Luna scowled at the woman who had just entered the basement. Luna was generally pleasant to most people but she struggled with Narcissa Malfoy and other death-eaters. She had seen the way she treated people and she questioned how a woman could allow death eaters to treat her own home and family the way they did. And deep down there was a sense of jealousy. Jealousy of Draco for having a mother where she had been denied one. She watched with a certain amount of pleasure as the willowy woman stepped in one of the many puddles and let out a disgusted squeal. She paused to compose herself after a moment and went back to searching the darkness. It was only when her eyes met Luna's that Luna realised what she was searching for.

As Narcissa approached, Luna kept her eyes cast down, half hoping that she would decide that the basement was just too disgusting to stay down only to talk to a schoolgirl prisoner but it seemed the Malfoy woman was determined.

As the clicking of her heels stopped, Luna got to her feet. She was still being looked down upon as Mrs Malfoy stood about a head taller in her heels, but it made Luna feel at least more on a level with the haughty woman.

After staring at her in such a way, it made Luna feel as though she had been examined inside and out, Narcissa spoke.

'What is your name?'

'Luna, Luna Lovegood.'

Narcissa nodded. 'And I presume that you are of pure blood. They picked you up off the Hogwarts express, did they not?'

This time Luna only nodded. She was trying to figure out what Narcissa's purpose was. She could find the answers by asking any of the death-eaters that had kidnapped her and yet she was questioning Luna in person. Why?

'How old are you?'

'I'm almost 17.'

'And you're one of Mr Potter's supporters?'

Luna was getting more confused. Surely she must know that, she was a death-eater's wife wasn't she? Eventually curiosity overwhelmed apprehension and she spoke her mind.

'Mrs Malfoy, why are you asking me these questions? Surely you can find out from-'

'What house are you in, Miss Lovegood?'

'But.'

'Answer me.' There was a tone in her voice that told Luna it was best to do as she said.

'Ravenclaw.'

'You are intelligent then. So tell me. Why would I come down to this disgusting basement when all of its other occupants are otherwise engaged without telling anyone?'

'Because you don't want other people to know you are doing it. But why the questions?'

'Just answer them and the reason will become apparent. You support Potter, yes?'

'Of course I do.'

'How long have you known my son for?'

Luna was caught off guard. 'I... I don't.'

'There are other ways that I can get the truth, Miss Lovegood. Don't force me to use them. How long have you known Draco for?'

It was a while before Luna replied. If there was one thing that everyone knew about Narcissa Malfoy it was that she was fiercely loyal to her son. Luna's reply could place him in danger but if one thing was certain, it was that Narcissa would avoid placing her son in danger at all costs. And so she told the truth.

'Since last year. I tried to help him.'

'You tried to help him?' Narcissa's tone was urging Luna to reveal more.

'He was so worried about his mission. I just wanted to convince him there was more important things.'

'He told you about his mission?'

'Well I guessed most of it.'

'And you didn't reveal it to your precious Potter?'

'I did. He didn't listen.'

Narcissa paused before reaching out and tilting Luna's chin up towards the light before turning her head left and then right, a thoughtful expression on her face.

'My son has used the cruciatus curse many times before. Successfully. And yet, he was unable, not for want of trying, to use it on you. Even knowing that he would suffer it himself if he did. The men are blind to the world of emotion, they saw only weakness. I however, am not. I became curious to know what kind of girl had presented such a challenge to my Draco and so my final question is this. Do you care for him, as he so obviously cares for you?'

'But Draco doesn't care for me. He said I'm not his friend.'

'What men say and what they truly feel are rarely the same. My son cares for you whether he is aware of it or not. You are of pure blood and I feel that you are perhaps benefiting him so I will allow these rendezvous to continue but it you place him in danger, I swear that The Dark Lord will no longer be your greatest nightmare. Do you understand me?'

Luna nodded, still trying to take in what she had just been told.

Mrs Malfoy was aware of what had been happening, she wanted it to continue and most confusing of all, Draco apparently cared for her, even if he didn't realize it. And though she tried to suppress it, Luna couldn't help the smile that crept onto her lips as the clicking of Narcissa's heels disappeared up the basement steps.