Chapter 11 Malfoy Manor
I woke groggily the next morning. I rolled out of Severus' over-decorated canopy bed, and stumbled into his office. He was behind the desk reading the morning Profit.
"How did you sleep?" I asked. Sitting in one of the chairs across from him.
"I didn't." He answered. At first I thought he was joking, but I searched his face, his eyes were red and puffy with bags under them. It looked as if he hadn't slept in days. "What's wron.."
"It's nothing. Nightmares, of the first war." He said casually trying to brush it under the rug. But I knew him better than that, Severus never lost sleep from "nightmares of the old days." Something was wrong, but I was finally on his good side for the first time in months I didn't want to pry.
"It's too bad we can't just stay here for the rest of the summer." I said trying to change the subject.
"We could actually. All Professors have that privilege. Naturally in order for you to stay we'd have to include Remus of course. Remus, I had almost forgotten about him.
"Have you heard from our favorite werewolf this morning?" I asked.
"Yes actually. He insists the two of us get some quality "bonding" time before he will "allow" us to return home." Severus said actually using air quotes to emphasize his point. "In the meantime, I believe we were invited somewhere."
"We were?"
"Yes I believe we were both invited to visit the Malfoy family at Malfoy manor. I RSVP's that they should expect us both there promptly at 6 pm."
"Yeah but that's not till the 6th of August. That's days away."
"Not when you have to learn proper wizard educate."
"There's such thing as wizard educate?" I asked.
"Certainly." He replied very seriously. "And the Malfoys being a rather wealthy family, will expect you to execute perfect educate."
*6 August*
Malfoy manor was way bigger than any of the homes Severus had taken me too.
"Wow this must be at least a third the size of Hogwarts castle." I said.
"Oh please Myra it is not that big. Beside you've never been to Hogwarts castle." Severus said, but I could tell he was jealous.
"You're right uncle. I imagine it is much large than the Beauxbatton's one." I said trying to keep up the act. Severus knocked on the door, I held my breath as it swung open. A cheery little house elf greeted us.
"Please inform Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy that Mr. Severus Snape, and Miss Myra Prince have arrived." Severus said to the timid elf. The elf invited us inside as we waited. A few minutes later a tall witch with interesting hair greeted us. Her hair was black on top, and platinum blond underneath.
"Ah, Severus so nice to see you again. " She said taking Severus' hand. "And who is this young enchantress? Why it can't be that niece of yours that you speak of so often?" I stepped in introducing myself.
"Good evening Mrs. Malfoy, I am Myra Prince. It is so nice to meet you." I said shaking her hand.
"I have heard so much of you from Draco, Lucius, and Severus. You seem to make quite the impression young lady. I can see why. Your manners are impeccable." She said. "Now shall I escort you to the dining room?" She did just that. "Severus, you're to sit here with Lucius, and Myra you are to at the other end with Draco, if that is alright."
"That would be perfect Mrs. Malfoy." I was glad at any opportunity to sit as far away from Lucius as possible, he gave me the creeps. Draco pulled out the seat next to him, waited for me to sit down and then pushed the chair in.
"It is so nice to see you again Myra." I was still mad at Draco for his attack on Harry a few days ago, and we hadn't spoken since, but I had to remember that I was playing a role. So I smiled and complimented him.
"The same to you Draco. I hope the summer has been kind to you." After dinner Lucius spoke to us for the first time.
"Draco, Why don't you and Myra run along while mummy and daddy talk with Professor Snape?" What a condescending… my thoughts were interrupted by Draco's response.
"Certainly father. Come along Myra." I stood, and took Draco's outstretched and we exited the dining room. Draco lead me through several hallways, and I made sure we were well out of the adults' earshot before speaking.
"Draco, what sort of protective charms does your house have?" I asked.
"IF you're worried about people hearing what we say, we best go to my room, it's the only place I'm certain they can't hear us." He said leading me through another series of hallways. We paused at his door. I released his arm from my grasp as so he could open the door. Once we were inside, and the door was shut behind us. I gave my best friend as huge hug. Then I slapped him across the face. "Ow!" He said rubbing his jaw. "What you do that for?"
"The hug was because I've missed you to pieces, the slap was for all that crap about Harry at the bookstore. Thanks to you, he won't talk to…" My thoughts were interrupted by a loud Pop.
"Master Draco, Dobby has heard that you are having guest, he wanted to know if you are needing anything." Dobby? Realization flickered across my face, I tried to mask it but I was certain Draco saw it.
"No Dobby, please leave us alone."
"Yes young master." With another pop the house elf was gone. I glared at Draco.
"You ass!" I said. "That was you who sent him to my house! I've been freaking out for months thinking someone is trying to kill me, and it was you the whole time." I started ranting and pacing the room franticly.
"Allison please listen to me." He grabbed me by the shoulders to get me to stand still. "Yes I sent Dobby to warn both you and your brother this summer. I know my father is up to something. I just don't know what. I started that fight with Harry at the book store hopping to keep him away from Hogwarts. I am worried about you both. Now that I know about Professor Snape, I feel confident that he will protect you. Harry though…Alice I think Snape hates Harry more than I do! We've got to work together to protect him." I knew what Severus would say about this, so I decided not to tell him.
"Draco you really went through all this trouble to keep us safe?"
"Yes." I hugged him again.
"You are the best friend I could ever ask for!"
"Just Promise you won't tell anyone." He mumbled.
"You want me to promise not to reveal the best of you?"
"I don't want everyone to think I've gone soft. Think of who my father is." I could kind of see his point.
"Alright. I won't tell anyone…Uh Draco, I think that when we're at Hogwarts this year, we're going to have to pretend to hate each other." I then told Draco about the fight with Ron, and everything Dumbledore told me. "You'll always be my best friend, but I need Harry, Draco." Draco nodded in understanding.
"I'll always be here for you Alice. I promise, not matter what we will always be friends. You don't have to worry."
"Thank you."