Stone Angels

Stone Angels
Earth Bound Angels

Draco woke to the feeling of someone watching him. Cautiously, he cracked his eyes open just enough to see who it was. He found the little girl that tried to comfort him when he woke the first time.

“Good morning,” she said softly.

“How did you know I was awake?” He opened his eyes to look at her curiously.

“Your colors changed,” she responded, smiling at him shyly.

“Earlier, you said you’re my cousin. How? How are we related?”

“My grandmother was Lillianna Black; Aunt of Narcissa and Bellatrix,” replied Arianna calmly.

“Hermione’s your sister as well?” he asked as he pushed himself up.

“Yes.”

Draco studied the petite girl for several minutes before giving her a tiny smile. “You look just like her. There was a portrait in the library. She used to talk to me for hours, until my mother realized whom I was talking to. I was told she’s dead.”

“She is now. She died the summer before Hermione started at Hogwarts.”

“I’m sorry.” He looked down at his hands rather than look at her possibly pained face.

“I’m supposed to tell Mrs. Weasley when you wake up,” she began while carefully standing; “I’ll be right back. Maybe she’ll let you out of bed and you can show me around. Everyone else is too busy.”

Draco watched through his eyelashes as she made her way from the room. A cold pit of fear lodged itself in his stomach and chose that moment to battle with the butterflies. He knew very little about the Weasley Family. The things his father told him were basic, and highly biased. They were pureblood, he knew, and there were a lot of them, but he didn’t really know them. Malfoy pride was shattered. When the red haired woman walked in, he could barely hide the trembling of his hands.

“Good morning, Draco. How are you feeling?” she asked while flicking through several spells above him.

“A little sore,” he replied keeping his eyes on the bedspread.

“It will pass once you’re up and about.” She smiled gently at him, her motherly instincts urging her to reach out and embrace him. Instead, she handed him a small potions vial. “Drink up. It will help with the side effect of the Cruciatus curse. Are you hungry? I can have Dobby retrieve something for you.”

“No, thank you. I don’t usually eat in the morning,” he replied politely.

“All right, you may get up, but take it easy today. No flying or Quidditch for a few days.”

“Thank you, ma’am,”

“Arianna, why don’t you let Draco shower and get dressed? You could help me get the last of the books put away.”

“Okay. I’ll meet you downstairs, Draco.” She smiled at him before following Mrs. Weasley out of the boy’s dorm.

As soon as they were gone, Draco carefully tried climbing out of bed. His legs were a little wobbly, but he could stand. He found his trunk at the end of the bed and carefully selected black pants, a forest green silk shirt, and his dragon hide boots. He grabbed his shower kit, retreated to the bathroom, and carefully erected wards.

Once he was sure no one would get in, he turned to take in his surroundings. The bath easily exceeded anything he’d ever seen at Malfoy Manor. The beauty of the Roman style bath was almost overwhelming. Tiled in a multitude of blues and greens, it reminded him of the ocean on a stormy day. Touching his wand to the silver knobs he began to fill the bath before turning to the statues on the eastern wall.

He found himself faced with three female statues and cringed inwardly. The first statue was of a young girl holding a clay jar. She was depicted with long hair and a flowing gown, but her hair hid her face. The second statue was that of a woman swollen with child. She was wrapped in flowing gowns, much like the young girl, but her hair was shorter and her face hidden. In her hands she held out a bowl. Lastly, he looked upon the statue of an old woman. She was bent with age and her flowing gown was nearly hidden by her hair. Hair pooled around her feet as though it had not been cut in a lifetime. Though her face was hidden, she radiated gentle wisdom and safety. She held in her hands a basket. After several moments of thought, he picked up his wand and tapped the maiden’s jar. Oils poured into his water, and a heady earthy scent filled the room soothing his tortured mind even as the heat soothed his tormented body.

When Draco finally descended the steps to the boy’s dorm, he was stunned to see Arianna happily levitating books to their shelves. This only confused him further in regards to her age. She was, in appearance, very young; yet she had a wand with which she was performing magic.

“Which tower are we in? This can’t be Gryffindor Tower.” He startled the two of them by speaking suddenly.

“This is Angel Tower,” replied Molly Weasley. “You will be staying here, this year, with several other students. Draco, dear, can’t I tempt you to eat a little something?” She motioned to a tray Dobby prepared despite his earlier refusal.

Looking carefully at the woman before him, rational thought won over his fear. “Maybe just some toast.” He tried to smile, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

“Thank you, dear. Now, we’re going to have to start getting some real food into you. All skin and bones the whole lot of you. Off with you two, now. If you’re not back by lunch, I’ll send Dobby with a basket. Arianna, do stop and rest if you start to feel tired. If you feel sick, come back immediately. Have fun.”

Draco listened carefully to the instructions given, but they only added to his questions. They were nearly to the door when Mrs. Weasley called him back.

“The password is Aurora Angelae.” She smiled gently, and pressed a warm sphere into his hand. “If you are hurt or need us, this will alert Professor Snape and me. We will find you.”

Draco looked at her, slightly startled, but accepted the sphere. “Thank you.”

As they made their way through Hogwarts, Arianna reached out and took Draco’s pale hand in hers. Draco looked down at how tiny her hand was in his, and he was reminded of her many bruises.

“Why haven’t they healed your bruises yet?”

“They can’t. The plant my Mum was using to poison us reacts badly with something in the healing potions,” she replied softly.

Draco nodded in understanding before continuing. “Where is everyone? I thought there were a lot more people here.”

“There are. Professor Dumbledore and Professor Lupin took Harry and Hermione to the Ministry of Magic. Hermione is going to be my legal guardian until I’m of age. They’re also going to get Harry’s apparition license. Ginny, Neville, and Luna went with all the red haired boys to get the things we didn’t have time for yesterday. Professor Snape is brewing my final potion.”

“Why did they leave you behind?” he asked.

“I was still feeling sick from the last potion,” she explained before pressing her face to the window.

The act was so child-like that he found himself once again confused about her age. Her appearance and behavior were conflicting. Everything about her appearance proclaimed her a young child. The grace with which she moved and spoke marked her as at least school age. She unconsciously carried herself with an air of power.

“How old are you?” he asked, his curiosity finally getting the better of him.

She looked at him, surprise shining in her eyes. “I’m eleven.” Her eyes quickly left his face, but not before he saw the hurt and anger there. “August first, we were still locked in a basement, and I was too sick to help Hermione escape.”

The tone of her voice was one he knew all too well. It was the anger and resentment that came from years of little or no choice in your own fate. He was given one answer, but rather than solve anything, it only opened more questions.

When she turned back to the window, he was surprised to hear her speak again, “Is it okay if we go outside? I haven’t been able to go outside in such a long time. I promise I won’t tire myself out too much.”

“We can go outside,” he said softly before pushing the door open. Stepping out into the sunlight, he decided he wanted answers, “You’ve been sick for a long time then?”

“Yes, since Hermione’s second year.”

Draco led the way around the building. He watched closely as Arianna explored, but his mind wasn’t really on it. He was smart, nearly as smart as Hermione, and it didn’t take long for him to put things together. He turned his full attention back to her when he noticed her trying to get a bit of mud off her robes.

“Come here, there is an easier way to get that off. I’ll teach you.” He smirked when her eyes lit up. “Repeat after me; scourgify.” When she repeated it correctly he took out his wand and showed her the correct motion before combining them.

Severus Snape watched from his door as Draco taught Arianna a cleaning charm. He was unsurprised when she succeeded on the first try; like her sister, her eyes held an amazing thirst for knowledge.

Looking back at Draco, he realized how much had changed over the summer. His godson was no longer a spoiled little boy. The Malfoy mask, which he once proudly wore, was cracking. His true personality was beginning to shine through. Unlike his father, Draco kept his long hair pulled away from his face with a simple braid.

“Uncle Severus,” said Draco looking up and catching the older man’s eye.

“Good morning, Draco,” he replied evenly. “How are you feeling?”

“As well as can be expected,” he replied gently.

“Did Molly give you a healing potion today?” asked Snape.

“Yeah, she said something about it helping with the side effects of the Cruciatus curse. What side effects?”

“Hold out your wand as though preparing to cast,” instructed Snape.

Draco did as he was told and was stunned to see his normally steady hand tremble. “How long does it last?”

“That depends,” began Snape. “At its worst, it lasted nearly a month but I had been under the curse for nearly eighteen minutes.”

“It must affect the nervous system,” said Arianna, her eyes shining with curiosity.

“Definitely Hermione’s sister,” said Snape. He was trying to be nice.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” demanded Arianna.

“How much did Hermione tell you about Hogwarts?” Draco asked.

Arianna smiled a small shy smile. “Enough to know that you’ve been mean for the largest part of her time here. Her favorite class is potions, but she thinks you’re a bit over-dramatic. I know how to get to into the kitchens, how to figure out what the password to Headmaster Dumbledore’s office is, where and what the Room of Requirement is, and so much more.”

“Well, Uncle, are you ready for this?” smirked Draco.

“I still have eighteen days to prepare,” he replied tersely. “Besides, you are going to be instructing Hermione and Arianna in everything they need to know about pureblood society.”

“What about Harry?” asked Draco, “He was raised by Muggles as well.”

“Yes, then Harry as well.”

“Why does everyone think you’re going to have trouble this year?” asked Arianna innocently.

“Because I am Head of Slytherin House,” Professor Snape smirked. “I always have trouble.”

“Everyone, except Professor McGonagall, thinks I’m going to go into Slytherin house.” She was playing with her wand, twirling it around her fingers. “Hermione says I’d get into too much trouble to go into Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw. She wasn’t sure Gryffindor would be ready for me after Fred and George.”

“Indeed.” Snape turned to Draco and smirked evilly. “You realize, Draco, that she will be as much your responsibility as mine. That is if you’re willing to accept the responsibility.”

“Do I have time to think about it, Uncle?” He gave Snape a pained look and was surprised when he felt Arianna take his hand.

“I need to know before the start of term. I would prefer to have you as Head Boy; you will be better able to keep the Slytherins in line.” Snape smiled, though it looked more like a smirk. “Besides, I know I can trust you.”

“Professor Snape,” said Arianna softly, “Would it be all right if we sit with you for a while?”

“That would be acceptable, but do not touch anything without permission from myself or Draco.”

She nodded and followed the tall Professor through the door. She kept a tight hold on Draco’s hand as they descended the steps. Draco watched her amber eyes grow wide, fear dilating her pupils, the deeper they went. They were nearly to the bottom of the steps when she broke.

“Professor Snape,” she sobbed.

Severus Snape turned to find Arianna clinging to his godson’s hand like a lifeline. As soon as he was facing her, she threw herself at him. To Draco’s surprise, Snape didn’t glare or yell. He reached down and lifted the small girl into his arms. With her cradled against his chest, he led the way to his private quarters.

“Draco, please fire-call Angel Tower. Tell Molly that Arianna is okay, and the two of you are with me.”

While Draco contacted Molly Weasley, he checked on the girl in his arms.

“Arianna, look at me,” he ordered.

“I’m sorry,” she squeaked into his chest.

“Shh… I’m not upset. I think we need to stop this before it gets worse.” He reached a finger down and gently lifted her chin. “Do you know how we can do that?”

“No, sir.”

“We’re going to go on a tour of the dungeons. If you are in Slytherin, the dungeon will be your home. Draco and I will give you a tour, but first you should learn Lumos.” He demonstrated and wasn’t surprised when she got in on the first try. As a plan formed in his fast paced mind, a smirk graced his pale features. “Arianna, I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going?”

“Just around that corner,” he said and pointed to the corner. “Draco is right here. He is skilled enough to protect you from anything found within the school.”

“Okay,” replied Arianna though she didn’t see shocked expression on the blonde boy’s face.

When Severus Snape returned, he carried with him a small greenish colored python. He smirked happily when he saw her eyes light up.

“Arianna, this is Poe. During our stroll in the dungeon you will protect him, and Draco will protect you.”

“What will you be doing, Uncle?”

“I’ll be with you.”

~*~

“What do you mean I can’t be her guardian?”

“I’m sorry, dear girl, but your future is still too uncertain. If you had a job lined up after graduation we would be able to sign the papers without concern, but it is policy,” the Ministry official said bluntly.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss this with Miss Granger yet,” began Albus Dumbledore seriously. “I had planned to do so after the start of term. Beginning not this year, but hopefully next, we are enacting a new DADA Potions program. Miss Granger, along with several other students, is being offered an apprenticeship this year that would translate into a job next school term.”

“Do you have proof that this is in progress?” asked the annoying clerk.

Dumbledore handed the man a paper. “That is the initial proposal, drafted by Professors Snape and Lupin. Also, these are their requests for each apprentice.” As he spoke, he handed Hermione the original request for her as a potions apprentice.

“Sir, may I use your quill?” requested Hermione.

With his nod, she picked up the quill and signed the acceptance letter.

“You do realize, young lady, that this is a magically and legally binding contract.”

“Yes, sir, but a potions apprenticeship is more than I could have hoped for. I wouldn’t pass this up for anything.”

“Pass it this way ‘Mione,” said Harry excitedly, “I wouldn’t pass this up either.”

Hermione looked at him strangely, as though she wished to say something but decided to wait, before passing him the quill. As soon as they finished signing, the two parchments glowed gold, rolled up, and disappeared. The parchment in front of the official updated itself with a smug pop.

“Well, Miss Granger, I see no reason why you can’t be your sister’s guardian.” He stacked up several papers before turning to look for something. All the while, he spoke, “Congratulations to both of you on your new status as adults. Miss Granger, Apparition classes are the first three weekends in September and your test is the first weekend in October.” He handed Hermione the parchment he found. “Miss Granger, fulfill that list within the given time and you will be awarded full guardianship of one Arianna Granger. Good day.” With those parting words he disapparated.

As Hermione read over the requirements of guardianship, a ball of cold fear seemed to solidify in her stomach. It must have shown on her face because Harry reached out to her.

“Hermione, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“One week,” she whispered, “They’ve given me only a week to do the impossible. He sat right there and scheduled my class knowing I would never be able to meet these requirements.”

“The guardian must have,” Harry began reading, “a Ministry-approved home, Apparition license, funds or a Ministry-approved job sufficient for raising a child of school age, and must provide, within the allotted time, the following list of necessary items… Headmaster, this list is ridiculous!”

“Come along, let’s return to Hogwarts. We have a busy week ahead of us. Tonight, we must plan. It’s been nearly sixty years since anyone has lived in Rose Haven. Wizarding manors left unused tend to draw many unsavory creatures.”

~*~

“Draco, where are we?” asked Arianna softly.

“We’re going down to see the lake,” he replied casually. “I’m going to take you down there, but I don’t want you to go alone until you’re at least a third year, okay?”

“Okay, but why?”

“Sometimes the squid surfaces down here.” Draco stopped in front of a blank wall and brushed dust from a small carving. He tapped his wand against it twice and spoke the password, “Oblivion.”

As they entered the section of wall that opened, Professor Severus Snape knew they had forgotten about him. He was little more than a shadow as he slipped in and tried to judge his godson’s state of mind.

“Come on,” said Draco softly, “there’s a safe place up here. Even if the squid does surface, it can’t reach.”

Snape followed easily, knowing where they were going. He knew this place well; it had always been a place for him to go to think. He began to worry when Draco sat with his legs dangling over the edge.

“You must come down here a lot,” murmured Arianna knowingly.

“Yes, I do. I used to come down here, after Po… Harry and I would fight, and watch the squid surface. I’d watch as it searched the rocks and wonder; ‘If I let myself fall, would the squid drag me under? Would anyone care?’” He swiped his hand across his face and moved away from the edge. “Come on, let’s get out of here. I’m tired of this place.”

Snape silently followed the two out from the depths of Hogwarts. His sharp mind kept replaying Draco’s words as the reality of the depth of his depression sank in. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he barely registered Draco pushing Arianna behind him. Years as a spy had honed his skills well, and when he realized that Draco wasn’t able to deal with the boggart version of his mother, he stepped forward. Instantly, it morphed into a smirking version of Draco kneeling before Voldemort and pledging his loyalty. Voldemort turned and hissed, “Spy, Traitor!”

With an angry, “Riddikulus!” he banished it into his cloak.

~*~

“Where are we supposed to find this stuff?” questioned Ron unhappily. “Some of it’s rare.”

“Leave the invisibility cloak to us,” said George. “Fred and I know just the place.”

“Luna and I will get the potions ingredients. Why don’t you and Neville go get the pensieves,” said Ginny.

“Why does Harry want two of them?” asked Ron.

“I think one is going to be a gift,” said Fred. “He’s been really secretive about it.”

“Okay, meet back here in an hour. I’ll go with Ron and Neville. Bill, you go with Ginny and Luna.” Charlie took control of things with ease.

“What, no escort for us?” teased Fred.

“Any Death Eater with enough guts to try grabbing one of you deserves anything they get,” replied Charlie with a grin.

“You realize, it wouldn’t be wise for them to try grabbing just one of us.”

“It would be suicidal to try grabbing both of you,” chuckled Ron. “It would be interesting to see what was left of anyone that tried.”

“All right, one hour. Don’t be late.”

~*~

“Uncle Severus,” said Draco, almost meekly.

It pained him to hear such a small voice from someone that had always been a strong person. “Come along, I’m sure that Professor Lupin will appreciate us finding this.”

“Yes, sir,” replied Arianna obediently.

Arianna helped Draco to his feet. She didn’t comment about his trembling even as she used her smaller frame to help support him. It wasn’t until several long minutes later that he realized Poe was wrapped around her neck like an emerald necklace.

“You shouldn’t do that,” he said as he pulled his composure together. “It could strangle you.”

“He won’t,” she replied as they left the dungeon. “First, he’s not big enough and second, I trust he won’t.”

“Good morning, Severus. What do you have there?” said Remus Lupin. He, along with Professor Dumbledore, Hermione, and Harry had just returned from their trip to the Ministry.

“We happened upon a boggart in the dungeons just now.” Even as he spoke, he never pulled his eyes away from a very upset Hermione Granger.

“The three of you had no trouble, I’m sure,” replied Lupin with a smile.

“I am very proud of Draco; he continued to protect Arianna despite his fear.”

He was about to continue when hissing snapped his attention to Harry Potter, who was happily conversing with Poe. Even after witnessing the display during Harry’s second year, it still surprised him. After several moments, he turned to Snape.

“He says Arianna has taken very good care of him, but she’s been sick recently and is not nearly as warm as you,” Harry said before turning to look at Draco. “How are you feeling? I was really worried about you.”

“You were worried; about me? Please,” snorted Draco. “Next you’ll be telling me that you have tea with Senor Psychopath every Sunday, as well.”

“Nah, Voldemort’s tea-making skills suck. Besides, poison gives me a headache and most of his minions can’t find the human heart to save their lives.” Harry became serious and offered Draco his hand. “The offer is open, and will stay open, take it or leave it.”

Draco looked from the hand, pink with new scars, to brilliant green eyes, which seemed shadowed. The emotional rollercoaster of the last year took its grandest, most gut-wrenching drop. Like angels falling from heaven, he felt himself plummeting towards the harsh reality of earth. A tear fell from haunted violet-blue eyes and he clung to the offered hand like a lifeline.

“Friends,” he replied softly almost reverently. “No bribery, no fear, and no parental Death Eater’s quest for power.” His voice became quiet, and he allowed his platinum hair to hide his face. “Believe it or not, Po… Harry, I’ve never had that.”