WALBURGA

Something was seriously wrong with my husband. Yes, we were married out of obligation and not love, but he always cared. He always cared about me and the boys, even if Sirius was a pain. After he kicked Sirius out so... so violently, I wondered who my husband was becoming. Was it the added pressure of the Dark Lord? Or was he really ruthless enough to torture his own son, just because he was being disrespected? No, I didn't believe it, there had to be another reason. Also, my Reggie. He was so distant and always looked afraid of Orion. He always hid in the library and only talked to his tutors and Kreacher. Kreacher! That was who I could ask! I summoned him to my chambers.

"Yes, Mistress?" Kreacher said.

"I have a task I need you to do, but," I paused, "You are forbidden from telling Orion."

"Yes, Mistress." Kreacher responded.

"You must spy on him. Even with the Dark Lord. You must tell me what has changed in him. Why he's been so distant and angry. You must not get caught, and if you do, do not confess on whose orders." I said. My heart was racing for what I just asked.

"Yes, Mistress. I will find out to the best of my abilities." Kreacher said nodding.

"You are dismissed," I said turning my nose.

I hated having to rely on a lowly elf to complete a job. At least this elf is not allowed to disobey.

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REGULUS

Not even five minutes after my mother summoned Kreacher was he back.

"Master! Your mother suspects something is wrong with Master Orion." Kreacher said desperately, "She wants me to spy on him."

"I did think he was being slightly odd, I just figured it was the changing times. So does that mean you cannot keep me company anymore?" I asked.

"Unfortunately, that is correct Master Regulus." Kreacher said.

"Alright, better get off to your new job then," I answered.

He disappeared with a swift pop, and I began to get ready for the ball.

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LILY

The entrance to the ball was exactly what I expected. A large gathering hall in which guests would be checked off the list and let into the ballroom. The hall had a massive chandelier lighting the immense space. The ceiling was like the one in Hogwarts, only instead of a sky, it seemed to be outer space. I was shocked, to say the least. Sev tugged my hand,

"This way Lily." He said tightly. He directed us to one of the guards.

"Severus Snape, and my plus one Lily Evans," Severus said importantly. The guard looked down and waved us in.

That was the easy part.

The ballroom was giant. Nearly bigger than the entire great hall in Hogwarts. There was an area for dancing, and live music was playing. There were tables and a buffet style set up. There were politicians sitting at one long table, in deep discussion. Severus led us to a table in the corner with three people sitting at it.

"Why hello Severus, brought along your mudblood friend?" Lucius asked.

"Yes, I brought a date," Sev said. I knew he wasn't going to defend me but it still hurt.

"Is this your young friend Lucius? He's quite... interesting. And isn't this the cutest little mudblood I've ever seen! Right honey?" The lady with the crazed hair said. Lucius bristled.

"Yes adorable sweetheart." The man sitting next to her responded.

"I'm Bellatrix Lestrange and this is my husband Rodolphus." She held out a hand.

"Nice to meet you," I said giving her the sweetest smile I could. Lucius rolled his eyes but was interested in what I was playing.

"Is she smart Severus?" Bellatrix asked. Before Severus could answer, Lucius did first.

"Oh, she is very smart for a mudblood. I heard she's top of her classes and very obedient." He said without breaking eye contact.

My heart was pounding but I forced it to calm. A serene expression came over my face as I responded, "Thank you, Lucius. I heard that you were very smart as well. Of course, I also saw you get beat by a very specific first year." Sev gave my leg a light kick.

His face went red, "I don't think I recall that happening. Anyway, I must return to my guests, have a nice night." He said finally breaking eye contact. I flashed him one more smile.

"Excuse me, I must use the ladies room," I said to the table and followed Malfoy.

He weaved through the dancers and finally went outside to the gardens. Even that was gorgeous. The garden was a maze of shrubs and flowers, so confusing you could get lost. Malfoy entered with no hesitation, as did I.

After a couple turns I felt something grab my waist. I went to scream but a hand muffled it.

"Shhh... I don't want to hurt you. I only want to know why you were following me." Lucius said.

"I... I need something from you." I said, not understanding why. That was so stupid, it was supposed to be undercover!

"What exactly do you need?" He asked, without loosening his grip.

"You have a wife correct? Narcissa?" I panicked.

"Not yet. We are betrothed." He responded.

"Well, you love her right?" I asked.

"Yeah? Just tell me what you want." He began getting frustrated.

"Well if Voldemort rises to power any future you both have is dead. And... and he recently gave you a notebook, it's a Horcrux! And I can destroy it so you all can have a wonderful life with an heir who knows only of a world without darkness!" I said without taking a breath.

"And why exactly, would I trust you? Why do you think I am not loyal to the Dark Lord?" His voice got low.

"Who wants to be ruled by an evil tyrant? No one. The only reason people join him is because they are afraid. Or," I paused, "They believe in that pureblood shite." I finished. My heart must've been beating out of my chest. Lucius made eye contact with me. I saw something flash in his eyes as he released me and pushed me to the hard gravel.

I closed my eyes expecting a curse to fly my way, but nothing came. He just stood there, offering me a hand.

"I will lead you there but you will bring me and Narcissa wherever you go. And hide us from him." Lucius said. I nodded before he could regret his decision.

"Do you have the mark?" I asked.

He only nodded as he brought me up to his room. It looked so normal. Quidditch and magical band posters on the walls, it was even slightly messy. He moved one of the posters and tapped his wand in a pattern. The book appeared and he handed it to me.

"Stay here, I'm getting Narcissa." He said.

"Get Sev too please!" I yelled behind him. Then I was alone.

I walked around the large room. Everything in this manor was large. I looked to his nightstand, a picture of him and a smiling Narcissa. They looked so happy. I heard the door turn.

"You look so-" I began.

"What are you doing up here mudblood? All by yourself?"

Bellatrix. I froze, I needed to wait for Lucius.

"Lucius brought me up here," I said, stalling.

"And why would he do that?" Bellatrix crept closer.

"I... He... he wanted my opinion on a gift for Narcissa." I said quickly. Why oh why wasn't I a better liar. Why couldn't I be any of the marauders, they could get their selves out of anything.

"I don't believe you..." Bellatrix sang dancing around the room.

Anywhere she moved, I moved opposite. We did two circles of the room before I bolted from the room. I crashed into Severus.

"We need to go NOW!" I yelled.

Everyone held on to me as I tried to activate the ring on my hand, except, the ring was missing.

"Looking for this?" Bellatrix cackled, holding up the ring, "Better be more careful with your valuables."

A sob got caught in my throat. I scanned my surroundings, there had to be a way out.

There.

A small boy that looked like a fancy carbon copy of Sirius was in the corner. I slid the book to him with a pleading glance. He winked and disappeared.

Then, everything went black.

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Xx I know, two updates in one day? Well I'm stuck at the airport bored and there's free WiFi so yayyy! Do you like it? I have ideas but somethings I don't know how to convey them. The Orion thing was an idea from the beginning though, I just never knew when to place it in. And I know some of the timeline might be screwed up (like when people were married etc.) sorry but it's for the greater good ;) xX