Chapter 4: The price of life

"Trololo" = people talking

"Trololo"= people thinking

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"Thingssss have changed" Said the creature as it was searching for something in one of its sachets, extracting a small flask filled with green liquid and showed it to them before continuing. They didn't know what to expect from it, but it was of great importance if this woman thought they couldn't turn it down, and so they listened to her deal:

"Medicinal herbsss for your son'sss life"

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The creatures words ran deep within the Malfoy's core, making their blood run cold. Their son's life? Did this thing poison him? Was this why Draco was acting so weird? Before they could think any further down that line, a dark aura gripped them. Snapping them back to reality, with a strong reminder of what they were in the presence of.

Once she was sure she had, again, the couples rapt (if somewhat terrified) attention, the doll like woman released them, letting them regain their breath. After taking a bite out of one of the numerous small sweets the house elves had brought in earlier, she reassured them:

"Your ssson iss not poisssoned."

Lucius and Narcissia doubted the woman's words, but something was more upsetting at the moment . Had she just read their minds? Even with their occlumency barriers up?! The situation was rapidly getting out of hand. Even with the Dark Lord they at least knew what to expect. THIS was like guessing a sleeping dragon. You never knew what would wake it or what it would do. And what about that vial? If it wasn't an antidote, what was it? As if reading their minds again, the woman answered:

"A life for your son." At the perplexed stares she was receiving she, begrudgely , elaborated "a "Normal" life."

The tone alone, when referring to "normal", was enough to understand the strangers sentiment regarding their definition of the word, but that did not worry the Malfoys. A normal life. If what the creature promised proved true, it would change everything! No more fits, no more constant worrying, no more hiding! But they had to make sure this was not another false hope. Too many times already , Mme Oddy had come to them with a so-called miraculous remedy, but up till now all of them had been painful failures. Gathering all her courage Narcissia asked:

"Not to seem rude, Mylady." Bowing instinctively her head to the creature "But how do we know your remedy works?"

As a grin broke on that reptilian face Narcissia added in a haste "Again! Not to offend you, but… We have been promised numerous times with similar treatments. And none have kept their promises up till now."

The creature nodded in acknowledgement of Lady Malfoys point, her grin still remaining on her sweet face as she broke the seal that kept the bottle firmly shut, letting out a sweet smell of lemon and mint into the room. The smell itself was pleasant, but from the corner of her eye, Narcissia noticed the stranger lightly tense up. The scent seemed to trouble her. Once the vial was put on the coffee table before her , the woman leaded back into the sofa and waited. Thought the gesture had seemed absolutely casual, Narcissia had the impression the stranger was trying to distance herself as naturally looking as possible from the concoction. She did not know if her husband had noticed, but on appearance alone, if she hadn't caught that slight change in demeanor, she would have thought nothing of it. This woman was really a marvel. But why would she be wiry of her own creation? And now that the flask was open, what of it?

"You may test it" said the woman as if answering the unspoken question

"Though not yourselvesss" she added with a thoughtful expression "…or more than a few dropsss"

"Why not?" inquired suspiciously Lucius.

"You are weak" replied the woman, in a matter of fact tone as if she had not insulted the highest member of one of the most important families in England "You'll disconnect with the flow… high chance remaining it "

Forgetting his growing fury, Lucius recognized the words for the warning that they were, and paled at the meaning behind them. A SQUIB! If any "normal" witch or wizard were to drink a single drop of this potion they would be turned into a squib! Or maybe, in the case of extremely powerful wizards such as Dumbeldor or the dark lord, they would be reduced to mediocre levels at best! Though Lucius inched slowly away from the dangerous flask, he could not overlook the potential such a brew could have.

As her husband contemplated multiple political intrigues and schemes, Narcissia stayed on track, now clearly understanding the strangers behavior towards the vial.

"Then how can we know assure ourselves of its effects if we cannot test it, Milady?" she inquired

"Your mate has a few fun ideas" Replied the woman in an amused tone indicating Lucius.

At the mention of his name, Lucius broke out off his reverie only to see his wife's light scroll and an amused gleam in the stranger's eye. He had the decency to look at least a bit sheepish at being caught, though he was sure he had been discrete about it. Catching himself, he tried to regain his natural regale air, (He was no longer a child, for Merlin's sake!), and thought back to what the woman had said.

As tempting as some of his ideas had been, Lucius could not just march up to one of his unsuspecting victims, flower in hand and a bright smile on his face, extending a suspicious looking vial and reasonably think someone would drink it, even under the pretence of it being "liquid luck". Not even the Weasley's, to their credit, would be that gullible. And just making them drink it unsuspectingly or under imperium was out of question. Not while that blasted "Moody Mad Eye" was still at the ministry at least. No! They would have to find another way.

As he and his wife were fishing for solutions, the young house elf Dobby came back to notify them that their child was well asleep and taken care of. And suddenly the Malfoys had an idea. The little faes powers were different in nature from those of wizards, which explains their ability to use wordless wandless magic and avoid wards. Maybe the potion wouldn't have as destructive results on them. Beckoning Dobby to come closer, the Malfoys immediately turned to the woman for confirmation.

"Will a house elf survive magically the potion?" asked worriedly Lucius. He may not be as attached to the little things as his son was, but that didn't mean he wanted them any harm. They were, after all, very useful and loyal creatures if a tad overbearing at times.

The woman seemed to consider the matter seriously, which was somehow reassuring, judging the small elf intently before making her mind up.

"His magic will come back" she assured them "but there will be consequences"

"Consequences? " worried Narcissia as she looked at a rather confused Dobby at her husband's side.

"Lasting ones." She confirmed "On his mind" ignoring the gasps from the two humans, she turned her gaze back to the little fae to judge its reaction.

Dobby was throughoutly confused. He did not understand what was going on. Sensing the troubled minds of his masters, Dobby approached Lucius shyly and asked:

"What can Dobby do to help master? Would master like Dobby to get something for him?"

Lucius looked in the poor hopeful eyes of the house elf, but couldn't say a thing. On one hand there was a possible chance for their son to live a normal life, but on the other, was it really worth putting such a small creature in torment on the off chance that this wasn't just another dud?

Seeing the turmoil in his master's eyes, Dobby turned to his mistress for answers. But just like his master, she avoided eye contact. Only the ominous one was returning his gaze. Telling him throw soft impressions in his mind what was the matter. Then, his eyes found it. The Vial. The vial that could help the precious little one. The vial that could save the sweet little prince of the icky ICKY poison, that was hurting him. But Dobby knew this vial had a price. That, the dark one had made sure he knew.

With no hesitation, Dobby reached forward for the wondrous vial, only to be stopped by the big hand of his master as he was about to grab it.

"Dobby! I forbid you from touching the vial!" Order firmly Lucius.

Dobby looked astonished by his master's order. Did he not want the little one's happiness? Did he not understand this was their only chance at such a treasure? Did the master believe such a blessing coming from one of "Them" was to be overlooked? No! The Masters did not understand! No wizard seemed to understand these things anymore.

Furious, Dobby freed his arm from his master's grasp and tried to get to the vial again. But try as he might. He could not bring himself to touch it.

The two wizards watched as the house elf was growing more and more agitated by the minute. The poor thing was crying and hurting itself to the point of hysteria, pleading and begging for them to let him drink the potion. Lucius couldn't take it any longer. He knew this was probably better than what would happen if Dobby did drink the potion, but that didn't make it any easier to watch.

As he was about to order Dobby away, the woman reached out and took the vial delicately in her hand, and offered a feather like brush of her fingers on Dobby's trembling form. The house elf calmed down as its head was directed upwards to meet the calm awaiting eye of the stranger.

They stayed like that for a moment, Dobby leaning on the strangers knees for better balance, making the Malfoys wonder what could possibly be going on between the two beings. They were answered, as the mysterious woman lifted her hand, index finger up, and said in a monochord tone:

"say "Aaah"."

To their surprise, the house elf complied while the witch opened once more the vial, ready to pore its content in the awaiting mouth.

"Dobby! I forbid you to drink that potion!" Said in a panic Lucius, seeing only too well where this was going. But the house elf did not close its mouth. If anything, it stock its tongue out more, to the great amusement of the stranger.

They were stunned! Was Dobby deliberately disobeying them?... And without hurting himself!? In their shock they did not see a single drop of green liquid leave the vial to the eager tongue below.

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Dobby POV

Dobby is doing it! Dobby is doing it!

The wise one was right! Dobby can disobey the masters if it is necessary! And this IS necessary.

Dobby will not stand for anymore of that bad poison that they give the precious one. Not when a real solution is offered.

Why can't the masters understand the value of this gift? Why can't they see?! Why couldn't they let Dobby do what is right for the little one?! We will always do what is best for the little one!

The kind one is looking at me now. Only me. It's gaze is so overwhelming and reassuring. From its eye, blooms a feeling from back of the days of old. A time long forgotten. A happy time.

As I see the drop fall, I think to myself that …If need be… I would do it all over again, with no regret.

The last thing I see as the potion reaches me, is that untamed fire of the great one's eye, filled with wondrous promises, as everything…

Turns…

BLANK…

End of POV

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The Malfoys watched as the poor house elf's eyes became clouded and it feel to its knees in silent sobs. The sight was pitiful. If the little creature had died on the spot he wouldn't have seemed less broken. It clanged to the woman's cloths for dear life, as she stroke it's head soothingly.

Why did they cling to her like that? Like she was their only hope? Lucius didn't understand. Was it like when some follower begged for the dark lords forgiveness after a punishment? No. This seemed much more…for lack of a better word, …motherly.

It was reassurance, not fear that drove them to seek her out. Like a hurt child seeking comfort in a mother's arms. And that, is what Lucius didn't understand.

The woman, outside of her soft features, radiate anything but motherly (at least to him). He found her terrifying in that sense, he had a hard enough time staying in the same room as her at the moment, so getting that close? Touching her? He shuddered.

Lucius was brought out of his musing at the sound of snapping. Looking up, he saw rather ill looking Dobby , still in the woman's arms looking straight at the tea set and trying to perform some sort of trick. The house elf tried multiple times before the tea pot suddenly lifted, even if barely an inch up, and moved slowly to join the other tea cups on a tray a few inches further. Once the tea pot in the company of the rest of the set, Dobby fell slack in the woman's embrace, a smile on his face. Looking straight into Lucius's eyes he said:

"Proof enough, master?"

The little one's voice was so weak, it shocked Lucius. Like it had overexerted itself over such a simple task. Seeing the elf was waiting for an answer, Lucius nodded. And offering a final smile of triumph, Dobby passed out.

The woman got up, taking the slack body of Dobby in her arms, and headed for the door. Lucius could hear her lulling a soft tune to the little fairy, as her now glowing hands were moving over its body.

They didn't know what to do or say. It was quite a conflicting feeling. They were ecstatic at the prospect of what this meant for their child, but were distraught it had been at the cost of one of their servants.

Other house elves had arrived, crowding around the green witch worriedly, inquiring about the young elf in her arms, and something about disturbances in the stream. Keeping her eye on the little body in her care, she reassured them and asked them to lead the way. The small creatures opened the door and as one, started to lead her joyfully out off the room, some still sending worried glances to Dobby.

When the woman reached the door, she posed. Remembering the two other person's in the room, she turned to the troubled wizards .

"I shall stay until the little ones are safe." She declared "Good e'en, to you both"

Then she was ushered out off the room by the overenthusiastic creatures, only having the time to turn to them with a mischievous grin on her face, to tell them:

"And I am not a dame." And exited the room with a bell giggle

"Not a…?"

The words sinking in, Narcissia blushed furiously at her own foolishness and Lucius only stared at the door in disbelief. Until he finally gave up on his sanity for the evening and let out a very tired sigh.

"Now this turned out to be a wonderful evening, hasn't it?"

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AN:

You can particle feel the sarcasm dripping off the last sentence. Don't worry Lucius, it only gets worse with time, Mwahahah! βϽ

I just want to say it now. Dobby is one of my least favorite characters, but I absolutely adore the house elves, so I wanted to at least bring a little bit of dignity back to the race by making his character a result of a self-sacraficial dead. I think they are J. 's equivalent of the little hobgoblin like fairies: « the brownie/brounie" (or the urisk in certain parts of Scotland). The movie design only solidifier my belief.

Here's an article for those who would like to know more about them:

wiki/Brownies

That is the major reason why I can't stand Dobby! He makes it look like they are IDIOTS! And don't get me started on Hermione's movement to free the house Elves! XO

No respectable fae worth his salt would let themselves treated like that without major payback! And I mean MAJOR!

These are the things that could cause the cows to no longer produce milk or the crop's to died within a day, just because they felt "offended"!