So, for those of you who are like me and like images that go along with a story, there is a link on my profile that is marked "character pictures" that will show you what the characters look like! As the story progresses, certain outfits, places, and more characters will be added. Oh, and btw, I know it seems like everyone is totally way obsessed with Vanessa, but there is a reason, and it will be revealed soon.
I will also be adding random outtakes as the fancy suits me:D
So, onward!
Disclaimer: Don't own. Never will own.
1 year later, October 24, 1994 Malfoy Manor
Narcissa watched as her son played with his cousin, her niece. He had returned from spending 2 weeks with his Grandparents, Abraxs and Eleanor, 2 days before, and had hardly let "Nessa", as he was prone to calling her, out of his sight. Vanessa, who had yet to speak, which worried Narcissa, simply smiled in acknowledgement anytime someone spoke her name. Narcissa was happy that her attention-loving son had taken so well to his younger cousin.
Even though initially Draco had liked Vanessa, when he realized how much attention she was getting, he wasn't pleased. However, about 2 months after Vanessa had come to live with the Malfoys, Draco's curiosity had gotten the best of him. His mother had left the room for a moment to greet Bellatrix, and had come back to find that Draco had settled himself with his younger cousin in his lap. Even Bella herself had thought it adorable. Since then, Draco did not like to be far from his cousin.
Narcissa was amazed at how truly gifted Vanessa was. Even at a year old, she showed a great amount of control over her metamorph powers, usually preferring to look like those around her. Usually, that meant either black or blonde curls, as Lucius and Narcissa had been careful to limit Vanessa's interaction with others as much as possible.
Lucius walked in the room, with Rudolphus trailing behind him. He kissed Narcissa on the cheek, and smiled at his son and niece.
"Has Bella arrived yet?" Narcissa asked her husband.
"Not yet," he answered, "She said she had to stop by your aunt's house to retrieve something or other."
Narcissa pondered what Bellatrix could possibly want or need from Grimmauld Place, but quickly dismissed the thought, for Vanessa had chosen that moment to anger her cousin by toddling over towards her uncle. Draco did not like it when his cousin's attention wandered from himself.
Vanessa tugged twice on Lucius' pant leg, trying to gain his attention from his current conversation with Rudolphus. At first she had little success, but that wouldn't deter her. Draco, who had walked over after her, was pulling on the back of her white and blue dress, trying to draw her back to the toys. Vanessa, however, was more interested in gaining Lucius' attention. She again tugged on his pants, and looked rather put out when he refused to respond.
"Unca. Unca, 'p" she said, sounding frustrated. Narcissa froze in shock.
She had spoken.
Vanessa looked around, looking irritated, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
Lucius looked down and smiled at the little girl, whose curls had gained a slight reddish tint in her brief spout of anger. She smiled at him, and he picked her up.
"So you finally decided to voice your opinion, huh little one?" Lucius asked. Everyone had seen the change in him since the little girl had come to live with the Malfoy family. In fact, most people felt it difficult to feel anything but adoration for this little girl, yet no one knew why.
Vanessa giggled and turned towards Narcissa.
"Anny Cissa" she giggled.
"If I didn't know any better, I would say she was practicing behind our backs this entire time" laughed Narcissa.
Bellatrix strode in the room, her black cloak swishing behind her. She walked over to her sister and hugged her.
"Hello Cissy. Lucius" she said, sneering that last word.
"Anny Bewa" Vanessa giggled.
"Well look who has decided it's time to speak" Bella laughed.
Draco, never one to be out done, walked over to Bella and hugged her legs.
"Hewo Aunt Bewa" He said sweetly.
"Hello little Dragon. Now, the important part. I have presents" She smiled. Draco, who already loved presents, started cheering, however, Vanessa, who still was a bit young to understand presents, merely contented herself to play with Lucius' hair as he spoke with Rudolphus.
Bella handed Draco a toy dragon from the toy store in Diagon Alley, Bashwigs and Lapdinks. He was enthused, and ran back over to his and Vanessa's abandoned toy area by the fire. Bella then walked over and removed her niece from Lucius' arms. Vanessa was not pleased by this sudden change, and started to fuss until Bella dangled a shiny silver heart shaped locket in front of her. Vanessa, distracted by the object, forgot to be upset and reached for the necklace.
Bellatrix smiled and slipped the chain on over the child's head. The child, intrigued by the object, fiddled with it and quieted.
"Is that why you had to stop by and see Aunt Wilburga?" Narcissa asked her older sister, as Bella placed Vanessa on the floor, prompting her to return to Draco.
"Yes. I figured the child was entitled to a connection to the decent half of her heritage."
The two women turned to face the children by the fire.
Suddenly, there was a resounding BOOM. All conversation cut off, as Narcissa and Bellatrix ran to grab the children, and Lucius and Rudolphus ran out into the hallway to see what had happened. Just as the women reached the two children, two figures joined them in the sitting room.
"Hello cousins" Sirius said with a smug grin on his face.
Bella handed Draco to Narcissa.
"Cissy, get the children out. I'll take care of the dog" she sneered, pulling out her wand.
"I'm quite afraid we cannot allow that Mrs. LeStrange" said James potter, entering the room and joining the frenzy.
Narcissa attempted to leave the room as Bellatrix started to duel Sirius and James. However, her attempts were futile, as Remus Lupin entered the room and put a bodybind jinx upon her, scooping both children from her arms before she fell backwards.
Bella continued to duel both her cousin and Potter, until they were finally able to stun her.
James walked over to his niece, ignoring Draco, who had crawled over to his mother and was trying to figure out who these men were and why they were here. Vanessa looked at him, wondering if she had seen him before. Of course she had, but she had been to young to remember. He knelt down and looked at her face.
"Hello little one. I'm your Uncle James" he said to the smiling toddler. He stood up, pulling her up with him.
"Unca James!" she responded with enthusiasm.
Sirius walked over, observing the child of his favorite cousin.
"Wow Prongs. She really looks like Gita huh?" he said, taking in the sight of the pretty little girl.
"Yeah Padfoot. She does. But she had Jer's eyes." He noted with a smile. Vanessa grabbed his nose, giggling.
"Hey. Waddaya think you're doing little one?" he asked with mock indignation, causing her to giggle profusely.
"I think Harry's gonna like her Prongs" Sirius piped up.
"I think you might be right Padfoot. Let's find out!" James responded, moving to take the child to the hallway. Vanessa, who didn't understand what was going one, fussed a little.
"Anny Cissa" she said, squirming a little in the arms of her uncle.
"Who on earth is Annie Sissa?" Sirius asked James.
"I think she is asking for Narcissa, mate" replied James.
"Anny Cissa!" Vanessa demanded, looking truly distressed.
"Um..ugh…sweetie…um…your Aunty Cissa is sleeping" James struggled to hold on to the now squirming child.
"Anny Cissa sweepy?" she asked.
"Yes sweetheart. Now, let's go to my house!" he said with a smile, as not to alarm her.
"Go bye-bye?" she asked. James nodded and she Vanessa smiled. She pointed at Draco.
"Dakey come" she stated.
"The tike has a point mate," Sirius stated, "We can't leave Death Eater junior by himself."
"Sirius, that it what house elves are for" James responded.
"Good point. How long do we have until these ones come too?" he asked, pointing to Narcissa and Bellatrix.
"Oh, a while yet." James stated, scooping up his niece, and walking out of the house.
