Falling Star

Return to the Manor

"I...I think your father was there."

The words Harry had spoken to me after he told all of us what exactly had happened on the terrible night of Cedric's death clang around my brain like a steel ball. Those words somehow cling to me more than the other should-be-more-terrifying things he said like, "He's back."

Harry had debated telling me. He finally decided to share this information only because he was concerned for my safety at home. Luckily I had already been sitting down because I don't think my legs could have supported me at that moment. My father...my father was there when Cedric...I clenched my jaw to avoid throwing up my dinner.

"If you don't feel safe going back...I'm sure Mum wouldn't mind you staying with us," Ron offered kindly. "And I know the twins would love having you around."

My cheeks burned involuntarily. I hadn't sorted through my feelings for Fred, but I did know that he made me happy and I liked spending time with him. I knew being around him sounded a whole lot better than going home for the summer holiday. But I knew I still had to return home.

"Thank you. But I can't. I can't just leave Draco to deal with our family alone," I explained.

They all understood but the concern never left their eyes.

I close my eyes and rest my head against the cool glass of the train window, dreading every mile that brings me closer to Malfoy Manor. Draco nudges me with his elbow.

"You alright? You've barely said anything since we got on the train," he asks.

I shrug. I don't want to say much on a train full of listening ears. "A lot has happened these past few days. I'm tired."

He nods and lets me be. I go back to leaning against the window for the rest of the train ride.

***

Mum greets us first, giving Draco then me a big hug. I want to break down in my mother's arms. I want to pour out all of my sadness and anger and disgust from the last few days. But I know that wouldn't do any good. So I just let her hug me.

Mother looks beautiful as always, but deep purple peeks out underneath her eyes. I know better than to comment, but I am curious about it.

She ushers us into the sitting room after a moment. My heart beats erratically when I spot my father, reading the newspaper in a chair, acting so normal. So casual. As if he hadn't recently witnessed the murder of a child and did nothing.

He looks up from his paper as we enter. "Welcome home, Draco. Dahlia. I trust you both had another good year at school."

The rational part of me is taken over by my anger. "A good year? A student just died!" I shout.

My father purses his lips. "Yes, quite a tragedy. You would think the people in charge of the tournament would do a better job preventing accidents like that."

I could feel my hands start to shake. He couldn't be serious. This wasn't some freak accident. This was murder.

Draco looks at me like I've grown three new heads, and I know I should stop talking. My brain screams at me to not say anything else, to not make this bad for myself. But, of course, my mouth ignores my brain.

"It wasn't an accident though, was it? Cedric...he was murdered, wasn't he? By...by You-Know-Who?" My voice gets higher and louder with each word.

My mother tries to cut in, "Now, Dahlia..." but trails off with a look from Father.

Draco's eyes are wide, and he stands rigid, glued to his spot next to me. 

Father stands and crosses over to me. "What makes you say that? Who is filling your head with this?"

I refuse to buckle. "He's back. I know it. And I think you know it, too."

He's quite for a moment, studying my face. It takes all of my concentration to not break his stare and to keep my hands from shaking too badly. "What if he is? What are you getting at, Dahlia?"

"Lucius..." my mother warns.

"Quiet," Father snaps back.

"Are you still working for him?" I ask plainly.

"What if I am? Frankly, it is none of your concern." is his only reply. I'm getting annoyed of my father's game of only answering questions with questions.

"He does horrific things. I don't understand how anyone could side with him," I respond.

"Long ago he had a vision of a better world. People liked that vision. He could make everything better for our family and families like ours." Father pauses, looking over me, then Draco, then Mum, then back to me. He leans in close. "I will do everything to ensure this family's wellbeing. And I expect everyone in this family to do the same."

I hear the added layer of meaning beneath his words.

"But siding with a murderer?" I squeak.

Father's eyes narrow for a moment, and I can tell he's turning something over in his head. He straightens finally, seeming to have come to a conclusion. "If you don't want to be a part of this family, fine. Go somewhere else. Be someone else. Hand over your wand."  He stretches out his hand.

"What?" I blurt out, trying to process everything he just said. Was he going to break my wand over this? Were my questions and defiance too much this time?

"Give me your wand. If you do not want to be in this family any more, then you can learn magic some other way. Hand it over," he demands impatiently.

"Father, wait," Draco steps between us.

"I'm warning you now to stay out of this, Draco. Your sister can make her own decisions," Father says sternly.

Draco doesn't move. "Li doesn't deserve to be kicked out of the family for this. She's just asked questions. She hasn't done anything wrong."

"Draco," Father warns again and "Draco," Mother pleads.

Still, my brother doesn't budge. I should say something, tell him not to anger our father for a change, but I'm too transfixed on what's happening to even think straight.

"She's had a rough week. Can't you see she's just scared? Don't do this to her," Draco implores.

I wince at the sound of my father's hand connecting with Draco's cheek. Draco staggers back a step and puts a hand to his face. Heat floods my own face, anger forming a pit in my stomach.

"We don't need cowards in this family either," Father says. 

Draco looks down and stays quiet.

I come to my sense enough to move around Draco and face my father again.

I swallow hard. I can't let him kick me out. I can't be left without magic and a way to defend myself. I can't leave Draco here alone. So I have to lie.

"I'm sorry. Draco's right. I was just scared from this week. You have always protected us from everything, so this was a lot to handle. I'm sorry. Please let me still be in this family," I beg, hating every word coming out of my mouth.

Father's eyes soften a fraction.

I hold my breath. Everything is strained, and I can sense the tensions coming from both Draco and my mother.

After a beat, he sighs, just looking tired. "Fine. Now go to your room and out of my sight. You're confined to your chambers for the rest of the week. Understood?"

I nod and run off before he has a chance to change his mind.