Author's note 3 September 2016: Though it wasn't my intention to be tardy it has been five years since I've last updated this story. The problem was that I when I started That old Black magic I didn't know how it would end and other stories therefore easily lured me away. I want to finish the story this year, so I returned to magical Great Britain where my heroine was as slow in acting as I was in writing.
A remark ere the new chapter takes off: I'm working on a new laptop and it refuses to note down the quote marks I used to use. Lines will from now on be shown between double quote marks.
~10 Getting somewhere~
My driver didn't even blink when I asked him to stop at a muggle farmhouse and he didn't object when the farmer and I placed two wooden boxes filled with poultry on the back seat. On entering Hogwarts the boxes were floating behind me. Anyone strong enough to remove the cloths covering them would have seen stage props. Classes were ongoing and I made it to the second floor girl's lavatory without being seen. Thinking how fortunate I was for having read the first books thoroughly concerning matters that mattered, I soon found the engraved snake on a tap over a sink. Myrtle inquired what I was doing. I told her that I was to set things right and I asked her to make sure no one would enter the scene. After some complaining about her state of being and sympathetic replies from me, she promised to do so.
"Open," I spoke in Parseltongue.
Myrtle gasped as I stepped into the corridor that was revealed. I closed the door behind me and anxiously walked toward the actual entrance of the Chamber of Secrets. The soles of my heels weren't thick and I felt the imprint of tiny bones. From my handbag I got two 12 inch knifes I'd bought in London. After removing the sharp objects from their packing I wished the first to pierce the Basilisk's right eye, seeing from the creature itself, and the other to pierce the left eye likewise. After that the knifes were to return to me with eyeballs attached.
I summoned the door to open a little bit and I sent the knifes flying. After a minute or so they returned, eyeballs first. I made the boxes float into the Chamber and called out for the Basilisk. The moment I saw its horribly damaged head, I removed the cloths covering the cages. It took an anxious heartbeat before the animals recalled that two roosters in a Chamber of Secrets was one too many. They challenged each other.
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
Granted: it was less dramatic then stabbing a sword up the Basilisk's head and needing a phoenix's tears to recover from a mortal wound but it resulted in a dead snake nonetheless.
OoOoO
I unexpectedly dropped by at Andromeda's for a cup of tea. Her welcome stood in striking contrast to the one I'd received at professor Dumbledore's office some fifteen minutes earlier.
Nymphadora too happened to be paying Andromeda a visit. On the kitchen table in front of her an old Daily Prophet was opened at a page showing a picture of Lucius and I at the ball following the opening night of Don Giovanni. After greeting me she sheepishly gestured at the paper. "Nice picture."
Wishing I had sought solace in the Malfoy fortress I said: "I've seen it."
I looked at Nymphadora's hair to avoid Paper Lucius' loving glance at Paper Narcissa.
"Don't tell your father, but I know from experience that Lucius Malfoy is a wonderful dancer," Andromeda said to her daughter. "When he tried to win your aunt, it was a lost case until he danced with her."
"Oh really!" I said, for though I had not been there, I couldn't imagine Narcissa to change her mind over a dance. Then again, I had enjoyed whirling around with the man a little too much to my liking. And he bloody well knew that. I'd told myself that his kindness and patience toward his recovering wife ought to be repaid and if a dance would do that… It was innocent enough. Lucius wasn't going to settle for innocence though. After the ball I'd tried to temper his want by saying that I thought it was a good thing to have diversity in the magical community and that I didn't see why any group would think of themselves as superior. Lucius was still tempted into kissing me on my cheek before leaving me for the night.
"I was thinking," I said, "Do you know a nice witty single witch between 30 and 40 who has a loving family?"
Mother and daughter looked at each other. "Are you trying to find Lucius a new wife?" Andromeda said incredously.
"Lucius Malfoy is a married man," I said. "And he'd better be faithful."
Andromeda and Nymphadora laughed. They didn't know that my warning was meant for me.
OoOoO
At dinner Lucius and I first discussed Draco's liking to the stage.
"I think he might even prefer it over quidditch," I said. Draco had told me how much he liked working with text. He'd also mentioned that rehearsing, training and learning was a challenge.
Lucius frowned, not fooled by my playful tone of voice. "I invested in the Slytherin quidditch team. Draco ought to know that an investment should be looked after. Also I hope he doesn't claim to prefer acting simply so he can avoid Potter."
"He is a good actor," I spoke in favour of the boy I was growing fond of. "And it might be healthy for him not to think about Harry Potter so often. Besides, knowing how to act always comes in handy."
Dobby entered with dessert. Lucius acknowledged him, which was an improvement compared to his previous attitude toward the elf.
"Thank you Dobby, it looks wonderful," I said.
I told Lucius about my visit to a noble muggle family and that I'd convinced them that Hogwarts was safe. "And I made sure that it is safe, for I got rid of the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets today," I added. Lucius's spoon rattled against his teeth.
His hands trembled when he put his cutlery down. A bit of his favourite icecream clung to the corner of his mouth and he didn't look like a man who'd planned to endanger an innocent girl and many of her schoolfellows. Even after he'd pressed his napkin against his lips he didn't seem evil to me. It might be wise if I stopped blaming Rowling for Lucius Malfoy's behaviour.
The wizard stared at me. There must be a great many questions he wanted to ask but he didn't know how to phrase them any more than I knew what to say next. A ladybird flying over the dinner table made me point Narcissa's wand at it.
"It's probably just a bug," I said with an unexpected tremble in my voice, "but it might be an animagus."
As the theatrical flash of my 'charm' waned off with the ladybird not changing shape, I said: "It would be amusing to uncover professor McGonagall like this."
Lucius faintly nodded in reply. My favourite Death Eater surely had something to contemplate.
OoOoO
Lucius had left for his office before I came down for breakfast. My morning tea and toast were accompanied by several letters. I recognized the hand of Mr Collins and called out for Wilhelmina, so she too could enjoy the man's writings. After the lady had seated herself I started reading aloud. Mr Colllins started out in a flourishing way but it turned out that he had an additional reason to write me other than to flatter and gossip: he introduced this by begging forgiveness for not using his own stationary but plain sheets provided by a kind nurse at St Mungo's.
"What's wrong with him?" Wilhelmina asked.
I scanned the letter. "The patient seems to think it ungentlemanlike to mention the reason for his hospitalization. Do you think he'll appreciate a visit?"
"Oh, I'm sure he will! The poor man doesn't have a wife or children."
"You just want me to entertain you by giving you a report of the visit, don't you?" I replied. Wilhelmina smirked.
OoOoO
Walking in the corridor leading to Mr Collins's room, I passed by an elevator. Its doors opened, I heard footsteps and then: "Lady Malfoy!"
I stopped and turned around. For a moment the wizard's grey robe served as a disguise: when we first met the man had worn a suit and a Hawaii shirt.
"Why hello!" I said.
"You recognize me?" he said with a smile. "It must be years since we met at Miss Nott's engagement party!"
I forced myself to smile but it must have been feeble at best. It made the lawyer jump to the wrong conclusion: "Or was it Daphne Ross's engagement?"
"Such parties tend to become a blur don't they? Am I correct in thinking we talked about films there?"
"I do love films and acting!" he cried out. A nurse passing by frowned at him.
In a whisper he continued: "I read about your concussion. It must be horrible to suffer that in the way you did."
Something about his phrasing made me ask whether he too had had a concussion.
"Oh, a minor one. I accidentally banged my head against a door and I lost several hours. Just hours, but it made me feel uncomfortable still. I can't imagine how it must be like to... But may I conclude that you're recovered, or..." His eyes moved around, as if to suggest that me being in a hospital might indicate that I was still unwell.
"I'm visiting," I said. "And you yourself?"
"Oh, I am too. Knock on wood!"
The elevator door opened again and a talkative group stepped out. With the visiting hour well on its way, my acquaintance and I parted. Mr Collins, who had even less hair than he'd had on a picture of Draco's fourth birthday, was thrilled to see me and he expressed his pleasure again and again. It turned out that the rash covering his upper body had not affected his tongue. I could stick to the occasional 'Oh really' and 'Yes indeed' and ponder over my questions. Had the lawyer met me on purpose? But why? Had he been acting? I couldn't think of a reason why... It seemed that his memory had been wiped out, which would mean that the brain behind the 'project' wanted to keep him in the dark. About me playing a part? About him stepping into the 'real' world? Maybe he'd banged his head years ago though... Staring at a button of the patient's pyjama jacket, I wondered once more where Narcissa was.
Mr Collins however awaited a reply. I'd only caught one word of what he said these past minutes: food. "It's important for people who are recovering to eat well," I said.
The patient nodded and with boyish delight looked at the Bergstrom muffin I'd brought him. "When you were a little girl, I used to bring you and your sisters lollipops. Do you remember that?"
"No, I'm sorry. But I'm sure I liked it," I said with a smile, while all I wanted was to march to the Headmaster's sanctuary. Mr Collins shared stories about the little Black princesses until a nurse came to announce it was almost time for the visitors to say goodbye. I immediately took my leave, hoping to find McLuff in her office. She nor Bin Moesfa were available though.
OoOoO
I had just sent off Malawi with a letter for professor Dumbledore, when Henry showed up to inform me that Lucius had arrived. I found the wizard in the library. On my entering he crumpled the note I'd left to explain where I had gone to. I asked him if everything was all right.
"I couldn't stop thinking about you facing a monster. You could have gotten hurt."
"I wasn't in danger. I created a shield."
The shield had nothing to do with facing the Basilisk: wanting to return home unharmed I'd made a shield at the cost of a severe migraine attack. Dobby by my order had attacked me with his powerful house elf magic, which had enabled me to re-phrase the shield. In the end Dobby had been exhausted and I was confident that the shield would withstand anything magical or dangerous.
"A shield?"
I turned my invisible shield into a visible one: it looked like a giant soap bubble. I had tried a silver-ish and a gold-ish appearance but both seemed a bit tacky. Besides, in case I wanted the shield to be visible, its fragile appearance might make people underestimate it.
"Yes. You may try it."
Lucius fired various charms, all of which fell dead on the shield. He picked up a paper-weight and looked at me for permission to throw it. I nodded. The glass bounced off and hit the floor.
"Among others I can send charms and curses back to sender if I like," I said.
"A Basilisk doesn't cast incantations," Lucius dryly remarked, no longer looking impressed.
"That's why I had two feathered friends with me. The monster is dead. I'm fine."
"Why didn't you inform me before?"
"What would you have done?"
"Tried to stop you obviously."
"Why?" I asked. Knowing that Lucius would not want to reveal his plans concerning the Chamber, I added: "I want Draco and all other children to be safe Lucius."
While Lucius was processing the message I chatted about my visit to Mr Collins and that I'd asked to see my Healers.
"Did - " Lucius cleared his throat, "Did they have any news?"
"They weren't at their office. I dropped them a note to ask for an update and to have my clothes returned."
He nodded and changed the subject. "Didn't you mention a lecture by professor Flitwick somewhere this week?"
"Yes, this evening at the University Library. It's an introduction to the history of charms. I'd like to attend."
Lucius too cared to learn something.
OoOoO
The Head of House Ravenclaw, despite having a squeaky voice, proved capable of capturing an audience. Afterwards Lucius suggested we'd go for a stroll. As we walked into a street with a beautiful art-deco hotel, I told him about the letter of Mrs Bones I'd received that morning: she'd written that she was considering my suggestion of allowing the prisoners to take Veritaserum.
"I hope she'll decide to do it: for some reason I am sure that Sirius is innocent."
"What if spending all those years there makes him think he is guilty?"
It sounded as if Lucius meant to say that Veritaserum might not do Sirius any good. I couldn't tell him that I had another trick up my sleeve, so I nodded thoughtfully. "You are right. But we'll have to wait and see."
As we walked near theatre Now we met the couples Crabble and Goyle, who'd seen a low comedy, and almost right away Crabble invited us to join them at his place for a night cap. The three others urged us to accept.
"We've been at the Crabbles' house before Narcissa, perhaps you might recall something when we visit again?"
Though I was tired it would be interesting to see Lucius amid his old pals. Besides, he might have arranged for this coincidental meeting; why not indulge him? Off we went. As we walked to The Leaky Cauldron Goyle told me about the first time he'd seen me, at my Sorting Ceremony. I vaguely smiled.
"You don't recall that?"
"I'm afraid not. Sometimes I suddenly remember things, but so far nothing from my early years."
"Well, it took the Hat a long time to decide. Your sisters were eagerly waiting for you to join them."
"Something tells me that Bellatrix wasn't too pleased when the Hat made its decision."
"She rose in rage!" Goyle said. The look on his face, even after all these years, gave me a good impression of the sight he'd witnessed.
"But you looked at her and cocked an eyebrow and she sat down again."
I caught Lucius smiling.
Despite the hour it was still crowded in Diagon Alley and several people glanced at our party. Some radiated 'look: glamorous couple', others gave the impression of seeing the Godfather and his cronies walk by.
"I must say," Goyle said, "we were all sorry for the loss. Until then Blacks had always been sorted into Slytherin, which I think boasts the highest number of pure-bloods of all Houses."
Crabble commented his friend's words and by the time we arrived at his house, the topic was pure-bloods versus the rest of wizarding Britain. I listened, anxious for what Lucius might say but unlike Crabble and Goyle, who now freely used the word 'mudblood', he remained silent.
Our hostess took me for a tour around the living room. On a piano covered with picture frames I discovered a wedding photo of a statuesque Lucius and Narcissa. Thank you for your good wishes it read in my handwriting. Mrs Crabble expressed how happy she was that the ancient families continued to marry among one another. The host poured us drinks and we joined the others, who were discussing an addition to the team of Puddlemere United, which soon let to the subject of the number of foreign players.
"It's because of all the wizards whose parents never held a wand in their lives," Crabble said. "They get everywhere: the Ministry, quidditch teams, Hogwarts... I'm thinking about sending my son to Durmstrang." Addressing Lucius he said: "Didn't you plan to send Draco there rather than to Hogwarts?"
"I thought about it. I was convinced otherwise." This with a small nodd at me.
"I think that the mix of pure-bloods, muggleborns and half-bloods the school offers prepares the children for the real wizarding world," I said.
"Unfortunately it is a reality," Goyle said. Looking at Lucius he asked: "I'm sure that you too are relieved that your heir found suitable friends?"
"I trust my son to seek out good company," Lucius said.
"Rumour has it that he spends time with the Longbottom boy," Mrs Crabble said.
"They are both in Narcissa's HAC. The Hogwarts's acting class," Lucius casually said. When I'd told him that I'd suggested Draco to rehearse with Neville, in hopes that Draco's understanding and delivery of the lines and Neville's ability to loose himself in a part would result in cross-pollination, he had muttered that Draco was the least likely to benefit from such an arrangement.
"Is that boy related to the traitors that were so valiantly fought by your esteemed sister?" Mrs Crabble asked me.
"Both of his parents were tortured by the delusional psychopath that is my eldest sister, indeed."
"Delusional?" Goyle asked.
"My sister is a Black, yet she longs to serve. She favours pure-bloods yet Voldemort -"
Four people gasped, the fifth looked at me with a resigned expression.
"- is a half-blood."
I sighed, ignoring the responses of those around me. "I am sorry that I don't have any recollections about my childhood. I was told that Bellatrix used to be kind toward our sister, our cousins and myself. Today I visited an old family friend in St Mungo's, Mr McTodd, does any of you know him?"
Seeing his wife shakily shake her head, Crabble got to his senses. He put down his glass with a bang. Lucius's posture changed into that of a snake preparing to strike. It gave me hope.
"Ma'am! You suffered a severe concussion. Because of that and for the sake of the friendship between our families, I will forget what you said about the Dark Lord."
"That he is a half-blood?"
"Aye ma'am," Crabble said, his jaw clenched.
I smiled. "I hope you won't forget it. I wouldn't wish a concussion to my worst enemy."
Mrs Goyle giggled nervously and the hostess followed suit. Lucius raised his glass. I feared that he'd hail The Dark Lord, revealing that he might not want his wife to get hurt by the likes of Crabble, but that he wouldn't accept that she spoke ill of his master. And in case he hailed Voldemort merely to calm down our host, would that be clear to me?
"To true friendship!" Lucius proposed.
I beamed at Crabble and Goyle: "To true friendship."
OoOoO
Stepping out of the Floo in the manor's hall, Lucius removed his cape and handed it to the waiting Healey. Considering what had happened at the Crabble residence, it occurred to me that it was a good sign that he didn't throw it at the elf, like he used to do.
"I'm tired," the wizard said, without so much as a glance in my direction. "Sleep well."
I followed him with my eyes as he ascended the staircase, his back straight and his shoulders set.
"Sleep well," I echoed.
OoOoO
Severus and I had a nice view at the majestic tree in Babylon's End and the many passers-by. We chatted about several topics including Flitwick's lecture and an article in The Daily Prophet about squibs. The green gunpowder tasted just fine and the cheesecake was delicious. After he'd finished his treat Severus gifted me with relaxed features.
"How are you Narcissa?" he kindly asked. I wished he'd use that tone of voice in class too.
"My memory after the concussion is fine. Before that I still only recall fragments," I replied rather than saying that I feared I'd never get out of here and that if I did escape, I had alienated Lucius from his wife. "And sometimes, for instance when it comes to a friend's birthday, my recollection is incorrect."
Severus delicately changed the topic. "I've been thinking about what you said in the library the other day."
I waited for Severus to continue.
"I would like to make potions. Commercially. Of course my schedule at school won't allow it."
"Prepare for classes, teach, clean up the mess, correct tests, House-related tasks, quidditch?"
Severus nodded.
"The younger pupils need be thought theory mostly and some practise in how to clean a used cauldron until you can safely prepare a baby's meal in it."
Severus smirked.
"It's hardly challenging for you. If you were to teach the fifth, sixth and seventh grades only, you'd have time to set up a business, and teaching would be more gratifying."
Severus's lips parted slightly and he briefly got a far-away look in his eyes.
"I don't know whether the Headmaster would agree," he slowly said.
"There's only one way to find out."
Severus made a throatily sound. Although he didn't know about my attempts to talk to Dumbledore, it felt as if he was commenting my failure in that respect. Of course Severus had other things on his mind.
"I'd basically have to present him with a second teacher."
"You could already present the idea to him. Make him get used to it, " I said through the chiming of a nearby clock.
Severus nodded. He checked his watch and said: "Unfortunately I need to face the little darlings again."
"If it wasn't for the bookstore across the street, I'd accompany you to the Floo," I said.
He nodded understandingly. "Thank you for your present Narcissa."
His expression told me that he'd enjoyed himself. "You're very welcome Severus. I liked it too. You know, why don't we have birthday celebrations more often? Every week, same time, same beverage? We'll age rapidly, but the cheesecake is worth it."
Severus almost smiled. I wanted to leave this man happier than he had been. And who knows what might change if I succeeded.
Watching Severus walk into Diagon Alley I sighed. The best part of the morning was over: it was time to face Lucius.
OoOoO
"I got you a panini roast beef," I said as I entered Lucius's office. I held up a paper bag from Grimm's, a lunch room near Bergstrom's.
Lucius was surprised to see me but he instantly rose and walked to a fire place. With a flick of his wand he set up a small table, all set for two, just like he'd done when he'd brought me here from Azkaban.
He gallantly held back a chair for me. Not sure what to think of his behaviour, I unpacked the sandwiches and the beakers with fruit juice while he told his secretary not to allow visitors or messages for now.
"This is unexpected," Lucius said as he sat down. He tried a smile. "How was tea with Snape?"
"Enjoyable."
Both of us stared at our food for a moment. I waved my wand. "Soundproof," I said.
Lucius sighed as if to brace himself.
"You went off to work very early again. I wondered whether you had slept well?" I tentatively asked.
"I had a lot to think about."
"Such as your wife embarrassing you in front of your friends?"
"No. Such as my wife giving me messages in disguise." His shoulders slumped. "You remember, don't you?"
I reached out and held his left wrist. He stared at my fingers. "You never liked it, did you Narcissa?"
I shook my head.
"You feel that Malfoy shouldn't serve any more than Black should. But he is gone. I don't know what Bellatrix told you, but he won't return."
"This hasn't got to do with Bellatrix. After the concussion I knew that there is a very big chance that Voldemort will return. I don't know how I knew, but I did. And when he returns he will call for you to serve him. And he will want Draco as well."
Lucius's eyes widened.
"I will not let that happen," I said. "I want a world where the names of Malfoy and Black are respected." I applied pressure to Lucius' wrist. "I want Draco to grow up in a peaceful world. Getting rid of the Basilisk was one step in that direction."
Lucius silently studied me. I let go of his wrist.
"Another thing I've done is to set the authorities to the hiding place of Crouch junior."
"What?"
"Frankly I don't know for sure whether he has been arrested, but I trust that Azkaban houses an extra prisoner."
"But he died in Azkaban! Years ago."
"His mother secretly took his place. It was one of the things I recalled. Again: I don't remember how I'd found out."
"You never told me."
"I don't know why I didn't. My guess is that I was still preparing to set things in motion. Maybe I wanted to protect you."
"Maybe you feared that I'd stop you," Lucius bravely said.
"Will you?"
Lucius placed his left elbow on the table, the palm of his hand facing toward me. He put his sleeve down to reveal his wrist. I barely dared to breath. Lucius then touched his wedding band. "This," he said, "takes priority over anything and anyone. I am and always will be yours."
His declaration of love moved me and at the same time I felt uncomfortable, for Lucius addressed an impostor. I came up with pragmatic reasons to explain his reaction: feeling disgust that Voldemort might be a half-blood – and if that idea wasn't new to him, it had now been said aloud that the king wore no clothes. Maybe he didn't believe that Voldemort would return and in standing by my side, he was humouring me. Wooing me. Perhaps he reasoned that with Voldemort long gone, working against him would simply reflect well on the name of his House.
"Should he return," I warned Lucius, "he will not be pleased."
"We'd better make sure he won't return then. For Draco."
Lucius's expression spoke of determination and love. And a tinge of fear. You can do this, I told myself. For the world of wizards, for Draco, for this man who loves Narcissa, for Severus, for a chance to get home. Needing to do something ordinary I picked up my beaker of fruit juice. Lucius kept looking at me and he seemed to struggle to speak. I tilted my head to encourage him.
"There is a rumour," Lucius said, "that he created several horcruxes."
"It's funny you should mention that. I located one."
Lucius looked at me in awe. "My lady," he said with respect. In a whisper he added: "My heart."