Author's Note: This chapter will move a few things out of order and so I apologize if it bothers you. Again this is AU of sorts.

~Of Silver and Gold~

Chapter 50: Mistletoes and Christmas

Two Weeks Later…

Angel had closed herself off to everyone. It was clear that she was angry about something. She hadn't even bothered to show up at the Hospital Wing when Draco was released. She was too angry to even do that. Pansy had demanded that she show up and apologize as well. But that had only earned her a slammed door on her face and a clear sign that Angel was not in the mood to take guests.

Her roommates had gotten the hints as the curtains on her bed were always covering her from them. In the mornings, she was gone before they woke up and before they headed to bed they saw her already behind her wall. People gossiped around her. Some said it was the Quidditch loss, others that she had been replaced or too young to do anything. Thankfully no one was stupid enough to directly asked her.

What was she actually doing? Makings lists. She had made a list of why she should go to the Gryffindor Tower and apologize, and why she shouldn't. She had made a list for rejoining the DA with their pros and cons too. And lastly she had made a list if she could even be brave enough to apologize to Harry. She closed her eyes and let her shoulders sag at the thought of Harry.

He knew that he was in the right when he hadn't even bothered to contact her. No smiles during lunch (the few that she had shown up to), no eye contact through the halls nothing. Only Hermione seemed to make an effort and that was frightening. It seemed the older girl was determined to have her rejoin. For what reason? She wasn't quite sure.

Flashback…

Sitting on a low tree branch was a clear enough for anyone to know that Angel Malfoy was not to be bothered. The weather had been uncomfortable and so many avoided being outside, but not her, she thrived on the unattended Grounds. As she flipped the page of the previously made list, she re-read what she mulled previously.

"What are you reading?"

Looking up in surprise, Angel realized someone was actually speaking to her. Not just anyone but Granger. Looking around briefly she wondered if she wasn't actually the one who was meant to respond but that wasn't the case. For now Granger looked at her expectantly waiting a response.

"Something I wrote" she answered unsure.

Her eyes trailed away from the Gryffindor to note that her friends were by the fountain waiting for Granger to finish what she was doing. Both boys didn't bother looking her way and that stung, especially as one boy she was fond of.

"I didn't know you wrote? That's good to hear…"

Oh Merlin, it was small talk. Angel noticed that even Granger was mortified by the awkward topic and she found herself sitting up from her position to hop off and properly talk to the older girl.

"Granger, in the years we've known each other you've never cared for small talk. What's changed?"

"I just haven't seen you in the meetings...the last two surprisingly. I was just wondering if you were…"

"I'm not sure" She interrupted her. "It's nothing on you all I just...I need time." Her eyes shifted hoping for an out. And she found it; for as Luna walked to the grounds to meet her after Charms. Angel grinned.

"Thanks for caring Hermione but I got to go"

Before she could say anything else, she ran off, ignoring the looks she was getting.

End Flashback...

Lying in bed she stared at the flat top of her bed and let her thoughts wander. She just wanted to close her eyes and let things fix themselves. But that wasn't exactly how life worked. It had been two weeks since the incident and her birthday was today. No one had bothered to do anything about it. And she wasn't quite bothered by it. At least that's what she told herself. She was fifteen years old now and there was nothing she could do to celebrate. Celebrating with the people she loved was almost impossible. They were all mad at her. She had disappointed Harry by not believing him during the match. She had angered Draco by punishing him over what he brought on himself. She had angered the others by seeming cold and uncaring towards her brother's condition. Pansy was done with her until she apologized. December had definitely hit her with it's chilly nature.

…..

Harry didn't know how to feel at the moment. It had been two weeks since he was kicked out of playing Quidditch. Ginny had become the new seeker since Umbridge punished him. He had already dealt with detention as well and he just felt miserable. The DA meetings were going well but there was one person missing: Angel. Yes he was mad at her, very mad. Yet he still wanted to see her. Hermione had even told him they had spoken and while that brought on a whole new set of questions, at the end it was clear that Angel needed time to herself.

Most importantly it was clear that she was distancing herself from her brother and his goons. For one thing the first days after his release she hadn't been there to comfort him like she had with Buckbeak. They had looked around for her but she hadn't shown up. Then the next day it was the same thing till a whole week had passed. Then two weeks, slowly it was clear that she wasn't going to show up.

He felt conflicted over all of this. For one thing he knew that he wasn't the most logical when he had punched Malfoy (the twat still deserved it). Malfoy had been pushing his buttons for a while and no one, not even his girlfriend could protect the arse that he was. The small victory wasn't worth the consequences; seeing Malfoy bruised had officially gotten him kicked out of the team. He had also frightened his girlfriend into basically avoiding everyone as well. He would have felt worse had it not been for Cho who was around much more often and told him how he was in the right to hurt Malfoy as he did. Still, it didn't sit well with him that Angel was avoiding being with everyone.

"Morning friends!" Luna chirped.

Well, avoided almost everyone. Luna had apparently been able to be around Angel more than anyone else, including her brother. From what the rumor mill said the girls were always seen together even in class. Angel was no longer a bother to Umbridge and even pretended to read in the class. She was done fighting.

Harry looked up and noticed Luna looked made up today. She wore a bright purple jumper, dark pants and a large feather in her hair. None of that was out of the norm, but rather the tray of cakes that were held delicately in her hands as she stood there proudly with some flour on her cheek.

"What is with the mini cakes Luna?" Ginny asked.

"Did you make those for us?" Ron added wiggling his fingers as he reached for one.

Without hesitation Luna swatted is hand and shook her head. "Nope, they're for Angel, it's her fifteen birthday today so I made fifteen mini cakes with the elves"

"You shouldn't put them to work for you Luna" Hermione said frowning.

Luna rolled her eyes. "Actually it was the only thing that Winky helped with, even Dobby aided in the baking."

"It's her birthday?" Harry repeated ignoring the previous comments.

"Of course it is Harry" she replied shaking her head. "And I know for a fact she hasn't eaten yet. She hasn't eaten enough for a while" she frowned, "but hopefully these will make her happy"

"How is she?" Hermione asked softly.

"Who cares?" Ginny added crossing her arms.

"Ginny!"

"Well it's true! She's not our friend. Plus she abandoned the…ya know" she lowered her voice.

"She's not the best" Luna said shortly glaring at Ginny, "but she's been avoiding any bad influence."

"You mean her brother?" Ron asked, acting as if he wasn't interested at first but it was clear he wanted to gossip.

Luna wiggled herself beside Harry and put the cakes down, hitting Ron again as he went for another. "Well" her voice was low, "she's honestly embarrassed over everything that happened." That got all of their attention. "She feels awful for what Draco did and for what she-I shouldn't really be telling you this"

Luna felt guilty over spilling so many things about how Angel was doing. But if she was honest, she didn't want them to think so lowly of her best friend. The girl was truly horrified at the realization of how awful her brother had been. And she was mourning the lost opportunity of winning over Harry's friends.

"Oh come on Luna you can't possibly leave it at that?" Ginny whined.

"She's not a bad person you know" Luna began to defend her friend. "She's got a big heart just…you aren't lucky enough to see it"

"Sure Luna"

"I am sure Ronald!" she huffed, "It's true! She's as warm and loving as those Nargles around your head are!"

That got an eye roll from everyone.

"But I-I want to ask for something" Luna added frowning, "she's been trying to find a way to apologize…and if she does do so, don't ruin it. Let her voice herself. She really doesn't have anything against you all…well not all of you."

"We promise" Harry said softly.

Luna grinned and thanked him before heading off to the Slytherin Common room leaving the group to think about what they just heard. Harry was frowning at the thought of her feeling guilty over what happened. She had nothing to do with it but that's what had kept her away.

"You don't think that she's actually good, do you?" Ron asked after a while.

"Of course not" Ginny huffed.

"Honestly? I talked to her two weeks ago and-"

"What?!" the others exclaimed at the same time.

"-And" Hermione continued annoyed at being interrupted. "She seemed genuinely sorry. She is different from her brother." She felt uncomfortable reliving that memory. "I'm not saying that she's great. After all Luna isn't the best judge of character, but she's not as bad as her brother. That much I will say."

The silence fell over the group, as they soon got lost in their own thoughts. But as the mail came something eerie came along with it. Hermione's usual mail of the Daily Prophet immediately caught people's attention as she yelped in surprise.

"What?" Ron and Harry asked.

Turning the cover of the newspaper on the table in front of them, she pointed to the ten photographs that filled the front page. There were nine wizards and one witch. Some of the people were jeering in their moving pictures, others looked angry. Each one had the name of the person and the crime they committed. Antonin Dolohov, read the legend beneath the wizard with a long, pale, twisted face who was sneering had murdered Gideon and Fabian Prewett. Algernon Rookwood, a man with greasy hair who was leaning in the picture looking nonplussed by it all was convicted of leaking Ministry of Magic Secrets to 'He Who Must Not Be Named.' As the names ran on and on one caught Harry's attention more than anyone else's: The witch.

Her face popped out at him more than the others. She had long dark hair wavy and crazy looking. Her face held nothing but was beautiful but it was clear that Azkaban had changed her. In her picture she glared through her heavy lidded eyes, and a half smile playing in her thin mouth. Her way her lips curled eerily reminded him of someone.

Bellatrix Lestrange – convicted of the torture and permanent incapacitation of Frank and Alice Longbottom.

It was interesting, if he squinted a bit and tilted his head; there was something in those eyes that eerily reminded him of Angel. Shaking his head they began to chat about the dangers that this event came their way.

…

"Eat at least one cake will you?"

Angel tilted her head and laughed softly seeing Luna pushing the cakes towards her face. They were hiding out behind the curtains of Angel's bed as they chatted. No one would be in the room for a while (thankfully breakfast was going on). Moments like these made her realize Luna was truly her best friend. These past two weeks Luna had not bothered to push her to do anything. At least the first week she merely brought her food and waited her out if she wanted to talk.

Most of their conversations involved her ramblings and shoving lists her way wondering what she would do. She ranted about her anger towards her brother and how long she had been so oblivious to how much of an ass he was. Next came her fears and insecurities of trying to be nice to people that disliked her so much. That made her stomach twist and she would talk and talk. Luna always just listened and threw a comment here or there. She didn't make a decision for her, and instead lead her towards the best option.

"Luna why did you do these?" She asked picking up one.

"It's your birthday you know" Luna laughed as if it was obvious.

In fact, tomorrow would be the last day of the school year and she could go home. She wasn't quite sure how to feel about that considering that she'd be forced to be around her brother for two weeks. Still she did miss her mother. Smiling slightly at the thought she bit into her cake.

"I do hope you like them" Luna said.

They were dry and yet squishy which was an odd mix of the two. She knew the girl tried and she forced herself to eat it all. Making a noise of contentment she continued to eat knowing it would make Luna happy. She was in the midst of eating another when the blonde showed her real motive.

"Since we're going to go on school break tomorrow, are you coming to the last meeting?"

Angel froze and looked at the blonde suspiciously; of course she had a motive. And she had to admit she had pondered over the same thing. Should she show up to the last meeting? She went over this idea over and over and of course thought of the absolute worse situations that could happen. But she had to admit that she was behind and it wasn't fun to not be able to release her frustrations through spells.

"Luna…" she trailed off unsure.

"You're not doing yourself any good by locking yourself up to everything you know"

"Look I know" she huffed, "I don't need another speech, I just…you wouldn't understand" she shook her head.

"Then help me understand. What about what happened makes it different from before?"

Taking a deep breath she began to just express herself. "Seeing Draco that way, and seeing his indifference to the whole thing made me angry. Harry and George responded to him crossing the line and well. I'm angry with myself as well for always defending Draco no matter what. Loyalty is important in my family but how many times have I defended by brother tooth and nail and he's been in the wrong?"

"But how would you have known?" Luna replied with her own question.

"Sometimes I did know…I just didn't know any better? Well no, I knew, but I didn't want to fight" she shook her head. "Now I feel stupid for just going along with it and how his reputation, the good and the bad, have fallen on me."

"You know people know you're not your brother" Luna placed her hand over hers, "Angel you're my friend, Draco is not. I don't quite like your brother, but I adore you" that earned her a smile, and Luna continued.

"Others know you're different. Don't let yourself just be his shadow. You're more than that. You have nargles, lovebugs, dinglehoppers and others living around you because you're you. He doesn't"

Angel laughed and nodded feeling a bit relieved at the whole conversation. Luna was a lot smarter than people assumed her to be. No wonder she was a Ravenclaw. She hugged the girl, which made her friend even happier.

"There's one thing I want to do before all of this though…."'

…..

"Password?"

"You know very well I don't know the password" Angel crossed her arms looking up at the Fat Lady looking amused. The portrait knew who she was, and yet she chose to pester her.

"No password, no entrance"

"Just tell Potter that I'm here" she replied ignoring the painting's comment.

"I am not a messenger so no"

"Damn it, will you just stop being a pain in the arse and-"

"A-Angel?" Neville called out nervously as he finishing climbing up the stairs.

He was surprised to find her there. The girl was definitely not supposed to hang around there, at least not fighting with the painting. She looked so unassuming; a warm blue sweater with a pair of leggings and warm boots. The girl had let her hair down and yet in her innocence, the face of annoyance was hard to hide.

Neville knew that the girl had a purpose for being here and it probably wasn't a good one.

"Neville" she smiled softly, that was already a bad sign. "I need to get in to talk to Harry…and the Weasley's. Do you mind helping me in?"

"O-okay" he said and walked closer. "Cover your ears though, I don't want you to hear it"

"Neville" her voice warned.

"Sugarquill!" he said nervously and the Fat Lady reluctantly opened the door.

Walking in she noticed how different it looked compared to her common room. There were so many lights, bright and warm and the couches were red with trimmings as well as the carpets. The fireplace was a normal one, not so…snakey like her own.

"Do you want me to get them?"

"Yes please" she replied.

"O-okay" Neville said nodding "Take a seat right there and I'll bring them. Do you want some tea? I think I have some and come cookies and-"

"I'm fine just by sitting thank you" she forced herself not to snap at the poor boy.

Nodding he ran up the stairs two at a time towards the dorms. She felt so out of place here. Looking around she wondered how her father had once been a part of this. If he hung out with his friends here, causing mischief and all of that. She smiled at the thought.

"Malfoy?" Hermione called out surprised as the door closed behind her. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm waiting for Harry" she replied primly.

The girl debated whether or not to say anything or wait. So she simply put her things down and sat across from the girl. They did not talk, both lost in their own thoughts.

"Angel?" Harry called out after a few minutes.

Turning around she looked shyer than he'd ever seen her as she sat on the large love seat. She looked so small in the way she curled herself into the couch knowing how uncomfortable this all was for people. Behind him were Ron, Fred and George who looked surprised as well.

"What are you doing here Malfoy?" Ron asked. His voice wasn't defensive which surprised both Harry and Angel, but there was an edge to it.

"I wanted to talk to all of you actually" she twiddled her fingers somewhat nervously. "If you could please take a seat?"

All of them slowly found a spot. Harry immediately went to sit down beside her and was oblivious to the way Hermione's eyes glinted at the scene. He looked beside the girl who looked like she was putting her thoughts together. No one rushed her.

"As you know…through gossip and all of that, I've been avoiding many people recently" she began slowly, "namely my brother and his friends. M-my friends too I mean" she wrinkled her nose. "And I did this because I was embarrassed at the fact that they have acted very poorly to you all."

"And that's a surprise?" Ron interrupted earning a shush from Hermione.

"Yes" she replied honestly. " You see my brother isn't like that all the time. At least not with me and I've recently noticed that…he purposely goes out to make an uncomfortable situation for all of you. Usually I do not get involved, I-I don't like to" she pressed her hands against her knees nervously. "I'm not defending his actions though! Nor mine. There are some times I agreed with him, I'm not going to lie. But this time around hearing what was said about…your mothers" she looked away towards the fire uncomfortably. "It was unjustified. There was no remorse in him and I felt awful about what happened. And I realize that you think I'm so much like him"

She looked so embarrassed and demure that they didn't really know how to take it all in. Harry looked at her sadly seeing how uncomfortable it was and knowing how hard it must have been for her to say this. Without even considering it he placed a hand over hers and squeezed softly.

"I wasn't going to hit you, you know. I would never-" he took a deep breath, "ever do that. I was angry and I sorry I took it out on you"

"Did you know the Weasley is our King song?" Ron asked suddenly. "Did you help them with that?"

She looked uncomfortable with the question but she figured she would be honest.

"I knew about the song, but I honestly thought they were making a joke. You were mentioned because of your awful attempts at practice Ronald" she admitted, "but I didn't know they began teaching the song. I was at…at the meeting. So when the game started I was surprised as well."

"Was that funny to you?" Hermione asked suddenly.

"Not really" she said shrugging, "Public humiliation in someone causes me to be uncomfortable as well. I won't apologize for that because I had nothing to do with that."

"Are you really sorry?"

"Yes…well no. Yes. Yes I am" she sighed, "This doesn't mean we are friends nor does it mean that I want to be part of your group. I don't quite like any of you, but I don't hate you" she said softly, "not anymore. I appreciate you accepting me into the meetings and well…there is no ill will towards you from me. I just hope you realize I'm not my brother."

"A Malfoy is a Malfoy though. Aren't you all the same?" Ronald snorted.

She glared.

"Are all of you Weasley's exactly the same?" She replied back with her own question. "Are you like Percy?"

"NO!" the twins immediately interrupted. "We get you I guess,"

"But we're not apologizing for what we did" Fred added.

"Malfoy deserved it" Fred added.

"And more" both said simultaneously.

Angel shook her head.

"I just wanted to say that before the meeting. I want to attend…if I can"

"You can, you should" Hermione said.

"Thank you. But now I should be heading back. This isn't where I should be"

"I'll walk you to the dungeons" Harry immediately said surprising the group.

"You don't have you Potter" she said embarrassed at his sudden need to do something in front of the group.

"We need to talk so it's fine" he insisted.

"Okay. See you later" she said to the others before walking out with Harry.

As they walked out the Weasleys and Hermione looked on. No one said anything, until Ron.

"That was weird right? I wasn't the only one that thought that was weird?"

"He grabbed her hand, did you see that?" George added.

"Well she's easy on the eyes and all" Fred commented.

"He's just being nice" Hermione defended. "We all know he likes Cho"

"And who wouldn't" The twins replied.

"She's weird"

"Shut up Ron"

…..

Walking through the halls, both looked very nervous. For her part Angel felt uncomfortable with having to put her pride aside to apologize. That was a hard pill to swallow all the more when she just didn't feel right to be constantly viewed as a villain when she wasn't: not really. Eventually she wanted to make peace with them, if Harry and her ever did…

"I am really sorry you know" Harry said softly.

His hand slowly grabbed hers and she automatically gripped it. He moved closer and they simply walked hand in hand in the more abandoned areas of the castle. She didn't want to ruin this, whatever truce they made.

"I know you're sorry Harry" she whispered softly, "And I'm sorry about your mother being insulted"

He stopped walking and he tugged her another direction. She had no choice but to follow and sure enough they ended up in the Room of Requirement. The door opened before them and they immediately walked in using this room as their perfect place to talk. She noticed that the place that he imagined was a room that was perfect for a night in. There was a fire going from the fireplace and a loveseat facing it. There was warmth radiating from the room and they both sat down.

It was obvious they both needed to talk solely based on their body language. Neither of them were willing to let themselves get close enough to even brush against one another. They would seem like complete strangers if not for their hands still intertwined. As she took in the rest of the room trying to find a distraction, she found herself returning to the topic at hand with his comment.

"No one will bother us here" he explained and she nodded.

"Are you still mad at me Harry?" she asked after some time. The unsureness of her tone frustrated her, but she could not help but be afraid of truly hearing the answer.

"Not anymore" he admitted, "I was at first because you were defending him" she noted he didn't bother mentioning her brother's name. "But I know that he's your family and you care for him. He will always come first and-"

"Don't say that," she said softly interrupting him. It pained her to realize that in his tone it was clear he had given up on this topic because she had crushed it down too many times. Turning her body to properly take a look at him, she tentatively moved her free hand to touch his cheek. As he turned to properly look at her she knew that he was more hurt than he cared to admit. "You mean so much to me"

His gaze softened and he lifted his hand to grab the other. He knew that she did. Despite their anger, he knew she cared for him deeply. He knew that he grew crazy around her but he couldn't help it. Smiling softly he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

"You mean the world to me"

Her eyes were closed and she smiled. They were okay, they could fix this and she felt her heart unclench for the first time in two weeks.

"I mean it Harry," she said seriously. "I love Draco and he is my brother but I know he's not always right. He supports Umbridge, he doesn't think it's that bad. He thinks that I'm stupid for standing up for something I believe in. I am tired of being a shadow." she leaned forward, "You don't think of me as a shadow do you?"

"Shadow?" he said confused, "you're light to me Angel"

She blushed softly and lowered her gaze.

"You see me," she said softly. "I love you and I'm trying"

"I know you are" he grinned, "Does this mean you'll like my friends?"

She laughed softly and shrugged.

"I'm trying. But if you can stand up for me in front of them, you can hold my hand to comfort me then I can try can't I?"

"Can I try something?" he asked suddenly.

She nodded and laughed softly once she realized what he was doing. Pulling her close and he wrapped his arms around hers as they lay on the couch. They said nothing and simply stared at the fire comforted. She missed him so much as had he. And this room was heaven. They knew they had an hour before the meeting and it was a relief to be alone. It was so hard to try and fix things, but it was worth it. She smiled softly and kissed his chin earning a smile from him.

"We should probably set up the room" she said reluctantly.

He too was reluctant, struggling to let her go. At least they were in a better mood. Both had messed up but both knew it would be okay; they would keep trying. The room slowly began to shift around them to their typical DA room, except for one thing.

"Harry?" she asked aloud amused as she looked at it.

"Well it is Christmas" he replied cheekily.

She laughed softly and slowly moved towards him. It was impossible not to as he grinned her way. He wrapped his arms immediately around her waist as she pulled him closer. Pressing their foreheads together they smiled before leaning towards one another and kissing under the mistletoe.

It seemed that they were in their own world; nothing existed but the two. Yet had they been more careful, they would have noticed a girl taking in the scene. Hermione looked wide-eyed as she saw how caring and loving Harry was being. The way the Slytherin looked at him was shocking to see. Angel's eyes were soft yet full of light. They admired Harry as he did the same to hers. She wanted to interrupt, had it not been for someone pulling her out of the room.

"Shush" Luna said immediately as she let go of the girl.

"W-what was that?" she asked still in shock.

"Nothing that you need to be sharing Hermione" Luna replied in a way that made Hermione realize she wasn't crazy as she once thought.

"You knew" she accused her.

"Naturally, she is my best friend"

"Well Harry's is mine, and Ron's and we share everything. I don't see how he could-"

"He didn't betray any of you. He's just trying to be happy and not be judged by any of you. Now you keep your mouth shut Hermione. He will tell you when he's ready"

"Does anyone else know?"

"Enough people know. Just keep this to yourself. Now we knock"

Knocking softly, the doors opened and it looked back to normal. Hermione noticed how indifferent Angel looked and Harry, he was just trying his best to look natural.

...

For once in her life, Hermione granted felt stupid. She knew Harry had changed within the last two years yet she had solely attributed this on the struggles that he had felt. And knew the rift that was created last year did nothing to help that. Yet throughout all of that she noticed that he wasn't as down as he should have been, he always seems busy or lost. In turn Malfoy turned up around them more and more, and each time she acted unperturbed by their interactions. Then there were the small private moments that Hermione noticed between the pair, the hand holding of today that replayed over and over in her mind.

But she couldn't help but wonder, was this some sort of ploy? She wasn't sure. After all she had noticed that more girls were becoming interested in her boys. Harry had grown taller much taller than her and Ron was half a head taller than that. Both had begun to grow into their looks so it didn't much surprise her that they were getting attention. But Angel Malfoy? She looked at the short girl whose eyes could not lie. The way she looked at Harry was adoration in a way that she wasn't sure that the girl even realized.

"Hermione it's your turn!" Ron yelled.

Turning around she nodded and began to try to figure out the spell. But it was no use, things were changing and she wasn't sure she liked it. Especially as Lavender Brown smiled at Ron in a way that he had no clue what it meant but it was pretty clear. She frowned.

"Are you okay Hermione?" Luna asked, touching her shoulder lightly.

Nodding absentmindedly, Luna sighed at her response.

"If you'd like we can talk later about this, but please pay attention as you are not being very discrete"

As soon as she said this, Hermione noticed Angel looking at her curiously. Harry too once he noticed that the Slytherin was looking right at her friend. Looking away Hermione felt her cheeks redden. Concentrating on the lesson she realized she wanted to make it clear that she knew to Harry, but no words came out. Instead she saw Luna give her a serious look and she looked away.

…

After the end of the lesson everyone parted their ways and it was only Hermione and Harry walked down the hall. Ron had run off with his brothers to try out new tricks for their growing business. She couldn't help but ask something.

"Harry, are you happy?" she asked looking up at him.

"What?" he asked a bit confused.

"Are you happy right now?" she repeated her question.

Harry was surprised by her question but thought it over. Mulling it he couldn't help but think about Angel and what she had said and he found himself smiling. That was all that Hermione needed to know that this was good for him. Maybe not forever but for now, he needed some joy.

"Yeah I am" he said almost dreamily.

"Good, I'm glad Harry. Anything that makes you happy makes me happy too"

"You're a good friend Hermione" he said and they changed their conversation.

…..

Packing her things, Angel and Luna walked together to the Floo Network. While people around them rushed off they put their things to the side to properly say goodbye to one another. Luna seemed a bit more emotional about the goodbye more than anyone, especially as this was the first year someone wished to take her to the gates.

"I'm going to miss you so much Angel!" Luna squeaked as she hugged Angel for the third time.

"I'll miss you too Luna," Angel smiled. "Here" handing her a small package, "that's just a little thank you for helping me out so much this year. I want you to know I appreciate you and I care about you too"

And Luna had helped her so much. She built her up, wiped her tears and helped her come into her own. She was the only one on her birthday that cared, that had no shame in standing up for her in moments that she wasn't even there. And Angel wasn't sure what she did to get the affections of the girl, but she was thankful.

"You're my best friend Angel, and know that you are stronger than you give yourself credit for." the conviction in Luna's voice made Angel blush. "I love you very much and I hope that you come visit me like you promised. Here"

A small oddly wrapped present was given to her and she smiled. "This is just for you to know I don't take our friendship lightly"

"Thank you"

As they finished their conversation with a promise to write, Angel knew it was her time to go. Walking to her respective gate she knew that Draco was still mad at her and not bothering to talk to her. Ever since the Quidditch incident she had refused to back down to her claims and in turn he would outright ignore her. It didn't matter as he waited for her patiently at the gate.

She parted her lips to say something but it was clear he was not in the mood.

"Let's go" he muttered and walked ahead of her signaling that he was not going to let this go.

Rolling her eyes she decided that she would not beg and instead following quietly. Once they both stood into the Floo Network the familiar tug signaled to her that they had arrived.

….

Malfoy Manor…

Something wasn't right. As soon as she walked out of the chimney she realized that there was something off with the home. For one thing it was eerily quiet, and the chance that her familiar had to run off, she did just that. Draco didn't seem fazed by anything and he too took off towards his bedroom and away from his sister. But something just didn't seem right with her.

Putting her bag to the ground she found herself looking around trying to figure out what was going on. Perhaps it was being around Luna for so long, but she felt a bad aura around the home, a stifling sense of claustrophobia coursing through her. Looking around she noticed the portraits too felt tension, small whispers between them yet she did not find herself wanting to figure out what they were saying.

She thought about looking for the house elves since it was close to dinner time, yet no one was there. Even the servants were somehow missing from the kitchens. Going through the manor a sense of dread rose within her as no life seem to thrive here. It was not until she reached the sitting room when she felt the waves of adrenaline rising, for staring out the window was an unfamiliar figure.

Logic told her that it could have been one of her mother's friend, but the rise of dread that was still within her sought no comfort in that thought. The figure was tall, lithe and the way her hip flared to the side had a way of accentuating her pride. It was an odd thought yet once she heard footsteps that weren't Angel's she turned to immediately embrace Narcissa. It was not a friend; there was something in the way her mother didn't bother to hide her emotions that set an alarm to go off in Angel's head.

It was clear her mother was happy for seeing the woman, yet the surprise and nervousness that came from her was confusing to begin with. The way she gripped her hands tightly but openly expressing her joy made Angel think perhaps she should get out of there. Turning around to leave, she found herself crashing into a fall figure.

Tensing she felt foreign hands grip her arms and she looked up to an unfamiliar face. Looking up she noticed he was tall, thin, with short black hair that was butchered cut clearly by a hand not his own. His green eyes were not malicious yet his tight grip instilled fear in her.

"Well hello there" the stranger said to her awfully polite.

He made no effort to let go of her arms and she in turn stared wide-eyed unable to say a word.

"Rodolphus just who is that darling child?" the woman behind them said.

As he turned her around she took a look at the woman. She was beautiful; she had regal features, a strong jawline, thin lips, and heavy-lidded eyes that gave her an alluring look. Her hair was crazed and frizzy and black as night. Her skin was sickly pale, paler than her mothers and she was clearly interested in studying Angel as well.

"Who is this Cissy?" the woman said curiously. Her tone sounded more like a predator than genuine curiosity.

" Bella, this is my daughter," she said proudly and nervous. "Angeline"

"A daughter? Congratulations Lucius, seems you truly did grow the family" the man uttered before moving towards Lucius who was apparently there all the time and simply taking in the scene.

Looking between the adults Angel felt smaller than ever. Her parents were acting oddly, they were scared yet the sincerity in their relief in seeing these strangers made her all the more nervous. As she began to shut in, the stranger clearly noticed.

"Well now Angeline, don't you know your auntie Bellatrix?" the woman taunted before turning over to Narcissa "Let me get a good look at her"

Her hands immediately went to Angel's face and she tilted it up to make eye contact. The woman's black eyes bore into her brown eyes and they both didn't flinch. Her heart was beating very fast that was for sure. As the woman tilted her head once side she forcefully turned Angel's as well. Her finger caressed her chin softly and then turned her the other way as if inspecting her.

"Soft face, not a sharpness in her. Oh her lips, so full yet such a small mouth. She's a beauty Cissy" she crooned. "And her hair, my my it's nice to see a hair like mine" her hands forcibly pulled a strand of hair as if to inspect it all the more. "Black family genes can never be hidden now can they? And her name is Angeline? How fitting. Now do hug me niece"

Pulling her into a hug, Angel shook slightly as she hugged the woman. Her words had made her flinch. It was obvious the woman knew her origins, or at least hinted in her knowing but wouldn't outright say it. The woman's hug seemed insincere but crushed her against her nonetheless. Slowly she wrapped her arms as well hoping to end it. Her mother looked nervous but it was clear she loved her sister. Her father, well he looked odd and refused to take on the scene.

"What's going on?" Draco called out as he walked in.

Taking in the scene before him he smiled genuinely at seeing their aunt Bellatrix there. Immediately he walked forward and was pulled into a hug. Angel was horrified at the fact that he was indifferent by it all. The woman was a world known Death Eater who tortured and followed the Dark Lord yet he didn't care? What was going on?

"Draco my darling don't you look gorgeous" Bellatrix's voice held more warmth that it did for Angel. It was clear to everyone in the room. "Let's catch up darling, I need to know how everything is at Hogwarts you know"

They slowly walked away chatting and Angel simply stood there shocked by it all. Turning to look at her parents, it was clear that the secret of her being here wasn't so secret for Draco. For her on the other hand…

"She's staying here?" she asked softly scared of being heard.

"She's family" Narcissa immediately said. "She's your aunt you know. And your uncle will be here for a bit, only before going off"

"She's a wanted criminal" she said worriedly, "mother how can we keep her here? She's dangerous!" Her voice was growing a bit hysterical.

"Don't say that about Bella" Her mother replied angrily. "She's your aunt and you will try to get along. Remember family always comes first"

Grabbing her things she immediately rushed to her room. The words that Harry had told her about her father being a death eater rang in her head and for a brief moment she wondered if he was right. She placed a hand on her chest in shock and took a deep breath. No that couldn't be true. All she knew was that there was a criminal in her family and no one seemed to care but her. Wrapping her arms around her legs to bring them closer she looked around and realized this was the only place where she was safe.