The Death Eater's Daughter

Chapter Thirteen - Defense

During the few hours that Luci slept that night, she dreamt that she was back home in Arizona, with her mother and her friends and Persephone. At first, she had been happy, and there had been a huge welcoming party and lots of chocolate cupcakes, and she'd eaten five of them. Then it had hit her that she felt empty inside, and she suddenly wanted to go back to Europe. Her mother had asked her why and she had responded, "I miss my brother," and hadn't been the least surprised at her own answer. "Is he the only one you miss?" Kristen had inquired, and Luci had replied, "No, he's not the only one."

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The next morning, Luci awoke to an outrageous amount of noise downstairs. She blinked, frowned, and then hastened from her bed and into yesterday's clothes.

Downstairs, she discovered that Harry had disappeared in the night, and no one knew where he'd gone, and every single one of them was behaving like a chicken with its head cut off. Everyone except for Ron and Hermione, who Luci witnessed murmuring conspiratorially to each other in a corner of the kitchen.

All of the members of the Order were summoned with amazing speed, and everyone was discussing the best places to look. Tonks suggested that maybe he'd been practicing Apparition and ended up in that field again.

At this, Draco and Narcissa wandered into the kitchen and sat down at the table, as if expecting their breakfast.

After a moment, Draco looked up at Luci and grinned. "Potter's gone? Here's hoping he was eaten by a werewolf!"

"Don't say that!" shushed Luci.

"Why not? I thought you hated him too?"

"I... um," She looked around the room but no one was paying the least bit of attention to the Malfoys. "I do," she went on, "but I don't like wishing death upon people."

Her brother shrugged. "Some people need a little death to humble them, and none more than Potter."

Luci almost argued that he was very humble indeed, but she stopped herself and muttered instead, "Maybe death is a little harsh for learning humility. You'd never get to practice your new skill."

"Whatever," burred Draco. "What's to eat?"

"I think that's the least of Molly's worries right now. I'll give you one thing - the drama in this house when it comes to Harry is absolutely absurd. They act like he's the Crown Jewels!"

"Didn't I tell you?" said her brother.

"Well, if there's no food," chimed in Narcissa, "then I'm going back to bed. Tell these fools to keep the noise down, if you're good for anything."

Draco shook his head. "I'll never understand why my mother has such a fondness for you."

Luci chuckled. "Yeah, I can't imagine what I've done to get into such good graces with her."

"Ignore her. She doesn't know how cool you are."

She gawked at her brother for a moment, and he turned his eyes away. She replied softly, "Thank you; you're pretty cool yourself."

"Yeah?" he asked, looking up at her.

"Yeah," she grinned. "Now, what do you want to eat? I'll make something for you."

"Tomatoes and sausage and bacon and eggs and toa-"

"I'll see what I can come up with," she cut him off with a laugh. Then Luci ignored the rest of the kitchen's inhabitants and cooked just for the two of them.

By the time she was putting the tomatoes and eggs on the table, most everyone had left the house on some particular route to look for Harry. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had gone upstairs to pack, since they were starting school the next day. Molly Weasley had glowered at the two blonde siblings, huffed angrily at their food, and been the last to leave the room.

"Wow, a meal in peace," commented Draco.

"Rare, indeed," agreed Luci.

He took a bite and marveled, "Hey, you're good at this. Cooking."

"Thanks," she smiled. "I think it helps not to use magic."

"Where did you learn to cook without magic?" he asked suspiciously.

Shit. There was no answer she could give that wouldn't cause him to doubt her. Even if she said that she had a Half-Blood friend who'd taught her or something, it would still look bad. She was only supposed to congregate with Pure Bloods.

"Well?" he prodded.

She swallowed. "Read about it?"

"Oh," he accepted with a nod. "Generally, I think magic should be used for everything, but I think I can make an exception for cooking."

"That was my line of thinking too," she lied, grateful that she was such an avid reader that he hadn't questioned her for a single second.

"Maybe you could teach me," he went on.

"To cook?"

"Sure. Maybe it'll impress Pansy."

"Who's Pansy?" she asked, wondering at the bizarre name.

"My girlfriend back at school," he replied casually. "I mean, she was, before all of this happened. I can get her back though."

Luci had nearly choked on her bite of toast, but managed, "I'm sure you can."

She'd had no idea. But it made him seem like such a normal teenaged boy... She couldn't help encouraging, "Tell me about her."

He shrugged. "She's... suitable for me. We have the same backgrounds and values. She's always been there."

"Sexy," teased Luci. "So it's a passionate affair?"

Her brother narrowed his eyes. "Never mind. It's none of your business."

"You're right," she concurred. "I just think you ought to... broaden your criteria?"

"Oh, like you do? By disappearing with Weasleys?"

"Hey, he's a Pure Blood. Besides, we were just hanging out, nothing romantic."

She probably shouldn't be telling Draco any of this. But their relationship had changed, and she found that they were discussing more and more topics that she would have deemed inappropriate in the beginning.

"Sure, sure," her brother had continued. "What d'ya say we go upstairs and tell the Weasley girl that Potter's dead? See if she cries?"

"Draco!" Luci scolded, but she couldn't help grinning. Then she added, "As much fun as that sounds, we have better things to do."

"Like what?"

"Like you tell me more about this Pansy chick."

"Naw. I'm a little shy about our passion."

Luci laughed. "Come on, let's go hit the Magical Creatures books."

Her brother groaned but followed her back up to his room.

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By the time evening had rolled around, shortly after dinner, all of the Order had reassembled in the kitchen, and Luci had been begrudgingly invited. She was just sitting there listening.

From what she could decipher in between all of the arguing, panicking, and domineering, no one had located Harry.

She considered informing these people that Harry seemed perfectly capable of taking care of himself and perhaps they could avoid developing such high blood pressure over all of this. But it would have been in vain. Molly Weasley was especially frightened and appeared to have rubbed off on several people who were usually quite rational.

There was no end in sight, so Luci eventually snuck back upstairs and pretended to go to bed. She had been reading by wand light for a very long time when the commotion in the kitchen finally calmed.

Early the next morning, however, it was in full uproar again, as there was still no sign of their darling Harry. Breakfast was forgotten once more and people were scrambling frantically all over the house.

Half of the clamor was Ron, Hermione, and Ginny trying to get out on time to catch the Hogwarts Express. Ron and Hermione both still looked perfectly resolved. But Ginny was crying to her mother that she couldn't possibly go without knowing if Harry was okay.

Luci couldn't help but join Draco in laughing at all of them. "Like mice in a maze," observed her brother.

As the afternoon approached, everyone was out again, resuming their frenzied searching. Tonks had stayed home with Molly, in hopes that Harry might reappear. Alastor had returned from dropping the kids off for the train, and now the three of them were huddling in the kitchen. The Malfoys were in their designated areas upstairs. Luci and Draco were taking a break and playing a hand of cards when they heard Mrs. Black's painting reel into a shrieking fit.

"Damn haunted house," complained Draco.

"I'll go see what's going on," sighed Luci, getting up and heading out to the landing.

There seemed to be a lot of disorientation downstairs and no one had silenced the painting yet. Luci took the stairs two at a time toward the entryway to the house.

Molly, Alastor, and Tonks were clustered around something, and Luci bellowed over the screaming, "What's going on?!"

Tonks turned to her, her face anxious, answered, "Harry's back!" and stepped away.

He was unconscious on the floor and Luci frowned, "How'd he get here?" But no one could hear her. She retrieved her wand and thrust it at that ridiculous painting, and it went mute instantly.

Alastor had a strange look in his eyes, and he was instructing, "Ladies, I'm going to carry him upstairs. Can the three of you bring up some bandages, hot tea, salves, and anything else we may need? And maybe contact the rest of the Order?"

"I'll do the last part," offered Tonks, and she was gone.

Molly glanced at Luci. "Guess you'll have to assist me. Sorry for the inconvenience," she scorned.

"Oh, shut up," spat Luci, and she went into the kitchen to look for the things that Alastor needed. She knew exactly where to find the tea and swiftly put on the kettle.

After a few minutes, Molly said, "I'm going to take these medical supplies up. Make it quick with the tea."

Luci didn't respond.

It was a few moments later when she was pulling out a tray to carry her utensils and Remus and Kingsley popped into the kitchen.

"In his room," she explained, and they were gone.

By the time Luci could follow them up, she found the space packed, as Bill and Tonks were also present. She went to the other chair beside the bed, to the only place where someone wasn't standing over him pryingly. As she put the tray on the table next to it, she realized that she was right next to Harry's head. Molly was in the chair opposite, bandaging his hand and didn't seem to be paying attention to Luci's presence. So Luci looked down at Harry and studied his face. She'd never had the chance before, and she decided that she thought he was kind of... beautiful... close up. Someone had changed him into his pajamas, and his hair was thick and matted against his forehead... She instinctively reached up to sweep it back.

At this moment, his blue eyes opened, and he snatched her hand. She gasped, her own eyes wide with surprise and fear. She'd be caught touching him, again, and she could only blurt, "Sorry, I was just... your hair was in your face..."

She was hot with humiliation, but his expression softened slightly, and he replied, "If I had known it was you, I wouldn't have."

Luci furrowed her brow, confused. Was he delirious? Did he think that she was Ginny or someone?

Then Molly broke in with, "How are you, Harry, dear?"

In response, Harry slowly sat up. "Er... I'm all right."

"I found you in the entryway," said Alastor. "Where the hell have you been?"

Luci saw Harry turn to her and give her an appreciative smile. But she was still overcome and didn't know what was going on.

Suddenly, Tonks spewed, "Luci, you knew about this?"

Caught off guard, Luci merely stared at her and managed, "I..."

But Harry jumped in, "It's not her fault. I didn't tell her where I was going."

She gaped at him and didn't turn her gaze away, even when Remus replied, "It's not about that, Harry! We were all worried sick about you!"

"Remus looked everywhere for you! And poor Ginny!" added Tonks. "We could hardly get her onto the Hogwarts Express this morning!"

Harry said sheepishly, "I'm sorry," right before Molly railed, "What do you have to say for yourself, Luci?"

Once again, Luci could only sit there. Her eyes briefly went to Harry's and he looked remorsefully back. Finally, she found her voice and answered quietly, "Harry's of age... and so am I, for that matter."

"Hardly!" shrieked Molly, and Luci scowled hatefully at her.

"This is inexcusable, Miss Keegan," cut in Alastor, and she could hardly believe this barrage of attackers. "Harry's life was at risk!"

Beleaguered and lost, Luci managed to stutter, "I'm sorry," though she didn't even know what she was apologizing for. She just wanted everyone to stop yelling at her.

"It's really not her fault," Harry came to her rescue again, and she shook her head in mystification.

Molly was standing now and had her hands on her hips. "It was her responsibility to inform us of anything that could harm you, including the fact that you were planning to run off by yourself to who knows where!"

"I'm not a kid anymore!" Harry exploded suddenly. "And I won't let you take this out on Luci!"

Feeling as though the world no longer made any sense, Luci slammed her eyes shut.

"Harry, I never..." Molly puffed pathetically.

"Sorry," exhaled Harry. "Look. It's no one's job to protect me anymore. I've faced Voldemort plenty of times and been fine, and I'll do it again. This was no big deal!"

Not a single person seemed to have a response to his declaration. A few moments went by before Luci was able to find the strength to get up and leave them. There were no protests.

She hurried back to her room as quickly as she could. She felt like a child, stripped of her pride, berated, and judged by a room full of bigots. She couldn't ever remember being so angry.

With her door secured, she slammed her fist into it, once, twice, three times. Blood splattered everywhere, but she kept going, until the fury subsided. No one seemed to have noticed her outburst, so she sat down on the floor and waited for her bones to reposition and her skin to extend over her knuckles again. She hissed at the pain and ignored the tears of rage flowing down her cheeks.

After a long time, she began to feel relatively calm again. She had started to clean up the blood, and this was when it occurred to her - Harry Potter had defended her honor. She hadn't earned that of him at all, and yet, he'd thought that it was simply enough that she'd kept his secret. It had been such a noble thing to do, to be the only one in the room on her side, and at this insight, Luci felt sort of tingly all over.

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"What was all that noise yesterday?" asked Draco the next morning on their way upstairs from breakfast.

She didn't know why he hadn't asked her last night, when they'd had dinner together. But she feigned ignorance and replied, "What noise?"

"Coming from your room," he clarified. "It sounded like you were moving furniture."

"The desk," Luci answered quickly, latching on to his assumption. "I dropped something behind it."

"Did the desk kill your puppy?"

"What?" she frowned.

"It sounded like you were being pretty rough on it," her brother said with a teasing smile.

"I couldn't get it back into place," she countered matter-of-factly.

"Uh huh... and the truth would be?"

"Let it go, Draco."

"Batting practice? What the hell were you doing?"

"Nothing, okay?" she blurted.

Then her eyes fell on Harry, watching them at the end of the hall. She shushed Draco and then, at the miserable expression on Harry's face, asked worriedly, "Are you okay, Harry?"

Draco snarled next to her, and Harry answered icily, "Fine."

"Go ahead and start without me," Luci instructed her brother. "I'll be right there."

With a bitter look at her and a glower towards Harry, Draco disappeared into his room. She was surprised at his obedience and knew she'd probably pay for it with an interrogation later.

Luci approached Harry timidly. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing," he said again, just as indifferently as before.

And for some reason, it hurt her. Yesterday, he'd been her defender, and now...what?

Before she could stop herself, she'd whimpered, "You're lying to me." Why the hell did she care if he lied to her?

He didn't respond, but she held his gaze, trying to figure out what he was thinking, why he was so hot and cold. Eventually, she went cold herself and said nonchalantly, "If you won't tell me, you should at least tell someone."

Harry made a defeated little motion with his arms, and she grew warm again.

She proposed helpfully, "Remus?"

And his face lit up optimistically. It was the best she was going to get out of him today, so she smiled in reply and turned to join her brother in his room.

"Wait."

Luci pivoted, heartened, and advanced toward him again. She didn't know what she hoped he'd say.

"I'm sorry that I got you into trouble," Harry offered slowly.

She half-smiled and bit her lip. "Don't worry about it."

"They seemed pretty mad at you," he said with a puckered brow.

Luci remembered very well. But she also remembered the disgrace of all of it, and there was no way that she was going to let him see how much it had damaged her ego. So she shrugged and covered, "They'll get over it. And they don't have any authority over me, so I'm not bothered by it, and you shouldn't be either."

"Well," Harry started awkwardly, "thank you for not telling anyone that I was leaving."

A thank you! Grateful for some much needed gratitude, Luci put her hand on his arm and assured him, "Wouldn't of dreamt of it," before turning on her heel and rushing into Draco's room.

It was fail-proof; every single time she touched him, her skin prickled blissfully. There was simply nothing she could do about it. It was pheromones or something. But it didn't mean anything more than that, she told herself, just as Draco snapped, "How's Potter? I mean, I'm trying to be as concerned for him as you are, but somehow, it just escapes me."

Let the interrogation begin. Luci gave him a sarcastic shake of the head and responded, "He's injured. Next time you're injured, I'll be sure to show lots of concern."

"It would make sense for you to show concern for me," Draco observed, "but showing concern for him is dense. And kind of dodgy, actually."

She narrowed her eyes at her brother. "Why does it make any more sense to show concern for you? What are you to me, after all?"

Draco frowned, and she could swear that a little color rose into his cheeks. "A friend?" he questioned meekly.

She blinked at him and opened her mouth to respond, but he blurted, "Shut up. Never mind. It's stupid. You're right. I'm nothing to you. But neither is Potter. Stop being all motherly to everyone, will you? God, it's so fucking annoying."

Staggered, Luci merely nodded.

"I'm going to the toilet," he grumbled, and then he left the room and slammed the door.

She sat in the desk chair and waited for him to come back. Meanwhile, she went over everything he'd just said in her mind. He thought of the two of them as friends. It was... huge. It changed everything. And when she hadn't jumped to concur, he had gone on the defense to protect himself. It was so unbelievably endearing. And the fact that she felt that way disturbed her deeply. Because he'd accused her of being motherly towards him, but she was being sisterly, just like a sister would be if she... loved her brother... Oh, god. I can't love my brother. I can't! What is happening to me? I'm falling apart.

Finally, after twenty minutes, Luci gave up on him returning and sauntered wearily back to her own bedroom with her newfound burden.