?Can.You.Find.My.Soul.And.Lead.It.Back.Home?

[Corliss Malfoy]

It seemed like a normal outing. Perfectly safe like every other time the students visited Hogsmeade. The sky was gray and clouds lingered in it's murky depths. Something was going on, just what it was, Corliss knew not. All she knew was that a special Hufflepuff was waiting to have a cup of tea with her. Smiling, she turned onto a near empty street. A man sitting on a bench, his head bowed so you couldn't see his face was there. Even he was very quiet.

Corliss stopped for a moment, the sandy blonde headed man looking familiar. Shrugging her slender shoulders, she continued down the street, taking little interest in anything she passed. A sigh escaped her lips as thoughts of the man overtook her thoughts. I must know him form somewhere.... Father? Thats it! Craven Smith! Thats his name! she thought, smiling wider as she closed in on the man. She was about to greet him when his rough voice reached her ears. "Hello, Craven. I would love to stay and chat, but two very important people are waiting for me. Send Father my love. Good day Mr. Smith." she said in a cheery manner, turning on her heel and walking away.

As she walked away, she rested her hand on her wand, which barely poked out of the pocket she had stored it in. She was pulling in out when the strange tingling feeling crossed over her neck. She only got this feeling when someone was watching her. She shuddered, turning back around. She was about to ask him why he was staring when she fell to the ground, hit smack dab in the chest by the strongest stunning spell she had ever tried to fight off. After a bit of exasperation, she found herself unable to throw it off. She felt her wand being pulled from her hand.

The unmoving Corliss was lifted into the arms of her attacker, Mr. Craven Smith. She stared off into space, all the while, panicked thoughts rushing through her mind. She knew what must be happening. The man, after all, was a young, single man in his late 20's. She wanted to scream and throw her arms around to get free, but she knew there was little chance in that. Many things could happen to her know as she was laid out on the cold ground of a deserted alley. Dread washed through her body. She thought of Noah, and begged herself to throw the curse off. She couldn't though, she was too weak,

The tightening of something on her ankles made her angry. What did he think he was doing? Was he is his right mind? Father would have his head when he found out. Before she could come up with a plan, cold water was running down her neck and face, stunning her out of the stunned form. She sputtered the cold liquid from her face as the man got a firm grasp on her right and left wrist. She was about to scream when her tongue was glued to the top of her mouth, preventing any noise. She was totally trapped, nowhere to go, no one to save her.

Before long, and with a good two bruises to the attackers face, Corliss was tied securely to the ground. She couldn't think of anything to do. All that needed to be done was to grab hold of her wand, but it was far out of reach. She groaned softly, not wanting to see him as he entered her sight. She turned her head, dreading the action right after she had done it. "I'll make you feel so much better, Cory. Trust me. But you must look at me." he commanded, his voice still soft and seductive, She looked up at him only when his strong hand jerked her chin up. "Thats better." he mumbled.

Glaring at the man as he kissed her, she laid there, not wanting anything to do with the event to come. She closed her eyes, not wanting to cry. It was a sign of weakness, and to show this man weakness was a horrible thought. But she couldn't control it. As her clothes were torn from her body, tears glistened down her pale cheeks. She closed her mind and thoughts as Craven committed the terrible crime.

*********

After what seemed like hours, Corliss opened her tear filled eyes. Through the whole thing, not once had she stopped crying. She must have fallen asleep because she did not remember pulling her now clothes legs to her chest. She scrambled over to the pile of trash where her wand was and found a simple note.

Dearest Corliss,
I am very sorry for what I have done. I needed to leave a piece of myself in this world as I departed. Please, have the baby I left in you and take care of it. For me. I know you will never forgive me, but for the sake of our child, take care of the little child.
Forever love,
Craven Smith

Sobbing softly, Corliss shoved the note down into one of her black boots, not wanting anyone to know. She wouldn't be able to go to Noah now, so she pressed the Dark Mark on her arm and prayed that Noah would come quickly. She prayed that someone, be it Noah or Tucker, come find her.

[Tucker Pierce]

Head down, buried into his coat, Tucker watched the ground with blurry eyes. The wore a shade of melancholy, which showed through his fake 'I'm okay' mask, drastically. His dark eyes no longer showed 'okay-ness,' or he was not okay. Not even close to it. His hands shook quickly, as his breath was parted into separate gasps. They were short and even, but they were also shaky. He looked stiff, and struggled as he walked through the sea of people, who turned to stare at him. He didn't meet their daring eyes, instead he kept his eyes down. He knew he was showing weakness, but how could he not. Especially at this sorrowful time in his wacko life.

Tuck's large hands found his face, rubbing his temple with quite force. He had a major headache creeping up on him, only to make him feel worse than he already did. He walked swiftly into the homey tea shop, grabbing a warm mug of green tea. He sipped it, and it was like an antidote to his headache, and shakiness. As if lightening had hit him, he dropped the easily breakable glass, and it shattered loudly as it clashed against the stained tile. He grunted, his eyes saying 'sorry' to the waitress. Shaking his head he walked to the males bathroom, looking at himself in the mirror.

Large tears rolled down his eyes as he thought he saw a little flash of Claire in his features. Finally, wondering why he had dropped the mug, he pulled the sleeve of his long black shirt up to his elbow, watching the glowing dark mark. He sighed, knowing immediately that Corliss needed his help. He ran a hand through his short hair, practically running out of the tea shop. He sprinted outside, his gut telling him exactly where Corliss was.

He turned down a narrow alley, seeing a streak of blond hair. His eyes were dark, and determined as he approached his so called sister. He sat down next to her his eyes filled with sorrow once more. He watched her patiently, his eyes asking for an explanation, although he could tell she wanted an explanation for why his eyes were blood shot. He cleared his throat, speaking hoarsely to Corley. "Cor... Claire's dead." He sobbed, leaning his head back against the rough brick. Tears streamed down his face but he didn't care if Corliss saw him at his weakest point.

[/left]

[Corliss Malfoy]

The seconds turned to minutes as Corliss awaited help form anyone. She wished that one of her girl friends would come, they could help her cope with the ting that had just happened. The only person she couldn't bare to see was her brother, Scorpius. She felt so dirty and helpless. All the things that went aganist being a Malfoy. Sihing, she wiped the tears from her eyes, new ones replacing them. How could this have happened, why now?
After she burried her head in her knees and began to sob once again, she hearf the heave footsteps of a familiar person. She tried rto stop crying as she looked up, the sad expression on her Tucker's face. Her Tucker, the one she had hurt in the past week, was now there to comfort her. She leaned closer to him as he spoke, her heart tearing in too. "No.... Hell no!" she whispered, thinking it was some kind of sick joke. There was no smile on his face though. He was telling the truth. "It will be ok, Tukie. It will be okay. Soon, we will have another joyful child running aroud the Slytherin Common Room." she whispreed, her right hand on Tucker's and the left resting on her tummy. She looked away, feeling ashamed.
"You remember Craven Smith. It was him." she whispered, pushing her hair away from her face. She thrust her hand in her boot and removed the not, dropping it on Tucker's lap. "What happened to Clairbear?" she asked, her voice soft and comforting. She forgot about her problem for a moment, just wanting to hold her 'brother'. "I'm here to help you and your here to help me. Just like always." she said, a sad smile on her lips.

[Tucker Pierce]

Tuck's dark eyes flashed up, and were now filled with both melancholy, and utter surprise. His mouth dropped open, as he stared at Corliss with dark, wide eyes. He moved his hand to her stomach, with a feeling of exasperation. "Nu-uh! Cor... you're kidding me?" He brought his voicce down to a hushed whisper for Corliss' ears only, "You're pregnant? Was it by force... or did you give in?" He questioned her, though he was pretty sure he already knew the answer to his heart throbbing question.

Tuck leaned towards Corliss, wrapping his arms around her soothingly. The sobbed together, about both things, and Tucker couldn't feel better about letting his emotions out. They had seemed to be banging on a 5 inch glass window, trying to break free. He sighed, pulling away from Corliss, ready to explain what had happened to Claire. No matter how much it would tear him apart, piece by piece, he would get through it.

"My father... he escaped Azkaban. When Lou and I were walking back to the castle after our huge fight I saw Claire... and then... the professors were holding my father back. He was going crazy, then he saw me and I approached him. There were about ten guys holding me back from murdering him right then and there. He said to me, 'I'm not done her Tucker. Your little girlfriend is next. Then your two girl best friends. The Lestrange one, and then the Malfoy one. Watch your back son.' That's when I got really mad." Tucker spoke, his voice crackling, as more tears dazzled down his cheeks. "There's no doubt in my mind, Cor, that he will go for your baby once you give birth to him or her." Tucker shuddered, pushing the thought away from his mind.

[/left]

[Corliss Malfoy]

Corliss knew she would have to be okay with sharing her story. She would have to do it often now. "Yes. Yes I am pregant. Craven stunned me and tied me down in this alley. I don't know why really, all I have is that note. But I'm going to have the baby, not for his sake, but for mine. I couldn't bare to hurt the child." she whispered as Tucker pulled her into him. She cried with him as they let their emotions get the better of them. She cried for herself, for Tucker, for Claire, for all those who knew the sweet little girl, the baby that was inside her. She knew it was going to be hard, but they could make it work.

A schocked expression covered all the sadness on the small girl's face. His father had, had escaped and killed Claire? Threatened to kill Lou, Kia and herself. Corliss said nothing, waiting for Tucker to finish. She stread at him, not wanting to think about losing her baby. "No. He won't get any of us. I'll die before he gets to my baby." she said softly, having a gut feeling that she was having a boy. She smiled at Tucker. "You know what? I have the strongest feeling that its a boy. I'm going to name him Easton Cole. Do you like it?" she said, trying to lift the sadness. "If it is a girl, I will name her Hanna Grace." she finsihed, smiling again.

[Tucker Pierce]

Tucker sighed, wrapping his arms around Corliss' shoulder, allowing her to lay on his chest. Tears stopped pouring out of his eyes, as if he had already cried them all out. He sighed, feeling terrible, and feeling terrible for Corliss. He sighed deep in his chest, kissing the top of Corliss' head in a brother like fashion. He cradled her in his arms, sobbing once more when he realized that he use to hold Claire the same exact way. His heart was torn into millions of little pieces, all laid on the ground beneath his feet, in a patter that spelled the word 'murder'.

Tucker felt dead himself. As if when Claire died, he died along with her. He was now simply lost little puppy, looking for it's home, which was no where to be found. His hand ran through Corliss' hair lovingly, feeling her hurt. "I know... I'm not going to let him touch any of you. You guys are the only family I have left." His voice was scared... he was absolutely frightened by what he said, afraid that his dad actually would get a hand on them.

[/left]

[Corliss Malfoy]

Corliss let Tucker hold her for as long as he wanted, not wanting to ruin anything. She sighed deep in his chest, oddly happy for the normally joyous thing. "You know, I'm not depressed that I'm having a baby, I'm just sad because of how it happened." she said when Tucker let go of her. "If it makes you feel any better, I'll want you with me, when, y'know, it happens." she whispered, looking away. "That is, if you want to be there. If not then its okay!" she hastly added, looking back. She was quite for a while, letting him finish another sentence. "He won't get us. I promise. I don't know how your father got out or got in the school, but they'll be taken extra effort to protect us." she said softly, a smile on her lips. "Hey! You never told me what you thought of the names! Easton Cole for the boy I'm thinking it is, or Hannah Grace for a girl." she said, tears still trickling down her cheeks. No matter how happy she wanted to be, she couldn't stop crying.

[Noah Dale]

Noah had been running late in the first place. He had gotten detention for frightening some first years so he was held in the confines of Mr. Flich, the extremely old caretaker. Once he got free from there, he ran into another Hufflepuff how needed help with some homework. Thinking it would a quick fix, Noah offered to help but it took much longer then expected. It was only when he was pulling his Hufflepuff scarf around his neck as he exited out of the castle into the November air did he notice his dark mark burn. He just knew it was Corliss and took off down to Hogsmead.

He began looking every inch of Hogsmead, looking from shop to shop, starting with the little tea shop he promised he'd meet Corliss at and ending in Honeydukes. He sighed, knowing he wasn't finding it anytime soon so he quickly began checking the alleyways. Sometimes they were filled with snogging students, others where filled with rats, but then in one alleyway he found what he was looking for. Well, sort of. What he heard next was not what he was expecting out of someone's mouth.

"You're pregnant? Was it by force... or did you give in?"

Noah just dropped to the ground. Pregnant? Corliss? They hadn't gotten that far yet, and by the way she was crying so much and the way the voice, he thought it was Tucker, asked, he was almost sure of it. She had been raped. He took in a big gulp of air and listened to the conversation, finding out that she had indeed forced a child by, well force. He was still processing all the info. Would he still love her even though the child isn't his? Of course. Would he leave because of this? Hell no. Then why was he freaking out? Oh right, because his girlfriend was pregnant and he hadn't a clue what to do with a child.

Noah sighed as he listened to her sob and as tld the guy that she wanted to name her son Easton Cole or her daughter Hannah Grace. He smiled, thinking of a little girl with blonde hair and green eyes running around, he and Corliss chacing after her. That is, if she stil wanted him after this. He took a deep breathe, knowing she need to be comforted now. He stood up and brushed himself off before stepping into view. "Cor?" he said quitely enough for them to hear him. He watched as they both look up. Tucker, he would of probably wanted to punch him out if it was anyone else but he knew of the close bond between he and Corliss. And then there was Corliss, her eyes swollen from crying but a soft smile on her face. He took a few steps forward, and knelt beside the pair. "Cor.. babe..." he didn't know where to begin, but he held out his arms for her, just wanting to hold her right now and tell her that everything would be alright, that he would do everything in his power to make sure no harm would come to any of them.

[Corliss Malfoy]

Corliss let her head fall onto Tucker's strong chest, tears falling faster again. How in the hell could she keep on crying? It was over wasn't it? Well, not really. She clutched his shirt and buried her face in his chest, never wanting to let the familiar scent fade away. She thought of what might have been. If this hadn't happened she would be sitting with Noah, holding his hand and telling him she loved him... Noah! Where was he. He had to be told. Slowly and gently. He couldn't just be told the information and be expected to take it easily. What if he leaves? Who will help me? Tucker, yes? All my girl friends, yes. But the child will never have a father figure, someone to look up to. She began to wonder if Noah would leave. He wouldn't, would he? So many things had gone wrong today, would this be the cherry on top?

Then she heard it, the soft call of her name. The sweet sound of his voice drifted to her ears, sending her mind into a frenzy. His voice sounded strained, as if he was dealing with something to complicated to talk about. He knew. She could tell by the look on his face as she looked at him. Oh shit This just kept getting better and better. She couldn't tell through the tears if he looked sad or nervous or even happy. It was supposed to be a joy filled thing, wasn't it? She leaned away from Tucker as Noah dropped to his knees, her head somehow finding the perfect spot of his shoulder to cry. She didn't cry as much now, the boy holding her was too important. She looked up, her smile was neither happy nor sad. "So, you heard? I was planning to tell you some other way.... But thats not how it turned out. I'm sorry." she said, looking him in the eyes. She could see the two of them chasing the little boy or girl around the castle grounds, laughing and playing with the baby. She took a deep breath, wanting to know how he felt.

[Noah Dale]

As Corliss found his shoulder to cry on, he held her tightly, looking over at Tucker who was watching Corliss cry in his arms. He kissed her forehead, and rubbed her back. "Shhh baby shhhh...." he said, trying to soothe her as much as he could.He wanted her to stop crying, he had seen so much of her saddness lately it was killing him. So much he wondered if she was ever truly happy. He continued this patterning, rubbing her back and kissing her head ever so often until she finally spoke up.

He nodded his head. "It's alright Corliss, I know you would of told me. You never need to be sorry." he took a deep breathe as he figured the phrasing for his next words. "Cor, I'm going to be honest, I'm frightened to death for you. But I will not leave you, I'll be there every step of the way." he told her, moving his head to the side so he could see her face better. "And if that means me sneaking into the Kitchen to get your random cravings, I'll do it. It's times like these I really wish I was in Slytherin, so I could be there all the time." he sighed, resting his forehead off of hers. "Please believe me Cor, I'll be there as long as you want me to."

[Corliss Malfoy]

Corliss smiled, her heart swelling in size as Noah spoke. So. he wasn't leaving. That was a plus. A big plus at that. But what about everything else going on? It was like Craven knew that Tucker's dad was escaping and had only raped her to replace the loss. She sighed, not ever wanting Noah to let her go. The images of him holding her flooded her mind. Woah, I've cried alot lately. I really need to stop now. she thought, whishing he had never seen her like that. Oh well, it couldn't be helped now. Well, unless she 'rearranged' his thoughts, but that would be mean. She kissed him softly of the cheek, wondering if he knew how much his words really meant.

"Noah dear, you the best boyfriend that any girl has ever had, did you know that? Do you know how many guys would run and hide if they found out about this?" she asked, letting her words sink in. "But, you. You're just the best and I love you more than you'll ever know." she said softly, so Tucker would ave to strain his ears to ever get a sliver of what she had said. She smiled again, the emotion still not reaching her eyes. "Thank you." she finished, just wishing the thing had never happened.

[Noah Dale]

Noah chuckled as she called him the best boyfriend. "I wouldn't say the best, there's probably someone out there that's better at being in love then me." he said, smiling down at Corliss. "And I'll be honest, it crossed my mind to just run, but the will to protect and help you out was way stronger." he told her as she kissed his cheek. He shifted her in his arms, now able to hold her tightly to his chest as he kissed the crown on her head. He smiled at her whispered words and looked down at her. "I love you so much baby, never forget that." he whispered back to her, planting a soft kiss on her lips before he nuzzled into her neck.

He imagined the Craven fellow, wondering if he had any similiar looks to the man, as in, would the child be able to pull off as his own. He knew that probably Corliss being knocked up by her boyfriend would be a better story then the one about her being raped. Perhaps she could tell the Headmaster the truth, and the rest of the school the lie, since he wasn't sure if they would be allowed to stay in school because of the fact. If she was exspelled, he would go with her, well if she wanted him. He would be the fatherly figure her son and daughter would need, no matter what the cause. A smile appeared on his lips, thinking himself being called 'Dad' by someone. He may not be biologic, but he would be as close as they got. "Do you have names picked out love?" Noah asked, reaching for her hand. He clasped in his, and stroked the back of her hand with his thumb gently.

[Corliss Malfoy]

A laughed escaped Corliss' lips as she heard Noah. "No. I do belive that you are the best. You just can't see it." she said softly, a teasing smile that finally chased the sadness from her eyes. Just being near Noah made her feel better. "Better at being in love? I highly doubt that, m'dear. You're quite good at it, I must say." she whispered, her hand resting absently on her belly. She wondered how big she would be, and shuddered at the thought. "Wow, I am vain." she whispered to herself, wondering if Noah heard. She shrugged mentally, to late to take back now.

The thought of having someone calling her 'Mum' put a dazzling grin on her tear stained face. "Have you thought about what we are to tell everyone else? What about the teachers and the Headmaster? They can't think any less of me for this, can they? Father would have someones head if I was exspelled." she said, the shock of what was to be done hitting her. She looked at Tucker, wishing that he wasn't there, so she could tell Noah everything she was thinking. She couldn't though, not with her 'brother' around. If felt too weird.

Corliss smiled again as Noah began speaking. "Well, I was thinking, for a boy, Easton Cole or Nolan Reese. For the girl, Hanna Grace, Emeral Kye, or Kallie Ray. I have the strongest feeling that it will be a boy though. I haven't a clue why." she said, smiling as she thought of new names. Lucas Draken, a play off her father and grandfather's names. She laughed. "What about you, sweets? Do you have any names to throw into the mix?" She squeezed his hand softly, never wanting him to let go.

[Tucker Pierce]

Tucker let Corliss out of his arms, as he closed his eyes, not letting anymore tears roll down his bloodshot eyes. He jumped up, tired of listening to the new couple. He looked down at Corliss, kissing her lightly on top of the head. "I will be off now. Seems like you are in good hands. Love you sis." He said his voice cracking. He nodded to Noah, turning on his heel. He strutted off down the alley, leaving Corliss and Noah in his mist. He knew where he would go now, and it would not be very good. More tears finally reached their spilling point as he thought about Corliss, and Claire. His heart ached for his sisters, both of whom he loved very very much. He knew he was about to do something very very stupid, not positive on where it would lead.

[/left]

[Noah Dale]

Noah watched as Tucker kissed Corliss forehead and told her he loved her. Noah smiled, glad that he wasn't the only one who loved Corliss. He turned and kissed the side of her head as they watched Tucker head out of the alley. Noah turned back to Corliss as she gave him a teasing smile. "We'll see what you say when you see some guy do something cute for his girlfriend and you ask me why I can't be more like him." he chuckled, winking teasingly right back at her. He shook his head as he told her he was good at being in love, but quirked an eyebrow as she whispered. "Vain? Why so love?" he asked her, pushing a lock of hair out of her face as he did so.

He couldn't believe the dazzling smile on her face as she thought about the baby. He thought she wouldn't want the child at first, insist on killing it or something. As she asked what he thought to tell everyone he took a hold of her hand. "Well, I was thinking we'd tell everyone that.. umm.." he looked down, wondering if she would be alright with the idea. "Well I was thinking that we could say I was the Da to him or her, but um, perhaps it's best we tell the teachers and Headmaster the truth, if you can." Noah said, squeezing her hand in a reassuring way. He believed that would be the easier way.

He laughed as she listed off the names for the baby. "Quite a few there love." he smiled, glad that she was half-excited for the kid to arrive. "Well, out of your batch, I like Nolan Reese for a boy, and Hanna Grace or Kallie Ray are nice for a girl. But, I've never thought about what I would name my son or daughter before, I guess I never expected it." he told her honestly, shaking his head. Things were starting to set in for him, realizing what was happening and wonder what would happen to the two of them.

"Hey Cor, maybe we should go find somewhere to warm up, you freezing babe." he said, taking his hands and rubbing her arms. "Are you.. are you sore?" he asked, not really wanting to remind her of what happened, but he had to make sure if she was or not.