Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter, the epilogue would never have happened. Thus, all rights (and blame) go to JK Rowling.

Prologue

In an elegant but cold room somewhere in England Draco Malfoy slept fitfully when he was suddenly awakened by a hand clamped over his mouth.

"Sshh," the delicate face of his mother leaned over him. "It's just me."

"What's happened?" Draco was instantly alert and wide awake.

Narcissa's face became sorrowful. "I'm afraid what we've been dreading is here."

Draco didn't need an explanation for his mother's expression and scowled as he started to think of the consequences.

"I'm leaving it all up to you now," Narcissa said pulling his attention back on her.

"You have to promise me you will do everything you can Draco," Narcissa pleaded looking into his eyes. "Whatever happens, Lucius can never know – no one can ever know."

"Of course Mother, you have my word."

Narcissa gave him a sad smile. "I know I can count on you. Now rest, for tomorrow, everything changes." With that she silently left the room.