Atlas Malfoy and how history repeats itself

Part 43

The next morning is the day of the wedding. Hermione and Ginny are frothing over their outfits, while I stand awkwardly in mine. It's a nice black suit with a white shirt, but I feel so wrong and out of place. I finally got a walking stick that was black metal, so I look less out of place than I would with the ugly wooden one I had. Ginny says, "Are you alright Atlas? You look like you are going to be sick."
I shrug and say, "I've been worse."

That is not a lie. Hermione's dress needs zipping up, so I do it for her. She thanks me and I walk into the next room over, where Fleur is frantically trying to fix her make up. I smile and say, "D'you want help?"
"S'il vous plaît, aidez!" She wails. I help her, gently patting the last of the makeup down and she says, "Thank you Atlas."
"I'm really happy for you Fleur." I say, heading for the door. She calls after me, "Atlas?"
I turn round to face her and she says, "Thank you for helping me out the water during the Triwizard cup. You were very noble."
"I wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I was thanks to you."

I head down the stairs, where I see the minister of magic sat with the group. He turns round and says, "Atlas Black. Dumbledore did leave you something. To Miss Atlas Black, I leave her Regulus's belongings that were found in his dorm after he left hogwarts, in hopes it helps her remember that there is light in dark, and people are harder to read than we assume."
I say, "Mines? Can you take them? I... I think it'd be better for you to look after them. Anyway, minister, I should be excusing myself."
I go outside, where the tent has been put up. I accio myself an apple, and eat it as Ginny rambles on.
"Mum is devastated because Percy wont just lose his massive ego, but I personally am happy he isn't coming. I think he is awful bad luck, and I'm not wrong. I miss him, obviously, but I also don't want him to come. The minister is absolutely infuriating. I wish he would get lost. The wedding is exciting, but I really don't know how they can face having one in the middle of a war."

I shrug and say, "Don't you think people need one? I could do with a little bit of love and joy right now. When you go to Hogwarts, I need you to make me a promise."
"Depends." Ginny says smiling. I say, "Will you keep your head down?"
"Atlas-"
"No," I say, cutting her off, "I wasted my time at Hogwarts because I was a Malfoy. I'm not letting you waste your time. In your first year, you had an awful time, and you need to make it up."
"I've made it up-"
"Then add to it." I beg, "Just don't get yourself hurt. I had Snape looking over me. That god awful man was like a father figure to me. He looked after me. You are going to do well, and study hard. Yes?"
"Yes Atlas."

The wedding is a blast. I see people I know, as well as people who know me. I've kept my hair long and white for the party. Luna walks up to me with her father and I shake his hand.
"Hello sir," I say, "May I compliment the Quibbler? I read a lot of it while being ill and in bed from the leg issue. My name is Atlas Black."
"This is Atlas," Luna says, smiling, "The girl I was telling you about. Mr Malfoy's ex daughter."
"I'm sorry to hear about your father disowning you." Mr Lovegood says, "And thank you for the compliments. I think the ministry aren't very happy with me."
I shake my head and say, "Really sir, if I am going to be honest, I never liked being his daughter anyway."
"Oh dad, I see Harry!" Luna says, "Must go Atlas. It was lovely seeing you."
I nod, waving as she walks off. Krum walks over and says, "Hello. I like your walking stick."
"Thank you Krum." I say, laughing. He says, "Do you know if Hermeeohninny is single still?"
"Hermione is actually taken." I say, holding back a smirk. Not quite single, but her and Ron are going to be together very soon. He groans and says, "What about that lady?"
I follow his gaze to Ginny. Inwardly, I'm screaming. I splutter, "No. No, she is very much taken."
"By?"
"By a friend of mine."
He storms off and I'm left to laugh. I spot Tonks and race over to her. She grabs me just as my walking stick bends inwards, causing me to stumble. I laugh and hug her, before saying, "I wish I saw you more often."
She laughs quietly and says, "You are acting like we don't have forever, Atlas. I love you and I have a little secret. You need to keep this hushed up but, I'm pregnant."
"You? Really?" I say, gasping. She nods and I say, "You are going to be such a good mum. Oh my god, I'm related to the little baby!"
"You'll be their first cousin once removed." She laughs. I blink back happy tears and I say, "Stop, this is amazing. I'm going to love that little baby more than I love anything in the whole world."

A blue orb floats into the middle of the tent and everyone freezes. A voice booms, "The ministry has fallen. The minister of magic is dead. They are coming."
Tonks pushes me in the direction of Hermione, who is screaming frantically for Ron. He clings onto me, and we race to Harry, apparating as soon as our fingers touch. I don't know where we are, and I can hardly keep up with the group. Hermione takes us to a dark alley way and shoves me clothes. My nice tracksuit.
"Why do you have this?" I ask. She says, "I've had the essentials packed for days. I thought we had more time..."
"We should get food, Hermione," I say, holding onto her arm, "Do you know any little cafes nearby?"
Hermione looks up at me in silence for a second before saying, "Yeah... yeah, sure. I know where we can get a drink and food."