Heaven Sent
Chapter Twenty Two- The Whole of the Law
-
Well, I used to have the notion I could swim the length of the ocean
If I knew that you were waiting for me
I used to have the notion
I could swim the length of the ocean
I'd plumb the depths of every sea for you
I'd escape from my chains, and I'll reach out for you
Maybe I'm in love with you
Maybe, maybe I'm in love with you
I had to contact you, found out I was in love with you
I had to contact
That's it, that's the law, that's the whole of the law
The whole of the law
The Whole of the Law- Yo La Tengo
-
"Welcome to Malfoy Manor," It was the deep, profound voice of Mr. Malfoy that Lydia heard first, still opening her eyes after landing unceremoniously on the floor from the portkey. The first thing she saw was marble, dark like obsidian, and reflecting like a mirror. Slowly standing up, her pupils dashed around the huge hall into which they had arrived.
Great pillars stood around her, carved with intricate creatures and inlaid with mother of pearl. What windows there were in the room were tall and long, the panes in obscure sizes and shapes. In front of her were two great iron doors, molded in a scene of snakes forming the letter 'M'. Looking up, one could not see the ceiling, only a dark chasm framed by numerous balconies running up.
"Ah, Lucius I was wondering when you were going to return," The dignified tone came calm, and rolling like a smooth ocean wave from behind. Lydia turned around to see the owner. There on the elaborate staircase stood the most beautiful woman Lydia had ever seen.
Standing straight and tall, the woman's silvery golden hair fell down her back, framing her stately features. High cheekbones profiled her bright blue eyes, and her sharp nose rose above full lips. She was wearing a black sweater and sleek wool trousers. A simple silver locket hung around her neck.
"Cissa, darling," Mr. Malfoy came forward to plant a short kiss on the woman's cheek, taking her arm and leading her down, "This is Lydia Lachlan. I don't believe you two have met before."
"No, I'm afraid we haven't," she purred, "I'm Narcissa. It's a pleasure to meet you Lydia- may I call you Lydia?"
"Of course, ma'am."
"Oh, please, please! Stop with these dreadful formalities! You are our guest." Narcissa gave a thin lipped smile, before casting her gaze to the black haired boy across the room, "And Severus!" she exclaimed, gliding over and putting a delicate hand on his arm, "Growing into a fine man, I see. You look just like your father."
Severus frowned, "So I'm told."
Narcissa paused a moment, her expression Lydia could not see. She turned, back with another tight smile, "We're having quite the dinner tonight. I hope you don't mind lobster?"
"Oh no, not at all. Lobster's wonderful." Lydia had not actually ever had lobster before.
"Oh good! I was so afraid that it would be a problem, and I just wanted tonight to be perfect."
"Don't mind her," Lucius said to Lydia, "She never has girlfriends staying over and she's taking full advantage of the situation."
Narcissa looked oddly at Lucius, "Well, I can't seem to help myself."
"You never can."
"Hmm… I suppose you two are tired from your trip? I might have Derby lead you right up to your rooms before dinner to clean up. Does that sound alright?
"That's fine," Severus replied.
"Oh, good- Derby!"
The same house elf that had traveled with them popped out from nowhere. Lydia noticed this time around that he was wearing what looked like a blue plastic trash bag in the style of a toga.
"Derby shows the good guests right this way. Right this way!"
"Now, wait a minute, Derby!" Narcissa scolded, "Lydia, will you be needing anything to wear to dinner?"
"Are we going out?"
"Oh, no, we're staying in, it's just-"
Severus cut in, "Yes, she'll be needing something."
Lydia looked over at him with a questioning expression. He glanced at her for a moment, mouthing something to her, "Trust me."
"Yes, I will need something- if it's not too much trouble?"
"Oh no! Not at all! You look about my size- some simple charms can fix anything else. Why not after you settle in, you come down to my quarters and we can get ready together?"
"That sounds good."
"Excellent- just ring the service bell and house elf will be right up to bring you there. Think you can manage?" Narcissa smiled gaily.
"Yes, I think so."
"Good- and Severus, you'll be staying in your usual room."
"Perfect."
"Good then, Derby?"
"Yes, Missus Malfoy?" The house elf squeaked.
"Take these two to their rooms," she ordered firmly, then looking up to smile at the two guests, "I'll see you two soon then."
Severus and Lydia thanked the couple before following the quiet elf up the grand staircase. They came to numerous landings and levels. Looking over the balcony railing, Lydia could barely see the first floor. When they finally made it to the correct rooms, Lydia found she would be staying across from Severus, who immediately disappeared into his quarters. The house elf had already seemed to disappear, so our heroine stepped in her rooms alone.
It was perfect- large and spacious in velvety purples. Lydia could not remember seeing furniture so extravagant, but then again this was Malfoy Manor. What else would she expect? The greatest thing to catch her eye was definitely the huge canopy bed, a vision of carved mahogany topped with purple silk. Dropping her cloak on the nearest chair she did probably the most childish thing from her in a long time. With a running start, she pounced on the bed, sinking into the feathery mattress with a sigh.
She could definitely get used to this.
Turning her head, she the open wardrobe already packed with her belongings. She assumed it was a house elf- an awfully quick house elf. She had just arrived. Getting up she scanned over the clothes she had brought with a frown. Nothing would uphold to the standards set by Mrs. Malfoy's simple outfit earlier. Best to find the house elf.
The search for the servant's bell was not long. She found it near a bookshelf on the far wall. She made note to look the old tomes over after dinner. It was not long after she had rung Derby appeared quite enthusiastically. After a quick greeting, he led her up a few more levels to Narcissa's room. Lydia knocked on the tall door.
"Come in," came a muffled reply. Lydia obliged and opened the door.
The room was huge, done in French blues and creams. Sitting at a neat vanity was the house mistress, a blue silk dress robe hanging over her shoulder. She turned around at the click of the door latch.
"Ah, Lydia! There you are! Still need an outfit?"
"Yes, in fact I do. I'm afraid my wardrobe isn't exactly up to par," Lydia mumbled. Narcissa looked at her with a smirk.
"Well, we'll just have to change that now, won't we? I'm sure I can arrange a sort of girl's day out tomorrow. Paris, perhaps- or New York. What do you think?"
"Oh, Mrs. Malfoy, you don't have to do that for me, really."
"Posh! I'll be damned if I don't have you looking your best by tomorrow evening. Shopping is my art, you know? And stop that with the Missus nonsense. You're making me feel dreadfully old."
"I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize, dearest. Just don't let it happen again." Narcissa gave a bright smile and stood, "Now let's get you cleaned up. Come over here."
The blonde woman went over to a huge ivory wardrobe, Lydia following close behind. She flung open the carved doors to an array of different colors and fabrics, "Now let's see… we want something formal, but not extravagant. How do you feel about a skirt?"
"I wear one almost everyday."
"Oh, right, uniform. So that's fine-" she started shifting through the clothing, biting her lip in uncanny concentration, "Ah, here were are!" She pulled out a stiff black skirt with small white polka dots and held it over Lydia's leg, "What do you think?"
Lydia had no idea what to say. She really knew nothing about clothes. This was Morrie and Elle's area of expertise, "I like it."
Narcissa smiled again, "Oh, good! I think it will look just smashing on you. You have the legs to carry it off, I do believe." Lydia had the dignity to blush at this, "Now, a top. I think I have just the thing. Here hold this." She handed Lydia the skirt and once more her hands frolicked between the numerous textures and articles. It wasn't long before she pulled out a plain black shirt and held it up to Lydia, "Perfect… Why don't you go change behind the screen over there, and I'll take the bathroom."
"Alright."
"Good, I'll be right out." Narcissa picked up a pile of folded clothes off her bed and hurried to a door at the other side of the room. Once the blonde had disappeared, Lydia moved behind the tall oriental screen Narcissa had directed her to. Lydia felt like she was in some old movie as she changed and threw her used clothes on top of the screen. Finished, she stepped out and looked in the mirror.
Lydia smiled to herself. She definitely liked what she saw. The skirt just reached her knees, and the shirt- instead of making her shoulders look large and bulky- showed them off with a dipped neckline ending in a V. The sleeves met a bit below her elbows. All together, she felt very sophisticated. Not in the same way when Elle or Morrie had done her up. Then she just felt in style by the Hogwarts styles, fitting in with the trends. But now, she felt classy- very classy.
"Oh, good, it fits!" Narcissa exclaimed upon entering the room, "Do you like it?"
Lydia smiled, "Very much so. Thank you."
"Oh, I'm so glad. You look amazing in it. Keep it, will you."
"I couldn't, honestly-"
"Nonsense. I'll never wear it, and it looks perfect on you. Why let it go to waste. Keep it as somewhat of a welcoming present."
"Narcissa-"
"I insist! You'd be offending me greatly if you didn't keep it. It's yours."
"Thank you," Lydia stuttered with sincerity. Narcissa gave another of her dazzling smiles.
"Don't mention it, dear… now what time is it? Six fifteenish, I'd say. Enough time for hair and make up yet. Here, why don't you sit down over at the vanity and I'll start up on your hair."
"Alright," Lydia said, sitting in the chair as Narcissa fumbled through a drawer for supplies. She came over with a great handful of pins and elastics. Dropping them on the vanity, she began to brush out Lydia's hair.
"So tell me, is there a man perhaps in your life?" Narcissa said with a hint of girlish mischief. It took all Lydia had not to groan.
"No, not now."
"In the past?"
"Well… yes, if you call this morning the past."
"Really? A recent break up?"
"Yes."
"Who was he?"
"Oh, nobody really important. Just this guy who liked me. We sort of went out, but it wasn't really working," Lydia explained.
"You didn't like him though."
"No, I didn't. Not in that way."
"Well, that's easy to see. It's obvious you have a thing for Severus."
"Yeah- wait- what!"
"It's obvious you have a thing for Severus?" Narcissa repeated.
"I don't have a thing for Severus!" Lydia said, alarmed, "What would ever make you think that?"
"Just the way things carry between the two of you- a woman knows."
"But you only saw us together for ten minutes!"
"And that's enough time to know. He likes you too, by the way."
"What? That's absurd!" Lydia said.
"No it's not," said Narcissa, "I mean, look at the way he watches you, or how he always lets you go first. He's always looking after you, even if you're not noticing it."
"No, I'm not noticing it, because it's not happening," Lydia said stubbornly. Narcissa only laughed.
"What about that little moment between you downstairs- the 'trust me' bit. Explain that, dear."
"He was only making sure I didn't look like a fool. It was common courtesy."
"I assure my dear, it was not common courtesy. Severus shows no common courtesy to anyone. If the back half of my dressed ripped off at a party and I was unaware, he'd be the last person to inform me. Severus simply doesn't care about people like that. He'd rather they make a fool of themselves then he do it himself. What he did down there was very out of character."
"I- It's just because we are friends."
"Friends? My dear, Slytherins don't have friends, and Severus is a perfect example of that. If you two are friends, then you are surely something more too."
"Well, Severus has friends," Lydia lied receiving a knowing look from Narcissa.
"Lydia, there's no fooling me about such matters. I've known Severus for a very long time- since my Hogwarts days. He's not one to have friends."
"What about Mr. Malfoy?"
"Lucius… well, Lucius I suppose is an exception, but not by much. Lucius would have nothing to do with Severus if it weren't for his talent. I mean, you know Severus- he isn't exactly the classiest of boys. Any manners he had now are derived perfectly from my husband and myself. He was much worse when he was younger."
"Worse?"
"Yes… He was never a well mannered boy, but I suppose that has a lot to do with his upbringing…Severus by all means comes from a pureblood family, but the Snapes have fallen a great deal from their days of glory. Octavian, Severus's father, was a drunk, still is I suppose. He was merciless to Severus and his mother during those early years. But while Severus came out alive and stronger for it, Ophelia, his mother, on the other hand, did not. Supposedly she died in accident, fell down their mansions grand staircase. We, of course, know better."
"That's horrible," Lydia murmured, horrified. To think she had sulked over her own lifestyle, when Severus had to deal with this terrible past. How could she have been so selfish? "How old was he?"
"Severus? Probably around seven or eight at the time… It really is a pity. Ophelia was such a beautiful person. She was very good friends with my mother and she used to come over and visit sometimes. She had this queer accent- Russian, I believe and I loved to hear her speak. She spoke with such eloquence- something I am sure Severus had inherited. Gorgeous too… sleek blue black hair and those doe black eyes. A shame Severus couldn't have picked up more of her features. I'm afraid he received Octavian's dreadful nose… but he's a handsome man, or he would be, if he took better care of himself."
"Hmm…" was all Lydia could manage, her mind teaming over the new information. She knew there was more to Severus Snape, and she would uncover it…
"Ophelia's death affected him. From what I've heard, he holed himself up- books, old scrolls. Severus had two loves- his mother and knowledge. When his mother died, the latter consumed him. It's like a thirst that needs to be replenished for him, and he does anything to remove the people in his way of the watering can… you're the first person I know of who he hasn't pushed away… well, except Lucius and myself, but I really forced myself on the poor boy. I believe he hated me for a point." Narcissa gave a quick laugh before continuing, "He likes you, Lydia, as far fetched as it seems. And from what I've seen, maybe it's mutual. Don't let it pass you by."
Lydia remained silent, thinking over the new things Narcissa had just told her. Maybe this was a wake up call for all the things she shared with the odd boy- hours of research, intellectual conversations, comforting sessions when she got out of control, the companionable silences… She knew it was more than she ever labeled it to be…
"Don't worry, Narcissa… I won't."
-
A/N- AHHHH! I am so sorry! Gah! I'm afraid there really is no excuse, but I am going to state some any way. I'm in two plays right now- it's crazy, finishing up schoolwork for vacation, new term, and bronchitis. It's been awful. I swear this will never ever happen again!
Thank to all my wonderful reviewers! I hope you stick with me even after this awful break of mine.
lhuntathraeil- The house elf bit is from chapter fifteen. Sorry about not updating!
Madelynn Rae- Estranged Jim Carrey cousin? That's awesome! Heh… well, I liked him in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but other times, he's just too obnoxious.
skytten- Have I mentioned that I LOVE you? Your reviews just brighten my day and lift up my horribly low confidence! Because I have no life, I'm so going to comment on your list, because it makes me feel special…heh… I'm such a loser.
I'm so glad to see that I keep you interested! Have no fear, Snape's going to appearing a lot more. When I started this fic, I really didn't mean to have it be so focused on Lydia, but when I got deeper in, I realized there needed to be that mystery around Snape for a while- which turned out to be too long a while. I don't know about Draco and Snape… there definitely is something more there we don't know about… I loathe Snape makeovers- glad to hear I'm keeping it real. Ah… Remus. There's been a bit of controversy over my portrayal of him. I have to say, I agree with you completely. Remus is not perfect and never will be. I wanted to show that. Swearing in wizardesque is awesome, although Morrie has been known to throw out the F bomb. I originally got the idea from a Lord of the Rings fanficiton that always used 'Varda' or 'Manwe' for swearing. Yay! I'm so happy you like my approach on the whole romance thing! I was a bit afraid about my whole deal at first because everyone else has these stories, like you said, where Snape is like, "Oh, she's pretty and smart and perfect. I hate all women but like her." And then he pounces or she pounces. And I would be sitting there reading them like, "Wait… that's not right." Grr… Mauraders… Snape's Worst Memory- I must admit I cried. I'm am so glad you like the OCs! Lydia, I really feel, is a person who I wanted to be for so long, but wasn't. She's too studious and quiet I guess. She's really based off one of my good friends, who recently snagged the guy of her dreams (who is actually nothing like Snape, but more of a nice Sirius Black). Morrie was originally supposed to be more like Emmaline, but that never worked out. She instead became the embodiment of me in far too many ways for even Morrie feels like she should be more like Lydia, but isn't and never will be. Elle was never supposed to turn out the twit she is. She was based of a friend of mine who ended up being a twit anyway. It's amazing how you write something and then it comes true. Oh, the infamous chapter 16 line… hehe. The mystery is actually something I'm rather proud of. Oh man, I've been so bad about this last update. Forgive me? Haha, I should start being a better reviewer because Merlin knows my spelling is atrocious.Ho-hos? If I'm getting the right idea, they're a type of hostess snacks. They're logs of chocolate cake filled with cream and covered in chocolate. Rather good actually.
Glad to hear you like Malfoy. I really wanted to try a different approach with him. Hey, I finally saw Phantom of the Opera! It was wonderful! I can totally see why you love Gerard Butler. I'll stick with the David Wenham though. He is a god! Hehe… I'm such a loser. I'm afraid I'm still a bigger fan of the theater version. There's something about dressing up and trucking into the city that makes me feel special. I'll try to fix up that mistake… if I can figure the edit thing out.
P.S. Edgecomb as in Marietta Edgecomb from Order of the Phoenix. She was Cho Chang's best friend who sold Dumbledore's Army out. AKA the Sneek.
P.P.S. We might meet one of Snape's parents…
Whoa… that was long. Forgive any spelling mishaps.
Biscuits the Gnome- Remus? You can have him. Hehe… there will be fluff. Mwhahaha- cough- hack- ha
Nonymoose-Hey thanks! Don't tell anyone though about the migrations… it's a secret! Heh.
Odie- Always glad to see another person following along, even if it takes me not updating for a super long time. Don't worry! It won't happen again! Wasn't eaten by evil trashcans but chaotic neutral paper bags are always a problem. Yum… Bagel Bites… now I'm hungry.
Not reading this over…
Hey, check out Yo La Tengo! They are awesome. I'm thinking of compiling a soundtrack for this story to be ready when it's all done. What do you think?
Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed! I promise to update sooner now I'm on vacation! So…
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GIVE ME SOME LONG RAMBLY REVIEWS TO MAKE MY DAY AND GET ME WRITING FASTER OR EVEN GIVE ME A SHOUT OUT THAT YOU'RE STILL ALIVE AND READING! BABBLING IS STILL GOOD THOUGH! PLEASE REVIEW!
It's official… I'm off the racket…