The loud cracks of apparition sounded in the Malfoy Manor, his head popped up and the moment was gone. I could see it in his eyes, the moment the shield fell down again. The ice and edge are back in his eyes as he stiffly pulls farther away from me. I barely moved as I watch him walk out the door again looking like his father. The room had a chill to it now; the shadows seemed to stretch across the floor like hands reaching out to steal me away from this place. I find myself wishing they would steal me away from this room. I looked across the room and saw myself in the mirror, pathetic and hollow looking. This is not me. I closed my eyes and willed myself to remember what I used to be like, what this used to be like. I tried to remember how being with someone was supposed to feel, how being happy was supposed to feel. I opened my eyes and stared at my reflection, making a decision. This was it; I had to tell him. I had to escape.

I rushed into the hall, walking quickly but quietly, afraid any loud sound would shatter the fragile state of my confidence. The halls twisted and wound around me, dark paintings loomed around me as my night robe flew out behind me. I quickly rushed down the stairs and skidded to a silent stop. I heard the sound of low mumbling voice slipped out the doors of the dining room. The stepped closer to the door, praying that this was all a mistake and it was not what I thought it was.

"My loyal followers I am glad to have you here tonight, we must discuss young Malfoy's mission." The blood in my veins instantly chilled. It was true. "And he has accepted to take the mark, this winter holiday."

Draco. I backed away slowly, all thoughts of proving myself slipping from my mind. Draco. I numbly walked back to his room, no our room, the words I heard echoing hollowly in my head. I shakily sat on the bed, trying to stop the tremors of fear running through my body. My hands were shaking and my eyes refused to focus on anything. The room around me swam a blur of deep blues and silvers. It all made sense. The sudden change to this cold cruel Malfoy, the desperate looks that plagued my dreams, I was so sure I had imagined it all. I hardly moved from the bed, trying to still my physical and mental shaking. That is when he came back.

I looked up into those silver eyes and all I saw was emptiness. I reached out taking his cold hand in mine, our fingers laced together in a pattern that was so second nature it was like breathing. In an instant I was pulled tight against him his arms crushing my small frame into his chest. I felt him start to shake as I ran my hand up his back.

"I can't do this Astoria, but I can't lose you and my mother." His voice cracked and I tried to pull him closer. I ran my hands up into his hair and tried to remember how to speak. It felt like hours we stood there, both shaking and so afraid before Draco started pulling away. "I don't want to be like him."

"Draco, you will never be your father."