There are only two things I'd risk my life for: love and revenge -- Spring 1997

My eyes were glinting with my madness within.  "Hurry, you two," I hissed, grabbing Draco's arm.  I did not care about my niece -- whether she fell or not -- but I wanted Draco to hurry up so he could see the Dark Lord.  He would be so rewarded!

I stopped for a moment to lift Juniper up into my arms as she was barely able to walk anymore.  I stayed silent towards Aunt Bellatrix.  I would prefer not ot hurry, but I knw what would happen if we did not get back quickly.  "Stay with me, June," I whispered so our aunt could not hear me.  I did not want to lose my twin after everything...

I closed my eyes again once Draco picked me up, grateful that I wouldn't have to stumble along anymore, and let my head rest against his chest. He walked a few steps before he told me to stay with him. I forced myself to use some of my last remaining energy to open my eyes and look at him. "I'm right....here." I told him weakly. "I always.....will be." I forced my eyes to remain open a few moments longer before they closed and my head was against him once again. I could feel the darkness coming, but I had to say one more thing to him before I passed out. I wasn't going to be there to help him through everything with the Dark Lord, I was too weak, I had to make sure he knew what I was going to say. "I.....I...love you." I mumbled. Then, the darkness took me and I was out.

I kissed the top of her head.  I would get her to the manor and up to her room and safe.  There was no one who would touch her.  I would throw magic protection around her room even though, technically, I should not do magic outside of school.  But there were so many full grown wizards at the manor, the Ministry would never know.

"Hurry along, Draco," I said, pushing him forward.  "I can take her... go see your father," I added, wanting to have a little more fun with my niece before letting her be.

I glared at my aunt.  "You will not touch her," I said, not letting her bully me right now.  After what I did, she could not say a word to me.  "I will be down in the drawing room when I get my sister settled."  I got her to her room and laid her down gently.  I wrote her a quick note, telling her what spells I cast for her to lift when she woke.  I hoped that it was legible enough for her -- I was shaking.  From fear, adrenaline, and a million other things flowing through my body all at once.

I sneered at Draco, but did not stop him.  The Dark Lord was here and I needed to be with him.  I went to the drawing room and saw that the Death Eaters were there, in addition to Greyback.  I smiled, bowing when I reached the Dark Lord.  I stood on his right side and whispered, "The boy will be down shortly.  He is preparing himself..."

I laid Juniper down on the bed and kissed her forehead.  I was not sure if she could hear me, but I needed her to know this.  "Juniper, I love you so much.  None of this is your fault.  I am so sorry if I don't make it... but I can't take the Mark.  I already did more than what I ever thought to protect you and mum... but this is my limit.  I broke my soul, but I wont' sell it.  I just hope I make it through to be here for you when you wake up.  I love you and I am sorry if I don't get to say it to you again," I said to her, choking on some tears.

Gathering my composure, I left and went down to the drawing room.  I took a deep breath before opening the door.  I saw them all standing there before him.  I walked in and kept my mouth shut, trying to keep his piercing gaze.  I would not show weakness.

I smiled broadly when my nephew walked in.  "Draco, come," I said, hoping to be able to help in the most important moment of his life.

I took a deep breath adn stepped forward when Aunt Bellatrix called for me.  The Dark Lord was standing there and I could hear my heart pounding.  Please... please let me not lose my resolve.  I will not become one of them, I thought to myself.  I needed to stay strong to keep from becoming a deaht Eater.

I watched with bated breath and watched the Dark Lord approach my nephew.  He whispered to him and I could see my nephew cringe.  I narrowed my eyes at him as a warning though the Dark Lord had taken care of the cringe.  I knew he would become one of us in just moments.  But then my nephew said a word I never thought anyone would say to the Dark Lord.

I looked the Dark Lord in his red eyes after I composed myself from the punishment from flinching.  If that was the punishment for that... how on earth would I survive what i was going to say next?  His question chilled me to the bone.  Was I ready?  I looked into those slits and said, "Never."

I hear gasps fill the room.  "Never," I repeated.  And that was when the torture began.