Aurelia's Story

“And I hate to be shocked, and I hate to be scared
But you put up with a lot when it’s all that’s out there
Hate to be scared and I hate to be shocked
But you put up with a lot when it’s all you’ve got”
My Friend The Enemy, Ginger

When she came around again, Lucius and Albus were both sat beside her bed. As she opened her eyes, Lucius rose and bent over her bed, smiling softly. “My baby,” she said urgently. “Did they save my baby?”

“Babies,” replied Lucius, smiling proudly. “We are expecting twins, darling. And they are both safe, though the Healers recommend that you take it steady during the pregnancy.”

Albus sat on the other side of the bed. “How do you feel, my child?” he asked concernedly.

Aurelia took a deep breath, trying to take everything in. “A little shaken up,” she replied truthfully. “It all happened so fast, one minute we were walking up to Hogwarts, then the curse hit me, then came the pain, then the next thing I can remember is waking up in here.” She hated having to deceive her uncle, but if he knew she had been about to participate in the attack… No, far better to let him think a stray curse had hit her.

Albus frowned, and turned towards Lucius. “Did the Healers give you any indications how far advanced the pregnancy is, Lucius?” he asked coldly.

“They think it’s about six weeks gone.”

Aurelia gasped, as the dates made sense in her head. “That makes it just before Christmas, then.” Lucius smirked as he calculated the dates, and realised what night their twins had been conceived. Aurelia, however, had paled at the realisation that Sirius could equally have fathered the twins.

Albus started towards her. “Are you alright, Aurelia? You suddenly looked worse then.” His eyes held suspicion in them, and Aurelia realised that Molly or the children would have told him that she stayed in Grimmauld Place for a night before Christmas.

She forced a smile onto her face. “Oh, it’s nothing, I’ve just never liked hospitals.” She appealed to Lucius. “I would feel much better resting in my own bed, darling.”

Lucius nodded. “I quite agree. I would much rather have you safely back home. I shall go and find a Healer to discharge you, my Lady.”

Albus watched her as Lucius left the room. “I must be quick, Aurelia, we have little time to talk. Harry is safe; thanks to your warning, we prevented him from going to Hogsmeade. Some of the students were hurt, but fortunately none seriously. Now, this pregnancy – are they Lucius’?”

Aurelia blushed. “I don’t know, Uncle. We had an…um… disagreement on the night in question, so I ended up at Grimmauld Place. Sirius was looking after me, and, well…” she trailed off, heat rising up her face.

Albus sighed. “But if you and Lucius had an argument, if they were conceived on that night then Sirius is the father. You can do a simple spell to ascertain the date of conception.”

“Uncle, please do not make this harder for me. Why do you think I had to flee the manor in the first place? There are few things which could make me leave my husband’s side, and even after this I came back to him.”

Comprehension dawned on Albus’ face, and he began to fume with barely controlled rage. Lucius came back into the room with a Healer beside him, and took a step back as he felt the raw power emanating from the two of them. Healer Willows seemed oblivious and bustled into the room regardless.

“Right, Mrs Malfoy, you’re free to go home. I shall be giving your husband a few emergency Portkeys which will bring you straight to the maternity ward should you have any problems at all, but as long as you take care of yourself you should be fine. Any questions?”

Aurelia shook her head, glaring warningly at her great uncle, who was still fingering his wand. “No, thank you Healer Willows. I would just like to go home with my husband and get some sleep now I think.”

Lucius smiled. “I shall be taking good care of her, do not worry.”

The Healer nodded. “Very well, then, Mrs Malfoy, we shall see you at your three month check-up then.” She handed Lucius the Portkeys and left the room. Aurelia rose unsteadily, and leant on Lucius for support.

“Take care, Uncle, and I shall try and pop up to Hogwarts to visit you soon,” Aurelia said, kissing him briefly on the cheek before Lucius took her by the arm and swept her out of the room.

Lucius supported Aurelia as they walked back into the manor. He kissed her on the forehead as they went through the door. “I must be the happiest man alive, darling. Twins!” he said with a broad smile.

Aurelia forced herself to smile again. The consequences of her actions were finally beginning to dawn upon her. If the twins were not fathered by Lucius, and he found out, he would be furious and the prophecy’s fulfilment would be in grave danger. She had to hope for Merlin’s sake that they were. “I hope that our master will not mind that we had to leave, darling.”

Lucius shook his head, clearly still too happy to worry. “Oh, I am sure it will be fine my Lady, after all he does want us to have a child. He will be equally happy with the news, certainly. Come on then darling, lie down. The Healers told me you needed complete rest for at least two days just to make sure.”

Aurelia complied; she did not want harm to come to her babies. Her babies, she thought in wonder. She had known of their existence for less than a day, yet already she loved them more than anything ever before. As she lay down, Lucius sat on the edge of the bed beside her, still beaming with pride and delight. “Did the Healers tell you a date that they were due, Lucius?” she asked sleepily.

“Mid-September, darling. Now sleep,” he said affectionately, stroking her hand with his fingers. Aurelia drifted off to sleep, finally smiling too.

When she woke the next morning, Lucius was not next to her. Aurelia felt a little lost without him there when she woke, and wandered downstairs to find him, dressed in only her night gown. However, Lucius was not alone.

Voldemort rose to greet her. “Should you not be resting, Aurelia?”

Aurelia breathed a little more easily. He did not seem angry. “Probably, master, but I wanted my husband.” She and Lucius smiled at each other.

Voldemort nodded. As her gaze met his, his eyes widened. “I was just saying to Lucius that I am delighted to hear that you are carrying twins. You must be eagerly awaiting the birth.”

“Of course, master, but we have a while to go yet.”

“Certainly… perhaps I could escort you back upstairs to rest whilst we discuss what you can do for me until the birth?”

Aurelia realised that it was not a request, and nodded. Once they were out of Lucius’ hearing, Voldemort paused. “I saw an interesting image in your mind then, Aurelia.”

She panicked. Her defences were down with yesterday’s events; Voldemort could have seen anything. “May I enquire as to what it was that interested you, master?” she asked, keeping her voice steady.

“I noticed that you have a particularly close relationship with Sirius Black, surprisingly. Is there any reason you have not informed me of this?”

Aurelia sighed. It could have been worse, she supposed. “I did not want Lucius to know, master, and I cannot tell you Black’s location anyway. My uncle has it under the Fidelius Charm.” That was partially true, so Voldemort did not quite see the deception in her mind.

“What can you tell me, Aurelia? I realise you and Lucius have been busy, but you seem to have supplied me with little information on the Order so far.”

Aurelia frowned, noticing the veiled threat and grasping for some information she could safely tell him. “I have been unable to go there as often as I would like, master, but there is some news I can share with you. I recently learnt that Potter is unaware of even the prophecy’s existence, let alone its contents.”

Voldemort was clearly taken aback by this news. “Really? That is intriguing. Thank you. Was there anything else?”

Aurelia thought hard. Voldemort prompted her. “Who is he close to, Aurelia? Any little detail could make the difference.”

“The Weasleys and Hermione Granger, of course. He has developed a close relationship with Black, of course, but they rarely meet. Other than that, there seems to be few he lets in. He is not at all close to his Muggle family from what I can gather.”

“Very well, that will do nicely. I imagine the old fool wants you to check in with him regularly during your pregnancy?”

Aurelia nodded, and forced her lip to curl at the mention of her uncle. “Yes, master. His belief in my loyalty to him has not wavered, and he remains concerned enough for my safety to want to see me once a fortnight.”

“Excellent, that should provide you with ample opportunity to gather information for me. And Aurelia?”

“Yes?”

“If that information is slow in coming, you may find me accidentally letting slip to Lucius the details of your relationship with Black…” Aurelia paled. “Get back to bed now, Aurelia. You have two babies to take care of now, and I would be most unpleased if anything were to happen to them.”

Aurelia had little opportunity to get to Hogwarts for a few weeks, as Lucius barely left her side. Finally, though, Voldemort called him away for a day, and she Apparated to Hogwarts. It was a Saturday, so there were plenty of students milling about in the school grounds. As Aurelia walked to the main hall, a hand caught her by the arm. She turned around to see Harry grinning at her. “Hello, Aurelia! We didn’t expect to see you here today.”

Aurelia returned the smile. “No, it wasn’t a planned visit. But Lucius is away for the day, and I thought I could check in with Madam Pomfrey and visit Uncle Albus at the same time.”

“About the pregnancy?” Harry queried.

“News travels fast!” exclaimed Aurelia. She and Lucius had decided not to officially announce the pregnancy until the next check up.

“Yes, Snuffles told me.”

“Snuffles?”

“Sirius,” Harry replied in a whisper. “How far along are you, Aurelia?”

“Just over two months now, Harry.”

“Just before Christmas then.” Aurelia could tell from the look on his face that he knew what had happened when she stayed at Grimmauld Place. She took him away from the crowds of students.

“Harry, please don’t tell Sirius. I am not certain if they are his or not, and I see no point getting his hopes up for no reason,” she said desperately.

“And if they are?” Harry asked viciously. “Doesn’t he deserve to know?”

“Of course he does!” Aurelia snapped. “But you don’t understand, Harry – I have to be with Lucius.”

Harry’s face hardened, and he walked away from her. “I’ve had enough people tell me I don’t understand, Aurelia. Why don’t you try me?”

She threw caution to the wind. “If I am not with Lucius, Voldemort cannot be defeated, Harry. That is why I cannot risk telling Sirius. If Lucius finds out, he will either have me killed or leave me. Either way, the prophecy cannot be fulfilled.”

Harry stopped in his tracks, shock on his face. “Prophecy?”

She sighed deeply. “I am sure you realise, Harry, how important it is that Voldemort does not learn of this.” He nodded earnestly, and she continued. “There was a prophecy made when I was born which stated that Lucius and I had to be bound together and protect someone for Voldemort to be fully defeated.”

Harry hugged her. “Aurelia, I’m so sorry. Who do you have to protect?”

She shook her head sadly. “I do not know yet. Voldemort has already bound us with ancient pureblood magic, and I presume the second part will come about in time. Oh, and another thing; do not let my uncle know I told you, because he will have my head, honestly,” she said with a rare grin.

“I have noticed that he doesn’t like sharing information,” replied Harry wryly. “Thanks for trusting me, Aurelia, it means a lot. I’ll let you get up to Madam Pomfrey now, Aurelia – look after yourself, alright?”

She nodded, and hugged him back. “You too, Harry.”

As Aurelia parted from Harry and made her way through the corridors of Hogwarts, she reflected upon how little Hogwarts changed over the years. She was still smiling about it as she reached the infirmary. Poppy Pomfrey greeted her as she approached the door. “Mrs Malfoy, dear, lovely to see you looking so well! What can I do for you?”

“Call me Aurelia, please! We have known each other long enough for that, surely. I was just hoping you could check upon my pregnancy for me whilst I am here, to put my mind at ease a little,” she replied with an embarrassed smile.

“Of course, Aurelia. Professor Dumbledore mentioned you had had a difficult time so far, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Just hop up on that bed in the corner, and I’ll take a look.”

Madam Pomfrey’s wand was a blur as she waved it over Aurelia’s abdomen, muttering fast. After a minute, she stopped and smiled. “They seem perfectly healthy, dear, and look exactly as they should do for, what, nine to ten weeks?”

Aurelia nodded. “Spot on. That’s a relief.”

Madam Pomfrey smiled. “It’s just a little too soon to be able to see them, but St. Mungo’s should be able to let you do that at your three month check up. Pop in at any time if you have any queries, Aurelia, please.”

“Thankyou, Madam Pomfrey! Take care,” Aurelia said as she left the room.

She paused at the bottom of the stairway leading to her uncle’s office. A short dumpy woman came rushing down, looking harassed. The woman stopped when she saw Aurelia. “Who are you?” she asked suspiciously.

Aurelia frowned. If her memory served her correctly, this was the woman who was styling herself ‘High Inquisitor’, Dolores Umbridge. “I am Lady Aurelia Malfoy, madam. A pleasure to meet you,” she said politely.

Umbridge’s face relaxed. “Ah, Lady Malfoy. I know your husband through the ministry, and it is a pleasure to finally meet the woman who has brought him so much joy.” Aurelia smiled tightly. From what she had heard, this woman was a nasty piece of work, but it would not do to get on her bad side.

“Yes, Lucius always speaks well of you, Madam Umbridge. I apologise, but I cannot stay away from the manor for long, and I do need to speak to Professor Dumbledore. Perhaps you and Cornelius could visit us some time?”

Umbridge nodded. “That would be delightful,” she replied simperingly. “I shall leave you to it, Lady Malfoy.” She swept off, and Aurelia shuddered. She heard a chuckle, and turned around. Albus was stood on the stairs.

“I see you have had the pleasure of meeting the delightful Dolores Umbridge, my dear.” Aurelia grimaced, and he smiled. “How are you, dear?” he said seriously.

“Well, thank you Uncle. I just went to see Madam Pomfrey, and she said the twins are coming along nicely. Do you have time for a chat?”

“Of course. Come on up.” They climbed the stairs, and Albus conjured a pot of tea and two cups for them. “What can I do for you?”

“I don’t have long, unfortunately, as Lucius will be back for dinner, but I think we should arrange the removal of my prophecy as soon as possible. The Dark Lord is stepping up his campaign to get into the Department of Mysteries, and I do not think it will be much longer before he is successful.”

Dumbledore frowned, then nodded decisively. “Drink up, then.”

“What?”

“Let’s go and get it out now. I do not expect you to have many more chances to get away from Lucius’ side, especially as the pregnancy progresses.”

Aurelia smiled with relief and anticipation. It had been a long time since she had been out and about. She downed the tea in one. “Let’s go bust the ministry then Uncle!”

Albus smiled, and rummaged in his desk drawer, then handed her a cloak that shimmered in the light. “I was going to give this to you anyway, so you may as well have it today and use it. It’s an Invisibility Cloak, Aurelia.”

She gasped. “Thank you so much, Uncle.”

They arrived at the Ministry and went through the visitor’s entrance; or rather, Aurelia did. As prompted, she told the desk that she was here to visit Arthur Weasley, and whilst she distracted the reception wizard Albus slipped in unnoticed. They grinned at each other when out of sight, each glad to be free of where they had been recently. “Where to now, Uncle?”

“All the way to the bottom of the Ministry, Aurelia. The Department of Mysteries is right in the depths of the building.”

They snuck down, careful to avoid detection. When they reached the door to the Department of Mysteries, Albus paused. “Nymphadora?” he asked softly.

There was a ripple in the air by the door, and a woman with bright pink hair and a snub nose emerged. “I’ve told you more than enough times to call me Tonks, Professor!” she said crossly.

Albus chuckled. “Aurelia, I believe you have met Nymphadora Tonks before?”

Aurelia nodded. “Good to see you again, Tonks.”

Tonks nodded back at her. “Everything ok, Professor?”

“Yes, fine. Aurelia and I just need to go into the Prophecy room.”

Tonks frowned. “Password, Professor?”

Albus withdrew his wand. “We did not arrange a password,” he said, tension evident in his voice.

Tonks grinned. “I know. Just double-checking it was you. Go on in!”

Aurelia and Albus went into the Department cautiously. Aurelia looked around at a circular room with numerous doors leading off it, and felt extremely queasy as the room revolved around them. Albus muttered a spell, and the names of the rooms appeared on the doors. They did not dither, but went straight through the door marked ‘Prophecy’. Aurelia gasped at the sheer number of glittering globes surrounding them. “How do we know where to begin?” she asked, awe-struck.

“Follow your instincts, child.”

Aurelia felt an unmistakable pull towards row twenty-nine, and slowly made her way over. There on the highest shelf was a globe with the words “Aurelia Pendragon, Lucius Malfoy and the Dark Lord.” written on it.

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. “It is fortunate we removed it, then, if Voldemort himself is named. Come on, child, let us go now before we are detected.”

Aurelia put on her Invisibility Cloak, and Albus Disillusioned himself, and they crept back out of the Ministry. Once they were back on the street, Albus turned to her. “Do you want to destroy it, or shall I keep it at Hogwarts?”

For some reason, Aurelia could not bear the thought of destroying it yet. “Keep it, please. I would like to hear it one day, I think.”

Albus nodded soberly. “Are you going straight back to Malfoy Manor?”

She shook her head. “No, I need to pick up some new robes in Hogsmeade, actually. My waistline is already expanding quite dramatically,” she said proudly.

Albus smiled, and kissed her cheek. “I shall accompany you until you are back then, if you have no objection.”

“Of course not!” Arm in arm, they Apparated into Hogsmeade. Aurelia paid for her robes, then walked with Albus part of the way back to the school.

“You have had no more trouble with Lucius, then?” Albus questioned.

“None, Uncle, I swear. Since we found out about the pregnancy, he has been wonderful. And Voldemort does not want me overexerting myself, so there is no danger there.” Aurelia felt a twinge in her abdomen as she spoke, and frowned.

Albus noticed, and took her arm. “Aurelia?”

She swayed as the pain became more intense. “I think I should go to St. Mungo’s, Uncle,” she said, tears in her eyes. “There is a Portkey directly to the maternity ward in my robe, if you could get it for me.”

Albus’ worry clear on his face, he picked the Portkey out of her pocket and they both held a finger to it as he said the activation charm. Healer Willows greeted them as they arrived. “Mrs Malfoy?” she said concernedly.

“Pains in my abdomen,” said Aurelia through gritted teeth. “Could someone please fire call my husband? He is at Gringotts… I want him,” she murmured as she again faded from consciousness.

Lucius was asleep with his face on her stomach when she woke. He immediately woke up, and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry, darling, the babies are both fine,” he said with a sigh of relief. “I think they just like frightening us.”

“Clearly, they have inherited their parents’ strong personalities,” Aurelia replied with a small smile.

“Indeed. Come on then, my Lady, another few weeks bed rest for you ahead. The sooner we are home, the sooner we can relax.” Lucius lifted her easily, and walked out of the ward.

Aurelia laughed. “I can walk, my Lord.”

“I know,” he whispered in her ear. “But I do so enjoy the feeling of you pressed into my chest like this.” Aurelia stretched up, and kissed him on the lips, wrapping her arms around his neck. “At least wait until we are back in the manor, darling!” he said with a wide smile, his arousal evident against her.

But they were not alone when they returned to the manor. Voldemort was waiting for them. “Aurelia,” he hissed, his anger clear, and his eyes bright red. “Would you explain to me why you have been endangering the lives of your babies again?” He drew his wand. “Perhaps a lesson is in order.”