"Shall Master be eating his supper here today?"
"Yes, Kreacher. Could you make something simple, please? I don't think all the dinner parties are agreeing with me very well."
"Of course, Master. Would onion soup suffice?"
"That would be perfect. Thanks."
The elf beamed widely, and scuttled off. Harry sighed, and passed his hand over his eyes. The week had been exhausting. He had run circles around Mafalda Hopkirk and her office members for the better part of it, trying to convince them to accept his testimony. It had been infuriating to meet the iron wall that she was; but he had to admire her. He had had no idea that the name he had seen on every Ministry missive he had received from his childhood had such a forceful personality behind her. Despite having received an invitation to the Wizengamot – becoming the youngest member in its history – he noticed that all Ministry attempts to acquire him and his image had been cut off since her institution as Minister for Magic. Grudgingly, he regarded her with respect. But that hadn't made his job any easier.
At least they had got off. They were the last of the lot, and he could finally rest. No more court hearings. The words were music to his ears.
The doorbell rang, and Kreacher shot down the corridor before Harry could even get up. The curtains of Sirius' mother's portrait flew open, but she was silent. Silently, he thanked whatever lucky stars had given him the idea of telling her that he was a friend of Regulus. She was almost in love with him now.
"Master, 'tis Miss Cissy! Miss Cissy has come!" Kreacher ran into the drawing room, jumping in excitement."
"Narcissa?"
"Miss Cissy and Master Draco have come!"
He got up hurriedly, straightening his shirt and jeans. He debated throwing on robes, but decided against it. He walked quickly down the corridor, meeting them as they were stepping inside.
"Here, let me help you with that." Kreacher threw him an injured look as he lifted their trunk and brought it in. The three followed him in. He set the trunk down in the hall, and led them into the drawing room.
"So you've accepted."
Narcissa laughed hollowly. "I don't know why I didn't see it coming."
He had wondered, too. With the Malfoy manor deemed currently to be frozen assets, they needed lodging. But who would accept them? Who would even sell to them? He said nothing.
"Narcissa." The old voice creaked, almost sweetly, from the portrait.
"Hello, Aunt. How are you today?"
"Very well, thank you. It's been such a long time. How is your husband?"
"He's doing well also, although he's rather busy at the moment. Draco and I have come here so that our home is completely open for his use."
Mrs. Black's eyes narrowed. "Don't lose hold, now. That's not a good position to be in."
Narcissa smiled, confidently. Harry wondered at her composure. "It's quite all right, Aunt. I will keep an eye on him. But I don't believe it will be necessary to worry."
"Good. You are secure in your place. Ensure that it remains that way."
"Of course, Aunt."
"Have you met Regulus' friend here?"
"Yes, Aunt. I have met him."
"He will ensure you're comfortable. Remember to return often to your home." The drapes closed suddenly.
The slim figure seemed to lose stature almost immediately, her face crumpling. Draco stepped forward, one arm holding Cygnus, the other supporting her shoulders.
"Why?"
It was a moment before he received a response. "A widow is to be looked down on. She'd give us hell if she found out." Draco's voice was somehow deeper, quieter. "It's necessary." He held tighter to his mother. Harry felt awkward, out of place.
Cygnus interrupted the silence, cooing softly. Narcissa took him, calmer now. She smiled into his face, and laughed as he put a hand out towards her nose.
"Well, then."
She looked up.
"Why don't you sit down?"
"Thank you." She sat, and Draco sat with her. "About price of lease…"
"That won't be necessary."
Draco's eyes hardened. "We're well able to pay. We don't need charity."
"It's not charity." Harry felt his temper rising. "You're family." He paused. "If Sirius hadn't given it to me, this would be your place now."
"That affects nothing."
"Look, has a Black ever had to pay to stay here? It's an ancestral house, right? Doesn't that mean you have the right to stay here?"
The two of them watched him. Slowly, Narcissa nodded. "Very well. We require only two rooms for our use—"
"Take the house if you like. I'm staying in Regulus' room right now. The rest is yours."
"Why are you living here if you don't want to?" Draco looked at him, eyes challenging.
"I do want to. This house is important to me. But I'm one person. I don't need and can't use this much space."
"We're three people – not such a different situation."
"You're a family. A family needs a house. One person living alone doesn't need more than a room."
After a long silence, Narcissa spoke. "Very well. We will live here, and we will utilize the house as we see fit, barring Regulus' rooms. As you wish." She stood; even though she was at least a foot and a half shorter, Harry was suddenly reminded of Professor McGonagall. He smiled, and stood to follow her.
"For tonight, we can stay in my old room. Draco, would you mind using your aunt's?" Seeing the look of trepidation on Harry's face, she laughed. "Don't worry. I meant Andromeda's. I realize Bellatrix's must have been cleared out by now."
Harry smiled. "Kreacher, could you please make a little more dinner?"
"Already done, sir, already done!"
"I hope you like onion soup."
Draco grimaced.
"Fine, you decide dinner tomorrow."