Author's Note - I wrote and rewrote this a few times over and I'm still not too happy with it. I am not sure I chose the right person, or just how it will affect everything overall, but I am excited to see how it creates its own tangent.
Please let me know what you think. Happy New Year!
~Of Silver and Gold~
Chapter 65: Love Loss & Mourning
'You have to find the others no matter what'
That was all Angel could think about as they rushed through the Department of Mysteries. Ron and Luna were missing, and with Neville, Ginny and Hermione out of commission they did not have much of a backup as they hoped. In her heart of hearts, she could only hope that Ginny was able to reach someone to help and that Hermione was getting some sort of medical attention.
"Come on, this way" Harry whispered and tugged her towards the left.
It was clear that they had taken two out of the possible four group of Death Eaters searching for them, and no matter how strong of a dueller she thought of herself, she was no match for people that killed for sport. And if she was honest, her ribs hurt, she felt a throbbing on her right side more than anything.
"You alright?" he asked for a second time.
She nodded, obviously not willing to tell him the truth, but as they looked at the two possible exits, a door to their right sprang open and two people fell out of it. She felt her heart unclench if only for a moment when she saw Luna and Ron. Luna immediately rushed over hugging her tightly, tears springing from her eyes.
"I knew you'd be alright" she whispered softly.
"What's wrong with Ron?" Harry asked.
Ronʹs face was very white and something dark was trickling from the corner of his mouth. Next moment his knees had given way, but he still clutched the front of Harryʹs robes, so that Harry was pulled into a kind of bow.
"I donʹt know what they hit him with," said Luna sadly, "but heʹs gone a bit funny, I could hardly get him along at all"
"Harry," said Ron, pulling Harryʹs ear down to his mouth and still giggling weakly, "you know who this girl is, Harry? Sheʹs Loony... Loony Lovegood... ha ha ha"
"Weʹve got to get out of here," said Harry firmly.
As Harry heaved Ron towards a door; the other door across the hall burst open and three Death Eaters sped in, led by Bellatrix.
"There they are!" she shrieked.
Stunning Spells shot across the room: Harry smashed his way through the door ahead, flung Ron unceremoniously from him and ducked back to pull Luna in as Angel slammed the door just in time.
"Colloportus!" shouted Harry, and he heard three bodies slam into the door on the other side.
"It doesnʹt matter!"said a manʹs voice. "There are other ways in ‐ WEʹVE GOT THEM, THEYʹRE HERE!"
Angel spun around; they were back in the Brain Room and, sure enough, there were doors all around the walls. She could hear footsteps in the hall behind them as more Death Eaters came running to join the first.
"We need to lock the doors, Luna take the three doors on the left, Harry take the other three, I got the rest!"
There were footsteps running along behind the doors, every now and then another heavy body would launch itself against one, so it creaked and shuddered; Luna and Angel were bewitching the doors along the opposite wall ‐ then, as Harry reached the very top of the room, he heard Luna cry:
"Collo— aaaaaaaaargh…"
"Luna!" Angel cried.
Harry turned in time to see her flying through the air; five Death Eaters were surging into the room through the door she had not reached in time; Luna hit a desk, slid over its surface and onto the floor on the other side where she lay sprawled, as still as Hermione had once been.
"Get Potter!" shrieked Bellatrix, and she ran at him; he dodged her and sprinted back up the room; he was safe as long as they thought they might hit the prophecy ‐
One of the Death Eaters shot their own Stunning Spell at Angel; it missed her by inches. Harry and Angel were now the only two left fighting the five Death Eaters, two of whom sent off streams of silver light like arrows which missed but left craters in the wall behind them. Angel knew that if there was anything that Bellatrix would want more than Harry would be to torture her.
So as she signaled Harry to throw the prophecy, she caught it and began to run in the opposite direction.
"Auntie Bella" she cooed, swinging the prophecy around. "Don't you want to knock some sense into me?"
As soon as her aunt realized just who she was hearing, the thought of clawing out Harry's eyes ceased, as her sharp eyes took in the bane of her existence. Angel stood about fifteen feet away from her waving the prophecy she was after. Her hands twitched, itching to get ahold of her.
...
It seemed to have worked; they streaked after her, knocking chairs and tables flying but not daring to bewitch her in case they hurt the prophecy, and in turn, Harry dashed by the only door still open, waiting for the throw. As soon as Angel felt Bellatrix close to her she threw the prophecy back at Harry and dove back towards the desks where Ron and Luna lay.
"Go" she yelled at Harry, hoping that the door through which the Death Eaters themselves had come would be the right way.
Bellatrix paused her chase unsure whether to catch Harry and the prophecy or her niece who was staring up at Harry.
"Wanna duel Auntie?" She smirked, eyes sad.
She did not want to go out this way, but Angel did not care, if Harry made it out with the prophecy it was worth it.
…
Unfortunately, Bellatrix did not take the bait; as much as she loathed her niece, she loved Voldemort too much. Angel felt her heart sink as she looked at Luna who was barely moving to Ron who was babbling incoherently. Bending down, she did the only humane thing and knocked Ron out cold. He was more of a danger to himself if he kept babbling or walked into the wrong room. Moving over to Luna, she caressed her face, eyes dimming as she noticed blood coming from her temple.
She had to leave them behind for now; to get help, to get them some chance of survival. Getting up, she winced at her ankle, it seemed that it was not cooperating with her as she liked, but it didn't matter. She needed to get help; ripping her sweater which was now covered in blood, she wrapped it tightly around her ankle, hoping to stop the throbbing before she was rushing up the stairs and towards hopefully a chance of success.
…
Whatever she was imagining, seeing Harry cornered was not what she had in mind. Ten Death Eaters circled him as if he was prey all damaged in one way or another, much to her relief, but the two standing proudly were still her family.
"Potter, your race is run," drawled Lucius, pulling off his mask, "now hand me the prophecy like a good boy."
"Let ‐ let the others go, and Iʹll give it to you!" Harry said desperately.
A few of the Death Eaters laughed, making Angel's heart sink.
"You are not in a position to bargain, Potter," said Lucius, his pale face, she could tell his face was flushed with glee at having Harry at his mercy. "You see, there are ten of us and only one of you... or hasnʹt Dumbledore ever taught you how to count?"
And before she could even think of a plan, someone spoke over her.
"Heʹs not alone!" shouted a voice from above them. "Heʹs still got me!"
Angel's heart sank; Neville was scrambling down the stone benches towards them, Hermione's wand held fast in his trembling hand. He wasn't supposed to be here, he was supposed to be with Hermione.
"Neville ‐ no ‐ go back to Ron ‐" Harry pleaded.
"STUBEFY!" Neville shouted again, pointing his wand at each Death Eater in turn as his swollen nose affected his enunciation."STUBEFY! —"
One of the largest Death Eaters seized Neville from behind, pinioning his arms to his sides. He struggled and kicked; several of the Death Eaters laughed.
"Itʹs Longbottom, isnʹt it?" sneered her father. "Well, your grandmother is used to losing family members to our cause... your death will not come as a great shock."
"Longbottom?" repeated Bellatrix, and a truly evil smile lit her gaunt face. "Why, I have had the pleasure of meeting your parents, boy,"
A Death Eater shouted, "Someone Stun him!"
"No, no, no," Bellatrix cooed. She looked transported, alive with excitement as she glanced at Harry, then back at Neville. "No, letʹs see how long Longbottom lasts before he cracks like his parents... unless Potter wants to give us the prophecy."
"Don't give it to them Harry!" roared Neville, who seemed beside himself, kicking and writhing as Bellatrix drew nearer to him and his captor, her wand raised. "Don't you dare!"
Bellatrix raised her wand and Angel felt her blood boil.
"Cruci-"
"Stupefy!" Angel yelled.
Bellatrix was flung across the wall, Death Eaters surprised at the origin of the spell.
…
Harry's heart rate picked up as he saw his girlfriend, hiding her winces as she jumped down her wand at the ready, eyes wide as she took them in. He could tell Lucius was surprised as his blue-grey eyes took in his daughter pointing her wand against them. Her bottom lip trembled as she allowed him to take her in.
"No- Angel please...help Neville, g-get out" he begged her.
"No Harry, it's about time I did right despite my family" Angel lifted her head. "So father..or should I call you Lucius... care to torture me like you did my friends? Or should I simply take in the pleasure of me being a total disappointment to you and your family?"
"Angel" Lucius' eyes hardened as he took in the way Harry's voice spoke his daughter's name. "Get out of here, you should not be here. Dolohov" he ordered "take her to the mansion and do not let her out of your sight."
"B-but Malfoy"
"I am in charge here!"
"NO!" Angel screamed as he approached and pointed her wand at her father's henchman. "I will not be silenced, you are not taking me away from him"
"And I will not have you undermine my authority! You and I will talk about your insolence but at home, I will not have you mix yourself with scum"
"He's not scum, he's my boyfriend, and don't you dare touch me! Stupefy!" With a scream, Dolohov was sent flying across the room, Angel's face red with anger.
"You loathsome, little worm!" Bellatrix yelled as she got up, her blood boiling. "I should have killed you the moment I had a chance. Lucius, if you won't put her in her place I will!"
"Bella - no"
"Crucio!"
The pain reared its ugly head no longer foreign to her. Without any control of her own, her wand fell to the side, as she bit back the scream that was begging to come out. She would not back down, but her body had different plans as it fell on the floor writhing in pain.
"Stop please!" she could hear Harry screaming, tears blurring her vision as she tried to tell him it was okay.
"That was just a taster!" said Bellatrix, raising her wand so that Angel's convulsions would stop. She turned and gazed up at Harry. "Now, Potter, either give us the prophecy, or watch my favorite niece die the hard way!"
"D-don't Harry" she whispered softly, her eyes not able to focus on anything. "This isn't something I can't handle, don't you dare give it to them"
"Don't be foolish" Lucius' voice was thick with something akin to remorse as Angel was struggling to sit up.
With as much power as she could she sat up, swaying slightly.
"Don't do it, he wouldn't dare kill me" she smiled somewhat sadly. "And it's not my first rodeo. Auntie, I think you were being kind"
Her smart mouth got Neville in trouble as Bellatrix had no qualms about torturing him. He immediately cried out in pain, sobbing as the unforgivable seared through him. Her voice felt cut as she took the sight in. And Harry, he seemed to simply give up; his shoulders sagged, and he looked at Lucius, signaling he was ready to give them the prophecy.
But as Lucius moved forward to take it, the slamming of doors signaled someone had arrived and Angel smiled seeing that six people sprinted into the room: Moody, Tonks, Kingsley, Remus and her father with Ginny waving behind them. Hope rose within her as Tonks immediately sent a stunning spell towards Lucius, allowing Harry to spring free of their grip. Angel did not bother to see where he sent, all she cared about at the moment was to ensure that Neville was fine. The Order arriving had the Death Eaters distracted, and with that, she dove, and crawled towards Neville. Throwing herself atop of him, she wiped the tears and sweat from his face.
"Neville - Neville look at me." she whispered softly.
"A-angel?" he cried, biting back new tears beginning to fall.
Her gaze saddened considerably seeing the shy boy looking broken up.
"Are you okay?" she whispered ducking as another spell was inches over their heads.
"Yes, h-help me up please?" he asked. "Hermione is with a Healer..but did you find Luna?"
Of course his question was about Luna.
"She's fine, well...she's unconscious, but overall no big injuries. But come on, let's see if we can pull you into that room with her.
He was heavier than she expected despite him becoming lanky. Grunting in pain, she threw his arm over her shoulders and began to walk towards the exit, trying to get out of the battle zone. Still, as steps ran their direction, she felt the weight change distribution. Ginny. Angel smiled slightly, seeing that the Gryffindor not only got help, but ran back to get them out of danger as best she could. And despite being small, Ginny was certainly stronger than Angel.
"Ginny, can you take Neville to the next room? Ron and Luna are laying there, I need someone to protect them just in case, can you two do that for me?"
"On it Boss" Ginny winked and dragged Neville out towards the doors.
She only had a moment to breathe before the stone floor behind her exploded as a spell hit it, leaving a crater. The explosion threw her a few feet across and she groaned in pain and annoyance. What kind of witch was she if she forgot to pay attention to the battle behind her?
In trying to get back her surroundings she saw as a giant Death Eater had seized Harry around the neck and pulled him upright, so that his toes were barely touching the floor. He was choking him! Scrambling up, she pointed her wand immediately at the man's head.
"Confundo!"
The strength of the spell even surprised her as it not only jerked his mask from his face, but it forced him to drop Harry as he stumbled backwards. Harry immediately let out a gasp of breath before whirling around and rasped out.
"Stupefy!"
The Death Eater was down for the count and Angel immediately rushed towards Harry. Wrapping her arms around his waist she hoisted him up.
"Come on we need to move!" she yelled over the chaos.
"I want you to take this and hide it well" he murmured, pushing the prophecy to her side. "They're going to assume I have it and while I don't know it's importance, if Voldemort wants it, we will not let him get it okay?"
"I-I'm not sure Harry"
"Trust me," he said, eyes bright. "Now you take the left, I take the right, we need to help where we can but as soon as you're close to the exit just run okay?"
A nod and both ran off to their respective areas, Angel forcing herself not to fret over him. It was not ten feet from their initial location when she felt something streak across her face like a blunt knife; the force of it knocked her sideways but she gripped the prophecy tightly.
It was Dolohov raised his wand again, it was clear he saw the blue orb with her.
"Accio proph—"
Sirius hurtled out of nowhere, ramming into Dolohov with his shoulder and sent him flying out of the way. The prophecy had again flown to the tips of Angel's fingers but she had managed to cling on to it. Now Sirius and Dolohov were duelling, their wands flashing like swords, sparks flying from their wand‐tips ‐
Dolohov drew back his wand to make the same slashing movement eerily looking like something her aunt would do.. Springing up, Angel yelled, "Petrificus Totalus!"
Once again, Dolohovʹs arms and legs snapped together and he keeled over backwards, landing with a crash on his back.
"Nice one!" shouted Sirius, forcing Angel's head down as a pair of Stunning Spells
flew towards them. "Now I want you and Harry to get out of‐"
They both ducked again; a jet of green light had narrowly missed Sirius. Across the room she saw Tonks fall from halfway up the stone steps, her limp form toppling from stone seat to stone seat and Bellatrix, triumphant, running back towards the fray.
"Angel, look at me darling" he whispered, gripping her chin to get her from seeing what was going on behind them. "You need to take Harry and the prophecy and run!"
Before he could leave though, Angel gripped his arm tightly.
"I'm not leaving Dad, I need to make sure you're out too!"
"Don't be daft my love" he said bringing her head towards him so he could roughly kiss her forehead. "You and me, we're forever, now rush off, I can't have you in danger"
She wanted to say more, she wanted to tell him she loved him and that they were here for him, but nothing came out of her mouth. She looked back at Harry, who was now trying to help but had been dragged down by people who all thought he still had the prophecy. He had to be okay he would be okay, but she would be damned if she had Sirius die.
She knew that she wasn't the strongest dueller, or could even hold herself up with these people, but she was a Slytherin, so that meant that she could do the best she could. Opening the magic satchel, she slid the prophecy in it and took out the items she had left over. No-heat Fireworks, and stink bombs. Grinning, she threw a few stink bombs towards the Death Eaters that were trying to get to where Neville and the others were.
Sliding down, she used the blood that she was coated with to have the fireworks start sparkling and immediately she ran off as the last dozen of fireworks began to fly all over making everyone, both Order and Death Eater members erupt into chaos. Running up on the stairs, she found herself maybe running off too, that is until she heard her voice.
"Think you could run from me?" she hissed.
Angel froze, and briefly turned to see Bellatrix who was seething mad; nothing had clearly gone to plan and she was briefly to blame. Feigning a look of innocence she turned to face her aunt, her wand held tightly on her left hand. There was no use for her to simply attack, she had learned how vicious her aunt could be.
"Cat got your tongue whittle baby?" Bellatrix teased, sliding her wand higher. "Let's play darling - Incarcerous!"
Before Angel could even fathom the spell, the defensive spell came out of her mouth. "Protego!"
Back and forth they moved, the girl realized that Bellatrix was moving forward while she kept taking steps back. The worst part of it all was that she was sweating, her arm hurting from the impact of the spells ,while Bellatrix looked like she was simply playing around. And she knew she was. How many times had she toyed with her victims before she killed them?
"Getting tired?"
"N-never" she hissed in return. "Petrificus Totalus!"
Without even hesitating, Bellatrix deflected the spell.
"DUMBLEDORE!" She heard Harry scream, and stupidly, she looked back only to have Bellatrix take advantage and throw her ten feet across the room.
She cried in pain as she slammed against the shelf, falling over her. Now this was not about the prophecy, this was the opportunity for her to kill the nuisance that was Angel Black.
"This was fun niece," Bellatrix hissed, twirling her wand. "But I think you and I both know you wouldn't last a minute in the real world. Did you really think you were ever useful?"
"N-no"
"Don't be silly" Bellatrix laughed. "Even in the best of my abilities, you are nothing but a little worm, that needs to be stomped on."
"S-stop please" a sob erupted from her, actually fearing for her life more than anything. "M-mum will never forgive you!"
"M-mum? I thought your mum was dead?" She cackled, "Oh you meant my dear sweet Cissy? She will forgive me, afterall you are nothing compared to Draco. Never were, never will amount to anything"
If she didn't have the wand pointed right at her, Angel would have rushed to try and take the witch down. She was purposely cruel, ripping her insecurities and her fighting spirit was sinking.
"So my little mouse, any last words?"
Parting her lips, the only thing she could think of was:
"D-daddy!" she screamed wanting her father to appear, to defend her, to just take her away from all of this.
"H-how cute, now -"
Angel swore she couldn't hear a damn thing as everything began to play in slow motion. She was expecting to hear a pain, especially as Bellatrix's eyes glowed with a dark aura and a red jet was emitted from her wand. She tried to scream, but from her left he dove towards her, wrapping her arms around her as his back was to Bellatrix. She clung to him, and then she could hear once more. She heard a gasp of pain, a splash of blood, and his grip lessening on her as they fell to the ground.
Her breathing was so heavy, and so was his. And the way that Bellatrix shrieked, she could not tell if it was one of joy or of horror. She didn't dare lift her head, she couldn't look away from him.
"A-are you okay? F-father please" she whispered softly reaching her hand now covered in his blood towards his face.
"Run Angel" he whispered softly. "I'll be fine, just get away from Bellatrix"
But she would not run. Standing up, she looked at the woman, who looked a bit taken aback by actually hitting the unintended target that was her brother-in-law. Stepping over her adoptive father, Angel felt a hate coursing through her, a type of loathing that she had never felt in her life. Grabbing her wand, she gripped it tighter.
"I'm going to kill you" she hissed angrily at her aunt.
It was only then that Bellatrix laughed, seeing the small teenager trying to stand up to her, but before she could say a smart alec remark, a pain coursed through her. Her dark eyes looked over to her niece as she clearly muttered an unforgivable her way. The sheer hate, loathing, and darkness that moved over her was nothing short of unexpected but fearsome. Bellatrix heard screaming, only to realize it was her own voice.
….
Angel felt sick pleasure in a way she had never felt before. Seeing the witch writhing in pain made her feel powerful, made her feel that she was able to bring down the bully that broke her down, that dismantled her family, that killed her father. She wanted to keep going, but something broke her concentration.
A groan. In her distraction, the unforgivable curse broke but it did not matter for Lucius Malfoy was breathing. Rushing over to him, she dared turn her back on Bellatrix, instead taking in her father as he tried to grab her attention.
"Father?"
"I-" he gasped. "I'm sorry" he whispered softly. "I was never good enough for you, but know I-" he took a deep breath "I love you, you are my daughter and I will not have anyone, anyone hurt you. Not on my watch."
"Don't waste any energy father please" she replied, tears falling at the realization that her father was now struggling to get words across.
"No" he winced. "If I die here on this floor tonight, I need you to know that my biggest mistake was to be lured back to the Dark Lord. You are not my biggest mistake, you are our biggest miracle and I lost you"
"You never lost me, please father" she sobbed softly as he shakingly moved her hair from her face.
"Take care of your brother for me, and your mother. She's stronger than she seems I promise you but she will need you beside her. And try to get Draco to not follow the steps I was forced to follow. He needs to forge his own path like you did"
"I love you" she cried and curled herself against him.
Slowly Angel heard his breath slow down, but she would not move away. She did not care if Bellatrix took her, killed her or if the battle kept going, for she knew the pain she felt would not go away anytime soon.
…
Neville was exhausted. It seemed that Harry's vision was a mere trick by Voldemort, who took advantage of him and implanted an image that never existed. Voldemort did not even appear, but rather his lackeys tried to take them all down. Moody was currently rounding the group of people, while Remus was trying to bring Tonks back to consciousness. Kingsley was looking after the rest of the gang, while Harry ran off after Bellatrix ran from the group after managing to attack Sirius.
As he counted the people out, he realized someone was missing: Angel. He looked around the fainted groups of people, seeing face after face but none was of his friend. It was then his heart started beating faster. Rushing over to Luna, he placed his hand on her shoulder to get her attention.
"Have you seen Angel? Wasn't she with you?"
Luna shook her head.
"No, I saw her running up towards the exit after she lit some fireworks. Have you really not seen her?"
He shook his head. Upon hearing this Ginny attempted to stand up, only to immediately fall as her ankle was broken.
"Give me a minute, I'll help you look" she gasped out face white.
"No..it's fine, I'll head that way just in case."
Jumping up to the next broken path, he quickly began to move up towards the exit, only to find that the curve of the left path laid a body, with blood pooling at the bottom. He froze; the pale blond hair immediately let him identify the body. Lucius Malfoy. Slowly moving forward, he inched himself closer only to find the person he was looking for curled into the body, blood covering her from head to toe.
"Angel!" he screamed.
….
At first Neville thought she was injured, or dead, but the shaky inhale told him otherwise. He was scared to move forward, but as he did so he noticed the sight that honestly broke his heart. She was clinging tightly to the dead body, as she sobbed silently. In his last waking moments it seemed Lucius had wrapped his arms, now limp, around her and she dared not move.
"Angel" he repeated again, bending down to try and touch her but she flinched, curling against Lucius.
"I'm sorry" she whispered softly. "I-I broke the prophecy. I ruined everything"
"I don't think anyone cares about the prophecy Angel, we were looking for you. Come on."
She shook her head.
"He protected me. He died protecting me from Bellatrix" her voice seemed foreign to his ears.
He tried to speak to her again, but that was all she kept repeating. How Lucius Malfoy had given up his life to protect his daughter. But seeing as he was getting nowhere, he saw Professor Lupin looking up at him now that Tonks was sitting up.
"Professor Lupin!" he yelled asking him to rush over.
As Remus took the scene he covered his nose at the stench of blood, making Neville's own stomach turn at the sight. It was truly gruesome but the smell made it all the worst. He looked on feebly as Remus bent down and grabbed Angel, who struggled slightly at first only to scream as if she was being hurt when she was pulled from her father.
"NO! Father! Father please wake up!" she screamed kicking and screaming as Remus tried to keep her at bay.
"Take the cloak and cover him Neville" Remus ordered. "We need to get Angel looked after, she could be seriously hurt"
…
Remus did not know what to do as his goddaughter cried her heart out. Her sobs were raw and nothing like he had heard before. They echoed through the chamber so much that it reminded him of the first war, the way he cried over the Potters. Not caring about the blood she pulled her into him tightly, not once allowing her to struggle. It only took a moment but as he shushed her silently, and rocked her, it was only then that she clung to him in a desperate manner.
He could hear her sobs against his chest, murmuring how her father was gone, and how it was her fault, and that she broke the prophecy. She wailed how she had failed everyone and she paid with her father's life. His own tears sprung as she begged to see Sirius, but that could not happen at the moment. Sirius was unconscious and had it not been for Moody's quick action, he could have also been lost.
"I'm here" he whispered softly. "I got you, just let it out, I'll be here when it's over"
And she did just that, sobbing heavily against him as he tried to run his fingers through her sopping wet hair. He never did like Lucius Malfoy, but his heroism would not be forgotten.
…
"Angel? Angel?"
Slowly she opened her eyes seeing that Remus was looming over her from what she could assume was a hospital bed. The first thing she did when she awoke was not to ask Remus any questions, but rather to look down at her hands to see if she was still covered in blood. Thankfully that was not the case. She took a shaky breath and remembered what happened. She assumed tears would come but that was not the case.
Instead, her eyes went over the last few hours, or what she thought were the few hours. Luna, Neville, Hermione and Ron were injured. She had no idea what had happened to Harry or her father, but what was clear was that they were lucky they survived by the skin of their teeth.
"Angel?" Remus whispered softly.
"Sorry" she automatically apologized.
"No - please don't apologize" Remus murmured as he sat beside her and took her hand. "I'm just happy you're awake"
She nodded.
"So...what ended up happening?"
Remus was a bit wary about telling her but she simply raised her brow and it was enough for him to continue. Apparently, Bellatrix had been furious at the fact the prophecy had been broken; and the Dark Lord had come to rescue her at the last minute. She shook her head, of course he would save his most loyal subject. Harry was saved by Dumbledore who appeared at the last second and rounded all the other prisoners. In the meantime, Ginny had a broken ankle, Luna a broken rib, Neville a broken nose, Hermione a concussion and Ron a bad headache. Only her and Harry had been not terribly harmed.
'At least not physically' she thought with a frown.
"And Tonks and everyone?" she asked.
Remus paused, before explaining that Tonks had been resuscitated as a Bellatrix's curse had hit her right on her chest. It had been a nasty hit, and would scar, but at least he was alive. In turn Sirius had been knocked unconscious by Bellatrix as she had run but at least he was alive.
She looked down at her hands and frowned.
"Uncle" she paused for a moment frowning. "When Bellatrix hurt-" she paused unwilling to say his name. "I did the unthinkable"
She was so ashamed of herself remembering how she simply wanted to rip Bellatrix limb from limb. She wanted to have her feel the pain that she had caused in the death of her father.
"What did you do?" he asked, prompting her to continue.
"I-I casted an unforgivable" she exhaled. "But not on purpose! I just was so angry at how she…" her breath hitched. "She wanted to kill me, a-and my father jumped in to protect me. So when he was ….he was dying" she bit back a hiccuped sob. " I thought of wanting to rip her, destroy her and feel that pain that she caused me. So I don't know how? But I did not use my wand...I just thought of nothing but hate and suddenly saw her writhing on the ground."
Her eyes did not dare gaze onto Remus' fearing she would face judgment. But instead she got pulled into a hug. Automatically, her arms went around him, wincing as one of her ribs touched up his side. But as she rested her head against his shoulder she realized she was crying.
"While it's uncommon, it can happen" he murmured against her side. "When you have a strong emotion it can foster into something good, or bad, but it does not make you bad in any way."
"I.. I won't end up like them?" she whispered, her voice sounded a lot younger than she was.
"With a heart like yours? Never!"
The conviction in his tone made her relieved, despite feeling the pain of losing her father. She wanted Sirius with her, but she dared not ask, it was obvious he was not available.
"When can I leave?" she asked softly.
"I-I don't think it's wise for you to leave. It's only been a few hours and you are certainly not fit to go back."
She shook her head.
"Does Narc- does my mum know?"
Remus stopped talking unsure before sighing. "Dumbledore said he would take care of it. Ever since he reappeared Hogwarts is returning to normal."
"Right, I will need to speak with him. I-I think he needs to be wiped of any relation to the Death Eaters" she whispered the last bit. " He did so much for me, he defended me and I will not" she choked on her words. "I will not have his memory villainized."
"That's not up to you darling but-"
"But nothing, then take me to Dumbledore now"
Her voice was near hysterical, but she kept her head high, she would be damned if she wouldn't be heard. So with reluctance, Remus did as asked, immediately bringing her a clock to shield her from the cold and walking her towards Dumbledore's office but staying behind at her insistence.
Knocking three times the griffin opened allowing her in. And there sat Dumbledore reading over a few notes, probably catching up since his departure.
"Ah, Miss Malfoy, what is the pleasure of your visit? I would assume you would be resting after the ordeal."
"The ordeal?" she repeated with a scoff. "Well if by ordeal you mean seeing your aunt assassinate your adoptive father, then yes I should be resting from the ordeal. But I can't - Not until I know what is going to be said about Lucius Malfoy's death."
"That should not be something a young girl like yourself should be thinking about. But I will say. I know how youʹre feeling, Ms. Malfoy," Dumbledore's voice was surprisingly soft.
"No, no you don't" She scoffed looking away.
"There is no shame in what you are feeling, Angel" Dumbledoreʹs said trying to appeal by using her first name. "On the contrary... the fact that you can feel pain like this is your greatest strength."
Angel felt the white‐hot anger lick her insides, blazing in the terrible emptiness, filling her with the desire to hurt Dumbledore for his calmness and his empty words. All men in power were filled with empty words.
"My greatest strength, is it?" said Angel, her voice shaking as she stared at the fireplace. "You havenʹt got a clue... you donʹt know…never mind"
"Angel, suffering like this proves you are still a kindhearted woman! This pain is part of being human"
"Who gives a shit about being human!" she finally yelled. "I tried being human, being a hero just like Harry, and what do I get? My father died trying to protect me! Had I not been there, he would have never stuck his neck out to protect me from Bellatrix but he did. I stupidly allowed myself to think of the 'greater good', and what good did that get me? I killed my mother's husband! The man who raised me as his own, gave me his surname and all the benefits of the Malfoy name. And you dare tell me you know how I feel? Don't patronize me Headmaster, I am not a child. I am not like Harry who is at ease the moment he hears your voice."
Finishing her harsh words, she realized she was simply sobbing with hot angry tears falling down her cheeks. She wanted to run, he wanted to keep running and never look back, she wanted to be somewhere she could not see the clear blue eyes staring at her, that hatefully calm old face. She turned on her heel and ran to the door, seized the
doorknob again and wrenched at it. But it would not budge.
"Let me out," she said. She was shaking from head to toe and she needed to be alone.
"No," said Dumbledore, simply.
For a few seconds they stared at each other.
"Let me out..please" Angel said again.
"No," Dumbledore repeated. "Not until you hear what I have to say"
But Angel did not want to hear it; all she wanted was to run to her mother, beg her to forgive her and let whatever punishment Narcissa felt fit she would accept. She wanted her father.
"I don't want to talk anymore, do what you want about my father" she whispered.
"You will," said Dumbledore steadily. "Because you are not nearly as angry with me as you ought to be. If you are to attack me, as I know you are close to doing, I would like to have thoroughly earned it."
"What?" Angel turned to face him.
"It is my fault that Lucius died," said Dumbledore clearly. "Or should I say, almost entirely my fault ‐ I will not be so arrogant as to claim responsibility for the whole. Lucius was ambitious, clever but lured by power, and such men are not content to sit at home, and wait for things to play in his favor He was always the type to follow power and make his family proud, even if it meant dark magic. Nevertheless, you should never have believed for an instant that there was any necessity for you to go to the Department of Mysteries tonight."
"You- don't….Harry saw-" she sputtered.
"If I had been open with Harry, as I should have been, he would have known a long time ago that Voldemort might try and lure him to the Department of Mysteries, and you would never have been tricked into going there tonight. And Lucius would not have been as…" he stopped talking.
"As heroic?" she spat out the word. "I know you were never fond of him and honestly sometimes neither was I, I had gone through many injustices but he defended me against Bellatrix. He said he loved me despite my origin, and he defended me when no one was there" her voice rose in volume with each sentence. "And I will not have you play martyr when I'm angry"
"I am merely trying to let you pinpoint your anger toward something that can talk back at you Angel. I am here if you understand."
"Can you just promise me something Headmaster?" she asked softly, eyes sad. "Make him seem as far from the Dark Lord as possible? I'm not asking for much just…"she looked down at the floor. "I just want my mother to know he died doing something right. Please" her voice broke. "I know you owe me nothing, no one does, but please I beg you, give that woman some kind of honorable way for Lucius Malfoy to be remembered."
"I can promise you that Angel," he smiled sadly. "Lucius Malfoy will have a proper send off as you have requested."
"I thank you Headmaster"
"Now please sit down Angel, I can assure you and talk to me about all that ails you" he smiled and handed her the box of tissues should she need it.
So she ended up speaking, from the early years where she was so naive yet happy, to Bellatrix and how she poisoned her family. She apologized profusely for not informing him about Bellatrix in her she spoke about the 'training she received' and the traumatic attack. Lastly she admitted the pleasure she took when she brought Bellatrix to her knees in revenge of her father's passing. By the end she was staring at her hands unwilling to even look at him.
"I see why you feel the guilt, however, I want to remind you that you are human and mistakes are bound to happen on your path to become your own individual" he sighed before leaning back on his chair. "Lucius died to save you. And if there is one thing that neither Voldemort or Bellatrix understand is love. Love is a powerful thing, much stronger than any spell or curse. And that sacrificial act leaves a mark. Lucius Malfy loved you so deeply that he had no qualms about dying for you. To have been loved so deeply, even though the person is gone will give us some protection forever. So he will not really be gone, he will live within you and your willingness to survive. Do you understand that my dear? "
"I- yes Headmaster I do."
"Now I believe a Mr. Potter is waiting for your return in that fanciful room of yours. It seems you are very popular amongst Gryffindors. Do you have any questions?"
She shook her head.
"I'm assuming I'll be waiting for the 'news' ?"She did air quotes to emphasize her meaning.
"Yes, now go about your day as best you can, it will be likely that Narcissa will be notified of the news from the Ministry and we will then...go through the actions."
"Thank you" she whispered softly and walked out.
Going back to the hospital, she changed into her uniform once more, looking in the mirror and trying to look as presentable as she possibly could. Remus had left her a note telling her to keep the mirror close to her as he would be calling to update her on Sirius' condition. But for now, as Dumbledore said, she had to go through the motions. So as she slid her hair back in a high bun, she put a tiny glamor charm on herself to hide all the tear marks and red face.
'Act natural' she repeated to herself as she moved through the castle.
So as she went up the stairs to the seventh floor she looked towards the wall and took a deep breath. "I need to see my people" she murmured softly and the door immediately appeared.
As she entered it, she did not even have a chance to take in the room, as she was engulfed into a hug. Her body relaxed knowing exactly who it was; she let her body meld into his and she found herself clinging tightly. Only he knew a grief such as hers and she relished finally allowing herself to feel safe.
"You are so brave" he whispered softly.
She did not cry but her eyes burned at his words.
"Stop being so selfish Harry Potter! I need to hug my best friend!" Luna cried in an indignant tone.
Angel couldn't help but laugh as Harry made a big show of pulling her into a kiss amongst their friends. She swore his simple gestures brought some warmth into her heart. But as Luna tugged her away from Harry, she felt the love of her own duo: Neville and Luna. She thanked them for being there and turned to hug Neville longer than Luna, as he had seen her in her most broken.
"Thank you Neville" she whispered softly against his chest.
"Thank you for saving my life" he returned.
Slowly she moved through the people who had fought alongside her; Ron, who shuffled over and sheepishly hugged her, to Hermione who tried to utter apologies but couldn't due to her fighting tears of her own. Finally she looked at Ginny, who was still healing from her broken ankle.
"Weasley" she nodded in greeting.
"Black" Ginny mocked her in return, that is for only a moment before she tentatively reached out to hug her.
The Gryffindors (and one Ravenclaw), were the warmest group that she had ever been a part of. She knew that she was the odd ball out, even with Luna included, but they sympathized with her and even mourned a man that not one person in the room aside from her cared for.
They urged her to talk about him, the memories and what made him so special to her. And slowly she felt her shoulders relax, her eyes release bittersweet tears as she shared the stories that would never once happen again. She showed them his kind side, the loyal side, the harsh but loving side and the reasons she loved him. They too cried with her, which she knew was genuine and she felt her heart swell if only for a moment. She would miss Lucius Malfoy. That very special, unique and somewhat cruel man, who protected her, hurt her, loved her and died for her.