Harry Potter and the Daughter of Azkaban's Embrace

Dementor's Unexpected Reprieve

The next morning, I stepped into the shower, letting the warm water wash away the remnants of the previous day's turmoil. The droplets cascaded down my skin, soothing my tense muscles. As I dressed, Molly burst in without knocking, her sudden entrance shattering my fragile calm.   "Druella, dear..." she started, her voice laced with concern. I shrieked, clutching my clothes to my chest. "Molly, oh my goodness! Get out!" My heart was racing, I felt exposed and vulnerable.

Molly's face turned bright red. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to intrude."

She took a step back, her hands raised in apology.   I hastily retreated into the closet, yanking on my clothes. "It's okay, just... just leave for now, please." My voice trembled, emotions raw.

Molly hesitated, concern etched on her face. "Alright, dear. Let me know if you need anything." She quietly closed the door, leaving me to collect myself.  I emerged, still shaken. Molly's sudden entrance startled me, but as I smoothed my blouse, her gaze fell upon the scars on my back and stomach, visible through the gap. Her eyes widened in shock and compassion. "Druella, dear, what...what happened?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Memories of Lucius's cruelty resurfaced, and I shook my head, avoiding eye contact. "Later, Molly." The pain was still too fresh.  Molly's voice dropped to a whisper. "It was him, wasn't it? That monster." Her eyes flashed with anger.  I didn't say a word, I picked up Morgana holding her tight. Lowering my head and nodding my head Molly's anger burns confirming her suspicion. A mix of emotions swirled within me – shame, guilt, and relief.

Molly's face hardened. "That bloody bastard," she muttered, I tried to speak but she interrupted "Don't worry dear." She told me and stormed out. The door slammed shut behind her. I took a deep breath, focusing on my makeup and composing myself. Donning a flowy white blouse, dark green skirt, ankle boots, and long stockings, I smiled looking at the mirror feeling beautifully armoured and protected from prying eyes. I sighed lifting my shirt and the scars on my body. I shed a tear "I'm on my own." I whispered Ron came in I didn't realize "Druella." I quickly lifted down my shirt. Ron raised an eyebrow "What happened." I grabbed my trunk "It's nothing Ron let's just focus on going to Kings Cross."

Clutching Morgana, I headed out with the Weasleys to King's Cross Station. Arthur's watchful gaze made me uneasy, though grateful for his protection.  Ginny's avoidance stung, but I understood. She struggled to reconcile her friendship with me I'm aware she isn't fond of me.  As we reached the platform, a large black dog appeared beside me, its eyes locked onto mine. I felt an inexplicable sense of calm wash over me.   "Whose dog?" I asked Molly.  She shrugged. "No idea. Must be a stray."  I hesitantly reached out, and the dog nuzzled my hand, its fur soft and comforting.   Arthur leaned in, his voice low. "I'll keep you safe, Druella. You're under our protection now."  

I met his gaze, seeing determination and concern. "You know?"   He nodded. "Your aunt told us. I'm sorry for what happened." His eyes narrowed. "We'll make sure he pays."   My cheeks flushed, gratitude and shame mingling. "You can face this." I was confused "Pardon." He continued "Whatever will happen this term you can face it." He held my shoulder "You are strong you will be great."I never had a male figure tell me this. Aside from Professor Snape a few times. Yet I am not sure what to expect I almost shed a tear but I caught it and nodded Thank you, Arthur." As I boarded the Hogwarts Express, the black dog disappeared. At the time its presence comforted me, though I didn't understand why. "Mum said you'll get the scars removed right?" Percy asked quietly.   I nodded. "Over the holidays. Madam Pomfrey knows someone who can help. But for now, Mother and Aunt Narcissa want me to have them covered." Percy's eyes softened. "You'll be okay, Druella."

I held Morgana tightly but Pansy walked up to me. I had no time for her yet I grinned "Oh hi how've you been." Pansy "Oh I'm good actually." I grinned looking up and down. "Did you know Lucius traded away his family's loyalty for a cheap thrill?" Pansy rolled her eyes "You act like your family's so perfect! Your aunt still keeping, her married name isn't she? Sounds like shes not loyal anyway if she's keeping her married name of the name who cheated on her." I chuckled "Silly Pancy you got it all wrong. She's keeping the Malfoy name because her goal is to repair the Malfoy name." I slowly walked to her grinning at her my teeth showing delight in her fear. "My mother and aunt will rebuild the Malfoy name. I mean my mother has already done so with the Black family." I lingered at her "My aunt has loyalty she is sticking to the Malfoy name. Despite everything, she's strong stronger than you and your filthy family. I know all about you now. Your mother is a whore your father is a faithless loveless man. Your brother Phineas is it? A stupid weak fool." I chuckled again "I heard about him a rotten kid. Just like you Pansy. Yet your parents never focused on you both. Your parents were ever happy together there were rumours on your father who had a few affairs as now look at the result."