Defiant Blood - Blood and Bone Saga

Chapter 15

Part 1 of Defiant Blood Finale

Tiny editing error forced this chapters re-upload, apologies'.

"This is really very shite you know", Ron said as he opened another present. He had no opportunity to even think of presents for those he could afford to buy for this year and now, he had nothing to hand out. It hurt that bit more as, while Ron never had the money to, he always liked the idea of gifting than being the recipient.

"Shut your complaining will you", George whined, "please, big old excuse to have not got us all something and everyone buying you a gift because they feel bad for you. Oh, how our hearts bleed". He was hit in the head with a rolled-up ball of wrapping paper, sent flying over by his mother.

"I've had enough gifting to last me a while, I don't need anything", Ron bit back in irritation.

"Ignore them, looks like you've only the one card left anyway", Charlie leaned over tossing it to Ron. "It's one from the Burrow, I nipped round late last night".

Ron stood to pick it up, grabbing it he stretched, cricking his back with a yawn as he straitened. The sitting room, like the kitchen, was large and well decorated with everyone lounging around as they all exchanged gifts and drank merrily. The warmth from the large open fire made his eyelids feel heavy. But that tiredness dissipated as Ron's face angled into a hard frown when he opened the envelope. Walking away, he turned his back to everyone as his head dipped, reading its contents and hiding his scowl.

Charlie and Bill sat up automatically as they both sensed the change in him, something of danger surrounding him now. Their eyes found their fathers, his face matched theirs.

Ron's head went low, he seemed to tremble where he stood. His hands crumpled the contents of the envelope as though strangling it as he scrunched it up. He tossed it over his shoulder into the fire, he paid no attention to it bouncing out and rolling back onto the floor. Never turning, he made for the door. His left hand taking the handle he pulled the door open without thought or consequence. A great splintering sound of wood wrenching sounded, followed by two bangs as steel snapped. The force he'd exuded ripping the door from its frame, popping it's hinges as though made of plastic. The entire oak carved door in his hand, he dropped it with a clatter as he disappeared, storming off upstairs.

Charlie and Bill were already on their feet, along with Arthur, Mad-Eye and Kingsley. No one said anything except to exchange looks as they tried to figure out his reaction.

Molly's eyes found Sirius and he waved her away with a sad smile that told her not to worry. He waved his wand, and the door flew back into place, rejoined and repaired within the frame.

"Shit!", Harry said, looking up to the others. He was sat closest to the fire with Hermione and couldn't help the act of retrieving what had turned out to be a decorative card, an invitation. Now re-opened and read by himself, he handed it to Arthur who stepped forwards.

Arthur blinked in confusion as he read, the two men he'd been sat talking to, stood reading over his shoulders.

"Dad?" Bill said, he took it from Arthur's outstretched hands and read with Charlie.

"Ronald B. Weasley,

Your presence is required by request of Master Draco L. Malfoy and Miss Pensèe Parkinson for the celebration of their engagement in preparation of their imminent marital ceremony.

Please be in attendance at Malfoy Manor on the evening of Saturday 27th January 1996

Leave for all Hogwarts age students has been granted by Headmistress D. J. Umbridge

-Master Malfoy wishes to extend a personal invitation of friendship and assured entrance within the family residence.

R.S.V.P not required.

"Shit!"

"Shit!" Both brothers agreed.

Pansy had remained in her room after Narcissa left, she would trust the woman with what decisions she made on her behalf. They had no plan, Narcissa had no scheme or idea that she had disclosed to her yet. And while she was still free to move about the manor, Narcissa seemed to want her not to.

"I'll send Rolo to you, when its, when I can have you with me", she had assured her. "I am to make you the perfect wife, so it's about time you shadowed me, yes?"

The idea had settled her somewhat, she hated the idea of being alone in this place since Draco had attacked her. Lucius had always unsettled her but now everything was out it turned to fear. And so she'd remained in her room, contempt with being alone. Happy in the confirmed knowledge that Draco had remained at this 'friends' residence overnight.

Now though she had been sat around the fire of the family room reserved only for Christmas, waiting for Draco to return so they could eat their festive meal. She wished she was excused from this; she was feeling particularly rough today, food was not a welcome prospect.

Rolo appeared but before he could speak Draco entered. Pansy was seated next to Narcissa, her frame edged closer to the woman as he entered.

"Darling, you're here, finally", Narcissa's voice wasn't pleasant, it was accusatory. It made Pansy wonder if the woman could hold it together. Not give anything away with any sudden changes in attitude. Then she remembered that she had truly been playing a game of secrets longer than Pansy had.

"Mother", Draco bowed his head, "Father, I've brought a guest, might she stay for dinner".

Millicent walked in; Pansy hadn't noticed anyone linked with Draco's arm at first. The sight of her confused Pansy as much as it had given rise to a hope within her. Millicent, here, and linked with Draco. Was this some headway in reaching him? She had been left wondering how she took the night in the follow-through, if she would even look at him again. So, to be here now had to be a positive, surely.

"Millie", Narcissa said in surprise, her name spoken in a way that told Pansy she had been more than a frequent guest in the past. She also heard the concern; she was aware of what he'd done during Pansy's last night in school, it put her on edge.

"Mr Malfoy, Mrs Malfoy, apologies for arriving uninvited. Please accept the gift in offering from the Bulstrode's". She lifted forward a small hamper basket and lowered it to Rolo who took it after allowing his master's to view.

"My dear", Lucius sat up now, eyes searching her. Pansy noticed the uninterested look he had given her on his first realisation. Then she saw the lick of his lips as he gave her a double take, the eye's that trailed her lower shapeliness to her upper curves. Pansy had seen these changes at the beginning of the year, clearly Lucius was now appreciating the young woman she'd grown to be. Pansy couldn't help the grimace she gave him as he looked at Millie. "What a most pleasant surprise".

Narcissa's face was hard as she ignored her husband. "Millicent, you are of course welcome, but we were not expecting. Won't your mother and father be expecting you at home?"

Millie smiled weakly, "thank you Narcissa, but Draco was very compelling in asking their permission. They were more than willing but father asked me to bring an extra bottle of the 1955 Krug he know's Lucius likes in apology for being an unannounced burden".

Lucius stood quickly and wrenched the hamper from Rolo, pulling out the bottle of Champagne he kissed it. "Your father is a Saint", he exclaimed. He closed the distance and leaned in to kiss Millie on the cheek. Pansy, who had been thinking just how comfortably informal they all were, saw the act as it happened. As Lucius leaned in his head averted and his lips found Millicent's as she'd turned to offer the cheek, she'd anticipated he'd aimed for.

Narcissa coughed, eye's dark, but Lucius laughed as he straightens up. "Dear look, same age as you", he smiled unabashed.

"There was me thinking you enjoyed a younger vintage", she said dryly.

"No, no!" Lucius said in merriment, clearly missing Narcissa's obviousness. "No, let this breathe for a half hour and there's no better aroma. Rolo! Take this and uncork it for me".

Narcissa gave Pansy a look then rolled her eyes as she turned back to Millie who had turned bright red and appeared uncomfortable. "Millie, as always you are most welcome".

"Thank you, mother", Draco spoke for her. Pansy and Narcissa felt the unease in his voice as he spoke. It struck them both as a pained moan of relief. Something about Draco's attitude seemed to show a calmness that neither had seen in a long time now. A will to just be Draco and a sadness in his eyes that spoke of being tired by everything.

There was distance between them all and Narcissa pulled focus as she asked how their Christmas morning had been. Pansy felt her hand, by her side, being squeezed out of sight by the woman, she squeezed back.

By the time they sat at the dinner table, again another grander one than usual reserved only for Christmas, Pansy was not yet ready to want food, but she knew she could at least stomach it. It was later now, the Malfoy's tradition for some reason being that they ate late in the day and exchanged gifts towards the end of the night. She noticed the three extra places and understood who they were for. Her heart raced in anticipation and when they arrived, she jumped to her feet. She wasn't surprised to find Millicent doing the same, but her head tilted when she saw Draco paying his dues to the guests.

Turning back she felt her cares leave her as she sped from the table, meeting Rabastan's arms as he held them open to her. His embrace was warm and comforting and she closed her eyes. She began to enjoy this, the embrace of what she believed was a loving adult figure.

"Merry Christmas little one".

"Merry Christmas uncle".

She watched as he went off to greet the others at the table. The way he casually looked around, only to take the spot next to Narcissa made her cheeks flush on Narcissa's behalf. Rodolphus and Bellatrix loomed as they neared, she set her face to the unknown and turned to greet them.

Rodolphus was walking shoulder to shoulder with his wife, she seemed contempt to be close to him for once. Pansy thought she saw him nudge her and might have been right when she spoke. "Merry Christmas Pansy", she said roughly. Bellatrix's eyes found Rodolphus, he nodded.

Feeling a desire to use his protection to be a cow with her, Pansy quashed it and opted for harmony for the sake of drawing no one's ire. "Aunt Bellatrix, Merry Christmas". She nodded as Pansy bowed her head, and after another nod from her husband, she left to sit with her nephew. Pansy paused, looking at the sight of the large black boots belonging to the last of her kin she was yet to greet. Looking up to his face she frowned as their eyes met. "Merry Christmas Uncle".

Rodolphus frowned too, his eyes matching the intensity in hers. "I've missed you", he said quietly.

"I'm sorry for how things ended last time", she bit her lip annoyed as her honesty won out. The petulant child and protective nature for her lover wanting to twist the blade that bit more.

He closed the gap, pulling her into his arms. "I've done terrible things Pansy, I will continue to do terrible things. But I will always love you, that is the only truth I'm able to offer".

Any thoughts to push away from him left her as he spoke. She felt something liken to her mother, pressing at the back of her mind, begging her to keep whole what little family she had. Her arms went to his chest, and while she couldn't encircle him as he could her, she hugged him tightly all the same.

For the shortest half hour Pansy almost forgot she was circling a fate that might end her. The atmosphere at the table was pleasant and for once she was even witnessing Draco enjoying himself with Millicent who seemed equally at ease despite their last altercation.

"You must be Reginald's girl", Bellatrix had said as they all sat, "Draco's spent nothing but years writing to me about you".

The three spent time going back and forth with Gryffindor bashing stories, even Pansy found it amusing with how devoid of nastiness they seemed to keep the conversation. Despite this she couldn't help but still look at the woman with disgust. The same disgust she had to bite down when she looked at her uncles, when ever she thought of them and Longbottom in the same moment.

She focused on Rabastan, he was reminding Rodolphus of their Christmas tale he shared with Pansy during their walk. It brought something out of her eldest uncle and Narcissa too was laughing along as they got to the flaming Christmas tree and the custard that a two-year-old Pansy had launched over Rabastan. The new details such as this delighting her.

Lucius seemed the odd one out without a partner to fall into conversation with. Narcissa had warned Pansy slyly that Christmas was the one-time Lucius truly cut loose and would dive head long into his love of fine wines, which he couldn't handle. Because of this he was usually pissed before the end of dinner, and it gave her the freedom to run the night as she saw fit. He sat content with his champagne, joining either conversation here and there when he could.

Lucius, now enjoying his fill of an array of wines, was beginning to slur his words slightly as he started offering out yet more top ups and drinks for the younglings. Draco and Millicent offered up their glasses, but Pansy declined.

"Nonsense, I insist", Lucius cried.

"I'll have to decline for her dear", Narcissa said with no effort to sound warmly marital. "Were moving fast with my teachings and she has to remain above such things, as young ladies should".

"No, Millie is enjoying herself, so too can Pansy", he hiccupped.

"Lucius, I'm not keen on my niece drinking", Rabastan leaned closer to him, "not after the way her…" he muttered the word quietly, "father used to drink". Pansy knew, like Narcissa, the need to keep her off alcohol, just as she hoped.

Lucius squinted his eyes at Rabastan, as though suspicious of him. Then Pansy saw, as he began nodding, he was simply getting so pissed he was trying to see straight. "A fine point", he jabbed a finger towards him, "best we keep better examples near her". He nodded some more, "kids!" he loudly whispered to Draco and Millicent, "means more for you, come on… glasses".

"Fuck's sake", Pansy heard a whisper to her right, she didn't know if it were Narcissa speaking to herself, her or her uncle. But as she looked down, she stilled, eye's widening as she spotted a pair of hands, just visible under the table. One her uncles, squeezing Narcissa's knee and circling it with his thumb. The other Narcissa's, rubbing slow and high up his thigh while her husband sat only feet away.

"If you decide to, I'll have Rolo have the elves make up some guest rooms for the night. You don't want to drink too much and Apparate", Narcissa said, her voice laced with poison.

As Rabastan turned to look at her Pansy saw the hunger in his eyes, "a splendid idea", he said in a low growl.

Pansy heard the feint snort of amusement come from behind her. Without thinking she turned to Rodolphus, smirking as their eyes met. As she did his hardened and he glared at her. "Shit!" She thought quickly, "I don't think he's supposed to know I know. Merlin he's quick on the uptake the miserable sod".

He made to open his mouth when there was a flash of light and a miniaturised letter landed on the table.

"Err Merrin Chrispmerse" Lucius shouted as his head rose quickly from where it had begun slumping.

"Rolo!" Narcissa snarled.

"Yes Mistress", the elf popped up behind her elbow.

"One of the masters pick-me-up's", she ordered, "now!" He disappeared and she shouted after him. "Make it a strong one… but not too strong I want him just pliable!"

"Oh no Cissily" Lucius moaned with a slur, "not a bloody picks me up's", he pulled a face as though tasting something nasty.

But Narcissa had already turned to Draco, "why do you have messenger mail?" Before she got an answer Rolo returned and as Lucius began his protests, she flicked her wand, sending the small vial to his lips where the tiny bottle forced its contents down his throat.

Draco had already opened it and as he did, something of the pleasantness that had seemed to have surround him was gone now. "Nothing mother, just a bit of fun".

Pansy eyed what was in his hands, it was a rare little piece of charm work, she was almost impressed. The object was a tiny letter that would appear when the recipient of a letter opened the envelope. Only usually used when delivering important documents or gifts.

Narcissa noticed the darkness return to his eyes and the sinister look he gave Pansy. "Draco, I want to know, you are under my roof, you will do as I ask".

Draco looked at her with distain and rolled his eyes. "Fine, just a little gift for Weasley is all".

Pansy's chest burned with an intensity, urging her to fly off the handle. From behind the sight of the table, both Rodolphus and Narcissa's hands pressed her chest back towards her chair. Neither looking at her they kept her pinned there. It was just enough to make her stay silent.

"Urgh", Lucius moaned, somewhat more coherent. "What's the matter now?" he whined.

"Why would you be sending a Weasley anything", Bellatrix scoffed, "what was it, and which one?".

"An invitation to our engagement party", Draco now eyed Pansy with darkening intent, her hand went to her stomach, shaking as they did. Forgetting the hands that were already there she placed hers over theirs. It alerted them to her state in that moment.

"What engagement party", Rodolphus growled.

Draco's eyes finally seemed to back down as he realised, he was outgunned by two men he didn't want to anger.

"I hope plans haven't been made without us", Rabastan inserted himself.

"Gentlemen please", Lucius said with an air of someone rapidly trying to sober. "We agreed over the wedding and Pansy's wellbeing of course, but the boy's been asking for their party, surely there's no harm in allowing him to get on with celebrating the engagement".

"Why was I not included in this… or Pansy?" Narcissa said as darkly as Draco had been speaking.

Bellatrix started up again, "I still don't get it sweet boy, where's the rib in inviting a Weasley?"

Draco snorted as Pansy flinched, the hands still holding her went tense. "Oh it's just a school joke Aunt Bella. You see, that prick Ron Weasley asked Pansy out, didn't he darling".

He was looking directly at her now. Her mouth was dry, but she pushed through. "Fuck's sake you're a Gal Pansy, sharpen up!" For whatever reason this news dragged him back to the evil she'd grown to know. Looking him in the eye she knew this was for her, this entire thing for her benefit. It was an act, not done to out Pansy but to punish, a sly dig to assault her with and torment her lover. But nothing had changed, they were still to be married, and in his warped mind he wanted her. She knew that was true after his outburst, when he beat her. So, she knew she was meant to play along, play into his hands, in what was a power play between them.

"Yes dear", she said confidently. He wanted her to swallow down what he was forcing her to eat. So, she did, he just didn't know she wasn't alone now. "But it was very sad, I almost felt sorry for him".

Bellatrix's laughter burst forth as a cackle, Lucius too snorted in amusement. "Don't be soft you silly cow", Bellatrix grinned, "you don't feel sorry for a bloody blood traitor like that. You should have hexed his arse".

Rodolphus' hand tensed under her, and she hoped he wouldn't act, it would draw too much attention.

"Oh, you're a good boy Draco, you know how to make Aunty laugh. Merlin it's like the rest of you don't have a humour's bone in you".

Now Rodolphus sat up straight and fixed her with a glare, she shrank slightly and pursed her lips. Taking her glass, she raised it to him, "all in good jest dear husband". He nodded with a stoicism that she seemed to eye as though it were a physical trait she could letch over.

Pansy then noticed Rabastan leaning over to catch Rodolphus eye, she saw as their eyes met that the younger of the brothers averted his eyeline quickly. It was a clear signal to leave. Pansy's heart began to sink.

"When is this Party", Rabastan said sharply to Lucius.

"Saturday the twenty-seventh", Lucius said hesitantly.

Rabastan shared a glance at his brother, "I like it", he nodded, taking Pansy by surprise. Lucius too stared at him in disbelief. "The twenty-seventh", he stood and raised his glass. Perplexed they all raised their glasses with him.

"Your leaving?" Narcissa said, Pansy wondered if it was only herself that heard the hurt in this.

"Sadly yes", Rabastan said. "Draco, you actually sent this Weasley boy an invite?" Rabastan said with a laugh as he started pulling on his cloak.

"Yeah", Draco narrowed his eyes in confusion.

"To the Manor, you invited him here?" Rodolphus now was rising, pulling his cloak on.

"Merlin Roddy, he sent the little shite an invite as a wind up. He's not actually going to come", Bellatrix put her arm around her nephew.

There was a startling bear like laugh as Rodolphus began smirking, Rabastan too began laughing loudly as the brothers looked at each other. Rodolphus turned to the now stunned table and poked a finger at Draco. "That… is bloody funny lad, good one".

He walked round the table and came up behind Bellatrix. "Were leaving?" she asked as she rose from her seat.

"No, your staying". He pulled her away from the table and Pansy, reluctantly, saw a hand grasp at her hair, her head drew painfully back. Turning them away from the table he plundered her mouth with his before stepping away, leaving her dizzy. Bellatrix's lewd moans alerting all to the fact that this was not unwanted behaviour forced on her. Pansy saw her bow her head to him as he turned to leave, while she returned to her seat.

"Thank you hosts", Rabastan said, clapping a heavy and uncaring hand on Lucius' shoulder, he sloshed his next drink he'd poured himself. Taking Narcissa's hand he brushed his lips to the knuckles of her hand as she and Pansy stood to acknowledge their leaving.

Pansy saw Narcissa's pleading eye's begging for Rabastan to stay, but he gave a subtle shake of his head. Then before leaving Pansy was gifted a single kiss on each cheek from her uncles along with a long and meaningful hug from each.

"Ron?"

Bill's head poked inside what used to be Harry and Ron's room, now occupied solely by Harry. Bill and Charlie offered to go after their brother, though neither wanted to with complete conviction, not while he was still able to toss them both around like toddlers. They weren't the only ones there however, ignoring all protests Harry had run after Ron only moments after he had left, of course a third had joined him and the trio were sat quietly in the room.

"Come in mate", Harry said with an unexpected brightness to his voice.

"Yeah", Ron said, "it's alright, I'm not going mental in here".

"That'll be a first", Charlie said as he came in behind the eldest.

"Dick!" Ron snorted.

Ron was alone on his old bed, leaning against the wall. Sat opposite was Harry and Hermione, spaced tactically apart while their best friends hurt involved relationships, they weren't about to flaunt theirs. Bill and Charlie stood unsure for a second, Ron's bed had all the space, but on Harry's, they could give him their attention. Bill hesitated not wanting to have Ron in the firing line of all their stares.

"Honestly lads, it's ok", Ron smiled.

Eyeing each other they forced Harry and Hermione together as four bunched up together in a line. "It's ok not to be ok you know", Bill offered.

Ron's smile, a weak one for show, widened with a genuine upcurve. "You sound like Pansy", he laughed. "I didn't mean to run off, but no one wants to read something like that, then have all eye's on them".

"We can go", Charlie said in concern.

Ron shook his head, "no, It's fine. I want to ring the little twat's neck, but I'm not going to fly off the handle". He looked up suddenly in panic, "shit! I ripped that door off, Sirius is gonna' be pissed".

The four suddenly began laughing as Ron looked on in mild horror. "You nearly pulled the bloody wall down", Harry chuckled.

"Yeah, your coming nowhere near me with that thing", Bill eyed his arm with distrust.

"I'm fascinated to know how it works", Hermione leaned forwards with her head on her knee's.

"Of course you are, never had a girl interested in my body in that way before", Ron smirked and the three boys laughed as Hermione rolled her eyes to him. After a minute he addressed what he had to for them. "It's not Pansy's fault", he again spoke with a calm expression, though now a little sad. "She's the one trapped in all of this, I feel it, Corvus made me see that when he visited me. I blamed her at first, had a right go at Tracey because I just wanted to blame her for running off…".

"Hold up", Bill said, mouth open, "Corvus! Visited you… how, when?" Charlie and the others too sitting forward now.

Ron told them of the night Corvus appeared to him. When he finished, he took them back to the time he left with Mad-Eye. From the whirlwind of travelling up and down the country to the Umbra Court. Mad-Eye's mad training to their fights over ethical magic.

"I need to go to this Umbra Court", Hermione said wide eyed.

"I want to see if Mad-Eye will let you both come to Orkney. I don't see why not, Harry you'd benefit no end from a bit of one on one by an ex Auror…".

"You're going back?" Harry interrupted, "I thought you were done".

Ron was saved getting into it with Harry as Hermione spoke up. "Harry, he has to, he can't return to Hogwarts with us and look at how well he's doing".

"Yeah great", Harry spat, a slither of anger spilling out, "but what good is it if I don't get to see my…". Harry's throat caught and he looked away, "my mate".

"I never wanted this", Ron said quietly.

"Of course you didn't!" Harry's voice breaking. He had his head in his hands now and Ron started to feel low as he saw tears in his best mate's eyes. "You didn't want any of this, you didn't deserve it. It's all thanks to…".

"Harry!" Bill snapped sharply turning to him. "Don't!" he warned. "This is not your fault, You-Know-Who could have sent them after any of us, it wouldn't be your fault".

"We could be dead mate, all of us, and it still wouldn't be your fault. If we were all safe and sound then none of us are risking our necks, if no one's willing to risk anything, then he wins" Charlie finished poignantly.

A pillow soared across the room and hit Harry in the head, he sat up searching, finding Ron who grinned menacingly. "Stop being a soft shite", Ron smirked, "I'm supposed to be the mopey one… besides". Ron inched forwards getting comfy. "Three headed dog or giant chess board. Chamber of Secrets or Lockheart. Great black dog or werewolf. Bloody hell Harry! Bewitched under the black lake, chased by Acromantula, broken wands, murderous imposter teachers or how about the murderous imposter rat sleeping in my bed from the age of ten!" The last made all three Weasleys shudder.

"Your point?" Harry's voice was low now, as though backed into a corner he couldn't argue his way out of. Whatever Ron's point was, he was making it well.

"With or without you mate, pick your poison… any one of those could have killed me. Half as much could have killed Hermione and then there's the endless list that's actively trying to murder you. And yet!..." Harry leaned in anticipation. "The one thing that nearly kills me is falling in love with a bloody Slytherin. Your special mate, but it's not all about you". Ron laughed and it brought it out of Harry in equal measures.

Hermione pulled Harry's arm into her and nestled into him, away from everyone else's view she thanked him with a smile, Ron smiled back, just glad to see them all doing better than going straight to crying about things for a change.

"We came out by the way", Hermione lifted her hand, fingers interlocked with Harrys. "In school I mean".

"Shut up!" Ron said opened mouthed, "and I bloody miss it, nice!"

"Yep, not nearly half as bad as we all thought, Blondie was right, todays hot topic becomes yesterdays jam".

"Easier?" Ron asked.

"Very much so", She squealed as Harry nuzzled her neck playfully. Turning back to Ron she sighed, "I've missed this the most, sitting around, talking".

"If you want to make up for missed gossip then…", Ron shrugged, though he felt this was more to do with chickening out rather than saying it. "I… well, I mean me and…".

"What?" Harry said sitting forwards, Hermione mirroring him. Meanwhile, Bill gave Charlie a very obvious look.

"Well, me and Pansy sort of… did it!"

Hermione gasped, hands going to her mouth. Harry looked between her and Ron, "Did what?" Bill, Charlie and Hermione all turned to look at him with frowns, Ron gave him an incredulous look. A light went on behind Harry's eyes and it showed as his face melted into a look of mild shock. "Shut up!"

But Ron's eyes were now taking in his brothers, noticing an absence of any sort of shock at such a confession. "Why do you two…".

"When!" Harry interrupted as though this seemed absurd.

"What… oh erm", Ron flushed, "the morning I, the morning we all went to the pub".

"Where", Hermione now scowled as the logistics made little sense to her.

"Hospital wing", Ron shrugged with a smirk, the look on Hermione's face was cheering him up no end.

"Animals!" she shook her head.

"You can say that again", Ron said dreamily, Harry snorted. "And…".

"And?" Hermione echoed darkly.

Ron winced as he spoke. "The day after I woke from the coma in…"

"In the Hospital", she pinched the bridge of her nose now, "fetish much!"

"Hey!" Bill and Charlie now sat up hearing Ron, "in St. Mungo's?"

"Hold up", Ron said being pulled back to his thoughts. "Why are you two reacting to that but not to the other one?"

Charlie fidgeted while Bill tried to send him a warning glare. "We sort of, knew about the fact you'd both, you know…".

"Humped?"

"Hermione!" they all turned to see her roll her eyes.

"How do you know?" Ron demanded, ignoring her.

"Pansy told us" Bill admitted, though his tone was firm, offering no possibility that he could be being dishonest.

"Why?"

"Who can say mate, Women!" Charlie said, being quicker than Bill for once. "Err, no offence Hermione".

There was a chuckle of laughter as the boys all enjoyed the look of disapproval on Hermione's face. This moment, Ron had decided, was sweet, and something he'd definitely missed while being away. The warmth and homeliness of this being a truly family moment was all encompassing, until it wasn't. Until in that moment, Ron felt in ways that were completely new and yet completely familiar.

A moment of warmth was split into two moments, both simultaneous and as real to those in each. For Bill, Charlie, Harry and Hermione, panic reigned around them as they watched Ron slump to the side. His face vacant and eyes frighteningly devoid of life, they set about him. Desperate to rouse him and shouting to anyone that could hear for help.

Ron watched, in his simultaneous moment, as Bill, Charlie, Harry and Hermione all seemed to freeze. Each held in a moment of amusement, Hermione in a smirk if disapproving. He made to jump up in fear for his loved ones but as he did, he stopped. He wasn't afraid, the notion went back to that feeling, 'completely new and yet completely familiar'.

Whatever the moment was, he knew they were ok, they were frozen, he wasn't. "If anything, they're probably the ones living on past that frozen moment and I'm probably frozen in time, I only feel that I'm moving around", Ron thought aloud. "Wait a minute!"

The world vanished beneath his feet. He began plummeting, his vision a blur that took him beyond sight of the worlds beyond. It stopped and he found himself landing back on the bed as he had been only a half second before. However now he was in a gradient world of darker tones and sepia hints. Ron stood knowing the bedroom he was in was only something he'd left behind and not his reason for being here. He left the room and walked out into a chiaroscuro landscape, a clearing of smoke and veil of shadow. But his eye saw clearly here.

"Ronald", a voice called to him, it began speaking of things he'd never heard of. Warning him of things he had no knowledge of.

"What the fuck is the Foretold!" he thought aloud, speaking clearly the thoughts that now… "Of course!"

"Reckless!" The voice in Pansy's head warned, not so much with concern but condescension. She figured it was her subconscious again, rather than her actual conscience or awareness. She figured this after deciding her subconscious had been a bit of a tit with her, and it was the sort of smartarse comment she'd expect. Pansy had come to recall more of Harrier's visit, like a thrill of realisation as the true memories returned, verses what the girl had concocted in their minds for their own safety. This brought the memory of how 'all knowing' her subconscious liked to act.

The cause of the voice's criticism was the fact that Pansy had willingly strayed from Narcissa's protection. Not long after her uncles had left in what seemed still to be a surprise move, Draco and Millicent disappeared to his room. Pansy figured Narcissa's keen mind must have known there was an unorthodox nature to the girls 'tastes' as she was so freely allowed to accompany him to his bedroom alone.

"Narcissa", Pansy had breathed quietly. Lucius was not quite as drunk has he had been, but he was getting there, Bellatrix was seeing more and more of her sister's attention in her boredom. "May I leave for my room?"

"I'd rather you were here with me", she breathed back, her hand taking Pansy's under the table. "But I suppose, I will ask Rolo to lock your door", she said with a nod.

Pansy stood, or tried to, as she did, she paused. Her hand went to her stomach, her eyes widening in shock as it struck her. Like a terrible dawning she felt a wetness spread across her followed by a flash of light. Searching she patted herself, her hand remained dry, no blood appearing as she felt, with horror, the return of pain.

Pansy hadn't felt that great searing tear, that great flash of light across her eyesight or the slicing pain that struck her stomach in some time. It was quick this time, only serving to hurt her with startling ferocity.

Narcissa's eyes flashed in concern and unfortunately the action was noticed by Bellatrix. "Pansy?" Narcissa whispered.

"I'm ok", Pansy turned her head, revealing her face only to Narcissa. "Its just what I told you about, not…the other".

"What is it?" Bellatrix demanded, sitting up.

Pansy wanted to shoot her some venom, rely on the fear her Uncle now brought, but she needed to leave quick, something was pulling at her. "Nothing Aunt Bellatrix", she grunted lightly but as pleasantly as she could. "I'm just feeling, unwell".

Bellatrix eyed her suspiciously, but Narcissa spoke up. "Perhaps an early night dear".

"Thank you, yes", Pansy said. She made to move but the room spun, steadying herself she put on a show smile as the pull returned.

Pansy almost made it to the door when Bellatrix spoke up. "Straight to bed!" The order wasn't necessary, nor was it filled with any malice.

With nothing more than the thought of possible concern from the woman, Pansy opted for harmony, for herself if nothing else. "Goodnight, Aunt Bella, Narcissa".

Now though she was outside, cold bit at her, wandless and unable to heat the cloak she'd had to ask Rolo for. She wanted to be in bed, alone and locked in. Something called for her to do so and she didn't want to be outside tonight, foreboding dictated it so. But Millicent had appeared in the corridor that led to her room, and she insisted they leave the Manor so they could talk, assuring Pansy that Draco was busy showering.

Pansy wanted to see Millicent, talk to her, but leaving the house and moving from where she'd been instructed to go ate at her. And that infuriating voice within continued it's ringing out of, "Reckless!"

Pansy was also relieved when Millicent had accepted the embrace she'd thrown over her, crushing her back in the moment as the reasons for Pansy's being there wasn't lost on her. She had witnessed the darkness that oozed from Draco that night. So, as they hugged, Millicent knew what it was she was feeling from the girl, and Pansy knew what she was giving in return.

"I don't understand it any more than you do Pansy", Millicent had already been talking but now Pansy was coming out of her head and taking in what she was saying. "But since that day he's been so calm, then I see him after he came home, and he was manic. A soon as he's with me he mellows out again. I have to believe its you". She stopped Pansy with a soft expression. "You know I don't mean it that way. But after he's away from you and he opens up with me he's a different person. He's emotional and vulnerable and has so much going on in his head that were not seeing".

"How can you even stand him!" Pansy stopped their walk, after only just starting it again. "He held a knife to your throat Milli, to mine. You heard every vile threat he made".

Millicent nodded, "I did, I know how dark things got and I think in that moment he meant it. And I'm not stupid, I think he'd have killed me had you not buckled…".

"Then why the hell are you here Milli", Pansy spat. She wanted to shake the girl, make her see sense.

"Who's going to help him!" Millicent rounded on her, something of the size difference between them became apparent as she squared off to Pansy. "If someone doesn't try, if he's left to rot then he's done for. I thought no one was seeing this like I was, but then I realised after that night that you did, but your only solution was to kill him. I didn't even realise what you were doing at the time, it was just instinctive when I stopped you, but that was a death blow you were aiming at him".

Pansy shook her head sadly, but then her eyes hardened as the memory returned, the bile he spewed at her. "It was, and I'd have done it, I admitted as much to Narcissa. I won't apologise for it Milli, I can't. If he died tonight, I'd mourn for her, for you, but not him".

"I don't blame you Pansy", Millicent urged. "I was there remember, I felt every word, like I felt that knife". She let out a long breath, "but what I'm doing, I know its right. I know that alone and separate from you he has clarity, he knows he needs help. I can't just abandon him, I won't".

"Fine", Pansy whined, Millicent's face was hard, strong in her beliefs of what she was saying. "But I can't leave. Only Lucius can stop this, and he seems dead set on the match, he's even going up against my uncles for it".

"I know that, that's why I'm here, to get him to confront his parents with me. Admit to all the crap that's in his head and make them see he needs help".

"Are you plotting to kill me Pansy… Mill's!"

The terrible voice was on the wind as it fell over the girls from behind them. They both stopped, both froze as they realised, they'd been followed.

Turning Pansy saw a little boy, weak and afraid in the dark of a winters evening. His eyes were tear streaked, and face pulled into a painful grimace. Pansy sighed as she saw him now. "I don't want to kill you Draco", her voice was tired. Tired of this day and tired of this endless circle between them. "Neither does Milli, she's the only one trying to help you, unconditionally". She trembled slightly at the thought but took a step towards him all the same. "But I see it now, I think maybe you deserve some help, despite what you did, I'd want that for you".

Draco's tears ran freely now. His vision was blurred as he looked at them both, their outlines trembling and watery to his eyes. But then, they weren't the only one's he saw. Looking to his left, fearful as he did, he saw the great outline of the hooded giant visible only to his eyes. The creature was a living nightmare, now with him always. He still saw it sat there, within his own eyes, inside his head. But like a visible conscience now it seemed to have escaped its holdings and walked freely around him. Spewing its poison into his ear and filling his heart with blackness.

"Your heart was already black Draco", his companion said aloud, hearing his thoughts. The idea had been absurd when he first heard it, but then it was there, behind his eyes, in his head, of course it heard his thoughts. "And there was plenty of poison within you from the start, I'm just here to show you how good it feels to embrace it".

Draco's twisted face tried to blank it out. "I love you", he struggled.

"I think maybe a part of you did once Draco, but right now the sight of me tortures you, it fills you with so much hate", Pansy was relieved as Millicent stepped closer between them both.

"Love Draco", the voice sniggered, "pathetic, you loved the squeals she made when you beat her".

"No!" Draco shouted, Pansy stepped back, Millicent forward.

"She means it in caring Draco, not to be nasty", Millicent tried to sooth him, they weren't to know he was battling two conversations.

"The pain and hurt with every slap you placed on that face; you loved that didn't you".

"I didn't", Draco cried, "I never meant to hurt her".

Pansy gave Millicent a frightened look, it was exchanged in equal parts between them, but they remained there as he began to break down.

"You are weak. You are pathetic. She has been playing around behind your back, laughing at you. Punish her, punish them both, be the better man and let me feel you torture them. It's all here inside you Draco, waiting to explode, the darkness. It's beautiful, let's make the world beautiful together!"

"Argh!" Draco fell into a squat, his hands over his ears, eye's squeezed shut. "Please make it stop, make it go away".

"Draco!" Millicent ran to him and enveloped him, he grasped desperately against her, holding onto what he could of her as he cried his heart out against her.

Pansy swallowed, slowly she edged her way around him, trying to get more out of sight. She was unsure which version of Draco scared her more as she watched him break down. "Maybe I should go get the others", she said gently to Millicent.

"No! stay there bitch", Pansy, who had gotten the other side of Draco now, stilled. Draco had jumped to his feet with blistering speed, wand drawn and trained on her. Closer to the Manor, her legs were jelly as the idea to run hit her. Something about his voice wasn't the same as it had been. As though someone else spoke for him, it chilled her. It was the same way his eyes seemed to look at her with a familiar grey, then suddenly they were no longer his eyes.

"Crucio… that's it isn't it… the one you know, the one you learnt but haven't truly used yet. Do it now, use it on her".

"Draco", the voice was soft and warm, it spoke of soft smooth skin against his and it soothed him. The promise of unwavering friendship and a truer love than what he was looking for in places he shouldn't. Millicent filled his field of vision completely, stepping between him and Pansy, her nose almost touching his.

"M… Millicent".

"That's right", she said gently. She took hold of him and began leading him away from Pansy. "Me and you, alone again, walk with me love".

Draco followed Millicent's lead as she led him around the gardens and very quickly, they arrived over by the swing where he found Pansy days ago. He tried to push the memory from his mind. At the sight of it he shook his head as they stopped.

"It's ok love I'm here, sit with me and talk, just us". Millicent repeated the soft mothering tone she'd found worked on him best in these moments. Sitting together with eyes so full of pleading she spoke again. "Please Draco, please stop this. Tell your parents about the visions, the nightmares, I'll come with you. Ask for them to call off the wedding, let Pansy go".

"I told you she wanted to split you both up. She wants the girl to go back to him".

"You need to stop", Draco's fists clenched, eyes squeezed shut as he felt the pull within him, something driving his anger. "You need to go, just leave me!"

Millicent stood, turning to him on the swing as he sat eye's closed, face bowed to the ground. She had no idea he wasn't speaking to her. "I can't leave you; I love you, your my best friend", She took a step closer to him. "Please… there's still time, let Pansy go, let her return to school, we can salvage this".

"She's going to betray you", the voice, there behind his eyes, in the recesses of his brain its dark gravelly voice poisoning Draco's ears. "She's going to help her escape, back to him, back to Weasley".

Draco's mind filled with a vision of Ron now as his nightmare poisoned his ear and mind. The red heads hands holding his betrothed, her eyes sparkling at his. Millicent stepped closer again, trying to reach out to him, filled with concern. Blinded Malfoy grabbed out at her, his hands clutching Ron's throat in his mind, determined to kill him where he'd lastly only maimed. But unknown to him his fingers laced fatally around his friends neck tightly. Millicent's eyes became wide and watery with fear, she began to sink to the floor as he choked her.

Pansy had already paused. The pull that guided her had told her to flee to her room. But then it stopped. The pull was sickening and made her want to vomit. It pulled at her to go back, to run to Millicent and him with speed. Turning back she cursed herself but continued on. Then from across the lawn she saw what was happening. "Draco no!", she screamed, running to them.

Draco stopped, blind panic taking him as he realised what he was doing he pulled Millicent back to her feet. He grasped at her, holding her to him tightly, gasping apology after apology and begging for forgiveness. Then he heard it, the sound of Pansy's screams and in the confusion of coming out of his rage he turned, watching her run towards him.

The world was spinning now for Draco as the walls of his mind began to fall. Confused and panicked he turned back to Millicent. Then he saw it. The nightmare of his waking dreams made real again in this moment. It was stood directly behind Millicent as she grabbed her knee's panting as she doubled over. The great hooded figure, towering over them both stood looming like death. It was covered in darkness, only lifeless black eyes and its long, curved beak visible under its cloak. "She's coming to kill you…Stop her!" it shouted.

Draco screamed in fear as he looked back at Pansy. His hand found the blade hidden in the brace on his arm, his gift from his aunt, instinctively lashing out, hoping to land a death blow. To get this monster away from his Millicent, away from his sight, away from his mind.

Millicent's hands clutched at her throat, eyes only showing fear and confusion as blood pumped through her fingers.

Draco snapped out of it, coming to, he saw her falter. The figure wasn't there, where he struck as it had been in his mind's eye. Now only she stood alone, blood flowing from her neck, his eyes travelled down to his hand, the blade was coated in her blood. She grasped for him as she fell, clutching him. Red staining his white shirt, bloody prints marking him.

"No… Mill's no!", he cried desperately grabbing at her to hold her to him. A hand on her neck she grasped for him, eyes filled with sadness, until they weren't. Her fingers sliding down his face her head lulled morbidly to the side.

"Millie!" Pansy screamed; she fell bodily into Draco pushing him away. Desperate she grabbed for Millie's neck, she needed to close the wound, needed blood replenishing potions, needed to keep her alive and call for help. But Draco had taken her wand, she was powerless. "Draco give me your wand", she shouted.

Draco heard nothing, his hand automatically grabbing the knife in front of him only a ringing in his head remained. He staggered away, not hearing the screams of the girl clutched to his best friend, determined to not let her go.

In his dazed state even Draco, was oblivious to the callous laughter that rang through his head. The walls of his mind were bathed in blood and carnage and the entity that had began to take over his mind sang gleefully as it had finally completed the act it needed. Now, finally he could take Draco, he could own the boy and create the man of delicious mayhem and misery that its carnal desires craved.

A/N

Had a bit of a dilemma in creating the drama around this as a worthwhile finale. Torn Apart was a wild finale which really set this journey off more then Silent Glances/Ethereal Awakening did. With Book/Part 4 right round the Corner so many bombs could have gone off in this finale it could have been revelation central. But, Ascension of Blood is where the many unanswered questions get answered and needlessly revealing them now for the sake of drama now, would seriously hurt the final Book/Part. That said the end Defiant Blood has always been known with important points but its still the calm before the storm.

Also I debated posting this now, consistency has come back up on the last two posts, so I'm happy to post now. But I like doing double drops for the finale. However, I will still do this by likely having the first chapter of Ascension of Blood when I post the last chapter of Defiant Blood, so, double drop.

Continued support and love means the world, please do review, I don't care about praise I just like to hear thoughts. Particularly when Ascension of Blood starts and we get the answers to all those questions and secrets and lies come out I'd love to know who figured what out before they read it. Or if anything took you by surprise I'd love to hear it.

Love and Light

Venom-