Chapter Eighteen: An Unexpected Opportunity
On Thursday morning Rose peeked around the corner of the office door to see Lucius deeply involved in balancing his foreign accounts.
"Sir?"
He looked up from his work with an open, friendly expression. "Madam?" he questioned playfully.
Rose smiled warmly. He had been a remarkably pleasant employer since Monday.
"I have some errands to run in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Do you need anything?"
He hesitated a moment, considering. "Actually, I could use an item."
Rose raised her eyebrows waiting for specifics.
"Come sit down."
Rose did as she was asked, settling into the chair on the other side of the desk as Malfoy reached into the pocket of his cloak and drew out a sizeable bag. Casually, he tossed it to her and she picked it from the air, but with more difficulty than she expected. It was extremely heavy, and felt as though it was filled with coins. Subtly, she outlined one with her finger. Galleons, at that.
"That should be enough to bargain with, but do try to keep as much as you can. Normally, I'd send you to Borgin's for this type of item." Rose flinched inwardly at the mention of Alex's old shop. There was a note of regret in his voice as he continued. "Unfortunately, thanks to my associates, that is no longer possible."
"What happened to Borgin's?" Rose asked , curious to know anything he'd tell her from his own point of view.
Lucius sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair as he spoke. "That was Alexandria's shop, and she was a genius when it came to bargaining. I could never talk her into selling an item for a knut less than it's common black-market value. She drove the hardest bargain of anyone I'd ever known, but dealing in unique items was her gift."
Rose looked down before her blush could be seen. She had never been so flattered. "I'm sure she was thrilled that you thought so, sir."
There was a moment of silence before he responded. "That was one of a thousand things I should have told her and didn't. Actually, during the time I was doing business with her, I was still angry about a bit of hard bargaining of hers that has caused me no end of trouble." He shook his head slightly and smiled; a small, almost sad smile. "Remarkable woman."
"So there's no way of finding her to acquire what you're looking for?" Rose probed.
"There are spells, very dark spells, that could track her soul, but they are not always accurate, and I couldn't cast any of them without harming her. It doesn't matter. I shall no doubt be hearing from her soon." He sat straight in his chair. "For now, we'll have to acquire this elsewhere. I need a unicorn's heart. They're fairly rare, but you can likely locate one on Knockturn Alley. Just tell the vendors that your looking for 'a uniquely pure item.' Remember that phrase. They'll understand that you're looking for unicorn blood or the like." He gave a penetrating look. "Can you do this for me?"
Rose raised her chin just a bit. "Of course I can. I'll be back in time to fix lunch."
Lucius merely nodded.
Gray eyes followed her from the room. This would be an interesting test of her honesty and resourcefulness. She shouldn't require half of the gold in that bag should she mention his name, and any idiot who even suspected his influence would.
Knockturn Alley, home sweet home, thought Rose as she surveyed the crowded passageway, witches and wizards jostling one another as they window-shopped or bargained in the street. Lightly, she stepped into the throng and danced her way down to an unseemly little place at the end of the alley. Unlike Malfoy, she knew exactly which shop kept a constant supply of unicorn parts. They were considered a delicacy for her customers; specifically, vampires and werewolves.
It was a dangerous place, haunted by the most perilous magical creatures and run by one of the most devious witches she'd ever had the misfortune to meet, an old werewolf crone who hated anyone who was merely human. In her old age, she had allowed herself to become more beast than woman.
Rose drew in and released a deep, calming breath before entering.
There was no welcoming greeting when she stepped over the threshold, just an unpleasant stare from the ancient, scarred witch behind the counter.
"Good morning," Rose greeted in that haughty, formal manner that she'd seen Lucius use a hundred times when trying to intimidate.
"What do you want, human?" came a voice so scratchy and deep that it could have belonged to a man.
Rose decided to finish this transaction and get out of here as quickly as possible. "I'm looking for a uniquely pure item," she stated quickly.
"Specifically?" the crone pressed.
"A heart, specifically," Rose said in her coldest, most business-like voice.
"Well, what kind of heart, human? Human?" She laughed at her own joke, and other voices joined her from the shadows.
Rose ground her teeth and fingered the lever on the needle ring she equipped after Malfoy made his request. Unlike the day she'd used it on Cimino, it was now coated with poison.
Still, she had no idea if the poison would even work on werewolves.
"Are your friends shy or something?" Rose snapped.
The old witch smiled, showing broken, yellowed teeth. "Or something, yes."
"Look, if you're trying to intimidate me, it won't work."
"I can smell the stench of your fear, human," she spat as she limped around the counter.
"I came here to do business with you, but if you don't need my gold, I'll go elsewhere," Rose snapped, turning to leave. But someone was blocking the door, an enormous shaggy man dressed in little better than rags.
"I can smell the gold, too." The old woman was not far behind her. Rose stepped to the side and pivoted to keep both of them in her sight. "Tell me, my dear, who will miss you when you don't come home tonight?"
The man blocking the door grinned hungrily, and Rose, wondering exactly how long it would take him to die so that she could concentrate on the old woman, said the first thing that came to mind. "Lucius and his little dragon would miss me quite a bit."
The change in the atmosphere was palpable. A black haze of anger seemed to lift and the shaggy man at the door shifted uncomfortably, looking to the old woman for instructions.
She spoke to Rose, first, her voice clearer and higher than it had been a moment before. "Lucius Malfoy, my dear? Is this item for him?"
Rose almost fainted with relief. "Yes, it is."
"Why didn't you say so?" she asked sweetly. "Donovan, go and collect our customer's item," she barked causing the huge man at the door to leap into action. "So, how is Master Malfoy?" she questioned in obvious haste to make some sort of pleasant conversation.
"He's doing well, thank you. Busy, but that's not uncommon for him."
"Yes, yes, Master Malfoy has many responsibilities both for himself and for...others."
Rose leapt on the opportunity. "For our Dark Lord, you mean?"
"Oh, you're one of his?" the woman bent at the waist, nearly bowing as she spoke.
"Are you not?" Rose snapped.
"I am loyal to his cause, yes, but I have never been asked to join his ranks. My blood is pure, though, as pure as his dark heart," she fawned.
"I'm pleased to hear it," Rose answered coldly. "Still, he will not be thrilled to hear that you threatened one of his own."
She did bow, then, fell to her knees with a groan, actually, and Rose couldn't help but feel a surge of pleasure at seeing her would-be attacker kneeling at her feet. So, this is how the powerful felt.
"I did not know, Mistress!" she sobbed. "I could not have known!"
Donovan reentered with a black box, then. At the sight of the prone woman on the floor, he surged forward, snarling with rage. Moving with remarkable speed for someone her age, she was barring his way before Rose could even reach for her wand.
"Donovan, no! She is one of His!" His eyes grew wide at this and he, too, fell to one knee.
"Please tell him that we await his instruction," he rasped. "We are still loyal to him."
Rose couldn't stop a rising pity for these poor creatures, so obviously terrified of Voldemort. She was tempted to reassure them, but still needed to get out of this place alive. She was not stupid enough to believe that they wouldn't take full advantage of the slightest sign of weakness. After all, they still thought that she would inform the Dark Lord of their actions.
"We will see," was all she said in response.
The old woman took the box from the counter and placed it almost forcefully into Rose's hands. "You take this to Master Malfoy and tell him that we remain his servants, and we would do nothing to harm one of his."
"What do I owe you?" Rose asked, ready to close this deal and go home.
"Nothing, Mistress," she insisted. "It is our gift to you and to your Master."
A nasty, guilty feeling bubbled up inside Rose. If this is how the powerful felt, if they derived pleasure from, essentially, stealing from wretched people who looked as though they could barely afford to live, she could do without the power. This was horrible, seeing this pathetic old woman and her ragged friend bow repeatedly as she left the shop with an item that should have fetched them a huge price.
She practically ran from Knockturn Alley.
Her next stop was in muggle London. She apparated there, made some necessary arrangements, and apparated back three hours later.
The rest of her shopping went smoothly. The market in Hogsmeade was wonderful; well-stocked and full of smiling faces. It was an enormous breath of fresh air. She also stopped by the bookstore on Diagon Alley to pick up a book on magical gardening, and a copy of this month's Which Broomstick, the only item Draco had requested.
She was fighting the crowd on the way to the post office when she spotted the Death Eater who had broken her wrist while holding her down at Malfoy's meeting last week. Her stomach immediately revolted at the deeply-buried memory. He looked so different in the light of day, so much more human in his conservative robes and golden dragon broach.
He was heading her way at a rapid pace, not even recognizing her or caring so little that he didn't feel the need to favor her with a glance. Either way, it was a golden opportunity and she quickly flipped the lever on her ring. It would have to be timed just right. She stepped to the left, aligning herself as closely as she could with the oncoming Death Eater. She picked her spot, the pale, fleshy hand, and marked the rhythm of it's swing. She couldn't be looking at it when he passed, couldn't even be looking at him.
He was right in front of her now. She counted the steps.
One, two, she tilted her hand and aimed.
Three.
She struck.
One tiny pin-prick. He obviously didn't even feel it. She was already in the post-office when he fell on his face in the street.
"I need an owl, please," she said casually, as the young witch behind the counter looked up. She smilingly directed her to the prices on the wall, then stepped outside to see what all the commotion was about. Rose quickly pulled the letter from her pocket, gave it to a very common-looking barn owl, directed the letter delivered to Lucius Malfoy with the rest of the mail tomorrow, and placed a few coins in the owl's leg pouch.
Then she stepped outside and, smiling flippantly at the crowd around the wizard's body, disapparated.
Back at the manor, she carried her packages up the stairs and began to drop them off, one by one. The groceries she dropped in the kitchen, reminding herself to sort them later. The magazine was dropped off with Draco, A few necessities went into the broom closet.
Finally, she made her way to the office with Malfoy's package.
He did not look up from his work when she entered, but continued writing as if she wasn't there. She stood behind her seat and kept her silence respectfully until he rolled and sealed the scroll then asked her to be seated.
He didn't ask any questions, just looked at her expectantly which, she was beginning to realize, was his way of showing respect.
Rose spoke up immediately.
"The next time you need one of these, you're going to have to pay me triple for the month."
Lucius smiled at the obvious joke. "Was it so terrible? Did you lose all of my gold?"
"I didn't lose a knut," Rose insisted, sliding both the bag of gold and the black box across the desk. "They wouldn't accept your gold. Told me to tell you to consider it a gift."
"What in Merlin's name did you tell them?" Lucius asked, obviously impressed.
"Understand, I didn't actually say this. I just let them think it," Rose explained.
"You let them think what, precisely?"
Rose took a deep breath. There was no telling how he would react to this. "I led them to believe that I'm a Death Eater."
She stared at the rug, bracing herself for the onslaught, but it never came. Instead, she heard a low chuckle coming from across the desk. When she looked up, Lucius had his mouth obscured by a single hand as he laughed. After a moment, he spoke.
"So, how did it feel to have someone grovel at your feet?"
"It felt terrible," she answered honestly. "I don't know how you stand it."
"Oh, I quite enjoy it."
"You would," she retorted, without heat. "I have to go make lunch," she added. "I'm already running late."
"By all means," he responded, waving her away, the smile still lightening his often-somber face.
Friday morning's breakfast was almost a fiasco for Rose. She would have the damned letter arrive on the one day of the week that Lucius liked to rise early. So nervous was she that she burned the muffins twice, let the tea boil over, and when she finally got it right, dropped the tray all over the floor.
Just as she finished breakfast the second time, Lucius summoned her, and when she appeared at his side, he was bathed and dressed...and scowling.
"I'm so sorry, sir. I burned the muffins and..."
"It's alright, Rose," he said impatiently. "I haven't any appointments today. I merely need to get to my library and do some research, so follow me with that tray."
As they made their way to the library, Lucius talked, more to himself, it seemed, than the maid. "I want you to take those muffins to Draco, I know how much he likes them, and bring some fresh fruit instead. I'll likely take lunch in here as well. It's been three days since the advertisement in the Prophet and I fear that Alexandria will not contact me, therefore I must risk a seeking spell before someone else does. It's an involved ritual and not many have the means or the power, but there are a choice few." He settled behind his desk as Rose began to serve him, keeping everything as close to the edge of the desk as possible.
With his words came great relief that she sent the letter today. According to what he told her yesterday, Lucius could endanger them both by searching for Alex using that method. He could also find out that she was right under his nose. Of course, she would have cleared out before he could finish the spell, but it would ruin things for her anyway. Life was going so smoothly at present.
As she left to collect the requested food, a familiar-looking barn owl flew in the cathedral window along with several others, and she hid a triumphant smile.
When she returned to the office with grapes and sliced strawberries fresh from the Hogsmeade market, Lucius was heavily involved in Alex's letter. He was smiling, that was a good sign, and his tea, which he usually kept in one hand, was at the edge of the desk, forgotten.
"Rose," he said cheerfully as she placed the new plate in front of him, "I'll be absent tonight. Draco will be in your charge."
"I'm always happy to spend time with him, sir. Will you be needing anything else before I go?" she asked innocently. She knew what the letter said, of course. It was brief, indicating a place - London, The Connaught on the Terrace, a time - seven o'clock tonight, and a request that he wear muggle clothing so that he didn't stand out.
She hadn't noticed any muggle clothing in his closet and had hoped that he'd ask her advice or even send her to purchase something for him. Apparently, she underestimated his knowledge. He shook his fair head, rereading the letter with a satisfied smile on his lovely face. "No. I'll be out this afternoon for a while, though. One always wants to make a good impression on old friends. This one, in particular, I do not wish to disappoint."
"Should I be jealous, sir?" Rose joked.
"Perhaps," he answered with a smirk. It dissolved when he unrolled the newspaper. There, on the front page, was a headline that caused Rose's heart to soar with glee.
MINISTRY OFFICIAL POISONED
Dark Mark Found During Posthumous Examination
A Full Inquiry Expected
Rose slipped from the room as unobtrusively as possible, smiling brightly as Lucius read.
Wow! Would you look at that? Over a hundred reviews! I love you guys!
Merryday: I'm so glad that you're enjoying the story. Lucius, Draco, and Severus are my favorite characters from the Potterverse, and it's good to see that there are so many other fans out there. I hope my guys don't disappoint you!
Slytherin Sagittarius: Aawww... you're hooked, really? Thanks! That's so sweet. I update as often as I possibly can because I don't want to lose your attention. My reviewers keep me writing. I know what you mean. It's tough to decide between the two guys. They're both so good for Alex in their own way. Hope your laughter didn't cause any problems at the office. I know at my job, merriment is tantamount to insubordination! Wait a tick! What are you doing reading fanfic at work??!!
Lady Jenilyn: Sorry about the frustration. I imagine that Rose is starting to feel it, too. I know I am! I think it's cute that you want Lucius to know about Rose. Why is that, anyway? I get the feeling that you and I live in similar areas. I grew up in several large cities, but am now rather trapped in a small, Southern town where I and my kind are considered enigmas. Don't worry about not getting wand-tag. It features prominently in one of the upcoming chapters. You'll get it, then. I'm glad that Mother's Day didn't destroy you. I've finally recovered from the fiasco of that stupid holiday. It almost ruined my vacation. That's off-subject, though. I want things to go well for you now that you've graduated. What kind of job are you looking for?
Annie: Oh, don't hate me! Bad Karma! I solemnly swear that there will be payoff. Does that help at all? Lucius doesn't deserve to be wonderful? Everybody deserves to have their best side to the camera once in a while. He's still an evil bastard when he needs to be. I love that about him. Interesting questions about Alex, by the way. I see her as developing an almost split personality to do this. When she's Alex, she's wholly Alex, a former thief bent on hunting down the Death Eaters one by one. When she's Rose, she's the keeper of Malfoy Manor, Draco's sister-figure, and a spy for Alex Borgin. I don't see how she could manage it otherwise. And you think that Lucius suspects Rose, as well? What is with you and Jenilyn? Are you trying to get the girl killed? :- }
Fleur K: It's so good to know that I have not disappointed my readers with the way I see Lucius. I can't picture him as a nice guy, but neither do I see him as being mind-bendingly evil. And, yes, Alex is coming your way!
Silverfey: Are you not too keen on Lucius having Rose? Merely out of curiosity, why is that? Draco and Lucius still have some issues to work out. I'll be getting to that in the next few chapters, I promise. I hope I don't disappoint you!
Rycca Wolfbane: Okay, okay! I'm sorry about Severus! Sheesh! That's a great description of living with Lucius! I love it! Alex is no spring chicken and teenagers are vicious with games like that! Maybe there'll be a rematch. Who knows?