Defiant Blood - Blood and Bone Saga

Chapter 8

Warning: Elements of Controlling Behaviour and Emotional Abuse

Pansy burst out into darkness, violent emerald flames erupted, scorching the night air with flickering light that licked at the walls surrounding the fireplace she emerged from. The ancient floo travel point was a relic of an old and lost travel system.

Pansy breathed, icy clouds of cold air visible on her breath. She crumpled the piece of paper with the password she'd used to enter using the floo. The grounds were thick with contrast as the dark of night met the white of snow. It was still snowing now, it's silent fall encasing her sight in thick streams, but beyond was her host. She walked a maintained and sculpted path of gravel towards the large house that dominated the estate. It's outline as vast as it was daunting to her. Very few lights shone in the distance, hinting that a soul or too might be awake at this hour.

Pansy reached the grandeur of the main door, she put down her case as her hand made for the large wrought iron chain that hung still in the air. Almost grasping it she froze, catching sight of herself in a dim lit reflection. Her eyes were puffy and red, her face seemed gaunt and vacant. She almost didn't recognise this girl. She felt desperately tired now and impossibly alone. If she left now she could go.

Her head turned as the thought came to her. "Can I change my mind? She thought desperately", heart quickening she thought of Ron, his dying body in her arms, light within his eyes fading as he left her. "I've seen that, I can never see that again!"

Again, she turned back to the door, but still, she couldn't pull it, couldn't ring the bell of her arrival. Turning once more she looked back to the Floo station, somewhere far off in the direction she'd come from. She still had enough powder, and the password only needed speaking for entry, not exit, she didn't have to do this. "We could go into hiding, together".

A feint pop behind her stilled her muscles into shock, she knew the sound, turning slowly it was confirmed to her. A tiny house elf stood looking up at her in questioning, "Who shall I announce to my Mistress is here?" he asked.

If she ran now, could she make the floo before the elf made it to his master, could they ward off the system before she escaped through it. Her senses were high as her flight responses began to kick in.

But her shoulders slumped as the door behind the elf opened. She wasn't brave enough to answer herself, on whether or not she would have run.

"Rolo, what is it? did I hear you speaking to someone?", before there was an answer the door opened wider, and the face of the tall blonde met her. "Pansy? I… I had no idea you were coming, get in quickly out of the cold", Narcissa Malfoy said.

Pansy entered, it finally registered that it was cold, bitterly so now, she hadn't felt it. She was welcomed into the grandeur of a stately home she'd only known twice before, as an older youth at least, during the belated birthday Gala's thrown for Draco during the summer. Her old group had all attended, that only lasted her first and second year, no invitation came after that. He had said he'd grown out of them, but she suspected otherwise. Only as a young child had she visited for functions before that.

The house was as warm and welcoming as it needed to be, certain rooms blazed with the overture of the grandest of fireplaces. Welcoming exception rooms, dinner hall, bedrooms, they were all spectacles to behold. But the remainder of the house sat cold and unfeeling. Cleaned to a highest of standards, but with no life to the place.

They came to stand by an island within a large reception area, it's wall's overflowing with bottles and bottles of alcohol, ready to host any party. To a normal person it resembled more a kitchen, but in a house like this the kitchens were hidden away, used only by those who worked there, and never the family.

Narcissa was, beautiful. There was no other description for the woman. Obvious differences in what beauty could be measured by could always differ. For example, she was of an age of forty now, where as Pansy's flawless skin was barely knocking at womanhood. But Narcissa held a timeless beauty that seemed to highlight her years as adding only in positives. Likewise, she knew Lucius was of an almost equal measure, but time was not as forgiving to him as it was his wife.

Narcissa stood with a shapely figure, on show by the clinging material of her nightgown pulled tight over her. Expensive eastern silks with patterns of cherry blossoms adorning, she was radiant even at two in the morning.

Pansy bowed her head in curtsy to the lady of the house, as was proper. She knew Lucius couldn't be there; Rolo's use of 'Mistress' would not have proceeded the word 'Master'. Pansy had noticed the many scars and bruises, he'd been 'Learnt Proper', as they used to say.

Narcissa bowed her head back. Pansy saw the thin smile that showed she liked to see the properness. "Pansy, I'm so sorry about the tragic news, once I heard I asked Lucius to reach out to Professor Snape, to ask him to give us an update on how you were".

"Thank you, Mrs Malfoy,", Pansy spoke dispassionately, keeping her head low, "I hope to be rid of my mourning soon", she lied. She was desperately sick, inside, through the loss of her mother, but she had too much grief to mope. She only wished to use the tragedy to shield her from others, build a wall against these people. "My father wrote to say that I would be coming to live here. Draco gave me the password and told me to come".

"He did?" Narcissa shook her head, "of course, yes, we had agreed. I just… well we began to lose word from… your father", she gave a sad look.

"That's because I never replied, I had no intention of wedding your dolt child!", she thought bitterly.

"But of course, now it looks like we know why we lost word", she eyed Pansy heartily, "I truly am sorry for your loss my dear". Pansy bowed her head again. "But yes, that was the plan. I've heard nothing but good things from Draco about you. He raves about your dedication to tradition and virtue; I believe I see what he means".

Pansy saw no quips or insult in her eyes, Harrier was right, Draco had kept the Ron affair quiet to his parents.

Narcissa handed her a small glass, she recognised the scent of wine. "I'm sure you could do with it before bed, help you sleep. I originally thought you might like to come away from your parents, give you a chance to spend time with me. Draco's life has been set out for him for some time, he knows and accepts this. That includes who he weds, who he carries the line along with. Dinner parties, Ball's, Gala functions, true etiquette takes time to learn, and I wish to teach you".

"I can't think of anything I'd like to do… 'Less!'… more Mrs Malfoy", Pansy spoke without feeling. The woman appeared welcoming, but she felt her cold, and yet there was something more to her. "Thank you".

She smiled, "Rolo!"

The house elf appeared, "Mistress?"

"Take Pansy to one of the rooms on the far most side of the ground floor wings". She came over to her and placed her hand on Pansy's cheek, for one long moment she paused with a sadness to her eyes. "I pray your grief passes swiftly child". Pansy again bowed her head and started to follow the house elf. "And Pansy, I'm placing you as far away from Draco's room as possible until any bonding. I wish to trust you, but I don't want to tempt fate, knowing how keen you are on each other".

Pansy didn't know if she were relieved or sickened to hear this.

After a long walk she found herself walking a long corridor, led down to the last door. The room was small, a single bed, dresser and wardrobe, there was a small adjoining bathroom. She heard the door shut, followed by a click of lock. She stared at the handle as she realised, she wasn't shocked to find herself contained like this.

Looking around at the lifeless box, lit only by a single candle, the weight of her loneliness pressed in on her.

Pansy had arrived early morning on a Tuesday at Malfoy Manor, it was now Thursday and so far, she hadn't spent any time outside the room. She hadn't chosen this; it was a choice put on her by her host. From the moment the door's lock clicked it had remained that way indefinitely. The only time she had seen anyone was when the house elf Rolo appeared with a tray of food. Her head went to the Gal's and she meant to thank him, but she hadn't spoken a word since she walked in. She continued to sit staring at the windowless walls in silence. Food didn't tempt her, only the jug of water slowly passed through her lips.

Somehow, she knew this was coming, she knew she was to be caged like a pretty songbird without escape, until allowed out to spread her clipped wings, just not allowed to take flight. Even through Narcissa's welcoming, she felt a distrust of sorts, a genuine need to reach out to the girl, but something quickly squashed. When she woke, she found her wand was gone, this she had definitely seen coming. She believed that Draco had spoken only good things of her, if only to make himself seem all the smarter for asking for the right match. This offered them no cause to trust her though, and she was in the heart of a Den of Deatheaters now. Narcissa didn't carry the mark, she wasn't part of the ranks, buts she was loyal to her husband's cause.

This was where Pansy could stay in the loop at least, knowing what to expect, she lived this life, just less luxurious. Pansy's family was all gone though, not her parents, the rest. They died for the same cause; her family were deep in the inner circles of this world, and she learnt it well as a child. This was where she could be smart, fearless in the eyes of terror. Just like how she knew she'd be given the mark, Narcissa was right, she would have to learn from her, but she'd be saved no such luxuries that Narcissa herself was shown.

Draco was already marked, she'd seen the signs this year, he tried to hide it well, but she knew what to look for. But with Pansy marked Lucius and Narcissa could offer her services in lew of Draco's if tasked with something. She'd be first and foremost his trophy for the outer world to see, his vessel for an heir and shown how to be so properly. But first and foremost, she was their first line of protection, their first human shield if they needed to hide from true danger.

The door unlocked, only her eyes moved.

"Mistress wants Miss Parkinson to join her"

Pansy stood saying nothing as she followed. The first thing she did on waking was to shower and dress, she had her mother by her side now. A precious ghost in her minds eye, dictating her every move, every choice for whatever the occasion. This time it was simply dressing.

"Your hair will come back now Pensèe, it's grown long enough", she said softly in her mind, soft for her mother at least. A harsh dictation that she knew was dosed with love. "Pull it back into a neat bun. A dress, of course, plain within plain. Remember we should be seen without drawing attention until were addressed. The black one will do, simple, showing nothing of your legs or breast. Now my dear, accompany it with the small cropped green cardigan. A broach for the eye and a single necklace to show a single ounce of value, then finish off with a plain dress shoe. There, nothing more, nothing less".

Narcissa stood wearing a lacey dress that accentuated her features and showed a modernly acceptable amount of her assets. It was the sort of thing that made her look like the bell, without going so far as requiring the ball, perfect for the home.

"Improper and without restraint", mother noted.

Narcissa's face was statuesque, attempting to show a dominance of Pansy by way of virtue and rite, but her eye's betrayed her as she took in the sight of Pansy. The girl stood, hands laced in front of her like a vision of her very own childhood, transporting the woman back to her mothers' teachings to her and her sisters. Tradition and properness were summed up in Pansy's choices and style. As a second insult she seemed beyond beautiful, and in such plainness.

Quite quickly Narcissa found an instant liking there, were there any truth that this was the girl's true self, were there not an imminent war and pieces to be pushed on the board, then she might have handpicked this girl herself.

"I see Parisa's teaching's have remained with you", Narcissa said as she raised a glass to the name.

"Always!" she said strongly, it was intimidating to Narcissa's ears, she left it to go unpunished. "Mrs Malfoy, you look radiant", Pansy spoke with a flatness that was heartfelt, but sounded thankfully, proper and polite.

"Well, I think you've done enough to knock a great deal of teachings off our schedule, it pleases me to see that you're so well versed in the old ways. Now, Rolo has brought out the dinnerware, kindly set the table".

"Yes Mrs Malfoy". Narcissa watched on as she drank, Pansy noted this, it registered straight away that she was a drinker, it might be useful to note.

This was a job for elves, not in every household, but in this one. "She's showing me my place", she thought. It didn't matter to Pansy, it just added to the pain of being here, it clung to her skin like armour. With every piece she felt that bit more robotic and colder, it was blissful.

Pansy knew she could find no point of criticism as she silently worked, nothing was laid wrong or skew-whiff. Pansy's heart filled with pride as she realised her mother had already beaten the woman. Pansy was a smart child, a desperate child looking for her mother's admiration. And her mother was flawless in her knowledge and belief in the old ways, her teachings were impeccable. And because of Pansy's desire to please, her attention to learning the details were unmatched.

In fact, Pansy decided she doubted there were a damn thing she could be taught by the woman. And she already knew just how drastically Draco couldn't size up to Ron, if father were like son, then Pansy; even at only twice experienced, decided she might be able to teach Narcissa a thing or two about being a woman.

The door's opened behind her and she knew from the firmness of his footsteps who had arrived. It did nothing to halt her, she cared not, Lucius did not scare her. Draco hadn't scared her though, until he did. So, the observation seemed mute, but here and now she was caged and nothing they could do to her was frightening, because they at least, were safe.

"Darling", Narcissa rang out, Pansy's ears already deciphered the false ring in her voice, it was show for her benefit, how a wife should act.

"Narcissa", he said evenly. There was the sound of lips meeting from behind her as she started on the water glasses, calculating the correct distance they were to be laid from the wine goblets with perfection.

She escorted him to the head of the table where he sat. The moment she heard the chair legs scrape the floor as he sat, she stopped. Turning to him, her arms behind her back she bowed her head in curtsy. Her eyes, as usual, to the floor. "Mr Malfoy sir, thank you for hosting me". She turned back and continued to complete her task.

"So, the moment is here, it's about damn time", he drawled out, though his tone polite, "I say Narcissa, you seem to have done a fine job already", he added in wonder as he watched her work.

Narcissa's brow, Pansy chanced a glance, creased in mild annoyance. Like Lucius her voice polite, "I've done nothing of the kind as of yet, the girl is simply raised correctly, I've found no fault so far. And her manners are outstanding".

Most would think the truly polite response would be to thank the lady for her kind words, but Pansy was raised correctly, by their ways at least. And she could take comfort at least in the knowledge that this was her game, they couldn't trick her or force an incorrectness. She remained silent because that true upbringing dictated that she hadn't been addressed, so she would remain as silent as she was.

"Yes, I see that", he replied smiling up at her, "my word, Draco might actually have done something right for once".

"Darling, please!" she hissed.

Pansy finished the task and stood behind her seat, turning bodily to Lucius she laced her fingers in front of her, head bowed. This was the life Harrier and herself tried to relay to the girls, the true subservience of it all if married to the wrong family. Pansy's armour was thickening fast, with every second it grew. She was cold to this, and it aided her greatly.

"Please, sit", Lucius smiled. His politeness to her wouldn't last.

She did without word but as soon as she was seated the door opened and heavy boots strode in without pause. "Cissy, get the elf to send another plate, I'm starving".

"Bella, I thought you going home", Lucius said, his annoyance showing through.

"Well, I changed, my, mind!" Bellatrix sneered at him, happy to get his back up.

"Won't Rol-…".

"-No fuck him!" Bellatrix cut her sister off. Pansy's eyes almost widened as her uncle's name was nearly mentioned. "Besides he's leaving tonight… Hang on… who's this!" Bellatrix jabbed her wand in the air as a pointer.

Pansy had already stood as soon as she heard the threshold passed by the presence of an adult. She was already stood to her new, attention. Hands laced in front of her, head down.

"This is Pansy", Narcissa said, "isn't she perfect!"

"Pansy!"

"Aunt Lestrange, it's a pleasure", she paid the duty, bowing her head as she curtseyed.

"What? …oh, shit I suppose I am aren't I, forgot about that. Yes well, while you're up, set my place".

"Sit Pansy", Lucius ordered, Pansy did, he outranked Bellatrix in the household, teachings dictated he was to be honoured first. "Rolo! set Mrs Bellatrix's place and serve her too. Were ready once her place is set".

"Very good Master".

Moment's later the extra place was set next to Narcissa who was sat to Lucius's left, from his spot at the head of the table, while Pansy sat to his right. Food was brought out and Pansy waited for everyone to start eating, only then did she begin. She ate the exact amount that she needed to, to show no offence at a pace that drew no attention to herself, no noise, no presence.

It wasn't until the talk at the table turned to Death Eater business when Bellatrix stopped them. "We can't talk about this with her here".

"Pansy, what are we speaking about?" Narcissa called.

Pansy placed her knife and fork down silently, her head low. "I only hear what I'm told to Mrs Malfoy".

"See", Narcissa said forcefully, "just as father would tell us, she's flawless!"

"She's not good enough for my nephew!"

"She's your niece", Narcissa scoffed.

"Hardly, the weak offspring of a silly welp, loosely related to-…"

Narcissa kicked her under the table, making eyes she nodded towards Pansy. For someone who only looked down, she saw everything. Just as she heard everything, even while bored of it all she heard and retained, ready to both forget or relay whatever was needed.

"Oh whatever", Bellatrix breathed, receiving a look from Lucius, she huffed. "Pansy, I suppose the news of your parents was, unfortunate, condolences", she said with no feeling or concern.

"Thank you, Aunt Bellatrix".

After dinner Pansy was summoned to the lounge by Narcissa. "Your behaviour tonight has pleased me no end Pansy. You have been impeachable, but you haven't asked once about your wand and the bedroom. You may ask now".

Pansy didn't need to pause for thought, she already saw the trap. She wouldn't suggest any considerations or retorts, she couldn't be allowed thought or reasoning except for what they wished her to think. So she wouldn't. "I accept the rules of your house Mrs Malfoy".

Narcissa swallowed, clearly not expecting the answer, but eventually smiled. "Then I will try to limit the days in which you must stay in your room, but they will be frequent. We have business in this household I can not let you be witness to yet. It will be your punishment for such a highly commendable upbringing that you will remain there longer than needed, as there is so much less that I need teach you". She nodded when no reply came, "goodnight, Pansy".

"Goodnight Mrs Malfoy".

Pansy went to her room, the door closed, and the ward clicked it locked loudly. She looked around her little room and made no sound as she left for her bathroom where she washed. Cleaned and dressed respectfully for bed she sat down in welcoming darkness, the candle extinguished.

In her hand, the dagger that she held to so closely the last night. Where its blade traced its way up and down her forearm, a desire to plunge it through there where she'd never felt before. She didn't though, she couldn't and wouldn't. It wasn't her way; it would disgrace her belief's.

But she needed something, she craved a physical pain that went with the one that was born inside her, festering. Somewhere hidden, in her side, where no one would see, she pressed its tip into her, twisting the blade as it tore gently against her, bleeding only enough that she could contain the stem of blood, releasing just enough of that pain, throughout the night.

Three days later, Pansy woke. Her bodies clock was quick to tell her when the day was lite and the night dark, but it reluctantly failed her in her windowless prison. She walked to the bathroom without thought and lit the sconces.

The girl who looked back at her was not the same girl she was used to seeing. Scarily she was thinner, a notion she wasn't keen on with how slim she usually was. Her face was gaunt with dark circles under her eyes.

"I'm dying here" she thought, "and I don't care! I won't bend to this; I'll never accept them!"

She bathed and spent a great deal longer fixing herself, trying to reverse and hide as much as she could. She returned to her bedroom to dress, towel fixed around her and halted in surprise. The sight of the tiny head elf Rolo froze her, his arm lifting the quilt on her bed, looking down at the sheets with shock on his face. There eyes met and he recoiled quickly.

"Rolo is sorry Miss!" he backed away.

"What", she said in confusion, "what is it". She threw the quilt back, pausing as she saw the sight of blood stains.

"Rolo is sorry Miss", again the elf breathed, "Rolo find's Misses bed likes this the seconds night's you are staying and Rolo cleans quickly when you are in the bathroom. But then Rolo finds again, and again. Now Rolo does this before his other duties when you are cleaning".

Pansy's head swam with an unpleasantness, staggering she grasped at the bed, sitting. The elf came forward, concerned. He pointed at the fresh tray of water jug and glass and she accepted it. "Rolo worries Miss is sick", he whispered, "but then he see's Miss and …".

"And what?" Pansy's voice was horse and weak.

"And he thinks Miss looks like Rolo, after Rolo has been… 'taught' by the Master… Sorry Miss, I know's it not my places", the elf backed again in fear.

"Its ok Rolo!" she tried to sooth, "they are 'taught-ing' me too", she said sadly.

"Then Rolo was right to think Miss is not sick and worry Miss does this herself?" Pansy looked away and Rolo's eyes fell in sadness.

"Tracey and Farah were right to scold us weren't they", Pansy pondered, the elf raised it's ears in confusion. "You're not just… things for us to order round. You have as much right to decency as we do, I wish I'd known that before I last saw Dotty".

"Dotty is your house elf Miss?"

"She was", Pansy said softly, Rolo's head drooped in knowing, "I wish I'd treated her with kindness".

"Dotty was enjoying your family?"

"No! My father was worse than…", she looked at the elf in panic and then at the door. She remembered their last head elf from Draco's parties. They all delighted in making him speak bad of the family, laughing in entertainment as the house elf punished himself. But Rolo it seemed was cut from a different cloth, no punishment came, no loud squealing. "She enjoyed serving my mother, at least".

"Argh, then Rolo is certain Dotty did go happy in the knowledge she served mother well", Rolo smiled.

"I hope", Pansy breathed with watery eyes.

The elf hesitated but after a few moments he walked over and put his hand on the back of hers. "Rolo is sorry Miss, he hears things, the Mistress saying's sorry for your parents' passing's. Rolo is sorry for you Miss". She offered him a smile in thanks, about as much as she could do in a time like this.

"What time is it please Rolo?" she asked weakly.

"Just after five, Miss always wakes before everyone else". The elf considered her, he knew he had overstepped in his duties but something akin to her and how she was treated wasn't unmissed by him. "Rolo will continue to make's this disappear for Miss, can Rolo see's what Miss does?" he seemed on the verge of feinting at the idea of asking such a question but managed to all the same.

Without much thought herself, she dropped her towel, keeping as much of her dignity in contact as she could. Pansy looked down at herself, not paying her recent damages much notice. Now she allowed her fingers to examine the wounds she'd inflicted, growing in size each time, they were now looking angry and unpleasant.

Nodding with sad eyes he pointed to the dresser next to the bed. "There will be something for miss tonight, in there, keep it hidden" he whispered.

She bowed her head in thanks. As she did, she took him in for the first time. She hadn't noticed before, but he was very young for a head elf, that was all the worrying, it meant he'd most likely been all the more broken in, with his training in discipline. She thought, though young, he had the air of an old soul about him. A touch taller than the average house elf with bright green eyes and a dark complexion. He wore an old rag with holes cut in for arms, tied together with string. This was worse then the last head elf's tea towel, she presumed it was to keep him aware of his station, keep him from any thoughts of clothes.

The elf left and Pansy sat alone in her cage feeling its weight pressing against her from all sides.

Pansy was up, awake, cleaned and dressed as she knew she'd be expected to be. She guessed she was up and ready by six that morning, most likely awake by five. If she was right, then that meant she was now using the best part of an hour to make herself look presentable. She'd now spent the best part of four days not eating almost anything save for water and what she felt would at least keep her alive in this existence. It was enough to break her heart as she looked into the face of the girl in the mirror. She waited so long to grow into a girl with true beauty, but now there was something of her mother about her, something ill and damning.

Pansy was back to sitting on her bed, perched comfortably within discomfort, waiting on what order she might be given as her jailers went about their days. Waiting on a pop of elfish apparition and an order to head out into some tedious fakery. She couldn't decide if the comfort of her own scent within her tiny hovel was better than the depravity of being out there with them.

"Miss", the voice made Pansy jump, she hadn't heard Rolo arrive. For the same reason she wasn't eating, hunger seemed to have no sway, the startling pop was lost on her numbing senses. "I am asked to bring you".

Pansy stood; a long sleeve white top delicately hidden beneath a plain black dress. Her tight bun atop her head in flawless fashion. Once again, prim, proper, unfeeling.

They walked along the corridor in silence, the place deserted of any life down this dark wing. She could have been placed in any of these rooms, she imagined them all better, larger and more welcoming. But there was nothing in 'what if's', just like how she no longer thought of her Ronald and those heart wrenching what if's, she'd carved him from her mind. The pain of him remaining could never outweigh the pain of hope. As they walked, she realised now her hovel was her sanctuary, she already wished to be back there.

There was a commotion as they neared the main entrance foyer. Pansy walked with her head low, in preparation for anyone she might meet but also to mask her lips. "Rolo, is he here?"

Rolo didn't move his head or veer his gate, he understood, barely moving his lips as he gently hissed back. "Young Master is home".

The bottom of Pansy's stomach disappeared, and her nausea returned, she'd been dizzied twice now like this, over as many days. "You know you need to eat", she told herself.

"Pansy!" Came Narcissa with delighted cries, "look who's finally made it home".

Pansy left Rolo, wishing she could be apparated back to her room and quickened her pace to an acceptable one. She reached Narcissa's side, her head already low. "Draco, my betrothed, I'm so grateful you're here", the words felt like poison as they spilled from her mouth. "I want to take your life", the realisation that she'd thought this stilled her quickly, "what's wrong with me!".

"What have you done to your hair", he said pulling a face, "you look awful", he looked her up and down in distain.

"Draco", Narcissa laughed, but it faded as his face hardened and he started to circle her, examining. "Darling that's not polite, Pansy looks perfect. She's a picture of virtue, it's a promise to you and your arrangement, it's tradition".

"That's what this is", he snorted, "god Pansy you look like shit", he grabbed her face and tilted her head back. "Could be worse, at least your staying thin, I won't have a fat wife".

Narcissa's face fell as she looked between the two. Pansy's face fell to the floor as her head went back to its automatic bow.

"Where's aunt Bella?" Draco sang eerily happy, turning back to his mother, "about time she's out, we should throw her an honour party for torturing Longbottom's cretin mother into madness".

"Draco!", this time Narcissa's aura fell, her voice sharp as she snapped at him. "Don't ever speak like that in front of me or a lady again". She took a deep shaking breath; she recognised so little of her baby in this moment it chilled her.

Draco gave her a scathing look, but then looked to Pansy with a loathing that was palpable, she was reminded of the boy holding a knife to her throat. "Yes mother", he ground out.

Narcissa turned to leave but decided against doing so with how he looked at the girl. There was something about it that didn't sit right, but then again, this was her boy. Draco was a sweetheart, a secret mother's boy who doted on her, she had nothing to fear. She pushed aside the feeling to take pansy with her and trusted in him. She walked off leaving them both.

Draco smiled when she left, "come here", he ordered. She walked to him, "closer", he grabbed her wrists and yanked her to him, "I said closer". He didn't let go; his grip tightened. "Kiss me!"

Pansy finally brought her eyes to meet his, the pale silver was gone, his eyes were dark now, like looking at a storm through a window. "Your mother has forbidden any improper behaviour until the bonding", she said through the pain as he twisted the skin of her wrists.

Pansy yelped in further pain, unable to bite down on it as a hand gripped the bun of her hair tightly, twisting it viciously as he wrenched her head to look up at him. "Your to be my wife, get used to doing what I want, with as much of this!" he twisted again and she cried out, "as I think you deserve".

He forced his mouth onto hers. His tongue pressing against her lips, but she wouldn't allow this, finally she wasn't doing as he wanted. She fought against him, pushing him as hard as he could but he was too strong. He twisted his hand harder and made her cry out again, his tongue forcing into her, finding her own and she choked, it was as much as she could do.

She managed to break away, only an inch or so but his grip was tightening, "he'd kill you!" she whimpered through tears, wishing her giant were there. She hadn't meant to; she didn't even want to think of him let alone mention him while trying to maintain her wall.

"Not with one fucking arm he won't", he hissed back with a grin, twisting so hard a small scream escaped her lips, his latched back on hers.

"Pansy come here please", Narcissa almost shouted in a choked pain. The woman was in a state of shock and disbelief. She'd walked away, knowing this was just something in her head, but the doubt had crept in. Two or three rooms away she'd doubled back, careful to make her way quietly so's not to disturb with her overactive imagination and ruin their reunion. But as she got to the adjoining hallway she froze. The sight of Pansy pushing desperately away from him as he inflicted pain on her to have his way was, mortifying. This was her baby, and he was acting like, she wouldn't think the words.

She could have done this sooner, alerted them to her presence, but her mind wouldn't tell her body to intervene. She had to watch, to know she was wrong, because this was wrong, he wasn't like this. But she was the one who was wrong, he was doing it, and as she saw his hand release her wrist and come up to her breast, Narcissa's shout rang out.

He released her, Pansy moved at a frightened pace towards her, her head down, hands rubbing at her eyes and fixing at her hair. But her boy, he just smiled and walked off. Desperately numb Narcissa was shocked to register Pansy's words.

"I'm sorry Mrs Malfoy", Narcissa heard her say with a whimper that she tried to pass off as if she were fine. "I've failed to meet your rules about fraternising, I fear I was just too overexcited to see him".

Unable to find words except to think, "a stone-faced lie", in the face of the girl's impossible bravery she shook her head with a desperate motherly hurt. "Pansy", she swallowed weakly, "please return to your room until dinner". She watched as she left without hesitation, pausing only as she spoke up again. "Rolo!... please escort her".

Narcissa was left alone feeling weak, already choosing not to believe any of what she'd witnessed.

Pansy was the last to sit, her now incredibly thick armour pressing against her in comfort, she was adamant she would remain the picture of tradition and perfection. As taught by her mother, as taught by Druella to Narcissa and Bellatrix.

Dinner began as it had the week since she'd began her life there. Narcissa usually made small talk with Lucius who usually took part if only to amuse his wife. But Pansy was surprised to see, or aptly, glance and overhear, those moment's where his guard came down and with in the absence of Bellatrix or their son, he showed the love he truly had for his wife. Engaging with her in earnest, even allowing a flirtatious comment or two, even once propositioning her. Pansy knew he was amused to even remember Pansy's presence in these moments, she was so good in her endless job of being unremarkable she wore it like a cloak of invisibility. He never scolded her or punished, this was the ultimate goal, to have the unwavering servitude so he could focus on pulling the strings on his puppet son with his future in politics.

But the three were four again with the addition of Bellatrix and Pansy had learnt that his patience for his sister-in-law waned thin often. They both struggled for power within the ranks, Lucius had done no wrong so far for the Dark Lord, except Bellatrix's devotion had outshone his own as she sat rotting in Azkaban. But Lucius was her male counterpart and to a man such as, 'the Boss', this still meant a great deal, so on reflection they were tied. Except that they weren't, Bellatrix was a criminal on the run, and Lucious known for his political movements in gathering his allies and influences. He was the money in the family, he held the power.

Then Pansy was made painfully aware that the four were five now. Her fiancée was sat directly opposite her, next to his favourite Aunt Bellatrix. He hadn't once taken his eyes off Pansy; they were burning into her without pause.

Narcissa noticed this, without thought she was noticing much of him now, after before, how could she not. "Draco darling", she said sweetly, "eat up dear its one of your favourites".

Pansy's hair was back again in a flawless tight bun, no strand out of place, she had no bangs to hide her eye's behind to chance a glance at him. She could feel his gaze penetrating and unrelenting.

"Where is the Dark Lord!" Draco said sharply as he finally raised food to his mouth.

Bellatrix and Lucious halted their conversation, sharing a look of note. Bellatrix had grown surer of Pansy's tact and was speaking openly about work, but everyone present knew to ask such a thing without restraint wasn't just not done, it was dangerous.

"Draco my love", Bellatrix breathed, "you'll need to curb that wayward thinking of yours", she warned, but it was a kindness. She wanted him safe; to see this just wasn't the way they did things or spoke. "Suffice to say the Master is travelling, he has important work".

"I'm no child aunty", Draco sneered.

"I know your not, my little dragon", Bellatrix soothed with a stroke of his hand.

The sight raised a smirk from Lucious, he considered it a falseness in his son who he'd always viewed as weak. Now believing himself above his ability and station, it was the kind of amusement he enjoyed quashing in his son, even if only to make a man out of him in the long run.

"I am anxious to see him, after the last job he tasked me with I chance a guess that he'll be pleased with the message I sent!" But now Lucious blinked in surprise at the boldness, Bellatrix too stared at him his credulity.

But as the moment stilled them all, it made Pansy falter, for the first time at the table, she tripped. A loud intake of breath passed through her lips. The moment went unnoticed by everyone, too concerned with Draco. But Draco himself pounced on it, as though waiting for the opportunity was now here.

"You!" he shouted pointing at her, "what did you say!"

Pansy stood, bowing her head, hands laced, "I merely breathed my betrothed", she said quietly.

"No, you didn't", Draco stood, but as he did his hand found his head. A vivid flash of something in his eyes throwing him. Something clawed at the back of his mind and his anger peaked exponentially. He threw his napkin on the table as he marched round the table.

Narcissa's hand grasped Lucious' in panic without thinking, "Draco sit dear", she tried. Her mind returned to that morning, she'd desperately hoped she'd been wrong, read it all incorrectly.

Draco stook over her, lowering his face to hers, "say it, say it again, I dare you".

"Draco sit down", Lucious' voice didn't reach his ears.

"You want to leave?" Draco seethed quietly, "you want to be somewhere else, with someone else. Or do you want to run back to your bedroom and cry". Draco's eyes flashed as another intrusion hit the back of his mind, his hands found his belt as he began to unbuckle it, "I'll give you something to cry about".

"I said sit down!" Lucius stood, eyes burning in anger. Draco shook his head stepping back as though he was unsure what he was doing. "Never make me repeat myself again boy!"

Pansy's eyes were wide as she looked down at her hands, her heart was racing with confusion and fear. But also, something knew, and she thought about Millicent's warnings, her fears about his mood swings and changes. Then she saw delicate fingers slide over along the edge of the table towards her, the words took seconds to reach her.

"Sit down Pansy", Narcissa breathed shakily.

"Draco, come on, sit", Bellatrix said, but there was a force to her voice now. Something likens to Narcissa's, a concern almost. But as he turned to her, she laughed, "come on my boy", she smiled, "lets eat".

"Just messing around Aunty", Draco said with a smile as he sat next to her. But Lucius' eye never stopped taking note of his son for the rest of the meal.

"Yes, I can see that, a boy after my own heart", she laughed.

The meal went on, with only Lucious speaking with Bellatrix again. Pansy couldn't quite make out, but she felt Narcissa's stare go from her to Draco continuously. Draco for his part seemed to gloss over his outburst, trying to join in with his aunt and fathers' conversations when they could. He settled back down well but the scratching in his mind remained.

The moment Pansy had reach the level of food Narcissa had come to expect from her to eat she turned to her quietly. "Pansy if your done, please go to your room and rest", she struggled to hide the concern in her voice.

Draco paused as he brought food to his mouth, watching as she stood. As she did the scratching became whispers and the flashes in his mind returned, they were dark now, filled with shadows and feelings. There was a hate filled lust as he took in the sight of her.

"If your done", he said, his mouth full of potato, "then go wait for me in my room, make yourself presentable", he pointed his fork in the direction of his bedroom.

"Draco", Narcissa said as her eyebrows raised, "Pansy isn't allowed in your room, nor are you allowed in hers".

"It's fine mother, we are betrothed after all", his voice was casual yet darker.

Narcissa looked from Draco to Lucious in pleading, Lucius' concern for his son's attitude peaking again slightly. This was still his house; he would remember that. "Draco, you heard your mother", he warned. "Pansy, please return to your room", he finished quietly.

Draco laughed heartily, again a sinister undertone wasn't missed by Pansy. It drew his father's eye, even Bellatrix turned in concern. "I said get to my room", his voice growing louder with every word, "now go and wait for me, so I can put a fucking baby in your womb before I take my bath!" he finished shouting. He never realised he'd stood, or that his arm was pointing at her in threat.

"Draco!" Bellatrix recoiled slightly, even she struggled to understand what was coming over her son-like nephew.

"Pansy out, now!" Narcissa began pushing her out of the room, "Rolo! … Rolo take her straight to her room, go!" Narcissa turned, seeing Lucius rise from his chair, "No Lucious! Don't hit him, I beg you".

There was a knock at Pansy's door, something she hadn't yet dealt with since she'd been there. Her heart pounded as she thought it was Draco, but she was saved that particular worry for another as she heard Lucius' voice.

"Are you capable of receiving me?" he called.

"Of course, sir", she said, already stood by her bed in her nightgown, head bowed and poised to carry on the charade all over again.

"Oh!" he paused at the sight of her, "you can, you can sit", she saw as he tried to avert his gaze.

Pansy knew she wasn't in anything provocative; Rolo had kept her small amount of best plane clothes cleaned and ready for her. But still Lucius seemed to struggle.

"Well, yes, of course" he noted as she continued to stand. "Pansy, I wish to convey my dismay over what happened earlier during dinner. My son is many things, but I've never seen him act in that manner, it isn't something he's learnt from either myself or Narcissa".

She remained silent and he faltered again looking at her, "I dare say something of lates come over him, but I believe this is just a reaction to the changes he's going through. He is younger than most that give themselves to the causes we work for and that in itself seems to have given him leave of his sense of place, something I hope I've now reminded him of. Then there's the idea of an imminent joining with you".

Again, he paused and again she saw him struggle to find focus with his eyes. "I was lucky with my match and no boy could ask for more. But I see now just how lucky my son will be, I could forgive such behaviour when considering how the sight of you must be to a boy as young as him".

His face became stern as he said this, finally finding his focus. "And it's through you he will become a man. You know the duty you're taking on and what's expected of you. I wouldn't phrase it quite as he did but, you will bare my grandchildren and heirs. In turn I imagine you will use your given beauty and femininity to bring him to heal and be an adequate match to rival even Narcissa. With that said, nothing has changed, you will still be wed, you will still perform as is expected of you both and we will join our lines. However, I wish to assure you, for the sake of Narcissa's wishes, which I share, Draco is fully understanding of the rules we have laid down in our house, he will make no such requests of you again".

"That said, I wish to leave you to rest, however". He stepped closer to her, "look me in the eye girl". Pansy's gaze lifted to his, a sickening feeling struck at her as she saw his face struggle at the sight of her. For one horrendous moment he seemed to linger, and her heart stopped. "I… I will be making an announcement to the family". He gathered himself again, "with your parents, gone. You were promised to my son, because of the arrangement between your father and I, I have taken up parental responsibility for you. With that in mind I think it best we bring plans forward. Forsaking any plans for the end of the year, I have decided you will both receive your ceremony at the end of this week.

"Thank you, Sir". Pansy didn't show a hint of emotion, the same emotions that spilled out the moment he left, and she knew he was far enough away. She knew now that dread and fear would be her new companions in this life, unless she chose to end their plans before they could act. She just didn't know if she had the strength. With that she opened the draw, finding the small jar of ointment Rolo had left for her, but her eyes and trembling hand only saw the imposing shape of her dagger.

A/N

One of the hardest chapters I've had to write this, it felt like true torture to do it to her. I cut a lot and changed some things, just deciding my girl had had enough. It's for the story, its her story but it doesn't change that the pain in this slowed my writing a lot here, but she's tough.