Sorry for taking so long in updating this story. You don't have to worry this is being continuously written, but I've been having some issues in my life recently that are not so cool. So I apologize and I hope you like this chapter

The world of Harry Potter and its characters belong to JKR. I do not support JKR. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Trans people are people.

Chapter 9: Burn Marks

Ron stared at the back of Hermione's head watching her curls bounce as she walked away. His heart started beating uncontrollably, it was maddening. Unlike two months ago when she had first kissed him on the cheek there was no sort of blank that filled his mind and turned him into putty. No, there was this sort of uncontrollable need for his mind and body to surround themselves around those five blissful seconds and Ron found himself allowing it to.

That's when it happened, a sort of heat coursed through his body. It was overwhelming and familiar. Ron felt something burn at the back of his throat just like he had a few nights ago. Panicked, he swiped his tongue through his teeth just to find that he had fangs instead of his normal teeth all over again.

He walked rapidly to the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes had turned a glowing amber colour once more as well. Ron took a deep breath and closed his eyes trying not to freak out as he felt the scorching heat leave his body. When he opened his eyes he had gone back to normal. Blue eyes, normal teeth, non-glowing throat. He tried to splash some water on his face, but as soon as the water touched his hands it evaporated into mist.

At that moment Ron froze, he looked at the shower and quickly took his clothes off. He turned the shower on and made sure to only use cold water. As it fell on him the whole room was soon filled with an extreme amount of condensation, making it appear as if a cloud had been summoned in the bathroom. Soon however he could feel the water hitting him, and even when he knew it was cold it felt quite warm.

He finished his shower and got dressed in the same pajamas he had slept in. He got out of the shower just to see people start to wake up. Fred and George were walking down the stairs yawning at the same time and ruffling their hair the exact same way. Ginny was looking at a pair of brand new Chaser gloves, courtesy of Sirius, for becoming the new reserve Chaser in the Gryffindor Quidditch Team.

As they sat down and had dinner Ron couldn't help but look at the seat his dad would take whenever he attended any Order meeting during the summer. He didn't notice when several cups were set in front of everyone nor his mother pouring hot chocolate in them. She passed around the table, when it became Ron's turn it was the smell that had broken him out of his thoughts.

The sweet smell of hot chocolate managed to distract him temporarily as he took a swig from his mug. He found it warm, but not necessarily hot. To avoid drinking cold chocolate he chugged the beverage down as if it was a water glass. When he finished he licked his lips, sensing the chocolate leftover on them. He looked around to find people regarding him curiously.

"What?" he asked, as Bill looked at him then at his mug, then proceeded to try and take a drink of it just to burn his tongue.

"Bli'ey!" he said, Bill sounded weird as he had his mouth open to fan his burned tongue with his hand. "How the 'loody hell did you 'anage to drink that Ron?!"

"I just… did?" but Ron sensed that was the wrong answer. Bill waved his wand around his mouth and

"This hot chocolate is scorching hot," he said and tried taking a sip from it, while others around the table copied him, all of them failing miserably. Everyone around Ron failed to take a proper drink as the hot beverage lived up to its name. Ron simply poured another glass of chocolate into his mug. He noticed how everyone was still staring at him, so he stared back. He saw as everyone's gaze went from intrigued to shocked as he looked back at his hand to see that he had been pouring hot chocolate over his hand.

He would've screamed from the pain if there had been any, instead, he took another drink of his chocolate and cleaned his hand with a nearby napkin. He stared back at his family who were looking at him in surprise before he exited the kitchen and locked himself in the bathroom.

'I really need to start looking for a new hiding place,' Ron thought as he opened the sink and poured water over his "burnt" hand. 'They're going to start thinking I need to wear diapers.'

As he looked at himself in the mirror checking himself to find no fangs, amber eyes, or glowing throat. He rubbed his eyes as he recalled the burning sensation that had spread throughout his body during his dream. He tried remembering how it fully felt, but it was like trying to catch mist with your hands. He could still remember the comforting feeling it had given him as well as the searing pain that completely engulfed him moments later.

He closed his eyes focusing on the heat, trying very hard to focus on only that instead of the suffocating burning on his skin. He felt a sudden calmness, the warmth was coming back in and the heat at the back of his throat was coming back. He swiped his tongue on his teeth finding unsurprisingly fangs and he opened his eyes and amber orbs stared back at him.

He looked strange, like a sort of weird ghoul that anyone could find in an average magical home. He took a deep breath, trying his best so that the panic that was setting in himself would not fully sink in. But, as he let out a breath the glow in the back of his throat intensified and suddenly a small blaze of fire came out of his mouth as if he was a dragon in the form of a wizard.

Unfortunately, this was enough for the panic to set in. And soon enough he sent a big ball of fire onto the mirror blocking his vision and making him stumble onto the ground of the bathroom. He was breathing rapidly, making more and more fire exhaust from his mouth, he looked over at the bathtub and went to turn on the water when a blaze of fire hit his right shoulder.

He covered his mouth with his left hand to stifle the fire and muffle the sound of the yelp he almost let out. He quickly turned on the water and put his now burned shoulder beneath it. He hissed at the feeling of the cold liquid pouring down his arm. He looked at himself in the mirror and the big burn on his right shoulder that looked like something Charlie would have to himself while working at the dragon reserve.

He walked out of the bathroom determined to get some dittany from the pantry, as he entered the kitchen he was grateful when he saw the room had been empty, leaving him with no one to ask him about his injuries. He walked to a nearby cabinet and swung it open. He took out the dittany and just as he was about to apply a couple of drops his Mad-eye entered the room.

The two of them stared at each other as Ron's eyes darted between the retired Auror and the bottle of medicine. Moody looked at Ron with his normal eye while his magical one looked behind his head. He started walking towards Ron and the young Weasley was ready to be scolded, however, he became surprised when Moody took the essence of dittany from his hands and poured a couple of drops on Ron's burnt shoulder.

"I once met a crazy old bastard who had these," said Moody with the same rough and raspy voice Ron could always recognize. The statement surprised Ron, even coming from someone like Moody to think that someone else could have gone through what Ron was experiencing was bizarre. "Almost killed me, that one"

Moody pointed to a bald spot on the right side of his forehead where a scar was. He finished healing Ron's burn by performing a healing char that helped seal the dittany in his system.

"Be careful with what you're doing," said Moody. "We've already got enough problems. We don't want you getting killed doing something stupid." He started walking away from Ron, his wand in hand and staff on the other.

"How did you defeat him, then?" Moody stopped at the entrance to the kitchen once he heard Ron's question. "The crazy bastard I mean."

Moody didn't even turn from his spot to answer his question.

"Didn't have to," said Moody. "He burned himself alive."

And with that he left the kitchen, leaving a gaping Ron alone. The young Gryffindor looked down at his shoulder and gulped. Yet, a small part of him, like a small burning fire in a great big forest of tall overbearing trees was burning. Burning hot. Despite the shadows and the unknown above the tree leaves, it burned so much that Ron's hand trembled in excitement.

Daphne Greengrass arrived at Greengrass Manor with her younger sister Astoria for the yule break. Their house-elf Kranfy had come and picked them up at the Platform 9 ¾. Their parents were too busy doing… Whatever they were doing. To say she was perhaps disappointed or shocked that her parents weren't going to be home while their children were there would be the biggest lie she'd ever told.

Ever since she was small she could always remember the "quality time" that the family would engage in. It was a repeating mantra in her head. A continuous song or poem that had stuck itself to the front of Daphne's mind. Something that no one could take away or make her forget. Every lesson, promise, instruction, order, demand, and expectation must be upheld, heard, and completed.

"Recite what's in this book from memory."

"It's not Father it's Sir, and don't you forget it, young lady."

"Don't tarnish the Greengrass name."

"You are part of the Sacred 28, and you shall remain as such."

She hated them, or that's what she would like to say. She doesn't know how she feels about her parents. She doesn't care how she feels about them though, she cares for only one thing. Her little sister, Astoria.

They looked so much alike, they might have been twins had Daphne not been born two years earlier than her. The same tanned skin, wavy brown hair, her younger sister kept it shorter while she kept it long and well kept at all times. Both had grey eyes, Astoria's were full of life, and Daphne at times envied them as hers were much duller and less lively.

However, as similar as they were physically, their personalities couldn't have been more different. Daphne wasn't a very social person, she often prefered the lone company that others were less fond of. From the day she'd arrived at Hogwarts the only friend she had ever made was Tracey Davis, and the word friend would make it seem as if they were closer than they were. She was quiet and some thought of her as cold.

Astoria on the other hand was known as popular, there wasn't a single Slytherin in her year that didn't like her. And those who didn't were envious of just how popular and friendly she was. Even though their looks were the same she had several male and even some female students pining over her. She fancied the loud and there wasn't a single person that felt the need to stay away from her.

She wondered if perhaps her parents had put Astoria through the same lessons she had to go through she would've come out the as dull and realistic as Daphne was. But, she knew her sister, she was strong, even if she had gone through the father and mother's lessons she would've come out lively and optimistic.

She took her sister's hand, something that they always used to do. And led her inside to their rooms. She began unpacking her things making sure that she had brought everything that she didn't want anyone to find in her dorm room. Her ancient dark jinxes, hexes, and curses book, given by Lord Slytherin himself, was in her grasp and she began to turn the pages.

She looked at the several images and words, some more painful and severe than others. The Bone-Breaking Curse, Blood-Boiling Curse, Blinding Hex, and Splinters Jinx among others had become some of her favorites in terms of mastery. According to her mentor, she had managed to master more dark spells than he had when he was her age.

It was to be expected. Perfection was to be expected. If it wasn't perfection it wasn't worth it. She dressed in the appropriate dress robes and went out of her room. She waited for her sister outside of her room. She read her copy of "Hexes et Artes Tenebrae" trying to picture the wand movement and the appropriate pronunciation in her head. Once she heard the door open she lifted her head and saw her younger sister come out of her room.

"Are you ready then, Stori?" asked Daphne, offering her elbow to Astoria. The younger Greengrass sister took it gratefully and walked down the stairs alongside her sister.

"Do we really have to attend this boring party, Daphne?" asked Astoria as she descended the stairs with mild amusement. "Every year it's the same thing, the Malfoys all just come to show off along with Draco, Ms. Zabini brings her new man toy, the Parkinsons do nothing but gossip about Ministry rumours, the Notts just agree with everything everyone says and we are basically just there as ornaments."

"I don't know Stori," said Daphne as she continued along the manor making her way to the living room where the party was going to be held. "Why do you have somewhere else to be at?" Astoria gave a mischievous grin at Daphne.

"Maybe," she said in an obviously suspicious tone. "But that's none of your concern dear sister of mine."

"Stori," said Daphne, rubbing her eyes. "Must I remind you that Father and Mother will be arriving any second now? They'll be expecting both of us to be ready for the party. So I advise you, my little Stori, to stay put." Astoria playfully pouted and crossed her arms as she sat down by a comfy chair by the fireplace.

They waited a couple of minutes before the fireplace burst out the green fires that indicated Floo travel. And from the fireplace, their parents stepped out. Mr. Greengrass was a tall and burly man with a stocky face and a serious expression that Daphne knew he wore at almost all times. His balding head of dark brown hair was always swept back. He had a tamed and very well-kept beard and thick eyebrows that seemed to always remain furrowed, sometimes they shadowed his eyes making it seem as if instead of his blue eyes he instead had two bright, and terrifying sapphires on his face.

For how scary Mr. Greengrass was, he was actually the nicer of the two. Although calling Daphne's father nice would be a long shot. Out of the two, Daphne had always preferred her father's company, in many ways they resembled one another. They did not care for a lot of people except for perhaps one or two. In Daphne's case she cared most for Astoria and in her father's case he similarly only seemed to care for Astoria and Mrs. Greengrass their mother.

Mrs. Greengrass seemed like the complete opposite of Mr. Greengrass. She was thin and small. In many ways, Daphne could see why during her time at Durmstrang she had been chased after by many suitors. She had long blonde hair that looked almost white, she always kept it shiny and clean. Her eyebrows were as white as her hair and her eyes were grey just like Daphne's. Similar to Mr. Greengrass, her eyes seemed to be always shadowed although Daphne didn't know the reason.

At first glance, Mrs. Greengrass would be similar to Astoria, but if anyone ever made that comparison Daphne would be ready to curse them so badly they would have trouble coming to them. Underneath the dashing smiles and contagious laughter, there was an undeniable truth. Mrs. Greengrass felt no love for Daphne. It was a reality she had come to accept, beneath those grey eyes that were so similar to her own there was not even an ounce of love for the eldest Greengrass sister. It hurt the first years when she realized that it was only Astoria that would receive the traditional maternal love and not her, but at this point, it didn't bother her.

As Mr. Greengrass looked down at his eldest daughter Daphne stood up unconsciously and greeted her father before greeting her mother. The three were expressionless until Astoria walked close to her father and hugged him. A faint smile appeared on Mr. Greengrass's face and he embraced his youngest daughter with one arm. Mrs. Greengrass kneeled to Astoria's level, held her daughter's face, and planted kisses all over her face.

"How are you my little Stori?" she said in a soft voice. "How has Hogwarts been?"

As Astoria went on to describe her first semester at Hogwarts Daphne simply stood there observing the scene. Astoria had their full attention, Mr. Greengrass's eyes seemed to slightly crinkle with amusement, and Mrs. Greengrass had a wide smile on her face. Astoria had hundreds of stories to tell her parents, what new friends she made, the changes in school faculty, the shops she visited at her first Hogsmeade weekend.

Daphne could almost picture herself standing between them, her father would have an arm around her and she could properly tell him all about the new things she was learning from professor Snape. Her mother would show her a smile for the first time, a true smile that would tell Daphne everything that she needed to know. That the effort she had put into her education was worth it. That her grades mattered. That her loyalties mattered. That she mattered. She felt something at the bottom of her stomach, but she pushed the feeling away.

Astoria finished her story. And her parents showed the appropriate amusement anyone would show to an excited popular third year.

"That's marvelous, Astoria," said Mr. Greengrass. "Perhaps you can tell us more at the dinner party tonight. I see that you're already dressed."

"Yes," said Astoria nodding. "Daphn-"

But at that moment the sound of a crack resounded around the living room. Kranfy had apparated and bowed in front of the family.

"Master Reginald, Mistress Adelia," Daphne's parents looked at Kranfy with something similar to annoyance –the house-elf cowered– but continued speaking. "Kranfy has news that the Malfoys are ready for your arrival."

The elf finished before bowing down once more, Mrs. Greengrass made no attempt to hide her disgust towards the house-elf, while Mr. Greengrass seemed to not care less about the magical servant. Kranfy snapped his fingers and disappeared with a crack.

"Astoria dear," said Mrs. Greengrass in a sweet tone. "Would you please bring me my wand? I left it in my study before going out."

Astoria nodded before climbing up the stairs and heading to her parent's study. Daphne turned to look at her parents, their previously upbeat mood gone, replaced by the constant serious expression she always saw them with. She took a deep breath and readied herself for what was to come.

"Daphne," said her father. "I assume that your studies are going accordingly?"

"Yes, sir," she said automatically.

"And you're not causing any trouble or embarrassments that could tarnish the Greengrass name?" asked her mother.

"No, mother," said Daphne, the look her mother gave her made her clear her throat and correct herself. "Sorry, I meant no, miss,"

"That's better, remember your manners young lady,"

"Yes, miss," there was a silence after that, where the two Greengrass parents simply stared at their eldest daughter, as if examining a threat. "I expect you have made a good enough impression with Lord Slytherin."

"Yes, miss, he seems pleased with my progress."

"Good," said Mr. Greengrass. "You will continue to keep him pleased, it would be incredibly beneficial for our image if it's known that Salazar Slytherin chose a Greengrass as his Champion."

"Yes, sir," said Daphne. "Anything more that you'd like to know?"

"That will be all," said Mr. Greengrass. "Now, we'll be leaving shortly. And I don't want you embarrassing us. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

At that moment Astoria came back, her mother's wand in hand. She handed it to the older blonde woman who thanked her youngest daughter. They picked some Floo Powder and traveled through the fireplace arriving by the fireplace in Malfoy Manor. Each year at least one member of a family in the Sacred 28 would host a party during yule holidays.

Since she was little she could remember growing up with the same people. Pure-blooded families tended to remain close together since childhood, it was a better way of getting acquainted with who one day would possibly be your spouse or a possible ally. There were people her age who looked for friends of course. Malfoy had befriended Crabbe and Goyle, even when it was evident they were more goons than actual friends; Millicent Bullstrode and Pansy Parkinson were also well acquainted, Daphne had seen Pansy's approval when she fought Hermione Granger during their second year's dueling club.

There was Tracey Davis, Theo Nott and Blaise Zabini, they were the quiet ones of their year. Daphne used to be one of them, until the Tournament happened and suddenly she was the one everyone was trying to please. There were differences between their marriages as well, the only marriages that hadn't been arranged were the Parkinsons, Malfoys, Greengrasses and the Notts.

Her parents had met each other out of school, when her father had gone out of the country fresh out of Hogwarts and she was just fresh out of Durmstrang they had encountered one another in the Museum of Fine Magical Arts. Daphne's grandparents haven't objected to their marriage since they were both pure-bloods and that's how the two became husband and wife. There is more to their story, but even thinking about it made her want to sleep. She was the least bit interested in how the two of them.

They stepped through the halls of Malfoy Manor, turning a corner where the Greengrass family faces the main living room of the Malfoy home. The walls are decorated with floating lights and candles, there is a warm glow coming from the center of the big round table. Sitting on it the Malfoys, Notts, Ms. Zabini and her son, as well as the Parkinsons.

Pansy was seemingly talking Draco's ear off who in turn was looking bored looking out the window at the snow falling. The young girl had fancied Draco since third year to the young Malfoy's dismay. Blaise and Theo were in a corner holding glasses of champagne and apple cider from what Daphne would see, the two were whispering among each other and stifling their laughter. Millicent Bulstrode was sitting with her parents gazing longingly at Blaise Zabini, if anyone fancied someone more than Pansy fancied Draco it was Millicent with Blaise. All the while Tracy Davis was gazing at the chandelier on top of her with a look that said she was bored out of her mind.

Daphne and her family made their way to the large round table. Lucius Malfoy took notice of the Greengrass Family and walked over to them, greeting the family formally.

"Reginald, Adelia," he said, shaking their hands. "I'm pleased you could join us. I must say I'm sorry for not congratulating you sooner about your daughter's selection for the tournament taking place at Hogwarts.

"Lucius," said Adelia, showing him a smile. "We're glad to be here as always, and thank you, it is an honor for our young Daphne to have been chosen for such a unique event. We can't say we were surprised, after all Daphne has shown her capability by being one of the top students in her year."

"Ah yes," said the senior Malfoy. "Draco has told me all about young Daphne's remarkable work in class. I must say there are few people who could call themselves academically better than you."

"Only Hermione Granger that I know of, sir," said Daphne.

"Yes," said Adelia with something that resembled a hiss. "It is most unfortunate that Ms. Granger I believe," she said looking at Daphne who nodded in response. "Has managed to make herself known as the brightest witch of her age."

"That's what Dumbledore says," said a sudden voice coming from behind Lucius. Daphne craned her neck to see Draco Malfoy approaching them. "And we can surely rely on less biased opinions than Dumbledore's."

"Hello Draco," said Daphne cordially. "Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas, Daphne," Draco responded.

"Happy Christmas, Draco!" said Astoria loudly enough to get his attention. Draco smirked down at Astoria and wished her a happy Christmas as well, before all of them headed to the table.

"Is Slughorn not joining us this year?" asked Mr. Greengrass sitting down between his wife and Ms. Zabini.

"Unfortunately not," said Lucius, not looking the least bit affected by the information. "And seeing as Horace has not been responding to any of my letters either. Well, it's not like his very… enthusiastic behavior will be thoroughly missed." That would be an understatement. Horace Slughorn was the former potions professor of Daphne and Draco's father at Hogwarts. And what anyone who knew him would call a complete arse-licker.

As dinner went on the families conversed and talked about different things. They spoke cheerily of the exciting tournament where most of them would be able to go. This managed to snatch Daphne's attention.

"What do you mean by that, Ms. Zabini?" asked Daphne.

"Well," said Ms. Zabini. "Dumbledore sent out letters stating that the Founders had made accommodations for more than just the Hogwarts students and staff, but also for many others. I believe even the Minister has gotten permission to be present during the event."

"Yes," said Lucius as he took a sip of his wine. "I believe Cornelius mentioned something similar to me."

As they ate their dessert, a wonderful sticky toffee pudding made by the house-elves, the conversations started to settle down. The parents were mingling with one another, leaving the children free to leave the table and roam the living room. Daphne sat down on a long sofa that sat in front of the fireplace and took out her hex book from her pocket. Thankfully, her robes had pockets and a simply Undetectable Extension Charm done at Hogwarts was enough for her to keep some of her books with her at all times.

Draco sat on the other side of the sofa, observing the flames that seemed to dance in unison. She looked at her fellow Slytherin with mild interest, throughout dinner Draco had been far more talkative towards her than she ever remembered her being. She answered any question he gave her, but it seemed that instead of wanting simple answers he simply wanted to have a conversation with her. Unfortunately for her, none of the lessons she had ever taken in her life could prepare her, and it turns out that Daphne is socially awkward.

She averted her gaze back to her book when she noticed she had been staring at him for a while. However, Draco seemed to notice this and began talking to her once more. The topics were few seeing as they knew nothing of one another, yet she found that Malfoy's company was quite enjoyable, when he didn't talk about himself or Potter for that matter.

"So what exactly does your training entail?" he asked when she mentioned Lord Slytherin's company.

"I'm not permitted to speak about it to anyone, sorry," she added, not feeling sorry for him.

"It's fine," he sighed. "At least I'm sure you're doing better than Weasel king." He let out a laugh at the mention of the nickname he had created. "But honestly, I'm even sure that Loony Lovegood is doing better than he is."

It wasn't a bad conversation by any means, but when you're main source of entertainment and apparently your obsession is two boys and a girl from Gryffindor things become pretty stale after you find seventeen ways to insult Hermione Granger's hair.

As the evening began to calm itself many of the families were returning home. Daphne saw Ms. Zabini pass Mr. Crabbe a piece of parchment discreetly as the family was heading to the floo, she wasn't sure what it was written on it, but she was pretty sure she could spot the shade of dark red of Ms. Zabini's lipstick. Astoria had begun talking to Draco to save Daphne from the continuously boring conversations she kept enduring with the blonde teenage boy. While Daphne had to fake her enthusiasm it seemed that Astoria was simply enthusiastic about listening to Draco, but Daphne knew it was only out of courtesy.

"Daphne," said the low voice of her father from behind her. "Put your books away and stand up. It is time for us to leave." Daphne nodded and put the book back in her pocket. Astoria stood up and gave Malfoy a hug, something that he clearly hadn't expected, his facial expression had stuck itself between surprise and sneering. Daphne rolled her eyes at her sister's usual antics. They were soon joined by Adelia who walked in front of Lucius Malfoy in hand with a box.

"Daphne, dear," Daphne turned around at the mention of her name. "Mr. Malfoy here wants to congratulate you for being chosen as Slytherin's champion. And as such he has arranged for a gift for you."

Lucius handed out the box and Daphne took it graciously as she thanked the Malfoy senior. As she opened it inside was a golden locket with a serpentine S in glittering green stone inlay on the front. She picked up the chain and felt its heaviness, it felt warm, like holding something that was alive between her fingers. It reminded her of holding a tiny owl or perhaps a large bug.

She put it on, and a sweep of warmth immediately coursed through her. She showed her parents who didn't hide their approving smile, and none of them noticed the growing smile on Lucius' face.

The Dark Lord had brought it to him. He had stated it was a dark artifact similar to the diary he had entrusted Lucius over a decade ago. An object as dark and sinister as the one that had managed to influence Ginny Weasley to open the chamber of secrets in her first year. He had held it in his hands, but the expression on the Dark Lord's serpentine face was of insecurity.

He still gave it to him as if it was the most powerful and precious object in his arsenal. Malfoy had held out the chain and looked at the gold locket and the green S that had been glowing on the front. He stared at it wondering what was so special about the locket when there was a ruckus outside the door of Lucius' office.

"Lucius, I have some ne–" Narcissa had entered the room, however she hadn't known that Lucius would be dealing with Voldemort that day and as such was petrified at the entrance of the room by the figure of Lord Voldemort. The Dark Lord's crimson eyes seemed to stare into the soul of his wife and Lucius stepped in front of the Dark Lord to prevent any damage to be done to his wife.

"I can not be more thankful, my Lord," he said, kneeling down and kissing his dark cloak. He put his hands behind his back when he felt small hands trying to grab the locket. "What is–" Malfoy turned around and saw a wrinkled old house-elf trying to grab Voldemort's locket. Narcissa suddenly looked panicked and grabbed the house-elf from the collar of his slave robes and pulled him away from Lucius, choking him on his way to the floor.

"How dare you touch my husband?!" she almost bellowed. Lucius knew his wife, and while she looked absolutely infuriated he knew she was terrified thinking she brought a disobedient house-elf to Voldemort himself. She slapped the house-elf right in the face and it kneeled down, pulling on his ears and hitting his head on the ground.

"Kreacher apologizes, Mistress," said Kreacher. "But, Master Malfoy has something that Kreacher was supposed to destroy."

Lucius looked down at the locket confused as did Narcissa. Voldemort however looked absolutely offended.

"That is impossible," he said in a strong angry hissing voice. "This is the locket of Salazar Slytherin, the great founder of the House of Slytherin in Hogwarts, and my ancestor!"

Kreacher looked up terrified at the Dark Lord's anger. Before he began talking with a stutter, Lucius could tell it was from fear.

"M-master R-regulus," said Kreacher, and Lucius couldn't help the feeling of surprise that swept through him at the mention of Regulus Black. He had been a young promising Death Eater that had joined the ranks after showing his determination and wisdom. Lucius had become quite close to him before he disappeared. The side of Light had presumed that he had simply tried deserting and been killed by Voldemort, while the Death Eaters knew nothing of this they didn't question it out of fear. "M-m-master Regulus once instructed K-k-kreacher to go to a cave."

It was all it took for Voldemort's crimson eyes to become wide and furious. He began muttering and hissing under his breath in what Lucius could only presume was parseltongue.

"K-kreacher left the locket there as instructed by Master Regulus," for some reason Kreacher began weeping on the floor. "And Master Regulus wanted to know what Kreacher had done so Kreacher told him everything –sniff– Master Regulus told Kreacher to bring him to the same cave –sniff–, and Master Regulus drank the potion in the basin before taking Master Regulus' locket and leaving one exactly the same." The elf continued to sniff and weep, but Voldemot looked down at the locket in Lucius' hands and ripped it out with his spider-like fingers.

He looked at it before letting a bellowing scream of anger. The flames inside the room from the candles grew ten times their size and took the form of snakes and basilisks angrily hissing.

"YOU!" the Dark Lord said, pointing at Kreacher. "WHERE IS THE LOCKET?! WHERE IS THE LOCKET OF SALAZAR SLYTHERIN?!" Kreacher shrank down and looked up at Narcissa.

"Answer him, Kreacher," said Narcissa in a calm tone that hid her fearfulness. Kreacher wiped his snotty nose and snapped his fingers disappearing with a crack before reappearing moments later in hand with the same locket. Lord Voldemort picked up the locket and examined it before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

"This," he said in a voice that would indicate he was drunk. "This is the real locket."

Voldemort looked down at the house-elf and then back at Narcissa.

"Narcissa, my dear follower," he said in a tone that was somewhat similar to camaraderie, Narcissa stiffened at being addressed by the Dark Lord. "I can not thank you enough for bringing this lowly house-elf. Without it I wouldn't have known that such a precious possession would have been stolen from me. Now please, take it away before I kill it and make sure he doesn't ever return to my presence if you wish for him to continue being alive."

Kreacher looked fearful and looked at Narcissa before she bowed down and closed the door dragging Kreacher by the collar on her way out. Lucius could hear the sound of someone disapparating outside the room.

"Now Lucius," said Voldemort, bringing Lucius' attention back to him. "I want you to remember the plan and give this personally to my ancestor's champion, Ms. Greengrass… Is that understood?"

"Yes, my Lord," said Lucius, bowing and leaving his office. He looked down at the real locket and could tell why it was so special, he could feel the familiar warmth of dark magic. Warmth that anyone could mistake for something else, someone like Daphne Greengrass.