Plot Summary: Narcissa Malfoy accepts a teaching job at Hogwarts, and Lucius accompanies her to Hogwarts. So much goes right, while so much is going wrong. Sometimes, we know we shouldn't, and that's exactly why we do…
I'm not too good at summaries, which I think is apparent. This story is my baby, and I'd love to know what you think of it. I'm a Lucius fan, and this story has been so much fun to write. While it is not on the same level as JK's books (obviously) I've had fun delving into this little world of mine….
Disclaimer: Excepting Aini Benson, none of these characters belong to me… they are all the brainchild of JK Rowling.
Other: While the song I write this story to is Walk Away by Christina Aguilera, as I believe its lyrics are very fitting to this story, you could also try:
Don't
Ask For More - Abby Dobson
Bring Me To Life, My Immortal, and
Haunted by Evanescence
Innocent Eyes by Delta Goodrem
Please Note: I know it says there are 14 chapters, but currently, there are only 12. I don't know why it says 14. It just does.
Chapter One
It Starts With One ThingLucius Malfoy sat in The Three Broomsticks, his head bent down over an empty mug. He'd been sitting there for the better part of the morning, as the mugs lining the table showed. He smiled at a pretty witch that passed him, then looked towards the front of the shop. He caught Madam Rosmerta's attention, and indicated he wanted another mug of mead. Madam Rosmerta nodded, and briefly turned away from the table where she was taking an order.
"Aini," she called. "Mr Malfoy wants another mulled mead."
He looked towards the staircase that no doubt led to the quarters where Madam Rosmerta lived. He watched as Aini came downstairs, then started to prepare his drink. Watching her bring it to him was his favourite part of the proceedings. Seeing her was something he didn't think he would ever tire of. She placed the mug on the table, then reached for the empty mugs. He couldn't help himself. He grabbed her wrist, preventing her from leaving. The empty mugs in her hand landed on the table, then rolled into his lap. But he didn't care. His silk-lined cloak might now be ruined by mead stains, but he hardly even noticed.
"How is it that I'm fascinated by you?" he asked, looking her over.
"I don't know sir," she replied, and a look of confusion briefly was visible in her eyes.
He noticed a strand of the long black hair that had first caught his eye fall across her face. She had the most beautiful blue eyes he had ever seen.
"Hogwarts?" Lucius asked, as he noticed Madam Rosmerta's watchful eye on him, then saw her make her way over.
"Yes," Aini replied." I'm in sixth year."
"Yes. Sixth year, Lucius," Madam Rosmerta said, her voice slightly steely. She then turned to Aini.
"You'd better make your way up the school now. The train has almost arrived."
"Okay," Aini replied. "I'll just go and get my belongings, and I'll make my way up."
She ran up the stairs, and returned equally as quickly with her belongings. She looked towards where Lucius sat, but the table was now unoccupied. Waving to Madam Rosmerta, she headed out into the September sunshine. But in her haste, she didn't notice her Gryffindor scarf drop to the ground.
"Good evening, students." Dumbledore stood at the head of the Great Hall, looking over each table.
"And so another year begins…."
Harry was half listening to Dumbledore's speech. He looked around at all four tables, then looked at the teacher's table. There was a new face at the table, sitting next to Professor Snape. A woman, with long blonde hair. She looked somewhat familiar, but couldn't put his finger on it.
He elbowed Hermione, and nodded his head in the direction of the woman. Her mouth dropped open.
"I don't believe it!" Hermione exclaimed, and shook her head several times in quick succession. She looked back.
"But it is!" she said loudly, catching Ron's attention.
"Who?" asked Ron indignantly.
"It's…" Hermione began, but there was no need. Her words trailed off as Lucius Malfoy sat next to the woman.
"Of course." Harry said, just realizing. "But why -"
"The three of them!" Ron exclaimed. "One Malfoy is bad enough. But three!"
Harry waved his hand in an attempt to quieten Ron.
"Listen." Harry said, and turned to look at Dumbledore.
"And this year, we have a new addition to the teaching staff. Please welcome our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Narcissa Malfoy."
There was applause from the Slytherin table, but not from anywhere else.
Harry smiled at this. Normally it was the other way around.
Ron was shaking his head, as Hermione had done a few minutes ago.
"Her?" he kept spluttering. "Our teacher?"
Harry nodded.
"I wonder why her?" Hermione asked.
At that moment, Dumbledore waved his hands, and the tables were filled with food. Ron filled his plate with roast chicken.
"Maybe it's because Mr Malfoy can't get another job." Ron said spitefully through mouthfuls of chicken. "That's what Dad said, anyway. He said Mr Malfoy's been at The Three Broomsticks a lot, keeping Madam Rosmerta in business."
Aini smiled to herself, but was seen doing so by Harry.
"Aini, do you know something?" Harry asked.
"Well, no." Aini said, perhaps a little too quickly.
Harry didn't question her any further, mainly due to the fact that Dumbledore was again standing at the front of the Hall. The noise in the Hall died down.
"Now that you have all eaten, I have one more announcement to make," Dumbledore paused, smiling at the impatient students in front of him.
"Most of you will know Fred and George Weasley, and the jokers that they are. Well, I am pleased to announce that they have successfully opened their own joke shop." Dumbledore paused, as everyone cheered.
"So, we will be celebrating their success with a party to be held in the Great Hall near Christmas time. On that note, I once again welcome you all back, and trust that you will have a good year. Prefects, please lead your houses to the dormitories."
Students began to file out the door.
"Come on, Aini. Looks like our prefect duties for the year are beginning." Harry said, and together they hurried to the front of the new first years.
"Can you believe it?" Harry asked. "About Fred and George?"
"I read about it in the Daily Prophet," Aini replied. "I'm happy for them."
"I wonder what Mrs Weasley thinks?" Harry said thoughtfully, as they came to a stop at the entrance to the Common Room.
"Maybe she's gotten used to the idea." Aini replied.
"I think it would take her a little while. Ignis Eminus,." Harry said, and the painting swung open.
The rest of Gryffindor house also filed into the common room, and made their way noisily up to the dormitories, leaving Harry, Aini, and the first years behind.
"Welcome to Gryffindor, first years." Harry said, trying not to notice them gaping at his forehead. Quite some time had passed, and still people stared.
"Boys, your dormitory is downstairs on the left. Girls, the same on the right. That's about all you need to know for this night. Should you have any questions, feel free to ask us. Good night." Harry said, and led the boys to the dormitory.
Aini led the new Gryffindor girls into their dormitory.
She waited until they were all in bed, then turned to leave the dormitory.
"Aini?" a voice called.
"Yes, Abby?" Aini asked, and sat on the edge of the girl's bed.
"Is it true that there are ghosts here?" Abby asked.
"Well… yes." Aini said. "But they're not scary. They won't hurt you."
Aini placed her hand over the young girl's.
"Try and get some sleep. If you need me, you can find me the dormitory at the end of the corridor," Aini said, then stood up slowly. She paused briefly at the door, then made her way to her own dormitory.
"What took you so long?" Hermione's voice said in the darkness.
"One of the first years asked me about the ghosts." Aini explained, as she hung her robes over a chair. She then changed into a pair of cow-spot pyjamas and climbed into her own bed.
"It seems so long ago that we were first years, doesn't it?" Aini asked.
"It does. Soon our own children will be first years." Hermione said.
"Children? I need a guy first." Aini replied, and pulled the covers up around herself. Hermione knew what Aini was thinking.
"I know it's such a Muggle thing to say, but it will happen when you least expect it. I mean, I would never have imagined Viktor would be interested in little old me," Hermione said.
"I hope so," Aini said.
"You know what my Dad once said to me?" Hermione asked, lowering her voice so that only Aini could hear.
"That when it comes to guys, they know it's the right girl when they realise they want to wake up with her in the morning, not just sleep with her at night."
"Hermione!" Aini exclaimed. " I wasn't expecting to hear something like that from you."
"But it's true," Hermione continued.
"Does that mean…" Aini began, not finishing her sentence.
"Good night, Aini," Hermione said. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night, Hermione," Aini said, and paused briefly. "But when…"
"Last summer. When I was there." Hermione said, a dreamy look in her eyes. "But please don't tell the other two, okay?"
"I promise," Aini answered. "Sweet dreams."
"You too," Hermione said in reply.
