Lucia should be stressed about her dinner with the Malfoys. She should be in her room trying to find the correct amount of smoothing dream to fix her unfixable hair. Her nails should have been painted red and her eyebrows should have been plucked and she should have been panicking over what color dress will best convey that she is neither threatening nor unsophisticated. Instead she was stressed about a student.
Since Friday night Cecilia Prescott had gotten into duels with 2 other students, the last of which she lost. Apparently the boyfriend who refused to walk her back to the dormitories didn't refuse to walk back everyone else he's been seeing.
Minerva was on her last nerve, feeling that Cecilia was a danger to the other students. After a conversation between herself, Severus and Lucia, it was decided that Lucia would take over Cecilia's punishment.
Lucia had never responded well to authority as a teenager, finding most attempts to discipline her usually insighted either indignance or anger. Cecilia seemed to think in much the same way. Her detention cleaning and sorting the potions stockroom hadn't been effective and a thoughtful conversation with Minerva only resulted in eye rolls and a carefully examined manicure.
Despite the similarity, Lucia wasn't sure exactly what she was supposed to say or do to help the girl get back on track emotionally. Clearly this guy had gotten under her skin and burrowed deep.
Lucia decided to visit Cecilia in the hospital wing, hoping an adult showing up in support would be at least not welcome. It struck Lucia as odd sometimes that she was the adult to these teenagers. She barely felt like she had her well being in check, let alone the emotional intelligence to help other people.
Cecilia was propped up in her bed covered in boils, a look, Lucia noted, that made her appear less bitchy. Lucia chided herself internally. She probably should not describe students as bitchy, even if they were.
"Professor, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Cecilia said, the words slightly distorted.
"I heard you're the least popular girl in seventh year currently." Lucia said, genuinely not sure what to say.
"Yeah well what's new." Cecilia brushed it off.
"Perhaps if you didn't attack your peers-" Lucia started.
"They deserve it." Cecilia commented.
"And what makes you say that?" Lucia asked, pulling up a seat next to the bed.
"Oh I don't know, maybe the fact that I haven't been welcome in this house since the day I got sorted."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Just because no one has ever treated you like you are less than a perfect, beautiful, talented poor American doesn't mean other people have that kind of life."
Lucia was a little taken aback that the young woman saying that about her. "First of all, I would never say I'm perfect. I've got a lot of problems, and most of them are of my own doing. Secondly, I've read your file and spoken with McGonagall. You're a talented student, especially in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions. Professor Snape told me that you consistently show an attention to detail uncommon in students and a desire to learn outside of the classroom. And you are beautiful."
All of those things were true. Cecilia showed promise until this most recent year. There had always been a history of bullying, with her blood status being the main point in question but Severus had told her that had decreased significantly after last year. But Cecilia had lost her younger brother. He was a first year and had been tragically killed during the battle after fleeing from his hiding space.
Lucia could not imagine losing a sibling, let alone in such a horrific way, but she could imagine losing someone she loved.
"You know, my husband died a few years ago. I had a hard time after that for awhile and I made a lot of mistakes, but there were people around me who wanted what's best." Lucia said.
"You're trying to relate to me." Cecilia said.
"Pretty smart for a Slytherin." Lucia laughed. "You know, I don't think punishment is what you need right now. It seems like you're punishing yourself."
"It's not like I chose to get myself hexed." Cecilia replied, referring to her face.
Lucia scoffed. "You were up against Astoria Greengrass. She got a troll in Defense." She raised an eyebrow at Cecilia. "You got an O. I hardly think she stood a chance unless you were looking to lose."
Cecilia looked ashamed for a moment before looking at Lucia with something akin to defeat. "I don't want to be here anymore. He died here."
Lucia nodded, thinking it would have been wise for her to have taken a gap year. It's what Lucia had done with her life. But Lucia had realized she was privileged. Even if being a musician had been an utter failure, Lucia had money from her family and Ryan she could fall back on.
"I understand. More than you think." Lucia finally said. "I don't know all your experiences, but I think perhaps doing something you're passionate about will help. I've talked with Professor Robbards and Professor Snape about opening a dueling club. I've volunteered you as the first member. I've also volunteered you to tutor a first year in potions. His name is Quentin and I think you'll find him an eager student who is just a bit behind."
"This seems an awful lot like a punishment." Cecilia commented.
"I like to think of it as forced responsibility." Lucia said, remembering her own teachers telling her the same thing while she was in school. It was annoying to her then and she couldn't imagine it feeling nice for Cecilia either. But after Lucia's parents died, Lucia started acting out in particularly self destructive ways, including sleeping around a lot. She got a bit of a reputation and a parent of one of her friends seemed to think that meant no meant that he should try harder. Lucia had fought him off well enough, but she ended up with a split lip and a bruised sense of security. Lucia had expected the headmaster to admonish her or say she deserved it. In some ways Lucia thought she did, but instead she was offered a place in the chorus and special permission to have a piano in her room.
It hadn't fixed everything, but Lucia had a safe space to express herself and something she enjoyed and was good at that other people encouraged her to do. She hoped she could replicate that for Cecilia.
It was nearly three by the time Lucia had gotten back to her chambers, not nearly enough before Lucia agreed to meet Severus in his chambers to floo to the Malfoy mansion. While her plans had essentially been foiled for her hair, she felt confident she could do the rest in time. By 4:45 she had done her nails, applied what she thought was a clean cat eye and changed into what she felt would be more traditional, at least by their standards. She even considered wearing the black dress again, but opted to appeal to their Slytherin pride with a green cocktail length dress with a lace neckline. She paired the curve hugging dress with nude heels. Besides her hair which she had tried to pin strategically, Lucia thought that she looked like she belonged in society. What society? Lucia wasn't sure, but hopefully one that served wine. Not that Lucia planned on drinking, she reminded herself. At least not while was there. After dinner was fair game.
Lucia walked to Severus' office, ignoring the looks from the handful of students she passed in the hall. She wore her teaching robes over her dress but they could still see the heels and, perhaps most notably, hear them.
She knocked on Severus's door, her heart rate a little higher than she preferred. When Lucia was singing professionally, she often had to socialize at galas and other events involving her schmoozing and pretending to be interested in various topics. Seldom had Lucia enjoyed these events, but she'd only really embarrassed herself once. Somehow the larger groups made her feel more comfortable than this intimate dinner.
Severus answered the door, looking much the same as he always does. She considered for a moment that his hair looked cleaner than normal. She wondered if he would ever wear his hair tied back, as she thought it might help.
He looked her up and down, noting the red lipstick in particular. She didn't often wear red lipstick, worrying it emphasized her wide mouth but she noted that Severus seemed to enjoy it, as he kept glancing at her lips.
"You look very appropriate." Severus said in what Lucia took as a compliment.
"Thank you, you look just about the same." Lucia teased.
"How was your conversation with Cecilia?"
Lucia sighed. "Who knows? I feel like maybe getting involved will be good for her but I'm also worried that she doesn't know her passion yet."
"What would her passion have to do with her behavior?"
"Really Severus?" Lucia asked with a little ridicule in her voice, but also a gentleness.
Severus looked at her with mild confusion.
"You know better than most what kind of feelings one can experience when angry and without a solid direction in life."
Severus' first instinct was to be defensive but he knew she didn't mean it in judgement.
Lucia backtracked. "I'm sorry that was probably not alright to say."
"It's ok, you're mostly right. I had very different motivations at that point in my life."
Lucia smiled, glad he wasn't upset with her. The clock was fast approaching six and Lucia realized they would soon begin the ruse of being in a budding relationship. Pretending to be enamored wouldn't be too difficult, but Lucia couldn't help but blush when she thought of Severus holding her hand. Oh how she wished she was allowed to drink wine.
"Shall we?" Severus asked, gesturing for the fireplace.
"Is this 'ladies first' or some shit like that?" Lucia asked. "Because, despite my lovely appearance, I am not much of a lady."
"I hadn't noticed." The dry tone couldn't hide the smirk on his lips.
Lucia went through the fireplace first, arriving in a grand entryway of granite and silver. Narcissa and a man with long blond blonde hair that she assumed was Lucius. Before anyone had a chance to greet her, Severus appeared behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist as if it were the most natural instinct.
"Severus, Lucy! Welcome to our home.
"It's Lucia." Lucia muttered before she felt Severus squeeze her side in warning. If it hadn't tickled she might have jabbed him in the side. "Hello Narcissa, thank you very much for the invitation."
"Of course my dear. This is my husband Lucius."
Lucius stepped forward, looking at her as if she were a block of particularly smelly cheese. "How charming Severus."
"It's nice to meet you." Lucia said, extending her hand to shake.
Lucius waved it off, turning and walking toward a grand door.
"You'll have to excuse him. He was speaking with some colleagues and your name came up. Is it true you were married to a halfblood?" Narcissa asked in a hushed tone.
"Severus is a halfblood." Lucia said, offended by the question. "And yes. I absolutely was." The night was off to a terrible start, but at least it wasn't Lucia's fault.
Severus interrupted the conversation before Lucia got even more frustrated. "I think what Lucia means to say is that in America they view things differently. She doesn't see anything wrong with being involved with someone of lesser status as long as they are skilled."
Lucia looked at him as if he had just performed a soliloquy in a foreign language. He merely shared a tight smile, nudging her forward.
"Well Severus has always been an accomplished wizard. We are in his debt." Narcissa said, almost apologizing for her husband.
"Yes he is quite… skilled." Lucia said, eyeing him up and down. If this evening was going to be hell for her, she might as well drag him down him with her.
Narcissa looked at them with thinly veiled disgust before leading them into a large room with a grand staircase and then into a long dining room.
"You will have to excuse the quality of dinner. Our house elves were… liberated from us and I have been attempting to refresh my culinary skills." Narcissa apologized.
"Cannot be any worse than me." Lucia said, gazing at the table in front of them.
It was adorned with a white tablecloth that had silver embroidery over the edges. All of the plates were silver along with the silverware and there was a large centerpiece of white roses in the center.
"Will Draco be joining us this evening?" Severus asked.
"I invited him to come down but he may not. The boy has been stubborn since- well since it happened." Narcissa said.
"He's been irresponsible." Lucias said. "His priority should be returning the Malfoy name to its former glory. Instead he reads and stays in his room."
"I suppose there are worse things a young man could be doing." Lucia said. She had half a mind to add 'like joining He Who Shall Not Be Named' but thought better of it.
"Those are lovely shoes Lucia, wherever did you find them?" Narcissa asked.
"A muggle store in New York." Lucia replied, knowing the answer would be less than ideal.
Narcissa's smile visibly soured. "Charming."
They were seated at the table, with Lucius at the head, Severus to his right, Narcissa to his left and Lucia beside her. Lucia looked across the table at Severus with a scowl, noting that Lucius barely even acknowledged her. She gestured toward the wine as if to say 'I'm drinking.'
Severus rolled his eyes at her, kicking her from under the table.
Lucia reached across the table and grabbed the wine bottle, pouring herself a tall glass before drinking it quickly.
"My dear, we haven't even started the first course."
Lucia stifled a groan. "Exactly."
Severus snorted. Narcissa did not look amused. Lucius seemed to find the finish on his fork to be quite fascinating.
The first course was served, a cold soup which Lucia regarded as the worst kind of soup in existence. Conversation had marginally improved, turning instead to the Hogwarts quidditch teams which Severus cared a surprising amount about.
"Lucia, did you ever play Quodpot?" Narcissa asked politely.
"Not quite." Lucia replied.
"How does one not quite play a sport?" Asked Lucius.
"I do remember trying to play it once but I believe I was first out. I never did like doing things I was bad at." Lucia replied matter of factly.
"I hear you are quite a good singer." Narcissa commented.
"I'm not sure if I'm all that." Lucia said.
"I seem to remember Cornellius Fudge mentioning you sang at a Gala he attended." Lucius said.
"I'm surprised I made much of an impression." Lucia said.
"He mentioned that you ended up insisting on singing both the male and female part for an opera piece."
"Oh yes, that gala. That was my first gala and coincidentally the last gala I drank at." Lucia said, taking another sip of wine. "Although I do remember it was a popular performance. People were commenting on it for weeks."
"Were the comments good?" Severus jabbed.
"All publicity is good publicity and all that." Lucia waved off.
"You'll have to sing for us while we wait for dessert. We have a lovely parlor with a piano." Narcissa said.
"Actually, I'm a bit of an art aficionado." Lucia said as the main course of filet mignon and bearnaise sauce was served. "I have heard you have a fine collection of portraits, many from your own family. I would love to see them."
"Of course! I'd be happy to show you my collection. I'm quite proud." Narcissa grinned.
The rest of the meal was spent in friendly conversation with much of the tension dissipating with the delicious food. Despite Narcissa's warning and the disappointingly cold soup, she was an excellent cook.
"Come this way." Narcissa said, placing Lucia's arm through her own. "I will show you the gallery while the men talk."
Narcissa lead her quietly through the labyrinth of halls in the mansion, pointing out any piece of art that Lucia might be interested in.
They arrived in a large room with a handful of lavish couches in the center. The walls were covered in paintings, many of which were portraits and there were various marble sculptures spread about.
Lucia immediately began her circle around the room, looking at the title of each painting in hopes that it would be the late Narcissa Black.
"Are you looking for anything in particular?" Asked Narcissa.
"Oh, I suppose I'm looking for paintings from before the time period of Leonard Di Caprio." Lucia said, not really paying attention.
"Da Vinci." Narcissa said, her voice hardening.
"Yes the one with the beard."
"I thought you said you were a lover of art." Narcissa got close to Lucia, stopping her in her tracks.
"I do, I just forgot a simple name."
"Da Vinci was an astoundingly talented wizard and painter. No person who enjoys art would forget his name."
Lucia shrugged, trying not to panic. Even if Narcissa was suspicious of her, what would she be suspicious of?
"Severus has been a good friend to me and a better father figure to Draco than Lucius will ever be." Narcissa snapped. "If your intentions with him are anything besides good, I will make you rue the day you crossed that bloody ocean."
Lucia felt her heartbeat quicken for a moment. "I assure you, I want nothing but good for Severus. I'm quite fond of him. We have a lot in common and I enjoy talking to him. He's a good man and I can see that. I'm glad he has friends like you." What she said was sincere. She really did appreciate that he had people who wished to protect him, though Narcissa was grossly incorrect about the danger Lucia posed.
Narcissa seemed to soften a bit, but still looked at Lucia suspiciously.
"To be honest I just wanted to impress you by seeming like I knew about art. I enjoy art, but I'm not very well informed." Lucia tried to lie, seemingly convincing Narcissa temporarily.
"Well, should you have any questions, feel free to ask." Narcissa said.
"Thank you Narcissa." Lucia smiled, returning back to circling the paintings, trying to seem more thoughtful this time and less frantic.
There was, however, no painting of Narcissa Black. Lucia couldn't believe it. She had endured this god awful family for nothing. A scowl began to set in her expression and she thought she would need a moment to compose herself.
"Do you have a powder room? I would like to freshen up before dessert." Lucia asked.
"Of course, right this way." Narcissa led her back toward the dining hall and gestured to a door that was equally lavish as the rest of the decor.
Lucia entered the bathroom, noting the marble counters and silver toilet. She approached the gilded mirror, ready to reapply lipstick when she noticed a painting on the wall behind her of a young woman with dark hair and crystal blue eyes that matched her dress. She was sitting in what looked like an open air room in front of a vanity, applying powder to her face and primping her hair occasionally. Lucia turned around and read the title: 'Narcissa in Cerulean'.
The woman was indifferent to Lucia, a trait that was probably good for a painting located in the restroom. Lucia cast a quick silencing charm, hoping Narcissa was well out of earshot regardless before she addressed the portrait.
"Narcissa Black?" Lucia asked, her voice nearly shaking with excitement.
"Why yes, do you need advice on your outfit?"
"No I'm actually ok."
"Normally that's all people ask me. I think the color is lovely on you, but your hair could use some work."
"Apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Lucia muttered. "No I actually wanted to ask you about an ancestor of mine, someone you knew in school."
"Oh yes, I haven't talked about Hogwarts in so long. How is it?"
Lucia wasn't sure how to answer. "Very… stylish. Narcissa, I want to know about Isabella Webber."
Narcissa's eyes brightened at the mention of her best friend and then were clouded by sadness. "What would you like to know?"
"What was she- what was she like?" Lucia asked.
"She was very bright. She knew how to fix anything and was quite good at cleaning spells. I also remember her loving divination."
This information excited Lucia. "Was she a seer at all?"
"No, no, nothing like that. Although she was better than I ever was. Couldn't tell you the difference between a crystal ball and a tea leaf."
"What about after Hogwarts?" Lucia asked.
"She got engaged the headboy, whatever his name was. I wasn't invited. We had fallen out by then. I heard that she died during childbirth before they got married. Absolutely tragic." Narcissa sighed, continuing to powder her nose.
"Was he the headboy the same year you both graduated?" Lucia asked.
"They were the headboy and girl together. Absolutely obnoxious pair, always on about dress codes and skirt lengths."
Lucia was beginning to like this Portrait.
"Did you ever hear of a Euphemia Webber?"
"No, I can't say I have." Narcissa replied, tapping her lip in thought.
"Was there anything special about Isabella? Anything different?" Lucia asked.
"Besides her being an awful bitch? No." Narcissa responded haughtily.
"Oh don't I know it." Lucia said.
"What do you mean?" Narcissa asked.
"Oh nothing at all. Thank you very much for the chat!" Lucia said.
"Of course! You know they make potions for your hair."
"Merlins fucking hanging beard." Lucia muttered, leaving the powder room.
"What's wrong?" Narcissa Malfoy asked from down the hallway.
"You should tell your portraits not to give unsolicited advice on hair products." Lucia replied, stomping her heels down the hallway.
"Oh I apologize, my namesake has always been opinionated, but can be helpful." Narcissa smiled at her. "I actually quite like your hair. It seems to fit your personality."
Lucia was shocked by the kind statement. "Thank you! People have been telling me to straighten it my entire life so I'm always happy to hear that someone likes it."
"Does Severus like it?" Narcissa asked.
"I believe he does."
"Well then that is all that matters!"
"Not quite. I think the fact that I like it is a bit more important." Lucia winked at Narcissa.
Narcissa smiled at Lucia, beginning to understand the odd woman a bit more.
"Shall we join the gentlemen for dessert?"
"I suppose I can tolerate their company."
The rest of the evening went on with relatively little conflict. Lucius was still an absolute asshole in Lucia's refined opinion, but Narcissa was kind enough once you got past the judgemental and surprisingly protective exterior.
The Malfoys escorted Severus and Lucia back to the fireplace around nine pm, saying their goodbyes.
"We simply must do this again." Narcissa said, clasping Lucia's hands.
"Yes, we must." Lucius drawled in a bored manner, fingering the shaft of his cane.
"In fact, we are having a gathering over the holidays here. It will be much smaller than usual, maybe a hundred people from all over Europe."
Lucia would have choked on a drink if she had one.
"But I would insist you both come. And Lucia, it would be delightful if you could sing for us then. Perhaps an Aria meant just for one singer?"
Lucia smiled tightly, trying not to seem off put by the request. "Of course, I would be delighted. I don't get to use my training often and I enjoy singing Opera greatly."
"Perfect. New Years Eve. Oh it will be your first New Years Eve together won't it? How lovely." Narcissa commented.
Lucia's face paled noticeably. New Years Eve was the anniversary of her husband's death. She usually spent it with Emily looking through photo albums and crying.
Severus must have seen her expression change because he interrupted the conversation.
"It is getting late and we have patrols to attend to." He put his hand on the small of her back and led her to the fireplace. They had actually traded patrols with Flitwick and Aurora, something that both of them thought was suspicious.
"It was lovely to meet you." Lucia called meekly before returning to Severus' chambers.
Severus followed her a moment later, quietly gazing at her.
She was staring at her left hand, specifically her ring finger.
"I'm afraid I don't know what has upset you. Did you have plans New Years Eve?"
Lucia sighed, putting her hand back down by her side. "In a way, yes. It's the anniversary of my husband's death. I planned to be sad. Now I guess I'm pretending to be your girlfriend."
"You do not need to attend. I can always go alone." Severus offered up, understanding immediately what she meant. Halloween was still his least favorite night of the year, though he didn't need to drink anymore to get through it.
Lucia laughed. "I weirdly don't want to disappoint Narcissa."
Severus let out a laugh of his own. "Yes, she does have that effect on people. So does Lucius."
"Oh no, I want to disappoint Lucius. In fact, if he hated me I would consider that to be a moral victory."
"He's not quite so bad."
"He's terrible."
There was a pause in conversation.
"Were you able to find the portrait?" Severus asked.
"Yes I was, thought it wasn't terribly helpful. It was more interested in criticizing my hair."
"Your hair is lovely."
Lucia blushed lightly, delighted that he would say that.
"I also found out that she was engaged the headboy and was headgirl with him before she died during childbirth."
"That would explain her attention to the list in the dream." Severus commented.
"The list!" Lucia exclaimed, remembering the imposter looking at the list of headboys and girls in the trophy room. "Let's go look at it!" She said, grabbing his arm and practically dragging him down the hall and up the stairs.
"Can't this wait for tomorrow?" Severus said, not thinking the information would be of any importance.
"It's your life. Do you want to wait until tomorrow?"
Severus sighed in concession and they made their way to the trophy room.
The list was quite long. Lucia found the names before Severus, exclaiming out loud "Aha! Headgirl, Isabella Webber, Headboy Cadmus Peverell." Lucia thought for a moment. "Where do I know that name from?"
Lucia turned to Severus and noticed he was looking at her with an expression of confusion and aw.
"Cadmus Peverell?"
Notes:
Boom! Big piece of the puzzle.
Theorize away.
Thank you so much for the reviews. I'm deliriously tired so this note will be short. Your words of support mean the world to me. Thank you for the support and the kindess.