The Dark Lord's Daughter- Book One (A Harry Potter Fan Fic)

Chapter Fifteen: Arrangements

In the week following Damian's death, Leah locked herself in her room. She let no one see her cry for her lost friend, not even Barty. She couldn't seem to figure out if she was upset over his death in general or if she was mad at him for betraying her. Whenever anyone asked her about it she would simply respond, "He was a blood traitor," until they left her alone.

Savannah was avoiding her. Leah knew she was upset with her for killing him, but Leah didn't have the heart to face her. Amber kept jeering in her face, telling Leah she should have picked her friends better, until Leah finally snapped and, forgetting her wand, punched Amber right in the nose.

Leah had never heard her mother scream the way she did when Amber went and told on her, but Leah didn't care. After her mother had shouted herself hoarse, Leah wandered over the where Savannah was staying and knocked on the door.

Savannah opened it and Leah caught a glimpse of her pale face and puffy red eyes before she slammed the door.

"He was my friend too!" Leah snapped through the door.

"He was more than just my friend, Leah!" Savannah yelled, yanking the door open again.

"I had to do it!" she yelled back, trying to make Savannah understand.

"You had a choice Leah! Damian didn't!" Savannah's lip trembled and suddenly she sagged forward. Leah caught her and dragged her into the room where she settled her on the bed. Savannah cried into her shoulder as Leah stroked her hair.

"It was my life or his, Savannah."

"I know," she sniffled.

"It was cruel for my father to make me do it." Leah blinked back her own tears. "But when has my father ever been fair?" Savannah didn't answer her.

"I wish things had turned out differently," Savannah said stiffly.

"Me too.." Her tears finally spilled over her eyes. The two best friends cried until Leah heard her mother wandering the halls, calling her name.

Making sure she looked presentable, she left Savannah and went to go find her mother.

"There you are!" Bella called, seeing Leah come around the corner. "I have something for you." Bella handed her a small black box, which Leah took.

Inside the box, snug in black velvet, sat a small dagger. The blade was silver and curved and looked wicked sharp. The handle was white and smooth. It reminded Leah of a bone.

As if reading her thoughts, Bella said, "It's a dragon bone handle. There are only a handful of these left in existence."

"It's beautiful," Leah whispered as she took the dagger out of the box.

"Well, I haven't been around a lot so I wanted to get you something." Bella smiled at her before awkwardly patting her arm and walking away. Leah sighed.

Walking into her room, Leah was shocked to she Aunt Narcissa sitting in her bed.

"Aunty," Leah said startle. "What are you-"

"Shhhh," Aunt Narcissa said, hurrying to close the door behind her. "Leah, I need your help. The Dark Lord had given Draco a mission that will surely kill him!" Tears fell from her blue eyes as she dropped to her knees in front of Leah. "Please, you have to talk to him. You are his daughter, he'll listen to you. I cannot bear to loose him."

Leah looked at her aunt full of sorrow. She knew all about her father's plan.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Narcissa. I've already tried," she said sadly. "He will not be swayed."

"My son," Aunt Narcissa cried. "My only son." Before Leah could say another word, Aunt Narcissa jumped up and ran from the room. Leah barely had time to collect her thoughts when Daphne entered the room.

"Leah, father wishes to see you." Daphne would not meet her eyes.

They walked to the dinning hall together, but never said a word. There were only three people in the room, Voldemort, Bella, and Barty. Leah stopped before her father and bowed.

"It has come to my attention," Voldemort started slowly, "that Narcissa is attempting to foil my plans that involve her son." Leah heard Bella's sharp intake of breath but Leah remained silent. "I know all about her attempt to ask you for help and I know about the plan she is forming now to have Serverus make the Unbreakable Vow with her in the effort to keep Draco alive. That being said, we know now that Draco will surely survive this encounter. Your mother and I have discussed this and we are having you marry Draco as soon as his Hogwarts education is over."

Leah was shocked. She saw Barty's look of disgust. "But he's my cousin!" she blurted.

"I am aware," Voldemort snapped at her, his red eyes flashing. "We must take certain steps to ensure the bloodline stays pure, therefore, you will marry Draco."

Leah's heart hammered in her chest. Each beat felt painful, like a part was chipping off each time. She could see her future with Barty flash before her eyes and crumble before her. She avoided looking at him.

"I'm sorry father, but I can't marry him."

"And why not?" Voldemort's voice rose. She could sense that she was about to regret her actions.

"Because I'm pregnant!" she shouted. She had only found out a few days ago and had been waiting for the right moment to tell everyone. Apparently now was the right time.

Her statement was met with stunned silence. She still avoided looking at Barty. She did not want to see his reaction yet.

"You're what?" shrieked Bellatrix, her eyes popping at her daughter.

"Silence!" Voldemort commanded her. He was glaring at Leah. "Tell me one thing: who is the father?"

Leah swallowed her fear. This would have one of two outcomes. "Barty Crouch Jr."

She heard her mother's snarl of anger. Bella jumped up and grabbed an unsuspecting Barty by his neck. She threw him at the Dark Lord's feet.

"How dare you touch my daughter," she yelled. "How dare you! Crucio!"

Leah saw Barty twitch and spasm on the ground under her spell.

"Mother!" Leah shouted. "Mother stop!"

Leah could think of no other option. She pulled out her own wand and pointed it at Bella. "Crucio!" she screamed. Bella was knocked back off her feet. She twitched on the ground but did not utter a single scream.

"That's enough!" Voldemort yelled. Leah lifted her spell. Bella sat up, staring at Leah in disbelief.

"You will never do that to your mother again," Voldemort told her. Leah looked at the ground.

"This is my child," she said, her voice weak. "I will not let you take it from us."

"Who said anything about taking your child from you?" Voldemort sounded amused. "I am proud of your choice. Barty is a loyal Death Eater. He is a good choice. Very well, I will make other arrangements for Draco. Leave me."

Leah heard her mother huff as she stood up. Leah pulled Barty to his feet and practically ran from the hall before her mother had a chance to confront her.

"Is it true?" Barty asked her as soon as they were well away from the hall.

"Yes," Leah nodded and smiled at him. "I was waiting for the right moment to tell you."

His face broke into a smile and he dropped to his knees in front of her to kiss her stomach.