I clutched a stack of books tightly to my chest as I walked quickly towards the Room of Requirement. The books were heavy and kept slipping out of my grasp but I managed to get to the room.
'Somewhere to hide things. Somewhere to hide things. Somewhere to hide things.' I thought and the walls shifted into a door. Draco told me you had to think about what you need three times before a door appears. Balancing the books on one hand, I pushed the handle down and stepped into the room.
"Got the books." I said as I dropped them next to the cabinet. Draco stepped from behind the cabinet and smiled.
"Thanks love." he smiled and sat down next to me.
"So I did some reading, and I found out a little background information on the cabinet."
"What have you found?" he asked, flipping through the pages of a book.
"This cabinet was destroyed by Peeves, when he dropped it in Filch's office. Idiot I may say. And that it was highly popular during the first Wizarding War and there's another like this at Borgin and Burkes."
"I know about the last bit. How did you know about Peeves destroying it?" Draco asked looking up from the book. I rolled the sleeves of my sweater down, it was the weekend, so we could wear anything we wanted. Draco seems to be wearing more of formal things like black coats and jackets.
"Well, when I was carrying the books here, Peeves saw me and being the annoying git, he knocked me over." I said. "And when he saw the titles of the books, he told me how in first or second year, Nearly Headless Nick persuaded him to drop the cabinet in Filch's office to prevent Harry getting into trouble."
"I see. But is there a spell to fix it quicker?"
"We can try to find."
I spent the next few days, eventually dragging it to weeks helping Draco fix the Vanishing Cabinet. He's been so engrossed and worried about fixing it that he has been neglecting his duties, activities and school work. Even meals.
"You have to eat." I urged him, pushing a small roll towards him.
"No time, I have to fix this."
"Eat it or I'll force it down." I joked. Draco sighed and ate the roll. With me helping him with the cabinet, I fear that my studies wouldn't be able to be kept up. So while helping him, I've been doing school work and homework in the Room of Requirement.
The next weekend, I made plans with the Golden trio to go to Hogsmeade. I told Draco I wanted to buy some things from Hogsmeade and surprisingly, he didn't ask anything. Tightening the scarf around my neck, I waited outside the Gryffindor common rooms for them.
"You again?" the fat lady asked. "I'll be calling the trio now."
"Thank you." I smiled. But to my disappointment, they weren't in. The fat lady didn't know where they were. "It's alright."
So my plans were cancelled and I sought for Pansy. She was in one of the Potions classroom by herself and struggling over the Draught of Peace. I poked her in her ribs, surprising her.
"Amelie! What are you doing here?" she exclaimed.
"Saving you from eternal boredom." I winked. "Get your cloak and scarf, we're going to Hogsmeade."
Pansy smiled and with a wave of her wand, she had her clothes. We walked to Hogsmeade together, catching up on the past few weeks. Sixth year is getting difficult and more stressing like I've said before.
Walking into the Three Broomsticks, I felt an instant wave of warmth engulf me.
"Two butterbeers please." I said placing some odd coins on the table. Pansy reached for her purse but I stopped her. "My treat."
We sat at the window seat, sipping warm butterbeer and just chatting.
"How are things with you and Zabini?" I asked, winking. I licked some froth on my lips as I set the cup down.
"Same old. Though he seems quite close to me." Pansy blushed. She definitely likes him.
"You like him" I teased.
"Do not." she stuck her tongue out. We had a good laugh and downed our butterbeers. But our happiness was cut short when Professor Snape spotted us.
"I do believe you have a lesson with me now Ms Parkinson?" Snape asked in his monotone voice. Great. He's here now.
"Yeah but I just wanted to have a break from all the studying." Pansy said.
"Considering you barely scraped through your O. last year, you have to catch up. Do you plan to take your N.E.W.T examinations next year?" Snape asked.
"No sir." she stammered. Couldn't blame her, every student seems to be afraid of Snape or just hate him. In general there is a thin line between tolerating and hating for Snape.
"Very well then. I trust Miss Darling will be controlling your 'study break'. Nevertheless, I expect an essay on the three unforgivable curses by tomorrow. Two feet long." Snape said before apparating off. Pansy let out a groan and pushed her cup back.
"Ew. I have to begin my essay now Amelie. See you in school? Thanks for the butterbeer though." Pansy smiled. I took off my Floo powder necklace she gave me last year as a present.
"Take this with you. You can get to Hogwarts faster."
"Thanks Amelie." she said and she threw the Floo Powder, disappearing. I finished up the last bits of my butterbeer and stepped out of the pub. The butterbeer may have warmed me up but stepping outside the pub, it felt like all the warmth has been sucked out of me.
I suddenly felt something moist and warm being placed over my mouth before blacking out.
"If it isn't the mudblood?" I woke up hearing the familiar sneering voice of Bellatrix Lestrange. I struggled in the chair which their bounded me tightly with rope. I noticed my surroundings. Shady furniture, antique things, creepy junk and the Vanishing Cabinet! I must be at Borgin and Burkes.
"Now what would a mudblood like you be wandering about Hogsmeade alone?" Lucius drawled.
"Don't call me mudblood." I muttered, curling my fists.
"Pardon?"
"I said don't call me mudblood!" I snapped.
"But it's true isn't it?" Bellatrix hissed. "All those years, you've been hiding from us. Pity we have to kill you. Avada Ke-"
"Wait Bellatrix." another feminine voice spoke. She stepped out, her white and brown hair cascading down her shoulder. Narcissa Malfoy.
"What sister?"
"Maybe she can help with the Vanishing Cabinet." Narcissa said softly.
"I already am." I scoffed to myself.
"What?!" Lucius screeched.
"Nothing." I plastered on a fake smile. This seemed to have angered them because Lucius used the Cruciatus curse on me again. I howled and screamed in agony, twisting and turning myself.
"Stop it Lucius. I heard her. She's helping Draco with the cabinet." Narcissa told her husband. She has some acute hearing for a lady her age. Not saying she's old but it's quite sharp considering she has given birth and was aging slowly.
"The prophecy has come." a Death Eater said.
"Tell me," Lucius said lifting up my chin. "Are you helping my son?"
'Yeah. And I'm also dating him. Ha ha. So we might end up related.' I thought to myself. I felt a sharp pain run across my cheek. Someone slapped me.
"What the-"
"You're dating my son?!" Lucius bellowed. I backed away slightly and nodded. "After all those years, everything I have taught him about purebloods and blood statuses. He falls for the lowest lying scums in the wizarding world. Mudbloods."
This got my blood boiling a little but I kept quiet. Any sarcastic comment will end up being my last words.
"Something's in the Cabinet!" a man yelled. Someone began unwrapping me from the rope and dragging me to the Vanishing Cabinet. Lucius opened it and sitting in the center was a green apple. I wrinkled my nose in disgust at the apple.
"A bite girly. Nothing more." Bellatrix hissed into my ear. I didn't like apples. At all. Trembling I reached in the cabinet and picked the apple up, rubbing my fingers on the smooth skin. Shakily, I brought the apple up to my mouth and took a small bite. The crisp flesh of the apple was sour, to my disgust. I swallowed it hurriedly and set the apple back.
They muttered a string of curses and the apple vanished. Opening the cabinet again, I saw this time, it was a bird. Taking my chances, I decided to do a stupid move but it couldn't hurt to try. I broke free of the person holding me and ran into the cabinet, locking myself in. I remembered a charm that could send me through If the apple and bird got through, I could get through. The bird had flown out, giving me ample space. This might be the stupidest thing I had done.
"Harmonia Nectere Passus!" I shouted and I felt myself being thrown back and forth. I didn't hear anymore shrieking and pressed outside was just heavy breathing. The Vanishing Cabinet unlocked and I fell limp into the person's arms, hoping it wasn't a Death Eater.
Draco's POV
The Cabinet is finally working. Sending through a green apple, I do have an extreme liking to green apples, I waited for the apple to pass through again, with changes. I have already tried sending the apple multiple times, all coming back charred and fried to the crisp. This time it came back different.
A small delicate bite was taken out of the apple. Unless Aunt Bellatrix was hungry they would've never bitten the apple. This was odd. I decided to test the cabinet again. Gently, I tiptoed up, reaching for the cage with a snowy white bird in it. It squirmed in my hold but I stroked its wings until it snuggled close. Pity Aunt Bellatrix would kill it.
Slowly, I placed the bird in the cabinet. It hopped about, confused. I muttered a string of words before closing the cabinet door. Opening it again, all was left was a feather. Now I had to wait if the body came back.
Suddenly, I heard some thumping, loud noises coming inside the cabinet. Strange, the bird wasn't supposed to be alive, not meaning to be sadistic or twisted but it had to come back dead, or scratched at least. I heard soft breathing coming from the cabinet. Shaking, I lifted the lock off the cabinet door and it swung open, with Amelie falling from inside it.
"Amelie!" I shouted, holding her up. She was with them. How could I let this happen to her? My Amelie. Tears streamed my face and dropped over her beautiful face. "Wake up. Please, wake up." I whispered hoarsely. She started coughing and squirming about.
"Draco." she opened her eyes. "You-" she coughed. "Saved me."
"Shh.. Amelie. It's all right, I have you right here with me." I said, running my fingers through her hair. She smiled as she pushed herself up, she's so strong.
My mind flashed back to when I was a toddler. Growing up, my parents always emphasized on the importance of blood purity and how every wizard who was a half blood or muggleborn, was below us. I was spoilt, come to think of it. I had everything I wanted, nothing was handed down, except the prejudice against muggles, muggle born wizards, half bloods and blood traitors. It was something that ran in the family blood and I used to look up to it, snubbing anyone who was below my level. But Amelie changed that part of me. She changed that old prejudice because why? She herself was a muggle. A muggle born witch which I have come to love.
"No offense, but I am really hating your father and aunt." she choked. If that remark was made by anyone else, they wouldn't see the next light of day. But Amelie? Deep down, I had hatred for my family, except my mother who was forced into the life of a Death Eater. My father had ultimate dominance and power over everything, the Ministry, school and much more.
"I kind of have to agree on you there." I admitted. "But what were you doing in Borgin and Burkes?"
"Oh, your ever so lovely father decided to kidnap me, yet again, and drag me into Borgin and Burkes. Guess what, the Vanishing Cabinet was there and I basically took it as an escape route." she said sarcastically. Damn. My father was evil.
Amelie's POV
"No offense, but I am really hating your father and aunt." I choked. They disgusted me, and mainly scared the lights out of me. Narcissa on the other hand, wasn't as evil as them. Come to think of it, she saved me! Even though she did a teensy weensy thing.
"I kind of have to agree on you there." he admitted. "But what were you doing in Borgin and Burkes?"
"Oh, your ever so lovely father decided to kidnap me, yet again, and drag me into Borgin and Burkes. Guess what, the Vanishing Cabinet was there and I basically took it as an escape route." I laced the words extra carefully with sarcasm.
"Damn. I always knew my father was evil but not this evil." Draco said. "But are you alright now love?"
"It comes and it goes." I shrugged. He gave me a small peck on my lips.
"Now that I know the Vanishing Cabinet works, the plan can be put into action." Draco said, with no enthusiasm.
"What plan?" I asked. I may be helping Draco fix the Cabinet and all but really, I had barely any idea on the things he plan to use the Cabinet for.
"To kill…." Draco said softly. "Dumbledore."
"That's bloody ridiculous! You can't do that!" I said a little too loudly jumping up.
"The Dark Lord would kill me. He would kill my family. Please Amelie, you have to help me." he pleaded. I bit on my lip. A big part of me wanted to help him but there's this nagging feeling telling me not too.
"I will." I said softly, agreeing. He smiled and kissed me slowly.
"What have you done?!" Bellatrix screeched. The Death Eaters were all crowded around the Vanishing Cabinet. After Amelie's escapade, no one knew what to do. Everyone was stunned. The Vanishing Cabinet was fixed faster than expected.
"Hush Bellatrix." Lucius commanded. "At least we now know the Cabinet is working."
"But the filthy mudblood is with your son?! Do you not feel any hatred towards her?!" Bellatrix yelled. Bellatrix was an extremely scary woman when she was mad. Her eyes flared and her curls bounced wildly in all directions. She would sneer her rotted teeth at you and her voice would be deafening.
"The muggle has given far more help than Draco could receive." Narcissa said softly. A few Death Eaters murmured in agreement. Amelie may be a mudblood, but she has given Draco so much help already, considering the Cabinet was fixed and able to transport human.
"Your son will be a blood traitor." Bellatrix spat. Blood traitor. The two words rang through the minds of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy.
Many did not know but Bellatrix and Narcissa did have a sister. Andromeda Tonks, who was disowned by her family for marrying a muggle born.
The main reason Lucius and Narcissa brought up Draco surrounded by prejudiced pure bloods and spoiled, was because they never wanted him to marry a mudblood and taint the family name. Draco was to go to Durmstrang Institute but he never did. Two reasons, it was too far and Lucius remembered the prophecy and didn't wait Draco meeting the mudblood.
And it was too late for the Malfoys to do anything. Draco has met Amelie and was in love with her. The prophecy has been fulfilled and Voldemort may rise yet again.
Amelie's POV
Weeks passed since my mini escapade from the Vanishing Cabinet in Borgin and Burkes. I never went to Hogsmeade alone since. Draco, on the other hand, was getting better. How do I know?
First of, his petty remarks to Harry was back. That's all I needed to know if he was normal. He was attending classes, doing his work and helping me with Potions still. I didn't really need tutoring but Snape was ever so insistent on me having classes with Draco still.
"You'll never going to guess what happened today." Pansy squealed running into the dormitory. We were all in our pajamas already, getting ready for bed because tomorrow was the term break.
"Has that got to do with Zucchini?" I teased. "I mean Zabini."
"I heard that!" Blaise shouted from the common room.
"It was intended!" I shouted back. "So something to do with him?"
Pansy nodded and bit her lip. "He asked me out!"
Being typical girls, we held hands and jumped up and down squealing. "I'm so happy for you!"
After jumping, we headed to the common room which had more than enough space for us.
"So, what's your plans for the break tomorrow?" Pansy asked, warming herself in the fire. I stretched my arms lazily and licked my lips.
"I'm staying here. At Hogwarts." I replied.
"I've got another surprise." Pansy said.
"Full of surprises aren't you?"
"You're going to the Malfoy Manor tomorrow."
"Wait what?" I raised an eyebrow. She must be joking. I would probably be cursed to death the second I set foot in that manor.
"Yeah. See, I written to Narcissa and she told me everything that happened. She isn't as evil as you think. So, she says you can stay for the whole break because, Lucius will be out, like no where near the manor because he has things." Pansy explained.
"I could just hug you right now. Thank you so much!" I said hugging her tightly.
"You better start packing up." Pansy winked and walked to her own room.
With a wave of my wand I had everything packed and in a suitcase. I folded a pair of skinny jeans, a white shirt and a plaid button up by the side of my bed. I was going to change into that tomorrow.
"Accio Silver." I whispered and my pet ferret was with me. I tickled her and nuzzled my face into its snowy white coat. I fell asleep soon, petting it.
I woke up the next morning from Pansy's screaming.
"Wake up, wake up, wake up!" Pansy said loudly shaking me violently. I groaned and rubbed my eyes. What does this bloody woman want?
"Bloody hell, what's up?"
"You're coming to the manor with me remember?" Pansy raised an eyebrow. What? I was, supposed to-
"Oh! I forgot!" I said hurriedly. Pansy rolled her eyes and pulled me out of bed, nearly dropping Silver. I quickly pointed my wand and my ferret lay mid air, squirming about in confusion.
"We're going to have breakfast first, just a casual one, no uniforms then we can board the trains." Pansy said.
I quickly washed up and packed the remaining items left. We left all our luggages outside, spare the carry ons and someone would collect them and bring it to the Great Hall. I changed into my clothes and shoved my feet into a pair of boots, which personally I find easier to keep my wand although I wouldn't be needing it yet because I was underaged.
We ate a decent amount of breakfast before waving off the poor people who were going to stay at Hogwarts for the term break. Thinking about yesterday when Pansy told me I was staying at the manor, I had second thoughts. What if Narcissa was just toying with me and she hands me over to the Death Eaters?
Boarding the train, I sat with Pansy and Draco who didn't seem as sullen weeks ago. Fairly, the colour has gone back to his eyes and his had a healthy flush to his face. The eye bags and dark circles seemingly disappeared and he gained some fair weight.
"You're looking healthier." I poked him in his side.
"Thanks to you love." he said kissing my cheek.
"Keep the affections to yourself at home." Pansy teased, blocking her eyes. Blaise was with her as well.
"It's my house so I do what I want." he winked mischievously. Draco linked his fingers with mine as the train ride dragged on to the station.
Arriving at the station, the nervous and jittery feelings came back again, this time, it was worse. I was trembling. Draco seemed to have noticed because he squeezed my hand lightly.
"Don't worry. Mother will love you." he whispered into my ear.
"I hope so."
We gathered our luggage and I slipped Silver over my shoulder, curling around my neck like an odd scarf. Standing at the platform was Narcissa Malfoy, busy in her thoughts. Her chocolate brown locks mixed with white blonde stood out among other parents. Her eyes were blue and they were staring off dreamily. Once she spotted Draco, her lips curled into a genuine smile.
"Draco." she said embracing him. Draco gave a polite hug and stepped away.
"Mother, I want to introduce-" he began but Narcissa silenced him.
"I know who she is. Poor child, I'm sorry for everything." she said surprisingly, hugging me. This was weird.
"Mrs Malfoy, what do you mean?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I saw what they did to you. I'm sorry I couldn't stop it." she said, trailing a finger down my faded scar on my cheek. I blushed a little.
"Hate to interrupt this moment, but Aunt Narcissa, I'll be off now." Pansy said. Wait, where was Pansy going?
"Pansy, you owe me an explanation." I glared at her. She raised her eyebrow cheekily and winked.
"I never said I was going to stay. Only that you were going. I'm staying with Blaise." she said. Using her own words against me cheeky. I cracked into a smile, I think she wanted me to be alone with Draco. Not any other dirty reasons!
"You better write. I don't want any frick frack going on." I said, winking at Blaise.
"Frick frack?" Draco asked. Pansy seemed to have understood because she broke into laughter and poked me.
"Nothing happening between you two as well." she winked and set off with Blaise.
"Now, that Pansy's settled, how about going home?" Narcissa said.
I know the Malfoys were rich but I didn't expect such luxury. The manor itself was huge! Stepping onto the gravel driveway which led to the entrance, I was surrounded with a large hedge curving. Draco and Narcissa didn't seem all fazed by the beauty of it. The sunlight beamed down, giving the manor an elegant and castle like look, reflecting off the glass paned windows. The mother and son walked briskly through the wrought iron gates easily but when I did, my face bumped into it and I fell backwards.
"Sorry darling. These gates only permit purebloods. I'll open it for you." Narcissa apologised. Draco helped me up and I checked up Silver, seeing if she's alright. Narcissa waved her wand and the gates swung open. I stepped through with ease and walked towards the entrance.
If the outside wasn't magnificent enough, try the inside. The hallways were long, dimly lit and the walls hung pale faced portraits. One which particularly caught my eye was a group of people, sitting along a long table looking sullen. A pair of hazel brown eyes captured my attention.
"That was your mother, Bella Lorne." Narcissa said, breaking my thought bubble. "And your father, John Darling right next to her."
I leaned forward to get a better look. I had never seen any photographs or pictures of my parents, and the only picture I see of them is as Death Eaters. My mother had the darkest hair, her cheekbones high and her eyes a brilliant green. She was giving off the smallest smile she could muster, revealing her full and plump lips. My father on the other hand, had a hand rested on her shoulder. He was a tall, broad man with dark brown hair. His eyes was a piercing blue which seemed to pierce through the portrait.
"I knew your mother very well." Narcissa continued. "We were both forced into the lifestyle of Death Eaters by our husbands."
"Oh." was all I could say.
"I'll be taking Amelie to my room now." Draco said softly. A snap of his fingers and a house elf appeared before me.
"Daisy, you will assist Amelie here with her belongings. She will be a guest here at the Manor." Draco told the elf. She was shaking a little. Poor thing, I wonder how they treated them.
"It's alright Draco. I'll manage a few on my own. Please, Daisy could you assist me in carrying this suitcase." I said bending down. Daisy nodded and used magic to lift the suitcases. Draco led me down a couple of long, dark hallways and up a number of stairs to my room.
"It's just across mine, if you need anything just call for Daisy or me." Draco smiled. "Excuse me but I have to run some errands for my mother." he said kissing my cheek lightly. "Love you."
"Master Draco has never shown anyone such love before." Daisy said, more to herself.
"Really Daisy? Oh do have a seat please, you seem exhausted." I said gesturing to the empty chair.
"Oh Daisy could never do such thing. Mistress is too kind." she said humbly.
"I insist. Take it as an order to relax and sit down." I smiled at her. House elves seem to live a pitiful life, bullied by their masters I think.
"Does Draco treat you well?" I asked Daisy, unpacking a few of my belongings.
"Daisy isn't to speak things of her master but Master Draco does treat Daisy well." she said, shaking her feet. Clearly she has never been asked to sit down.
"Nice to hear he has a heart." I chuckled to myself. "Thank you Daisy for helping me with my things. But I am feeling a bit peckish, could you help bring me a meal?"
"What would Mistress like?"
"Some coffee and biscuits please." I said. "And some fresh meat for my pet. Thank you Daisy for your service." I smiled at the elf. The tiny elf smiled back before disappearing to retrieve my food.
Within minutes, Daisy was back with my food and I thanked her again before sending her off. Dipping some biscuits into my coffee, I let Silver eat her food by herself. Suddenly, the door creaked open softly. It was Narcissa.
"Amelie, I saw the way you looked at your parents with longing." Narcissa said. "Do yo mind?" she asked gesturing to the chair.
'Not at all, do have a seat it is your home after all."
"Thank you. I knew your mother very well and I have stories of her and your father. I believe I have an album somewhere with photos." Narcissa said. "She was a good person really. So was your father. Don't think because they were Death Eaters doesn't mean they aren't capable of love."
"You seem to be the one capable of love only." I shrugged. "I see the way you treat Draco."
"And I also see the way he treats you. Believe me, he may be a Death Eater but he loves you dearly. He's been writing secret letters to me, telling all about you." Narcissa chuckled softly. I felt a pink blush creeping up my cheeks. Draco writing about me? "Trust me. He will do anything for love."
Narcissa got up and waved her hand and a photo album appeared.
"Here's the album. Enjoy." she said softly before leaving my room. I opened the album. It was dusty and peeling slightly. On the first page was my parents wedding. Tears brimmed my eyes as I flicked through the photo album. It was going to be a term break worth remembering.