A Mother's Day Retreat

original piece by Ninshadow

April 1996

It was dark times at Malfoy Manor. With Voldemort being a live in guest, one could only expect the dark aura around the manor. It would be Draco's sixth year at Hogwarts, this coming semester, and he was set with a task everyone thought he'd fail. Narcissa tried her best to comfort her son, but she also had her own fears about the coming school year. He had came home early for Easter break, mostly because of his anxiety.

She was in her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her husband, was no doubt with fellow death eaters, probably trying to make up for his failed mission. Hearing a quiet knock on her door, Narcissa quickly got up and wrapped her dressing gown around herself.

When she opened the door, Narcissa saw Draco waiting in the hallway, shuffling nervously. Her alarms went off in her head and she went into momma bear mode.
"Draco, my son! Come inside!" She said as she ushered Draco into her rooms.

Draco smiled shyly, "I'm alright, mother. I just wanted to wish you happy mother's day."

Narcissa jumped, "That's today? Goodness! With how times are now, I seemed to have forgot!"

Draco led her to the sofa by fireplace, lighting it with a wave of his wand. Once they were seated, Draco clapped his hands. An elf appeared before them.

"Yes, master Malfoy?" The elf asked, bowing low.

"Bring me the breakfast I prepared, please, Tibby?" Draco asked kindly.

The elf bowed again, it's nose almost brushing the ground. "At once, sir!" With a pop, the elf was gone.
Almost as soon as it left, another pop sounded, signaling the elfs return.

The elf laid out a small feast on the table in front of Narcissa and Draco, smiling kindly at them. After everything was set up, it took a bow and popped out once more.

Looking at the food before her, Narcissa felt all the love that Draco was portraying. There were all her favourite dishes, laid out in front of her.

"Oh Draco," She said in awe, "You made this all... for me?"

"Of course, mother, it is your day after all." Draco smiled sheepishly, "I mean, the elves did help a bit.."

Narcissa let out a laugh, feeling more happy than she should, given their living situation. She handed Draco a plate, and together they ate in a comfortable silence, just enjoying each other's company.

After they were done with breakfast, Draco fished something out of his pocket, looking nervous again. He flicked his wand, turning the small parcel to it's original size. Handing it over to his mother, he looked hesitant, like he wasn't sure he should be giving it to her.

Narcissa took the wrapped gift, turning it over in her hands. The paper itself was beautiful, it was wrapped with delicate hands, she smiled fondly at the package. Slowly, she opened it. Inside, was the most breathtaking necklace she's ever seen. She knew Draco had it made specifically for her. It was white gold, with a delicate black diamond as the main focus. She reached out to take it out of the box, when Draco suddenly stopped her.

"It's not just a necklace... it's a portkey. Mother, let's leave this place together and go to France, like you've always wanted. I've... already got a place set up. We could go into hiding until after the war, just me and you."

Narcissa looked up at Draco, her eyes wide. He would leave, just like that? She thought he was loyal to his father and Voldemort.

"Draco, what about your father? Or the Dark Lord?" She asked, unsure of what her son would say.

"My father has messed up too many times, it's not safe for us here mother. If we stay any longer I'll have to get the mark, you know that. If we leave now, they can't follow us. We won't have to worry about anything, I've enough money to last us for years in my bag." He scowled slightly, thinking about how much his father wanted Draco to serve the dark Lord, knowing that if Draco fails his mission, they'll all be killed.

Watching his emotions, Narcissa decided. Leaving would be the best way to keep Draco safe, and his safety was her to priority.

Suddenly, Lucius came in, looking weak. He was shaking slightly, and he had blood on his face. Worried, Narcissa ran to him.

"Lucius! What's happened? Are you okay?"

Draco shifted the package he held behind his back, trying not to let his father see it.

"I'm alright, Narcissa. The Dark Lord only gives out punishment when it's deserved." He sighed, and sat in the chair opposite Draco.

Narcissa sat on the couch next to Draco again.

"Lucius, we need to leave. We aren't safe in our own house."

"We're perfectly safe, Narcissa, I understand your concerns, but after Draco's initiation our family will once again be in our Lords favor." He then smiled proudly at Draco.

"He is just a boy, Lucius! We can't just hand him to The Dark Lord! Let's run away, all of us, he won't be able to find us, we can get through this war without death!" She all but screamed, clutching Draco's hand as she talked.

"Our Lord has requested Draco personally, Narcissa. He will do what is right for our family. There's no room for disagreement, this will happen tonight." Lucius sat up straight as he said this, showing that he was the authority here.

After a minute of Narcissa watching Lucius, she knew he wouldn't change his mind. She looked at Draco, their hands still clasped. "Do it."

Draco looked a Lucius, with a smile so bright and cheerful, it didn't fit the current mood. "Goodbye, father." Was all Draco said, as he reached into the package and held the necklace.

Before Lucius could react, they were gone.