Chapter 4: Lucius


Chapter 4.

After my charms class, I wrote a letter to Aunt Cissa. Climbing the steps to the Owlery and finding a handsome tawny that was willing to carry my letter, I remembered what I had written.

Aunt Cissa,

As soon as I have sent this, I'm going straight to Dumbledore; I'd like Uncle Lucius to meet me there. Some stupid pupil thought it would be funny to trip me down the staircase. I'm in quite some pain; I don't want to go to the Infirmary. I'm reporting to Dumbledore about the fact I was shoved on purpose. I'd like Uncle Lucius to be there so I can fully explain myself to him without him dismissing me. I'm sorry for the trouble.

Love, Cali

After I watched the owl wing its way towards Malfoy manor, I went to Dumbledore's office. "Everlasting Gobstoppers." I said, feeling a little foolish. I had found it out from Drake; I really hoped he wasn't messing with me, making me say stupid things. I climbed the spiral staircase and paused before knocking on the door.

"Enter" The headmaster's voice was loud even through the door. I did as I was bid. "Good Afternoon, Miss. Lestrange" He said my name with a concealed amount of spite. He didn't want me to hear it, if I hadn't been used to detecting such things, I wouldn't have noticed. I felt a twinge of sadness. "How may I be of service? Lemon drop?" he asked, offering me one. I declined.

"I'll explain fully once my uncle gets here if you don't mind sir." I explained apologetically. He nodded amiably. I wanted to be fooled. A few moments later Lucius knocked and, upon receiving permission to enter, strode into the room.

"Afternoon Headmaster Dumbledore, Afternoon Cali." I smiled at my uncle, pleased by his presence.

"Thank you for coming." I said, trying to hide that I was slightly nervous.

"Narcissa was worried by your letter." He said, looking me over.

"I hope I didn't cause her too much stress." I said and was relieved when he shook his head.

"Could someone explain why you are here Mr. Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked, looking perplexed.

"Cali, I have a feeling you would like to say this yourself."

I nodded and felt grateful to him. I wanted him here, so that I could speak. I fear that if I tried to do this on my own, I would not have been listened to.

"Thank you. Professor, after my Potions lesson this morning I was purposefully pushed down the staircase, ensuring I was late to my Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson. I'm lucky that Professor Lupin is so kind and took pity on me and hasn't punished me. I wish to report the incident." I said with the signature Malfoy scowl on my face. I had picked that up quite quickly.

"While I am grieved to hear of such an incident, I'm afraid even as headmaster, I don't have complete control over every action my students take Miss Granger." The headmaster said.

Lucius cleared his throat.

"Headmaster," he started sharply, "I believe her name is Lestrange."

The headmaster looked contrite.

"My apologies Miss. Lestrange. A side effect of becoming old I fear." He said with a twinkle in his eye. "However, I still don't know what you wish for me to do."

Lucius cleared his throat and, somehow, while not changing his posture or his tone of voice, he suddenly sounded a lot more threatening.

"I understand Headmaster. However, if there is another incident like this, I assure you, actions will be taken."

I resisted the urge to smile. My uncle was good.

The twinkle disappeared from the headmasters eyes and he suddenly looked all his one hundred and fifty two years.

"I have no doubt of that Lord Malfoy." He said his stare boring into Lucius' own.

My uncle broke the tension.

"Come now Cali, I wish to talk to you and Draco before I depart."

"Of course uncle, good afternoon professor." I said politely.

He nodded curtly to Lucius and me, pausing to look at me before we left his office.

Lucius followed me to the great hall. We passed Severus in the hall, he stopped in surprise.

"Lucius? What are you- have you been terrorizing the headmaster again?" he asked, one eyebrow rose.

"We have indeed Severus. We have indeed." Lucius said a hint of a smile on his lips.

"We're trying to find Draco professor; do you know where he is?" I asked eager to see my friend.

"Yes, he's down in the dungeons with me." I walked to the dungeons both men behind me, deep in conversation. I got in the dungeons in record time.

"Cali, I've been bloody worried about you, where have you been?" Draco greeted when I walked through the door.

"In a meeting with Professor Dumbledore and Uncle Lucius." As I said his name he walked in, Severus in tow.

"Draco, I need you to keep an eye out for Cali. You too Severus if possible." Lucius asked, all traces of humor gone.

"Why?" Draco asked, naturally curious.

"Because I've told you to." Was Lucius reply. I almost snorted at the look on Draco's face.

"Seriously Lucius, is Cali in some kind of trouble?" Severus asked. He sounded worried.

"She has already been pushed down the staircase and the headmaster doesn't seem to have her best interests at heart." He said, and I detected a hint of sarcasm coloring his words. Draco nodded at his father and looked at me in concern.

"Are you alright?" He asked gently. I nodded.

"Just in a bit of pain." I replied.

"I know a few healing spells." Severus commented. "I can take a look if you want."

I smiled at his offer.

"No thanks, I'll be fine."

"Are you sure, you don't look to good." Draco pressed.

"It couldn't hurt." Lucius added.

I shrugged before remembering that it looked 'crude' as Aunt Cissa put it.

It over half an hour before Severus took me back into the classroom where Lucius and Drake were competing in a friendly game of chess. I watched as Lucius' rook took a beating from Draco's bishop before being dragged off the board. As soon as Lucius saw me he stood and walked over. Draco was close behind.

"Is she alright?" Lucius asked, the question directed at Severus.

"She is. There's nothing broken and I've given her a pain potion for the bruising and ordered her to rest. Draco, take her to the common room and make sure she stays there till tomorrow morning." Severus ordered.

"What about dinner?" Draco asked, and I almost laughed before remembering it would likely aggravate by side.

"I'll take some food up to her, when I come up you may leave." Severus said, eyeing the boy beadily. No doubt making sure he wouldn't raid the kitchens.

Finally arriving at the common room, I swayed on my feet. I dragged myself across the circular room, Draco hovering around my side.

As I was about to climb the staircase to the girls dormitory, I turned and bid him good night. Undressing after pulling the hangings shut around my bed, I felt my body get unnaturally heavy. I think Severus slipped something in my pain potion. I'll have to ask him later.

I let my eyes flutter closed and a few seconds later, I was out like a log. Not even the lingering pain in my side was able to keep my eyes open another second longer.