August 21 1993

Atria stood on the fountain at the back of Malfoy Manor, watching her cousin as he stood below her. He looked up at her with caring but distant eyes."So who do you suppose will be our new professor in defence against the dark arts this year?" Draco asked her, his hands in the pockets of his trousers, tilting his head to the side.

"Definitely not Snape," Atria said, looking disinterested down at her bare feet on the cold concrete of the fountain.

Another awkward silence fell onto the pair before Draco began again "Do you want to know what I got you for your birthday tomorrow?"

"If you tell me now, it's not much of a surprise is it?" a small smile gracing her pink lips.

"I detest surprises you know that" he replied before continuing, "If I tell you now and you don't like it you can be disappointed for the night and I'll get you something you like tomorrow."

Atria smiled at her cousin's harsh attitude, living with Draco for the past 12 years she knew his behaviour towards others was just a cover for the fact he was quite a sensitive boy and while she loved Draco the way he looked up to his father disappointed her. Lucius Malfoy had gradually become the monster that lived under Atria's bed. While she loved her aunt and cousin dearly she possessed nothing but hatred and fear for Lucius Malfoy. Growing up in Malfoy manor he had made her existence pitiful, this last summer was one of the worst she could remember. Her most recent failure had pushed him even further than she thought she could, She now knows never to underestimate a man who has been humiliated.

But she had to learnt not to question her family values with her uncle, It took a few incidents but she had learnt not to question him anymore about such things, Too many times had she been punished for such things.

Her uncle stood in front of her regarding her with cold eyes.

7-year-old Atria sat in the chair of her uncles' office, her eyes closed as she tried to steady her nerves. She felt the slippery body slither in her lap, scales catching on the fine seams of her dress. Her eyes flickered open as the snake slowly began to coil in her lap. Her lungs begged for oxygen and she felt her throat tighten in need for air. She let her lips fall open to allow in a small breath of air but her uncle was right. In lightning fast speed, the snake lunged forward, latching its fangs onto her top lip.

Atria's chair tipped back and she fell to the floor, her top lip bleeding. She lifted her hand to her lip attempting to catch the blood before it hit the floor. Her uncle came over slowly kneeling in front of her shushing her with his false comfort. Taking her small chin in his hand he pushed her hand away from her face to see the damage. With reflexes so fast he put the snake to shame he reached out and grabbed her chin. She whimpered once more as a mix of tears and blood dripped to his finger and their eyes locked. His grip tightened before he whispered cruelly "I hope this lesson taught you that silence is a virtue."

Atria shook herself from the memory. That had simply been one of the many times he uncle had punished her for her "incompetence," but she was confident that she now knew how to hold herself now. She kept the perfect facade of the perfect purebred girl and only let it fall when alone, only breaking it in times of weakness.

The truth was she didn't understand why the blood running through her veins was any better than a half-blood or muggle-born. Hermione Granger was a Muggle-born student and was the smartest witch in the whole year. She didn't really care for the pureblood supremacist ideologies Lucius had shoved down her throat from a young age, she didn't swallow them as fast as Draco. If what Lucius said was true, wasn't her own blood tainted as well? Tainted by her father and mother's misdeeds, even if she did not know what they were. Every time she asked what happened, she was given the same answer. Her mother was a weak, a waste of pureblood and her father was one of the dark lords most terrifying supporters, a murderer and a sadist.

Lucius Malfoy sat at his office desk in deep thought, his brow furrowed with annoyance. He looked at the newspaper that laid on his desk once again before standing and walking towards the window.

Atria Alphia Black, the last black, the last of the noble and most ancient house of Black. Tomorrow the girl would turn 13 before returning for her the third year at Hogwarts. He remembered when he had brought Atria home she had been distraught, as any child who had been ripped from her parents would be. It took quite some time for her to adjust to her new home, but she did eventually.

Narssica had taken to the little girl as soon as she arrived. Lucius knew while Narcissa loved Draco with her whole heart she had craved a daughter and in bringing Atria home he killed two birds with one stone, giving his wife the daughter she always wanted and raising Atria as a true pureblood decedent, smothering the blood traitor out of her slowly but surely.

Not even a few months after Atria had been moved into the manor her father had been arrested for the crime of which Lucius knew for certain he did not commit. Peter Pettigrew had come to the dark lord's doorstep at the start of the year and not long after explained how the Potters had been hidden and soon the fidelius charm would be cast making him their secret keeper. Not many knew of Sirius Black's innocence, but he did.

He looked out the window watching Draco who was standing in the courtyard of their large garden. He was in conversation with a girl standing on the edge of the fountain her flowing raven hair complementing her pale skin. There was no doubt the girl was beautiful. Raising Atria had turned out to present quite the challenge. Everything about her screamed her father, her aristocratic looks and grey eyes which seemed to be an unwavering trait of members of the house of black. In some ways, she reminded him of him of.. no.. he wouldn't think about the wench. The only imperfection on her skin was the scar that graced across her neck, the one Lucius had gifted her on the fateful night her mother had died. While it had faded with age its presence was still noticeable. To Lucius' disgust as much as her father was in her looks as he was in her personality, always acting before thinking anything through. A trait that ruined her father and would prove to destroy her if she was not reigned in. Her sorting had been one of the few victories he had in raising her. Manipulation being a successful tool throughout her childhood, the fear he had instilled in her of becoming anything like her father had pushed her away from Gryffindor as well as his own tools of persuasion. He recalls the letter he received from Draco about how Atria had been placed in Slytherin alongside him, If she had been placed in Gryffindor, Lucius feared he would have dragged the girl back to the manor by her hair kicking and screaming before sending her to Beauxbatons. But still, Lucius saw under her Slytherin persona that her parents Gryffindor courage always seemed to shine through. It had been proved to him over the course of the last year. Her inability to obey authority had almost ruined him but no matter, he had used most of this summer to remind her of who was in charge. Oh yes, she had spirit reminding him of her mother on her finale night, but spirit could be broken.

As he looked back at his desk, he saw the same flame of resistance that burned behind Atria's grey eyes in someone else's. The same eyes that Atria wore looked back at him in his newspaper.

Sirius Black was free.

Atria sat down on the edge of the fountain and Draco moved to sit next to her, taking her smaller hand in his. "I promise this year will be better than the last. I know you must have been terrified," he said looking at her. Last year Draco knew something had been going on with his cousin. She had been secretive and moody, and if possible it looked like she hadn't slept a single night the entire year but when she had been taken into the chamber he had never been so worried in his life. He knew it had something to do with his father, she had been given a secret task but he did not know what and when it was time to go home for the summer it became obvious, though his father's fury that whatever task he gave her, she had failed.

"I don't remember anything of it so not really."Atria eyes traced their intertwined hands. Draco knew she was lying, but he let it go knowing he would not get her to tell him, she could be quite stubborn like that. Draco still knew though that while Atria could play her role well, she was still just girl and no matter how hard she fought off help, she desperately needed it.

"Atria," a stern voice interrupted them. Atria and Draco both turned to see the stone face of Lucius Malfoy, his hands held behind his back, not a hair out of place in a pristine suit.

"To my study please, and put some shoes on," He said it more like a command than a polite ask before turning to walk back inside.

Atria stood from her place beside Draco removing her hand from his, she turned to follow Lucius inside. She paused for a moment before turning back to Draco.

"I'm okay, Things have just been difficult these holidays." She said.

Draco just shrugged at her, not even giving her the decency to look at her "whatever you say."

Turning once again in slight frustration she walked inside the manor, sliding back into her shoes which she had left the door. Following the grand staircase, turning into the left-wing of the manor and standing in front of the 4th door down. She raised her hand slowly knocking on the door, taking a breath and putting in place her cold exterior.

"Enter" she heard his voice command.

She opened the door, slowly walking in. Her uncle sat in the chair behind his desk. He gestured to the seat across from him, for her to take a seat.

Atria moved to sit placing one ankle behind the other, her arms placed on the armrests on either side of her.

"A recent event has unfolded, and I find myself unable to conceal the truth from you even if I tried," he said leaning back in his chair.

Atria looked at her uncle in query, but before she could ask what had happened Lucius replied with a huff. "Your father has recently escaped his confinement from Azkaban, He is now running all over England like a mad man up to who knows what." He spat the last part before placing the newspaper in front of her.

He had said it so bluntly that now she found her self in a state of shock. She knew her uncle would take this as a show of weakness, so she quickly gathered herself. She reached out and took the paper in her hands, looking down she didn't bother to read the article she simply stared at the picture. This was the first time she had seen a picture of her father, the same black hair, the same eyes. She placed the paper back down on the table. Contrary to what Lucius thought, she had some memories of her parents, more like flashes. A kind lady with brown hair and eyes and sometimes when in deep thought she also stumbled upon the man with her grey eyes.

She went to ask, "How did he-." But Lucius interrupted her before she could finish, ending her sentence for her.

"Escape," he growled out, "Some form of dark magic most likely, who knows what that vile man is capable of." His eyes landed on the newspaper and he glared at the man on the front page.

"Am I returning to Hogwarts?" Atria asked, her immediate thought being Lucius would keep her in the Manor for the year claiming it was for her safety. She knew if that was allowed to happen he would take his every chance to torment her. He would keep her here for however long it took for Aurors to locate and recapture Her father and that could be a very long time.

"Even though your aunt and I would feel much more comfortable if you stayed at Malfoy manor within our wards, I have decided to allow you to return to Hogwarts," he said as he watched her closely. Atria let out a relieved breath, very happy with his reply. She steadied herself as she tried hard to mask her repose. She looked up to her uncle who had now walked around his desk and stood in front of her. Placing both hands at his side resting them on his desk as he leaned forward. "Now, I will not have you emabrrass this family anymore than your presence already does. One step out of line and Severus will bring you straight home. Is that clear?"

"Yes uncle," Atria stared up at him with conviction knowing he detested cowardice even though he was a coward himself.

"Excellent I do believe Narcissa wants to take you into Diagon Alley for some last school items so run along you're excused," walking around he sat back behind his desk before waving a hand at her dismissively. Rising from her seat quickly she made her way to the doorway as swiftly as possible without her desperation to get out of the room being too obvious. Closing the door behind her, she leaned against the wall letting out a relieved sigh. Just a few more days and she would back at Hogwarts, that was all she needed.

"Would mistress like help getting ready for her going out?" a scratchy, aged voice asked.

Atria looked down at the small yet old figure that stood before her, "of course Kreacher."

September 1 1993

Walking on platform 9 and 3 quarters, the Malfoys kept moving forward as Atria paused. They where everywhere, posters with her fathers face stuck to every surface she could see. She walked closer to get a better look. The picture on the poster was different from the one she had seen in Lucius' newspaper. In the moving picture, her father struggled against his restraints with such ferocity. A hand came from the side of the picture to hold his neck, trying to hold his face still for the photograph.

A gentle hand placed itself on her shoulder interrupting her train of thought.

"Come now dear," Narcissa moved closer to Atria's side moving a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"They're all whispering about me," Looking over her shoulder, Atria could see a few groups of people go back to their conversations, but not before staring at the girl with the side of her father.

"They will for a while but it will die down eventually, old news doesn't entertain anyone after a while," her aunt grasped her hand gently, attempting to move her away from the poster.

Gazing back at the poster of her father one last time before turning her body away, Narcissa continued "I know this is hard on you but if you really are worried about your father I doubt he will make an attempt to reach you in the open."

"I'm not overly worried about him coming to find me. I'm sure I'm probably the last thing on his list,"she said letting go of Narssica's hand continuing to push her cart along the pathway.

When it came time to say goodbye Atria turned to her Aunt giving her a tight hug. Releasing her, Narcissa placed her hands on either side of Atria's cheeks,"Write to me, immediately if anything happens, if you feel unsafe or just want to come home I will make it happen. I want you safe this year," she said reassuringly.

"Thank you," she replied giving her aunt a quick kiss on the cheek.

Her uncle stood, his cane clasped between his two hands leaning slightly into it. He gave her a stern nod before she turned to follow Draco who was waiting at the train door, A sense of relief filling her as they boarded.

"I'll stay with you until you find Daphne and then I'll leave you alone," Draco spoke into her ear.

Walking along the corridor Atria spotted who she was looking for, she took a deep breath.

"Daphne,"She called.

Daphne, who had been in the process of moving her stuff into one of the compartments lifted her blonde head before looking around and finding Atria.

"Atria," she said dropping her bags before walking over and giving the dark-haired girl a hug.

She wouldn't really call Daphne Greengrass a friend, to be honest, she wouldn't really call anyone a friend. It's not that she didn't want friends. It's just the company she had come to keep didn't appeal to her in any friend-like way. She didn't hate them but at the same time, she didn't like them. Keeping them close simply meant she had people to sit and converse with, so she didn't look like a loner. Not overly enjoying the invasive hold, she removed herself subtly as possible as to not seem uncomfortable.

"I'll leave you be," Draco said looking disinterested before moving past them.

"How was your summer?" Daphne excitedly asked leaning in slightly.

"A bit dull but it still had its dramatic moments" Atria replied.

"Well, let's sit I haven't seen you in months I have so much to tell you." Daphne liked to talk especially about all the "fascinating" activities she partakes in, like the new hair trend she had decided to wear this year.

Daphne grasped her arm pulling her into the compartment. Daphne sat down and tugged Atria into the seat next to her, looking across from her, and Atria locked eyes with the compartments, other inhabitants, Pansy pug face Parkinson.

"Black," Pansy said with detest.

"Parkison," she replied with fake kindness and an even faker smile.

"Where's Draco?" Pansy asked finally, looking as if she had held the question in for the second longer she would explode.

"Probably off bullying some of the first years with Crabbe and Goyle," Daphne said sarcastically.

"He went that way," Atria pointed in the direction she had last seen him headed, The faster she was out of the compartment the better.

Pansy rolled her eyes before walking out of the compartment and heading up the corridor.

After Atria and Daphne's conversation had died down, Atria sat in deep thought thinking of all the looks she had been given since she first arrived at the platform. Ones of pity, ones of confusion or the worst, ones of fear. She hadn't even arrived at school yet.

She stood looking at Daphne."I'm going to change before we reach that station," She quickly grabbed her bag before heading to leave the compartment.

"Do you want me to grab you anything of the trolly next time it comes by?"

"No thank you, I'll be fine." Making her way down the corridor, she saw Pansy draped over Draco in the compartment he sat in with Crabbe and Goyle, She rolled her eyes in disgust. Continuing to walk down the corridor further a pair of green eyes locked with her through an open compartment door. There was split second of eye contact before it was over and she continued on her way.

Atria saw the changing stall just at the end of the hall but just before she reached the handle, the lights in the corridor began to flicker. She looked up at the light, which flickered for another second before turning off completely. She moved to walk back to her compartment when the train shook with great force. She quickly moved back and opened the stall door before closing it behind her. When she started to hear what sounded like heavy breathing coming towards the stall, she pulled her wand out and held it cautiously. Standing in the pitch-black room the air around her began to freeze, the mirror on the wall becoming foggy with mist. She heard a slight click before looking down at the door lock as the latch on the door slowly began to open. She stood in shock as her wand shook. The door opened and a decaying, slippery hand swang the door open, revealing a dark figure. The black clocked creature was so tall it touched the ceiling, its silhouette outlined by what little light came from behind it.

A Dementor, this had to be a dementor. Before she could really process any thought, what felt like a cold hand reached into her chest causing her breath to catch. Her eyes rolled back into her head and she felt herself falling but before complete darkness consumed her she saw her father's grey eyes. This time not filled with the madness she had seen in his wanted posters or the hatred her uncle had warned her of. In this sudden flash, they were filled with nothing but love.