15th August

"I didn't believe Madam Pomfery when she said you were sleeping all that time, but Merlin's Beard Kathryn!" Draco was sitting by my bed, "You were out for the count for SEVENTEEN HOURS."

I sat up and yawned, "My body is just catching up." I took the cup of tea Draco was holding for me, "What have I missed? How was Mrs Burke?"

He rolled his eyes, "She was all interested in finding out about you, I had three solid days of old woman talk. Mrs B also tried to teach me how to speak to women, I'll try it out on you some time."

"Alright, just make sure I don't fall for you or anything." I rolled my eyes.

"You look so much better, by the way."

"Thanks."

Draco got up and sat on the bed beside me, "I ate your breakfast and lunch." He was proud of himself showing the dirty dishes on my side table, "I heard Potter got off. He shouldn't be allowed to roam the Hogwarts corridors again, if you ask me."

I turned my head very slowly and stared at him, "For that, I'm going to punch you." I gave him a dead arm, "That is from Harry."

"Hello sleepy head." Narcissa smirked, "It's just us again for dinner."

"Did you and Lucius have a nice break? Where was it you went again?"

Narcissa's jaw was taut, "We had a lovely time in Little Hangleton, a quaint little muggle village." I could tell from her tone that she had anything but a lovely time. "Lucius just seems to think that his work is more important than me at times." She sighed.

I saw an opportunity and I seized it, "What happened?" I sat up at the kitchen island with her.

"Nothing for you to worry about," she said, "Lucius and I just have a strained relationship at times, I'm sure you've noticed."

"I hope I haven't made anything worse by being here." I said, "I haven't exactly been the easiest person to live with."

Narcissa stroked my cheek fondly, "You have been a breath of fresh air in this place."

"I highly doubt it." I said honestly.

"Look," Narcissa began, "I know that Lucius has been tough on you, but you know what is going on at the minute. You're very intelligent and you know a lot more about this situation that you give away. You-Know-Who is a tough man to please." She shuddered, "He makes demands, he expects things, and if you don't, well… you know the consequences… Last thing we expected was for him to be back, we didn't want you to be in the middle of it all. Lucius and I just don't want you getting hurt, despite what he says, I know he cares."

I pulled a face, "He has a funny way of showing it."

"He shows affection in different ways. Just see how he and Draco bond, they go out together, he passes on family traits and stories… He makes up for not being here, we go out or dinner, he brings back tokens from his trips… I hope that the two of you will get on, at some point. Just please understand the strain on him and the expectations."

"He's your Frankie." I said.

She nodded. This is the most honest Narcissa has been with me all summer. After all, we're technically family now, until the judge settles who will be taking custody of me in September.

18th August

"I need you to stay upstairs tonight." Narcissa said at breakfast.

"No problem." I said.

"Draco will be staying with Vincent and Gregory." She looked panicked, "He'll be leaving soon."

"You mean Crabbe and Goyle?" I smiled, "No problem, you'll not know I'm here, I promise. When do I need to be up from?"

"7?"

I nodded.

I decided to go sit in the garden, it was an overcast day, a massive temperature difference from two weeks ago. Draco came over to say goodbye and that he'd miss me. I told him not to lie. He stole a piece of my fudge, "Mmmmm, that's delicious."

"I'm sure Molly will be delighted to hear you say that." I smirked.

He decided to swallow any way, "We need to get another date night organised soon."

"Oh really?" I felt flattered, but surprised, "What's brought this on?"

"I just want to show you a good time." He said.

"Alright, then. If you insist." I said, "But I get to pick out where we go."

Draco smirked and slung his bag over his shoulders and left with his mother. I started writing to George:

K: Hey, I need you to pass on a message.
G: Oooooh, what's happening in the Manor house?
K: Are there any Order Members (other than your mum and Sirius) there at the minute?
G: Ginny swore she saw Snape earlier, I think Tonks is there and Remus? Why?
K: Barge into that meeting with a huge smile on your face.
G: This is exciting.

It took him a few minutes to reply… I went inside as it started to rain. I sat in the dining room, making it look like I was working on something. I had pieces of parchment sitting all over the place and a cup of coffee in front of me, I had now been given permission to make my own coffee. (I know, ridiculous.)

G: We're all seated, eager to hear what you have to say.
K: Ask Snape if he has a work meeting tonight.
G: He said no.
K: Hmmm…. Narcissa told me to stay out of the way tonight after 7… She's also gotten rid of Draco overnight. I haven't seen Lucius since being back. Also, look out for their expressions as you say this one Georgie…
G: Okay.
K: Ask them if there is any significance of Little Hangleton because that is supposedly where L+N spent their days away together, but he was too engrossed in work to be paying attention to her and she is PISSED OFF. Like to the point that she was about to rant to me.
G: Snape reckons Narcissa is starting to trust you. Little Hangleton is significant but they're not telling me how. They also want a full report from tonight.
K: Last thing to pass on… Tell Harry I gave Draco a dead arm for him.
G: Will do. Dad also said to sneak into Lucius' office, if he has one and have a rifle through, mum said not to bother and gave dad a stern look.
K: Tell your dad I'll do it.
G: How are you feeling?
K: Better than I was, but if I'm honest, I'm not 100% yet. I've slept so much from being back and I just feel constantly exhausted with no relief. I'm going to ask Narcissa if I can bake something. OOoooooh. Luscious is home, he's looking stressed. I'll go offer him a cuppa (and annoy him). Love ya! Talk soon xxx

"Hey!" I said happily.

"What are you doing?" he asked, looking at all my pieces of parchment.

I reached for the open book in front of me, "Research…"

Lucius showed his teeth, "Extra work for the summer?" he looked at the book, "Why have you got books of the Malfoy and Black family history?"

I looked up at him, "I've been given an essay title, comparing a renowned wizarding family with a renowned muggle family. Shall I write about the Malfoys or Narcissa's family? She was a Black, right?" I pointed at a family tree in one of the other books.

Lucius sat down at the table, "The Malfoy family is part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight as we are part of the Twenty-Eight British families that are truly pureblood. We are also a very wealthy family, our family first arrived in Britain with Armand Malfoy, he founded Malfoy Manor from land given to the family by King William I."

"William the Conqueror of 1066?" I asked, half in fascination, half in humouring the man.

"Yes," Lucius answered quickly, "Our family gained a reputation for pure-blood supremacy and courting richness and power from those around them. Until the passing of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy in…" he paused.

"1692." I said.

Lucius nodded, "The Malfoys integrated themselves in high-class Muggle society. Lucius Malfoy I was an unsuccessful aspirant hand of Elizabeth I, and due to her rejecting his proposal, a jinx was placed upon her, meaning that she would never marry." Lucius said proudly, "The Malfoy family then cut off all ties to muggles after that."

I turned the page of the book and saw the Malfoy family crest, it looked like it belonged to Slytherin as it was black, green and silver and had many serpent-like creatures on it. "Sanctimonia Vincet Semper" I read the inscribed banner.

"Purity will always conquer." Lucius said.

"So your father was… Abraxas Malfoy?"

"Yes, he passed away just before Draco started at Hogwarts," He said, "dragon pox."

I looked up at Lucius, "I'm sorry to hear that, Dragon Pox is particularly awful."

Lucius nodded.

"Are you an only child?"

"My mother died giving birth to my sister, who died two weeks later."

I opened my mouth but no words came out, instead a shiver went down my spine. I suddenly understood more about Lucius than I wanted to. Why he was always so mean to Draco, why he didn't know how to treat his wife.

"You'll probably get more recent information on Cissa's family…" Lucius grabbed one of the books and turned to a page with a family tree on it, "There are a few more Blacks, you'll see."

I leaned forwards and saw Narcissa's name, attached to Lucius' with Draco's name below. I pointed at it, then saw her sisters Bellatrix and Andromeda who were married to Rodolphus Lestrange and Ted Tonks respectively. Under Andromeda and Ted, I saw the name Nymphadora Tonks. I then traced back to Narcissa's parents Cygnus Black III and Druella Rosier. Cygnus, Narcissa's father had a brother and sister, Walburga and Alphard. My finger stopped as I saw a familiar name under Walburga's, I was shocked but couldn't show it. "Lucius? Is that Sirius Black? As in that mass murder who's on the run?" I had to be careful how much I said.

"Yes, he's Narcissa's cousin." Lucius answered, "he was excommunicated."

Walburga must be the screaming woman in the portrait. Delightful. Then it dawned on me, Sirius and Tonks were second cousins. "Wow." I said, "So Narcissa's grandmother is Irma Crabbe? As in Vincent Crabbe's relation?"

"Irma is Terence Crabbe's Auntie."

"Fascinating!" I said genuinely.

Lucius stood, "I need to prepare for later."

I looked up from the notes I was taking, "Thanks for your help."

He nodded and left. It was strange to be in the room with him being so civil.

I started writing a fake assignment. This is what happens when you're cooped up in a Manor House with Lucius Malfoy. Almost two hours later I had compared The Nobel and Most Ancient House of Black with Queen Elizabeth II and her dynasty. Lucius had returned downstairs at this point, "Have you seen Cissa?"

"No, she's not home yet." I replied, packing up my things, having finished the 'research'.

"She should be home by now," Lucius looked impatient, "I'm hungry."

My father was the same, he expected food to be on the table waiting for him whenever he was hungry, too, "Let's see what's in the kitchen, eh?" I asked.

It turned out that there was next to nothing that could be picked up and eaten in the kitchen. So I rolled up my sleeves and got busy. I made an Irish Stew from scratch, with Lucius watching my every move. I got him to figure out the hob and to brown the beef whilst I chopped an onion, carrots and potatoes and made stock. I added all the ingredients and put on the lid to let cook for twenty minutes. I was even a good girl who did her dishes. That was when Narcissa arrived home, "Something smells amazing." She said, coming down the stairs. The look on her face when she saw her husband with salt and pepper over the pot nearly tipped her over the edge (she grabbed onto the sideboard to steady herself).

I grabbed a few bowls and served up, the three of us sitting in the dining room at the very large table which felt longer without Draco there. Lucius had a read at my 'essay' and seemed happy enough. Narcissa hardly looked at her husband, instead directed all her attention to me.

"Not bad, not bad at all." Narcissa looked impressed as she finished her portion.

Lucius tried to hide a smile, "Any leftovers?"

"You didn't tell me you could cook." Narcissa said, "I suppose I should have known with you teaching me how to fry eggs properly… What else have you got up your sleeve?"

"I guess I'll surprise you."

Later that evening I found myself in my room as Lucius and Narcissa flapped about getting everything ready and in order. I locked my bedroom door and walked invisibly through it and sat on the bottom step of the staircase. At exactly 7 o'clock, around ten men in their 30s, 40s and 50s piled in nervously through the front door and into the dining room. Voldemort arrived last and I found myself face to face with the 'Dark Lord', not that he could see me. I followed him in and took a seat on the floor where I could sit invisibly with a good vantage point, armed with my parchment.

K: There are ten people here including Voldemort. Lucius, Narcissa, MacNair, Pettigrew… If I catch any more names, I'll let you know. I'm pretty Crabbe and Goyle's fathers are here, the similarities are uncanny. The same gormless look on their faces.
G: I can't believe you're doing this.
K: Shush and let me concentrate. (I drew a heart)

"Lucius," Voldemort began, "you have control of Sturgis Podmore?"

"Yes, my Lord." Lucius answered.

"And he will steal the prophesy at the next opportunity."

"Dumbledore has put him on duty for 31st August." He said. A tall man with straw coloured hair stood and left the house. Lucius had his wand pointed at him with a sickly smile on his face.

Another man spoke, "Arthur Weasley, Bill Weasley and the new Auror Nymphadora Tonks have been guarding the prophesy from last week."

"The daughter of Andromeda Tonks, she must be eradicated, but not whilst guarding the prophesy. The most important mission is to get the prophesy and not draw attention to it. Some families need to be given a bit of pruning." Voldemort looked at Narcissa, who barely was able to nod.

"Rookwood would be particularly useful in this mission; a plan must be devised to help our friends escape Azkaban. That will be discussed at the next meeting." Voldemort sat impatiently, "Any news on the whereabouts of Harry Potter?"

"He is staying with the Weasley family, my Lord." Lucius spoke, "He attended the trial with Arthur Weasley, I was going to follow him, but Arthur was suspicious, the whereabouts of their hideout is currently unknown. I suspect they are at the Order's Headquarters. I have a source I will pursue for information."

Voldemort nodded, "Any other known members of the order to track?"

A woman spoke, "My Lord, I am aware that Dumbledore has recruited Molly and Arthur Weasley, Mad-Eye Moody, the werewolf Lupin, Sturgis Podmore and Nymphadora Tonks. I will see who is guarding the Prophesy this week and report back at our next meeting." She nodded and went silent.

This went on for three hours. The meeting ended abruptly as Voldemort stood and left through the front door. Lucius and Narcissa were left looking pretty shaken up. "I'll go check on Kathryn…" she said. I took that as my cue to RUN LIKE BILLIO. I jumped into bed, fully clothed and pretended to be asleep.

Narcissa came into the room and stroked my hair. I had to pretend to wake up and she spoke to me in hushed tones, "I'm so proud of you." She whispered, "you're just so beautiful and talented and I wish I could have known you before now."

I murmured something in response to her that wasn't meant to make any sense. She then left my room and after a few minutes Narcissa and Lucius started arguing in their bedroom at the other end of the corridor. Then the house was in silence. I wrote to George:

K: They're talking about infiltrating the Ministry (surprise surprise), Lucius was commended for striking a deal with Fudge, no idea what it is… it was all hush hush between Lucius and Voldemort. Lucius also has a man Podmore under the Imperius Curse and is planning to use him to steal the prophesy and to gain more information on the Order. They have no idea where the Order is and know of Dumbledore, Molly, Arthur, Bill, Lupin, Tonks and Moody. Tonks, Bill and Arthur have been seen guarding the prophesy so you NEED TO BE MORE CAREFUL! A woman is on duty next week, she has dirty blonde, almost red hair, she is well built with dark eyes. I'd say she's stare me in the eyes, she seemed close to one of the men there, if that helps? He was taller but hunched, slimmer, pale, dirty blonde, almost brown hair, and the same doughy eyes as the girl. At a guess, I'd say they were slightly older than Sirius and Lupin. They're also talking about a mass breakout from Azkaban, which will be discussed at the next meeting. They're looking for Harry, but are at a loss for where he is. Tonks is a great target, too. They're wanting to 'prune' the Black family tree. Lucius has been following Arthur. I hope this was helpful.
G: Glad you're still alive. Thanks for leaving us all hanging for 3 hours.
K: No worries Voldy sends his love xxx
G: Ha. Mum says thanks for the information and a firm goodnight. I would ask you how you're still awake, but I'm not surprised.
K: Tell her that I love her, too.
G: She gave me the look. Everyone thinks I've been getting a telling off for three hours. Help me make something up.
K: Just say that I was having another mental breakdown, they'd lap that up rightly.
G: I'm not saying that!
K: Say you had to clean all the pots or something without magic? Or that you got talking to Sirius? Or you wanted some advice from Tonks about me or for me? Make it up, George! They're probably pissed I told you in the first place!
G: You don't seem particularly phased by the whole ordeal, did they really not have a clue you were there?
K: George, that's the point of invisibilias. I walked into your dorm in the middle of the night how many times completely undetected? I got this. It feels good to be useful.
G: Fred, Hermione, Ginny, Harry and Ron all say hi.
K: You told them I had a mental breakdown, didn't you? You tell them to keep their abnormally large noses out of my business.
G: Hahaha, I didn't say anything… goodnight!
K: Uh-huh. Nighty night!

20th August

"I'm going to take you out tonight." Draco announced this afternoon, "question is… where are we going?"

"You're taking me to the cinema," I stuck out my tongue, "You have to go to the cinema at least once, or you'll simply have missed out. Then if you're wanting to go out for dinner, you can choose where."

Draco looked at me blankly, "What is a cinema?"

I laughed so hard it hurt, "You'll see. Just dress normally, okay?"

"You want me to wear muggle clothes?"

"Uh-huh. Can't have people staring at you." I joked, going into his room and into his wardrobe and picked out an outfit, "You'll definitely look hot in that."

He looked at me and smiled, then I left to get ready. I let George know I was going out and that it would be late that I wouldn't be talking to him. I also said that there may be a meeting on tonight, but I wasn't sure as Narcissa hadn't mentioned anything. He replied simply,

G: Don't have too much fun with the twitchy little ferret.

"Kathryn where are you taking me?" Draco looked at me feeling very uncomfortable in a muggle environment. He was armed with sweet popcorn, a bag of chocolate M&Ms, cheesy nachos, a tub of vanilla ice cream and a drink of coca cola for himself and fanta orange for me. He really didn't know what to choose so bought a selection of everything.

"Stop talking and sit down." I said entering screen 14 to see Jumanji the movie. I took a seat in the second last row in the middle and Draco finally took a seat and got comfortable and started on his ice cream. I grabbed the bag of M&Ms and tucked in.

When the movie started Draco spilt half of the popcorn over himself as he nearly jumped out of his skin when the screen lit up. He looked at me bug-eyed, clearly bemused by the whole situation. "This is just like a photograph, except you can hear it!"

"And it lasts a little bit longer?" I asked, "After these ads you're going to have to shut up."

"Ads? What are they?"

I giggled, "Advertisements. These are short clips of other movies that are going to be released soon. The movie that we're going to watch is nearly two hours long. The synopsis says that the movie is about two kids who find and play a magical board game, release a man who has been trapped for decades inside it and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game."

Draco looks at me strangely, "What have you introduced me to?"

I put my finger to my lips as the movie began. Then he gave me a look of excitement before starting in on his popcorn and munching away happily.

"Why are they burying the box?" Draco asked, and I shushed him, but five minutes later he leaned over and whispered, "Who in their right minds would steal the beating box and bring it home?"

"I don't know…" I whispered back, putting my hand in the popcorn. Our hands touched for a second, Draco chuckled and gave my hand a squeeze and lifted out some popcorn for himself. As the children in the film, Alan and Sarah started to play the board game Jumanji Draco started eating his popcorn nervously. As Alan was sucked into the game, Draco looked at me in shock, "The game turned into a portkey!"

"Not really," I whispered back, "this is a muggle movie, besides, the game didn't disappear with him."

"Oh, yeah…"

Draco and I sat through the rest of the movie laughing together, showing support for the characters as they battled against the game and cheered when the game was defeated. We walked out of the cinema and into the streets of muggle London. The two of us chatted as Draco brought me to a restaurant to have some dinner. The two of us ordered fast muggle food and munched happily together. Do you know what? It was just such a lovely day. I wish Draco could be like this around my friends, then they wouldn't be so apprehensive of us spending time together. I really enjoyed the time we had this summer and I wished it didn't have to change. But I knew it would.

21st August

Narcissa and I went out food shopping today in the massive market. I asked her if I could go with, shopping was something the two of us particularly enjoyed doing together. I also asked her if I was pretty pretty please allowed to bake. After a minute of me smiling innocently, Narcissa obliged and let me put all the necessary ingredients into the basket.

Narcissa and I spent that afternoon in the kitchen together. Admittedly, she was reading a copy of Witch Weekly for the majority of the period, but looked on at what I was doing from time to time. I made a batch of salted caramel chocolate brownies, caramel squares, short bread, chocolate cake and a banana loaf using my grandmother's recipe book. I felt so happy being able to express myself in baking, it reminded me of the good bits of my childhood. I even made dinner for Draco and Lucius coming in from their day out in Diagon Alley– chicken korma and rice – which they seemed to appreciate.

Lucius went out that evening for what seemed like an actual work meeting, Narcissa went to see her friend Wilma, who was Goyle's mother, Draco went too. I was invited but decided against it, but sent a box of treats with them to enjoy. I was alone in Malfoy Manor. I watched as the dishes washed themselves with a cup of coffee whilst eating a brownie and chatting to George.

K: Hey, Narcissa let me borrow one of their eagle owls and I sent a bunch of stuff for your guys to try.
G: YOU BAKED? I'm excited, I hope you sent it directly to me so I get first choice.
K: You know I did! I couldn't possibly address it to anyone else. George, I just feel so good.
G: That is so good to hear.
K: It has taken long enough, but Draco and I went out to see a movie two nights ago and I baked today, which were two of my favourite muggle things to do. I just feel like despite the chapter of my life with my parents ending that not everything has to change. Last nightmare I had was on the 17th!
G: Aw, Katy that's amazing! I wish I could kiss you right now. *blows a kiss*
K: George you're so cheesy… Oh look… *catches kiss* thanks!
G: You're so darn cute. I was wondering… Fred and I have been developing nosebleed nougat this week, but we haven't been able to stop the bleeding yet.
K: Have you tried talking to Ron? He and Neville did the bleeding potion for their project for Snape last year. (Their potion didn't work, mind, so take it with a pinch of salt).
G: So if we manage to get that potion into a chewy sweet, that should stop the bleeding?
K: That's the hope any way.
G: Have I told you that I love you?
K: Yes, but it won't hurt to hear it once more.
G: I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
K: Love you, too, Georgie. I suppose you and Fred are now going to be brewing a potion in your room. Do not mention my name if something explodes or if the place goes on fire!
G: Promise I won't! Talk later.

I stared at the words George wrote. I wish I could have kissed him, too. To distract myself I had a look at the family photos on the dresser at the other end of the kitchen, which were mostly of Draco. There was a picture of Draco with his parents, one with him on Lucius' shoulders. One with Narcissa and him building a sandcastle. Then a book on the shelf drew my attention entitled Recipes to Kill. Curious, I tried to lift the book from the shelf, but instead the ground started moving in a roundabout motion and I was suddenly in a secret cellar.

The room lit up immediately, showing a range of artefacts, the least sinister included old portraits of both Malfoy and Black ancestors (there was no doubt who the individuals were). Other more dark items included daggers, swords, piles of gold, creepy mirrors, an assortment of human bones, spiked instruments, a pair of glass eyes and dodgy looking jewellery.

This, Arthur Weasley is where the Malfoys hide their contraband.