Chapter Eleven:

(A/N. This is a teeny tiny chapter just posted to ease the minds of everyone. I'll try and do better next time! I promise. I'm almost out for vacation and then I'll write all the chapters I need. YAY! Thank you all for guessing that the line was indeed from The Princess Bride. That is an amazing movie. For all of you who don't remember Cassandra-sends the readers a murderus glare- she is the seer that was talking with Snape in Dumbledore's office. Go back and read Prophecy Boy in Tale as Old as Time. A kind reviewer pointed it out. All hail. So yeah, read and REVIEW!)

With a slight pang in his heart, Draco watched her go. His eyes moved back to where Cassandra had been but she was long gone. He sighed, it seemed that the trouble hadn't ended. He walked back and grabbed his trunk and with one last glance around he Apparated home. He wasn't sure how he had managed to finish the test for Apparation. Somehow he had. Probably only thanks to his beautiful fiancée. He appeared in his foyer and a house-elf quickly came forward to take his things. He gave the elf a small smile.

"How are you, Serby?" Draco asked and the elf wagged his ears and made a small bow.

"Fine, Master Malfoy," the house-elf said and Draco noted that for the first time, the elf genuinely looked happy.

"Where's my Mum, Serby?" He asked. The elf pointed down the hall with a small hand.

"In the study, Master Malfoy," he said. Draco nodded his thanks and then motioned to his trunk.

"Can you get that to my room for me?"

"Of course, Master Malfoy. Would you like Servy to unpack it?"

"No, I'll do it myself later," the young man said and the elf started to turn away but Draco called after it. "Send some tea to the study as well," Draco said and the elf nodded hurrying away. Draco walked down the dark corridors until he reached the study. With a wave of his hand the mahogany doors opened and Draco walked inside. His mother was sitting in an armchair reading and she looked up as he walked in, smiling widely.

"Welcome home, my son," she said and rose from her chair. She gently pressed her lips to his cheek. He pulled her to him and hugged her thin frame. His mother stiffened before relaxing into the embrace.

"How have you been?" Draco asked as he pulled away. Serby came in levitating a tray with tea and crumpets. The young man took the tray and put it on a table pouring out tea for both of them. He smiled at Serby and dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

"Good. Snape has visited me sometimes. It makes the days seem shorter when he is here," the one beautiful woman said. Draco nodded and sipped at his tea. He caught his mother smiling at him and turned.

"What?"

"He's also told me some interesting rumours. Is it true, my son? Have you truly chosen this muggle-born girl to be your wife?" Narcissa said. Draco felt himself grow cold and he backed away.

"And if I have?"

"Then I feel some congratulations are in order…and perhaps a change of scenery for your old mother. You'll want this house to yourself, won't you?" The woman smiled. Draco sighed in relief then grinned, a rich boyish grin.

"I asked her and she said yes, but there is still no date for the wedding," Draco affirmed. The woman clapped merrily.

"That is wonderful! Oh, I'll have to call the woman that made my dress! It was so beautiful! I'm sure Hermione would like to…" she trailed off when he saw the horrified look he gave her and went to get a cookie from the table.

"So, do you have any news to tell me? I've already divulged anything that is of importance," Draco said, settling himself in a chair. The woman shook her head then she looked at her desk.

"Well…speaking of engagements, it seems that the Parkinson's girl is getting married to a young man from Durmstrang."

"Really? Good riddance," Draco said absently his thoughts on his future wedding. He turned at the sound of the door opening.

"Master Malfoy, Mistress Mal…Black, Mister Snape here to see you," Serby said with a bow. Draco noted with an inner smile the use of his mother's maiden name. Snape walked in his ropes billowing behind him. He froze at the sight of Draco then nodded his head in greeting.

"Professor Snape," Draco said inclining his head as well. "If you'll excuse me, I have some business I need to attend to." Draco walked out and paused as he was closing the door behind him.

"It's good to see you again, Severus," his mother's voice said softly. Draco had never heard her use that tone of voice before except when he was very young. Gentle and soothing.

"And you, Narcissa," his potion's teacher said and Draco grinned, shutting the door firmly. If Hermione was right, perhaps Narcissa had finally found a kin spirit. One who would treat her far better than ever her husband did. With a quiet chuckle, Draco walked to his room.