A/N: Thanks everyone for follow, favourite and reviews for the last chapter.
The description of the Malfoy Manor was taken from Harry Potter Wiki.
I am not Ron Weasley basher. The only person I care about is Severus Snape.
Now moving on to another serious issue:
I would like to inform my readers that the story is going to take drastic turns from this chapter. It will turn dark, darkness in the sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Hermione and her son will suffer and so will Draco. But I am not going to disclose how. The plot will deal mostly with human nature and history. As a doctor and an observer of human nature, I refuse to write anything that's not rational to a character's behaviour and persona. The HP characters here are made upon reading the wiki and I'll try my best to explain any change that happens in their usual behaviour. I have already left several clues in previous chapters and they will start merging from here. Some questions will be answered and more will be created.
I therefore ask my readers to keep an open mind and provide me an opportunity to do something different.
Disclaimer: The copyright to Harry Potter characters belong to J. K. Rowling. Any other characters are purely work of fiction and any resemblance is co-incidental.
Chapter 15: The Pasts Are Still Present.
Audré Chombrun Malfoy shivered involuntarily as she stood in front of Malfoy Manor and eyed it. Suddenly, her whole body felt very cold and detached.
The gravel driveway to the manor was wide and went past a pair of wrought-iron gates as a large hedge curved alongside it. It was a handsome manor house with elaborate gardens and a fountain playing in the front. She turned her gaze to her companion, Draco Malfoy, who was currently looking at her with ill-disguised concern.
"Are you alright, Aunt Audré?" he asked her, frowning slightly.
Audré closed her eyes and opened them again before letting out a deep sigh. "Of course, dear nephew." she lied smoothly and gave him a small smile.
Draco eyed her for a moment and gestured her to the driveway of the Manor, "Shall we proceed, then?" he asked her.
Audré nodded and started walking at the direction of the driveway. The high Wrought iron gates swung open with a clanging noise as they approached it and soon they were walking side by side along the driveway.
"In England we never give away the true location of our family home to anyone." Draco spoke as they walked together, "Those who come here know where to apparate but they don't know where the actual place is situated in the map. That way they can't pass information to unwanted people. Only those who are trusted enough are brought here by side-along apparition." He explained to his aunt who listened silently. "The Malfoy Manor is situated in Wiltshire, a south-western county in England." He informed Audré, "The original land was once owned by other landowners. After the conquest of England in 1066, King William the Conqueror seized this property and gave it to our Great Ancestor Armand Malfoy in return to his magical services during the war." There was tinge of pride in Draco's voice as he recounted the history of his ancestors. "We eventually expanded our lands over a thousand years by annexing the holds of other Muggle landowners."
They reached the front door which swung forward to admit them without anyone visibly opening it. Audré felt she was walking into her doom as she entered the house behind her nephew, Draco.
They had left Brussels earlier that morning when Draco returned from the Muggle railway station after watching Adrian as he boarded a Muggle train named 'Thalys' and left for France with his other companions. Audré and Draco had applied for an International Portkey beforehand, which was delivered to them by Monsieur Leopold himself as they checked out. He had welcomed them to visit his hotel again.
Draco directed Audré through a hallway which was large and sumptuously decorated and covered by magnificent carpet. The walls of the Entrance Hall displayed many pale-faced portraits lining the walls and at the end of the Hall was a bronze-handled door.
Draco wrenched open the door and welcomed his aunt inside. Audré stepped in cautiously and looked around. It was a widely proportionated drawing room with dark purple walls and a large crystal chandelier hanging majestically from the ceiling. There was a handsome, ornate marble mantelpiece and a gilded mirror with intricately scrolled frame on top. Draco gestured her at the direction of the soft plush elegant sofas placed around a table by the fireplace.
"Please feel at home, aunt." he offered her and Audré followed her nephew to take a seat beside the empty fireplace.
"I have already instructed the House-elves to prepare Uncle Morpheus's old room for you." He said to her, smiling pleasantly.
"That's very thoughtful of you, Draco. Thank you." Audré thanked him trying look interested and as normal as possible. But try as she might, it was impossible to ease down and relax in the Manor where she knew so many hideous crimes had been committed in the past. It was like trying to look unfazed while visiting a vicious crime scene. Audré was suddenly plagued with the memories Morpheus had shared with her and the place where they took place: the Oubliette.
'Human sacrifices'
She almost gagged and vomited on the carpet.
"Are you really alright Aunt?" Draco asked her looking extremely concerned.
Audré smiled weakly at him, "I think the journey has taken it's toll on me." she commented. "Can I be excused now, Draco?" she asked him.
"Yes, of course." he said jumping on his feet and extending a hand to help Audré on her feet. He motioned her to the door they had previously passed and guided her to her guest room holding Audré around her shoulder.
They reached their destination after sometime and Audré entered the place allotted for her – her husband's old room.
It was a large suite with dark green walls and another large chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Draco supported Audré to the bedroom where there was a four poster bed, a vanity, a writing table and an armchair. He carefully set his aunt on the bed and sat beside her.
"Your face looks green, aunt Audré." He remarked after examining her face, "Should I give you some Anti-Vomiting Potion?" he asked her.
Audré was shaking slightly but chose to ignore it. There was no way she would cower down now. She had chosen to accompany Draco to the Manor for his mission and she must try to be as courageous as possible.
"I think a bit of rest will do, Draco dear." She assured her host.
"Your things have been brought up here already." He showed her the travelling trunk. "Shall you require anything, just clap your hands twice and immediately an elf will arrive at your service." Draco explained to Audré.
Audré nodded silently and patted him on his shoulders.
"I will leave you to take some rest." Draco said and stood up. "I'll be in the graveyard, if you need me." He said looking calm.
Audré nodded again and Draco left silently.
Audré climbed up on the bed and leaned against the headboard silently. She looked at the ceiling and innumerable memories broke into her mind.
"…..can't believe that anyone can be so barbaric! She was hanged by her left ankle as they tortured her."
"…..couldn't do anything as the baby was taken forcefully from his nursing mother and stabbed across the heart…"
"…..had no way to escape as she gauzed the woman's eyes out and threw them in the potion…."
Audré covered her face with her hands and tried to block the memories haunting her mind.
Draco was just about to reach Astoria's grave when he heard a loud agonizing cry from inside the Manor and whipped around as he recognized that it was coming from his aunt's Suite.
When he reached there ten minutes later, after running at full speed, he discovered his aunt Audré face down on the floor, shaking violently and repeating a sentence like chant:
"Leave them! They are innocent!"
•••••
Hermione's smile could not be any broader as she watched Adrian ran across the garden playing with his friends while squeaking loudly occasionally. It was the most adorable sight to behold.
They had arrived at the Delacour residence safely that afternoon from Brussels and after being welcomed graciously by Apolline, Gustave and Alexis, it was announced to them that a party was in order at the very evening celebrating Adrian's success in the Drawing Competition. Apolline had kept no stones unturned in the arrangement and almost the whole neighbourhood had been invited. The house was bursting with kids and their parents as they talked and enjoyed Apolline's magnificent cooking. Adrian's trophy had been placed at the centre of the enormous outdoor food table.
Hermione was about to leave her seat on the garden bench when someone suddenly put a hand on her shoulder. She flinched instantly and looked around only to find Alexis Delacour offering her some fruit punch.
"Merci, Alexis." She thanked him, taking the glass from his hand.
"Can I have a word with you, Jean?" he asked her, smiling pleasantly.
"Yeah, sure." She replied.
"Can we go some place private?" he asked her again.
Hermione frowned slightly. "Okay." She accepted his offer thinking it might be something related to Malfoy. She had asked him to inform her should he find any suspicious activity on Malfoy's part.
Hermione left her seat and they walked silently and entered the house. Alexis took her to Mrs. Delacour's private parlour and offered her a seat before taking a seat across her silently.
Hermione sensed that Alexis was about to tell her something important and suddenly became tense, "What's it, Alexis?" she asked unable hold any longer, "Is it anything related to Malfoy?"
Alexis shook his head and continued to smile pleasantly at her.
"This is about something that I have been planning to tell you for a very long time." he started solemnly and Hermione stared at him. "I'll explain but please drink your punch first." He offered her noticing her anxious look and Hermione smiling slightly, took a small sip from her glass.
"Ever since you came to live with us almost six years ago, I had been carrying a tender spot for you in my heart, Jean." He said to her and Hermione involuntarily gasped, "I know that you have been through a lot – that you were tortured during the war – but trust me, Jean my feelings towards you are not out of pity. Never. I admire you, your courage and how despite so many obstacles you have proved yourself. I also admire the wonderful boy you have produced – there can be no greater honour for me than to be called his father." Alexis expressed calmly.
Hermione shook her head in disbelief, 'How could this happen to her?' she thought. She was not meant for any man anymore. Had she wanted to marry anyone she would have approached Ron six years ago when the war ended. How could she even think of being with someone else other than Ron?
"I was never alone, Alexis. I had mother Apolline and father Gustave. I had Fleur, Gabrielle and you. I had Edmound and Eva. Most importantly I had Adrian. So it's hardly my sole achievement." She said instead.
"True that, we were there, but it was you who fought, Jean, not us." He told her, "And I don't want you to fight alone anymore. I want to be by your side and together we will face the world bravely and happily." He left his seat as he knelt down before her offering her a Ruby-studded ring and Hermione looked at him almost horror struck.
"I ask for your hand, Jean Granger, with the honourable intention of marriage. Will you accept me?" he proposed to her.
Hermione was too lost to mouth any words. She blinked at him several times, "Why so sudden, Alexis? Why today? Why this evening?" she asked at last.
"Because you are always busy; either with your job or with Adrian. I don't get to see you except for dinners. Besides I was not sure until recently whether you liked somebody else." He explained, "I thought you liked Edmound and that was the reason I did not accompany you to Brussels. But Gabrielle told me about her and Edmound this afternoon and then I realized that I can finally express my feelings for you." Alexis answered honestly. "Maman gave me this ring which belonged to my grandmother." He informed her.
Hermione smiled weakly, "Edmound is just a friend, Alexis, nothing more. I never thought anything like that about him." She confessed.
"You probably never thought anything about anyone at all, even me included." Alexis said still kneeling before her.
'It was true' Hermione thought. The only man she had allowed in her life after Ron was her son Adrian.
She fidgeted not knowing what to answer to the kneeling man who waited patiently.
"I need some time, Alexis." She finally responded, "It is a big issue and I need some time to think about it."
Alexis smiled serenely and took Hermione's right hand before kissing it gently. "Thank you very much, Jean. Also I would like you to know that Maman and Papa have given me their blessings should we unite in matrimony and they won't be furious with you if you choose not to marry me. You'll always remain their third daughter no matter what happens between us." He assured her.
Hermione nodded in response and stood up. "I guess we should not miss the party any longer or Adrian will come after us." She said and Alexis agreed pocketing the ring.
"Let's go for a rabbit hunting, shall we?" he offered her winking and lead her out of the parlour.
•••••
Audré opened her eyes and looked around. The room looked unfamiliar – it had white walls, white curtains, a white coloured door and she realized she was lying on a bed with white sheets on it. It looked like a hospital cabin.
"Thanks Merlin, you are awake!" she heard Draco's relieved voice and looked at it's direction to find him sitting on the bed side chair.
"Why am I here, Draco?" Audré asked her nephew, not very happy about finding herself in a hospital bed, "And where is this place?" she indicated the room.
Draco smiled at his almost angry aunt, "This place is called St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries and I brought you here when I found you convulsing on the floor." He informed Audré.
Audré closed her eyes and sighed. This was not happening to her again - she could not afford to break down like that in front of Draco. She opened her eyes and opted to sit up only to find Draco preventing her.
"Lie down, the Healer said you had a Panic Attack and need to rest." He said to her.
"We are here for a work, Draco." Audré reminded her nephew, "Besides I am fine now and must get back to my mission." She said fervently.
Draco shook his head in protest, "That work can wait. Your health is more important, aunt. So please take rest. " He said as he took out a letter and offered it to her, "This letter was delivered for you. Apparently it is important because it came by the Urgent Owl Post Service."
Audré took the letter from her nephew's hand and examined it. The seal bore Beauxbaton's coat of arms. She positioned herself half-sitted on her bed and opened the letter to read it.
Audré smiled pleasantly after reading the letter and handed it to Draco who looked at her questioningly.
"Read it yourself." She told him.
"I am not very good at reading French." He confessed examining the language.
Audré took the letter from Draco's hand and held it open before reading it aloud.
"Dear Audré,
I can't tell you how very surprised I was upon receiving your letter. You always hold a special place in my heart, dear friend and I think we should correspond more often from now on.
I contacted Fleur upon your request and she has gladly accepted to help you when you visit England. I am sending you her mailing address and she will contact you whenever you ask her.
"Fleur Delacour Weasley
Shell Cottage
Tinworth, Cornwall.
England"
Don't forget visit me at Beauxbaton when you return to France. We have much to discuss about the new Legislation Act about Educational Reformation.
With love
Olympe Maxime"
"You contacted that giant lady who runs the Beauxbatons?" Draco asked her incredulously.
Audré raised an eyebrow at her nephew, "Giant?" she asked warningly.
Draco rolled his eyes, "Well she's huge compared to normal females. It's not my fault." He defended himself. "I can't believe you figured out how we can meet the Delacour woman!" he sounded surprised and impressed.
Audré leaned against the headboard and smiled at him smugly, "We can't meet Fleur unless we get out of here first, dearest nephew. So stop sitting here idly and go to make arrangements for my discharge." She commanded him.
Draco sighed, looking defeated, "The only person stubborn like that, other than me is - you, aunt Audré." He commented ruefully before leaving her cabin.
•••••
Fleur Delacour Weasley had not been this happy since the day she returned from France last summer. She looked at her stunning reflection in the mirror and smiled widely.
Earlier that week she had been informed by her Ex-Headmistress Madame Maxime that a friend of her by the name of Audré Chombrun would visit England soon and she asked Fleur to provide the noble lady with any kind of assistance that she might require during her stay. She had happily agreed thinking that it was a rare opportunity to serve a fellow countryman in a foreign country.
Fleur received a letter yesterday from the aforementioned lady informing her that she had arrived in England and was staying at a reputed hotel by the name of 'The Rosings' in Diagon Alley. Lady Audré had requested her presence in her suite at eleven o' clock the following morning and that was where Fleur was off to now.
When she arrived at 'The Rosings', which was an elegant looking building with a plush front garden and several statue-studded fountains, at quarter to eleven, Fleur suddenly felt nervous. Lady Audré was her teacher's friend after all. Madame Maxime's reputation as a friend and hostess was dependent on the services she would provide and she did not wish to be known as an incompetent guide to a fellow countryman.
Fleur was taken directly to Lady Audré's room by one of the hotel clerks and upon knocking the door just once; it was opened by a maid. She followed the maid inside the beautifully decorated suite and was presented at last to Lady Audré who was sitting in the balcony.
Fleur noticed with admiration that the said lady was an easy-going and friendly woman, nothing like the serious type she had imagined previously.
"Bonjour, mon cher." (Good morning, dear.) Lady Audré addressed her in perfect French and Fleur was never more delighted upon hearing her mother tongue in a foreign country.
"Bonjour, Madame." She greeted back as Lady Audré gestured her to take the seat just across her.
"Comment vas-tu?" (How are you?) the lady enquired after her and they both conversed politely for some time.
Lady Audré informed her that she was travelling to Britain in order to meet some of the notable Wizengamot members and would stay only for three days. She was writing a draft on reformation of 'Prisoner's Rights Act' and therefore needed to know the British version of it. Fleur offered to escort Lady Audré to the Ministry and help her in any other matter possible. The lady smiled gently at her proposal and agreed.
They were served finest quality English tea and scones. After the tea was over, Audré stood up and gingerly walked behind Fleur before placing both of her hands on her shoulders. Fleur stiffened.
"Relax, dear." Audré said squeezing her shoulders gently, "I am not your teacher. You don't need to be so formal with me." she assured her.
Fleur noticed that lady Audré's hands were soft and gentle as she squeezed her shoulders. She had been quite nervous about this meeting and her attitude must have shown it to the lady who had kindly taken it upon her to make her feel comfortable at her presence.
"Thank you very much, I was very nervous." Fleur admitted to the lady. She heard her softly chuckle.
"Close your eyes and breathe three times." lady Audré instructed her and she followed. Her touch was warm and assuring and she somehow felt safe with it.
They remained silent as fleur breathed deeply closing her eyes and soon Fleur felt a strange sensation engulf her. She was extremely relaxed and more awake than she ever was.
"What's your name, dear?" Fleur heard Audré's voice ask her in English.
"Fleur Delacour Weasley." She replied not wondering why the lady was suddenly speaking in English.
"How long have you been here?" the lady asked her again.
"Seven years." Fleur replied confidently.
"Do you know Hermione Jean Granger?" lady Audré asked her gently.
"Yes I do" Fleur answered not even thinking why the lady was asking her about Hermione. Her touch on her shoulder was assuring and safe.
"Where is she now?" Lady Audré asked her.
"In France. She and her son Adrian live with my family in Paris." Fleur informed her.
"Why is she in France?" Lady Audré enquired. Fleur was feeling extremely comfortable as she gently squeezed her shoulders.
"She was tortured by a monster during war and became pregnant. She had no family of her own and she feared that both her friends and the father of the child will not accept her situation. She feared for the child too and wanted it to be born safely." Fleur answered elaborately, "I understood her dilemma and offered her to stay with my family in Paris. I even enrolled her to Beauxbatons in order to complete her education. She has been living there since."
"Fleur dear, can you recall those memories clearly?" she heard lady Audré probe her.
Several vividly clear memories surfaced up in her mind and Fleur nodded.
"Can you please give me those memories, dear?" lady Audré requested her. Fleur shook her head.
"Why not dear?" lady Audré asked her gently.
"They are well-guarded secrets." Fleur told the lady.
The pressure on her shoulder became even more gentle and reassuring, "I will not use them against Hermione, dear. I will use them to protect her and Adrian." Lady Audré told her softly, "Trust me, Fleur, we French's are not traitors." she whispered in her ear.
Fleur did not need any further pursuing. She concentrated on the requested memories and placed the tip of her wand at her temple. Seconds later thick silvery strands were pulled away. Audré took the wand from her hand carefully and dropped the memories into a vial before sealing it tightly.
"Are you feeling alright, Fleur?" Fleur heard lady Audré again.
"Yes" she replied.
"Then you shall sleep for fifteen minutes now and when you wake up you will not remember about this conversation. Alright?" Audré instructed her.
Fleur nodded in agreement and immediately slumped on the chair she was occupying deep in sleep.
Audré sighed slightly and looked at the vial in her hand. At last she had obtained the information to teach Draco a much needed lesson.
She was Audré Chombrun Malfoy and she never let anyone guide her - let alone Draco. It was she, who guided people away from their wrong paths. She had seen Draco suffer immensely due to the ridiculous beliefs that were planted on his mind by his parents and she wanted to help him get rid of it. But since the day she had seen the mad and obsessive glint in his eyes regarding Adrian, she had promised to herself to save that future Malfoy from the evil clutches of those beliefs. Adrian could and would not harbour those beliefs. The walls of the Malfoy Manor had heard enough screams for an eternity and Adrian surely would not add up to it.
So she had played Draco's game all along and planted her pawns in every possible place.
The boy now trusted her and she was going to use it to protect Adrian and teach Draco a good lesson.
Smiling widely Audré pocketed the vial and started for Draco's suite.
•••••
Draco was feeling the fabric of his son's shrunken shirt in his pocket as he entered The Leaky Cauldron and headed for the entrance of the Diagon Alley. The place was crowded and suddenly his eyes fell on a familiar red-haired guy.
He was visited by an idea instantly.
'He could he forget him, of all the people?' Draco thought.
Hermione Granger being a Muggleborn witch, Draco was sure that Peter rabbit's book was Muggle book too. Never in his wildest dreams, Draco had imagined visiting a Muggle book shop but Adrian had made even that possible. After scouring a few Muggle book shops in the morning, Draco finally found what he was looking for – 'Tale of Peter Rabbit' by Beatrix Potter.
He hated the name – Potter and suspected that it was due to this name that Hermione Granger - friend of Harry Potter had chosen the book. But his son also seemed to like it a lot and thus Draco was compelled to buy and read it himself. He was just about to return to his suite when he saw Weasley.
Draco realized that he was curious to know what had happened between the Blood traitor and the Mudblood when she discovered she was pregnant. Had she chosen Adrian willingly over Weasley or was it because Weasley had ditched her knowing her condition? Potter, Weasley and Granger never returned to complete their seventh year in Hogwarts and he had heard that the Golden Trio wished to join the ministry to revolutionize the Wizarding world.
'What nonsense! Three barely grown adults revolutionizing a thousand year old generation?' he snorted.
Draco saw as Weasley left his seat and walked towards the hidden entrance of the Diagon Alley and followed him silently after casting a Disillusionment Charm. Once in Diagon Alley Weasley started walking towards the joke shop his brothers had established.
Draco drew his wand and cast his usual Unforgivable solemnly.
'Imperio!' he said and the familiar sensation of control spread from his fingers towards his target, an unsuspecting Ronald Weasley.
"Turn right and leave the main alley." Draco commanded his prey and Weasley who followed it like a puppet in marionette.
'He did not even fight him.' Draco smirked at the thought. He had heard Potter could fight Imperius Curse but evidently Weasley miserably failed.
'And he joined the Ministry to 'revolutionize' the Wizarding community. What a sick joke!' Draco thought to himself.
They were off the main alley and Draco led Ron to the deeper labyrinth of the alley. He scanned the place as he walked and soon found what he was looking for – a shed full of rusty old cauldrons.
'Perfect.' Draco thought and commanded Weasley to turn left and go to the second hand cauldron shed.
Oh, it felt so good to be in control.
Weasley did what he was told and went to the shed he had indicated. The shop keeper came out to enquire what he wanted.
"Tell him to find you a size 5 pewter cauldron with second degree burn." Draco instructed Ron who in turn conveyed the information to the shop keeper, who left immediately.
Draco looked around and found that the old alley was almost empty except for a Disillusioned himself and an Imperiused Weasley.
"Now, now, Weaselbee, we meet again." He said to Ron approaching him after taking off his Disillusionment Charm. "I need your assistance about a matter whether you want to provide it or not." He informed his Imperiused prisoner.
"Concentrate on the memories of the day when Granger was caught and taken to Malfoy Manor." He ordered Weasley suddenly.
Ron's face contorted in concentration as he recalled the said memory upon his orders.
"Now concentrate on any memory where you and that Granger girl broke up. Any memory that says why she left Britain. Do it correctly." Draco instructed his prey and Ron's face became even more screwed up in concentration.
Draco looked around and found a bucket full of old potion vials. He selected one and thrust it into Weasley's hand.
"When you are done remembering Weaselbee, withdraw them and pour them in the vial." Draco commanded.
Ron drew his wand automatically and after pressing it's tip at his temple withdrew a thick silvery strand which he poured obediently into the vial. Draco snatched it from his fingers and sealed it before pocketing it.
"Obliviate" he muttered and watched as Weasley's blank features became even blanker. He left him there and started for the main alley.
He lifted up the Unforgivable from Weasley when he heard the shop keeper bombarding the unfortunate prey with questions.
'Have a nice day, Weasel king.' he thought smirking and patting the vial in his pocket.
•••••
When Audré entered Draco's suite after her meeting with Fleur Delacour, she found him deeply immersed in a book named 'Tale of Peter Rabbit' by Beatrix Potter.
"Since when did you start reading children's story book, Draco?" she asked him.
"Ever since I discovered I have an adorable little boy named Adrian." Draco answered putting down the book and looking up at her.
"It must be a nice change." Audré commented and placed the vial containing Fleur's memory on the table between them.
Draco's eyes widened as realization drew upon them. "You extracted it? Already?" he exclaimed eying his aunt with surprise. "How?" he asked.
Audré smiled pleasantly, "I have my means to do what I want." She informed him.
Draco grabbed the vial and examined the contents, "Why did not you tell me before?" he asked her, "I wanted to be with you when you questioned her why Granger left the country and went to stay with her family in Paris." He declared.
"But I prefer to do hypnotism alone, Draco." Audré stated calmly.
"Hypnotism?" Draco exclaimed and placed the vial on the table to prevent dropping it from his hands, "You did hypnotism on Delacour?" he asked her incredulously.
Audré nodded, "I did." She confessed.
Draco shook his head in disbelief, "Where did you learn all these – hypnotism and memory charms?" he asked his aunt.
Audré eyed her nephew seriously, "Do you really want to know?" she asked him instead.
Draco nodded his head vigorously, "Yes, of course." he said with force.
Audré lifted up her chin, "Then take me to Malfoy Manor." She commanded him.
Draco looked even more surprised, "But last time you had a panic attack there. That's why I bought in this hotel – away from Manor." He said quizzically.
Audré took a deep breath and looked determinedly at her nephew, "I assure you Draco, it won't happen again." She affirmed.
Draco eyed him with suspicion and stood up, "Very well, aunt Audré. But remember I did warn you." he said as he donned his traveling cloak.
Audré stood up to leave, "No matter how many memory charms I use, Draco, it so happens that I always remember." She stated calmly.
Reaching Malfoy Manor by side along apparition with Draco did not take long. Once again they entered the property through the high wrought iron gates that opened with clanging and echoing noise.
"Before I tell you anything, Draco, please take me to Astoria's grave." Audré requested her silent nephew.
Draco shook his head, "I can't. Astoria's mother visits her grave every Saturday and I guess she is there right now." He replied looking dejected.
Audré was surprised at his response, "What's it Draco? You don't want to meet your mother-in-law?" she asked.
"I am a widower, aunt Audré and I have no mother-in-law." Draco replied skeptically.
When she did not reply Draco showed her a path that leads from the main driveway.
"You can reach the graveyard that way." He instructed a silent Audré, "I am going to wait in Manor until you are done." He informed her and left.
Audré kept looking at Draco's retreating form and sighed before starting for the graveyard along the mentioned path.
She reached there quite soon and surely enough found a woman dressed in black cloak standing solemnly before a grave.
"That must be Astoria's mother." she thought and started walking at her direction.
The graveyard was even silent than the graves it contained. Audré looked around and noticed some familiar names:
'Lucius Malfoy'
'Abraxas Malfoy'
'Medusa Malfoy'
Audré quickened her pace and reached the intended grave with the Black-clad woman still standing before it.
"Good afternoon." She offered the lady in black and she turned to face her.
"Who are you?" she asked not returning Audré's greeting.
"I am Audré Malfoy, Draco's French aunt." She introduced herself.
"Oh, it's you then. Narcissa is visiting your place in France?" she asked her with a sneer.
"Yes" Audré replied calmly, not missing the sarcasm.
"Is she back?" the woman enquired haughtily.
"No" Audré shook her head, "Narcissa is still in France but I came here with Draco." She replied.
The woman raised an eyebrow, "Feeling nostalgic, Madam?" she asked sarcastically.
"I am afraid I can't say that, madam, since I have never been here before." Audré confessed quietly.
"Then why did you come now?" the woman asked her looking suspicious.
Audré chose not to answer her question. Instead she looked at Astoria's grave.
"The grave is beautiful." She commented noticing the pure white marble and the ornate epitaph with Astoria's picture and name in the middle.
"What an unusual compliment for a grave. I wonder what you would say about my dead daughter then. That she was a failure." Astoria's mother commented sneering.
"Why would I say that?" Audré asked curiously.
"Because everyone does. They say she couldn't even provide an heir to the Malfoys before she died." Astoria's mother replied looking angry, "As if my daughter was a breeding machine." She declared looking extremely irritated.
Audré frowned at the announcement.
It was high time that she started investigating Draco's past and who could be better than his mother-in-law?
"Why did she die so young?" Audré asked, bracing herself for the scathing replies and unpleasant truths she was about to learn.