The Broken Blonde

Chapter Seventy-One

I woke up the next morning freezing not having any recollection of the previous day, I laid for a second trying to remember where I was since the last couple of days where a complete blur. I looked over to the fire that was now just a mound of burnt logs and ash, I reached my hand over and brushed my arm feeling the goosebumps rise from how cold it was. I heaved myself up from the uncomfortable position I woke up in on the couch but squirmed at the cramp that formed in my neck. I sat rubbing my neck trying to remember at least how I got here, I presumed I was just too tired to climb up the stairs so conked out on the couch instead, strange but I wouldn't put it past me.

I stood up still massaging my neck while making my way over to the huge window that was now frosted so I wasn't able to see through it, I scanned the room, it hadn't changed in the slightest from when I last saw it, still dreary and deserted. I sighed as I began to regain small memories from what had happened while I was away realising that I was basically back to square one, I was foolish to believe anyone would be able to help me anyway but at least it confirmed that I could manage doing things on my own accord it'd just take more work, and I was prepared to do so.

I went into the kitchen and opened all the cupboards that were mainly just filled with bland boxed food from more expensive brands I've never heard of but I was starving so I grabbed a few boxes of crackers. I knew I wouldn't be able to get through all of them on my own but I knew someone who may be able to help with that, I stuffed some under my jumper and hurried past down the hallway to the drawing room. There was hardly anyone around the manor and if there was they didn't take the slightest bit of notice of me so I was left on my own the majority of the time.

I opened the doors making sure not to drop all the crackers on the floor and made my way down the dingy stairs that led to the basement, if I wasn't able to free Luna then the least I could do is be there for her. I hurried down the stairs as quietly as possible eventually reaching the rusted iron bars, she mustn't have heard me coming since there was complete silence.

"Luna" I whispered loud enough so that she could hear, she timidly emerged from the darkness of the cell surprisingly not in a worser state then I would have thought, once she saw that it was me a smile began forming on her pale face.

"I brought you a few things, I know it isn't much compared to my promise but I'm working on it" I handed her a box of cracker and pulled out my wand from my back pocket passing them both through the railings.

"But your wand Y/n, you need it" Her high pitched voice echoed through the basement hesitant to take it, she looked at me confused to why I gave her it but it was the least I could do since she got hers confiscated.

"Its more of a use to you then it is me, I'll find a new one don't worry about it" I said insisting she should take it, again she was still uncertain whether she should or not but eventually after enough convincing she did. I sat down on the cold stairs trying to make myself as comfortable as possible while I was reciting where was over the past few days.

"And thats when I met up with Isabella, quite fond of you she is Luna" I added remembering the look she had on her face whilst she talked about her, I wanted to help Luna feel as if she was still involved even though we both hadn't any idea how long it'd be before she managed to get out.

"Really?" She murmured her face beginning to blush, I could tell she felt the exact same just by the way they react as their names are mentioned to each other. Seeing her innocent face light up made me feel even worse than it should, I couldn't help but think that I've failed the one task I wanted to complete.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here before; I can't even imagine how horrible it is being alone down here"

"Don't be so silly. I haven't been completely alone, he hasn't missed a single morning-" Luna was quickly cut off by the sound a loud bang coming from upstairs followed by footsteps, I gestured for her to hide as I stayed sitting silently on the stairs trying to avoid being seen.

"Have you any idea of what could happen to you if you're seen down here Ceradwin? You're so fucking naïve" Draco muttered harshly as he made his way down the stairs, he brushed his hands through his hair as if I were once again doing something to aggravate him.

"I hadn't really much time to care, after all I'd rather be down here then up there with you and your 'kind remarks'" I smiled sarcastically while looking up at him nearing me, I bit into another cracker that had no taste to it whatsoever but it satisfied me more than arguing I suppose.

"Okay sure but you didn't come across that way last night. You do nothing but contradict yourself so maybe listen to me this time before you get yourself killed" As soon as he mentioned last night I instantly recalled exactly what happened looking down at the floor ashamed for how pathetic I was, first night being back at the manor and you immediately make a complete fool out of yourself, nice one Y/n.

"All I do is listen to you Draco, I think I can decide for myself if I'd like to risk my life thank you." I glanced up and shifted my eyes towards the stairs gesturing for him to just leave me, I could tell he was pissed off that I didnt obey his shitty little orders but he clearly wasn't in the mood to argue about it even though he looked as if he was going to be the one to kill me. He gave me one last glare before storming up the stairs.

"And don't be thinking too much into last night, you just caught me at a bad time" I shouted up irritably in attempt to squash any recollection of last nights events, after all I was delusional. I heard the door slam shut upstairs shaking the entire house, it was clear he was livid.

It was silent for a moment before I told Luna she was in the clear, I couldn't help but think what she meant before Draco rudely interrupted though just as I was about to ask I heard some more voices coming from upstairs. I once again froze knowing that this time it wasn't Draco, no these voices were faint and secretive as if they were hiding something.

"They're bringing them to my house?" The stern but monotone voice was familiar and the more I replayed it in my head the more recognizable it was until eventually it came to me, it was Lucius. I listened more intently trying to work out who the other voice belonged to but I dont believe I've ever heard it before.

"But Sir they didn't have any other choice, they were told by the Dark Lord that the Manor now belongs to all" This voice was timid and very flustered as if he feared Lucius as much as he did the Dark Lord his voice shaking nervously at every word.

"You think I'd ever share this house with peasants like you? Begone Wormtail, I'll deal with this myself." The name took me back a bit, at first, I didn't even think it was a name, 'Wormtail' was more of a name for an animal and Lucius clearly treated them like the sort. I heard the door shut and presumed they left so I began to make my way up the stairs.

Though I quickly came to a halt when I heard someone pacing the drawing room eagerly at a fast speed, I froze and crouched hoping that I didn't draw any attention to myself clinging to the cobble wall of the basement. I made sure I was silent trying to listen in on his muttering, it was sharp and repetitive but faint, very faint.

"Please be the boy" Was what I settled with the further a snuck up the stairs, it took me a second to grasp on to what on earth he was talking about but once it did my heart sunk and I again was overwhelmed with a huge amount of guilt. They have Harry.