Watching

Watching

Chapter 27

I sobbed in that room for hours, I think. I lost control...I've never lost control. What could have possibly happened to make me lose it like that and attack my future sister-in-law? What could have possibly possessed me into cutting my arm again? Why did I suddenly want to become a Death Eater once more?

Finally, I left my room, intent on finding Hermione and apologizing profusely to her. I couldn't say how sorry I was.... It's just with everything--being kept like a caged animal like this and then with Draco doing what he did...the straw broke the camel's back finally.

As I journeyed through the house, the sound of my father-in-law's voice met my ears. I followed it, curious as to what he was saying. Gradually, the voice became clear and I could understand what he was saying.

"...They'll be attacking Hogsmeade again?" the voice of Lucius Malfoy was asking as I passed by one of the sitting rooms. "Yes, of course I'll be there."

"Make sure Harry is there as well, Lucius," the voice of Dumbledore ordered. "This could be the final battle, and if it is, we'll need him to cast the curse to finally kill him."

"Yes, yes I understand. What of the others?" he asked.

I peeked in through the crack the open door left. I saw Dumbledore's head in the flames and Lucius kneeling down in front of the hearth.

"I don't want them there. For Draco, Athena and Hermione, the risk is too great that they may get hurt. That, Lucius, is a risk I am not willing to take."

"Alright. I'll make sure Harry is there. Where and when again?" he asked.

"The main road, sunset, Thursday."

Lucius nodded and Dumbledore's head vanished. I quickly left, just in case Lucius decided that he would be leaving the sitting room any time soon.

So, the old man didn't want us there? Too bad, I need out of this fucking house. I'll be there with bells on.

Thursday came calm and clear. I woke as soon as the first rays of sunlight entered my room. I hadn't told Draco about today, and I was sure that Hermione already knew.

I got out of bed as softly as I could, not wanting to wake Draco, and got dressed. Then I went to the kitchen and told the house elves what I wanted to eat. They told me to sit down and that it would be out there soon. I did so.

Lucius and Harry were already in the dining room when I walked in. They stopped talking as soon as I entered.

"Talking about me?" I asked, pretending not to know what it was they were talking about. I knew it was about tonight.

"No," Harry answered. "Athena, Voldemort's attacking--"

"I know, Harry," I interrupted. "And I don't care what Dumbledore says, I'm going with you."

"Absolutely not," Lucius ordered. "You are to stay here with Hermione and Draco. I will not have my daughter-in-law out there fighting a battle she cannot win."

"Are you forgetting I know everything that they know?" I asked him. "Are you forgetting that I was Voldemort's favorite? Don't you think that we can use that to our advantage?"

"You're not going," Draco said from behind me. I turned around and glared at my husband.

"Then I'm not staying here either. I will not be treated like some helpless child. No one can stop me from going, and if anyone tries, I'll kill again."

"Who have you killed?" Draco asked.

"You don't need to know," I replied.