In Nobis

Chapter Five

Voldemort arrived back at Riddle Manor with the werewolf and Lord Black. He gave them a look of warning and they both bowed their heads in submission before the Dark Lord. He transfigured his robes into his standard black billowing ones and pulled his hood over his face. Voldemort concentrated his magic to cancel the effects of the polyjuice and once again disappeared on the spot to go to the Malfoy manor.

A child's laughter was the first thing that greeted the Dark Lords ears, followed by a disgruntled sounding Lucius Malfoy. "Let go of my hair child! No! Ouch!" He followed the voices and found himself shortly after and seeing the elder Malfoy holding a little girl in a yellow sundress refusing a matching yellow headband with an adorned sunflower. She managed to yank it out of Lucius hand and in a stunning show of speed managed to snap it quickly on his head. The child clapped with enthusiasm, and baby Draco pointed from the play pen at his father saying "pretty! Fwower Dadda!" much to Lucius's annoyance.

Voldemort cleared his throat to gain Lucius's attention, and the elder Malfoy immediately moved to rip the blasted headband off his head.

"No, Lucius I think it is a rather fitting look for you. Maybe consider adding it as an accessory to your death eater robes..." the Dark Lord said dryly.

Lucius looked alike he's had a rough few days. He had bags under his eyes and his usual flowing silken hair was unkempt.

" I apologize for my disheveled appearance my Lord... Cissa is upstairs resting for a while. One child is taxing enough, but two... is another story entirely. Especially when the second child is as.... spirited as she is.."

"Are two children too difficult for you Malfoy?" The Dark Lord taunted.

"No! My Lord... I'm, it's just... it takes getting used to. We will work it out. On my honor you will not have to worry about her while she is in our care master..." Lucius sputters.

"I believe your right Lucius. I will not have to worry any longer. She is coming with me now. Hand her over if you will." He said extending his arms.

Lucius handed over an excited little Hara to the Dark Lord. She was immediately tugging on his robes and nestling her face in his chest.

"Dadda! Pway?!" Tilted her head under his hood to look up at him.

The Dark Lord gave a disgruntled growl at being called "Dadda", but did not comment on it. "No little one... we are going home now..." he said patting her on the head.

Lucius held his breath and waited for some show of aggression from the Dark Lord when he heard the girl with the brilliant green eyes address him as "Dadda", but did not witness anything of the sort.

"My Lord... You'll raise the child?" The elder Malfoys paternal instincts flared bright for a moment than his of a loyal unquestioning follower. He could imagine what the poor child would be put through being raised by the Dark Lord. Crucio's for bad grades? Crucio's for being afraid of the Dark? Hell, his Lords familiar could become hungry one day and see her as easy prey.

"Yes Lucius... there is more to it than what you're privileged to know at this time. But yes, I will keep the child under my care. Though, no one is to know of her presence here yet. Understood?"

"Yes master..." Lucius bowed, and the Dark Lord made his leave back to Riddle manor.

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He found Remus and Sirius sitting in the common area between their chambers talking about the situation but their conversation quickly ended as soon as they saw him appear with the child. They leapt from their seated position and rushed to the child.