Aurelia's Story

“And I don’t want the world to see me
´Cause I don’t think that they’d understand
When everything’s made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

And you can’t fight the tears that aren’t coming
Or the moments of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
And you bleed just to know you’re alive.”
Iris, Goo Goo Dolls

“Well, if it isn’t the Weasleys,” drawled Lucius, a cruel smile playing across his lips. Aurelia went cold as she recalled what Severus had told her Lucius had done to the Weasley’s mysterious missing son, and found that she could not meet their eyes.

Arthur and Bill moved to shield Molly, Ron and Ginny. “Hello, Lucius,” replied Arthur coolly. “Lia,” he nodded at her, his voice warming slightly. Bill noticed the desperation in her eyes, and Aurelia feared he would misinterpret it.

“Lovely to see you all again,” she said brightly. “Unfortunately, we do not have time to stay and chat today, even if it were safe. I have been on my feet for hours, and Molly, I am sure you can remember how difficult it is carrying twins,” Aurelia finished with a smile.

Molly nodded, but the fear on her face was still apparent. “Yes, you really should be resting Lia.”

Lucius stood behind Aurelia and put his arm around her. “Oh, I think perhaps we can stay and talk a little longer.” Draco grinned as Harry and Hermione emerged from the shop opposite and stopped dead as they caught sight of the scene in front of them.

Draco sauntered towards the Weasleys. “Potty and the Mudblood, how wonderful to see you again.”

“Now now, Draco, there is no need to be so insulting. Muggleborns are valuable members of the community, don’t you know?” admonished Lucius with a chuckle as Aurelia flushed. She noticed Harry’s hand drifting towards his wand, and knew that she had to finish it quickly.

“Lucius, darling, I really must insist upon going home now,” she stated, drawing herself upright and allowing the effects of Parvulus Vox to fully show themselves. Lucius blanched as he saw the power in her eyes, and acquiesced.

“Very well, my Lady. I am sure we will run into each other again soon, Weasley,” he said threateningly before sweeping out of Diagon Alley with Aurelia on his arm and Draco stalking behind them. He glared at Aurelia once they were out of view. “What in Merlin’s name was that all about? I was enjoying myself,” he said angrily.

“I noticed. But it seems to have escaped your attention that I am eight months pregnant with twins, and the last thing I need is to have to extricate you from an awkward situation. In case you did not notice, there were seven of them and three of us.”

Draco nodded. “Aurelia has a point, Father. I am sure there will be plenty more opportunities to attack as the war progresses.”

Aurelia smiled wryly. That was not quite her reasoning, but if it calmed Lucius, it would do. He nodded, and kissed her cheek.

“You are quite right, darling. I got a little over excited, I suppose.” He chuckled. “And as Draco says, I am certain our master will allow me to be the ones to punish them eventually,” he said softly and threateningly.

Draco smiled with pleasure. “As long as I get the Mudblood, I shall be happy Father.”

Aurelia winced. “Perhaps I shall go home now, Lucius, and rest. I think it is maybe a little too much for me to be wandering around now. Why don’t you and Draco get lunch somewhere before you come home?”

“As you wish, my Lady,” he said affectionately, kissing her again before taking Draco towards the Leaky Cauldron.

Aurelia sighed deeply as she made her way to the Apparition point. There were times when she feared what her husband would do, and now it seemed that Draco was irrevocably set on the same path. As she walked to the front door of Malfoy Manor, she suddenly had an unsettling feeling of being watched. Warily, she withdrew her wand and slowly turned around. Albus appeared from out of the shadows and kissed her cheek.

“Aurelia, my dear, how are you?”

Aurelia smiled at him. “Very well, thank you Uncle. Why on earth were you hiding there though?” she asked concernedly.

“I did attempt to go into the manor, but the house elves told me the family was away, and for some reason Lucius was very insistent that I was never to be in the house unaccompanied,” he replied with a twinkle in his eyes. “So I decided to wait for you here.”

Just as he spoke, Aurelia noticed his hand was blackened and charred, and gasped with shock. “Uncle, what have you been doing?”

He frowned. “That is what I need to talk you about. Come, let us go inside. Do we have long before Lucius returns?”

Aurelia shook her head. “I am not certain – I suggested he take Draco for lunch, and I am sure he will need to get some more items whilst I am not there,” she replied with a smile.

Albus did not speak again until they were safely in the study. “I have been working to make it possible for Harry to destroy Voldemort. I presume Tom has spoken to you of the prophecy?”

Aurelia nodded. “He is most pleased with it, as he believes that if he kills Harry he will become immortal.”

“Yes, that is probably true. However, it does not mean that we cannot help Harry make it possible to fulfil his task. I do not wish to say too much for fear that Voldemort will find out, but I believe that Harry will only have to make the final strike. I shall prepare his path for him.”

Aurelia nodded slowly. “I see. I suppose that makes a little easier for Harry, but it will not make my mind any easier. I have much to warn you of as well, Uncle. Do you know of Fenrir Greyback at all?”

Albus’ eyes widened. “Of course.”

“He has been the one leading the attacks this summer, and I believe that he will be assisting Draco with his task.”

“That is news I have been fearing,” Albus replied heavily. “I have nothing against werewolves in particular, but Greyback is a nasty piece of work. He seems to have a particular taste for children.” Aurelia paled, and clutched her stomach protectively. Albus chuckled. “Aurelia, I have no doubt that he would not dare hurt you or your children. Voldemort would be furious.”

“Yes, our master is most anxiously awaiting the birth,” Aurelia replied absently.

He frowned. “I notice you have been referring to Voldemort as that a lot recently, Aurelia.” His gaze seemed to penetrate her, and she looked away.

“It is merely the effects of living in the Malfoy household, Uncle. I have to keep myself in the right frame of mind; otherwise I will certainly be discovered. Have you had any thoughts about what to do about Draco?” she asked to change the subject.

“There is nothing I can do until he takes the mark or causes harm. I have asked Severus to keep an eye on him, but there is little else can be done. Can you do anything over the summer, do you think?”

She shook her head. “Here he is too easily influenced by Lucius, and I think it would be far too dangerous to attempt anything here.”

Albus nodded. “Perhaps, yes. We shall have to rely upon Severus to set him back upon the straight and narrow, I suppose.”

Aurelia grimaced at his reply, and Albus frowned questioningly and rose to his feet. However, as he opened his mouth to reply Lucius swept through the door with his wand out. Lucius stared challengingly at Albus and placed his hand on Aurelia’s arm. “Is everything alright, darling?” he asked, not taking his eyes off Albus.

“Of course, why wouldn’t it be? Why are you back so soon, my Lord?” Aurelia replied, worry in her eyes.

“I was concerned about you, Aurelia, my love. When I came back and the house elves told me that you were holed up in here with him, I became even more worried that it might be too much for you,” he said, kissing her forehead and smirking at Albus, who pulled his wand out too.

“Unlike you, Lucius, I have never harmed Aurelia,” Albus replied, anger evident upon his face.

“Perhaps, but you see, Albus, Aurelia has chosen to be with me and live my lifestyle, which gives me the right to be concerned for her, and to do as I see fit with her.”

Albus’ anger increased at that statement. “She is not yours to do with as you wish, Lucius!”

Aurelia shook her head. “Uncle, it is fine. Lucius and I have a happy marriage, and you have no need to worry. Lucius, please calm down darling.” The two men ignored her.

Lucius walked towards Albus. “And you have no right to come into my home and upset my wife. I would thank you not to come here again,” he said, enjoying the power he had over Albus whilst in Malfoy Manor.

“I shall come here to see Aurelia whenever I see fit, and I would like to see you try to stop me.”

“Oh, I do not think that would be difficult. I have many friends, though I am sure it would need few to defeat an old man whose reflexes are clearly not what they used to be,” Lucius replied, chuckling as he took in Albus’ hand.

Aurelia gasped as a wave of pain washed over her, and reached out for Lucius. “My Lord,” she appealed. Lucius spun back around towards her.

“What is it, Aurelia?” he snapped. She did not need to reply as he realised from the look on her face what was wrong. “See what you have done with your meddling, you old fool?” he spat at Dumbledore, before sweeping Aurelia into his arms and using the last of the Portkeys they had been given to St. Mungo’s maternity ward.

The Healers went swiftly to work in an attempt to halt the labour, and it was more than two hours later that they finally informed Lucius that the attempt had been successful. Lucius sat next to her as Healer Willows ordered her to take total bed rest until the twins were delivered, and it was evident to Aurelia that his anger had not died down. She was proved correct once they were home.

Lucius did not say a word until she was settled into their bed and he was sat next to her, one hand on her arm keeping her down. “You are to see nobody whom I have not approved of until the babies are born, Aurelia,” he said coldly.

“Lucius, darling, that is a little extreme. You cannot stop me from seeing people,” Aurelia replied, panicking.

“Not at all, Aurelia, and you will find me more than capable of following through with it. You are not to risk the babies’ health any further, and I believe that talking to those from the Order and attempting to keep up your façade is injurious. Of course, if you disagree with me we could always ask the Dark Lord for his opinion. He will be severely displeased should any harm come to the twins,” said Lucius, smirking as he played his trump card. He knew that Aurelia would not dare go against their master’s wishes, and he was certain to agree with what Lucius wanted.

Aurelia closed her eyes, knowing that she was beaten. “Very well, my Lord. I must ask that you keep me company though, else I shall be very lonely,” she asked pleadingly, certain that would please her husband.

He smiled and kissed her stomach. “I knew you would see it my way, my Lady. Do not fear, I shall not stray far from your side.” Lucius left her to sleep and vacated the room with the smirk still fixed on his face. However, Aurelia’s mind would not settle and allow her to sleep. She was determined that she would not waste her time resting, but how could she achieve anything when she could not leave the room? Suddenly, she brightened as an idea struck her. “Tosey?” she called softly.

Tosey, her head house elf from Tintagel, popped into view. “Mistress!” he greeted her happily. “Tosey is most happy to be seeing you again. What can he do for you”?

“How well do you know the Tintagel library, Tosey?” Aurelia asked him thoughtfully.

Tosey swelled with pride. “It is the head house elf’s job to know the books that is in the library, mistress Aurelia. Tosey could tell you every book that was in there.”

Aurelia smiled. “That is excellent to hear. Could you then tell me if I have any books on ancient blood magic?”

Tosey frowned. “All the best ones is there, for sure. But mistress must be very careful if she is playing with blood magics. They is very dangerous,” he said anxiously.

“I shall, Tosey, never fear. If you could bring them to me that would be fantastic, please.” Aurelia had great plans for those books, but did not want to set her heart upon it until she knew it was possible.

“Of course, mistress, Tosey shall do it straight away,” he said with a deep bow before disappearing again. Less than five minutes later, he was back with an armful of books. “Here you are, mistress. This is everything the library has,” he said respectfully.

“Thank you so much, Tosey. You have helped me more than you know. How is the castle these days? I do miss it,” Aurelia said longingly.

“Everyone is well, but we misses seeing mistress Aurelia,” he replied reprovingly. “Will you visit us with the babies soon?”

“I shall try, Tosey. My husband does not want me to leave here until the babies are born, but I do wish to see Tintagel more often after the birth,” she said with a sigh.

“Tosey will be looking forward to it. Please call Tosey if you needs anything else, mistress,” Tosey said before Disapparating with a loud pop.

Aurelia shifted to get comfortable before beginning to look through the books. She knew exactly what she was looking for, but did not know if it existed. Aurelia had decided to place protection charms upon the twins to stop them being affected by Voldemort, and she knew that blood magic was the most likely place to find such a thing. Such a thing quickly caught her attention. She read the entry in the book. “Cognatio praesideo,” it said, “is a spell used to protect one’s blood relatives against harm. It requires a strong marriage bond to strengthen the charm. One drop of blood of the wife and husband is to be added to the potion below, then any related to either of them who drink the potion will be protected from harm.” It seemed perfect to Aurelia. As she read through the potion, she winced. It was a complicated potion to brew, and would take at least a month. She then noticed a scribbled note underneath the potion. It said, “I can strongly recommend this to any of my descendants who are reading this. My wife and I used it to protect our nephew from attack during the reign of Lord Coluber. It did not work against the Unforgivables, but protected him against even the more obscure branches of magic.” Aurelia paled as she realised the implications of what she had found. This potion could be used to protect Harry against Voldemort. Whilst it would not aid him in the final battle, it could help him to stay alive until then. All she had to do was get a drop of Lucius’ blood to make the potion and then somehow get the potion to Harry without anyone else realising. Aurelia fell asleep, the book still clutched in her hand.

When she woke the next morning, Lucius was staring at her quizzically. “Blood magic, my Lady?” he asked nonchalantly, but Aurelia recognised the danger in his voice.

“Yes, darling. I disliked feeling useless, so I thought I could attempt to pinpoint the ancient magic that Lily Potter used on her brat. The more our master knows, the greater our chance of success.” Aurelia relaxed as Lucius smiled at her.

“A wonderful idea, Aurelia. However, did you read that last page before you fell asleep?” Aurelia shook her head slowly, realising that a denial would be best. “It is a protection potion. Do you not think it would be perfect for the twins?”

Aurelia’s eyes widened. “Lucius, who do they need protecting from?” she asked innocently.

“If our master does not win, do you really think those with the Malfoy name will go unpunished? Even if we do survive, we will doubtless be unable to protect them. With this, they could stand a chance.”

Aurelia trembled at the thought of dying in the final battle. It was a possibility she would have to consider. Whilst she was certain that the Order would try to take care of the twins should the worst happen, there was little doubt that if Voldemort won he would attempt to take the twins as her replacement. This way, they stood a fighting chance. However, if Voldemort were to find out about the potion, there could be grave consequences. Aurelia looked up at Lucius and smiled. “You are entirely correct, darling. I shall begin work on it immediately. I do think we should refrain from sharing it with our master though. I do not think he will be pleased if he hears we are making plans for his defeat.”

Lucius nodded in agreement, and left to collect the ingredients needed for the potion.

Over the next few weeks, Aurelia worked as hard as she safely could to brew the potion. It took up much of her time, but as she no longer left the manor that was not a problem, and she felt grateful for the skills developed whilst toiling in the Potions classroom with Severus. Eventually, she reached the final stage where the potion merely had to simmer for three hours, and sat on the bed with a sigh. Lucius came into the room and sat beside her.

“How are you today, my Lady?” he asked fondly, stroking her stomach, which was by now so enlarged Aurelia found it difficult to do little more than walk from one side of the room to the other.

“Tired, Lucius. I just want the twins to be here so everything can begin to happen.” As Aurelia spoke, she felt a sharp pain and a sudden wetness as her waters broke. “Lucius,” she gasped. “They’re coming!”

He paled and jumped up. “Quickly, downstairs to the Floo.”

Aurelia shook her head as another wave of pain washed over her. “No, I do not think we have time.” She eased herself back onto the bed as she braced herself for the next contraction. The room swam in front of her eyes as she lay back, and the scene changed.

********
Spells were shooting past her head, and Aurelia looked around frantically trying to figure out what was happening. Members of the Order were around her battling Death Eaters, and there were what seemed to be sixth and seventh year students defending against the charge of Inferi and Dementors. Aurelia realised that she was seeing the final battle, and desperately tried to catch sight of Harry and Voldemort. Finally, she spied them on the other side of the field, and drifted over.

Harry was duelling with Bellatrix, and seemed to be unaware of Voldemort creeping up behind him. Horrified, Aurelia watched her older self throw on her invisibility cloak and run in between Voldemort and Harry, clearly determined to prevent Voldemort having a clear shot at Harry. Voldemort raised his wand to cast the Killing Curse, and Aurelia shook with fear and emotion as she prepared to watch her death. However, fate had another cruel twist in store for her. Lucius had seen what she had done, and threw himself into the path of the curse.

Voldemort shrieked with anger as the older Aurelia shook off the cloak and cradled the lifeless body of her husband in her arms with a deep wail. Harry stared at the scene in front of him with wide eyes as the older Aurelia rose and began to argue with Voldemort. Aurelia could not hear what was being said, but was not surprised when Voldemort released a second jet of green light from his wand. Aurelia’s vision began to spin again, and she closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she had returned to the present.

********

Lucius was bent over her, concern and fear etched on his face. “Darling, what happened? Did you See?” he asked excitedly.

Aurelia bit her lip. She knew that none could know of what she had just Seen, and especially not Voldemort. “I am so sorry, my Lord,” she whispered. “Obliviate.” By the time Lucius’ vision had cleared, Aurelia was in the grip of her next contraction, and he was sufficiently distracted from his brief confusion.

Lucius summonsed the house elves, and ordered one to fire call Healer Willows and the remainder to assist with the birth. Aurelia screamed loudly as the first child was born, and Lucius caught it in his arms. “A son, Aurelia,” he whispered in awe. “You have given me a son. Gabriel Sigmund Malfoy,” he said lovingly, greeting his new child. He kissed Gabriel softly before severing the umbilical cord and gently placing him on Aurelia’s chest.

Aurelia stared at her son. She did not know it was possible to love someone so much, and in that moment knew that she would do anything necessary to defend her children. One of the house elves took him from her chest to clean as the contractions began again. Ariadne Guinevere Malfoy was born just as Healer Willows burst through the door, who beamed as she took in the scene in front of her.

“Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Malfoy! One of each?”

Lucius nodded proudly as Aurelia sunk back onto the bed in exhaustion. “Indeed, Gabriel and Ariadne. They seem perfectly healthy.”

Healer Willows waved her wand over them both and nodded. “Yes, they do. Well, it doesn’t seem like I’m needed here. If you could just all pop in in a week or so for a check up, I shall speak to you both then. Congratulations again!” She smiled at Aurelia then left.

Aurelia cradled the twins in her twins as Lucius sat beside them. “I cannot believe they are finally here. It all seems too wonderful to be true, my Lord,” she said blissfully.

Lucius nodded and kissed her lips tenderly. “I must admit, I had forgotten how wonderful it feels to hold your newborn child in your arms. I already love them almost as much as I love you.” Lucius took the twins from her arms and placed them in the cot that was waiting for them, then climbed back onto the bed and held Aurelia against his chest. “I have missed being able to hold you like this, darling,” he murmured huskily. Aurelia bent her head up to meet his lips, but they were both distracted by the red sparks that suddenly erupted from the Cognatio Praesideo potion in the corner of the room. The potion was complete. Wordlessly, they both rose and walked over to it. Lucius held Ariadne, and Aurelia held Gabriel as they dropped a minute amount of potion into each baby’s mouth. They glowed briefly, then fell asleep again.

“It is done,” said Aurelia quietly. A house elf came rushing into the room.

“I is sorry to interrupt, master and mistress, but the Dark Lord is here wishing to see the babies,” it said with a bow before scuttling out of the room.