Prosapia Aenigmatis - The Family Riddle

The morning of April thirtieth arrived and Aislinn found herself lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. She wondered if Draco had left Hogwarts by now, and knew that Professor Snape would be coming for her soon. Draco had taken her aside in the common room the evening before and told her that their fathers would be calling for them to leave school today.

Aislinn wondered what excuses her father and Mr. Malfoy would come up with for taking them both out of school on the same day, but Aislinn knew the excuses didn't matter. Dumbledore would let them go even if her father told him something unbelievably ridiculous. Aislinn knew that Dumbledore knew all about what would take place after midnight and that they needed everything to go as planned. He wanted Voldemort to think that everything was going to go according to plan, completely unnoticed.

Aislinn didn't care what Voldemort thought. Even though he was her grandfather by blood, she didn't claim him. She would rather have seen him hanged than to ever have to speak to the man, but she knew that wouldn't happen.

After Mr. Macnair collected Aislinn, they were to meet Draco and Lucius in Hogsmeade for lunch and then proceed to Dunvegan Castle. Aislinn had been momentarily excited at the news of seeing her family, but the excitement had soon faded as Aislinn was told she would be seeing all of her family. Draco had told her that when they arrived at her family's castle, Voldemort would be waiting to speak to them. The idea of being face to face with that hideous man made Aislinn cringe.

After her dorm-mates had showered and dressed, Aislinn decided to do the same. She pushed back her quilt and quickly snuggled her feet into the warm slippers that were waiting by the side of her bed. The floors in the Slytherin dungeon were gray stone and cold as ice. Salazar Slytherin must have been either extremely warm natured or had a sick sense of humor. Aislinn still couldn't quite comprehend that he was her ancestor, and was grateful that no one aside from Quinn and Draco knew. Aislinn remembered her first year and how she had laughed when everyone thought that Potter was the heir of Slytherin. If anyone had known that she was a descendant of the wizard himself, Aislinn was sure that she would have been taken down by an angry mob of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs.

Aislinn walked into the bathroom and turned on the tap of the shower. She shrugged off her gown and stepped under the hot water. Aislinn loved her morning shower; it made her feel rejuvenated and happy to start a new day. Today, however she might have needed a super strength cheering charm to make her even feel mildly content. She showered and dressed quickly and made her way into the common room.

Aislinn was surprised to see Draco sitting by the fire, and alone. She wondered if he knew anything else about what would be taking place that night. Aislinn walked over and stood next to the couch, which he was sitting on. She tapped Draco on the shoulder and put on a pleasant smile, although she knew it wouldn't cover up the fact that she was bone tired from not having slept much last night. Draco started a bit before looking up at her, apparently just realizing that someone was standing next to him.

"Mind if I sit?" Aislinn asked, trying to sound friendly. Draco nodded curtly and Aislinn sat down next to him on the couch. Draco turned his gaze back to the fire and Aislinn could have sworn that she heard an almost inaudible sigh escape his lips. "What's wrong, Malfoy? You seem a bit preoccupied." Draco didn't move so Aislinn did the only thing that she could think of to get his attention.

Aislinn lifted one of her hands and boldly placed it on his thigh. Draco looked calmly down at her hand and then placed his own on top of it. He looked into Aislinn's eyes at the exact same moment and Aislinn knew she had made a mistake. The combination of his skin touching hers and looking into his silver-gray eyes was too much. Aislinn began to feel her body going weak and just as she was about to move closer to him, Draco lifted her hand and threw it off his leg.

"Not now, Macnair." Draco sneered and Aislinn pulled back, regaining her composure. 'Damn Veelas!' thought Aislinn.

"Suit yourself, Malfoy." Aislinn spat the words back at Draco in the same tone he had used with her. She was so very tired pretending. Aislinn stood up to go find Marianne, but felt herself being pulled back down to the couch. She had been caught off guard, and practically fell into Draco's lap. 'This is not good,' she told herself as she moved to sit next to Draco and gave him a questioning look.

"You give up too easily, Macnair. I'm surprised. I would have expected more seduction on your part, seeing as how I am utterly irresistible." Draco ran his fingers through his hair and leaned back into the corner of the couch parting, his legs slightly.

Aislinn saw a smirk play across his face and was simultaneously revolted and turned on by how vain and beautiful he was. What she found the strangest of all was that he really thought she wanted him, after all that had happened. Aislinn had never intended to make him think that she wanted him so badly that she would shag him right in the middle of the common room. The very idea was laughable, and Aislinn did just that.

Draco raised an eyebrow at her laughter but didn't change his position. "Is something funny, Macnair?"

"You are terribly vain, aren't you Malfoy?" Aislinn said still laughing. She couldn't hold it in any longer. Aislinn really wanted to yell in his face that he was a vain, self absorbed, perverse and evil son of an even bigger vain, self-absorbed, perverse and evil bastard. The thought roused Aislinn's temper and she fought to quickly get it under control.

Draco smirked and replied, "Perhaps I am, but why do you insult me when it is painfully obvious that you want me?" Draco leaned his head back on the couch and stared at her intently, his steel gray eyes piercing her own.

Aislinn didn't know what to say or do. Aislinn immediately thought to try and back him down by taking him up on the offer, but quickly threw that out of her mind. This was Draco Malfoy, not just some random young wizard. Draco was a specialist at mind games and Aislinn was afraid of what might happen as a result.

"Malfoy, I-" Aislinn began but was interrupted by a smooth, silky voice calling her name.

"Miss Macnair." Professor Snape swept into the room and over to the couch where Aislinn and Draco were sitting.

"Yes sir?" Aislinn looked up at Snape, dreading what she was about to hear.

"Miss Macnair, the headmaster wishes to see you." Snape turned and quickly walked to the door. Aislinn was terrified. Why did Dumbledore want to see her? Snape turned around sharply as he neared the door. "What are you waiting for, girl? Gather your things and follow me at once!" Snape was shouting at her and Aislinn felt wounded. Professor Snape had rarely raised his voice to her, although over the past several months she had been in trouble with him more than in her whole time at Hogwarts combined. Aislinn heard Draco snicker, and she scowled at him as she stood up and followed Snape out of the room.

They walked silently down the hall toward Dumbledore's office. Aislinn stayed a few paces behind Snape the whole time, not wanting to look him in the eye. When they reached the entrance to the headmaster's office, Snape said "Fizzing Whizbee" and the entry sprang to life. As Aislinn was about to go through the door, Snape bowed his head lightly and turned to leave.

"Sir, you're not coming in with me?" Aislinn was practically pleading with him, but she didn't care. Aislinn had never been to Dumbledore's office before and the thought of Snape being there with her gave her comfort.

Snape eyed her curiously before he spoke. "No, I am not. I don't think it would be wise for me to see your father in the headmaster's presence." Snape paused briefly then added, "I will see your father tonight, now if you will excuse me, I believe Mr. Malfoy will be next." Snape turned and left quickly with his ebony robes flowing behind him. So, her father was in there. Aislinn let out a sigh of relief. Aislinn had never thought of having to go through Dumbledore to leave the school grounds, although now it made perfect sense. Aislinn had been terrified about being in trouble and was relieved to find out that she wasn't, not in school trouble anyhow.

Aislinn walked into the large round room to find the headmaster sitting behind his desk, and her father standing silently next to him. Dumbledore smiled when he saw her and Aislinn's nerves lifted. There was something about the headmaster's gaze that seemed to soothe her. Aislinn realized how awkward it must have been for her father to stand here with this man. Dumbledore had taught Tom Riddle when he was in school, like he had taught her father. The day that Walden Macnair walked into he great hall to be sorted, Dumbledore must have known that he was Tom Riddle's son. It was as if Tom had cloned himself and her father was the result.

Aislinn had found pictures of Tom in his early twenties and Aislinn had been frightened by the near identical appearance that her father shared with Tom. What frightened her even more however, was her own striking resemblance to him. Once she had seen Tom's picture, Lucius Malfoy's words came immediately to mind: 'Such a great resemblance of him in his youth.' Lucius hadn't been speaking of her father like she had once thought. He had been referring to Voldemort. Aislinn also somewhat understood why Mr. Malfoy had done what he did to her. Lucius wanted power over Voldemort, power he knew that he could never have. So he acted out on her. She would never forgive him, but she understood where his motives had come from. Dumbledore's voice broke her thoughts.

"Miss Macnair, your father is here to bring you home for tonight." Dumbledore looked at her _expression and then to her father. Aislinn had to look surprised.

"Why, what's wrong?" Aislinn filled her voice with as much concern as she could muster and walked over to her father.

"Darling, don't be alarmed, but your mother is not well. She has asked for you to come home tonight to be with her. It isn't serious, but seeing as there is much work for me at the Ministry this evening, there will be no one there but the elves to care for her. Your teachers are writing up your lessons so that you won't miss anything, incase you don't return until tomorrow evening." Her father pulled her in for a hug. Aislinn could not believe that he had used her mother as an excuse. Didn't he believe in bad luck or karma? Stupid question, she told herself.

"Miss Macnair, your father can accompany you back to the common room and wait for you to gather your things. I am sure, Walden that you would like to see your old common room after all these years." Dumbledore spoke and raised his eyebrows as he gestured politely to the door.

"Yes, Dumbledore, I suppose I do fancy a good look at it." Mr. Macnair turned to Aislinn, "Darling, shall we?" Aislinn nodded and took her father's arm. As they went out the door, Aislinn looked over her shoulder and shot Dumbledore a pleading look. The headmasters blue eyes twinkled and he nodded.

Aislinn and her father made their way down the main corridor to the Slytherin Dungeon and she was thankful that there were only a handful of students about the castle. It was still rather early, and most everyone was either in their common room or eating breakfast. They walked past the entrance to the Great Hall, and just as they did Potter, Weasley and Granger stepped out into the hall. Aislinn felt her father's arm stiffen as he spotted Potter and she became nervous. Walden Macnair stopped in front of the three Gryffindors and dropped his daughters arm. Aislinn saw Potter looking at her father with disgust and it came to her suddenly, Potter knew.

"Well, if it isn't Harry Potter, the savior of us all. What an honor." Mr. Macnair let the words roll menacingly off his tongue and bowed his head before the green-eyed boy.

Potter looked up at Mr. Macnair and almost snarled. "I know who you are." The boy's eyes narrowed and flashed dangerously. Aislinn had only seen Potter look that way once before, and it had been the day in Hogsmeade several months ago.

Aislinn watched as her father laughed mildly. "Yes, I know that you know who I am. I was sent here a few years ago to take care of a mad Hippogriff for the Ministry."

Potter's eyes flashed again as he spoke. "No sir, I mean that I know who you really are."

Aislinn looked back at her father who continued to look amused. "That is very presumptuous of you, Mr. Potter." Mr. Macnair laughed again. "I look forward to our next meeting, you amuse me greatly."

Potter looked at her father coldly and then looked at her. Aislinn couldn't have said anything to him even if she had wanted to. She feared that if she opened her mouth, a flood of 'Please don't tells' and 'I'm sorrys' would come rushing out. It had after all been her grandfather that had killed his parents and had tried to kill him. Aislinn was sure that he didn't know this but she still had and sudden urge to fall to Potter's feet and beg him to save her from the horror that was her family. It was a ridiculous notion, even in her mind.

Aislinn grabbed her fathers arm again. "Come father, we should be going." Her father nodded his head to Potter and they were once again heading for the dorms.

Aislinn spoke the password and entered the common room with her father following behind her. "I'll just be a minute, father." Aislinn headed to her dorm and saw Draco walking over to where her father was standing. Aislinn entered her dorm and quickly threw a few things into her bag. She had no idea what to bring to something of this nature, and she still wasn't very sure what she would even be doing there. She left Marianne a brief note saying she was ok, picked up her bag and walked back into the common room.

Draco and her father were talking quietly in a corner. Aislinn slung her bag over her shoulder and walked over to them. "I'm ready to go now," she told her father, gesturing to her bag. Her father grinned and put his arm around her. Draco had a strained _expression as he looked back and forth at them.

"Well Draco, we will see you shortly. We should go now darling, before Lucius arrives," her father said, offering his arm once more.

"Goodbye Mr. Macnair, Aislinn," Draco said as she and her father walked out of the common room and into the hall.

Aislinn had never felt more uncomfortable around her father than she did during the walk to Hogsmeade, especially when he started speaking.

"Darling, I have exciting news! You will be meeting you grandfather today. He has been waiting to meet you for some time. Lucius and Draco will be accompanying us as well. Mr. Malfoy is a great friend of your grandfathers'," he told her with a proud smile on his face.

Exciting news? Who was this person and where was her real father? Aislinn didn't know whether to shriek in terror or laugh at the absurdity of it all. She decided neither would be appropriate and settled for a nod and a safe reply. "That sounds very exciting father. I've always wondered about him."

He talked a bit more about what Aislinn should expect, but he never said who her grandfather was. Did he know that she already knew? He acted as if she would be overjoyed to discover his identity. What kind of sick person did he take her for? The fact was that she was terrified at the thought of meeting him. Aislinn prayed to the Gods that he didn't touch her. Aislinn and her father walked into the Three Broomsticks and took a seat at a table near the door.

They talked while they waited, and about ten minutes after they arrived, Lucius and Draco walked in the door. Lucius was surveying the pub imperiously. Her father waved them over to the table. Lucius clutched his cane and walked toward them, with Draco following close behind. Aislinn suppressed the urge to run as Lucius took the seat next to her.

"Wonderful to see you Walden, and you Miss Macnair," Lucius said in his classic silky voice. He propped his cane against the table carefully and let his hand graze Aislinn's thigh. Aislinn felt her heartbeat quicken and she became furious with herself. I will not allow him to get to me!

Aislinn stood up. "Father, is it all right if I go and get something to drink?" she asked him sweetly.

"Certainly dear, would you mind getting mead for myself? And of course Lucius and Draco, if you would like anything," her father said glancing around the table. Aislinn caught Draco's eye and gave him a wide eyed, meaningful look.

"I'll help you, Aislinn," Draco said, standing up quickly. He faced Lucius, "Scotch, father?"

"Have you ever known me to drink anything else?" Lucius sneered at his son.

Aislinn walked around the table and grabbed Draco's arm gently. They made their way to the bar quickly and when they had ordered their drinks, Aislinn leaned closely to Draco and closed her eyes tightly, in a futile attempt to block out the wonderful scent that was uniquely Draco. She took a deep breath and whispered, "Sit by your father when we return to the table."

Draco looked puzzled. "Why?"

Aislinn stood back and looked at him pointedly. "Because he is evil and disgusting, that's why."

"Oh...OH." His eyes widened in realization of her meaning. He glanced at his father and asked. "He's doing it isn't he?" Aislinn nodded. Draco smiled evilly. "I can't wait until I can control mine as well as my father can," he added as he grabbed two of the drinks.

"You're not serious are you?" Aislinn asked him. The thought of Draco possessing that kind of power horrified her.

"Aislinn, how many times do I have to tell you? I'm not my father. I wouldn't use it the way he does. It would just be...interesting to have that kind of power over people," he smirked and walked back to their table, leaving Aislinn standing at the bar, staring at his retreating back. She grabbed the drinks and went back to the table. She sat by her father and gave him his drink with a smile. Lucius was looking disgustedly at his son and Aislinn wanted to take her wand out right there and curse him. Aislinn and Draco sipped their drinks in silence as their fathers discussed the Ministry.

"I guess we should be off. He doesn't like to be kept waiting," Mr. Macnair said once they had finished their drinks. Draco's face paled slightly and Aislinn felt as if her stomach had plummeted to the floor. From the look on his face, Aislinn decided that this was probably Draco's first time meeting Voldemort as well. The idea of Draco being nervous comforted Aislinn for some reason.

They would be traveling to Dunvegan Castle by portkey, which meant she had little more than minutes to prepare herself for what promised to be the single most terrifying and nerve wracking experience of her life. Aislinn wondered what exactly one says to the most evil wizard of the age. Hey there Voldie, kill any good ones lately? Or what about, I hear disfigurement is the ideal form of torture for the new age, would you agree? Aislinn almost laughed out loud before she realized the in about three minute's time she would be meeting face to face with the hideous man she had feared all her life.

Lucius held out his cane once they exited the pub. He looked directly at Aislinn and spoke. "Touch it," he said in a low voice and then looked at the snake head of the cane.

* * *

Quinn woke early the next day, hoping to catch Aislinn at breakfast. She couldn't wait to tell her friend about soaring over the castle and up into the sky. She was also starving!

Aislinn wasn't at breakfast when Quinn arrived so she took a seat. Quinn pushed away the hash browns, remembering Professor Figg's strange potato-related behavior, and reached for the toast.

"Hey Quinn," Padma Patil said, leaning over to speak with her quietly. "Are you and Fred going out now or what?" Quinn blushed immediately, remembering her conversation with Fred the night before. Padma smirked at Quinn's obvious embarrassment.

"Yeah," Quinn said, feeling as if her entire vocabulary had been charmed away. She was never able to talk about Fred with any grace or dignity.

"So is he, you know, different than George?" Padma asked with a giggle. Quinn looked at her, confused. "Well I've seen George and," she paused, holding out her hands an inch or two apart. "I wasn't exactly impressed." Quinn's eyes widened as she grasped what Padma was talking about. Padma continued with a worldly tone. "So I figured, identical twins, no point in trying anything with the other. But maybe I was wrong," Padma said, surveying Quinn. "So? Are they identical or not?"

Quinn merely stared at her. She remembered the previous night in the library, and the feeling of his body pressed up against her. She felt redness encase her whole face and neck. Why did she blush so easily? Quinn cursed her pale skin as Padma adopted a knowing look.

"So they're not identical. Damn!" Padma hit the table in slight frustration. Quinn gawked at her. "I should have known. After all, Parvati is a whole cup size bigger than I am. I just figured with guys..." She trailed off, looking down the Ravenclaw table. Quinn followed her gaze and saw Terry Boot talking animatedly to Alyssa Davies and making massaging motions above his own head. It must be a new shampooing technique, Quinn decided.

"Terry," Padma started. Quinn panicked. The last thing she wanted to hear was the end of this sentence. She tried to motion for Padma to be quiet but it was too late. "Makes George look like a wanton sex god." Quinn recoiled, feeling ill at the mention of Terry. "I mean he's not much smaller than George, but the boy has no idea what he's doing," Padma said. "It was like being attacked by a trout out of water, grasping for last breaths and flailing about." Quinn wasn't sure whether her instincts lent her toward laughter or self-induced vomiting. She scooted away from Padma and tried to resume eating her breakfast.

She finished filling her stomach a few minutes later, but Quinn remained in her seat, watching for Aislinn. She waited as long as she could but there was still no sign of her friend. Quinn left for Transfiguration upset that she wouldn't be able to talk to Aislinn until after classes that day had ended.

Quinn was unable to keep a look of pride off her face during Transfiguration class. Since her Animagus training had begun, her Transfiguration skills had improved vastly. Now she completed all her class work with ease. Professor McGonagall even winked at her. Quinn received disgusted looks from her classmates as she answered all the professor's questions.

"You're acting like Hermione Granger," Alyssa hissed at her. Quinn stopped smirking immediately. Though Ravenclaws were known for their intellect, even they knew how annoying Granger could be when she was in class. Quinn had no desire to emulate that behavior so she spent the rest of class in silence.

Quinn was about to leave class when Professor McGonagall stopped her.

"Miss Finnigan," she held out a parchment, which Quinn examined. "That is information about the species of eagle you are. I've also included the registration forms, which we'll have to return to the Ministry of Magic with a photo of you in Animagus form. Until then," Professor McGonagall adopted a stern look, "Please refrain from using your form." Quinn looked up guiltily at her professor. Did she know about Quinn's long flight around the castle the night before?

"Thanks Professor," Quinn said, stuffing the parchment inside her robes and rushing to her next class. Sometimes Professor McGonagall seemed to know more than was humanly possible.

Quinn didn't get a chance to read the information until her classes were over for the day. She went back to Ravenclaw tower to read the information before her next lesson. Quinn entered the familiar room and took her favorite seat by the fire. She would have to leave for class soon but she couldn't resist curling up in the big cushy chair. She felt her body relax and unrolled the parchment.

The White-Tailed Sea-Eagle: Haliaeetus albicilla

The White-tailed is the largest and most impressive of the European eagles. This is a bird of the seacoasts, the valleys of large rivers and inland lakes. The White Tailed Sea Eagle has suffered much from persecution and its numbers have been greatly reduced over much of its range. There is some recovery in parts of Europe where there is now some protection for it, but in Britain, where it was once common (in the northern parts of England and in Scotland) it has been extinct since the early years of the last century.

Below this, in Professor McGonagall's neat print was written, "For this reason, please be careful where you allow yourself to be seen. Being an Animagus requires lots of responsibility and a fair amount of secrecy." Quinn felt both a rush of pride and the weight of obligation settle over her. She glanced briefly at the picture beneath this information. She watched the huge brown bird take flight, remembering the amazing feeling of soaring over the trees.

* * *

"Pardon me?" Aislinn said, hoping she had heard him wrong.

Lucius smirked. "The cane is the portkey, Aislinn. Please touch it."

Aislinn waited until they had all placed a finger on the cane before she did so. It was cold and Aislinn felt like it was wrong to be touching this snake headed thing. "Now."

As soon as the word was out of his mouth, Aislinn felt the ground fall from under her as her body was rushed forward. Traveling across the country must take longer that usual, she thought as they came to a stop and Aislinn went crashing into Draco who was standing in front of her.

"Sorry," Aislinn muttered as she tried to compose herself. All of a sudden, familiar friendly faces came rushing in calling out various phrases of welcome. Aislinn was embraced by several aunts, uncles and cousins who were all asking her about Hogwarts. It seemed as if the entire clan had turned out for their arrival. Aislinn was so happy to see her family that she had forgotten why she was there in the first place. Her relatives talked to her for about ten minutes and when they left, Aislinn felt the breath catch in her throat. Her father led them out of the parlor and down the hall to a large study. Aislinn walked in slowly, afraid of what she was about to see.

The Dark Lord was standing against the far wall of the room, watching her. A chill of cold fear spread throughout Aislinn's body as he began walking toward her. Aislinn froze in panic and then kneeled down as her father told her to do, and waited for him to acknowledge her.

She felt a cold hand touch her shoulder and Aislinn shuddered lightly. She took a deep breath and raised her head to look up at him. His eyes were the color of blood with slits for pupils and they were boring into her own. He touched her face lightly and Aislinn dug her fingernails so deeply into her palm to stifle a cringe, that she feared she would draw blood.

"Lovely child," he said almost to himself, in an eerily quiet voice. "I have waited fifteen years to be properly introduced to you, Aislinn. You may stand." Aislinn hesitated slightly and then rose to her feet. "You're not afraid of me, are you?" he added smoothly noticing her reluctance.

"No sir," Aislinn managed to speak in a steady voice, much to her surprise.

"Lord Voldemort knows when he is being deceived," he said with a cruel smile. "Try again."

"Yes sir, just a little," Aislinn said, trying to remain calm.

"Don't be, Aislinn. As long as you choose the right path, you shall never have cause to fear me." He smiled and glanced down at her necklace. "I gave this to your grandmother, the day your father was born. It pleases Lord Voldemort to see you wearing it."

"Yes, sir," Aislinn said quietly. He gave her an appraising nod and walked over to where Lucius and Draco were standing. Aislinn was amazed at how calm Draco seemed. His face showed no emotion at all. It was a completely blank mask, just like his fathers.

"My Lord, allow me to introduce my son to you," Lucius said, bowing deeply.

"Indeed Lucius. I confess, I had thought you would bring him to me sooner, but here we are." Voldemort stood in front of Draco and the blonde boy kneeled down, as Aislinn had done. "You teach your son well, Lucius," he said with his eyes still on Draco. "You may stand, young man." Draco rose to his feet and looked Voldemort in the eye. "What is your name, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Draco, My Lord," Draco said firmly.

Voldemort laughed coldly and turned to Lucius. "You always did have a passion for dragons, Lucius. I should not be surprised that you named your son after them." He looked back at Draco, whose eyes were glinting, "And it seems you named him accordingly. He has great spirit and fire in his eyes. He certainly has your arrogance, let us hope that it won't get in the way of obeying my commands. No doubt he possesses your cunning abilities. Yes, I daresay he will make a fine Death Eater one day."

Voldemort continued to stare at Draco, as if he were studying him, but Draco didn't look away or even blink. Voldemort broke his gaze away from Draco and turned to her. He considered Aislinn briefly and then returned his gaze to Draco, a scrutinizing _expression on his horrendous face.

"Darling, may I speak to you for a moment?" her father asked as he walked toward her. He paused and bowed his head to Voldemort and then grabbed her arm, leading her over to the corner. "You don't seem too surprised to find out who your grandfather is. Did you already know?" he asked, searching her face.

"Yes, sir. Draco told me during Christmas holiday at the Manor. I was very surprised then, but I have gotten used to the idea," Aislinn said, trying to look happy. Her father smiled.

"What a wonderful child you are, my dear." He turned and looked over at Draco. "Aislinn, why don't you show Draco around the castle grounds for a bit. I will send a servant to fetch you when it is time for you to return."

"Yes father," Aislinn replied. Lucius watched his son as he stood next to Aislinn. Aislinn was surprised to discover that Lucius actually looked proud.

Voldemort gave the two of them an appraising look. "I admit that I was disappointed that you were a girl when you were born, Aislinn. But after meeting you, I can see the potential that a son of yours would have to offer in carrying out my legacy." He glanced briefly at Draco and then paused, studying her once more. "However, women can be very loyal servants in their own way. They are far more trustworthy than men and possess strengths of their own."

Aislinn was unsure how to respond to a comment like that so she nodded and said, "Yes My Lord."

"Go on now, you two," her father said. "We have business to discuss."

Apparently what Voldemort had told Draco had gone straight to his head. Draco's old cockiness was back, and Aislinn had to restrain herself from beating him senseless several times as she gave him a tour of the castle. Draco seemed to revel in pointing out the imperfections of Dunvegan Castle and comparing it to his own grand home. Aislinn was beginning to wonder who was worse, Draco or Voldemort. Sure, the Dark Lord radiated evil so absolute that it chilled the very soul, but that had been nothing compared to Draco's incessant rambling about how one of her favorite places on earth was inferior and substandard to his home and Malfoy tastes in general.

They came upon a long hall with portraits of MacLeods adorning the walls. They all had red hair. Draco looked at them for a long time.

"You know, you and your father look nothing like these people. The Slytherin gene must be dominant," he said studying the pictures. Aislinn didn't want to talk about this. Everyday she tried to forget who she was and whose blood ran through her veins.

"I suppose," she said curtly and continued walking, leaving Draco staring at a picture of her grandmother and Tom together. Aislinn then stopped in front of a portrait of her father. He appeared to be around seventeen years old. He was dressed in his Slytherin house robes. Aislinn stood there, staring at the portrait wondering if he had been a Death Eater then.

"The resemblance between them is uncanny," Draco said as he stood behind her. Aislinn nodded and looked over at the picture of Tom, and then back to her father's portrait. The sight of her father's young smiling face was very disturbing to her and she didn't trust her voice to speak. She felt his hands grip her shoulders. "You look just like him too, you know. Except your eyes." Aislinn didn't reply. She looked away from her father's picture and closed her eyes. Draco released her shoulders and she felt him playing with the ends of her hair. Aislinn froze.

"Let's go to the kitchen. I'm hungry," Aislinn said. She still hadn't looked at him; she didn't trust her body. As soon as she felt him let go of her hair she started walking down the hall toward the kitchen. She didn't know if he was following, and she would have preferred if he didn't.

Aislinn saw her cousin Marsali pouring a glass of Brandy at the kitchen table. She must have just arrived, Aislinn thought since she didn't see her earlier in the parlor. Marsali was always late so it didn't surprise Aislinn at all. Marsali was her father's first cousin, but Aislinn had always felt that Marsali was closer to her than a second cousin. Aislinn sat down at the table directly across from her and let her head rest in her hand.

"Would you like anything to eat, Aislinn? You look pale," her cousin asked, resting her hand on Aislinn's.

"No thank you, Marsali. I'm just tired," Aislinn replied.

"Merlin's beard," Marsali gasped. "So he married her after all!"

"Er..." Aislinn had no clue what she was talking about. Marsali was staring past her and Aislinn turned to see what she was gaping at. Draco was standing in the doorway looking rather angry. He strode over to the table and sat down next to Aislinn.

"The next time you decide to storm off leaving me in a place I have never been before, I would appreciate if you would at least tell me how to find my way around," sneered Draco, ignoring Marsali.

"Well that would defeat the point then, wouldn't it?" Aislinn snapped.

They glared at one another for a moment when Marsali spoke. "Oh yes, you are definitely Lucius' son."

"Oh, sorry Marsali. This is Draco Malfoy, Malfoy this is my cousin, Marsali MacLeod," Aislinn said.

"I was in Slytherin with your father, Draco. Very talented wizard," Marsali said, and then added with a sneer, "I knew your mother as well."

Draco stared blankly at her. Marsali didn't seem to notice and began speaking again.

"Tell me Draco, are your parents still married?" Marsali asked.

"Yes, they are," he replied in an almost bored tone as he examined his fingernails.

"Pity," her cousin said. "Your father was always a devilishly handsome man. How wonderful that he passed that trait to you, dear boy. The Malfoy's have always been known for their beauty."

And their overlarge ego, Aislinn thought. Draco's head immediately perked up at the twist in conversation and Aislinn rolled her eyes. The combination of her cousin praising Lucius and the incredibly smug look on Draco's face was making Aislinn develop a headache. Aislinn rubbed her temples as Marsali and Draco continued talking about his family.

"Are you all right, darling?" Marsali asked Aislinn, and as she reached across the table to place a comforting hand on Aislinn's arm, her sleeve pulled back ever so slightly and Aislinn saw it. Her cousin had the Dark Mark just like Snape had shown her. Aislinn was horrified.

"I'm fine," Aislinn said as she averted her eyes from her cousin's arm and stood up. "I think I am going to the library, I want to get in as much reading as I can before we leave."

Marsali nodded and smiled. The whole family knew of Aislinn's passion for reading. The last time she was at the castle, she stayed in the library all day.

"I think I will go with you," Draco said standing up. "I have a report due in Muggle Studies soon."

Aislinn raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Muggle Studies. You?"

"Know thy enemy, Macnair. My father always said if you know your enemy well enough to love him, then you know him well enough to crush him," Draco smirked.

Aislinn sighed. Now was not the time to begin trying to analyze the strange anecdotes of Lucius Malfoy. "All right then, follow me." She waved to Marsali and left the room, not caring if Draco was following or not.

She walked as quickly as she could through the halls to the library, Draco following her quietly. Aislinn let her mind roam and as soon as it landed on Quinn, Aislinn remembered that they were supposed to study together that evening, and she hadn't even told Quinn she was leaving. "I need to send a letter to Quinn," she said as they stopped in at the Owlery door. Why the MacLeods called it an Owlery, Aislinn had no clue, since the family only used falcons to carry their messages. Draco stood in the doorway as Aislinn walked over to a small desk, took out a quill and parchment and quickly scribbled a note to Quinn. She motioned to the closest falcon and tied the letter to its leg, sending it on its way. Aislinn turned back to the door, smiled and shoved her way past the unmoving boy and out into the hallway.

She walked quickly, hoping to lose him. She didn't however, and when they reached the library and Aislinn opened the door, he shoved past her equally as roughly as she had and strode into the room. Draco immediately walked over to the bookcase nearest to them, but Aislinn walked to the opposite end of the library. She didn't come down this far usually, and for good reason. This section was dark and dusty. Aislinn scanned the shelf and found nothing of interest. She turned to walk back and a small frame caught her eye. It couldn't have been more than ten inches square. There was a tatty piece of old cloth in the center of it, along with an inscription.

The Fairy Flag of the Clan MacLeod

So this was it, the legendary flag that had protected her family for centuries. She stood staring at it and Draco walked over and stood next to her.

"There is more information about that flag in this castle than anywhere else in the world," he said.

Aislinn looked to the right of them and saw that he was right. There was an entire bookcase full of nothing but books on myths and legends of Dunvegan Castle and The Fairy Flag. Draco grabbed a few books off a nearby shelf and sat down at a table in the center of the room. Aislinn perused the shelf containing the books on the flag, chose one and sat down on the opposite side of the table. She picked up one of his books and read the title. Light Bulbs: The Lumos of the Muggle World.

"What are you doing?" he asked with a sneer. "I am perfectly capable of doing my own schoolwork. Being stunningly attractive doesn't mean that I am dumb you know. I'm second in my class, and if it weren't for that the damned mudblood practically living in the library, I would be first." Draco snatched a quill and parchment from the middle of the table and began writing furiously. This was obviously a touchy subject for him.

"I wasn't insulting your intelligence, Malfoy. I was just looking at the book. Sorry." Aislinn sat the book down and picked up her own. She turned to the table of contents. Chapter one was entitled, "The legend of the Fairy Flag." That seemed like the best place to start so Aislinn turned the page and began reading.

* * *

Quinn's musing was interrupted by tapping on the tower window. A large falcon hovered outside the window with a note. Quinn hurried to open the window, letting the falcon fly in. She recognized it as belonging to Aislinn's family, the MacLeods. Why would they be sending her a note? She took the letter and noticed that it was from Aislinn, addressed from Dunvegan castle. Why would Aislinn be at Dunvegan castle in the middle of a school day? They were supposed to study Arithmancy together that very evening.

Quinn,

My father and Mr. Malfoy have brought Draco and I to Dunvegan to meet my "family" among other things. I have just come from meeting "him" and I have no words except that it was horrible. We will be here until tomorrow morning. I wish I could tell you what this is really about, but I can't. I also can't tell you not to worry, that I will be safe, because I am not entirely convinced that I will be. All I can say is that DD has a plan, and if it doesn't work, then Merlin help us all.

Aislinn

Quinn looked over the note quickly and felt panic rise inside her. She had to do something. Quinn was furious with Aislinn for leaving, for not telling her what was going on. Now her best friend was off meeting Voldemort himself. Quinn couldn't believe this. That horrid Mr. Malfoy was there as well.

Quinn reread part of the note; I also can't tell you not to worry, that I will be safe, because I am not entirely convinced that I will be. Quinn could practically here the desperation in this sentence. As usual Aislinn was trying to reassure Quinn, trying to ignore the massive problem staring them both in the face. Aislinn hated other people to worry; she preferred to take on the burden herself.

Quinn thought about that winter, when she and Aislinn had not been friends. She remembered each moment with excruciating clarity, the overwhelming feeling of being alone. Quinn was not going to let that happen again. Aislinn was crazy if she thought Quinn would just sit back and wait for news. Quinn grabbed her cloak and took off out of Ravenclaw tower; the note still clutched in her hand.

As she rushed around the corners of the castle at full speed, Quinn tried not to think of the possibilities. Aislinn had already met Voldemort, and Merlin only knows what he did to her. She was also still with Mr. Malfoy no doubt. Quinn felt her stomach turn at the very idea. If Lucius got her alone-Quinn didn't want to think about it. She wondered if it would be possible to attack him in bird form.

She raced around the corner near the hospital wing and crashed into someone coming from the other direction. Quinn saw merely a blur black robes and sandy hair before they collided. Quinn knocked them both to the ground and she went skidding halfway down the hall from the force of her run. She looked up, rubbing her shoulder and saw Seamus.

He was seated in the middle of the hall, looking quite bewildered. He stared at Quinn unblinkingly. There was an empty bowl in his lap and chocolate pudding in his hair and dripping down the front of his robes. A large glob of it dangled precariously from his right earlobe.

Quinn felt her eyes widen and she started to laugh. Tense and panicked as she was, the sight of her cousin covered in chocolate pudding, sitting bewildered in the middle of the hall was too much for her.

"I was just bringing Dean some pudding. He loves pudding," Seamus said in an oddly hollow voice. He was still staring at her without moving.

"Seamus I'm so sorry," she tried to say without laughing. She helped her cousin up. "I'm just in a massive hurry. Aislinn left me this note and," Quinn stopped herself before she said something stupid. She looked into her cousin's still confused face. "Uh, I'm just late to meet her in the hallway, that's all."

"Right," Seamus said with a look of disbelief on his face. "Well Quinn just, be careful," he said, looking deeply into her eyes. "I don't trust her." Quinn blinked. She didn't have time to explain to Seamus what was happening. She had to go. Still Quinn wondered what reason Seamus had not to trust Aislinn. If he couldn't trust Aislinn, why would he trust her? Quinn pushed these thoughts from her mind and waved a hurried goodbye before taking off at a run again. She caught one last glance at Seamus, still covered with pudding, before she rounded the corner and bounded up the stairs.

Quinn walked to the edge of the astronomy tower. She stepped up on the battlement and felt her stomach twist violently at the huge drop before her. Quinn was slightly afraid of heights. She had no clue why her Animagus form was a bird, but if she ever needed wings, it was now. All that Quinn could think of was Aislinn. She wasn't safe, no matter what reassurances she offered in the note. Quinn knew the danger was much greater than Aislinn admitted.

Quinn made sure no one was around and transformed. The change was nearly instantaneous this time. She looked across the landscape and tried not to let nerves overtake her. She stretched out the massive wings and took a leap of faith.