"Harry, please join me in living room."
Harry nodded, wiping his mouth and standing up from the breakfast table to join Mistress Narcissa. He assumed they would be having one of their talks again, something which had surprised him quite a bit when he first arrived at Malfoy Manor three days ago.
Mistress Narcissa seemed incredibly interested in picking his mind now that his change in status had become public; spending hours simply discussing various issues and past events with him. He didn't mind to be honest; he enjoyed their talks. Not only was she a gorgeous and charming woman, but she also had a terrifyingly sharp mind to accompany her feminine charms.
Much like with Mistress Andromeda, his training had been increased on all fronts, now that she truly knew he held two votes, she spent every single afternoon cramming his mind full with information and any wisdom that might serve him. The Dark Arts training in the morning had also increased, as she was pleased at his improvement in Occlumency as well as the advantage the Black family magic gave him over the perilous art.
Yet Harry noticed that she never let him out of her sight when he cast the Dark Arts, he assumed that regardless of her praise she was still skeptical to leave him alone with such potent magic. He couldn't help but wonder if it was connected to her older sister, Bellatrix no-name, formerly Black. He remembered the story Mistress Narcissa had told about him about Bellatrix's fall to the Dark Arts, and he especially remembered the tinge of regret in her voice when she told it.
Walking behind her he couldn't help but let his eyes travel down the tight dark green robe she wore, admiring her shapely behind as her hips rolled with every step. The light seemed to make the material sparkle, showing off her curves while highlighting the pale skin of her legs that peeked through the high cut in the robe. He was caught off guard when she suddenly stopped, looking up in surprise.
Looking over her shoulder he saw her look right back at him through a wall covering mirror, smirking at his furious blush. Not giving him any chance to come up with any feeble excuses she continued to the living room, crossing her legs as she sat down in a plush dark blue sofa, the cut in the robe allowing the fabric to glide up scandalously close to her hips. She patted the seat next to her, still smiling at his red face. Harry swallowed softly as he sat down, trying to distract himself from the toned flesh being presented to him.
He knew it was a part of who she was, she used her sexuality without any excuses or shame. She had absolute confidence in herself and used her sex appeal as a way to confuse and distract anyone she spoke to. With the majority of the people in the Wizengamot being men, it was hardly surprising that Lucius often let her handle the political discussions. People stared at her beauty, forgetting the mind that hid behind the sensual smile. In all honesty he found it to be an incredible turn on; he couldn't help his attraction to her.
Harry watched as she summoned a house elf to fetch them tea, wondering what today's talk was going to be about. He found these conversations fascinating, often learning far more about himself and the people around him than he expected. Just yesterday Mistress Narcissa had discussed Sirius Black with him, leaving him both wary and confused.
"Sirius Black is an enigma. A mystery even. Was he a turn-cloak from the start? Did he serve the Dark Lord the entire time and deceive everyone, including Dumbledore? Hard to say, as he was without a doubt an excellent Auror. Make no mistake on that matter Harry, your father and Sirius were a devastating combination on the battlefield. His aptitude in combat magics combined with James's transfiguration made them a duo that very few, if any, could combat. Their arrests numbered in the hundreds and both of them were reportedly very high on the Dark Lord's hit list."
"I find it hard to believe he could have been a traitor from the start, their work with the Aurors caused far too much damage to the Dark Lord's cause. So when did he turn then? Why did he turn? Did he in fact turn?"
Harry looked up in surprise at that.
"I looked up his trial records you know, he was, after all, still family, regardless of what Aunt Walburga might have said or done."
He caught the scornful way she mentioned her Aunt, clearly there was little love lost between the Black sisters and the Black matriarch.
"No trial. No evidence. In fact the only mention of Sirius Black I found was an Auror report of his delirious shouting of how guilty he was before being shipped to Azkaban. Was the trial hidden? The court records closed? Possible, yet questionable. Then there is also his will, leaving everything to you. Why would he do such a thing? Maybe he didn't expect to be caught? Maybe he expected the Dark Lord to kill you off? So many questions, but so few answers."
Harry frowned at his cup of tea, never having heard any of this before.
"Still, I advise you to not seek the man out. Whether he was good enough to deceive everyone or if he truly was innocent, he is still a very powerful wizard that has enjoyed a whole decade of Azkaban hospitality. I very much doubt any man could remain stable after being in close proximity to Dementors for such a long time."
.
"Harry, it's not very polite to ignore your hostess."
He looked up in surprise to see Mistress Narcissa offering him a cup of tea.
"Uh, sorry Mistress, mind wandered."
"Was it following your eyes?"
He coughed slightly as he accepted his tea, trying to ignore her teasing smile.
"Never mind that, I'm sure you're wondering what we shall be talking about today?"
Watching him nod she smiled even wider.
"Why, your love interests of course! After all, with everything that has happened this summer I'm certain you will be attracting quite a bit of female attention."
There was nothing slight about his next cough, the hot tea slipping into the wrong throat, making him sputter.
"W-what?"
"Come on now, surely you must have been considering it. I have heard all sorts of rumors but I'd rather hear it right from the source, are there any girls that truly interest you?"
He froze in surprise, of course he had thought about it, but it was usually in the form of various fantasies. Truly considering the girls seriously, he started ticking them off one by one.
Tonks? He really had no idea, he was pretty sure she was his first crush, but their difference in age was rather large. Not to mention he had barely seen her during the past year, her Auror training eating all her free time. He doubted it would ever become anything serious, at most he expected what the muggles called 'friends with benefits.'
Luna? No, she was more of a little sister to him than anything. He felt sympathy for her plight and had offered her his protection, something she had gladly hung on to. At the moment he knew he had absolutely no romantic interest in her.
Ginny? He almost audibly scoffed at the thought. She was a hot little thing; of that he had no doubt. A fiery redhead that had a very tight body, no doubt thanks to all the Quidditch she loved. But really, sexual attraction was all there was.
He had no real mental attachment to her, he doubted he could ever be in a serious relationship with someone who treated him like a god and happily agreed to any nonsense he spewed. With the other women he could at least maintain a discussion, Ginny simply worshipped him. He wouldn't mind shagging her, yet he had little interest in anything else.
Daphne or Tracey? Both were attractive and they had the cunning fit for a real Slytherin, yet Harry didn't really have that much interest in them beyond their looks. They were a wild card; he couldn't trust them at all. He was a Hufflepuff for a reason, if he couldn't trust the person then any thoughts of pursuing them, beyond sex that is, simply didn't exist.
Hermione? The thought made him uncertain. She was very meek, actually submissive. He had a hard time considering her as a serious girlfriend; in fact, the only thing she reminded him of was a pet. A highly attractive pet that he thought of as a good friend, yet her behavior had been very insecure, even before her Polyjuice accident.
She had merely channeled it by attempting to please any and all authority figures around her. Her new side had given her some confidence, something he greatly enjoyed, as clearly evidenced by what they did during the train ride from Hogwarts, but he knew she seemed to consider him more of an, well, owner, than an actual boyfriend. The way she behaved lately, Harry could almost swear she would actually enjoy it if he bent her over the table and fucked her raw.
No, in terms of a serious relationship the only people he really considered were his first two actual friends, Susan and Hannah. They were highly attractive, intelligent; loyal and above all, they didn't treat him like a celebrity. Neither had any issues with calling him out on his mistakes or faults, yet both of them also managed to encourage and drive him to perform better.
Harry knew he already cared about them a lot, he had little doubt he would absolutely destroy anyone he considered a threat to them. For some reason they also seemed capable of completely disabling his Occlumency, he didn't really understand it, but he knew that whenever they kissed him his Occlumency seemed to falter. Mistress Andromeda had only smiled knowingly at him when he complained, not really helping him understand what the issue was at all.
"Judging by the look on your face you seemed to have a reached a conclusion."
He looked at Mistress Narcissa in surprise, noticing the tea in his hands had already cooled. How long had she been waiting? He forcibly cleared his throat.
"Yeah, uh, I'd say Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott."
She studied his eyes for a while before nodding, seeming to have expected the answer.
"Yes. The Bones Heiress and the Abbott Heiress. I wonder if you even realize what you are doing there?"
He scrunched up his eyebrows, not understanding her implication. She smiled in return.
"Harry, if you were to marry them, you would in essence be forming a political block."
He coughed in surprise.
"M-marry? What?!"
"I'm just speculating." Her voice sounded far too innocent to be genuine when she said that.
"Have you ever heard anyone insult the girls? Any pure-blooded Hogwarts boy insulting them?"
Watching him shake his head in confusion she continued.
"Of course, you haven't, their parents have forbidden them from doing such stupidity. Both those families are almost dead, with very few members still alive. Anyone marrying their daughters would be almost guaranteed to gain control of their houses at some point in the future. Can you even comprehend how many hopeful fathers have been sending their parents or guardians marriage contracts?"
Harry felt his eyes bulge in surprise, never having considered it.
"Madam Bones and Mrs. Abbott have however completely denied any such requests though, being women themselves they seem to have left the options open for their daughters."
Twirling her tea cup, she looked at him.
"And there is only one male student who is currently close to them."
Realizing the boy had become absolutely speechless she chuckled, her tinkling laughter sobering him out of his daze.
"I am merely informing you about different possibilities, no need to look so shocked Harry. I doubt there are any plans for marriage on the horizon yet. One should however, always plan for the future."
"Yeah. Umm, thank you Mistress, I had actually never even considered that."
She just hummed in return.
"You asked for tutoring, which is what I will give. Preparing you for various things is in a way my duty."
Reaching over she placed her hand on his arm.
"That reminds me of something that must be discussed, even if you do not wish to do it."
His green eyes looked at hers expectantly, a hint of nerves breaking through his Occlumency.
"Your former muggle guardians."
He flinched briefly; it was quick but she caught it. Moving over she draped her hand over his shoulder, hugging him to her body.
"I know you do not wish to speak about it, but I am almost certain they abused you, yes?"
She saw his jaw clench before he nodded, his entire body stiff in her arms. Deciding to come straight with him she didn't bother sugaring her words.
"It is a potential massive problem. Should any unsavory aspects of the Wizarding world find about what has happened to you, they would without any doubt plaster it all over the Daily Prophet and any news inlet they could find. Not only would it paint the muggles in a terrible light, but it would also completely destroy your reputation. It would be dragged through the press for years to come."
Narcissa saw a hint of panic bleed into his green eyes as he stared at her in question.
"This problem can however be resolved, by venturing to the grey side of morality and magic. I am no master of the Mind Arts, yet my Legilimency is quite proficient due to my Occlumency. Should we meet with these muggles I can sift through their mind and obliviate any...uncomfortable dealings they might remember with you."
Watching his eyes widen she continued,
"However, obliviating so much from someone's mind can be quite harmful to them, I doubt they would ever be the same. Do you still wish to do it?"
She watched him hesitate for a moment before his face hardened, no doubt remembering past events. His voice was rough when he finally spoke.
"I do."
Narcissa gave him another squeeze, mentally sighing in relief. After finding out the boy had become Lord Black, she realized many of her potential plans could become reality, most of it however hinged on Harry rising to become a powerful member of their world.
Those disgusting muggles were however a huge threat, she could only imagine what might have happened if her husband had found out even a word about their past actions. It also allowed her to help him not only conquer some of his past demons, but also exercise his right to take some revenge.
"Harry, can you tell me the names of the people who wronged you?"
He seemed to swallow before almost spitting out his words.
"Petunia Dursley and Marge Dursley."
She smiled encouragingly at him.
"Good, now do you know where they live?"
He nodded.
"Do you think they would be home right now?"
Harry glanced at the clock, seeing it was only a little past nine in the morning. They would in fact be home alone. Another nod.
"Good, if you want, we can deal with this issue now."
Seeing his steely nod she smiled encouragingly, staring into his eyes.
"Please lower your Occlumency shields and visualize the area, that way I can apparate us both there."
Gently sending out a soft probe of her mind she felt herself sink into his emerald eyes, seeing flashes of a row of identical houses and gardens, glimpsing various people before seeing a street sign that read Privet Drive. Dispelling the connection, she felt herself snap to reality, staring at his puzzled eyes.
"You felt that I assume? It was a part of my mind. That is why mastery of Occlumency is so important for Legilimencer, unless you have solid control over your own self, you can lose yourself in the mind of others. You are never to attempt anything similar until I deem you ready, clear?"
"Yes Mistress."
She smiled before grabbing his hand.
"Let's get this dirty business over with so we can enjoy the rest of our stay here, alright?"
A small hesitant smile spread on his face, making her squeeze his hand in return, before apparating them both straight to Privet Drive. She chose a small shaded alley for their apparition, hiding themselves from public view. Tapping her own head, she glamoured her robes into a smart business suit, changing her striking hair to raven black in the process.
Waving her wand over Harry she changed both his eyes and his hair, his casual dress would serve among muggles.
Harry swallowed heavily as he followed Mistress Narcissa to the Dursley's, feeling incredibly tense. He understood what she wanted to do and honestly, he agreed. With the way the press hounded him he could only imagine what happened if this got public, The-Boy-Who-Lived abused by muggles.
He spat in disgust; it would be on every cover. Staring at the identical houses and the clueless muggles they passed he felt a sneer grow on his face, there was also a certain amount of satisfaction to be had here. He doubted Mistress Narcissa would be particularly gentle in her obliviations, yet he had no sympathy from Petunia.
The woman had used him as a sex toy. As a slave. Occlumency allowed him to view memories with startling clarity and he now recognized the multiple times she had manipulated him by playing on his lack of human contact. Unlike either of his Mistresses who seemed to greatly wish he would become someone great, Petunia only wanted him to remain her toy.
There was no warmth to be had from her, no actual love, only her quest for sexual release. Whereas Mistress Andromeda wanted to nurture him; Petunia had done everything to stifle him. Mistress Narcissa on the other hand never did anything without asking him first, it was always with his permission, never otherwise. No, Harry did not feel any sorrow for what was about to happen.
A few seconds after ringing the doorbell Petunia opened the door; looking down the nose at them.
"What is it? I'm not buying anything."
A flicker of a grin flashed on Mistress Narcissa's face before she tapped Petunia with her wand, the Petrificus Totalus curse freezing her like a statue. Before she could even begin to fall down, she levitated her inside the house, propping her against the wall. Harry glanced nervously around to make sure no one had seen what just happened before closing the door behind them.
Narcissa shivered as she felt the oppressive wards humming around the property. Harry seemed oblivious to the fact; no doubt having grown used to them after having lived here for so long. She on other hand was grateful she had been invited here by him; she was fairly certain that if she had tried to do this without Harry's approval the wards would have fried her where she stood.
She narrowed her sharp blue eyes at the muggle woman propped up in front of her, wondering if she had ever realized where her actions would lead her. Personally, she cared little for the muggle, yet she knew this needed to be done with Harry's full approval.
"Harry, if I do this, there is no taking it back, you understand this yes?"
He swallowed before nodding.
"I do Mistress. Do it."
Harry watched Mistress Narcissa place her wand against Petunia's head before locking eyes with her, no doubt delving into her mind through Legilimency. He found the magic fascinating, to be able to dig out any and all secrets of anyone he wished. A shiver ran through him at the thought of it being used on him, it was indeed a powerful aspect of magic and he couldn't help being surprised that it wasn't taught at Hogwarts at all.
Now more than ever he was grateful for being taught Occlumency. Staring at her wand he saw small pulses of white light wash over Petunia's head, correctly assuming that this was her obliviating memories as she stumbled upon them. A small surge of anger passed over him that she would get away with her actions this easily, before he looked into her eyes. There was a dazed emptiness there, like something vital was missing, and it only grew worse with each pulse of white.
It wasn't until almost an hour later when Mistress Narcissa finally blinked and removed her wand, steading herself against the wall. Harry saw a bead of sweat traveling down her brow; he had little doubt doing so much magic had taken its toll on her. Using a napkin to wipe her face she gave him a studying look.
"There was...more...than I expected."
He clenched his jaw at that, but looked up in surprise when she placed her hands on his shoulders and peered into his eyes, a sliver of pride in her blue eyes.
"You have nothing to feel ashamed of Harry, after having seen what I have, I realize you are far stronger than anyone gives you credit for."
She threw a disdainful look at Petunia, removing the Body-Bind curse at the same time.
"Also, you can rest assured she will never be a problem for you again, too much has been removed from her mind to ever allow her to function normally again."
Harry stared at the once daunting woman who had so used him, watching her slump to the ground with a marionette that had its wires cut. Her eyes were open yet seemed to see very little, she had a permanently dazed look on her face, even allowing a sliver of drool to slip past her lips.
A surge of satisfaction went through him, for someone who strived so ardently to be perceived as normal, she was now cursed to be abnormal for the rest of her life. He watched in surprise as Mistress Narcissa grabbed her under the chin and slammed her head against the table corner, creating a clear cut on the side of her head. Noticing his surprised look, she merely wiped her hands.
"Muggles like to have logical explanations to things. Brain trauma following a hard hit to the head is as logical as you can get."
Leading them away from the house and especially the wards, she traced their steps in to the same shaded alley where they arrived. Turning to Harry she peered into his eyes again, sharp blue locking with emerald green, seeing a certain satisfaction in his green pools. She was not surprised, while he might use his Occlumency to hide most of his reactions, Narcissa had little doubt they were exorcising some serious demons this day.
"That was one, you mentioned two. Do you know where she lives?"
His response was a slight shift in his eyes, as she noticed his Occlumency withdraw, allowing her to spot their next destination. A short crack later they arrived on the back yard of an upper middle-class house, a loud barking noise greeting them. Harry hissed as he recognized Ripper, the bulldog Marge loved sending at him, running towards them from the house.
"Stupefy!"
His stunning spell slammed into the beast, throwing it across the grass like a sack of potatoes. He had briefly entertained the idea of killing it, yet it simply didn't feel right. It was not prudent to blame a beast for how it was raised; the blame lay at Marge's feet. Speaking of the devil, he saw her round form look out in shock through one of the windows before she drew open the door and started shouting at them.
"What the devil do you think you are doing in my yard?!"
"Harry."
He glanced at Mistress Narcissa, keeping the foaming woman in his sights.
"You have practiced the spell and should know how to use it. Merely focus on the memory, or memories, you want to remove in your head; then cast it on her."
"Spell!? Are you some of those cultist madmen that have been on the telly? You take your abnormal garbage elsewhere!"
Harry stared at one of the few people he had truly learned to hate, feeling his magic boiling underneath his skin as he watched her rage. Instead of answering her he raised his wand to his head, briefly flooding his glamour with magic to make it dispel. She froze as she saw his form ripple before she narrowed her eyes at him.
"You, you're that freak!"
Harry's smile was chilling as he raised his wand.
"Hello Marjorie, enjoy the rest of your hellish life."
"Wha- ?"
"Obliviate!"
She got no further before a flash of white light erupted from his wand, smashing into the meaty woman and throwing her through the glass door. Narcissa raised her eyebrows at the reaction, an obliviation was supposed to only affect the mind, she could only imagine the amount of power that had ran through that spell to make it physically throw her.
She looked at Harry and saw a small victorious grin of relief on his face; he was clearly enjoying his newfound right to cast magic outside of school. Walking up to the fat muggle she sighed, might have been better to just kill her. Based on the blank look on her face she would need to be spoon-fed for the rest of her life. Oh well, Harry clearly felt better and she had eliminated a possible threat to both of their futures, regardless of the small complications Narcissa was still very pleased with the outcome.
Looking at the panting young man she felt a small smile spread on her lips, he might not know it but he had just taken a significant step towards power. The ability to permanently deal with enemies, past or present, was very important.
"Harry."
He seemed to snap out of a daze as he turned to her.
"It's time to go."
Receiving a nod, she grasped his arm before executing the usual half turn required for apparition, instantly moving them back to Malfoy Manor. He stumbled slightly as they landed; something that was unusual for him these days.
"Why don't we take today off? Go down to the basement and practice some of your spells, blowing off some steam might help you relax. No Dark Arts though."
"Sure…uh, thank you Mistress. For, well, everything."
"Of course, Harry. Always know that if you have anything you wish to talk about, I will be available."
His emerald eyes seem to study her for a while before he gave a little grin and nodded, walking off towards the basement.
She stared at his retreating back, thinking over his future. And quite possibly, her future as well. Narcissa Malfoy was no idiot; she recognized what it meant that he had fought the Heir of Slytherin.
There was only one person she knew that fit that description. The rumors surrounding Albania and Quirrell from last year had already raised her hackles; her husband had been very interested in all news coming from the small country. Then Harry Potter of all people killed him, a fully grown wizard and DADA professor to boot? He had been very tight lipped about what had occurred but she could draw her own conclusions on the subject.
Narcissa knew what would happen should the Dark Lord rise again, her husband would run to him like a whipped dog, his son following just as he had been taught. She sighed thinking about him; if only Draco would have listened to her, yet his father's fanciful tales of powerful wizards had been far more interesting.
She knew without a doubt that he would force his disgusting brand on her if he returned. Narcissa shuddered at the thought, to be branded like cattle. She, a daughter of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black, being branded for servitude. The whole idea raised her hackles and she fingered her wand in agitation. No, she knew quite well what her only way out was, it had been confirmed last week.
She like the rest of the Wizengamot had stared at Andy as she walked into the early August session right as it started. Not letting anyone get a voice in she had marched right up to Dumbledore and stated that she, Andromeda Cassiopeia Black, not Tonks, was claiming the empty seats of the House of Black and Potter as a proxy for one Harry James Potter-Black.
A stunned silence has settled over the room as she handed over the required documents to the Supreme Mugwump. Narcissa had spotted a brief smirk on Andy's face as Dumbledore looked like he had swallowed a lemon while reading over the papers. Only minutes later she was awarded the votes, quite calmly taking a seat next to Amelia Bones and starting up a discussion.
More than a few eyebrows were raised at her seating, a Black sitting next to a Bones? Yet those with students who informed them about the happenings in Hogwarts knew what it was about, Harry Potter was already drawing alliances in the school. When she looked at Andy, she saw not only power, but also her salvation.
Harry still owed her a favor of her choosing and she had already chosen it, he simply didn't know it. Yet there was no hurry in the matter, right now she was at the center of all information regarding the Dark Lord, her husband and his circle of friends were an excellent source of news. She was above all a Slytherin, she could lie in the tall grass, bide her time and wait for the most opportune time to strike.