Frozen

Frozen

A "Harry Potter" Alternative Universe Fan-Fic

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August 7, 1980

Malfoy Manor

The sun came up. It always did. Narcissa Malfoy dried her eyes and stood, her bare feet making no noise on the padded carpet as she headed towards her cherry-oak vanity.

The concealer and foundation went on first, erasing the yellow parts of the bruises. Next came the lipstick, eye shadow, and mascara to draw attention away from the colors she couldn't easily hide. It was a superficial routine, one that she performed only for her own amusement. Her mother had taught a young Narcissa that "a woman had everything as long as she had her grace, her elegance, and her beauty". Grace and elegance were still her constant companions, but beauty was quickly slipping away in the ball of a fist.

"Excuse me, ma'am, but the babies are crying. It's time for them to nurse." A servant stood in the doorway of Narcissa's massive bedroom, hanging her head meekly. Fighting back the urge to throw jars of cream and make-up, Narcissa followed the frightened servant to the adjoining room, the one room that Lucius did not dare to desecrate. It was her children's nursery.

By a strange course of sheer luck, Narcissa had given birth to twins two months ago that day. Lucius had named the boy Draco Alexander Malfoy the instant he learned it was of male sex. Narcissa had held the girl in her arms for hours, pacing the hospital floor, searching for the right name. Finally, Opal Rochelle Malfoy was christened, with forewarnings from Lucius that a child with a weak name would become a weak link. It tore Narcissa to pieces every time she looked at Opal, for she couldn't protect her daughter should Lucius deem the girl a "weak link".

With help from the servant girl, Narcissa held the twins to her breasts, allowing them to drink their fill. She looked into Opal's deep blue eyes and felt something wither and die within herself.

"No," Narcissa murmured.

"Yes, ma'am?" the maid asked, standing nearby with a hot cloth to wipe away any spilled milk.

"Not you," the Malfoy matriarch snapped. "My daughter...my beautiful child, the future wife of a rich and powerful wizard. You'll grow up proud and strong, and be the top of all your classes," she whispered to Opal. The shadow of doom grew in Narcissa's mind, and enlarged considerably when she heard the slamming of a door and the heavy strides that indicated Lucius was awake.

Narcissa traced her husband's morning routine as he went. "The bathroom", followed by the sounds of running water and splashing. "The breakfast tray", then the clanging of dishes. "The armoire", and she waited for the accompanying sounds. Instead, she was greeted with silence. Creaking steps and intense footsteps soon replaced the silence, and Narcissa recognized the direction of the servants' stair. Sure enough, Lucius burst through the hidden door the servants used.

"Narcissa," was his only acknowledgement of his wife. "I am sure that you are aware of what I am here to do."

"But why? She hasn't done anything to prove that she's weaker!" Narcissa protested, wishing the words were back in her mouth as soon as she had spoken them. Lucius advanced quickly, and in a few milliseconds was standing menacingly beside his wife.

The slap echoed in the high-ceilinged room, making the servant cringe. Narcissa sat perfectly still, her chest rapidly rising and falling as the red handprint slowly appeared on her cheek.

"Draco is already standing and crawling. The other child has just learned to sit up. I will not tolerate laziness and inadequacy in this house, Narcissa." Lucius filled the last word with intimidation and icy hate.

"She is a child, nothing more. You have not given her the chance to prove herself to you. She does not know what is expected of her," Narcissa replied, preparing herself for the customary punishment.

"THEN WHY DOES MY SON KNOW?" Lucius bellowed, his voice shaking the neatly placed toys on the shelves. "HE KNOWS WHAT IS EXPECTED OF HIM, AND HE SHOWS ME EVEN NOW!" Draco had his head cocked curiously towards the roaring Lucius while Opal had burst into tears. The young son's reaction made Narcissa's stomach churn; he was already setting himself up for a life of solitude and obedience. "The other must die," the Malfoy governor said calmly and casually, as if he was discussing the local weather to an old friend.

"No, Lucius. I refuse to let you murder my child." Lucius raised an eyebrow, and pulled his wand from one of his robe's pockets. "No!" Narcissa shrieked in defiance for both her sake and for Opal's.

The shrieks echoed through the corridors and finely decorated rooms of Malfoy Manor, then escaped into the surrounding countryside, and into the ears of James Potter as he tended his own newborn son.

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"Lily, are you okay?" James called worriedly into the next room where his wife was resting.

"I'm fine, James," was Lily's exasperated reply.

"Then who's shrieking? Or maybe I've just spent so much time in the Shrieking Shack..."

"Oh, James! It's probably just that family that lives up the road. The Malfinchs or something like that," Lily said from the doorway.

"I thought you were napping."

"It's hard to nap when I have such loveable company," Lily smirked as she picked her new son Harry out of James' arms.

"Hmm. I knew I was irresistible." James snaked his arms around Lily's waist.

"Who said I was talking about you?" Lily purred.

"Ha, ha. Very funny," James complimented.

"Oh, by the way, I need you to go into town. I'm running low on Grindylows."

"Lily, darling, why don't we just go up to Diagon Alley for a few days? Celebrate Harry's arrival into this world? Visit some old friends? I hear that a certain bunch of old schoolmates are in town..."

"How about, because we were just there?"

"I'm hurt. I'm trying to plan a family outing and you keep shooting me down."

"I'm not shooting you down! I just want to get settled in. The house is lovely, darling, and Godric's Hollow is so romantic and tranquil this time of year." A new round of shrieks permeated the air, causing Lily to frown. "The Malfoys...that's their name. I wonder if we could get a Silencing Charm placed around the property on their side. I don't want Harry to be woken up in the middle night."

"Lily, honey, not to sound nosy or anything, but I think there's a case of domestic violence going on up there." As if on cue, the shrieks stopped.

"James...I'm scared."

"I know. How about that trip to Diagon Alley now?"

"Absolutely," was Lily's frightened whisper. There was something strange about the Malfoys, and Lily would do everything to keep her family away from them.

September 1, 1991

Hogwarts Express

"Now, be good, Harry, and don't get into any trouble," Lily fussed over her son one last time before sending her oldest son through the barrier to Platform 9¾.

"I'll be fine, Mum. Can I go now? I don't want to miss the train," Harry sighed exasperatedly. "Geez. You would think I was going to disappear for three years instead of nine months."

"Let him go, Lily. He'll be fine. Sirius is teaching DADA with Remus. They'll look out for him." James wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders. She had been a bit overprotective of their children ever since Lord Voldemort had come into the Potters' home on All Hallows' Eve almost twelve years ago. Since then, the two had been blessed with a second child, a girl who Lily had named Erika.

"I still worry, James. I thought we were safe in Godric's Hollow."

"We still are. It was just a one-time inident. One of his informers screwed up the address, that's all."

"Yes, but what about the other family? How long would've You-Know-Who gone on killing if we hadn't stopped him?"

"And don't forget Lucius. Without him, we wouldn't have been able to drive Voldemort back and into the mountains."

"Don't say that name!" Lily squeaked with her voice shrilly with fear. James shook his head, and urged Harry on.

"Go on, Harry. I'll stay here and take care of Mum and Erika. You go have fun at Hogwarts."

"Okay, Dad. See you later! I'll send you an owl in a few days!" Harry called as he ran into the barrier, disappearing behind a crowd of passing tourists.

In the car heading back towards Godric's Hollow, Lily remained tight-lipped until they reached the rental car station. James knew what was weighing on her mind, but he asked nevertheless, "Want to talk about it?"

"You know very well that I don't, James Potter," was the spitfire reply.

"I'm sorry that you don't like the Malfoys. They have been very generous in watching Erika, and they have done wonders for the cottage. Besides, Draco's starting Hogwarts this year too, so Harry will have a friend." James sat, waiting for Lily's rebuttal.

"Lucius beats Narcissa, it's as plain as day. Have you seen the amount of make-up she wears? Did you notice how she never leaves the house? That she always wears long-sleeves, even in the pinnacle of summer's heat waves? He beats her, and she won't leave him. I haven't figured out why, but I have a feeling that it's in connection to her years at Hogwarts. She was in our class, you know. A Slytherin, but still in our graduating class." Lily suddenly turned away from James as he paid the Muggle for the use of the car, then the two started walking to a small glade to Apparate.

"Does this mean that I'll be picking Erika up again?" James asked as he prepared himself.

"No. I think I'll pick her up today," was Lily's faint reply as she left the glade with a small "pop".

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"Good morning, Mrs. Potter. I'll tell the Mistress that you're here." The maid curtseyed before hurrying off into the depths of Malfoy Manor. Lily nodded to the maid's back, and wandered aimlessly around the huge hall, examining knick-knacks and other trinkets.

"Amazing, aren't they? I had them imported from Russia. An old friend of mine carves wood in his spare time, when he's not being a Headmaster to Durmstrang Academy, of course." Lily turned around to become face to face with Lucius Malfoy. "How nice to see you, Lily. It's been a while since you were last up at the Manor. Narcissa and I were starting to worry about you." Lucius took her hand and kissed it gently.

"No, I've been sick the last few weeks and didn't want to spread it around. But, thanks for caring, Lucius." Lily had to force herself to say his name, and wanted to vomit at his gentlemanly greeting.

"Ah, I see. Narcissa's been sick as well. The poor nanny's been working overtime to make up for her absence."

"Well, if you and Narcissa ever want to go out alone, James and I would welcome your kids. It would only be repaying the favor." Lily cringed on the inside, realizing that she was setting up a reason for Lucius Malfoy to be in her house.

"The pleasure is all ours, I assure you. It's so nice to hear the little ones playing with other little ones." Lucius smiled, and motioned to the sweeping staircases on either side of the hall. "Shall we ascend to the heavens, my dear?" he asked. Lily forced herself to nod, and to remember that he was just being polite.

As a mother of two wonderful children, Lily had expected to see the Malfoy nursery in a state of chaos. To her surprise, it was perfectly clean, and the children were picking up the toys they had brought out.

The Malfoy children were just as startling to Lily as their nursery. Lucius' second son, Trenton, had his mother's soft dove-colored eyes and his father's high cheekbones. Trenton was almost like Draco's younger twin. Lily had noticed pictures of two or three girls, but there was only one that Lily could see: a young woman with dark chestnut colored hair that had been pulled into a ponytail. The girl looked to be about eleven years old, and she was lounging luxuriously in one of the chairs reading a leather-bound book.

"Excuse me, Lily. Let me introduce my niece thrice removed, Andraya Malfoy. She's staying with us while her parents sort out some...personal business. She'll be attending Hogwarts in a few days; we still have to get a few more classes scheduled and get her sorted." Lucius smiled glibly as he bade the girl to stand and come to his side.

"Will she be joining the rest of her lineage in Slytherin House?" Lily asked innocently, as if she were just making small talk. Lucius took the comment as a compliment and practically beamed, if a snake could.

"I have high hopes that she will. It would honor both her parents and me if she was indeed sorted into Slytherin. It would do wonders for Draco to have a relative there." Lily wanted to ask why, but refrained, still trying to stay on Lucius' good side. If there is such a thing, Lily thought morosely.

"Father, may I ask Mrs. Potter a question?" Andraya asked quietly, her eyes never going higher than Lucius' neck.

"Certainly, Andraya." He turned to Lily. "She calls me Father because she doesn't know her parents. They were Purebloods, and accidentally got mixed up with some dangerous Muggles. You know how they are..." Lucius whispered the last bit to Lily, and she realized that Lucius didn't know she was Muggle-born. "Anyway, I took in Andraya and allowed her to finish her term at the Italian boarding school her parents had paid for, then I had her sent here. She's eagerly awaiting her next term." Andraya nodded sweetly and faced Lily.

"Mrs. Potter, have you ever read about astrology?"

"Astrology?"

"The Zodiac's influence on people's personalities and lifestyles. I am a firm believer in it. In a way, it makes the prospect of being a witch more appealing to the Muggles."

"No, I'm afraid I don't. We'll have to get together soon and you can tell me all about it."

"Of course, Mrs. Potter. Father, may I go to my room? I want to make sure that the maid packed my bags correctly." Lucius beamed, and gave his consent.

"I don't mean to be rude, but I would like to take Erika home. It's almost time for lunch, and it'll be the first meal we've all had together in our own home for a while. James and I didn't remember having so many materials for our first year!" Lily smiled, and Lucius understood that she was keeping the mood light-hearted.

"Certainly, Lily. I can sympathize. With Narcissa sick, Draco throwing himself preparations for school, and Andraya busy settling in while trying to pack for school herself, I've rarely seen my family all together." Lucius nodded, and Trenton led Erika to the doorway where the adults were standing. Lily could see something flicker in the boy's eyes, and the small smile Erika gave him as the two females left the Manor. With growing dread and horror, Lily Potter recognized the signs of true love. She tried to shake off her nausea, but eventually succumbed to it when she and Erika arrived back into the renovated cottage in Godric's Hollow.

"Lily, are you okay?" James asked worriedly, helping Lily up from her position in front of the porcelain toilet.

"I'm fine. Just being around him made me sick. And, James, Erika is in love with Trenton." Lily staggered to their bed, and collapsed upon it.

"What? Are you serious?" James exclaimed, nearly falling onto the bed with Lily.

"No, I'm not serious. I only said that because I wanted to scare the crap out of you," Lily said sarcastically to her pillow.

"Lily..." James muttered warningly. "I don't suppose you happened to see Lucius' niece, did you?"

"Yes. He even formally introduced us. Apparently she's into Astrology."

"You two should get along nicely then."

"I lied and said I knew nothing about it. She twists it into something evil, I swear. I don't know how, I just do!" Lily growled into her pillow.

"Well, Andraya was very nice to me. She even served me tea. I didn't know she was Harry's age until she told me." James paused to reconsider his words. Lily was giving him a female-patented Death Glare, and he knew how it sounded to her. "I promise that she did nothing more than serve me tea and try to guess my Star Sign. The girl is just that: a girl. I prefer experienced, older women. Especially experienced, older women named Lily." James grinned suggestively. Lily giggled with anticipation.

"We should make sure Erika's okay first," Lily said suddenly, standing up and wobbling towards the door. James caught her before she got too far away from the bed.

"I already fed her lunch and tucked her in for her afternoon nap. We'll have the next few hours to ourselves." James slid his arms around his wife's waist.

"Ooh, imagine that: the adults having a few hours all to ourselves. It's a concept, it really is," Lily whispered.

"Shall we explore this so-called 'concept'?" James purred seductively into Lily's ear, causing her to giggle again.

"We most certainly will," she answered as she shut the bedroom door with her foot.

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September 3, 1991

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Harry James Potter reluctantly rose from between the silky sheets in the Gryffindor boys' dorm. His new friend Ron Weasley snored in the bed next to him, giving Harry second thoughts about rising so early. Still, he had promised his parents an owl, and now was as good a time as ever.

Dear Mum and Dad,

Hogwarts is great. The headmaster is a little loony, but he looks fair. I got sorted into Gryffindor House, along with my newest friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Ron says you went to school with his parents Arthur and Molly. Hermione is a Muggle-born, and both her parents are dentists. They are intrigued by the Wizarding World, and have asked Hermione to write them weekly!

Uncle Sirius has become my unofficial guide of the school with Uncle Remus. Draco and I joked about me being a teacher's pet because I already know half the staff here. The Uncles have been showing me all their hiding places and secret passages. I'll be able to make it to class before anybody else!

Speaking of Draco, he got sorted into Slytherin. Despite the fact that Slytherins tend to hate Gryffindors, Draco and I are still friends. We spend what little free time we have together on the grounds, but that'll soon end when winter comes. Maybe we'll be able to find some empty classroom and practice our Charms homework. Draco also says that his distant cousin is coming to Hogwarts too. Is this true?

Well, I hate to cut this note short, but I have to go to class now. I'll try and owl you later!

Love, Harry

Harry quickly tied the letter to a school owl's leg, then hurried back to his dorm to gather his books. Ron was stretching lazily from his own bed when Harry came back, but was too incoherent to comment about Harry's unusual change in schedule.

"We've got Broomstick Lessons this morning," Seamus Finnagin mumbled from under his stack of blankets. "I'm not ready to fly yet."

"You'll get over it," Ron mumbled back. "I've been learning how to fly since Fred and George had their lessons, and they've been flying since Percy got his lessons, and he's been flying since Bill and Charlie got their lessons. I'm very well rehearsed in the ways of flying. But I lack the balance need to actually stay on the broomstick." The dorm filled with laughter, but that subsided as the students realized what time it was. First classes started in about thirty minutes, and they couldn't be late.

"Isn't today Labor Day? Shouldn't we be getting today off?" someone grumbled as the group shuffled down the stairs towards the Common Room.

"Nah, that's only in Muggle schools," another replied. Ron and Harry sat down on either side of Hermione, who looked too perky for the second day of school.

"Please tell me that you two have already eaten," she said without even looking up from her book.

"No, of course not! Criminy! By the way, how was your night with Draco?" Ron yawned and stretched some more.

"RON! I told you not to say anything about that!" Hermione shrieked, her face turning red as she glared at Ron.

"Draco? You and Draco?" Harry could only gape in disbelief. "That's...highly...unlikely," he sputtered out.

"Oh yeah? I wouldn't talk Mr. I'm-In-Love-With-Draco's-Cousin-That-I-Haven't-Even-Met-Yet!" Hermione retorted.

"I have too met her! She lives near me!"

"You live near the Malfoys?" Ron asked incredulously, as if this was the first time someone had said anything about this to him.

"You slimy, stupid git!" Hermione shrieked again. "I'm leaving," she said curtly. Picking up her book and schoolbag, Hermione strode out of the Common Room in a huff.

"What? What'd I do?" Ron asked, a bewildered look on his freckled face. Harry sighed and shook his head. It was certainly going to be an interesting seven years.