Squib On The Run (sequel to Squib In The basement)

5. Home Time

**TW SA and miscarriages**

With Harry safely on his way to Hogwarts, Cassiopeia wasn't sure what to do with herself.
She had dedicated the past 9 years of her life, to keeping an eye on Harry.
He had been her soul purpose, and now that he was gone, she didn't know what to do next.
Ever since she had run away from her mother, her life had been moving at a fast pace. Each day was a struggle when you didn't know where your next meal was coming from, or where you were going to sleep that night.
Cassiopeia never had the chance to stop and think about what she had gone through, as her every waking minute had been focused on Harry; where he was, who he was with, and what he was up to.

But when Cassiopeia returned to the hovel she had slept in the night before, she felt lost, and more alone than ever.
She sat there for hours, wondering what to do, until she decided to head to the one place she had been afraid to go to for so many years; her home.
Even though Cassiopeia had never had a home of her own, Sirius and her had shared a house together for several years, and that was the place she viewed as home. She'd lived with Alphard, Andromeda, the Potters, and Sirius. But she had felt most safe and happy, living with her brother.

After Cassiopeia had killed her mother, she knew she couldn't return to Sirius's house, as the Ministry were bound to search for her there.
But many years had passed since that day, and Cassiopeia finally felt that it was time for her to go home.
The Ministry of Magic were not actively searching for her anymore, so she felt it was unlikely that they were guarding her home 24/7. Which is why she decided to take the risk.

When Cassiopeia saw her house for the first time in years, she felt her heart beat quicken. And as she stepped inside, she half expected Sirius to come running out to greet her, with Remus following behind.
But no one came running, and the house remained empty.
Everything was exactly how she had left it 10 years earlier, before her mother had tricked her into coming to the Ministry hearing.
Cassiopeia had fully expected to return home that day, which is why the house looked like its owners were due to return any minute.
If it weren't for the layer of dust on everything, Cassiopeia could almost believe that no time had past.

"You know, I thought you had been living here all these years, but when I saw the amount of dust in the building, I realised that this house has been empty all this time".
Cassiopeia knew who had spoken, without needing to see their face. And the sound of her cousin's high heels coming closer, confirmed the intruder to be Narcissa.
"What are you doing here, Cissy?" Demanded Cassiopeia, as she turned to face her.
"I came here to find you. I needed to talk to you, and I assumed that you've been hiding here for the past 10 years" admitted Narcissa.

Cassiopeia scoffed, "Do you really think I'm stupid enough to live in my own house, while on the run from the Ministry?".
"Well, I wasn't sure where else you'd go to. I didn't think you had any other places to live" replied Narcissa.
"When I escaped 12 Grimmauld Place, I didn't have anywhere to go. I couldn't come back here when there was a warrent for my arrest. I would have had aurors waiting for me, by the time I walked back here. And I couldn't exactly go to anyone else in the family for help, when I had just murdered my mother. I've been living on the streets since then, moving from shelter to shelter so that I don't get noticed by the Muggle police" spat Cassiopeia.
"You could have come to me. You know I have no problem hiding fugitives in my house, as Bella and the dark lord were frequent visitors back in the old days".

"After everything I went through, I never wanted to see you or your husband ever again. There is no way in hell I could have moved into the Malfoy Manor like nothing had happened. Besides, I knew that I couldn't trust you. You always put public opinion and your own personal needs, above everyone else" said Cassiopeia angrily.
"That's not true-" began Narcissa.
"I asked you for help, numerous times, and you refused to help me! I had been kidnapped by my mother, and I was being held captive against my will, yet you refused to help me. I pleaded and begged with you, but you didn't want to do anything that would make you look bad. And so my suffering continued!" Interupted Cassiopeia.

"I was young back then. And looking back on it, I regret my actions" admitted Narcissa.
"You were older than me. It was your job to protect me, yet you refused. I ended up being raped by your husband, because you wouldn't help me! I couldn't leave Grimmauld Place, because my mother had enchanted it, and I had no magic to take down the wards myself. But you could have done it for me. The first time I was allowed to leave the house, was that day I came to visit you and Draco. You were my last hope, and you let me down... Besides, if you had just done your duty and given the family another son and heir, my mother never would have needed to make me carry one" spat Cassiopeia.

"That is not fair. You know how hard I tried to get pregnant, and you know how many babies I lost before having Draco. And after his traumatic birth, I just couldn't go through it again. I'm sorry that your mother turned to you, because I was a failure. And I'm sorry that you got hurt, but it wasn't my fault. My inability to carry a child to term, was not my fault" insisted Narcissa.
"I know" Cassiopeia said quietly.

"Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of having my own family. Growing up with 2 sisters, made me want to have multiple children in the future. And since you and your brothers were like siblings to me, I wanted Draco to have lots of siblings like I'd had. I know that Bella and Andy had different desires, Bella wanted power, and Andy wanted a career. But I always wanted to marry a pure-blood, live in a big house, and have lots of children. And there is nothing wrong with that... I didn't get everything I wanted, but it's not for lack of trying. I tried really hard, and lost child after child over the years. Every miscarriage and stillborn baby, broke a part of me. And when I finally had Draco, I felt whole again. Which is why I couldn't put myself through the pain of potentially losing another child. I didn't want to break apart again" explained Narcissa.

"After being responsible for the death of my own son, I understand how much it can hurt to lose a child. So, I can only imagine the pain you went through for so many years, losing all of those babies. And I wouldn't wish that on anyone. It was wrong of me to blame you for my mother's actions. For all I know, she still would have done what she did to me, even if you had given the family another child, because she wanted an heir on her side of the family, and one with the surname Black... However, I can still blame you for not helping me escape, because it was your refusal to help me, that ended up with me being raped when I was taken back to 12 Grimmauld Place" informed Cassiopeia.

"I cannot apologise enough for my actions in the past. I was in a difficult position back then, but that is no excuse for what I did. I had many opportunities to help you escape from your mother, but I did nothing. I guess deep down I assumed that your mother loved you, like mine did. I could never imagine that a mother could hurt their own child. I know you said that your mother tried to poison you, but I just couldn't believe it" admitted Narcissa.
"You were there that Christmas. You saw my mother use the Cruciatus Curse on Sirius. So don't lie, you knew exactly what kind of woman she was" replied Cassiopeia.

"Maybe. But I never expected her to go as far as you say she did. The things you speak of are unimaginable. I can't imagine any sane parent arranging for their child to be raped" said Narcissa.
"That's where you made your biggest mistake. For my mother was never sane. She was an unhinged, evil woman, who never cared about anyone but herself, and how the public perceived the Black family" admitted Cassiopeia.
"I fear you may be right" sighed Narcissa.

"So, what happens now?" Continued Narcissa.
"I don't know... I could make you a cup of tea?" Suggested Cassiopeia.
"I think tea sounds lovely. For we have much to discuss" replied Narcissa.
"Yes, we do".