A/N: Well, hello there! I'm back, bitches! :-D I imagine many of you were despairing of me ever updating this story (as was I)! A thousand and one apologies for such a lengthy absence. That damned thing called real life decided to serve me some drama of my own to contend with, which left me with very little time or inspiration to write. Anyhoo, I'm back and raring to crack on with this story, so I hope you are all well and enjoy this latest instalment. SA

"My hands are tied, they're going numb,

I don't know where they've brought me.

My throat's torn raw from all my screams

But no one can hear me.

In the dark it seems I lose my dignity.

Between the pain and tears.

There's only fear,

This is our time,

We can't let our fear define us.

This is our time,

From this nightmare we're reborn.

This is our time,

This is our time to escape."

Escape - Fireflight

Tap tap tap.

The repetitive noise appeared to be originating from a great distance yet was somehow able to penetrate the dark abyss in which she now resided. She longed to respond to the sound but an invisible anchor held her down, mooring her to the bed.

He had eventually ceased his attempts to break inside her core and access the knowledge he desired. But she knew it was only a temporary reprieve and that he would refuse to be denied and bested.

Realisation of the absence of her child's voice caused the deepest anguish of all, each pitiful call to him remaining unanswered.

Despite the fearful pain deep within her breast, tears eluded her. Rose had discovered that as well as severing the connection with her baby, the darkness within was also blunting her emotions. And she had no choice but to remain immobilised, for he was inside her now - ensuring her obedience, dominating her will and controlling her.

Having left her alone for a brief period, he had eventually returned. With a flourish of his wand, a plain black dress, cloak and boots materialised on the chair by the window.

Pausing, Voldemort stood and stared at her. Sensing his gaze upon her, Rose became alert and ready to respond to his command.

"We shall leave this hovel soon. Dress and make yourself ready for my return."

The very moment he finished speaking, her body sprang into action, moving into a sitting position, her legs dropping from the bed and onto the floor. Her eyes snapped to attention and met Voldemort's gaze.

"Yes, my lord." On hearing her voice acknowledging his order, Rose experienced a strange sense of disconnection, for it seemed not to belong to her. Was that really her speaking? The voice which came out of her was so...so...passive.

His eyes narrowed at her response, yet she did not need to look at him to know what he was feeling, for now she also experienced his emotions as they radiated from the piece of his soul nestled inside of her. She could not prevent her body responding to them as they engulfed her.

She was puzzled by the first. Disappointment? Wasn't this what he wanted? Having her meek and obedient, no longer able to defy him. It swirled through her abdomen and sapped her energy, her shoulders slumping in response.

Then anger clawed its way out of the deep chasm inside her. Intense and destructive, her body tensing and heart pulsating frantically. The need to lash out at the world deep and fierce.

And then suddenly the anger disappeared without warning, to be replaced with the very last feeling she would expect.

Yearning. A yearning both fervent and despondent. A yearning that despite being denied and repressed by an unyielding will, continued to smoulder deep within the broken and decaying soul that had now made her body its home.

This yearning was unsure of itself, confused as to what it truly longed for. But when it dared contemplate what lay at the core of its desire, the yearning was confronted by the knowledge that it desired the one thing it did not have, had never experienced and could never truly feel.

Love.

He yearns for me. He wants me to love him.

Despite her dampened emotions, Rose could still feel a distant sense of surprise at this secret unwittingly shared with her.

Subdued euphoria simmered inside her momentarily before dissipating, as her energies were drained, not only by the weight of Voldemort's soul but the ferocity and strength of his emotions .

Her head dropped a little, her gaze falling away from him. But before he apparated away without a word, she heard it. It was an unmistakable sound and the accompanying feelings resonated inside her.

Voldemort expelled a sigh which he thought had gone unnoticed, unaware of how finely attuned Rose now was to him. She had both heard it and felt the emotions contained within it. Frustration, longing and a growing weariness.

There was no opportunity to ruminate upon Voldemort's inner truth, for the emotions dissipated just as quickly as Voldemort had apparated away. Docility and obedience resumed their control and Rose shuffled across to the chair, gathered up the clothes and mindlessly dressed herself before resuming her position upon the bed to await his return. The only autonomy left to her was attending the physical needs of her body.

The shrill cry sounded again, reminding her almost of a machine gun. It was harsh and demanding but she couldn't respond. It was not his voice - his was the only one allowed to command her now.

Then a small, squeaky voice cried out to her, repeating her name and urging her to move, the touch of a small hand roughly shaking her shoulder.

"Mistress Rose! Please wake up now! Can you hear me? Open your eyes, mistress Rose!"

The small voice sounded frightened but determined to elicit an answer from her, whilst the harsh, staccato cry pierced through the darkness again.

"Yes! Yes, of course, Felix! I'm so glad you are here to guide me!"

Tiny hands made contact with her skin again, followed by the cool touch of metal around her neck causing her to shiver. An object had been placed upon her chest, radiating with a heat that caused her to cry out. Her hand closed around the source of the energizing warmth rapidly spreading throughout her chest and torso.

The darkness and heaviness within her flinched and shuddered, retreating away from the energy that continued it's rejuvenation of her entire being, until finally it became the dominant force within her. She moved her limbs and her eyelids began to flicker. It was miraculous.

"It's working, Felix, it's working!"

Rose heard the small voice shout excitedly and the response of the loud, shrill cry. As her eyes began to open, the blurred mass eventually morphed into a familiar elven face, huge eyes gazing at her with delight and relief. And then from the corner of her eye a dark flash caught her attention.

A magpie flew towards the bed, perching itself on the end, its wings fluttering and tail twitching. It spoke again, head jerking with quick movements, before falling silent, it's glossy, black eyes fixing upon her.

'Oh mistress Rose...you're back!'

The small mass flew at her enthusiastically, no trace of her usual timidity, clamping her spindly arms around her neck and hugging her tightly. Rose let go of the object for a moment and responded, drawing in the genuine affection flowing from the small body.

'Binky...'

That was all Rose could say as she hugged the elf in return.

'There is no time for this, we must make haste.'

They broke apart and Rose stared at the bird who was watching her intently. The magpie's shrill sounds had now morphed into words.

'Who...who are you?'

The magpie inclined his head to her reverently.

'I am Felix, my lady, and I am here to assist you.'

Rose glanced downwards and saw what it was that had broken the control of Voldemort's soul upon her. It was the birthday gift from her parents. She clutched the Dark Amber stone tightly in her hand again and felt its power coursing through her. Intoxicating, invigorating and continuing to strengthen her both physically and mentally.

Had it really been only days ago since Binky had left with Kreacher and taken this with them? She would have left with them too were it not for Alecto Carrow arriving to continue guarding her and forcing the two elves to leave her behind.

Binky's disappearance had soon been noticed and reported to Voldemort, subjecting her to vigorous questioning and denial of her privacy,even being watched whilst sleeping and using the bathroom.

'I know you have many questions, my lady, but now is not the time for them to be answered. We must leave here before the Dark Lord returns.'

Felix flapped his wings impatiently and Rose looked back to Binky, who was fidgeting nervously, twisting the hem of the blue dress Rose had given her to make her a free elf. With the darkness inside her contained, she could think clearly again.

Mummy.

Rose gasped at the sound of his voice. Now her husband's soul no longer consumed her, the connection between herself and her child was restored. She let out a small laugh, her hand letting go of the Dark Amber stone and coming to rest on her stomach as he moved around inside her.

Oh my little boy! I can hear you again...I can feel you!

Are you okay, mummy? I was so frightened...I called and you didn't answer! Everything went dark...I felt all alone and that you had left me!

It's okay, my little one, I am here and you are safe inside me. How are you? How do you feel?

Better, now that I can hear you and speak to you again. The darkness couldn't reach me but I felt it and it scared me.

'Mistress Rose...'

Binky had placed her hand firmly upon Rose's arm.

'We have to go now.'

Rose looked up, removing her hand from her stomach and rubbing her eyes to wipe away the tears. She would not be prevented from escaping him again...not this time.

'Yes, let's go.'

Freedom beckoned and she held out a hand to Binky, who wound her spindly arms around her neck, As she supported Binky's body with her left arm, Felix flew from the bedpost and perched himself upon Rose's right shoulder, his talons digging into her skin as he steadied himself. Rose was oblivious to the pain as the energy continued pulsating through her. Clutching the Dark Amber stone in her palm tightly, she closed her eyes and pictured a destination inside her mind, the sound of apparation filling her ears.

They came to land upon a hill that overlooked a steep valley. The night air was cool and the sky clear, the moon casting it's luminosity upon the view before them and making visible the dark and imposing building. Felix released his hold on her, flying to the tree that stood a short distance away.

She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, filling her lungs with the fresh, pure night air. It was beautiful and sweet. It was the taste of freedom. Exhaling, a whoop of joy and elation escaped her, the sound travelling out across the valley and disturbing the silence of the night.

"Not here! Why are we here? They are your enemies…"

Binky was tugging at her cloak and Rose looked down upon her to see the elf's eyes round and fearful. He stayed silent but she could feel Felix's black orbs trained upon to him, Rose watched as his head tilted to one side as he studied her, the wind ruffling his feathers.

"You're both here to assist me and my son, aren't you?" Rose asked. Felix inclined his head in affirmation and Binky nodded.

She heard the command in her tone and savoured the new self -assurance within her. Fear and doubt were contained, as was the final remnant of Voldemort's soul. She was in control and would not be dictated to anymore.

"Good. She has some belongings of mine that I need. That's why I'm here."

"Why her? Binky can collect your possessions for you…"

"You can't be my eyes and ears on the inside, Binky." Rose cut the elf off, her tone more sharp than she'd intended

"But she can. She's going to be my spy."

The tea that the elf had served hours ago was now cold, the sandwiches having gone dry and the edges curling. She had forced herself to drink, but the thought of food still sickened her as the memory of her sister's shrivelled and dessicated body haunted her.

Bella's remains were now resting in a coffin in the cellar below. The funeral arrangements needed to be made, but the normally meticulous and organised Narcissa Malfoy found herself lost and floundering. Her hair was unstyled and clothes creased. The skin under her distraught eyes almost black, her face lined and her complexion pale and waxy.

A rush of air and the familiar crack from the corner of the room roused her from the tormenting images. Her body jolted nervously as she straightened herself to attention and stared at the visitor she had been expecting for the past few days. Narcissa had wondered if she would see the young woman at all, hoping fervently she would not, for it brought more danger to herself and her family. The arrival reinforced the reality of how deeply she was enmeshed within the life of the Dark Lord and his new family.

Lucius and Draco were branded with the Dark Mark that bound them to Voldemort. And all three of them had sworn to Voldemort they would protect Rose and her child. But Narcissa was now required to honour a further promise she had given, one that meant she must lie to her husband, her son, and worst of all, Voldemort himself.

"Mrs Malfoy," Rose said, as she walked over to the woman in the armchair. "Did you get me what I asked for?"

Narcissa looked up at the young witch and nodded in affirmation. The black cloak swamped her frame, making her look pale and fragile, but her eyes told a different story, burning with fiery determination, their colour matching the stone now hanging from a chain around her neck.

"Please call me Narcissa," she answered quietly, her voice almost a whisper. Getting up from the chair, Narcissa walked towards an antique chest in the corner of the room. Drawing her wand, she touched the tip to the lock. "Aperio."

The lid of the chest opened and Narcissa stooped down, pulling out a rucksack which she proffered to Rose.

"Thanks...Narcissa."

A strained silence followed. Rose could not feel sorrow for Bella's death and would not pretend otherwise, but somehow sympathy toward this broken and grieving woman was surprisingly forthcoming.

"How are you?" She asked, knowing it was a stupid question.

"I am...lost," Narcissa said, her voice trailing off.

"I'm...sorry...for you." It was awkward and clumsy, but the best she could do. Narcissa gave her a pained smile. "Thank you."

"I don't know how you feel...my sister isn't dead."

And neither is she a deranged, murderous bitch.

Rose continued her pathetic attempt to empathise, not even knowing why she was doing so. A few months ago, this woman had looked down upon her, even used the cruciatus curse on her. She and her whole family had been involved in helping her husband to victory and slaughtering innocents. Why was she trying to be nice to her?

Perhaps because the lines are becoming blurred for you. It is no longer so simple anymore is it? Had he been defeated, then this child would not be growing inside of you. Do you still wish Harry Potter had been victorious and Voldemort was dead? If you could go back and change the outcome, would you? Would you sacrifice your child's existence for Harry...or any of the others your husband slaughtered?

"I need to get changed." Rose said, trying to ignore the thoughts now plaguing her. What troubled her more were her answers. She was changing...she had changed, no longer the girl who was so certain of what was right and whose side she was on.

"I can show you to the bathroom on this floor." Narcissa interrupted her thoughts. "No," Rose replied abruptly. "I'll get changed in the corner."

Narcissa did not even question that she was taking orders from a woman young enough to be her daughter. And a few weeks ago, she would have been horrified if someone had suggested that the wife of the Dark Lord would be standing in the corner of her living room half-naked. She couldn't help but stare as Rose flung the cloak to the floor and began removing her dress, tearing at the beautiful fabric.

Before she looked away, Narcissa noticed how the young woman's stomach had become a little more rounder and it triggered a spark of remembrance within her. It may have been twenty years since Draco had been growing within her, but it still seemed as if it was only yesterday. The sensation of him moving inside her, the small kicks, the stirring of the growing life in her belly which had rendered the toll upon her body unimportant. He was her joy and she treasured him more than her wealth, more than her own life.

But she had been unprepared for that which had taken place when she had placed her hand on the stomach of this girl who had intervened to spare her from witnessing Bella receiving the Dementor's kiss. The power of both the mother and child, the invasion of his voice. Why her? Of all the people he could have chosen, she was the least likely candidate. His tiny voice had penetrated deep within her and nothing could be hidden from him. How could a child not yet born have such magic?

"How is the baby?" Narcissa asked, looking back to Rose who was now wearing the jeans one of the family elves had collected from the Order's former safe house. Raising her head, she looked over to Narcissa, who had sat back in her chair

"Okay, considering." Rose answered, wishing she could blot out the reality of the other thing that now also resided inside of her. "He's strong. He's going to have to be."

They continued regarding one another, the experience of motherhood bonding them as nothing else could have done.

"You will have to be strong too."

Pulling the green sweater over her head, Rose nodded in affirmation. "Oh, I know, Mrs...Narcissa."

Rose pulled her hair out of the sweater and moved to sit on the elegant sofa, dumping her boots on the carpet as she began to pull on her socks.

"Trust me, things are going to change from now on…" She let out a bitter laugh as she began to pull on her boots and fasten the laces. "They've used me, manipulated me…"

Rose stood up and began to pull her hair into a ponytail. "They think they can control me, but no more."

"Sit by the fire," Narcissa gestured to the vacant chair opposite her. Rose shook her head. "Thanks, but I'd better not hang around. Your husband could arrive at any time. Or your son." Narcissa shook her head. "I do not expect Lucius and Draco to return today. All of the followers are busy with their assigned tasks. Commands to search for you will be issued once the Dark Lord knows you have escaped him. The last place they will think to look for you is here."

Rose could not stop herself from laughing darkly. "Yes, he'll have them all out looking for me. They might even be searching for me already, that's why I need to go now."

Narcissa stood up, moving closer to Rose. Her eyes fell upon on the stone and she felt the pull of the magic within drawing her towards it.

"The Dark Amber stone I have heard so much of?" Narcissa enquired.

"They crave to take possession of it, Morgan and my husband." Rose turned it over in her hand, feeling the energy within the stone that vibrated inside of her too. "It's mine now. my inheritance. It will keep me and my son safely hidden."

"Where are you going to go?" Rose shrugged. "I don't know. I want nothing more than to go far away, be reunited my family and deliver my boy safely into the world."

The well of emotion threatened to overwhelm her and Rose rubbed at her eyes with her sleeve forcefully.

There's no time for this.

The touch of the hand on her upper arm startled Rose and she stiffened. Moving her arm away from her face, she was confronted by sympathy radiating from Narcissa Malfoy's haunted eyes.

"I need to go." Rose moved away and Narcissa withdrew the hand that she had extended to express the unexpected concern she felt toward this young woman.

"They won't simply let you walk away to be with your child. They will turn the world upside down and create more chaos and pain in their efforts to find you."

Rose exhaled. She did not need to be told this, knowing full well that both Voldemort and Morgan would never let her go. She would be hunted down, and though they wouldn't find her, now she had possession of the Dark Amber stone, she knew they would torture and kill innocents in an attempt to draw her out. She had to find a way to strike back and stop being a helpless, pathetic victim

Turning, she faced Narcissa again. "I know." It was all she could say, having no answer to give and no plan of action...yet.

"Please put an end to this." Rose was taken aback as Narcissa gripped her by the arms frantically. "I cannot lose anyone else to this...madness. Destroy them," Narcissa finished. Rose saw the pleading desperation in her eyes.

"I will do what needs to be done," she eventually answered. There was no hesitation within her at the thought of destroying Morgan. She could not be allowed to remain in the world of the living. Her destruction would cause her not one ounce of regret.

But Voldemort was another matter entirely. His soul now lived within her. She'd made a binding promise to her son that she could not break. And somewhere deep inside her was another truth. A truth she tried to deny and refute.

You do not want to to destroy him. A bond had formed even before he linked his soul to yours. He has crept his way inside of you and now you want him, just as he wants you. You need him, you crave him, and you will not give him up. He is your other half, just as you are his.

"No." Rose muttered to herself without conviction, tired of trying to convince herself that she was not drawn to Voldemort, that their was part of her that wanted him.

"What did you say?" Narcissa called to her. "Nothing," Rose replied. She needed to get herself out of here.

You have left him.

Why did she feel a sudden ache of regret hearing those words? She had felt nothing but elation before - she should feel nothing but elation now. She was free of him, that was all she had longed for since her capture. Yet the ache was there, making its presence known, demanding to be heard.

And so too the voice continued confronting her, washing over, drawing her in and making it impossible not to listen.

For a time you will need to remain apart, but it is only a physical separation and only a temporary one. You need this time to harness your power, learn how to be strong and stand up for yourself. I am already working my power upon his soul and he will begin to learn that emotions are not a weakness, that there is strength in needing someone, in wanting them. He will learn that you and his child make him stronger, that together the three of you are formidable. He cannot see it yet, but he will...

"What the hell is she doing here?" Draco was stood in the doorway to the drawing room, gaping open mouthed in shock at the sight of his mother and the wife of the Dark Lord.

"Draco, be silent," Narcissa called out. "No-one must know she is here."

Rose was shaken back to the present, away from the voice and the truth that she was losing the will to fight against.

Shock at being discovered lasted only seconds as her renewed perception gave her clarity. He can see me. The stone hides me from anyone who is a threat...

"He is looking for her! That is what I've come to tell you! He thinks Morgan Le Fay and the Order have abducted her…"

Her wordless spell took hold of Draco's body, his eyes widening in shock as control was taken from him and he dangled inertly in the middle of the room.

The panic in Draco's voice had caused her to react quickly, not wanting to allow him the chance to betray her whereabouts.

"Don't hurt him, please!" cried Narcissa.

His body began to contort as the spell began to manipulate his bones. Draco's mouth morphed into a silent scream of pain.

You're hurting him! Stop it!

"Ah!" Draco exhaled a pained breath of relief as the spell was lifted from him. The excruciating agony had caused him to lose control of his bladder and he felt shamed as the urine streamed down his leg, soaking his trousers.

Rose stepped nearer, savouring the apprehension in his eyes and feeling a strong urge to use her magic upon him again

He deserves to hurt. He deserves to be scared.

They were now inches apart and Draco was breathing heavily. Rose felt the warmth of it upon her face, heard his heart began to beat more frantically when she placed her hand upon the left side of his chest. She sensed it and savoured it, the mixture of fear and attraction that he was experiencing. She was the cause of it, her magic and her nearness heightening his emotions. It was fascinating having that power over someone…

"What are you doing to him?" She heard Narcissa call out to her again, her voice quivering.

"We are just having a moment, that's all...aren't we, Draco?"

He gave a jerking nod of his head, unable to look away.

The insidious thought slithered into her mind. Life. She had within her the magic with which to take it. She had taken a life already, but that was under duress, at the command of her husband. She could take this boy's essence and shore up her own life-force, make herself even stronger…

Draco began to cough and then choke as he felt something trying force its way out of his mouth. He struggled for oxygen, a rushing sound filling his ears, his vision blurring. Narcissa screamed as her son's eyes rolled upwards.

Rose was oblivious, clenching her fist even more tightly until the silvery-grey smoke began to protrude from out of Draco's mouth and form into a ball of mist. She was not going to be weak anymore…

"Stop it! Please stop it! You're killing him!" Narcissa's desperate appeals were distracting. With a flick of her left hand and a silent utterance inside her head, Rose contained and muted Narcissa.

Do it, the voice said, slithering inside her, tempting her to let go and use the full force of her magic. Use the power at your command...you are of my blood...

Stop! Don't listen to her! Don't kill him!

His voice broke the mastery that her magic now had over her and she unclenched her hand, letting go her hold upon Draco. Falling to to the floor, his essence rushed back inside his body and he began to gasp for air and cough, his colour beginning to return. Narcissa, now also free, rushed to her son, cradling his face in her hands and calling his name, crying with relief when his eyes focused upon her.

Rose staggered backwards and gripped the chair she had stumbled into. Her heart pounded and she exhaled deeply until it eventually began to return almost to normal. Her son had pulled her from the edge and prevented her from using a power that could steal away life with nothing more than her hands, her will and her magic. If he hadn't been present, Rose doubted she would have been able to stop herself.

Let me talk to him. He is not completely lost to the darkness. Her son's voice called to her once more.

"Yes," she whispered in response. Am I losing myself to the darkness or has it always been inside of me? Ignoring the thought, she walked back toward Narcissa and Draco. Seeing her approach, Draco began to whimper and Narcissa put out a hand to try and warn Rose away, clutching at her son even more tightly.

"No, leave him alone! Why are you doing this?"

They both flinched as she stood over them and Rose saw fear in their eyes. They were scared of her, and the realisation shocked her.

"I'm not going to hurt him, I promise." Neither Draco or Narcissa looked convinced by her words.

"I mean it," Rose persisted. "All I want is for Draco to speak with my son."

She waited, forcing herself to be patient. Finally, Narcissa nodded in agreement and looked to her son.

"Do it," she told him. His eyes were wide with fear and he shook his head. "N-no, Mother! Keep her away from me!"

Rose balled her hands into fists and clenched her jaw, aching to push Narcissa away and yank Draco up by his collar. She needed to get out of here...why was she bothering with this?

This is a waste of time, little one. We need to go.

We need him, mummy. We need as many allies and spies as we can gather.

He's weak - he'll betray us, give himself away.

Let me talk to him. Please.

Rose sighed. She could not refuse him.

"My son wants to speak with you, nothing more."

"W-what are you talking about? He's not born yet."

Seeing the impatience in Rose's face, Narcissa intervened.

"Do as she asks, Draco. I have spoken to the child inside her myself. He will do you no harm." Narcissa looked at Rose for confirmation. She was no longer sure, having seen another side to this young woman, along with her growing powerful magic.

"He won't be harmed, will he?" Narcissa asked.

No, he won't. Not unless he gives me a reason to."

Draco slumped as he was released. Rose Greenwood, the witch he'd once scorned as yet another mudblood. Even now, through his fear, he found her scent and closeness stirring arousal within him. What was it about her that inspired desire? Meeting her eyes, he was confronted by the burning intensity of her magic.

"I won't...won't give you a reason to hurt me," he spoke, his voice quivering slightly. She nodded. "Good. Now put your hand on my stomach." He stared at her in shock. "Wh-what?" he choked out, causing Rose to roll her eyes in exasperation. Grabbing hold of his hand, she forced it against her abdomen…

A momentary flash of light blinded him. It took some moments for his vision to clear and then Draco saw he had been transported into a forest clearing. He was surrounded by tall pines and could smell their scent. The forest floor was scattered with pine cones and needles. Turning around, it appeared he was alone, yet his senses told him he was not. How had he got here? Where was he?

"Hello? Who's there? Show yourself!"

Turning frantically, his breathing became shallow as his fear increased. The forest was watching him, he was in danger…

Draco stumbled and fell to the floor, his buttocks landing on a cone. Pulling it from beneath him, he threw it away from him. And then a flash of russet appeared in his peripheral vision. When he focused, he saw it was a fox, gazing at him keenly.

It began to move forward, slinking purposely in his direction. Draco instinctively began to scramble backwards, his panic making him oblivious to the pain as his hands collided with stones and sharp branches.

The fox gathered pace and Draco expelled a fearful yell, attempting to raise himself up. But he stumbled and hit the forest floor again, turning and witnessing the fox transfiguring itself into another form.

"Draco Malfoy, you do not need to fear me."

The fox was gone and a young boy was now stood over him. Eyes the colour of a clear sea and a mass of chestnut hair, the boy appeared to be around seven years old.

"Wh-Who are you?"

"I am the child who is to come. The child of the serpent and the raven."

"You're...you're the Dark Lord's child," Draco whispered.

"You disrespect my mother...I am her child too. She carries me inside her as we speak."

The boy's tone made Draco nervous. "F-forgive me!"

"No matter, Draco," the boy replied, "Now, let me know you."

He stepped toward him and Draco shrank back, terrified as the boy reached out his hand and placed it upon the side of his head.

Broken images flashed through his mind, a disjointed film of his life, scenes of events before he existed and events still to come.

The boy's voice whispered to him and he experienced the sensation of every nerve, every crevice and every dark corner of his mind, body and soul being searched and studied. Nothing could be hidden from the searchlight exploring his inner self.

"Thank you. I have all I need."

With an unexpected jolt, Draco realised he was back in the drawing room of his family manor, his mother kneeling beside him and holding his hand. "It's over, it's alright," she whispered to him, stroking his cheek.

Sitting himself up, he stared up at Rose and saw her studying him.

"I'm satisfied you can be trusted now. My son knows you and you have pledged yourself."

The smell of the forest was beginning to fade but the boy's voice inside him did not. Innocent yet imbued with ancient wisdom, powerful magic and the combined force of his parents and ancestors. If Draco felt frightened before, then his fear had only increased. A child not yet born had the power to invade him, to reach inside his mind and soul.

You were raised with arrogance and a belief in your own superiority, Draco Malfoy. And because of this you bullied those you considered of a lower station, those of non-magical blood who possessed more magical talent than yourself.

The truth is you were a scared little boy and still are. A scared boy who wishes for a life other than the one he now lives. Who in is heart knows he has taken the wrong path and wishes he could leave it.

There's still a light within you, Draco and a desire to atone for the wrong you have done. Help my mother and I and you shall have the opportunity to take the path to the life you long for.

"We're leaving now."

Rose's voice penetrated Draco's recollections and glancing up, his eyes were drawn to the reflections within the amber stone she held between her fingers.

Fear is a part of life, it cannot be avoided and will be your inconstant companion throughout life. But happiness and contentment may also be yours if you so wish.

Pledge yourself to our cause. Make your vow.

And he had done so, unable to refuse the boy's request.

"Be ready. We'll send word when we need you."

And then she was gone. Draco looked to his mother in bewilderment.

"What have we done, mother? What have I done? I have the Dark Mark! How can I serve both the Dark Lord and his son?"

Placing her arms around her son, Narcissa planted a kiss upon the pale hair.

"You are pledged to two masters, my love and it is a dangerous place to be. Be hopeful though. The son is not the father. And whilst the father is powerful and the child not yet born, the child has an advantage."

"What do you mean?" Draco's voice reverberated against her chest. "Unlike his father, the child is whole and unbroken. And for now he has the protection of his mother's body."

"But what happens when he is born?"

Narcissa was silent for a moment, then eventually exhaled a sigh.

"When he reaches adulthood, the boy will have to make his choices and determine his path like we all do. But it is at the beginning, when the foundations are laid that is most vital. And those who nurture and guide him are the key to the man he will become. That is his mother's responsibility now."

Her final words caused Narcissa to begin contemplating her own failures as a mother.

"But…" Draco paused, " The Dark Lord… he will not stop until he finds them. He will want to raise his son himself."

Narcissa hugged him even more tightly, trying to ignore the enormity of the situation they were now in.

"Let us hope the boy forever remains his mother's charge," she responded, trying to shut out the image of a child reared by Lord Voldemort.