Aurelia's Story

“'Cause it's you that can break me and keep me on my back.
'Cause it's you that can save me from falling into the black.
Hold me and tell me that everything's gonna be all right.
And I'll tell you that everything's gonna be alright.”
Into The Black, Butch Walker

Lucius strolled back into the manor ecstatically. He made his way straight to the study, where he selfishly woke Aurelia with a deep kiss. Half asleep, she did not remember the events of earlier, and at first responded to him eagerly. Suddenly, everything came tumbling back into her mind, and she pushed Lucius off her and onto the floor, where he pulled her down onto his lap, breathing erratically. “What happened, Lucius?” she demanded urgently.

He merely chuckled slowly, and began to unfasten her robes. “It went spectacularly for us, darling. Potter and his little friends turned up, and as our master suspected, he picked up the prophecy almost immediately. In the ensuing fight, I managed to take the prophecy from one of his little friends whilst Bellatrix had the Cruciatus curse on Potter himself. Our master arrived, and Apparated myself and the prophecy out.”

“The others?” Aurelia asked apprehensively, beginning to relax into his arms.

“They got caught up in a fight with the Order in the Death Chamber.” Aurelia’s ears pricked up uneasily. “I managed to break free of it quickly, as I had to defend the prophecy, but Bellatrix got involved in a duel with that blood traitor, Black. He ended up going through the veil, and then Dumbledore arrived and bound all our side ready for the Aurors. I was the only one to escape,” he said proudly, his hands insistently roaming under her clothing, stroking her swollen abdomen and enlarged breasts.

“The veil?” Aurelia said weakly, fearing the worst.

“Yes,” Lucius chuckled. “A one way ticket to the realms of the dead. That’s one less member of the Order we will have trouble with.”

Aurelia felt as if her heart was breaking, but knew that she could not show it. With Sirius gone, Lucius was the man she would remain with. There would be time to grieve for the man she loved tomorrow, but tonight she still had a role to play. If she played it often enough, it might dull the pain. “I certainly am proud of you, my Lord,” she purred. “It seems we have much to celebrate.” She slowly unbuttoned his clothing, moaning appreciatively as his muscles rippled under her hands.

Lucius groaned as she moved on his lap, and laid himself flat next to the fire to allow room for her stomach, then raised his arms to toy with her breasts some more. Aurelia moaned deeply, as they had grown even more sensitive during the pregnancy. Despite the pain she was in, she still lusted after her husband as much as ever. They quickly removed the remainder of their clothing, and as Lucius gently buried himself within her, Aurelia felt the tears begin to stream down her face. He began to withdraw, but Aurelia insistently pushed down onto him, driving him further in. They came together, and sparks flew out of the ends of her fingers. Aurelia moved off Lucius quickly, and he kissed her as he pushed her hair back off her face.

“Are you alright, darling?” he asked concernedly.

“I think so, Lucius,” she replied quietly, “It’s just the hormones and over-exertion. I shall mention it to Healer Willows – we have a check-up tomorrow anyway, darling.”

“Yes, I suppose. Perhaps you should get some rest now, darling, try to sleep through the night.” He lifted her easily, and took her upstairs. As they got comfortable between the sheets, he leant over and kissed her softly. “I love you, Aurelia.” But she was already asleep.


As they walked into St. Mungo’s the next day, Aurelia leaning heavily on Lucius, her mind was still spinning. Aurelia supposed she was in shock; for some reason, Sirius’ death still did not seem real. Perhaps it was because she had heard it from no one else except Lucius. Healer Willows distracted her attention by rushing up to her as they walked in. “Mrs Malfoy! Lovely to see you again… if you just pop through onto your bed, and I shall be in shortly.” Aurelia nodded, and Lucius assisted her through and up onto the bed.

She shifted, desperately trying to get comfortable, and the healer grinned as she came in. “Can’t get comfortable, Mrs Malfoy?” she asked disarmingly.

“Not at all,” Aurelia replied, as the tears began to fall again. “And these damn hormones are driving me crazy!” she exclaimed frustratedly.

Healer Willows furrowed her brow. “Have you been experiencing any peaks in magical power at all, Mrs Malfoy?”

Aurelia nodded. “Particularly when I get emotional or excited. Last night, I actually had sparks fly out of my fingers.”

Healer Willows clapped her hands excitedly. “Oh, lovely! That sounds like Parvulus Vox to me. This is very rare, but it does mean that you have two extremely powerful children in there, Mr and Mrs Malfoy. These effects are all caused by the children’s power and the pregnancy hormones they are causing combining, and that leads to an increase in emotions and magical power. I would recommend total rest for the last month of pregnancy, as there is no knowing what form it could take.” She smiled, and leant in closer. “If I recall correctly my dear, you caused the exact same effect with your mother. I shall be fascinated to see the effect with twins!”

Ten minutes later and Lucius was still beaming as they left the hospital. “I knew that our children would be special, darling, but this is marvellous news. Our master will be delighted.”

Aurelia, though, was still thinking about the month’s bed rest that had been prescribed for her. She had to take her chances to get away from the manor whilst she could. “Darling, is it tomorrow that Draco comes home?”

Lucius nodded. “It is, yes. Time seems to have flown by since I’ve had you.”

“Would you mind terribly if I collected him from the station then, my Lord? We could get lunch in Diagon Alley, and it would give us a chance to catch up, and you a chance to get your businesses up together.” Not to mention, she thought, a chance to speak to some of the Order, and possibly Harry as well.

Lucius thought. “I suppose that would be fine, yes. And I am sure that Draco would much rather his beautiful stepmother pick him up than his evil father,” he said with a laugh, wrapping his arm around her waist and pushing his fingers under her robes suggestively. Aurelia leaned into him, and they hurriedly returned to the manor.


The next morning, Aurelia slowly made her way to Platform 9 and ¾ with a few minutes to spare, and was gratified to spot Remus, Alastor Moody and Tonks waiting in a corner. She hurried over to them as fast as her pregnancy would allow. Remus smiled sadly as he saw her, and kissed her on the cheek. “Why are you here, Aurelia?” he asked in a subdued tone.

She bit her lip to stop the tears from falling. “To collect Draco… It is true, then? Lucius told me, but I had heard it from no-one else, so I hoped…” she trailed off, desperation in her eyes.

Remus nodded. “It’s true. A curse that Bellatrix shot at him knocked him backwards through the veil before Dumbledore could pull him back.” Aurelia cried aloud, and Tonks took her hand sympathetically. As the tears began to flow, the twins began insistently kicking, and Aurelia smiled despite herself. “What?” asked Remus, his brow furrowed.

“The babies are awake,” she said proudly, the tears easing off. “I swear they can sense my mood, for they always seem to know when I need cheering up.”

Remus stretched out his hand. “May I?” he said quietly, and Aurelia nodded. He placed his hand on her stomach, and his eyes widened as he felt the twins pushing against his hand. “It’s incredible, isn’t it?”

Moody nodded. “Life carries on all around us, even when it seems the pain is too much,” he said gruffly. Aurelia looked up the old man, and smiled thankfully.

Aurelia composed herself. “What’s the plan for the summer months then?”

Tonks replied first. “Harry has to go back to his aunt’s house for at least a month, Dumbledore’s orders. Other than that, all we can do is respond to what You-Know-Who does. Dumbledore seems to have something up his sleeve, but he hasn’t shared it with us yet.” They were interrupted by the sound of the train pulling into the station. Harry was one of the first off, and the four of them went straight to him. His eyes widened with delight as he saw them, and Aurelia hugged him.

“Harry,” she said, her eyes filling with tears, “I can’t talk to you for long in case I am seen, but I wanted to check that you’re… well, not alright, but coping.”

He nodded. “I’ll be fine, Lia, don’t worry. You?”

“I’ll cope,” she said with a wry grin. “I have to. I’ve got to dash and get Draco now, but don’t be surprised if I turn up in your neck of the woods at some point in the summer.” She winked, and kissed him.

“Er, yeah. You might have to go on the train to get Draco – I didn’t realise you were collecting him, otherwise I would have stopped them,” said Harry, blushing.

Aurelia raised his eyebrows. “What happened?”

“Draco was taunting me about Sirius, and the fact that Lucius escaped the Ministry unpunished,” Aurelia looked down, “and then he tried to curse me. Some of the D.A. saw, and they returned the curses and then some,” he grinned. “Sorry.”

Aurelia smiled back. “Don’t worry, Harry, it sounds like Draco deserved it. Take care, sweetheart.” The others escorted Harry to where his relatives were waiting for him, and Aurelia climbed onto the train in search of her stepson. When she eventually found him, she had to fight hard to stop herself from laughing. Draco was barely recognisable with all the curses that had been placed on him. “Hello, Draco,” she grinned as she stooped down, waving her wand and muttering quickly. “I shall have you fixed up in no time, don’t fear.” Sure enough, a couple of minutes later all that was hurt was Draco’s pride.

“Thank you,” he muttered. “Father isn’t here, is he?” he asked worriedly.

“No, and I do not think there is any need for him to know about this, is there? It would only irritate him.” Aurelia felt sorry for her stepson, because Lucius could be incredibly harsh and demanding on his heir. She saw no point in Draco having further punishment for this. “If you have no objection, I thought we could have a bite to eat together before we go home?”

“None at all,” he replied gratefully, and offered his hand to pull her up. “You have had no further problems with the pregnancy then?”

“No, they seem to have settled down quite nicely, and have already kept me awake through the night on more than one occasion.” They chatted easily as they wandered through Muggle London into Diagon Alley. By the time they were ready to return to Malfoy Manor, Aurelia had recovered sufficiently for Lucius to be unable to notice her pain, and Draco was back to normal as well. They Flooed into the parlour of the manor, and Draco offered his arm as support as they made their way to Lucius’ study.

Lucius smirked as his wife and son walked into his study, and rose to greet them. He kissed Aurelia and placed his hand briefly on her abdomen before turning to Draco. “Good afternoon, Draco. I trust your exams went well?”

“Excellently, thank you Father,” replied Draco. “But I am glad to be home with you and Aurelia again.”

Lucius nodded. “It is fortunate timing indeed, for our master will be visiting us shortly, and wishes to see you Draco.”

Aurelia raised her eyebrows. “Has he studied the prophecy then, darling?”

“I believe so. He said he will discuss all recent events with us today.” As Lucius speaking, the door swung open again and Voldemort walked through, a cold smile upon his face. He nodded at Lucius, and kissed Aurelia’s hand.

“Master Malfoy as well,” he said with pleasure. Draco bowed to him, and Lucius looked at Draco with pride. Voldemort turned to Aurelia. “I trust there have been no problems with the pregnancy with the events of the past few days?”

Aurelia shook her head. “Actually, master, we received some excellent news at St. Mungo’s yesterday. I do not know if you are aware of something called Parvulus Vox?”

Voldemort frowned. “I have heard a little of it. It is rare, though, is it not?”

Aurelia nodded proudly. “It is, but Healer Willows diagnosed it yesterday. It seems that the twins will be incredibly powerful, as they are showing signs of magic already. An added benefit is that my powers will be heightened throughout pregnancy.”

Voldemort was delighted. “That is excellent news. After the shambles at the Ministry I shall be relying upon you and Lucius this summer.”

Lucius bowed to his master. “I apologise, master,” he said fearfully.

Voldemort waved it away. “Thank you, Lucius, although your apology is not necessary. You were the only one who completed your task successfully. As for the others; well, when they return to my side they will soon wish they hadn’t.” He laughed cruelly.

The doorbell rang, and all three Malfoys started. “I shall go and get rid of our visitor, my Lord,” said Aurelia, worry evident on her face. A man in ministry robes was stood in the entrance hall, and the house elf bowed to her.

“Auror Dawlish would like to speak with you and Master, mistress Aurelia,” squeaked the house elf, before bowing again and scurrying away fearfully.

Aurelia imperiously drew herself to her full height. “How may I help you, Auror Dawlish?” she asked loudly and clearly, hoping her voice would carry through to the study.

Back in the study, Lucius paled as he heard Aurelia’s voice. Voldemort hissed with dissatisfaction. “I shall return tomorrow to discuss the prophecy and Draco’s role with you all,” he said before Disapparating hurriedly. Aurelia slowly walked into the study with Auror Dawlish behind her.

“Darling, the auror has some questions to ask you,” she murmured before wincing as she sunk into the chair next to the fireplace. Dawlish looked over at her concernedly before turning to Lucius.

“Mr Malfoy,” he said, his voice wobbling. “I have been sent here because we have received an accusation that you were one of the Death Eaters in the ministry two nights ago.” Draco grinned with anticipation, and Aurelia gasped.

Lucius looked shocked. “Mr Dawlish, I am hurt by these accusations. As you can see, my wife is heavily pregnant – there is no way that I would risk what we have by joining with someone so distasteful as You-Know-Who,” he said smoothly. Aurelia rose from her chair and held her hands to her abdomen.

“Was it Bellatrix Lestrange who accused my husband, Mr Dawlish?” she asked tearfully.

Dawlish shook his head, but Aurelia instantly saw by the look in his eyes that it was. “You see, Mr Dawlish,” she appealed, looking up at him through her eyelashes, “Bellatrix hates me. When her sister was murdered, it seemed to tip her over the edge. Whilst the timing was unfortunate, Lucius and I fell so deeply in love that there seemed no point in delaying our union. However, Bellatrix was furious, and she turned up here threatening us. She said if we told anyone, she would kill Draco, but that she was after us.” Aurelia trembled, and Lucius hastened over to her. He had quickly caught on to what she was doing.

“That’s quite correct. I feared for my wife and son. She is vicious, and this seems exactly the sort of thing she would do. Why, all you need to do is ask Minister Fudge, and he will tell you of my true character.”

Draco stepped forward. “My father may be intimidating, Mr Dawlish, but I cannot imagine him doing something like that. And my stepmother is, after all, related to Dumbledore – do you really imagine she would let him get away with it?” he asked with a chuckle.

Dawlish stepped back. “Very well, I see. I apologise for disturbing you, Mr and Mrs Malfoy, but as you will appreciate we have a duty to the public to thoroughly investigate these things.”

“Of course. Do let us know if we can assist you in any way,” replied Lucius, as Dawlish eyed Aurelia’s abdomen uneasily.

“Er… good luck with the pregnancy, Mrs Malfoy. I shall show myself out.” Dawlish rushed out of the room, clearly intimidated.

Draco waited until the auror was out of the manor before bursting into laughter. “That was brilliant, Aurelia!” he exclaimed admiringly.

Lucius nodded, and embraced her. “Quite spectacularly done, darling. That auror will not return here in a hurry. Rest assured, though, Bellatrix will not go unpunished for her betrayal of me.” The cold anger in his eyes frightened Aurelia and she buried her head in his chest, content to have him hold her tightly and know that he would defend her to the last.

As he had said he would, Voldemort returned the next morning, his face grim. He took Lucius and Aurelia into the study first. “I trust that what I am about to tell you will not leave this room?” he asked, a dangerous edge to his voice. They both shook their heads and bowed. He continued. “I listened to the full version of the prophecy.” Voldemort hissed with anger. “Much was lost by not hearing the entirety from the start. It appears that Potter is the only one with the power to kill me.”

Lucius clapped his hands with delight. “Master, that is excellent! Once we have taken care of Potter, you will be immortal.”

“Let me finish, Lucius,” Voldemort said harshly, and Aurelia studied his face as he spoke. “It appears the same is true in reverse – I am the only one who can kill Potter. What is more, the prophecy states that we cannot co-exist, and he has some kind of power that I do not possess. Aurelia, do you have any ideas?” he demanded.

Aurelia shook her head, for she truly did not know. “I will try to determine if Dumbledore has any clues though, master. And do not forget, you yourself have powers that Potter could not even dream of,” she said in an effort to placate him.

Voldemort nodded. “That is true,” he mused. “Lucius, I have made some plans for us to be able to get to Potter, and the first stage involves your son.”

Lucius bowed. “Consider him yours, master. I am proud to be able to offer him to your service.” Aurelia blanched at how easily Lucius offered up his son to Voldemort.

“For us to have any chance of being able to get to Potter, Dumbledore has to be removed. I believe that Draco is capable of this task, and I shall outline my plan to him after our conversation. I have plenty planned for the summer with my sympathisers, but as for you two, I shall not be requiring you to actively take part in anything until after the twins have been safely delivered. However, I shall be expecting to hear from you regularly, especially you, Aurelia, with news of the Order.”

They both bowed to him. “It shall be done, master,” Aurelia said softly, the fear she felt for her uncle well hidden.

“I expected no less. Before I speak to Draco, I presume you were able to get rid of the auror yesterday?”

Lucius’ face darkened. “Aurelia threw him off, master, but it appears that Bellatrix betrayed me to the ministry. Luckily, the young fool fell for Aurelia’s ample charms, and was quite willing to believe in my innocence.” He chuckled, but his anger was still apparent.

“Indeed?” Voldemort raised his eyebrows, his displeasure rising to match Lucius’. “Do not fear, I shall deal with that personally. Thank you for your assistance, my most loyal Death Eaters.” He nodded at them, and left in search of Draco.

Aurelia went to Hogwarts three days later, desperate to alert her uncle to Voldemort’s latest plan, but uneasy. They had not talked properly for a long time, and she blamed him a little for Sirius’ death. If he had agreed to her request and given Harry some of the information he so desperately desired, he would not have been so easily lured out of the castle. However, when she reached the castle she found that her uncle was not there, and was shocked to discover that her relief overrode disappointment. Aurelia briefly outlined the previous day’s events in a note for him, and then moved on to the event she had planned for the rest of the day. She strongly suspected that there would be little opportunity to meet with the Order over the summer, particularly as her pregnancy progressed, but more than anything she wanted to check upon Harry. Aurelia quickly waved her wand and changed her clothing to Muggle apparel, and Apparated to Little Whinging.

As she approached 4 Privet Drive, she grinned. It felt good to be out and doing things on her own, and she strongly suspected that she would have great fun this afternoon. Petunia Dursley was stood in her front garden watering the flowers, and Aurelia paused as she went past, nonchalantly placing a hand on her abdomen. “Those are beautiful flowers, madam,” she said admiringly. “I can never get mine to grow so, I suppose I simply do not have the talent for it.”

Petunia noticeably swelled with pride. “Thankyou, Miss…?”

“Mrs Malfoy, but please call me Lia.” Aurelia noticed Harry’s head snap up inside the kitchen, and his eyes widen. “I apologise for intruding upon you, but my husband is working in town today and I thought I would take a walk out into Little Whinging. We are thinking of moving here before the babies are born, it seems a lovely place to settle.”

Petunia nodded. “It is, my husband and I have lived here with our son all his life. Are you expecting twins then?” she asked, and Aurelia was reminded of Harry’s comment last summer that his aunt was the nosiest person he knew.

“We are indeed, in September. They will be our first children, which is why we are thinking of moving away from the town. You know Little Whinging well, then, Mrs…?”

“Dursley, Petunia Dursley. Very well indeed. Thinking about it, there is a lovely little house up the street going on the market next week.”

Aurelia chuckled. Petunia Dursley seemed the type to be impressed to be impressed by ostentatious displays of money, so she decided to lay it on. “To be honest, Petunia, whilst I would be happy anywhere, my husband insists upon only the best. And I suppose there seems little point moving somewhere small and giving up the domestic staff. Now we are starting a family, we shall need them more than ever.”

Petunia’s eyes widened. “Do you perhaps have time for a drink, Lia?” she simpered. “I could tell you all about the area.”

They went into the living room and made small talk until Harry could stand it no more and tentatively poked his head around the door. Aurelia instantly whipped out her wand and seized Harry’s hand. “Arresto Tempus!” she cried and Petunia Dursley froze.

Harry stepped back, his eyes wide. “What did you do?” he asked, shocked.

Aurelia sighed with relief. “Merlin, I am glad that worked. It is a spell I studied to pause time for you and those in contact with you. Few have the power to perform it – I suspect I only managed due to the effects of the pregnancy. I do not know how long it will last for, so we had best be quick.”

Harry nodded. “Why are you here, Aurelia?”

She frowned, not really sure of the answer. “Firstly to make sure you were alright, I suppose, but mainly because I feel you deserve to know what is happening.”

He grinned at her. “You don’t know how good it is to hear someone say that, Lia. I’m doing alright, you know? Much as I miss Sirius, there isn’t much I can do about it now, and the best way to pay tribute to him is to kick some Voldemort shaped ass.”

Aurelia laughed out loud. “Well said indeed, Harry.” She quickly sobered again. “I suppose the main thing you need to know is that Voldemort is planning to step up his campaign over the summer. Lucius and I will not be overly involved due to the twins, but I strongly suspect that he will be utilising the Dark creatures that he has brought over to his side.” She sighed as the other piece of information returned to the forefront of his mind. “Also, after hearing the remainder of the prophecy Voldemort has decided to remove Albus so he can more easily get to you.”

Harry snarled at the mention of the prophecy. “I wish I knew what that damn prophecy said.”

Aurelia stepped back in shock. “You mean to say that Albus has still not told you?!”

Harry shook his head. “He didn’t believe the time was right for me to know, and that I was safer not knowing.”

She shook her head in disbelief. “Then I am even more glad that I came here, Harry. Do not fear, I shall have that situation rectified within the week. I am going to have to leave now, but I shall try to get into contact with you again soon.” They embraced, and Harry left the room.

Aurelia waved her wand again to end the spell, and muttered “Obliviate!” to remove Petunia’s memory of her casting the spell. “Goodness, hasn’t the time flown?” she exclaimed. “I am afraid I shall have to leave, my husband will be wanting dinner soon, and we always dine together.”

Petunia nodded appreciatively. “Quite as it should be. A wife’s place is at her husband’s side. It was lovely to meet you, Mrs Malfoy, you must call again when you’re next in the neighbourhood.”

“Oh, certainly. Thank you for your hospitality, it was much appreciated.” Aurelia left the house, and as soon as she was out of eyesight changed back into her robes. Before she had a chance to Apparate away, though, an arm encircled her neck and pressed tightly.

Fenrir Greyback grinned at her. “Our master will be interested to hear that you have been meeting with Potter, Mrs Malfoy.” She froze.