Part One:
Cornelius Fudge sat at his desk stiffly. To his right sat Mad Eye Moody impatiently. The spot on his left was conspicuously empty. Lucius Malfoy had failed to arrive.
Footsteps echoed in the empty hallway seconds before the door opened. A panting, pale faced Percy Weasley stood in the doorway. "Sir, the killing curse was used. At Hogwarts." He gasped out, trying to breath.
It was the only thing that stopped Minister Fudge's scold on his lips. Exchanging looks of startled fear and surprise with the auror, Fudge rose to his feet. "Gather your team together, Moody," he shakily ordered.
"Yes, sir," Moody's voice was quiet, covering his contemptuous sneer. It would not do to let the minister know just how much he despised his boss' weakness and indecisiveness.
"Weasley, prepare the port key to take us to Dumbledore's office." Fudge watched the door close with a click behind them and inhaled deeply.
When the door opened again, he jumped in fright.
Narcissa Malfoy coldly stared down at him before gliding in and moving towards him. She sat down in his chair and folded her hands in her lap, looking up at him. "Minister Fudge, please, have a seat." There was cold amusement in her voice.
So shocked was he that he dropped into the chair Moody had vacated so recently.
"Much better. Now, we can have a civilized conversation."
"What are you doing here?" He whispered through dry lips.
Her smile was slight as she observed him squirming in the chair, trying to regain some form of dignity. "Why do you think I'm here for anything, Minister? I am a member of this community. May be I desire to see up close the man in charge and observe how he handles things."
"I am afraid that is not possible right now. But if you come back, I'll see to it that you can see the ministry in action." Fudge offered, knowing that it wouldn't do to offend such an important member of the aristocracy.
"Is there some reason that tonight won't do?" She purred, pinning him in place. "I had it from my husband that work doesn't slow down just because the sun is setting."
"Of course not," he stuttered. "But I am about to leave on urgent business."
"Oh, excellent. I would love to see you in action. Tell me, dear minister, is it a raid?"
He hesitated, "well, no. I am afraid that it is more serious than that, Mrs. Malfoy." The words were drawn out slowly, almost against his will.
"Not another dreadful rumor about You-Know-Who returning!" She exclaimed, dismay coloring her face.
"Of course not," Fudge was quick to reassure her. "Nothing of the kind, Mrs. Malfoy. I assure you, if it had anything to do with that, I would not be giving it even a moment's thought. We know that he's gone."
A slight smile crossed the curved lips, "I see. Please, dear friend of Lucius, call me Narcissa. We should not stand on ceremony with each other, Cornelius."
"Very well, Mrs....Narcissa It's just a little trouble at Hogwarts, nothing to worry about." He quickly finished, once again noting the fear in her beautiful face.
"Nothing? Nothing!?!" She shrieked, "My son is at Hogwarts and there is trouble there that you must see to personally? And you dare to sit there telling me that there's nothing to worry about?" Hysteria colored her voice, her cheeks pink with rage.
"I have my best aurors on the job," Fudge tried to soothe the hysterical woman.
"I don't care!" She stood up and ripped the door open, striding down the hall. "I am going with your or without you. But know this, my dear Minister Fudge, I am going." The door hit the wall behind her, she could hear him following her, a plea in his voice.
"But, Narcissa, it would be best if you remained here We will bring you proof that your son is well. Even send him home if that would relieve your mind," his voice ended on a squeak when she faced him.
Turning the full power of her rage on him, she snapped, "I will not be placated, Minister, until I see with my own eyes that all is well with my son. You do not want to cross me, Fudge."
With a sigh, he yielded. It would take someone with more courage than he to stand in the way of this virago.
Mad Eye Moody glared at her but her gaze was calm when they clashed. "What's she doing here?"
"Checking on her son," Fudge tiredly explained.
"Look here, missy, you have no business in this." Moody snapped, unimpressed by her imperious exterior. "Get on with you."
Narcissa looked at him at though he was a fly in her way that she wanted to squash more than anything. In a very precise and distinctive voice, she addressed him. "My son is at that school, which makes it my business, you wretched being. Do not think for one moment of leaving me behind because I know the way to Hogwarts and you wouldn't want me to accidentally destroy anything, would you?"
Percy's arrival ended any further conversation and handed Fudge the port key, stepping back reluctantly. "I'll get things ready for your return, sir."
Minister Fudge nodded gratefully before activating it. The small group of five disappeared and reappeared in a cheery office.
"You're late, Minister Fudge, I was expecting you a few minutes ago. Oh, I see that you've brought Mrs. Malfoy with you. Hello, your son is resting in his common room. I would advise you to have a word with Professor Snape before you go see young Draco." Albus spoke from somewhere on the groups right, helping them up and moving to sit at his desk. "Tea?"
"This isn't a social call, Dumbledore." Cornelius growled, moving to stand in front of the desk. He felt rather self conscious, knowing that he never looked his best after port key travel. Looking around, he was disconcerted to find that Moody and Narcissa looked as though they had just walked in.
"When someone dies, it rarely is." Albus replied mildly, gesturing for them to sit down. "But I would rather we deal with this situation in comfort. Ah, Severus, how good of you to come. Please, take Mrs. Malfoy downstairs." He nodded to the potions master who had walked in, followed by Minerva.
"Of course, Headmaster." Severus turned to Narcissa, wondering what Albus was up to. "This way."
"I'll join you, if you don't mind." Moody faced them, open challenge in his face.
Severus turned to the Headmaster, then back to the auror. "I do not, Professor Moody." His voice was stiff but polite. The trio left Albus' office, aware of the sharp gaze upon them.
Moody moved back to observe the two Slytherins, trying to draw a real picture about them. But they were not veterans of Slytherin just because of their family lines, they were prepared. Survival was not just a word to them, it was a way of life.
"I want to see my son, Severus." Her face was still full of fear. But Severus caught the hint of something else in the depths of her eyes.
"I am afraid that is not possible at the moment, Narcissa." He deliberately used her given name.
Her eyes narrowed, voice trembling with suppressed rage. "Are you trying to keep me from my son?"
"You know me better than that. But young Mister Malfoy has been upset by this attack. I do not think it wise to see him before you have composed yourself." His voice was neutral.
"Of course. You are correct, as usual, Severus." Barely reigned in emotions. But she was not Lucius' wife because their family had arranged their marriage. She could wait. "Tell me, Professor Moody, what do you make of this attack?"
"Until I see where it has occurred, I cannot say." He spoke harshly, unable to sense anything from them. Turning to the dark potions professor, he spoke with restrained suspicion. "Well, Snape, what happened here tonight? How did this person get past the wards?"
Not knowing exactly what Albus wanted him to say, he kept the explanation brief. "Lucius Malfoy was killed outside the potions classroom. Assassin unknown."
"And you heard nothing?" Moody was skeptical.
"I was overseeing Potter's," he sneered at the name, "detention."
"What crime would he have committed to warrant your personal attention?"
Meeting both eyes, Severus answered without flinching. "Disrespecting a teacher. Being out after hours. Merely existing. Discipline and rules must be enforced-even on would be heroes, Professor Moody."
Turning, as though aware that Narcissa was no longer with them, Severus barked, "Are you coming? I assure you that your husband's body has not been desecrated." But his tone was slightly sympathetic-for him anyway.
"Lucius? Dead?" Her voice was faint and she swayed slightly, leaning against the wall for support. "No. It just can't be." Suddenly, her voice gained strength with her growing shock.
Moody glanced her way, wary of using his mystic eye on the clearly unstable woman. "Mrs. Malfoy? Are you all right?"
"Don't touch me!" She shrieked, jerking back. "You've always hated him, wanted him dead. And you," she rounded on Severus, "why didn't you do more to help him?" Bolting down the hallway, she headed for his classroom.
Severus was startled by this behavior. Surely she had known, Lucius and Narcissa had not just married, they had chosen to be bonded as well. Was this merely a trick, he thought, following her with Moody at his heels. They skidded to a stop, nearly colliding with each other in their shock. Narcissa was weeping over Lucius' prone body, true tears. As one, they moved back.
"I do not understand, Snape. They were bonded. It is recorded, I was there. Why didn't she feel his loss?"
"I do not know, Professor, that's what troubles me." He murmured, gazing thoughtfully at the floor. "Narcissa is not a fool nor is she blind. She's up to something and that bothers me. Of the two, Narcissa is the worst."
Moody snorted, but kept quiet, watching his companion thoughtfully. The man was unaware of the contemplative study, there was something different about him. "You've changed since last I saw you, Snape. You seem...different somehow." He finally said, half-angrily. "And don't call me professor, I am not."
The professor shrugged, "that might be due to the shifting tides."
"What do you mean?" Sharply asked.
Darkly enigmatic eyes met his, "I am not at liberty to discuss this with you. Even if I was, this is not the place nor is it the time."
***
Inside the temporary morgue, away from the voices in the hall, Narcissa slowly regained control of herself. Her hand clasped the cold, lifeless one almost desperately. "I was hoping that it wasn't real." She choked, head bent near his cloak.
"When I felt you leave, I was hoping it was a joke. One of those cruel jokes you loved to pull on me when our bond was still brand new. I thought I'd come here and find you waiting for me with that sexy, twisted smile on your face, the one that always drove me crazy. Yet, here I am and you're not with me." Halting momentarily as more sobs rose and a shaking hand brushed back the fine, silky hair.
"Lucius, my love, my life. What am I to do without you? There isn't even a trace of your magic to bring you back with. You be spelled yourself to prevent magic theft perfectly, Luc." Kissing cold lips for the last time, she slowly stood back and let him go.
When she emerged from the room, her face was pale but she was composed. "May I see Draco now, Severus? I will not cause a scene."
"Would you excuse us, Moody?" He asked, feeling awkward using his name. Turning to face her, he could think of no reason to refuse her request and led her to the Slytherin dorms. "Wait here while I go get him. If he is sleeping, I do not want to disturb him."
"I understand," her voice was soft. She took a seat near the fire, turning away from the seat she used to sit in because it reminded her of Lucius. Rubbing her hands, she hoped that she would be able to keep her promise to her old friend. Severus would not hesitate to throw her out.
"Mother?" A hesitant voice asked from the doorway. Even though he was expecting her, he hadn't truly believed she would show up.
She turned at the youthful voice and nearly jumped out of her skin, seeing Lucius' eyes and face watching her warily. Fear was in those familiar gray eyes and trepidation, along with something she couldn't quite place. "Draco, why am I mother to you?" Her voice was soft, soothing.
Taking a step in, he waited until he'd regained control of his voice before speaking. "You have always told me to call you that as a sign of respect."
"So I have. But, my darling baby, surely you must realize that that was for your father," she chocked on the word, feeling pain rush in anew. That new pain was reflected in her next words, "please, come over here. I know that you have had a trying day, let me try to make it better."
Draco was unsure. He wanted to hold his mother, he loved her. But he knew her, he had seen how deceiving she could be. The teary eyes decided him, he was not able to resist the pain in them.
"Oh, mum. I'm sorry," he rushed to her side and buried his face in her lap. After a moment, he felt the light touch of her hand stroking his hair soothingly.
Cornelius Fudge sat at his desk stiffly. To his right sat Mad Eye Moody impatiently. The spot on his left was conspicuously empty. Lucius Malfoy had failed to arrive.
Footsteps echoed in the empty hallway seconds before the door opened. A panting, pale faced Percy Weasley stood in the doorway. "Sir, the killing curse was used. At Hogwarts." He gasped out, trying to breath.
It was the only thing that stopped Minister Fudge's scold on his lips. Exchanging looks of startled fear and surprise with the auror, Fudge rose to his feet. "Gather your team together, Moody," he shakily ordered.
"Yes, sir," Moody's voice was quiet, covering his contemptuous sneer. It would not do to let the minister know just how much he despised his boss' weakness and indecisiveness.
"Weasley, prepare the port key to take us to Dumbledore's office." Fudge watched the door close with a click behind them and inhaled deeply.
When the door opened again, he jumped in fright.
Narcissa Malfoy coldly stared down at him before gliding in and moving towards him. She sat down in his chair and folded her hands in her lap, looking up at him. "Minister Fudge, please, have a seat." There was cold amusement in her voice.
So shocked was he that he dropped into the chair Moody had vacated so recently.
"Much better. Now, we can have a civilized conversation."
"What are you doing here?" He whispered through dry lips.
Her smile was slight as she observed him squirming in the chair, trying to regain some form of dignity. "Why do you think I'm here for anything, Minister? I am a member of this community. May be I desire to see up close the man in charge and observe how he handles things."
"I am afraid that is not possible right now. But if you come back, I'll see to it that you can see the ministry in action." Fudge offered, knowing that it wouldn't do to offend such an important member of the aristocracy.
"Is there some reason that tonight won't do?" She purred, pinning him in place. "I had it from my husband that work doesn't slow down just because the sun is setting."
"Of course not," he stuttered. "But I am about to leave on urgent business."
"Oh, excellent. I would love to see you in action. Tell me, dear minister, is it a raid?"
He hesitated, "well, no. I am afraid that it is more serious than that, Mrs. Malfoy." The words were drawn out slowly, almost against his will.
"Not another dreadful rumor about You-Know-Who returning!" She exclaimed, dismay coloring her face.
"Of course not," Fudge was quick to reassure her. "Nothing of the kind, Mrs. Malfoy. I assure you, if it had anything to do with that, I would not be giving it even a moment's thought. We know that he's gone."
A slight smile crossed the curved lips, "I see. Please, dear friend of Lucius, call me Narcissa. We should not stand on ceremony with each other, Cornelius."
"Very well, Mrs....Narcissa It's just a little trouble at Hogwarts, nothing to worry about." He quickly finished, once again noting the fear in her beautiful face.
"Nothing? Nothing!?!" She shrieked, "My son is at Hogwarts and there is trouble there that you must see to personally? And you dare to sit there telling me that there's nothing to worry about?" Hysteria colored her voice, her cheeks pink with rage.
"I have my best aurors on the job," Fudge tried to soothe the hysterical woman.
"I don't care!" She stood up and ripped the door open, striding down the hall. "I am going with your or without you. But know this, my dear Minister Fudge, I am going." The door hit the wall behind her, she could hear him following her, a plea in his voice.
"But, Narcissa, it would be best if you remained here We will bring you proof that your son is well. Even send him home if that would relieve your mind," his voice ended on a squeak when she faced him.
Turning the full power of her rage on him, she snapped, "I will not be placated, Minister, until I see with my own eyes that all is well with my son. You do not want to cross me, Fudge."
With a sigh, he yielded. It would take someone with more courage than he to stand in the way of this virago.
Mad Eye Moody glared at her but her gaze was calm when they clashed. "What's she doing here?"
"Checking on her son," Fudge tiredly explained.
"Look here, missy, you have no business in this." Moody snapped, unimpressed by her imperious exterior. "Get on with you."
Narcissa looked at him at though he was a fly in her way that she wanted to squash more than anything. In a very precise and distinctive voice, she addressed him. "My son is at that school, which makes it my business, you wretched being. Do not think for one moment of leaving me behind because I know the way to Hogwarts and you wouldn't want me to accidentally destroy anything, would you?"
Percy's arrival ended any further conversation and handed Fudge the port key, stepping back reluctantly. "I'll get things ready for your return, sir."
Minister Fudge nodded gratefully before activating it. The small group of five disappeared and reappeared in a cheery office.
"You're late, Minister Fudge, I was expecting you a few minutes ago. Oh, I see that you've brought Mrs. Malfoy with you. Hello, your son is resting in his common room. I would advise you to have a word with Professor Snape before you go see young Draco." Albus spoke from somewhere on the groups right, helping them up and moving to sit at his desk. "Tea?"
"This isn't a social call, Dumbledore." Cornelius growled, moving to stand in front of the desk. He felt rather self conscious, knowing that he never looked his best after port key travel. Looking around, he was disconcerted to find that Moody and Narcissa looked as though they had just walked in.
"When someone dies, it rarely is." Albus replied mildly, gesturing for them to sit down. "But I would rather we deal with this situation in comfort. Ah, Severus, how good of you to come. Please, take Mrs. Malfoy downstairs." He nodded to the potions master who had walked in, followed by Minerva.
"Of course, Headmaster." Severus turned to Narcissa, wondering what Albus was up to. "This way."
"I'll join you, if you don't mind." Moody faced them, open challenge in his face.
Severus turned to the Headmaster, then back to the auror. "I do not, Professor Moody." His voice was stiff but polite. The trio left Albus' office, aware of the sharp gaze upon them.
Moody moved back to observe the two Slytherins, trying to draw a real picture about them. But they were not veterans of Slytherin just because of their family lines, they were prepared. Survival was not just a word to them, it was a way of life.
"I want to see my son, Severus." Her face was still full of fear. But Severus caught the hint of something else in the depths of her eyes.
"I am afraid that is not possible at the moment, Narcissa." He deliberately used her given name.
Her eyes narrowed, voice trembling with suppressed rage. "Are you trying to keep me from my son?"
"You know me better than that. But young Mister Malfoy has been upset by this attack. I do not think it wise to see him before you have composed yourself." His voice was neutral.
"Of course. You are correct, as usual, Severus." Barely reigned in emotions. But she was not Lucius' wife because their family had arranged their marriage. She could wait. "Tell me, Professor Moody, what do you make of this attack?"
"Until I see where it has occurred, I cannot say." He spoke harshly, unable to sense anything from them. Turning to the dark potions professor, he spoke with restrained suspicion. "Well, Snape, what happened here tonight? How did this person get past the wards?"
Not knowing exactly what Albus wanted him to say, he kept the explanation brief. "Lucius Malfoy was killed outside the potions classroom. Assassin unknown."
"And you heard nothing?" Moody was skeptical.
"I was overseeing Potter's," he sneered at the name, "detention."
"What crime would he have committed to warrant your personal attention?"
Meeting both eyes, Severus answered without flinching. "Disrespecting a teacher. Being out after hours. Merely existing. Discipline and rules must be enforced-even on would be heroes, Professor Moody."
Turning, as though aware that Narcissa was no longer with them, Severus barked, "Are you coming? I assure you that your husband's body has not been desecrated." But his tone was slightly sympathetic-for him anyway.
"Lucius? Dead?" Her voice was faint and she swayed slightly, leaning against the wall for support. "No. It just can't be." Suddenly, her voice gained strength with her growing shock.
Moody glanced her way, wary of using his mystic eye on the clearly unstable woman. "Mrs. Malfoy? Are you all right?"
"Don't touch me!" She shrieked, jerking back. "You've always hated him, wanted him dead. And you," she rounded on Severus, "why didn't you do more to help him?" Bolting down the hallway, she headed for his classroom.
Severus was startled by this behavior. Surely she had known, Lucius and Narcissa had not just married, they had chosen to be bonded as well. Was this merely a trick, he thought, following her with Moody at his heels. They skidded to a stop, nearly colliding with each other in their shock. Narcissa was weeping over Lucius' prone body, true tears. As one, they moved back.
"I do not understand, Snape. They were bonded. It is recorded, I was there. Why didn't she feel his loss?"
"I do not know, Professor, that's what troubles me." He murmured, gazing thoughtfully at the floor. "Narcissa is not a fool nor is she blind. She's up to something and that bothers me. Of the two, Narcissa is the worst."
Moody snorted, but kept quiet, watching his companion thoughtfully. The man was unaware of the contemplative study, there was something different about him. "You've changed since last I saw you, Snape. You seem...different somehow." He finally said, half-angrily. "And don't call me professor, I am not."
The professor shrugged, "that might be due to the shifting tides."
"What do you mean?" Sharply asked.
Darkly enigmatic eyes met his, "I am not at liberty to discuss this with you. Even if I was, this is not the place nor is it the time."
***
Inside the temporary morgue, away from the voices in the hall, Narcissa slowly regained control of herself. Her hand clasped the cold, lifeless one almost desperately. "I was hoping that it wasn't real." She choked, head bent near his cloak.
"When I felt you leave, I was hoping it was a joke. One of those cruel jokes you loved to pull on me when our bond was still brand new. I thought I'd come here and find you waiting for me with that sexy, twisted smile on your face, the one that always drove me crazy. Yet, here I am and you're not with me." Halting momentarily as more sobs rose and a shaking hand brushed back the fine, silky hair.
"Lucius, my love, my life. What am I to do without you? There isn't even a trace of your magic to bring you back with. You be spelled yourself to prevent magic theft perfectly, Luc." Kissing cold lips for the last time, she slowly stood back and let him go.
When she emerged from the room, her face was pale but she was composed. "May I see Draco now, Severus? I will not cause a scene."
"Would you excuse us, Moody?" He asked, feeling awkward using his name. Turning to face her, he could think of no reason to refuse her request and led her to the Slytherin dorms. "Wait here while I go get him. If he is sleeping, I do not want to disturb him."
"I understand," her voice was soft. She took a seat near the fire, turning away from the seat she used to sit in because it reminded her of Lucius. Rubbing her hands, she hoped that she would be able to keep her promise to her old friend. Severus would not hesitate to throw her out.
"Mother?" A hesitant voice asked from the doorway. Even though he was expecting her, he hadn't truly believed she would show up.
She turned at the youthful voice and nearly jumped out of her skin, seeing Lucius' eyes and face watching her warily. Fear was in those familiar gray eyes and trepidation, along with something she couldn't quite place. "Draco, why am I mother to you?" Her voice was soft, soothing.
Taking a step in, he waited until he'd regained control of his voice before speaking. "You have always told me to call you that as a sign of respect."
"So I have. But, my darling baby, surely you must realize that that was for your father," she chocked on the word, feeling pain rush in anew. That new pain was reflected in her next words, "please, come over here. I know that you have had a trying day, let me try to make it better."
Draco was unsure. He wanted to hold his mother, he loved her. But he knew her, he had seen how deceiving she could be. The teary eyes decided him, he was not able to resist the pain in them.
"Oh, mum. I'm sorry," he rushed to her side and buried his face in her lap. After a moment, he felt the light touch of her hand stroking his hair soothingly.