HP
Lease of new Life - Chapter 37 - Prince Alexander
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It was now Tuesday the 2nd of October 1990. Severus was sat with Alex in the study. Earlier in the day Severus had given Alex his Mathematics and Arithmancy lesson. The lesson included a test designed for eleven to twelve year old children, as expected Alex had done very well on the test. It just went to show that Alex's marks in school were worthless, and that they didn't reflect his true ability. No doubt Alex had purposely underperformed on them to avoid the wrath of Vernon.
They were now just about to finish the Herbology theory lesson. Narcissa planned to take Alex out shopping so she could get to know him better. She would be arriving in a few minutes. Severus therefore ended the lesson so Alex could go get ready.
"Let me see," said Severus with his hand out. Alex passed his parchment with his notes for Severus to read. Severus scrutinised them carefully and was pleased with the results. "Now go get changed out of your uniform and into your robes before Narcissa arrives," ordered Severus.
"Yes dad," replied Alex before leaving the study. Severus watched him go and began packing away Alex's school equipment. Whilst doing so he lost himself in his thoughts.
The day had certainly gone well, Alex was certainly intelligent and a quick learner, more like a sponge actually. It was a pleasant change from the dunderheads he normally had to teach. He was slightly apprehensive about Alex going out without him today. It would be the first time Alex had been outside without him, he had confidence in Narcissa but he wanted to make sure Alex was safe. He decided he would place a tracking spell on Alex in case he ever got lost.
Alex returned to the study wearing his light blue robes, beige jumper, and navy blue jeans with white trainers. He checked Alex's hands for ink and was pleased to see that Alex had had the initiative to wash them before changing. Otherwise his clothes would have been full of ink. "Come here Alex I want to cast a spell on you before you go out," said Severus gesturing Alex's towards him.
"What spell?" asked Alex moving towards Severus. Severus aimed his wand at Alex's head and then waved it over him. Alex could feel the tingle of his dad's magic passing over him and then it was gone.
"Parent tracking spell Alex," informed Severus.
"Oh...but what does it do?"
"It will allow me to find you no matter where you are. It will stay on you until I remove it and I'm the only one who can remove it."
"Is that in case I get lost?"
"Indeed," replied Severus. At that moment the Floo went off. Severus moved to answer it and was greeted by Narcissa.
"Severus good to see you."
"It is good to see you as well."
"Can I step through?"
"Of course," said Severus moving out of the way. A moment later Narcissa entered the study. She waved her wand and cleaned her robes. She then regarded Alex. "Hello dear, are you ready to have some fun?"
"Yeah," smiled Alex.
"Good well then come along dear."
"Remember back by 18:00, and keep an eye on him."
"I think your father is rather overprotective," whispered Narcissa into Alex's ear. Alex smiled at that and looked up at his dad.
"I heard that you know."
"Of course you did Severus but, little prince Alex will be safe with me."
"Prince?" asked Alex.
"Yes dear and you should be dressed like one, now come the shops await us and we have much to do, so many fashions and designs to try on you," said Narcissa who was practically ecstatic. Narcissa's statement got a perplexed look from Alex which was followed by a look of understanding a moment later.
"Have fun shopping Alex," said Severus with a smirk. Before Alex could respond Narcissa led him to the Floo, Severus disabled the barrier and they appeared in the Leaky Cauldron. Whilst Narcissa cleaned the ash off their robes, Alex couldn't help but wonder what he had gotten himself into.
"Alright there?" asked Narcissa, Alex nodded to show he was, "good, first stop Twilfit and Tattings," said Narcissa taking Alex's hand before leading him outside the Leaky Cauldron. They walked down Diagon Alley until they came to Southside Diagon Alley. Alex looked up at the rather posh shop and read the gold lettering, Twilfit and Tattings, only the best will do. Narcissa led Alex into the shop and was welcomed by a smartly dressed greeter.
"Welcome to Twilfit and Tattings Mistress Malfoy," greeted the man.
"Please inform Mrs Twilfit that I have arrived."
"Right away Mistress Malfoy," replied the greeter before he bowed and left to find Mrs Twilfit. Alex looked around the shop at the different robes and materials, he didn't think there was anything cheap in the shop. A minute or so later Mrs Twilfit arrived with the greeter and a smartly dressed lady.
"It's wonderful to see you again Mistress Malfoy and who might this young handsome fellow be?" inquired Mrs Twilfit.
"This is my friends son, Alex, he is practically family, he needs a new wardrobe," replied Narcissa.
"A new wardrobe," said Mrs Twilfit, the Galleons practically appearing in her eyes, "well then Andrew close the shop, we have a special guest after all."
"Yes Mrs Twilfit," replied the greeter who moved to close the shop.
"Perhaps you would like some champagne and some pumpkin juice for the young sir?" inquired Mrs Twilfit.
"Thank you, that would be most satisfactory."
"Susan if you would be so kind."
"Yes Madam," replied Susan before she curtseyed and went to get their drinks.
"Now," said Mrs Twilfit clapping her hands together, "robes first?" Both Mrs Twilfit and Narcissa wore gleeful expressions. Alex was promptly led to the robe section. He just stood there as Narcissa and Mrs Twilfit picked out robes and held them against him, his opinion didn't seem to matter. "Hmm I think I prefer this one," said Narcissa weighting up two different robes, yes," before she passed the robe off to Mrs Twilfit.
"Oh no dear that doesn't match at all," said Mrs Twilfit, Narcissa promptly agreed and discarded the robe. It was all very confusing for Alex, he thought all the robes looked very nice and expensive, he didn't really understand the 'rules of fashion'. Whilst performing his duties as fashion dole he did get a nice goblet of pumpkin juice though. They then went back to seeing more robes. After what seemed like an age the robes were selected. Alex thought that was it but then Mrs Twilfit led them to another section.
"Why don't we see the waistcoats and trousers next," said Mrs Twilfit sending the clothes they had selected to the changing rooms for later.
"Excellent," replied Narcissa. Alex thought they both got more excited the longer it went on. They selected more and more waistcoats and trousers to compare. He nearly fainted when he saw the price tag for one waistcoat. He realised that Narcissa was probably going to be spending a lot of money on him, he therefore behaved and didn't mind being 'experimented on'.
"Yes yes, those are lovely," said Mrs Twilfit after picking out another waistcoat.
"You know Alex is a Parselmouth, he will no doubt be in Slytherin, we need some green."
"Oh yes green of course," replied Mrs Twilit as though she couldn't believe she had made such a mistake. Alex was promptly sped off to another section. After the waistcoat and trousers came the shoes. Narcissa picked out a pair of expensive looking dress shoes and Mrs Twilfit added a pair of black dragon hide boots. Next came the underwear and underclothes.
"Boxers or briefs?" asked Mrs Twilfit.
Finally he was being asked something! "Briefs Mrs Twilfit," replied Alex politely.
"This way then," replied Mrs Twilfit who sped them off to the other side of the shop. Since underwear was a rather personal garment and hardly anyone else would be seeing them, Alex was trusted to choose the designs he liked.
The briefs were made from a combination of the best cotton and silk, according to Mrs Twilfit, the silk was of the highest quality and was imported from India. After seeing the price he didn't doubt it. He picked out ten pairs of briefs. They had all sorts of designs, even briefs in the designs of the Hogwarts houses, since he wasn't sure what house he would be in he didn't pick any of those.
He did select a blue pair with Puddlemere United's crest on the rear. He also got a red pair with a large dragon as well. He picked six plain pairs in various different colours as well as two more with designs. One was Quidditch themed and had Quaffles, Bludgers and Snitches, with the other showing a large Snake with the design wrapped all away around the brief. It was green but not Slytherin themed. Narcissa insisted on it for the fact he was a Parselmouth.
Narcissa then picked out some white silk night shirts that looked very comfortable. Mrs Twilfit then added some thermal long johns for winter and some silk pyjamas in green and black. Narcissa also picked out some socks made of rich cotton.
"Will Alex be needing riding wear? asked Mrs Twilfit.
"Ah yes of course I almost forgot," said Narcissa leading Alex to another section.
"Riding wear?" asked Alex curiously.
"For horse and broom riding dear," whispered Narcissa. They arrived at the section which contained ridding wear. Alex could see the padded breeches for broom riding with matching high top boots. Narcissa picked out a pair and then moved to the horse riding wear. Alex observed the riding jackets and then what he could only described as tights. He was not going to wear girly things!
"What are those Aunt Cissy," said Alex pointing to the things that looked like tights.
"Jodhpurs dear, you wear them for horse riding," explained Narcissa.
"Are they girly?" asked Alex with a scowl.
"You know you could give your father a run for his money with a scowl like that. There not girly though, they are for boys and girls, Draco wears them," reassured Narcissa.
"But why?" asked Alex somewhat unconvinced.
"Because otherwise the inside of your legs chafe and get very sore, they have to be skin tight and seamless or else they will rub in the saddle," explained Narcissa patiently, she knew what boys were like after all.
"Oh," said Alex in thought.
"Do you want sore legs?" Alex shook his head, "That's what I thought," said Narcissa picking them up along with a with a pair of paddock boots. Narcissa then regarded Mrs Twilfit who was holding their selected items.
"Have we missed anything Mrs Twilfit?"
"Hmm, robes check, waistcoats and shirts check, trousers check, shoes check, underwear, socks and nightwear check, riding wear check, ah cloaks! Does Alex have a cloak?"
"No, come then," gestured Narcissa. Mrs Twilfit passed the clothes she was carrying to Susan who took them to the changing room. They then made their way to the cloaks. Narcissa picked out a black cloak made of rich linen and cotton with gold fastenings.
"I think that's everything," smiled Narcissa.
"Excellent, changing rooms then?" inquired Mrs Twilfit.
"Yes of course."
"Changing rooms?" asked Alex.
"Of course dear you need to be fitted or else they won't fit," reasoned Narcissa. Alex shrugged his shoulders in acceptance when they weren't looking and followed. It was a bit embarrassing all the attention he was receiving but in a way it was nice to be fused over.
They entered the changing rooms. Alex could see all the clothes they had selected neatly lain on a bench. Next to the bench was a large three panel mirror so you could view yourself from all sides. Opposite the mirror was a stall with a curtain for privacy.
Narcissa and Alex entered the stall with Narcissa helping Alex to undress, she stepped out when he exchanged his white briefs for the Puddlemere United ones. They were extremely soft and very comfortable, his old briefs felt like rags compared to these rich silk and cotton ones. He stepped past the curtain so they could see how they looked.
"He looks adorable," cooed Mrs Twilfit.
"They do look very nice, turn around dear so we can see the back," said Narcissa. Alex turned around so they could see the rear and felt his ears go hot from embarrassment.
"They're a little loose on the waist, perhaps a little bit smaller and they will fit perfectly," said Narcissa. Mrs Twilfit pulled out her wand and then resized the briefs shrinking them slightly. Alex could feel them getting tighter until they fit snugly and were perfect.
"Size seven Susan, you get to work on resizing the other briefs," ordered Mrs Twilfit. Alex re-entered the stall and observed Susan getting to work as he did. Narcissa passed his socks which fitted fine and didn't need to be resized.
Narcissa then had him try on his green silk pyjamas and nightshirt. The nightshirt and pyjamas needed to be readjusted so Mrs Twilfit made the alterations. She then passed on the correct sizes to Susan who worked on the black pair of pyjamas and the other nightshirt.
Alex took off his nightwear and then stepped into his black trousers. He exited the stall so Mrs Twilfit could observe them. They needed to be shrunk slightly so the changes were made. Once back in the stall Narcissa helped him into a white shirt with a black waistcoat with silver serpent insignias littering it. They fitted fine so the dark green waist coat and other shirts didn't need to be resized.
Next he tried on his boots and shoes to see how they looked. He liked them both and kept on his black shoes which matched the black trousers and waistcoat he was wearing. Narcissa then brought in the robes. There were five in different colours and styles. The first two were pure silk Inverness cape styled robes in colours of dark midnight blue and azure. Next were two pairs of black pure silk robes followed by a dark green one.
Mrs Twilfit pinned, fitted and resized the dark midnight blue robe, once finished it fitted perfectly. She then wrote down his measurements and promised to get to work on the other four robes. Alex went back to the to the stall to undress. When he emerged he noted most of the clothes were packed away. There was just the cloak and ridding wear. Mrs Twilfit ordered Susan to take the packed clothes to the front and get working on readjusting the robes.
Narcissa passed him the cream coloured breeches and brown dragon hide riding boots. He went back to the stall and pulled up the breeches. They were baggy in appearance but tight on the inside. He could feel the padding around his bottom, groin, and thighs. He pulled on his boots and then tucked his breeches into them.
He emerged for Mrs Twilfit and Narcissa to judge how they fit. Narcissa felt the waist and then tugged on the legs. She seemed satisfied so he went to get undressed. Narcissa then entered the stall holding the Jodhpurs. He couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed and blushed. Narcissa then sat down next to him on the bench.
"I thought I'd come help you dear, these can be a bit awkward if you're not used to putting them on," said Narcissa holding up the black Jodphurs.
She then put her hand in the left leg and then rolled it up. She had Alex put his foot in it and then his other in the other leg. She then pulled them all the way up to his waist. They were skin tight and Alex could feel them hugging his legs, to his surprise they were very comfortable and he hardly noticed them.
Narcissa helped him into his paddock boots and he then regarded himself in the mirror. It was unusual but he supposed he would get used to the look. He didn't want sore legs after all, although he wondered when he would be going horse riding.
With the ridding wear tried and fitted everything was done. Mrs Twilfit packed everything away except for an outfit which Narcissa had requested be left out. Narcissa helped Alex into his shoes, black trousers and shirt with a silver blue tie.
She then slipped his Dark Midnight Blue robes over his head and fastened his black cloak around his neck. She had him stand in front of the mirror so he could see himself. He had to admit Narcissa knew how to choose styles, he looked great.
"You look lovely dear," said Narcissa proudly, "right lets go pay," said Narcissa leading Alex towards the stores counter.
"Where should they be sent Mistress Malfoy the Manor?"
"No shrink them and send them to 28 Spinners End," replied Narcissa.
"Very well, the price is ʛ1320," informed Susan, ʛ1320 being around £6600. Alex's jaw dropped, he couldn't believe Narcissa had just spent so much money on him for clothes. Narcissa didn't even seem to bat an eye lid though.
"Fine charge it to my account," replied Narcissa who had a running account with Twilfit and Tattings.
"Of course Mistress Malfoy," replied Susan curtseying.
"Is that all Mistress Malfoy?" asked Mrs Twilfit.
"Yes thank you Mrs Twilfit."
"You're very welcome, come back any time." With that Narcissa took Alex's hand and left. She was about to walk down the street when she heard a sob. She looked down and could see tears falling down Alex's cheeks.
"What's the matter dear?" said Narcissa softly as she leant down.
"I'm sorry...just... you're so nice to me, spending all that money," cried Alex.
"Sshh it was nothing dear, pocket money," said Narcissa waving her hand, "Come on sweaty cheer up, people would think you didn't like what I bought you," said Narcissa handing Alex a handkerchief.
"I'm sorry, I do like them, really I do," replied Alex wiping his eyes with the handkerchief. He moved to give it back but Narcissa refused.
"Keep it dear."
"Thank you, for everything I mean."
"You're welcome. We have more stuff to do though."
"We do?"
"Course we do it's only 16:13 after all. Next stop the Jewellers," said Narcissa leading Alex down the street. They walked down the Alley with Alex keeping close to Narcissa. After around five minutes they found themselves outside the Jewellers. Alex looked up at the sign. The Jewellers was called, A Million Galleons, Established 1476.
Narcissa looked around for awhile at the bracelets until she found one she liked. She picked out a 24 Karat gold serpent bracelet, which wrapped around the wrist and had emeralds for eyes. It cost ʛ600 which resulted in a stuttering and spluttering Alex as they departed.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," was all Alex could manage to get out.
Narcissa smiled as she took Alex's hand, "Don't worry Alex, you deserve this after all you have been through, it was the least I could do." They continued to walk down the street and Alex was wondering where they were going. They came to a shop called De Beaux Cheveux, which Alex couldn't understand. Narcissa caught Alex's confused expression and explained.
"It French, it means beautiful hair."
"It's a hair salon?"
"Yes it is."
"I know my hairs long but is it that bad?"
"It's not bad Alex but it could do with a trim and a bit of style, why don't we surprise your father," said Narcissa whilst playing with Alex's hair. Alex smiled and they entered the hair salon. Once inside they had to wait around ten minutes until one of the hairdressers were free. A woman named Evette addressed them.
"Hello there what can I do?"
"Alex here could do with a trim and a bit of style. I think he wants to keep it quite long but manageable, right Alex?" Alex nodded in agreement.
"Alright let's get you sat down then," said Evette leading Alex to a chair. She had him sit down and then waved her wand over his neck. A blue tinged shield appeared there. She then felt his hair and moved it about.
"I think we could bring up the back to here, and then trim the sides and layer the top and front."
"Sounds fine," said Narcissa.
"Alright lets wet this old mop first," said Evette cheerfully, she waved her wand over Alex and he felt his hair become very wet, some of it dripped down his neck but didn't go past the shield. She then began to grab tufts of his hair and began slashing away accurately with her wand.
Alex could see some of the hair in front of him being cut away and then being disintegrated from the shield. It seemed the shield served two purposes, the first being to keep him dry while the second being to stop the chopped hair from going everywhere. Evette kept at it and made polite conversation.
"You're very brown, have you been away recently?"
"Yes to Thailand," replied Alex quietly.
"I bet it was lovely, did you go with your mum and dad?"
"I went with my dad, that's not my mum though that's Aunt Cissy," corrected Alex.
"Ah I see...head up," replied Evette. She kept at it until Alex's mop was under control. His hair was still quite long but it wasn't threatening to reach his shoulders any more. "Now let me just dry your hair," said Evette, waving her wand over Alex like how his dad dried him after a bath.
"Now would you like some product? It lasts a good four days and will hold your style," asked Evette holding up the hair product.
"I would Alex, it will make your hair look really nice," advised Narcissa.
"Okay then."
"Excellent," replied Evette before rubbing in the product and styling Alex's hair. He had to admit his hair looked really good and stylish.
"You know we sell the product if you would like to use it at home," informed Evette.
"Would you like a tub?" asked Narcissa.
"Please," replied Alex.
"Yes we will have some then," said Narcissa.
"Well it's ʛ6 for the haircut and ʛ2 for the product so ʛ8 total please," said Evette banishing the shield and letting Alex up. Alex stood and Narcissa moved to pay.
"There you go and a Galleon tip for yourself," said Narcissa handing over the required Galleons.
"Thank you very much, good bye," replied Evette waving them out.
"Now Alex is there anywhere you would like to go before we go to eat?"
"Ehmm could we go look at some books?" asked Alex curiously.
"I should have guessed, your father said you liked reading," replied Narcissa, looking at Alex who was smiling cheekily at her, "Well Flourish and Blots then," said Narcissa leading the way. It wasn't long before Alex was in Flourish and Blots moving amongst the shelves.
Alex went up to the nearest shelf and sniffed the books whilst saying, "Ahh books," he then had a good look around the shelves to find some books that interested him. He didn't bother looking at the potions section since he knew his dad most likely had those books anyway.
Narcissa sat and watched Alex as he browsed. Alex would look in a section and then bring the book back for Narcissa to hold onto. He did this because the books would have been too heavy to carry around otherwise. Narcissa observed the books he had already selected.
On the pile were Modern Magical History, Olde and Forgotten Bewitchments and Charms by E. Limus, and finally The Healer's Helpmate by H. Pollingtonious. Alex returned with another book, Narcissa observed that its title was, He Flew like a Madman by Kennilworthy Whisp, which was an account of the famous Caerphilly Catapults Quidditch player 'Dangerous Dai Llewellyn', with the St Mungo's ward being named after him. Narcissa just had time to comment before Alex rushed off again.
"Are you starting your own library?"
"Maybe," replied Alex before he was gone. Narcissa just shook her head and waited until Alex returned with another book.
"What do you have?"
"A Children's Anthology of Monsters," replied Alex holding up the book.
"Well I think this is enough, this should last you awhile anyway," said Narcissa eyeing the five books. Narcissa took the books to the counter and paid for them, she then shrunk them down for Alex to keep in his robe pocket.
"Thanks Aunt Cissy."
"You're welcome, now let's go eat," replied Narcissa leading Alex out of Flourish and Blots. It was around 17:02 now and already quite dark. Narcissa led Alex down the Alley back towards Southside near Twilfit and Tattings. She then took him to a posh restaurant called Chic et Privilégié.
They entered and were greeted by a woman just through the main doors. The woman seemed to deem their attire appropriate because she smiled at them welcomingly. Alex got the distinct impression that if they weren't dressed smartly enough then she would have refused them entrance.
"Hello there,"
"Could we have a table for two, I would like the seats to be next to each other," said Narcissa gesturing towards Alex.
"Of course follow me," said the woman leading them into the restaurant. She took them to two tables so they could sit next to each other. Alex didn't understand, usually you sat at a two person table and sat opposite each other. Why the weird seating arrangements?
Alex sat and observed the table top and could see lots of silverware. To his left was a knife followed by a fork and then another fork. On his right was a knife and then a spoon, additionally on his right where five different glasses in varying sizes and shapes. Alright this is so confusing thought Alex.
"I asked for us to be seated like this so I could help you," said Narcissa in a whisper. Well at last he knew why they were seated like this, he would be grateful for the help.
"Now I'm going to explain and teach you proper Etiquette so pay attention okay?"
"Okay," whispered Alex who gave Narcissa his full attention.
"First pull your chair close to the table which will stop you slouching," said Narcissa helping Alex move his chair in. "Now head up, back straight and legs uncrossed like me," demonstrated Narcissa.
"Like this," said Alex sitting up straight as Narcissa had instructed.
"Good, now you use your napkin like this," said Narcissa folding Alex's napkin into a triangle, she then placed it on his lap and did the same for herself. "If you ever drop your napkin or silverware then you never pick it up, you wait for a member of staff to get you a new one, understand?"
"Yes Aunt Cissy."
"Good, now this knife on your left is your butter knife for your bread. The next one is your salad fork and the fork closest to you is for your main meal, understand?
"I understand."
"That sharp knife is also for your main and the spoon is for your soup, if you order a dessert they will bring you another spoon," explained Narcissa.
"Okay,"
"You don't need to worry about the glasses but I will explain them anyway, this tall one is your large wine glass, this smaller one is your small wine glass. This one is for champagne and this one is for cherry. Finally this one is for water, the waiter will serve you your drink though so like I said you don't need to worry, when you get older I will show you the correct way to hold the glasses." Alex nodded to show he understood.
"Good now let's order the same dish so I can show you how to eat properly, what do you fancy?"
"Ehmm could we have the stake," said Alex consulting the menu.
"Of course, the rump, how do you like it?"
"Well done," relied Alex.
"That's fine now close your menu."
They waited until a waiter came and served them their bread. They ordered their rump steak which was also served with chips, Pease and veg. Narcissa ordered a glass of water whilst Alex decided to get some pumpkin juice.
Narcissa then showed Alex how to cut and butter his bread properly and had him copy her as she ate. They then had their salad and Narcissa showed Alex how to use the salad fork. The waiter then cleared their bread plates and salad bowels. They waited patiently until their main was served. Narcissa showed Alex how to hold his fork correctly so that it was facing down as well as how to slice the steak properly.
"Now when you slice the steak with your knife be careful, you don't want to clink on your plate and make a noise, you slice off a piece and bring it up to the corner of your mouth. You then repeat the process, lastly don't mix up the food on your plate, the chef prepared it that way for a reason, it's offensive to mix it up."
"Okay," replied Alex seriously, taking everything in.
"Now when you need to wipe your mouth, you pick up your napkin slowly and use the corner of it, once your done smooth it out and lay it back on your lap," said Narcissa demonstrating. Alex watched closely and then copied her.
"Good boy, you're doing excellent, praised Narcissa. Alex smiled and they continued to eat their meal. They finished it without any mishaps. Narcissa paid the bill and then led Alex outside.
"Thanks Aunt Cissy, I mean for the clothes, the bracelet, my hair, the books, the food, everything," said Alex getting out of breath.
"Slow down Alex and take a breath okay?"
"Huh-okay," replied Alex taking a breath.
"Listen to me, I don't mind okay, I enjoyed today, besides its nice having someone mother you isn't it?
"Yeah I suppose."
"You've never had anyone to mother you have you?"
"No," replied Alex quietly.
"Would you like me to be like a mother to you then?"
"Yeah I'd like that a lot."
"Good, then I will," said Narcissa smothering Alex into her robes. Alex just rested against her and let her hold him. He felt great being held like that.
"Alright let's get you home, if we're late your father will kill me," said Narcissa ending the embrace. Alex nodded and took Narcissa's hand. She led him down the Alley back towards the Leaky Cauldron, once inside they Floo'ed to Spinners End after receiving permission from Severus.
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Alex and Narcissa emerged in the study with Severus to their right. He had just stepped out of the way.
"Who is this smartly dressed boy Narcissa," spoke up Severus.
"Dad it's me Alex!" said Alex jumping up and down, trying to get his father's attention.
"Really I don't recognise you," joked Severus.
"Come on dad."
"Fine, did you enjoy your day? You look very smart, haircut as well I see."
"Yeah dad, we went shopping, then the Jewellers, then the hair salon, then Flourish and Blots and then for dinner!" replied Alex speaking very fast.
"Easy son slow down, I'm surprised you managed to do everything else though, if you bought any more clothes Aunt Cissy would need to buy you a new wardrobe, and I mean the real thing not more clothes."
"We couldn't resist Severus," spoke up Narcissa.
"We?"
"I and Mrs Twilfit," elaborated Narcissa.
"I see did you enjoy playing fashion dole then?"
"I didn't mind, it was nice for Aunt Cissy to buy me all those things," replied Alex.
"You should have seen his scowl when he first saw the riding wear though."
"You mean the Jodhpurs?"
"Yes, I think he would give you a run for your money."
"Show me Alex."
"Show you what?" said Alex giving a scowl without realizing. Severus had to fight from laughing. It seemed Alex had picked up on a few of his mannerisms.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing dear it's just when you scowl like that you look just like you father."
"Like this Alex," said Severus showing Alex.
"Oh," smiled Alex sheepishly.
"Anyway, thank you for taking Alex out Narcissa, I'm sure he had a great time and is dying to tell me all about it."
"It was my pleasure really, don't forget to let me know what is happening with the visit to the Manor," replied Narcissa.
"I will discuss it with Alex and let you know. Now I will see you later."
"Yes until next time," replied Narcissa.
"Bye Aunt Cissy," spoke up Alex.
"Goodbye Alex," replied Narcissa before departing through the Floo.
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It was now later in the evening and Severus was giving Alex a bath before bed.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"Are those Jodfurs really not girly?"
"First it's Jodhpurs, and no they are not girly."
"But girls were tights," replied Alex.
"Well Jodhpurs are similar to tights but they are not the same. In the Muggle world they do yes, men and boys used to wear them though for horse riding, it was to show off their leg muscle whilst riding and to stop them getting sore. Since muggles now use cars the fashion has changed. Fashions change all the time and they mean different things in different cultures. For example Roman boys used to wear tunics and Scottish men and boys wear kilts, which when you think about it look very similar to dresses and skirts, did the Romans and Scots think they were girly? No they didn't," explained Severus.
"So they're not girly in the wizarding world?"
"Well they're not girly in the Muggle world either, because you would still need to wear them for horse riding, although you probably wouldn't wear they everyday but, in many ways the wizarding world is very old fashioned, especially pureblood society like the Malfoys, in fact you would look very out of place if you didn't wear Jodhpurs when horse riding, it's the same as robes really."
"I see," said Alex accepting his dad's answer.
"How did it go at the restaurant?"
"It was okay, Aunt Cissy was teaching me eti-etiq."
"Etiquette?" added Severus.
"Yeah that."
"Good, do you want me to wash your hair?"
"Please," replied Alex. Severus took the shampoo and rubbed it through Alex now wet hair. His hair was significantly shorter and easier to wash sine the haircut. After washing the hair Severus noted that it still kept its style and was still shiny.
"The product you have in your hair is strong," observed Severus.
"I know Evette said it would last three to four days before I needed to put more on, Aunt Cissy bought me a tub."
"I see."
"I never needed a haircut before though," mused Alex.
"That's because you inherited my hair," explained Severus.
"Oh well at least it lies flat now."
"Indeed, well let's get you off to bed then."
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Authors Notes:
I'm happy that the Malfoys are now coming into the story. I just don't like to rush things as you can probably tell. I really wanted to show some Malfoy style shopping. They don't exactly buy anything cheap now do they.
As for the Jodhpurs and Alex's reaction to them. That's just Alex being a typical 8 year old boy. It's girly I'm not wearing it! When I was not much older than Alex I remember when I started cycling professionally. Once it got to winter you had to start wearing these leggings. First thing I asked my mum was if they were girly.
As for why the Malfoys would go horse riding that will be explained soon. Next chapter is titled Sick Slughorn, meaning he is ill, any ideas what will happen? I enjoy the guesses. Hope you enjoyed the chapter, please let me know what you thought.
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