Narcissa Malfoy considered Harry Potter absolutely nettlesome for many reasons. He had done better than her poor Drakey in school. He had more power than any of them. He had defeated the Dark Lord and put Lucius out of work (well… out of a hobby, a Malfoy was never out of work). He was devastatingly handsome, famous, and rich, and more people wanted to be with him than with her, Lucius, or Draco – put together.

And of course, Harry Potter had this ridiculous… dalliance with Severus. Absolutely unacceptable.

Narcissa had little against them being both men, but Harry Potter!

Completely wrong for Severus. Severus didn't need a whiny, puerile brat.

Severus didn't need a man at all. What he needed was a real woman.

What he needed was Narcissa.

Clearly.

Narcissa considered what her first move should be.

Oh, wait. That was obvious. Renewing the connection between them. They had been such good friends in school… Time to go visit him.

"Severus," Narcissa greeted. "How are you?"

"Well, thank you, Narcissa," Severus answered evenly. "And you?"

"I wanted some company," Narcissa pouted. "Lucius is away so often."

Severus sighed. "I have about a half-hour. Come in."

Narcissa entered gleefully. This was going faster than she thought it would.

"What would you like to talk about?" Severus asked.

"Oh, anything," Narcissa answered. "I just needed company. And I couldn't think of anyone better."

Severus smiled slightly. "Thank you. Although I doubt that anything is good conversation. I hardly think my experimental work is interesting to you."

If Harry listened, then Narcissa would too. She refrained from saying this, though. She doubted Severus would appreciate it… yet.

"Well, perhaps not," she admitted with a small smile.

"Would you like some tea?" Severus offered. "I think Harry bought some tea when he last went shopping."

"Sure," she answered cheerfully. It was worse than she thought, if Harry was shopping for them. No matter. She would succeed. She was a Malfoy, after all.

Severus fixed them some tea. "Milk, sugar, lemon?"

"Milk and sugar, please. So how are your students this year?"

"Barely tolerable," Severus sighed. "Although, Harry did give me some good tips on how to unwind after a long day when he's not around. When he is… well, suffice to say I don't need those methods."

Narcissa seethed inwardly.

"I'm so glad you're happy with him," she simpered. Hm… next move perhaps? Yes, it was time. She laid a hand on Severus' forearm.

A snake's head emerged from under his sleeve and hissed menacingly at her.

"Move your hand!" Severus snapped. "She can kill you within seconds."

Narcissa snatched her hand back.

A shirtless Harry appeared next to Severus. "I heard Seleny hissing." He looked at Narcissa. "Oh. Mrs. Malfoy. I see."

"What?" Narcissa asked, puzzled.

"I take it you touched Severus, and your intent was not comfort. Seleny protects him. I'd suggest not trying it again."

Narcissa scowled and left.

Harry sighed angrily. "She is the most nettlesome woman I know!"

Nettlesome – adj. Causing irritation, vexation, or distress. Word of the Day, February 23, 2008)