Cindy attempted to calm her crying daughter, holding on to her tightly and gently stroking her back. She still hadn't managed to work out what Lissy was crying about, only that she was sure it was something to do with Draco. Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity, she managed to calm the upset girl enough to have a sensible conversation.

She knew times had got much worse with Voldemort back in charge, and she couldn't expect things to stay safe for her and Lissy indefinitely. She had been heartbroken to find when she and Lissy had gone shopping with the Weasleys before the beginning of the school year, the family having kindly offered the chance for the two of them to go with them so they didn't have to shop alone, that Florean's ice cream parlour had been deserted. Clearly, her old friend had been taken by the Death Eaters. She knew they wouldn't have been lenient and just hoped that he had been killed quickly, rather than having to suffer a long, torturous death. And for just a moment she was glad, too, that Lucius was still in Azkaban, otherwise it might have been he who had been ordered to abduct and kill his old friend.

Of course, she hadn't told her fears to Lissy, just inferred that Florean had decided to go abroad. But she wasn't sure Lissy believed her. After all, the girl wasn't stupid and was perfectly well aware of what was going on, especially after spending some time with the Weasley twins at their new joke shop which lit up Diagon Alley like a firework. Cindy hoped whatever the problem was had nothing to do with her or her daughter's safety.

'Can you tell me what's the matter, Lissy?' Cindy asked worriedly.

'It's Draco,' Lissy replied sadly.

Cindy sighed and hugged her daughter. Of course, she had known it would have something to do with him. However hard Lissy had tried to get away from Draco, she was as entwined in his life as Cindy was in Lucius'.

'What's he done?' Cindy asked gently.

'I don't know . . . nothing yet . . . at least I don't think he has. But he's definitely up to something. He's really changed this year; he's really secretive and seems really unhappy. And of course, his feud with Harry hasn't helped. Harry really hurt him badly. It was only because Snape was around that Draco didn't die.' She sobbed again.

'What? What the hell did Harry do?'

'They had a duel in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom and the spell Harry cast almost killed Draco. It sliced him open.'

'Perhaps that's why he's been a bit funny, then. I mean, you could hardly blame him, you being a Gryffindor and Harry's friend, especially without Lucius around to do anything for him in retaliation.'

Lissy shook her head. 'No, it's more than that. He's changed. He told me he doesn't want see me anymore, that I'm better off without him. He made it sound like he wasn't going to be around any longer.'

Cindy frowned. She wished Lucius was available so she could discuss Draco with him. Surely he would know what was wrong with the boy. It certainly wasn't like Draco to break off the relationship. He had been the one to keep chasing every time Lissy got annoyed with him. However hard things had got between them, he had always made the effort to get back with Lissy, so Draco pushing her away was definitely serious. She wondered for a moment whether it was because of her. Would Draco reject Lissy because her mother was Muggle-born? No, surely not. After all, his views weren't yet as extreme as his father's . . . were they?

'Did he give you no explanation?' she asked her daughter.

Lissy shook her head. 'No. He's been pretty secretive this year, always disappearing without telling anyone, but he'd been pretty much his usual self with me.' She blushed furiously.

Cindy noticed and her heart beat faster. Okay, so Lissy and Draco had obviously intensified their relationship. Well, she had expected it to happen sooner or later. She made a mental note to have a discussion with her daughter at some point about things like contraception. Hopefully, they were being careful, but it never hurt to check.

'I assume you have tried to talk to him about it?'

'Of course I did, Mum. At first, he tried to tell me it was nothing, but I'm not stupid. He's been really fretful, not sleeping at all well.' Again the blush.

'So I lost my temper with him.' Lissy looked rueful. 'Told him if he was going to keep secrets from me then we were finished, and this time for good. No going back.' She stopped as a small sob escaped her lips.

Cindy looked at her expectantly.

'He told me . . . he said—' The tears were flowing again now and Cindy held her daughter's hand comfortingly. 'He said that he loved me, but he couldn't tell me what he was doing. He said it was important, but too dangerous for me to know; dangerous for all of us. Then he said it was better if we didn't see each other anymore, that he was going to be busy for the rest of the year anyway and he didn't have time to worry about me.' Lissy sobbed again loudly.

Cindy pulled her daughter to her once again, wondering what Draco was doing that was so important he would break off all his ties at the school.

'When I told him I could help him he looked terrified. He told me I was better off forgetting all about him.' Lissy gave another sob. 'He said he didn't want to be with me anymore, that he was bored with me but had been hoping I'd break it off again before he had to dump me. He told me to think about how things were with you and Lucius and said he wanted to make sure we didn't turn out like you.' The sob this time was more shrill, almost on the verge of hysteria. 'Why did he do that, Mum? Why? Why didn't he dump me before we slept together? I thought he loved me.'

Cindy held her daughter and thought carefully. She was sure Draco still felt something for Lissy. In fact, she would bet on the fact that the couple making love had strengthened rather than decreased his feelings. But he was clearly up to something, and whatever it was, that something was dangerous. Dangerous enough for him to try and protect Lissy in the only way he knew how: by pushing her away from him. Had Draco joined the Death Eaters? After all, they would surely have been pushing for him to, young as he was, after Lucius' capture and incarceration. Perhaps what Draco had to do was for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and Draco definitely wouldn't want Lissy drawn to his attention.

Lissy had calmed down a little, now waiting for her mother's words of love and advice.

'Darling, I think Draco still cares about you very much.'

Cindy watched as Lissy shook her head. She held her daughter's hands and looked at her intently.

'Lissy, when you and Draco made love did you have any doubts you were doing the right thing?' she asked gently.

Lissy shook her head sadly. 'No, none. I mean, he's been trying for ages, years probably, but I wasn't ready. When we did do it, it seemed perfect . . . so right to be together.'

Cindy nodded her head. She remembered her first time with Lucius and smiled. He had spent so many years trying to convince her and had been surprised when she had finally agreed, even after his slightly scary tactic of getting his goons to hold her against a tree, until after a lot of convincing on his part she had agreed to go off alone with him.

Of course, the goons hadn't known Cindy and Lucius had been a couple for five years by that time and thought it merely Lucius doing a little Mudblood torturing. But it had turned into the best day of her then-short life and was the moment when she had realised she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Lucius. Cindy's smile faded as she recalled the way Abraxas Malfoy had interfered to ruin their life. Well, Lucius wouldn't have done that with Draco and Lissy, but other Death Eaters could.

'If it hadn't been right and he didn't love you, you would have known it immediately, Lissy,' Cindy said reassuringly. 'I honestly believe Draco is trying to protect you.'

Lissy snorted in disbelief. 'But if he told me, he could share his problem. It's always easier if you share.'

'That isn't always true. Anyway, perhaps he can't,' Cindy said reasonably. 'Did you ever think that maybe he had taken a vow of secrecy? Perhaps if he tells you he'll die or something.'

Lissy looked shocked. She had obviously not considered that. In fact, Cindy was willing to bet Lissy hadn't gone any further than thinking Draco had just used her and then dumped her.

'Oh, Mum, you don't really think he's in danger, do you?'

Cindy sighed. 'It certainly seems like it, or at the very least he thinks you will be if you stay with him. Lissy, I know it's going to be hard, love, but you really need to give him the space he asked for.'

'But if he's in trouble. . . .'

'If he's in trouble, Lissy, there's nothing you can do to help him.' Her daughter started to protest. Cindy raised her hand. 'Think for a moment. What sort of trouble could Draco be in that he wants to protect you from?'

Lissy thought about it then said quietly, 'Death Eaters.'

Cindy nodded. 'I know you're a Half-blood, honey, but Death Eaters have little love for them. He must be worried that being with him would lead them to you.'

'And then to you,' Lissy said quietly, understanding dawning. 'And Draco's family already hate you.'

Cindy nodded. 'It's true there's no love lost between Bellatrix, Narcissa and me. I was hoping that with Lucius away they might forget about me, but of course, your relationship with Draco only rubs it in more.'

'I love him, Mum,' Lissy wailed. 'And I can't bear to think of him having to do whatever it is all alone.'

'I know,' Cindy said soothingly. 'Why don't you send him a message? Tell him you understand he needs space and you'll be happy to see him again whenever he's ready. Hopefully, that should soothe some of his fretting. Clearly, he's worried about you.'

Lissy smiled through her tears and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. 'I'll write now. Should I tell him I love him?'

'I would,' Cindy said quietly as she stood, kissing her daughter's head before making her way out of the room.

The world seemed to have gone mad, Cindy thought. First He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his Death Eaters had run riot over the country; and then came the terrible news: Albus Dumbledore, beloved Headmaster of Hogwarts, had been killed by his own teacher and trusted friend, Severus Snape, the former Potions Master. Dumbledore had always vouched for the man, assuring the Ministry of Magic that he was no longer a Death Eater and Snape had repaid him by taking his life.

What was more disturbing — no, terrifying — was that it appeared this was the task that had been given to Draco. Cindy didn't know the whole story, only the bits Harry had told Lissy, but it seemed Draco had been given the task of killing Dumbledore; and when he couldn't do it, Snape had happily stepped in.

As a reward, Snape had been made the new Headmaster of Hogwarts. But worse news was still to follow. All Muggle-born students had been expelled from Hogwarts, and Half-bloods were being carefully watched. And now the Dark Lord had seized control of the Ministry and Muggle-borns were being summoned to hearings — no, inquisitions — where they were being accused of stealing magic.

Lucius was out of Azkaban. Cindy knew that much as she had heard the news saying the Ministry had released all the imprisoned Death Eaters, but of course, he had made no effort to contact her. It was far too dangerous now. Cindy had been worried about sending Lissy back to school, but Lissy had insisted on going. She wanted to be with her friends in Dumbledore's Army to fight against Snape and his tyranny. Eventually, Cindy realised it would be unfair to her daughter to stop her, and so, reluctantly, she had let her go.

Cindy risked taking her daughter to the station, hoping to see Lucius there, but there was no sign of any of the Malfoys. It appeared Draco wasn't going back to school. She hoped that wasn't a bad sign. She managed to get home without being spotted by any Death Eaters, but she didn't feel safe going out any longer.

Cindy knew it would only be a matter of time before she was summoned to the Ministry, and she was dreading it. She felt completely alone. If she had to go to the Ministry she had no one to accompany her. She flicked through the Daily Prophet, trying to read the stories, but she couldn't concentrate. Waiting was killing her.

A tap at the window made her look up. Lucius' eagle owl was on the sill. Cindy jumped up and let him in, hoping he hadn't been spotted. She quickly untied the parchment attached to his leg and gave the owl a treat. He ruffled his feathers before flying back out of the window. Cindy sat back down, unfolding the parchment and reading through it. She took a mouthful of her tea then read through the letter, again and again, tears now running down her face.

Lucius told her how he had managed to survive Azkaban by thinking about her, their necklace the catalyst for his thoughts. They had taken everything from him but allowed him to keep that and he was sure he had stayed sane only because of her. On release from prison, his first thought had been to see her — to make love to her — but the climate had changed considerably with the growth of the Dark Lord's power and he didn't dare expose her to the Death Eaters or even the Ministry inquisitors.

Apparently, Lissy had been in contact with Draco, even after his attempt on Dumbledore's life, and, being aware of her mother's predicament, had begged him to help her. Draco, in turn, had turned to his newly released father. Lucius told Cindy how he had managed to get into the records at the Ministry of Magic and deleted her from them. Hopefully, she would be left in peace. He explained that he had been intending to smuggle her into Malfoy Manor to keep her safe, but Lord Voldemort, still angry at Lucius' failure at the Ministry and Draco's inability to kill Albus Dumbledore, had moved there himself and was using it as his base. Although it was dangerous, Lucius had needed to contact her, if for no other reason than to tell her he still loved her and missed her.

For a long time, Cindy sat at the table holding the letter, tears falling as she thought of Lucius. Now she was worried for him and Draco, and even for Narcissa. Whatever she thought of the woman she didn't deserve He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named as a houseguest.

Eventually, when Cindy had calmed down enough, she burnt the letter. She would have loved to keep the words of love and affection Lucius had sent, but the letter contained information that was far too dangerous to leave lying about. If anyone else saw it, Lucius would have been in serious trouble, and she couldn't risk that. Even now he was willing to risk everything to help her, now he finally understood what her being Muggle-born meant.

Cindy looked at the official letter again, trying not to believe what it said. Somehow, the Ministry had got hold of her name. She had no idea how it had happened, but according to the letter she had an appointment with the Muggle-born Registration Commission the following Thursday. The letter said she should be prepared to hand in her wand. Cindy frowned. Why would she give away her wand? She'd had it since she was eleven. It had chosen her the first time she went to Ollivander's, and they had been a perfect match ever since. How could the Ministry believe Muggle-borns had stolen Pure-blood wizard's magic? It just didn't make sense.

She was terrified. She had heard about the gangs that were rounding up Muggle-borns who had refused to submit to the Ministry hearings, and it seemed a lot of the absconders had ended up dead. How her name had got back on the list wasn't important; the fact it was there was. She had to appear before the Commission or she would become a fugitive. Fretful, Cindy sat down to write a letter to Lissy explaining that she had been summoned. It was only fair her daughter should know what was going on, although she was having enough problems of her own at school. There was a tap on the window and Cindy looked up. It was Lucius' owl.

The note was short and frantic. Bellatrix and Narcissa had been discussing old times when Cindy's name had come up. Bellatrix had enquired whether Cindy had been summoned yet, intimating that she was the worst sort of Mudblood. Of course, that had brought to light her omission from the list and soon Bellatrix had re-added her, right at the top. Lucius begged Cindy to hide herself; to get away. If she went to the Ministry of Magic they would condemn her and take away her wand, and maybe worse. He apologised profusely for not being in a position to help, and that despair more than anything else upset her again.

Cindy finished her letter to Lissy and then made another cup of tea, trying to decide what to do. By the time she had finished her drink she had made her decision. She had no choice but to go and stay with her parents in Muggle London until things were sorted one way or another. But how was she going to get there safely? She considered the problem for a while longer and knew she had little choice there, either. As much as she truly detested the idea, she had to go and see Andrew at his new home and beg him to help her.

Cindy tried to track down Andrew, but he seemed to have gone into hiding, at least from her. She obviously wasn't able to go to the Ministry of Magic to look for him at work, she had no idea where he lived, and since she had thrown him out after Lucius' arrest he hadn't been back to the house, at least not when she had been there.

In the end, she had to ask Lissy. She hadn't wanted to scare her daughter but time was running short and she needed to get Andrew's help. Lissy admitted she had had only limited communication with her father over the previous few years, but promised she would ask Daniel where they lived so Cindy could visit.

And so it was that two days before she was due at the Ministry hearing, Cindy found herself at the home of her husband. She had kept watch for a little while before knocking and knew Andrew was at home. As was his girlfriend and their children. From what she could see they had at least three children other than the son at Hogwarts, the youngest still a babe in arms. Andrew really had moved on with his life. Which made it all the more strange that he had been so opposed to leaving her completely, Cindy thought.

Finally, she knew she had to make her move. She took a deep breath and walked towards the door, then rang the doorbell. She waited, her nervousness growing, praying someone would open the door quickly before she chickened out and left. After a few seconds the door opened and a tall, dark-haired woman carrying a baby peered out curiously.

'Yes? Can I help you?' she asked. She looked intently at Cindy.

'I'm here to see Andrew,' Cindy said, trying to keep her voice pleasant and neutral.

The woman looked suddenly more hostile. 'What do you want to see him for? Who are you?'

Cindy looked at the woman with interest. Was Andrew playing around on her, too?

'My name is Cindy, I'm Andrew's wife. And I want to see him on a private matter.'

The woman stared at Cindy in shock at this revelation.

'He won't want to see you,' she hissed. 'You should leave.'

Cindy shook her head. 'I promise you that if I had any other choice I wouldn't be here,' she said apologetically. 'Please, I'm not here to cause trouble, but it is important that I speak to Andrew.'

The woman studied her for another couple of seconds, then nodded and moved back from the door, allowing Cindy access.

'I'm Sandra,' she said, 'and this is Nathan,' she indicated the baby on her hip. 'Andrew's in the lounge. Go through.'

Cindy walked down the small passageway to the lounge. Her heart was beating fit to burst. Andrew was her only hope now. What if he refused to help her? Could she blame him, with his new family to protect? Why would he risk them for her? But then, did he have any choice? After all, he was still her husband, even if only in name, and that gave him some responsibilities.

Andrew was reading the newspaper as she walked through the door and didn't realise she was there. Sandra, who was just a step behind Cindy, said, 'Andrew, you have a visitor.'

He looked up from the newspaper, at first with disinterest but then with anger when he saw who his visitor was. He dropped the journal onto a small table beside his chair and stood up.

'What the hell do you think you're doing here?' he asked, his tone unfriendly.

'I need to speak to you,' Cindy said quietly, trying not to get upset at her husband's reaction to her. 'Please, Andrew, it's important.'

He glared at her for a moment then nodded tersely. 'Come with me. We'll talk in my study.' He headed for the door, stopping to stroke his son's head as he passed.

'Cindy and I won't be long,' he promised Sandra.

Cindy followed her husband to his study, noting the differences between this and the one at her house. He was obviously well settled here. Andrew sat down in one of the chairs by the fire and motioned for Cindy to sit in the other.

'How did you find me?' he asked coldly.

'Daniel gave Lissy the address,' Cindy replied, looking directly at her husband. There was silence for a few seconds. 'Andrew, I'm sure you know what's going on at the moment with Muggle-borns and the Ministry . . . .'

Andrew nodded curtly.

'I've been summoned to appear before the Registration Commission. Bellatrix Lestrange put my name to the top of the list. I have to appear on Thursday and hand in my wand.'

Andrew looked disinterested. He shrugged. 'And what does this have to do with me? I have nothing to do with the Muggle-born Registration Commission.'

'I know that,' Cindy said quietly, 'but I'm not here to see you because you work for the Ministry of Magic. Andrew, I need your help. I can't go before the Commission or give up my wand, and I don't want to end up as a fugitive. I thought it would be for the best if I went to stay with my parents. But I need help. I can't get there on my own.'

There was silence again as Andrew looked at Cindy, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

'So why have you come to me?'

Cindy sighed. 'You know why, Andrew. I don't have anyone else.'

'No? Where's your precious Malfoy now, then, Cindy? Surely he can help you, can't he?' Andrew's voice was sarcastic.

Cindy was exasperated. 'You know damn well he can't.'

Andrew laughed coldly. 'Well, if it wasn't for him you wouldn't be in the trouble you're in, would you? After all, I'm sure Bellatrix Lestrange hasn't taken a personal interest in every Muggle-born in the country, but because you're fucking her brother-in-law it makes you public enemy number one. I'm sorry, Cindy, but it's your own fault and there's no reason I should risk my family to help you.'

Cindy stared at him incredulously.

'Andrew, I'm still your family, whether you like it or not — whether you want it or not. Remember, we're still married; you've never taken the opportunities I've offered to divorce me. Lissy and I are your family. Please, even if you won't do it for me, do it for Lissy. Please, Andrew . . . I'm not asking for much, just help in getting to my parents. You know my magic is being tracked so I can't Apparate there. I don't want to end up putting them in danger, too.'

Andrew narrowed his eyes.

'You threw me out of your life two years ago, remember? I know you've been having a relationship with Malfoy . . . .'

'And why did I have a relationship with him?' Cindy cried, annoyed with her husband. 'Because I was stuck in a marriage with a husband who wouldn't even look at me — wouldn't spend any time with me . . . didn't love me.'

'What chance did I have with precious Lucius Malfoy consuming your life?' Andrew retorted. 'He was a spectre in our relationship from the minute we met!'

Cindy looked at him in shock.

'What? Andrew! When I fell in love with you I didn't even think about Lucius, not once, not even after you stopped loving me. I was in love with you. You were everything I wanted. But you rejected me. God, the first time I saw Lucius in twenty years was at the station the year Lissy started at Hogwarts. All those years when you went off and had affairs I kept hoping eventually you'd realise it was me you loved and you would come back to us, but you never did. I loved you, Andrew. How can you feel so much jealousy against Lucius when you don't care about me at all? When you have another family? Please . . . even if you really have no feelings left for me, at least consider Lissy . . . .'

Cindy was crying now, tears of pain and anger that had been bottled up deep inside her for all those years finally spilling out. How could Andrew have thought she was still in love with Lucius? She had never done anything to make him think that, surely? After all, she hadn't even really thought of Lucius in those years since she had left school.

'I don't care what you say, Cindy. I know you never stopped loving Malfoy, even during our marriage. If he'd come back into our life before you'd have just started your affair with him earlier.' His face was still cold.

'So you won't help me?' Cindy asked quietly. She was trying to wipe her eyes with her handkerchief but the tears wouldn't stop falling.

Silence.

Cindy finished drying her eyes. She stood up, looking unhappy. 'Well, thank you for your time, Andrew. I won't waste any more of it.' Her voice was cold now. 'I hope you will at least have the decency to look after Lissy. She'll need somewhere to live when she's not at school.'

She had reached the door when Andrew asked, 'You really want my help?'

Cindy turned and looked at her husband hopefully. Perhaps he did care for her just a little, after all.

'Yes, please,' she whispered gratefully. But his next words rocked her to the core.

'I will help you, Cindy, but in return, you must agree never to speak to Lucius Malfoy again.'

Cindy stared at her husband in horror, reeling at his words.

'What?' she whispered.

'You heard me,' Andrew said calmly. 'I will help you as long as you agree never to speak to Malfoy again.'

'You can't be serious, surely?' Cindy asked.

'Perfectly,' Andrew replied shrugging. 'Your choice, take it or leave it.'

'But why, Andrew?' Cindy was non-plussed as she sat back down on the chair she had so recently vacated. 'You don't love me. You haven't loved me for at least fifteen years. So why would you care what I do with Lucius?'

Andrew laughed bitterly. 'Malfoy has pervaded every aspect of our life together, whether you knew it or not. Look at what he is, Cindy. Even now he can't help you — and why? Because you're not good enough for him — because of your blood. How can you love a man like that? How can you want to be with him? I never understood it and I can't believe you got back together with him after I spent so long keeping the two of you apart. He doesn't deserve you, and you don't deserve to be saddled with a Death Eater — so I say again, if you want my help, you'll give him up completely.'

Cindy looked at Andrew, hating him more than she had ever hated anyone in her life before. For a moment she considered hexing him, something he was probably long overdue for, but at the end of the day he was her only escape route. If she really wanted to get out of the wizarding world alive and safe, she would have to do as he ordered.

She thought of Lucius and her heart broke. Just to have seen him one more time would have enabled her to move on, but her last memory of him was of that afternoon, so long ago now, when he had left her to go to the Ministry and had ended up in Azkaban; and there was no way she would be able to see him again. She had to leave as soon as possible.

To never, ever talk to her beloved again seemed like such a cruel punishment. But then again, there was no guarantee Lucius would survive the war that was so clearly coming, anyway. If Voldemort won, Cindy wouldn't ever be able to return to the wizarding world and she would have no choice but to live as a Muggle; and then she would never speak to Lucius, anyway. But what if the Dark Lord was defeated? What then? To have to return to the wizarding world knowing she could never speak to Lucius again would be unbearable. But maybe by that time Andrew would have become more reasonable and would allow her to be reconciled with her lover.

She gazed at her husband dispassionately, determined not to break down about this. 'I agree to your terms,' she said quietly.

Andrew nodded. 'So be it. So we shall make an Unbreakable Vow on this and then I will help you.'

Cindy's heart sank. An Unbreakable Vow was exactly that. Once she took it she really wouldn't be able to speak to Lucius ever again, otherwise she'd die. Andrew had completely trapped her.

Sighing sadly, she nodded her agreement, trying not to cry as Andrew came over to perform the spell that would seal the two of them in the vow. Twenty minutes later it was all over and Cindy was getting ready to leave. Andrew promised he would arrange her safe passage and sent her home to pack what few belongings she wanted to take with her to the Muggle world.