"Keep it, I don't want to read it. I want to pretend this didn't happen." Crystal grabbed onto herself tightly and stood there for a moment before she felt comforting arms find their way around her.

"Come on, let's go up to the Common room." Crystal opened her eyes to find Hermione smiling warmly. She turned to the boys and realized they were standing up too ready to go as well. She couldn't help but smile, this is what true friends are like.