The Final Touch

Chapter Four

Barty was sitting in the waiting room with his head in his hands. Rodolphus sat down next to him and patted him on the shoulder.

"Brother, forgive me. That Longbotton bitch took my wand ... I had no idea what was going to happen"

Barty lowered his hand and looked at him with red eyes.

"If she dies ... I'll kill you, Lestrange"

"You must be kidding. I was aiming for that fucking bitch, how was I supposed to know she was going to use a spell like that? It's not my fault! Is Melanie..."

"I don't know, they won't let me find out. I'm not her husband yet. Be useful for something and go to Lucius. Tell him what happened"

Rodolphus nodded and disappeared. Barty was left alone with his terrifying thoughts. If Melanie dies, it's over. He couldn't imagine his life without her. He didn't even want to know what Lucius would think. After all, she was under his protection! As his fiancé, it was up to him to protect her, and he just fought this useless Potter ...

He remembered their last night, their kisses, and he sobbed again.

***

"Where is she my daughter? "the scream of pale as ghost Lucius Malfoy made Barty almost fall off his chair.

"Stay calm, Lucius. I'm going to get a doctor"

"How can I be calm, Lestrange? My daughter is dying" he whispered, with such despair in his voice that Barty and Rodolphus would prefer him to scream again. Rodolphus hugged Lucius, who was as numb as a wall, then disappeared down the hall.

They were left alone. Barty looked into Lucius's red eyes with difficulty, feeling tears streaming back into his eyes.

"Mr. Malfoy, I beg for your forgiveness, even though I know I don't deserve it. I should have taken care of Melanie, especially on her first such important assignment ... there were many more of them than us, and we split up and ..."

"I know, Crouch. Rodolphus told me everything. It's not your fault".

Lucius was staring blankly at the wall.

"Melanie always wanted to be like me ... I impressed her. That's why she decided to become a Death Eater. And I agreed" the man hid his face in his hands "How could I be so stupid ..."

Barty stared blankly at his future father-in-law, wondering what he might say to cheer him up.

"Serving the Dark Lord always has its consequences. Risk is one of them. But you shouldn't regret Melanie turned into a Death Eater. It's a great honor and..."

"What honor do I have if my daughter dies!" Lucius exploded, sobbing.

"It's not certain. When she was hurt, I ran to her and used a healing spell. It helped stop the bleeding, but it didn't completely heal the wound. I was taking healing lessons in this hospital. Maybe it will save her life"

Lucius looked at him with maniacal hope. His gaze terrified Barty. He had never seen Mr. Malfoy like this. He thought how his father would react in his place, and he felt a severe pain. Surely he would be glad to know he was gone. No, it's not time to think about it now.

Rodolphus and a woman with jet black hair tied in a loose bun and brown eyes appeared in the hallway. When he saw her, Lucius got up. His hands were shaking like paralytic's, but he ignored it.

"Mr. Malfoy. Are you Melanie's father?"

Lucius nodded, then said:

"How does she feel? Please tell me that everything will be fine"

"Melanie is seriously injured, but thanks to the healing spell that was used, she has a chance to survive tonight. The spell was perfectly aimed, it saved her life. The woman is unconscious, however, and may remain so for the next few days. We're doing her treatment now, so you can see her no sooner than tomorrow morning"

The doctor smiled and then disappeared down the hall.

Lucius stared at Barty with a speechless look that made the boy feel more and more uncomfortable.

"You saved my daughter," he whispered, then hugged him unexpectedly, sobbing, "I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you, Barty."

"You don't have to do anything, Mr. Malfoy. It is enough for Melanie to recover and we can get married as planned"

"Indeed, you are the perfect candidate for her. I apologize for all our disputes"

"I'm sorry too, Mr. Malfoy. I'm glad that has been cleared"

"Well then we're all happy," Rodolphus muttered, smiling.

"You are lucky it ended this way, Lestrange, otherwise ..."

"I know. You would kill me. You're not the first to threaten me, Malfoy. "Rodolphus raised his hands defensively, then smiled." I promise you never to take a dagger to the battle again.

Even Lucius smiled.