CHAPTER TWENTY
Confession In Camden Town
September 4th, 1978.

"My love, are you ready?" Amalthea's voice echoed behind the door as Daphne finished zipping her black dress.

Two months after her birthday and after she saw James. Today, for the first time, since she joined the Death Eaters, she had a meeting. An important one. According to her father and the many letters exchanged with Narcissa in the last few days, the meeting would happen at Malfoy's manor and during daytime. Daphne had gotten the invitation a week ago and hadn't stopped thinking of it ever since, so many questions spiralled in her mind such as—who would be here? Just the ones he trusts or everyone. Why was he meeting only now? Why was she invited this time? Or would she manage to catch a glimpse of Regulus?

"Yes, I am," she finally replied, walking out of her bedroom. "Is it good enough? Dad told me to wear this, but I am not so sure," she admitted.

Amalthea gave her a tight smile before bringing her hand up to her bangs to fix them, "You look perfectly fine, darling. For once, your Father made a good choice," she said, making Daphne snort. "You know, usually...Letty or me are the ones picking his clothes for him. This man wouldn't know how to dress properly either way."

"Oh don't worry, I knew," she answered before taking a long pause. "Mum, do you reckon I'll see Regulus today?"

"Probably so. He has to attend."

Checking her watch, she sighed and turned on her heels to face her Mum, "Well, I think I should go or I might be late," she spoke up as her Mum nodded. "Alright, I'll see you later. I love you."

"I love you, too," she replied, pressing a kiss to her cheek as she watched Daphne walk towards the living room so she could use the floo network.

Arriving immediately in the parlour, she took a second to make sure her dress had no folds and her makeup hadn't gone away with the powder chimney. Voices could be heard on the other side of the Manor. Usually, it was rare to hear so far but Daphne was starting to think that there were more than ten at this meeting. Taking a deep breath, she navigated through the Manor as if she was home—and she could feel how the atmosphere had shifted. Everything felt so...black and dark.

"Oh, Daph," Narcissa's voice pulled her out of her thoughts as she snapped her head towards the familiar voice. Her cousin was strolling down the corridor towards her. "I thought you wouldn't come."

"Do you think that low of me, Cissa?" Daphne snorted as she pulled her into a hug. "How have you been? I haven't been able to come cover during the summer but thank you for the gift, it meant a lot."

Narcissa smiled softly, "No worries, Daphne. Perhaps we could chat later? As for now, we—well, you more than me have to attend the meeting."

"Right," she replied, breathing out as she followed her cousin through the Manor. "Is He here?"

"Oh yes, Lucius made him stay at home," she explained. "See, at this time of the year, I don't get to organise any ball. Besides, he trusts Lucius so I reckon my husband doesn't want to disappoint him."

"Makes sense."

As she finally reached the room, after what felt like an eternity; she took a deep breath, straightened her posture and headed straight inside. The room was packed with many people with many accents that she couldn't quite understand. Nervously, she scanned the room until she landed on Regulus who was having a conversation with Severus Snape. Daphne could act surprised to see him here but she always had that kind of feeling that he would end up here, well last time she heard of him, he wanted to be part of whatever they were.

"Reg," she called for him as she reached his side. "Snape," she greeted the man with a nod as he did the same.

Regulus had grown up but that wasn't the most important part. His face's traits had hardened as if he had been through hell, quite literally. His eyes were dead and he looked annoyed to be here. Had something happened during summer that no one of them were aware of?

"Daphne," he spoke up once Snape had wandered away. "Hello, how have you been?"

"I could ask you the same question," she replied angrily. "We've been waiting for letters all summer. Are you okay? Hurt? Angry? Tell me."

Regulus looked up and shook his head, "None, Daphne. I'm rather...alright," he replied in a monotonous tone, which she hated. "Is Evan aware that I am not returning to Hogwarts?"

"Yes, he knows and he was devastated to learn this detail from my Mum," she answered in a hushed voice. "Did your parents force you?"

"What? Of course not! They're not as bad as my older brother describes them, you know."

Daphne frowned, "Regulus, I see them way more than Sirius does. Do you once believe that I would believe any of Sirius' words?"

"Right."

Coughs were heard and considering the immediate silence, she understood Lord Voldemort had entered the room. She watched as everyone took a seat and whispered in low voices, almost afraid that he would hear. Daphne had never been to that kind of meeting before, and therefore she had no idea where to sit. Regulus' hand wrapped around her wrist, pulling her a few seats away from where she was and tugged on it so she could sit down. He glanced at her merely as he puffed his chest, gaining a few inches.

"Welcome," his voice sent chills through her body and she could feel her hair rising on her forearm. "Ah, I see Miss Rosier joined us," he added, his eyes landing on her and she could feel everyone's eyes on her petite frame.

Her cousin, Bellatrix, scoffed due to the lack of attention towards her. Daphne always felt like she was in love with Tom, which wouldn't be a surprise to anyone really. Not even her own husband. But as for now, Daphne felt like she was taken back months earlier when the rumours started and everyone would stare at her in the Great Hall, the corridors or even on the pitch.

"My Lord," she finally found the courage to speak up.

He gave her a tight smile, "Oh, I am extremely delighted to see that you are finally part of us."

"So am I," she replied shortly, bowing her head.

He looked away and settled eyes on Regulus, next to her, "Marvellous. Regulus Black, how was your summer?"

"Good," he answered. "Scotland is a wonderful place."

"Good, good. Have you done what I asked?" He queried.

Regulus cleared his throat, "I have recruited over ten people at the ministry who were interested in following you, My Lord. Some are highly placed in the hierarchy," he explained. "Crouch's son, Barty Jr, would be interested in joining you."

"How could he be a great asset?"

Regulus cleared his throat, "He still lives with his parents. His father works there."

"I see," he released a breath. "Bring him in next time, please."

It went on for twenty minutes, he asked most of the people around the table and towards the end, Daphne was quite amazed at how much was going on. From the outside, no one could ever imagine what was going on. So many missions and so many people involved.

"Alright, Daphne," he called out for her and she immediately snapped her head to the side, her eyes wide open in shock. "I would like for you to spy on some people," he started, linking his hands together. "We've heard that old Dumbledore created his own little army. From what we know, there aren't many people, just some freshly graduated from Hogwarts. For instance, Sirius Black; Lily Evans, a mere Muggle; James Potter..." The list went on and on but she couldn't bring herself to listen properly. "All I'm asking you is to spy on them. Would you be able to do it?"

"Of course, My Lord," she replied shakily.

"Perfect then."

Everyone stood up and exited the room but Daphne stayed still, a little shaken up by her first task. Footsteps were heard behind her but she didn't bother turning around, it was the firm hand on her shoulder that made her snap out of her trance.

"Daphne, love, don't get yourself down," Tom spoke up and she gasped softly. "Are you afraid?"

"I don't think so," she answered, closing her eyes as his hand moved towards her cheek.

He let out a sigh, caressing her cheek as she looked up to him, "You have nothing to be afraid of, darling," he said. "You are one of my greatest assets even though you do not realise it yet. Your skills are like no others," he added, his hand still on her cheek. "That task may seem childish but it is one of the hardest because you have to blend in. You can not just go around and follow those idiots like a puppy; you need to be aware and careful."

Daphne nodded, "I will," she told him, locking eyes with him. She had never stared at him too long and she was quite shocked at how his eyes seemed dead. As if, nothing was alive behind it. "How am I supposed to keep you updated?"

"Send me a letter each week explaining everything you have seen or heard," he said. "You should start in Diagon Alley, Sirius Black apparently lives there with his little friend, Remus Lupin. I reckon his friends may visit and perhaps a few meetings will happen there."

"Is it wise of me to move to Diagon Alley so I can spy on them better?" She asked because she needed guidance, she had never done such a thing and as much as she hated to admit it, she needed help.

He hummed, "Perfect. See? You are already thinking the right way, love."

Sitting down at the cafe in Camden Town, she waited patiently for Evan who was supposed to join her soon. After her short conversation with Tom she immediately headed out of the Manor, she didn't even bother looking for Narcissa nor Regulus. She just needed to breathe and to see her brother. Grabbing the cigarette from the packet she had bought on her way there, she lighted it and exhaled slowly. Smoking was an awfully bad habit but Merlin, how peaceful she felt after that one inhale she had craved for hours. Evan dragged the chair in front of her, sat down and stared at her for a few seconds then sighed.

"Spit it out," he said, lying back in his chair.

Daphne rolled her eyes, "Hello, Ev! Oh hello, Daph. How was the meeting?" She mimicked his voice as he chuckled. "I ordered your favourite by the way," she muttered, blowing the smoke sideways.

"Sorry and thank you," he replied. "How was it?"

"Bloody terrifying," she replied. "I saw Reg again, he looked like he had been through hell. There were so many people at the table, you wouldn't believe me if I told you who were there—And, Regulus proposed to Tom to give Barty the mark, he said yes."

"Did he?"

"Yes, now that I think of it, I'm kind of mad? Because I'm not even sure that he has consulted Barty since May," she muttered. "Oh, and he gave me a mission too. I have to spy on Dumbledore's little army."

Evan snorted loudly, shaking his head, "You mean Potter and his little friends?"

"Exactly. I'm not sure who else is part of that army but he asked me to take care of that. I'll have to move to Diagon Alley."

"Bloody what?" He exclaimed, his eyes wide as he gazed at her in shock. "You mean, you'll leave the house?"

Daphne grimaced, "Well he left me no choice, Ev...If that makes you feel better, you can come see the flats with me. And I think I can allow myself to get one with two rooms so you can have yours. Do you want to?"

"Of course I want to!"

"Right."

Minutes passed as none of them dared to speak. Evan was sad, definitely sad that his big sister would be leaving the family manor. He didn't know what he expected really, after all she was eighteen and freshly graduated—Death Eaters or not, she had to move one day or another but somehow, he didn't expect that soon.

"Evan, can I tell you something?"

He nodded with a soft smile, "Anything, Daffy."

"I used to be with someone and I used to love them. I never told anyone, well because you'd be disappointed in me. He was a Gryffindor, I know that is ridiculous but Merlin, I loved him," she spilled rapidly, stumbling on a few words here and there.

"A Gryffindor, eh?"

"Yeah..."

"Was he good to you?" He asked, resting his head on his hands as he looked at her. Almost as if he was trying to see right through her.

Daphne hummed, "He was, he really was. I was the one who wasn't good for him and I realised that kind of late," she admitted.

"Daph, you're my sister. I don't care if you date a bloody Hufflepuff at this point, all I want is for you to be happy and if that secret Gryffindor made you happy then I don't care what he was," he explained, reaching for her hand across the table. "I love you, Daph."

"I love you too, Ev."

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authors note, i'm finally updating and i'm so so so happy with what i came up with :) it kind of marks the beginning of the post-hogwarts chapters!!! anyways, i hope you all liked it <3

i love you so so so much! (chapter 21 is in the draft)