Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, credit them to JK Rowling.
10 Let Dead Men Lie – Mother's Love.
Draco tapped lightly on the door to his mother's sunroom.
"Come in," rang the melodious response.
"How is the girl?" Narcissa was cradling a steaming cup of tea, wearing the morning sunlight like a warm blanket.
"Awake," Draco perched on the corner of the couch. "More than a little shaken, but she's fine. Smethwyck has given her a couple of doses of Pepper Up to ward off any sickness she may have been exposed too."
"When will she be leaving?"
That caught Draco by surprise. "What?"
His mother sent him a disapproving look.
"Excuse me?" He amended quickly.
"If the girl is fine, and you have assured me that she is, I see no reason for her to remain under my roof." Narcissa blew on her tea, sending spirals of steam into the sunlit air.
"Mother, please, be reasonable."
"Her family is no friend of mine, darling. I do not see why I should be charitable to her when her family has given us nothing but grief."
Realising quickly that this was a battle he could not win easily, Draco allowed the subject to slide. Merlin, he couldn't explain to himself the need for Ginny to stay, let alone explain it to his mother.
"While I remember; please don't abuse Smethwyck's services, darling. He is a useful, old friend, and I'd like to keep him like that."
"Of course, Mother. Have you heard anything from the Parkinson's?" He asked, steering the conversation away from the redheaded witch.
His mother's nose twitched imperceptibly. "Yes,"
"Bad news?" Draco dared to hope.
"Hardly. There is little you could do to jeopardise such a social-climbing opportunity for the Parkinson girl." Narcissa said stiffly. "Not for your apparent want of trying, I might add."
Draco ignored the jibe. "What vexes you, then?"
"Madam Parkinson did not take kindly to her daughter's evening being so rudely interrupted by a fainted witch."
"Ah," he cringed internally. "In Ginny's defence, it was in the early hours of the morning."
"In her defence, Draco?" Narcissa allowed a frown to mar her features.
"It's a figure of speech, Mother. I just meant –"
"Frankly, my darling, I don't care what you meant." Narcissa almost snarled at her son. "Pansy left our home in a state of distress. I, for one, would not be sympathetic if similar treatment had befallen you."
Draco shifted his weight, unsure of what to say.
"Floo Pansy, Draco." Narcissa ordered. "I will not allow that Weasley witch to ruin this for you."
"Ruin it for me, Mother? Or for you?" Draco didn't realise that he was articulating his thoughts until the words were out of his mouth. Oh fuck.
Narcissa narrowed her eyes, her lips tightening into a thin line. "Don't test me, Draco." She murmured dangerously.
Her son swallowed roughly and turned on his heel, practically fleeing the room.
She watched him leave, a breath hissing between her teeth. A foul mood settled around her, and Narcissa lost interest in her previously anticipated morning tea. She disdainfully watched the pathetic remnants of steam curl around the lip of the cup as she contemplated her situation, drawing her silk robe around her shoulders.
She flew into the guest wing, startling the redheaded witch that was dozing quietly.
"Missus Malfoy…" Ginny mumbled as she got her bearings once again.
"Miss Weasley. I don't believe we've been properly introduced." Narcissa said graciously, offering a hand. Ginny took it uncertainly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, then" Ginny said quietly.
"Charmed, I'm sure." Narcissa waved her wand, summoning a chair beside the bed. "I understand you had quite an interesting night. We certainly have." Her tone was polite, but her guest could hear an undertone that was not so accommodating.
"Um, yes. Sorry about that…"
"I'm sure you are, dear. But no matter, here you are. So tell me, what possessed you to participate in such an idiotic motion?"
"I'm not sure, if I'm honest. I just… thought it would be a good idea."
"Obviously not." Narcissa tsk-ed. "How long were you flying for?"
"I couldn't tell you."
"Miss Weasley, do you often go flying for undetermined lengths of time at freezing temperatures?"
Ginny had the sneakiest suspicion that she was being insulted. "No, I don't make a habit of it." A sliver of strength crept into her voice.
"I'm sure you don't." Narcissa dimpled a smile that was a fraction too sweet. "An esteemed Healer at St. Mungo's would know better, no doubt."
"I'm sorry, but how do you know where I work?" Ginny frowned.
"You are my guest. I have an obligation to know about the people that linger under my roof."
"Again, I'm sorry. I'll be leaving as soon as I can." She felt her temper rising beneath the surface.
Ginny met the older witch's gaze, her indignation not allowing her to buckle. The sweetness quickly left Narcissa's face.
"If I may ask you frankly, Miss Weasley, what are your intentions with my son?"
"Excuse me?" Ginny spluttered, a little too quickly. "I have no intentions!"
"Are you sure, Miss Weasley? Am I to believe that you landed on my manor out of sheer, dumb luck?"
"Yes! It was an accident."
"Forgive me, dear, but I find that hard to believe." Her lips curled into smile that showed too much teeth.
Ginny clenched her jaw, not trusting herself to keep a civil tongue.
Narcissa leant in, pinning Ginny with her gaze. "Keep away from my son, Miss Weasley." She sneered. "I will not allow you to ruin his prospects."
"Oh, please," Ginny scoffed, no longer interested in being bullied. "Tell your precious son to keep away from me!"
Narcissa's eyes widened as she processed the unexpected information.
The uncomfortable conversation was interrupted by a solid knock at the door.
"Yes?" Ginny called, thankful for the reprieve.
"Just checking to see if you needed anything," Draco looked cautiously at his mother. "I didn't realise you had company."
"Miss Weasley and I were just having an enlightening chat." Narcissa rose gracefully from the chair, not bothering to look at her guest as she left the room.
Draco forced a smile as his mother telegraphed a look that indicated she knew too much for his liking.
A small grimace played over Narcissa's lips as she strode down the hallway. This was not good.