New chapter, this one number 25, all takes place at Malfoy Manor. Hope you like it and leave a review!
"You're late, Severus." Narcissa gently admonished. Her elegant dress was a soft shade of blue.
Severus rolled his eyes and stood by the floo waiting for his daughter to step through.
Lucius was stood by his wife's side, his cravat and waist coat matching Narcissa's dress. Not too far away Draco and Astoria were mingling in matching emerald green attire. Scorpius, also wearing green, was talking to Teddy, in Red, at the foot of the stairs with some other people their age.
The floo flashed green once more and Trixabelle stepped through.
"You look beautiful." Narcissa breathed.
"But the work of a moment." Trixabelle shrugged with a smile.
"Where is that charming young man of yours?"
"That 'charming young man of' mine is off being an arse." A scowl crossed Trixabelle's face. It was twined with a little sadness and regret. Severus wanted to admonish Narcissa for bringing the boy up but Draco appeared, at the right time for once, and changed the subject. Astoria came with him.
"I see the Belle of the ball has arrived." Draco smirked.
"Oh ha ha. Good one."
Severus couldn't have put it better himself if he tried.
"At least you look nice." She complimented.
"My, Trixabelle a compliment!" Draco replied in mock astonishment.
"Your dad looks better." she quipped back with a smile.
Draco scowled, Astoria giggled and Lucius outright laughed.
"My, my, Severus, you have something of a daughter here!" Lucius said still loudly laughing. "Perhaps you should have encouraged her into politics instead of teaching. She'd give Kingsley a run for his money."
"She already has." Severus drawled.
"Trix you look ravishing!" the ever annoying voice of Teddy Lupin called from half way across the entrance hall.
People around the room went quiet and watched on expectantly. Many of the guests knew Trixabelle by reputation and they all knew Severus though experience and could only guess how protective of his daughter he was.
Scowling, Severus wondered why the insufferable brat had to be so socially unaware.
"Oh shut up, Teddy. You're just jealous you'll never have her good looks." Scorpius called after him. His friends laughed.
"See what I have to put up with at Hogwarts?" Trixabelle murmured to her father. "Scorpius, can I talk to you and Teddy a moment?"
When they were both stood in front of her she slapped both of them round the head.
People in the watching crowd laughed and turned back to their conversations.
"Do you two have to be such utter morons?" Trixabelle asked in her teacher voice.
"Aww what you going to do, Trix?" Teddy pouted. "Put us in detention?"
"Oh for the love of God! Is dinner ready yet, Uncle Lucius?"
Lucius called dinner fifteen minutes later and the waiting guests were ushered into the dining room. The last time Trix had seen the grand wing of the house it had been covered in a thick layer of dust, grime had coated the windows and the air was despondent. Now though as the guests walked the halls and marvelled at revived paintings everything was shiny and exuded expense. The ceiling decoration was gold leafed and reflected the candle light, brass was polished so that it perfectly reflected every image that graced its presence. The Banquet Hall was unlike anything Trix had ever seen before.
The wooden floor was polished to shine, circular, green clothed tables were placed around a centre point which would later become the dance floor. An orchestra sat on a raised dais playing welcoming music. The real beauty of the room were the paintings of dragons. They were enchanted to move lithely around each other as if dancing. Exotic colours entwined with each other making the beasts appear more beautiful than deadly. Fluid movements made the movement of the paintings almost unnoticeable unless one studied them for a long time and with great concentration and yet was somehow obvious.
Above the paintings which reached the ceiling were great chandeliers of diamonds and emeralds which glistened and gleamed in the candlelight, refracting the light into a rainbow of hues.
Very quickly everyone found their seats. Trix was sat at the same table as her aunt and uncle, his son and their family, Teddy, his grandparents and her father. In the middle of the table were cut crystal tumblers and a jug of water. When everyone was comfortably sat wine rose in the glasses beside their plates.
"Uncle Lu'," Trix leaned over and asked him in a whisper, "why the hell did you put Teddy next to Dad? You know Teddy only succeeds in running his temper short, right?"
"Perhaps, Trixabelle," Lucius murmured back, "that was precisely my reasoning."
"He's going to murder you when he finds out."
"He won't." he said confidently.
"Want to bet?"
Lucius paled knowing that Trix really would tell Severus. He was about to protest her telling when Kingsley Shacklebolt stepped onto the orchestra dais and called for silence. Tonight he was wearing dark blue robes and his hoop earring.
"Good evening." He said in his deep, calming voice. "Welcome all to Malfoy Manor."
People around the room obediently applauded.
"Many of you may think that Malfoy Manor is a… controversial choice of venue for the annual Christmas Dinner however our coming here marks the end of an era in Malfoy history and the beginning of a much brighter future for the family. After the end of the war the family pulled themselves out of their previous circles in high standing society, allowed all their elves to work at Hogwarts and have lived in only seven modest rooms of this magnificent house. They have done this for every year that they took their house elf Dobby for granted. Now, eighteen years after the war the Malfoys have paid the penance they imposed upon themselves and are re-joining society."
It was a polite speech, Trixabelle and Severus thought. It glossed over their alliance to the Dark Lord and painted them in a better light than they perhaps deserved. However everyone in the room knew the insinuations that lay under what was said and understood the meaning and true impact of the words. The Minister of Magic was officially welcoming the Malfoy family back into society and all was forgiven.
Once again everyone applauded.
"With the coming of Christmas comes the close to another year. We will all look back on this year as one of great triumphs and personal successes. Much has been achieved this year – Hogwarts has a new youngest ever professor who has been warmly commended by her peers."
"Really was that necessary?" Trixabelle muttered but put a smile on her face for all the people from other tables who turned towards her and applauded.
"Finally I would like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!"
"Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!" everyone chorused.
Once the toast had been drunk to the first course of the banquet appeared at the tables. It was a small piece of salmon and some salad with a parsley source.
"Hey, Uncle Snape," Teddy Lupin began.
Steeling himself for what promised to be a conversation only worthy of dunderheads Severus glanced at him.
"I'm having some trouble with some homework Trix set. Can I come over during the holiday to get some help?"
"Perhaps it has escaped your memory, Lupin, but Trixabelle is remaining at the castle for the holiday." Severus replied.
"Then maybe she could come to our house?"
"Did I not just inform you that she is residing at the castle for the holiday?"
"Well yes but…"
"You are spending your with the man who killed the Dark Lord for a time are you not?"
"Yes?"
"Ask him."
"Oh dear, Unc' he's getting frustrated already and it's only the starter." Trix said.
"Severus will be able to endure it. He endured the Dark Lord after all."
"Teddy takes annoying to a whole new level." Trix sagely replied.
"Seriously, Uncle Lucius, he's about to lose it." Trix warned as everyone conversed once the meal was over.
"Half an hour more and the dancing will start."
"Like he's going to use that as an escape… Oh, Uncle Lucius, you are brilliant!"
"Yes I do try."
"What are you two planning?" Narcissa asked suspiciously.
"Perhaps you'd like to join in on our fun, my dear." Lucius began. "Severus is a reluctant dancer. Teddy is in on our plan. However I believe an extra… fellow conspirator would be useful."
A mischievous light sparkled in Narcissa's brown eyes and an impish smile flittered across her lips. Trixabelle had never seen her look so… young before. Years of playing host to Voldemort hadn't physically weathered her but it had aged her inside. The damage could be seen in her eyes. Trix decided that she'd have to make her aunt remember what it was to be young more often.
"As we are partaking in the exchange of stories from our past perhaps Lucius you should remind Severus of his escape from Madam Pomfrey?" Narcissa said loud enough to attract the attention of everyone at the table.
Play acting to make the story seem more dramatic than it was, Lucius leaned back in his chair and smirked. Trix looked over to her father who, already frustrated with conversation, now looked ready to hex whoever was closest. Or directly opposite him. The person who was lucky enough to have that honour was Lucius.
"Severus was in Madam Pomfrey's care after being nearly killed by Sabine. I am sure you all remember that the Daily Prophet covered the story?"
Everyone at the table nodded.
"And we all know Severus to be a sensible, responsible man?"
Again everyone nodded.
"It seems Severus on this day felt the need to assure everyone he still has it in himself to act like a Gryffindor on occasion."
Knowing that however silent her father was being he dearly wanted to protest at being likened to a Gryffindor Trix made the insult worse.
"An idiot Gryffindor I believe I called him, Uncle."
"Ah yes, forgive me. It was in the evening when it happened. All I know of the first part of the tale is what Trixabelle told me. He stumbled into his chambers after fleeing the Hospital wing and all but fainted into a chair. Trixabelle asked me to convince him to go back to the hospital wing and so I went to pay Severus a visit. Sure enough there he was sat in his chair fighting off sleep by marking homework –"
"Incorrectly." Trix interrupted.
"After… persuading him for a few moments Severus reluctantly agreed to go back to the hospital wing where he was chastised by his daughter and then instantly fell asleep as if he were a child." Lucius finished to many amused chuckles from his captive audience.
"Excuse me," Lucius said rising from his chair. "But I must open the dance floor. Narcissa?" he pulled his wife's chair out for her and took her hand as they walked through the tables.
"So that's why I saw you stumbling through the castle!" Teddy exclaimed with a wide smile on his face.
"Wasn't it obvious what he was doing from the look of fright he had on his face lest Madam Pomfrey found him?" Scorpius asked.
Trixabelle tried to imagine the scene but failed as even the concept of her father being afraid of a medi-witch made her collapse into a fir of laughter. Severus glared at her for a moment. He did not see how this was at all amusing. This night was proving to be as insufferable as he had predicted.
"What ever is so funny, Trixabelle?" Andromeda asked.
"I…" she paused to catch her breath. "It's just so funny… Dad running away from Poppy!" again she was arrested by her laughter. She wiped tears from her eyes and sipped some water to calm herself.
"I believe I saw him refusing her help once when we were students." Andromeda said. "He had been… carrying a large stack of books and had tripped down a staircase. He was bleeding from the head and was still stood there, flapping his arms about telling her to leave him alone and that all he needed was a plaster. His shirt was dripping with blood I tell you!"
"See now that I can imagine." Trix laughed.
Suddenly Severus abruptly stood from the table.
"Excuse me." he said and swiftly left.
At the table all was silent for a moment.
"Oops." Scorpius said.
"Indeed." Trix replied and stood up from the table. "Excuse me."
She quickly headed into the crowd she had seen her father dive into. Now would be a perfect time for him to be wearing his usual clothes but, of course, she had made him follow Narcissa's orders to wear something else. Most men were wearing black dinner jackets. She spotted him heading for the exit of the hall. She groaned to herself knowing he was heading for the floo.
"Dad!" she called as soon as she had left the cacophony of noise that was the ball behind.
Severus did not stop. Sighing Trixabelle picked up her skirts and ran after him.
"Merlin, Dad! We were only telling stories!" she said as she pulled him to a halt.
"Why do you insist on tormenting me?" he asked.
"Just come back to the ball will you?"
"I am going back to Hog –"
"No." Trixabelle irritably snapped. "You can't keep running from stuff like this. It's a party, no one expects anything of you than to be your usual snarky self, there's plenty of intelligent conversation and you can stand back and ignore the dancing. This is unless you want Lucius to owe you."
Severus raised his eyebrow.
"He's no doubt made a bet that you'll dance if everyone at the table was able to annoy you enough or something like that. When he finds out that you knew about the bet he's owe you for earning him some extra cash."
"You believe that is temptation enough?"
"Alternatively you could tell him in front of the people who lost the bet that you knew about it making it void and he'd have to give the money back."
Severus didn't reply but began to walk away.
"Dad." Sadness entered Trix's voice. She held his hand a little tighter.
Severus slowly turned around to see that tears were in her eyes. She seemed annoyed that she was crying and swiped them away.
"They're playing a waltz. They're easy to dance to." she said.
"Tell me what is wrong first."
"After."
"Trixabelle."
She didn't answer but walked back to the ball. Severus, cursing her for her stubbornness, caught up with her.
"I get it from you, you know." She said as if reading his mind.
They re-entered the ball room and Trix pulled him onto the dance floor.
"You know I have no idea how to waltz." She said.
Sighing Severus told her to follow him and began to twirl her around the floor. She quickly picked up the rhythm and the order of the steps of the dance as Severus had expected. Unbeknown to them Trix could hear the soft murmurings of the people who were watching them. They were all most surprised that Severus Snape had taken to the dance floor and many now owed Lucius a fortune of galleons.
"Just like I said. Lucius is making a fortune. When shall we break it to him?" Trixabelle asked.
"In the morning I believe would be best."
"Ah. Allow him to be smug for a while and then shatter his pride and make him owe you in one go. Slytherin git." She teased.
Severus rolled his eyes and spun her on the spot.
After a few more moments of dancing Kingsley interrupted and requested her for the remainder of the long piece of music. Knowing that her father would prefer any other activity to dance Trix accepted his request.
"You will soon need an appointments card." Kingsley joked.
"So it would… Are Harry and Draco laughing together?"
Kingsley turned so that he could see the sight for himself. Sure enough Harry and Draco were stood near one of the dining tables laughing together as if they didn't have a less then nonexistent friendship. Then Draco began to morph into Teddy Lupin.
"Thank Merlin for that – the world's not going to implode!" Trix laughed.
"You are now the head of Slytherin. An important role for one as young as yourself." Kingsley said quickly changing topics hoping the venue would lighten her mood enough to loosen her mind into accepting his proposition.
"The ministerial inquisition all over again, Kingsley? Anyone would think you didn't trust my father's judgement." She smiled.
"I am surprised he allowed you to take it."
"He didn't 'let me' exactly as you put it. However he believes me to be competent. I did uncover and resolve the issue of abusing house elves, have gained their respect even though at the outset they did not even think me worthy to be their teacher."
"You would be an asset to the ministry." Kingsley said seriously.
"Not going to happen." Trix said with the same seriousness as Kingsley had just used. She also hoped the tone in her voice warned him to never ask her that again. "Oh dear, sweet Lord no." Colour left Trix's face for a moment as she spied someone she had hoped to never meet again.
"Miss Snape?" Kingsley asked as Trix fumbled a dance step.
"Madame Maxime is here. Hide me!"
Kingsley chuckled deep in his chest, a soothing tone that she had only thought could belong to her father.
"You have no idea how much trouble I used to make of myself and how many times I bad mouthed her! Threatened me with expulsion a few times a year! She hates me! And now she's coming over here."
"I'm all astonishment, Miss Snape! You, the most powerful witch of our time, a genius no less, are afraid of her former headmistress?"
"No I just do not particularly wish to converse with her."
Trix looked back over at her former headmistress and saw that she had the look in her huge, almond shaped eyes. The look was a look she had often received before being given the talk. The talk was a talk about her not trying to integrate herself into the school dynamic, not paying attention in class and putting herself in the hospital wing once a month with a few broken bones from falling out of impossibly high trees. The look was only reserved for her and it never meant anything good.
Sighing and preparing herself for the worst Trixabelle continued dancing with the Minister and conversed with him about trivial matters. She smiled and waved to the people she knew as they danced by each other. Then the song ended.
"The next dance?" Mr. Jake Gray, the very same Mr. Gray who had stolen her file a few months ago, asked.
Scorpius had probably put him up to asking for the dance as they were more or less joined at the hip, even more so after he'd been lead astray by Mr. Goyle. As such Trix had come to know him quite well as Scorpius had often made her sit down and play chess with him whilst they were kept in the castle on Hogsmeade weekends just so that he would be beaten for once. It had knocked him down a peg or too and he didn't boast about winning any more as he knew that Trix would only stride over and beat him in a few minutes.
He'd actually grown on her and had, dare she say it, become one of her favourites.
"Sorry, Jake, I can't." Trix painfully admitted. "I'll be over there with the half-giantess. If I look like I'm about to kill myself, or hex her, send Fleur Weasley over. I don't think she's spotted Mad Maxime yet and it should look innocuous enough."
"Fleur Weasley?"
"Yeah, pretty blonde part Veela. Can't miss her."
Doing her best not to drag her feet Trix walked over to the table where Madame Maxime was sat and took the chair that was a couple away from her – it gave her a good position to suddenly escape if she became too angry.
Ah what the hell, she thought.
"Bonjour, Madame Maxime." Trix confidently said. Only then did she anticipate the lecture she would get.
"Eet is only now that you have left Beauxbatons that you theenk it is appropriate to speak in French? You should have done that while you still resided there." Madame Maxime's eyes board into Trix who refused to wilt beneath her.
"You should have made sure I was being educated properly then." She bit back. "If this conversation does not have a point I'm going to leave."
Maxime sat there in astonishment for a moment.
"Talk." Trix demanded.
"You father he did not hurt you?"
"No he did not!" Trixabelle snapped shooting up from her chair.
Objects on the table began to shake and grow hot. People close to them who could hear the conversation over the orchestra music stopped what they were doing to stare at the scene unfolding before them.
"Anyone would think," she continued in her dangerously soft voice, "that after all Dad sacrificed that you would trust him. Did he ever give you reason to doubt him in the end?"
"He killed Dumbley Dore!" Maxime hissed back keeping to her chair. She did not need to stand to look Trixabelle in the eye.
"To keep his cover!" exasperation filled her voice. "He had to be the ultimate spy so that the light could defeat Voldemort. Dumbledore was dying anyway. If he wished to make that sacrifice then so be it! The only reason Dad followed his stupid plan was so that he wouldn't have to watch his friend, his father figure, suffer longer than he had to!"
The glasses and jugs smashed and silver goblets were blown away from the table. The flames of the candles on the table leapt up into huge columns that almost reached the ceiling. A few shocked cries from the captive audience were heard across the hall making the room go silent. Shields were hastily thrown up and flying objects stilled.
Madame Maxime stayed statue still in her chair for fear of further angering the witch before her. Fire, huge columns of it extended from the once small candle flames, heated Trixabelle's eyes turning them amber and flushed her skin a dangerous shade of red.
Subconsciously Trix brought her wand to her hand but knew it was folly to use it. Many around her already had their wands drawn so even if she did plan on using her wand no one would be harmed so what would be the point?
Suddenly from above a travelling white light descended.
Severus was stood, bored out of his mind, in a dark corner with three Hogwarts students gossiping before him. One was Mr. Gray, the others Scorpius and Teddy. For the seventh time he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. They had been talking about girls for the last fifteen minutes and how Teddy was still dating Victorie Weasley. It was sickening.
It only stopped when several people at the other end of the room shrieked and caught their attention. Immediately alert Severus strode from his hiding spot and drew his wand. Focusing on the epicentre of the disturbance and used a trick the Dark Lord had taught him.
He flew into the air ascending in a flurry of brilliant white light instead of back mist as when he last did this. As suddenly as he was in the air he was at his destination. He landed amid many gasps from the gathering crowd to see his daughter staring down a half-giantess. He remembered Olympe Maxime to be a more the competent duellist but knew his daughter wasn't daft enough to begin a duel in the company of so many.
Lucius was let through the crowd and he stood to the side, wand quietly drawn.
"Trixabelle?" he questioned.
"Nothing going on here, don't worry." With that Trixabelle turned away from Madame Maxime and exited the hall leaving a pathway behind her.
She did not cancel her accidental magic leaving her father to sort it. When the candle flames had returned to their normal sizes, glassware was repaired and goblets returned to their rightful placed, Severus turned to follow his daughter but the pathway had closed and she was gone. Everyone turned back to what they had been doing when the orchestra started up again.
Outside under a heated veranda Trix was nursing a very large bottle of very vintage wine with Teddy, Scorpius and Jake Gray.
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Next time: Hangover hell.
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