Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Fooling Fate sequel to Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 44179 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. That lucky duck JK Rowling does. I don't make any money from this fanfic. I just play with her toys and put them back in relatively good condition.

Chapter List
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Melody waited until everyone had settled in her office before she stood up to speak. She wanted this to go as quickly as possible. All of the monitoring spells around the room were disabled but she was still paranoid. Being in the beast’s lair was nothing new to her, but it made it no less nerve wracking. Besides, she was aware that Zandra had an appointment with Draco later and she didn’t want to cut into their time. They both needed to talk it out.

“Alright, so I called you here because I received word from Harmony that things are getting worse. Philippe shared everything he saw with her during last weekend’s –um- rendezvous. I know that you’ve barely had time to process everything and I understand if you are overwhelmed. However, we cannot afford to dally for long. The Gods are an impatient lot and trust me; you seriously don’t want to piss them off.

“Now then, we’ve been charged with bringing the Master down, lest the Gods sic the Malfoys on her. That is not a good thing. Should they have to do that, then we’ll all be in danger of being exposed and furthermore… exterminated. So, we’ll start with the facts and then we’ll have a short brainstorming session.

“First off, Philippe has seen that the Master has grown tired of werewolves. The wolf’s wild nature makes it hard to control the hosts once they’ve been turned. Besides, they are children of the moon. It isn’t efficient enough if they can only produce warriors on one night of the month. That means that the Master is searching for a new creature, one comparable in strength and stamina to the werewolf.

“However, the dilemma is finding one who they can manipulate. After all, lycanthropy came from wolves. The Master has left vampires alone, seeing as how you have to die to become one. However, she have actually researched them, collected their venom. Luckily, they still operate under the assumption that the soul disappears when you are turned, which is not true. It merely lies dormant until the time in which its host is destroyed. However, it does make it impossible to call upon the soul.”

“What about daywalkers?” Zandra asked quietly.

“Daywalkers are a myth,” Melody said gravely. “One which needs to remain that way. Deven, I hate to ask this, and I will ask Rhapsody to confirm what Harmony and Philippe had seen, but you need to warn the hunters. You know how they feel about enemies of their enemy.”

Deven nodded. “Anyone who wants to take out a vampire is okay in their books.”

“Exactly,” Melody said sadly. “But in this case, the Master is seeking out that which makes them successful in their hunts. Born hunters are surrounded by many legends, none so elusive as how they get their keen instincts. They are faster, stronger, and have a better sense of smell than normal people. It’s easy to tell the real hunters from the copycats.”

“Is it?” Deven asked.

“Just ask Aiden and Serena’s mother,” Melody said softly. “Now then, Philippe feels that if the Master can get in good with the hunters, then she will ferret out the strongest, the ones like your mother…like me. That would be disastrous, as you well know. But it goes further than that. Aiden, Serena, they are second generation, all of the perks, none of the drawbacks. Well, none that their parents face anyway. Deven, you and my twins are also second generation, less powerful but no less desired. Either discovery could mean then end…for all of us.”

“I’ll write tonight,” Deven said.

“Good. That takes care of one thing. Next, we have another concern. Muggles won’t give the Master the power she seeks, but she will use them for experiments. If you know of someone who isn’t magical in the same boat, expect them to disappear first. In fact, Philippe had a flash of horror right before Nemesis and Fortuna showed up. It’s quite possibly the worst thing I’ve ever heard of.”

“What?” Draco asked from the back.

Melody looked at him for a moment, brushing a tear away. “One couple from each humanoid creature without magic to start.”

“My Gods,” Draco breathed.

“That too,” Melody said, clearing her throat. “However, we must concentrate on the races. Wizards have interbred with all types of magical creatures, making them a target for the Master. Vi, how many Fae possess wizard magic along with their own?”

“Hundreds,” Violetta squeaked, ducking further into Zach’s side.

“Ana, merpeople?”

Anastasia signed. “I’m not sure. My mother wasn’t exactly a willing participant, but her predicament happens more than anyone would like to admit. As far as I know, there are at least fifty like myself, all various ages, all hiding in the wizarding world whether they have magic or not. We just stick out too badly around muggles.”

“Why is that?” Nate asked.

“Like mermaids, we sing beautifully. However, our voices are the same above ground as well. The sound waves contain magic that hypnotizes muggles. Wizards are immune. I know it would simply be a matter of not singing, but it isn’t so easy.”

“Say no more,” Melody said softly. “That would be akin to asking Nate and Zach to quit listening in on other people’s conversations.”

“Second nature then,” Nate said, smiling at Ana.

“Matt, what of giants?” Melody asked.

“Well,” Matt said, scratching his head. “Half-giants are rare, though I understand there are a few in England. However, half-giants can produce more easily. I’d say that there are about two dozen or so of us around, not a lot, even fewer magical ones.”

“It’s enough,” Melody said. “Remember, the Master is going for total domination. Every diverse species they can find will add another feather in their cap.”

“What about veelas?” Hugo asked. “Uncle Bill and Aunt Fleur have a whole houseful.”

“Well, they are actually doubly special,” Melody said, “because Bill carries werewolf blood as well. However, you are right Hugo. Half veelas are in danger as well.”

“Are there any that attend here?” Zandra asked.

“One,” Melody said. “Though I dare say you won’t like the answer.”

“Let me guess,” Serena said with a sneer. “She’s under Mary Alice’s thumb.”

Melody nodded. “Samantha Winters, one of the shyest members of the bitch club. From everything I’ve gathered from her, she doesn’t know of her heritage. Emily? You room with her. Has she ever had any sort of thoughts on it?”

Emily shook her head. “No. Her mother died in childbirth. She was their first. Her father remarried a muggle who treated her horribly. When he found out, well, let’s just say there is a reason she doesn’t bat an eye at hurting muggles. Anyway, her father married a pureblood witch who treats her like a princess. It’s all an act to get a little further into her father’s graces, but she is spoiled.”

“Well,” Melody said. “Let us hope she remains ignorant. And… we’ll make her part of the plan to. Someone needs to try and befriend her. It won’t be easy, but one less person on their side is one person we can potentially save. If you find anyone else, especially with a creature heritage, please sway them to the light.”

“Exactly how many creatures are running around this school?” Colton asked.

Melody grinned. “A fair few. I’ve seen a few nymphs, a few pixies, and at least one tree elf running along the hallways. Ideally, we need a fresh perspective on creatures. Whorple has everyone brainwashed into thinking those with non-human blood are bad. We need to change those views…and this is where the brainstorming comes in. We need a way to reach out without it being obvious.”

“Why not start a dueling club,” Zandra asked suddenly.

“Why?” Melody asked.

“Well,” Zandra gulped. “Everyone saw you fight Professor Snape muggle style and Whorple blew her top, right?”

“Yes,” Melody said.

“Well, didn’t you say you were as proficient in a duel with a wand?”

“I did. But why a dueling club?”

“Whorple is a puppet,” Zandra growled. “And if she’s a puppet, then it stands to reason that the Master has been pulling the strings all along. Which means that she wants everyone as dull and dim as possible, like little sheep.”

“And you think that by allowing the kids to learn fun but potentially dangerous magic, that we will endear them to us,” Aiden said.

Zandra nodded. “I know I was in awe when Flitwick taught us to duel. I listened to stories of the first time Professor Snape sent a teacher on his bum during a duel. They’re very vivid memories. Mr. Potter started an army from defensive lessons, and created some extremely strong friendships along the way.”

“It’s brilliant,” Aiden breathed.

“And effective,” Melody said. “Harry gained some truly loyal followers that way and he gave the children a sense of empowerment. Even if they do not decide to fight for our side, they will be able to defend themselves. Very nice Zandra. Well done.”

Zandra blushed deep red but nodded all the same. Aiden gave her a gentle smile, feeling his heart take flight at her brilliance. She was blossoming quite well, despite what she thought about herself. He still hated the way Jonah hovered over her, clutching her close to him. He still felt a little off balance, especially since she knew his feelings. However, he couldn’t find it in him to hold back his awe over her. She was perfect, his perfect match. He only hoped she would figure that out.

“Alright, I’m going to have to cut this meeting short,” Melody said. “Curfew is coming and I’m sure you all have homework to do. Brainstorm, come up with some ideas and we’ll meet again in the morning by the tree. We need to act as quickly as possible. We also need to do some reconnaissance on those we know are on the Master’s side but we’ll get to that at a later date. Off with you now.”

“Come on, Zandra,” Jonah said. “I’ll walk you to your dorm.”

“Actually,” Zandra said, pushing him away as he tried to drag her outside. “I have an appointment with Healer Malfoy.”

“What? Why? What’s wrong?”

Zandra sighed. “Nothing is wrong. I just… I need to talk to him for a bit.”

“Him,” Jonah growled.

“Yes him,” she huffed. “For Merlin’s sake Jonah, give it a rest. He healed me, he kept me sane, and he wants to keep helping me. You might want to live in denial for the rest of your life, but I want to deal with my baggage.”

“I’m not in denial!” Jonah shouted.

“Really?” Zandra asked. “Then look in the mirror and admit that you were taken and tortured and abused and broken. When you can do that without breaking the mirror, I’ll believe you.” She shook her head and took Aiden’s offered arm. She was shaking in fear, but she was determined to see this through.

Stunned, Jonah stood in the middle of the room while everyone else filed out. Serena had watched the entire exchange, proud of Zandra for standing up to him. Personally, she couldn’t stand the arrogant boy, but Zandra’s words made her think. Jonah was more like her than she cared to admit, too proud to lower himself by confessing weakness. However, if there was one thing Serena had learned in this life, it was that a weakness not addressed was the downfall of a foundation.

“She’s right,” Serena said quietly when the door closed behind the last person. “You’re only as strong as your weakest link.”

“I’m not weak,” Jonah growled.

“You are,” Serena said, trying very hard to keep her cool. “You are weak because you can’t admit your weakness.”

“What’s your weakness then?” Jonah sneered.

Serena stared at him until he squirmed. “My temper and my stubbornness. Anger dulls the senses, particularly the good sense to ask for help or walk away. I’m too stubborn to ask for help, too proud. It means that I am more likely to get in a very bad situation because I let my pride get in the way.”

“Doesn’t sound like a weakness,” Jonah sniffed.

Serena blinked back tears. “It almost cost Lily her life. If I would have just ignored those arseholes, then we would have never gotten into a fight. If we hadn’t fought, then Cecil wouldn’t have come within miles of her. Draco and Hermione almost died to save them and they can never, ever be apart ever again. Look at the devastation I caused, just because I couldn’t ignore Gregory’s crude remarks.”

“Cecil would have died,” Jonah said quietly. “Would you rather have that on your conscience?”

“No,” Serena said quietly. “But if all that happened because I couldn’t keep my mouth shut, imagine what would happen if they discovered how paranoid you are.”

The air rushed out of Jonah’s lungs. “How can I not be paranoid?”

Serena smiled and shook her head. “You misunderstand me. You admit that you are scared. There is nothing weak about fear. My father and everyone who fought in the war were absolutely terrified. But, they acknowledged it and armed themselves with knowledge and knowhow to overcome it. You can be scared, Jonah, and no one will ever think less of you for it. But ignoring it is a sure way to end up there again. Arm yourself, learn how not to get in that situation again, and you’ll be able to move past it.”

“Why Mr. Malfoy?” Jonah asked.

Serena sighed. “Draco probably had the world’s worst childhood, worse even than my father, which is saying a whole lot. Everything you experienced, minus your missing soul, he experienced at the hands of his own father. He talks to Zandra because he knows how it feels and she needs to know she’s not alone.”

“But we all feel that way,” Jonah said with a frown. “We all felt helpless and alone.”

Serena shook her head. “It isn’t really my place to say, and if I ever catch you repeating it, I’ll break your neck, but Zandra was not the same as the rest of you. She was not broken like those who were brainwashed. You all had a family, a makeshift one. She had no one. Her parents were killed, her uncle sold her out, and her entire life she was teased mercilessly for having a less than perfect figure. She was smart, not skinny, clever, not skanky, and that didn’t sit well with either gender. Boys picked on her because she was overweight; girls picked on her because she was an easy target. She feels worthless.”

“But she’s so strong,” Jonah gasped.

“She is,” Serena said. “And you treat her like a china doll. She doesn’t need to be coddled Jonah. She needs to stand on her own two feet and know that she can continue to do so. She needs to be encouraged, to be shown that she’s beautiful and worthy and deserving of every good thing she’ll ever receive.”

“But… I just, I can’t see her that way. When I look at her, all I can see is the skeleton that was thrown into that cell with me and my brother. I hear her screams, see the haunted look in her eyes. I know she’s fragile and I don’t ever want her to break.”

“Steel is tempered by fire,” Serena said. “If you bothered to talk to any of the adults, you would know that they went through hell and came out better in the end. We can only hope to be so strong.”

“They might be able to see past it, but I can’t.”

“Then perhaps it is best to leave her to someone who can.”

“You mean your brother.”

Serena nodded. “Aiden loves her but he has maintained his distance out of respect for both of you.”

“Respect,” Jonah scoffed. “Was it respect when he took me out?”

“No.” Serena’s lips quirked into a smirk. “That was him giving you a well-deserved attitude adjustment. You were an insufferable asshole that day and you deserved it.”

“It’s not respect.”

“Aiden could have his pick of any girl in this school. All he would have to do is simply extend a hand. I’ve seen it more than I care to. However, he does not care for the chase. He is very much like me in that respect. He wants a person to want him simply for him, not his looks, not his intelligence, not his power, but the whole package.”

“You think Zandra likes him.”

“I think she feels safe with him, which is important. She feels that he is protective without being an overzealous prick about it. He’s considerate without it looking like an obligation or chore. When he carries her bag, it’s because he wants to be nice, not because he doesn’t think she can do it. When he debates her, it’s not because he is picking on her, but rather he delights in knowing that he has a brilliant person in which to discuss theories with. When he walks her places, it’s not just because he doesn’t think that she couldn’t make it there on her own. Don’t get me wrong, it is for protection, but it is also because he wants to be in her presence just a little longer.”

“But I love her,” Jonah whispered.

“And she loves you. You two shared something that, while horrifying, created a bond. However, sometimes those bonds aren’t meant to be what you think they are. Take my dad and Melody for example. They were lovers before Melody reached adulthood. He saved her life and she saved his. They broke apart suddenly because of my father’s self-appointed duty. They loved each other…deeply. Hell, they had kids together. But they both knew being with each other wasn’t what they needed. They each found partners that they loved, a different kind of love, the love of soul mates, and they are better for it. But they still love each other.”

“You don’t think Zandra and I are soul mates.”

“No,” Serena said. “I think you share a bond, just like dad and Melody, but I don’t think it is a soul mate bond.”

“What do I do?”

“Let her go, but don’t break your friendship over it. Friends are much too valuable to waste. But if you don’t, you’ll never find that soul deep happiness that comes from finding your other half.”

“You believe in soul mates then.”

Serena smiled. “Of course. My parents are soul mates. I want that. Dating is fun, but I’m not a casual kind of girl. I want forever.”

“Sounds like a little girl’s dreams.”

“Perhaps. But I know it exists. Just…watch how Draco and Hermione look at each other. Their like the planets. They orbit around each other. Watch them for long and you’ll see them gravitate. It’s beautiful. He protects her, she fights for them both and then they switch. It’s fluid and equal and absolutely perfect. My parents are the same. Melody and Alex, too. Harry and Ginny, they’re perfect too.”

“Aren’t soul mates rare?”

“They are,” Serena admitted. “But even a less than soul mate match can work out. Harmony and Philippe aren’t soul mates… but did you see how much they loved each other? She practically wasted away without him and he was tortured to know he wasn’t alive with her. It might not be soul mates, but their love is soul deep. Hugo’s parents are the same. His mother is as crazy as a loon, but she loves his father more than life itself.”

“Then how do you know that Zandra and I aren’t like that?”

“Because when you look at her, you should be able to see her as she is now, not as you first saw her. Her vision should be fluid, ever changing and yet creating the same picture of perfection every time. Can you honestly say you’ll ever be able to look at her like that?”

“I-no. No I suppose not.”

“Then do you both a favor and end it.” Serena started to walk out the door.

“Wait.”

“Yes?”

“Do you really think there is someone out there for everyone?”

“With all my heart.”

Melody turned to Severus with tears in her eyes after Jonah left the classroom. They’d been listening in from her office next door. “Gods Severus, you raised one very insightful young lady.”

Severus hugged her close to his chest. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of her.”

“I believe this is the point when you know you’ve done something right.”

“Indeed,” he whispered. “Indeed it is.”

“Still wish you would have died in the floor of that dirty shack.”

“No. I knew the second I saw my children enter this world that I would never regret my life.”

“Well said my old friend, well said.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Draco paced back and forth, nervous about this meeting with Zandra. He’d been tossing ideas back and forth with Hermione, deciding the best way to handle this. In the end, he’d decided to show her two memories. They weren’t his worst by any means, but they still made him want to vomit. He’d shown them to Hermione and she’d approved, but he wasn’t so sure now. Even having his wife see was a huge blow.

‘You’ll do fine, love,’ Hermione whispered sincerely in his mind.

‘I feel like a bloody teenager again.’

‘You are the strongest man I’ve ever met and I love you more than life itself. Zandra will not think any less of you and somehow, I know you will help each other in a way I never could.’

‘You have no idea how much you’ve helped me,’ he said sincerely. ‘You saved my life.’

Hermione smiled in his mind. ‘Now you go save others.’

Before he could answer, there was a knock at his door. He opened it, stepping aside to allow Aiden to walk through, followed by a shaking Zandra. Before he could close it, Cadence rushed in.

“Sorry!” Cadence chirped. “I just wanted to, um, look at your office?”

Draco quirked an eyebrow but motioned for her to gaze around. She did a very slow turn around, frowning ever so often. When she was done, she waved her hand, casting spells that made the other three shiver with their intensity.

“You know Healer Malfoy,” Cadence said, her eyes glued to the shelf behind him. “You have a wonderful collection of crystal orbs. What do you use them for?”

Draco frowned. He’d never had a collection of crystal orbs. That meant that they had to be leftovers from the Master. Damn. He picked one up, studying it, realizing it was a scrying tool. Of course it was. He sniffed in disdain.

“I do believe they were a fancy of the late Nurse MacNeeley. They are quiet pretty aren’t they?”

“Oh, they are,” Cadence said.

“I imagine they are rather fragile,” Draco said, closing his hand around the orb and crushing it. He whispered a vanishing spell and looked to Cadence who nodded her approval. She pushed a thought of them all being destroyed in his head before acting like she was sad.

“Such a shame,” she said. “I guess they are a little more fragile than I thought.”

“Indeed. Better to be rid of them then.” Draco said, vanishing the rest of them.

“Much better,” Cadence breathed. “You…you haven’t used this office for much have you?”

“Just paperwork,” Draco assured her. “Thanks though. Anything else I should study?”

“Blanket spells,” Cadence said before leaving.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to it then,” Aiden said, giving Zandra a gentle squeeze before stepping out and closing the door behind them. Zandra looked at the door like a cornered rabbit.

“He’s casting a blanket privacy spell on the door,” Draco informed her. “It will alert us to other presences and keep nosy passersby none the wiser.”

Zandra nodded and accepted his invitation to sit. “I-I’m nervous.”

Draco sighed. “That makes two of us. Now, one more spell and we’ll get started.”

Zandra shivered again as an even more powerful spell settled around her. She knew Draco was powerful, but the sheer magnitude of it left her unsettled. She was seriously considering making a break for it.

“That would solve nothing,” Draco said, smiling at her shock. He pointed to his temple. “You’re thoughts are entirely too loud.”

“Oh, I, uh-“

“Stop worrying,” Draco purred. “If it bothers you that badly, have Aiden teach you occlumency. In fact, I recommend it. Keeps people out of your head.”

“Except for your wife,” Zandra whispered.

Draco laughed. “Well, it did until we did something entirely foolish. We both hated it at first, but now, I’m sure it would be entirely too lonely without her.”

“How did you know she was the one?”

“I didn’t! I wanted to kill her, well, at least be rid of her.”

“But… but you’re soul mates.”

“There is a fine line between love and hate. We just didn’t quite pick the right one. It was rough at first, but we made it.”

Zandra frowned. “Sounds…difficult.”

Draco laughed again. “It was horrible at first, for both of us. But… I couldn’t possibly love her any more than I do. She saved my life.”

“How?”

“She believed in me,” he whispered. “I’ve decided to show you a couple of my memories. I hardly think it is fair for me to see you at your most vulnerable without allowing you the same courtesy. I just ask that you never speak about this with anyone other than myself or my wife.”

“Of course not!” Zandra said passionately. “I would never, ever break your confidence.”

“I know,” Draco said. He pulled out his pensive and two glass vials filled with silvery substance and took a few deep breaths. “I’ll be going with you. I have no desire to see these memories ever again, but… I have a feeling that you’ll need reassurance. These things I’m about to show you, they will be too familiar. They will hurt too much. They’ll bring up horrible, painful memories that you’d rather not acknowledge. But, it is important that we do this for two reasons.”

Zandra brushed the tears from her eyes, trying to quell the trembling in her body. “W-why?”

“Number one, to ignore the pain is futile. It will come up in the worst of times. For me, it happened in front of my peers. It took some very swift maneuvering to get me out of it, almost got me killed more than once. Repression does much more damage than you think it does.”

“It’s already getting to me,” Zandra whispered.

“That’s number two,” Draco said. “We face it head on. We deal with it. We become stronger. We accept our past and we move toward the future. Everyone has a past Zandra. Those who don’t accept that will run from it the rest of their lives. But we can take those feelings, use them, become better people because of them, learn from our mistakes. Do you understand?”

Zandra nodded. “I’m scared though.”

“I would be worried if you weren’t,” Draco said gently. “Now come, let’s view this.”

“W-what is this about?”

“This is the first memory I have of my father. He was a manipulative bastard from the very start and he made it quite clear that I was not his ideal son. I broke very early on, setting myself up to fail. I would have walked across broken glass to prove myself to him, did actually, and it was never any different.”

Zandra took his hand and cautiously stuck her finger into the pensive. They were deposited in a grand room, decorated with green and silver hangings and bedding. The walls were silver, carpets a plush green, wood stained black. It was the ultimate Slytherin room.

“As you can see, I was groomed to be a Slytherin from the very beginning,” Draco said, motioning around the room. “Ah, there I am.”

Zandra followed his finger to see a little tyke sitting on the floor, probably no more than three. The baby fine white hair and silvery grey eyes made him look angelic. She figured such a gorgeous man would be a beautiful child. He was happily babbling to a house elf and swishing a toy wand through the air. He giggled and rapped the elf in the head.

“Toy, toy, toy!”

The elf sighed and snapped, producing a little snitch with fluffy white wings, much more bulky than a standard Quidditch snitch. It floated slowly through the air, allowing the toddler to grab it with a delighted squeal.

“I catch!”

“Yes Master Draco,” the elf squeaked. “Very good.”

“Draco?”

A woman in her early twenties walked into the room. She was beautiful, her long blond hair and blue eyes making her look like a model. She had a soft smile on her face and love radiated from her.

“That’s my mother, Narcissa,” Draco said with a small smile. “She was the one person in my life that showed me unconditional love.”

“Mummy!” little Draco squealed and stood up, running to her.

“Hello little man,” Narcissa said, picking him up and cuddling with him. “What are you up to?”

“Catch toy.”

“Ah, the snitch?”

“Yes snit.”

Narcissa laughed. “That’s a good boy. You’ll be a great quidditch player someday.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

Zandra turned and froze, watching the sneering man that walked through the door. He looked almost like Draco, though his hair was longer, down to his elbows. His face was sharper, eyes duller, and he seemed angry at the world.

“That would be Lucius,” Draco said a bit hoarsely. “My biological father.”

“I can’t believe you would entertain ideas that are preposterous!” Lucius spat.

“They aren’t preposterous,” Narcissa sniffed, holding Draco even closer to her chest. “He’s quite good Lucius.”

“He’s a disgrace,” Lucius spat. “He looks like a girl, sounds like a girl. Hell, he’ll probably bat for the other team when he grows up. No, he’s weak, just like his mother.”

“He’s not weak,” Narcissa growled, placing him in his toddler bed. “Nor am I.”

Before Zandra could so much as jump out of the way, the memory Lucius swept past her and promptly backhanded Narcissa, sending her flying across the room. Toddler Draco burst into tears, crying for his mommy. This earned him a sound slap across the face as well, though not near as hard as the one his mother received.

“Weak, pathetic fools, both of you. I’m ashamed to be stuck with you,” Lucius spat before storming out.

“Oh my gods,” Zandra rasped.

“It’s not pretty,” Draco said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “But even in the darkest of times, you can find light…if you’ll just look hard enough. For instance.”

Zandra watched as Narcissa picked herself up off the floor, healing her split lip and black eye with a flick of her hand. She picked Draco up, quieting his sobs as she healed the red welt across his face. She kissed him all over and rocked him in her arms, singing a soft lullaby.

“You don’t listen to him my son,” Narcissa said through her tears. “One day, you are going to grow up to be a great man. You’ll do wondrous things and I’ll be so proud of you. You can be anything you want my darling little Dragon. Don’t let anyone stand in your way, not even your father. I love you so very much.”

The memory ended, harshly jerking Zandra from the pensieve. She cried silently for some time, not really sure of what she had seen. How horrible, to be abused at such a young age. Narcissa’s words were so beautiful though, so full of hope and love. Her parents had loved her, she knew, but they hadn’t been the warm parents that everyone else had. They had been obsessed with their careers and leery of her magic. She would have given anything to have Narcissa as a mother.

“My mother was the one bright spot in my very dim light. No matter what I went through, how bad things got, she persevered, picked me up, dusted me off, and told me she loved me. I never knew just how strong she was until a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps it is my mother who should be sitting with you here today. But she is on another continent at the moment, so I will relay what I can. No matter what anyone thinks of you, no matter who tries to bring you down, you are not worthless. You are special and loved and never let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Zandra nodded. “I’d very much like to speak with your mother.”

Draco nodded. “I imagine she’ll be by this weekend. She sent word that Addie Mae was rather put out that she couldn’t see her brothers this weekend. She’s quite taken with Aiden.”

“Oh, little Addie,” Zandra sighed. “So young.”

“And very wise,” Draco said. “She understood why she couldn’t come last weekend. Even a four year old can understand that getting sharp teeth makes you cranky. However, she is running my mother and Demetri ragged and they have said in no uncertain terms that they are coming for a visit.”

Zandra nodded. “I’m ready for the next memory.”

“I’m not,” Draco huffed. “But, you must see it. I’m afraid this one is much, much worse.”

“Can you tell me about it first?”

“I was a teenager and my father was teaching me about sensory deprivation. Ironically enough, it saved my life more than once. However, his methods nearly killed me. My wife learned the same techniques with absolutely no scars to show for it. I have dozens.”

“Why this memory?”

“This is the mildest one I could find. I didn’t want to overwhelm you.”

“Oh Merlin,” Zandra said, grabbing her stomach.

“I realize that this one might be too hard for you to view,” Draco said, dreading what he was about to see. “Should you feel overwhelmed at any point, say the word, and I’ll end the memory.”

Zandra nodded, sucking in a lungful of air before Draco helped her into the pensieve. They appeared in a dungeon similar to the one she was held in. She felt her knees shake, fear threatening to take over her senses. Draco drew her into his chest but forced her to face outward so she could see what was happening.

“Remember, it is just a memory. Nothing here can hurt you.”

Zandra nodded her understanding, but clung to him anyway. She knew he was real and all she had to do was tell him to stop. She wanted to see this though, if nothing more than to face her own fears. The scene was grizzly though. Dead and dying bodies were in the other cells but this one contained a teenage Draco. He was nude and hanging from the stones by manacles.

“Stripping your prisoner takes their modesty and their dignity,” Draco said quietly. “It allows them no comfort, no respite, and no place to hide anything. It makes them vulnerable and puts them on the defensive from the start. It’s essentially the quickest way to learn about them. If they try to cover themselves, you know they hold value in appearances.”

“You’re, um, not trying.”

“I had long since learned that it would get me nowhere,” Draco said. “My ego actually helped me there. I knew I was good looking and had nothing to be ashamed of. Actually, about here I was repeating my mother’s words in my head. She loved me and she was proud of me no matter what. It helps to hold on to something throughout the darkest moments.”

Zandra swallowed hard and inched her way away from Draco. “I thought about my parents, how they loved me even though they were scared of me. I thought about learning I was a witch, how happy I was to learn I was special. No one could take that away from me, right?”

“Right,” Draco said. “It was probably the best thing you could have done.”

Zandra jumped when the cell door was thrown open. She recognized Lucius from the previous memory. If possible, he looked even colder, crueler. He carried a trey in his hands that she recognized well. It was a common sight in her tortures. This didn’t bode well for teenage Draco who barely batted an eyelash at it.

“It’s just a memory,” Draco said, more for himself than for Zandra. He hadn’t revisited this memory in a very long time and he was terrified.

“So Draco,” Lucius purred. “I see you have learned not to be ashamed of your nudity. Let’s see how well you learned about deprivation.”

In an instant, a whip appeared in his hand. He cracked it, making teenage Draco’s muscles twitch. Lucius chuckled and cracked the whip on his exposed torso, flaying the skin. Teenage Draco grunted a little, panting from the pain, but he didn’t scream out. The whip fell over and over again, making blood flow down porcelain skin in rivers but sill the boy never screamed.

“You have quite the tolerance,” Lucius said after a while, running a gloved finger down the bloody teen’s torso. “But as strong as you have become, the goal is to not feel it at all. You have failed me, you pathetic excuse for a son. I should disown you.”

“I can do it,” Draco rasped. “I can father.”

“But you have not yet,” Lucius said.

“I just need more time.”

“No, no I don’t think so. I think you need a different motivator.”

Teen Draco was set free from the manacles, his body falling in a heap on the dirty floor. Lucius put a boot in his ribs before jerking him over to the corner. Zandra’s whole body seized up when she recognized what was there. Stocks. Draco was locked in, made to bear his backside to his father who reached down to unzip his trousers. His pleading fell on deaf ears as Lucius loomed closer.

“No,” Zandra whispered. “No he couldn’t. Not his own son. No.”

“Yes,” Draco whispered. “He didn’t care.”

“No, I can’t watch this. Please. Please take me out.”

“As you wish,” Draco rasped and ended the memory.

Zandra fell into the floor, racked with sobs. She couldn’t believe it. Draco had suffered just like she had and yet he was so strong. How did he manage it, to live with those horrible memories? His own father, his own blood. Her stomach lurched painfully and she gagged. Draco was quick, placing a basin beneath her. He rubbed her back until she finished, casting a few freshening charms afterwards.

“I’m so sorry,” Zandra whispered. “I had no idea.”

“It was long ago,” Draco said. “It’s still difficult for me to experience it again, but I refuse to be that boy. I will no longer bow to men who wish to enslave me, nor will I enslave others to do my bidding. I hold my destiny firmly in my own hands. Well, when I’m not bending to Goddesses. I make my own way. I am my own man.”

“But your father-“

“Is dead. I dragged him to his death myself, smiling the entire way. He got what was coming to him. I feel absolutely no remorse. And we will do this to your attackers too.”

“You think murder is the answer?”

“Not always,” Draco said. “If I could have been reassured that he would have spent a lifetime in Azkaban tormented by Dementors, I would have marched his arse there with a big grin on my face. However, he already escaped from there once. I had no faith that he would remain if I put him back. The Master has been slated for death. I’ve never been one for killing, but I can’t disobey the Gods.”

Zandra nodded. “So how do I get past the crippling fear?”

“It’s simple…and yet probably the hardest thing you’ve ever done. You accept what happened, you forgive yourself, and you put one foot in front of the other to go forward.”

“How do I forgive myself?” She asked, glad she didn’t have to bring it up. She blamed herself for being so stupid, for being caught, for everything that ever happened.

“Simple,” Draco said, putting his hand on her cheek and lifting her face to look at him. “It was never your fault. What happened would have always happened no matter what you did to avoid it. It was your destiny, however horrible it was, and you survived. Don’t blame yourself because you lived. Instead, commend yourself because you are here and you can continue.”

“I’m weak.”

“The fact that you can admit your weakness means that you are already ahead of the game. If your dueling skills are weak, we’ll teach you. If your strength is the problem, we’ll make you stronger. If your faith is lacking, we can build you up. But Zandra, if you don’t think you are good enough, no one can help you with that. Only you can see your worth. We all believe in you. But you have to believe in yourself.”

“I’m not like you,” Zandra whispered. “I’m not that powerful.”

Draco frowned. “The most dangerous despot I’ve ever met was no stronger than you are magically. The Master is a squib. Magical power has nothing to do with it. It is all execution and planning. You have such as great mind Zandra. It will give you the edge.”

“That’s all I have though,” Zandra said with a frown.

“I want you to meet a true werewolf,” Draco said. “The full moon is this weekend. He’s long since learned to control himself during his turnings. I want you to run with him, learn what you are capable of.”

“But I’m no wolf.”

Draco grinned. “Oh but you will be.”

“You think I can do this?”

“No. I know you can.”

Zandra nodded and closed her eyes. If Draco could overcome something so horrific, and he’d specifically said that it was a milder memory, then why couldn’t she? No, she would accept what happened. It hurt. Merlin it hurt. She would accept the fact that she couldn’t change it. She would live with the memories and the knowledge that they were in the past. And she would rise above it. Aiden was right. She was a big girl. She could take care of herself. He would teach her. And then she would fight.

“That’s a girl,” Draco breathed. “You keep that mindset, and you’ll be unstoppable.”

She opened her eyes, now completely yellow with fierce determination. “I want to be wolf.”

“Very good. Aiden is waiting for you. He was the first to find his form. Follow his teaching and you will be wolf.”

“But he isn’t a wolf.”

Draco grinned. “You have much to talk about.”

Zandra gave him a fierce hug and walked out the door, her shoulders much straighter than before. Draco felt pride at her change. She would be just fine.

‘I’m so proud of you,’ Hermione whispered.

Draco sighed in exhaustion. ‘I’m sort of proud of me too.’

AN: If I admitted that I almost cried when I wrote Draco's memories, would that make me a wuss? Anyway, on we go. We're sorting things out fairly quickly now. As always, thanks to everyone who reviewed. You reassure me that this fic isn't a piece of crap with your words. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing. Until next time, love you guys.
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Fooling Fate *sequel to Bound*

Fooling Fate sequel to Bound