Redemption: A Neville Longbottom Fanfiction

Prologue

Narcissa Malfoy stared down at the baby girl with sorrowful eyes. The small babe had not cried only cooed as she slept in her mother's arms. Lucius could barely bring himself to look upon the child. There was too much happening as it had been a year since the dark lord disappeared. He had his focus set on his son Draco raising him in preparation for the Dark Lord's return. If the babe had been a big perhaps he wouldn't have been so concerned, offering two sons for the Dark Lord. He feared that a daughter would be too soft and weak to serve and that Narcissa's loyalty would waver. With time Lucius' fears would come to unfold. 

Narcissa was set on naming the girl Serenity she had hoped that her daughter would bring about peace to their dark household. She offered the baby wrapped in pink to Lucius and begrudgingly he took his daughter in his arms. He thought back to the first time he had held Draco to the pride he felt in stark comparison to the discomfort and worry he had now. Suddenly the child awoke revealing Sapphire blue eyes. Eyes that seemed too kind to Lucius but the thought was quickly pushed out of his head as he could swear his daughter was smiling up at him. Draco had been a difficult babe so the child's cheery disposition surprised Lucius and at that moment his heart began to soften which would bring about untold danger upon him and his family.

The girl grew into her name. As she was a peaceful child and hardly ever fussy. In her younger years, her older brother Draco often took advantage of this. But Serenity proved to be a patient and loving child. Lucius was often harsh on Draco He was deadset on raising a worthy servant of the Dark Lord. As the two grew Lucius would often remind Draco of the importance of protecting Serenity. "Pureblood is so rare.." He would tell his son "it must be protected!". Draco understood his father's concern as often Serenity sought the good of others before her own. She never snitched on Draco even when he was hurting her. And if he were to get in trouble Serenity would be the first to come and comfort Draco. It was during these times in which Serenity's magical ability would prove to be powerful. Draco had been up to his usual rough antics resulting in pushing Serenity down the stairs. Serenity was fine as she popped back up ready to play again however the sound of her falling struck fear in Narcissa's heart as she rushed over. Draco felt a heavy hand come upon his shoulder as his father spun him around to land an unrestrained slap upon his face. "Lucius" Narcissa scolded looking up at her 6-year-old son who's lip began to swell. Draco quickly ran away before his father could do more harm. Narcissa took Lucius' hand and led him to the study leaving little Serenity at the bottom of the steps.

Serenity slowly crept up the stairs listening for the quiet sniffles of Draco. She found him hiding in a closet where Dobby the house-elf attempted to comfort the boy. Draco looked up to see Serenity staring at him. "Go away!!" He muttered. But the girl didn't listen as she made her way to sit beside her brother. She lifted a hand up to his face, her fingers gracing his lips suddenly the pain had faded as well as the swelling. Draco looked amazed at his younger sister and had known at that moment that just as she helped him he would do all in his power to be there for her, turning Draco into a rather overprotective brother.

While Narcissa was sweet and calm, the kindness of Serenity still baffled others. They often would make remarks of how the sweet child was softening Lucius. However, it wouldn't take long for Serenity's sincere kindness to charm them. And so despite her contrasting personality those around grew to accept Serenity and allow her to grow separate from the darkness of her family.

Serenity stood at the platform attempting to hold back tears as she held tight to her mother's hand. She looked up at her father who was giving Draco yet another lecture on the importance of being at the top of his class. Draco nodded earnestly. Suddenly a flurry of ginger caught her eye as too many boys for her to count came rushing down the platform onto the train. Lucius' eyes narrowed as he noticed the distinctive mark on one brown-haired boy's forehead as he hurried along with the others. "Keep an eye on that one" he instructed Draco. Narcissa went to hug her son a bit too tightly as she told him how proud she was of him and how she wanted him to make the most of his time there. Her words comforted Draco who deep down was worried about living up to his father's expectations of course he would never admit this.

Draco then looked over at Serenity her blue eyes were covered by her soft blonde curls. She looked down at her feet sifting anxiously. "Don't be dramatic" He chuckled "You'll be sitting beside me at the Slytherin table in just one short year". She nodded but didn't lookup. Draco pulled her in for a hug and she quickly wrapped her arms around him allowing a few tears to fall. Draco pulled away and wiped her little face. Lucius rolled his eyes at his weak daughter but felt a twinge of pride for how protective his son had been. He had hoped that feeling would motivate his actions in serving the Dark Lord. Pulling his daughter away Lucius waved Draco off. The girl still sniffled beside him. Despite his annoyance, he picked her up and carried her away.