We Didn't Have a Choice

43 - Things Only Seem to Worsen

We were nearing December. It was the weekend so Draco was visiting Cordelia and me.

Draco lay asleep in bed beside me while I planned out the task in which I was somehow supposed to kidnap Luna Lovegood. It's been bothering me ever since Voldemort announced what was expected of me because I already know exactly what's to happen to her.

Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me into a comforting embrace.

"Morning, Draco," I murmured as I stroked his hair gently.

"Why are you up? It's so early," he groaned.

"It's like 10:00," I responded with a chuckle.

He rolled over so he was on his back, and he rested his head in my lap while he gazed up at me.

"Yes, Draco?"

"Is something wrong?"

"No, why?"

He sighed. "You seem off..."

And he was right, obviously. The stupid task is driving me insane...except I haven't actually mentioned the fact that I have a new task to complete to Draco. I just don't want him to worry is all. He has enough on his plate as is.

Sensing my quietness, he sat up. "Blair."

"Hm?" I hummed.

"Talk to me."

"Aren't we already?"

Before I knew it, I was on my back and Draco was on top of me. "Don't talk to me like that," he growled.

But instead of responding back in a way that would get me punished, I burst into tears. Draco immediately slid off me and pulled me into his arms.

"H-he assigned another t-task to me," I blubbered.

Draco didn't say anything. He just stroked my hair and held me close.

"I can't do it..."

He cupped my face so I was looking at him and he wiped away the tears falling down my cheeks. I knew exactly what he was about to say.

"You know what will happen if you don't," he scolded.

Another wave of tears washed over me and I began to ball harder. "But think about Cordi. She has us as parents. We are Death Eaters. Imagine how embarrassing that will be for her when she grows up."

"I know, but we should really only focus on what's going on with our lives right now because not everyday is guaranteed," he said, "besides, she'll be much happier being raised by us than the Dark Lord himself if we fail to do what we are asked of."

-

So, with the thought of keeping everyone alive and giving Cordelia the future she deserves, I slipped my Death Eater mask over my face with one final deep breath.

My father had offered to accompany me on this task and I gratefully accepted as it would be a lot easier with him by my side.

"Ready?" he asked.

I nodded slowly and then we were off, apparating onto the Hogwarts Express which was bringing the students home for the holidays.

Screams broke out immediately as we marched through the compartments. Spells were shot at us by the few brave students, but my father easily blocked them and stunned the senders.

I followed him through the compartments, praying I wouldn't see Draco, Blaise, or Pansy as we searched for Luna. I did not want them to see me like this: wreaking havoc among those who are innocent.

"There," my father barked, opening the door to a compartment which revealed Luna Lovegood.

I was rather surprised, she didn't look afraid, but rather calm. We stood there, staring at each other for a moment. I honestly felt more afraid than she looked.

"Well, go on," Father ordered.

Without thinking anymore, I flicked my wand at her and stunned her; she didn't even try to put up a fight.

"Very good," my father nodded approvingly as he picked her up, and we both apparated home.

I immediately threw my mask off the second I was greeted by the estate.

"Go check on Cordelia," said my father, "I'll take care of the girl."

I was thankful he wasn't going to make me help anymore so the second he said that, I sprinted to the nursery and picked up Cordelia who was awake.

"I know I've said this to you a hundred times, but I'm sorry," I whispered in her ear as my eyes began to fill with tears. "I don't deserve to have you."

"It's not your fault," said my mother.

I turned to see her in the doorway.

"How is it not? I'm a horrible person."

She walked up to me and gave me a hug. "You didn't have a choice in anything that you have had to take part in over the past year. It's your father's and my fault that you're in this situation, but you've fought and remained strong for both her and Draco. I'm not saying I'm proud you're a Death Eater, but I'm definitely proud of the person you've become," she said.

"But that doesn't make things any better for our reputations outside of our family. Cordi will without a doubt be bullied for coming from such an evil family."

Mother sighed. "That's still years away."

And I knew she said that because she didn't know how else to respond.

"You should get to bed, though. The Malfoys will be here first thing tomorrow and I reckon you won't want to miss seeing Draco because you overslept."

I smiled slightly. "Alright."

"And I'll take care of Miss May. It's been forever since I've had her to myself," she said as she took her from my arms.

"Thank you, Mother," I said, giving her one last hug.

"I love you, Blair."

"I love you, too."

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A short chapter for you all:)
Sorry for taking so long to update - I was wrapping up my final week of school so I had tons of finals (hence the short chapter) but I shouldn't be too busy for the rest of the summer:)
New things to come btw:)
-Sea