Author's notes: A huge thank you, as always, to Mike from CoS forums. You're doing an awesome job catching all my mistakes.
Thank you for the reviews from Lilybet Edyvean, I'm glad I could clear up your concerns about the last chapter.SashaBT245 I'm pleased you liked the last chapter. And Pop-tarts, welcome, I'm delighted you decided to give my story a go and hope you continue to read.
So, without further ado, I present Chapter Seven , I hope everyone likes it.
Also, could someone please tell me why I'm having trouble inserting one of those line/break things after my notes. It happened with the last chapter and with my wrestling fan fiction.
Chapter Seven: Dinner and Proposals.
The following day, Saturday, Amelia spent the morning walking around the manor in a daydream. Her head was filled with thoughts about Regulus and the wonderful night they had spent together and nothing else. She was so distracted by her romantic thoughts that she kept bumping into things, and stood on a cleaning Dobby's hands more than once.
Just before lunchtime, Amelia was pulled out of her thoughts by the arrival of the owl post. A beautiful tawny owl swept in through the window and along the distance of the dining room.
Amelia's heart raced as she wondered if this might be the promised letter from Regulus. The owl landed on Amelia's shoulder, and she scooped it up into her arms then headed in the direction of the aviary.
Outside, the warm sunshine reflected off the pond. Amelia entered the birdhouse hoping to find some food and water for the bird, as well as some privacy to read the letter.
Setting the owl down on a perch next to a water bowl, Amelia detached the letter from its leg. The parchment envelope was addressed to her in plain black ink.
Amelia turned the letter to see the familiar Black family crest stamped on the back, she was delighted it was not just a school letter.
She tore it open hastily, anticipating what Regulus had to say.
Dear Amelia,
I had a lovely time with you last night and it was a pleasure getting to know you. I was hoping that we could start spending time together, and get to know each other better before you return to Hogwarts.
If it would be all right with your guardians and yourself, I'd like to invite you to a small dinner party at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. The Lestranges will be attending and my mother requests the company of Narcissa and Lucius.
The dinner party will be held this coming Wednesday, at seven. My mother requests that you, Narcissa, and Lucius wear formal dress robes.
I'd really like it if you could come, even though adults will be present, I'm sure we could sneak away and spend some time together.
Please owl me with your reply, no later than Sunday evening.
Hope to see you on Wednesday,
Regulus x
Amelia clutched the letter to her racing heart. The reply was better than she could have hoped for. She could not believe Regulus had had such a good time with her, and he was eager to see her again so soon. Even if Regulus' parents, the Lestranges, and her aunt and uncle were there, it would be a chance to get to know Regulus better. Amelia was so excited she could barely keep calm.
Leaving the aviary at almost a run, Amelia dashed back to the manor house. She was eager to inform Narcissa about Regulus' letter, and gain permission so that they could all attend the dinner party at
Grimmauld Place.
Amelia located her aunt in the dining room, just sitting down to a house-elf prepared lunch.
"Hello Millie, would you like to join me for some lunch? I'm sure Dobby could prepare some for you too."
Without even waiting for conformation, Dobby scurried off to the kitchen, leaving Amelia to take a seat opposite her aunt at the large oak table.
"Aunt Cissy, there was something I was hoping to ask you."
"Go ahead dear."
"Well, I've just received a letter from Regulus. He's invited us all to a dinner party this Wednesday. Can we go please?" asked Amelia.
Narcissa's lips formed a smile, "Why of course, I'm delighted that the pair of you seem to be getting on so well, and it would be a pleasure to see Uncle Orion and Aunt Walburga."
"Regulus also said that Bellatrix and Rodolphus have been invited. The dinner party is this Wednesday, at Grimmauld Place, and his mother has requested that we wear formal dress robes."
"Excellent, I'll inform your uncle when he returns from the Ministry of Magic. I'm sure he'll be as delighted as I am to see you and Regulus getting on so well."
Amelia smiled, elated that everything was going so well. When Dobby arrived back from the kitchen, he presented Amelia with large bowl overflowing with beef stew.
"Dobby is hoping the stew is to Miss's liking," said the elf.
Amelia took a spoonful and replied, "Thank you Dobby, its delicious." The truth was, even if it had tasted dreadful, Amelia was far too happy to complain.
After lunch, Amelia retired to the library. After all the recent events going on, she had fallen a little behind on her studies.
N.E.W.Ts level Potions were even harder to concentrate on now that Amelia's head was filled with thoughts of Regulus and the dinner party. Never the less, not wanting to upset her guardians now that everything was going so well, Amelia stuck at it and worked hard all afternoon.
By six in the evening, Amelia felt confident that she had gotten up to grasps with Golpalott's Third Law.
Making her way to the dining room, Amelia caught a brief glimpse of her aunt and uncle's conversation.
"With any luck she'll turn out a damn sight better that her blood-traitor mother," Lucius said.
"Maybe it's a good thing they died when she was so young," added Narcissa.
Amelia was aghast at what she overheard. Lucius talking down about people, even his own sister, was nothing new. However, to hear something so cruel from her aunt was a horrible shock. Narcissa was always so warm and friendly, the only people she ever talked down about were Mud-bloods.
Disturbed by this new side to a woman Amelia looked up to she ran to her bedroom. Just when everything seemed to be going perfectly, Amelia had overheard something she had not wanted to. What had her mother done that was so wrong? All that Amelia could remember of her parents were that they worked hard at the Ministry of Magic. Was the current political situation that bad that Lucius deemed his own sister a blood-traitor?
Sitting on her bed, lost for what to do, Amelia remembered the journal of her mother that she had found on the day of the party. Maybe it held some clues as to why Lucius seemed to dislike her so much.
Taking the battered diary out of her nightstand, Amelia read through, hoping to find something.
Most of the entries were pretty repetitive, detailing work related things or musings about married life. Only when she had reached the last page did Amelia find something interesting.
Scribbled in the back inside cover was a list of potion ingredients and the letters 'LVLHP'.
Amelia recognised the ingredients of asphodel in an infusion of wormwood, valerian roots and a sopophorous bean, as she had used them last year to make up the draught of living death. Amelia wondered what her mother could have wanted with a potion that causes the drinker to fall into a deep sleep.
Narcissa's ringing voice pulled Amelia out of her thoughts, and she hurriedly stuffed the journal back in her drawer.
"Amelia, would you care to join your uncle and me for supper, we have some news we want to share with you."
Being unable to ignore her guardians' request, as she could not admit she had overheard their conversation, Amelia begrudgingly made her way to the dining room.
Obviously all mention of her mother was being glossed over, as Narcissa and Lucius sat at the oak dining table smiling and waiting for their niece.
"Good evening Uncle Lucius, Aunt Narcissa," she said in way of greeting.
"Good evening Amelia, take a seat and join us for supper," her uncle replied.
Amelia obeyed orders and took a seat opposite Narcissa, leaving Lucius at the head of the table. Their elf prepared supper of venison which looked delicious, and Amelia tucked in to avoid conversation.
"How are your studies going Amelia? questioned Lucius.
"Nicely thank you, I've spent all afternoon concentrating on Potions, and I think I'm doing really well," said Amelia, putting emphasis on the word 'Potions'.
Lucius seemed oblivious to his niece's hinted suggestion and continued the conversation.
"Narcissa informs me that you received a letter from Regulus."
"Yes, he's invited all of us to a dinner party this coming Wednesday. If it is aloud, I would like it if I could attend," Amelia asked, hoping the answer would be yes.
"Of course, I think it's a perfect idea for you and Regulus to get better acquainted and you seem to have been studying hard, so you deserve a reward," said Lucius.
Amelia was a little surprised by the easiness to which her uncle agreed. Even if he had thought it was a good idea, Amelia expected him to disagree at first to convey his authority. Maybe he was feeling guilty for what he had said about her mother. On the other hand, knowing Lucius, the dinner party would also benefit him in some way.
Dinner was a horrible affair for Amelia, it was awful hearing her guardians talk about her mother so harshly then watch them act as if nothing had happened.
Once Dobby had cleared the dinner plates away, Amelia made an excuse and asked for her uncle for dismissal. Assuming that she wished to continue her studies, Lucius granted the request and Amelia made her way to her bedroom. Downstairs, Lucius and Narcissa's previous conversation continued, deaf to Amelia's ears.
"I hope this dinner party on Wednesday goes as planned. Once Amelia leaves Hogwarts nothing will stop her discovering the truth, hopefully if she is married off that will distract her from it," said Lucius.
"I agree Lucius, I'm just worried that my cousin will be unable to keep his end of the bargain," said Narcissa.
"If Regulus knows what's good for him, he will."
During the few days between Amelia overhearing her guardians' shocking conversation and the dinner party, nothing could distract her from the dejection those words had caused.
Not even the thoughts of seeing Regulus again brightened Amelia's mood, and so she did what she always did in times of stress and threw herself into her studies.
Adding to Amelia's despair was the fact that had heard nothing from Regulus since replying to his dinner invitation on Sunday afternoon. Amelia worried that perhaps Lucius had mentioned something, maybe even about her mother, which had put Regulus off.
Finally on Wednesday morning a reply came, carried by the same tawny owl as before. Amelia instantly recognised the beautiful creature and hurried off with it to the aviary. Attached to the bird's leg was another black-ink addressed letter, bearing the Black family crest. Amelia wasted no time in opening the parchment envelop and reading the enclosed letter.
Dear Amelia,
Thank you for replying to my letter so quickly, I'm delighted that you and your family will be attending the dinner party at Grimmauld Place.
I'm sorry it has taken me so long to reply, I've been very busy these past few days. I hope that you're well, and that all your homework isn't proving too difficult.
I myself have been helping my father with work concerning the Ministry of Magic's new Muggle Protection Decree. It's beyond me why they'd want to offer protection to a bunch of filthy Muggles and Mud-bloods. Our house-elf Kreacher has taken to singing amusing songs about Mud-bloods facing horrible fates.
I must be off now, but I look forwards to seeing you later this evening.
Take care,
Regulus x
The letter made all of the past few days' worry slip away, and Amelia wondered what she had been making a fuss over.
It was nothing unusual for siblings to fall out with each other, and Amelia guessed that Narcissa was just doing as she should by taking Lucius' side. After all, their conversation had been privet, and Amelia knew it was not something they had intended her to over hear.
To think that Regulus' lack of reply was something bad, and especially something concerning her mother seemed stupid now. Regulus was not a school student enjoying a carefree summer break, and it made scene that he had been busy helping his father with work.
With only a few hours until she and Regulus would be reunited, Amelia found herself with nothing more to worry about than what she was going to wear.
She was defiant that this time she would choose an outfit with out Narcissa's help. Almost bouncing with joy, Amelia made her way to her bedroom. She sat for a long while contemplating what to wear in the coming evening. Recalling that her dress robes for the party were sapphire, she decided that colour looked best on her.
Amelia made her way to her wardrobe and began pulling out dress robes in any shade of blue she found. After ten minutes of deliberation, Amelia finally decided on a set of floaty powder blue satin dress robes. They were stitched with silver thread and hung just below her knees.
To complete her look, Amelia finished it off with simple silver jewellery and discreet make-up, which consisted of a shimmery blue eye shadow, blush to her cheeks, and a rose coloured lipstick.
Just as she had finished styling her hair so that it feathered around her jaw, Amelia heard Narcissa calling her.
"Millie? Are you almost ready? We need to be flooing to Grimmauld Place soon."
"Coming Aunt Cissy," Amelia called out in reply.
Taking one last look in the mirror, and feeling pleased with her appearance, Amelia left her bedroom and made her way down stairs.
Just a few minutes later, Narcissa and Lucius arrived in the dining room, where Amelia was waiting by the fireplace. Narcissa was dressed in light pink silk dress robes, which made her look sweet and innocent. Lucius was wearing deep emerald green dress robes and an air of superiority.
"Right then, as we are all ready, let's get going," said Lucius.
In turn they each took a handful of floo powder and tossed it into the fire, watching as the flames turned green.
When it was Amelia's turn, she walked into the fireplace, her heart racing, and said her destination, "Grimmauld Place."
Within seconds, the sickening swirling had stopped, and Amelia found herself face to face with around twenty mounted elf heads on the wall. She let out a small gasp at the sight, which was greeted by a bark like laugh.
"Yeah, that's a funny tradition started by my Aunt Elladora," said Regulus, jerking his head towards the wall mounted elf heads.
Amelia smiled, instantly at ease in Regulus' presence.
"Good evening Regulus," she smiled.
"Good evening to you too Amelia, you look very pretty tonight," he replied.
Amelia blushed at the compliment, and the blushes deepened as Regulus took her hand and lead her to the dining room.
The dining room was large with blood red walls and slate flooring. An ornate serpentine chandelier hung from the ceiling, giving the room its only source of light. Amelia noticed sliver everywhere, most of it in the form of Slytherin's symbol, a snake. The disturbing coloured walls were covered in family portraits, from ancestors Amelia recognized from the Black family record book, right down to Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Regulus. Here and there hung frames without pictures, just burnt remains and Amelia guessed that they once housed disowned family members.
At the head of the table sat a regal looking elderly man, Amelia guessed from his once good looks that he was Regulus' father. To his left sat the ghastly looking woman Amelia had once seen pictured in Narcissa's album, however in person she looked as though she might have been quite good-looking in her youth. To the right of Regulus' father were two free seats, obviously intended for Regulus and herself, as Lucius, Narcissa and the Lestranges had taken the other places around the table. Regulus took the empty seat to his father's right, leaving Amelia to take the seat next to him and opposite Bellatrix, who was seated between Mrs. Black and her husband Rodolphus. Next to Amelia were Narcissa and then Lucius, meaning Lucius was the only person who did not have someone sitting opposite him.
Within seconds of taking her seat, a frail looking house-elf entered the room. As with all house-elves, he was not wearing any clothes, and was covered up by a greying loincloth. The elf was small and balding, with a warty looking face.
Humming happily to himself, a song that Amelia was sure contained the words 'the filthy Mud-blood fell down dead', he carried in sliver trays of food. There was everything, from rich pastries, to thick stews and light fish dishes.
The food was set out on the table, followed by fine china plates bearing the Black family crest, snake encrusted silver cutlery, and emerald encrusted sliver goblets for each diner.
Regulus's father, who Amelia had been informed was named Orion, stood up from his seat and began to speak.
"Welcome, friends and family to my home. I'm delighted to have the pleasure of your company this evening, and especially thrilled to finally meet the young woman who has taken my son's interest." He smiled down at Amelia, "May I also add that I'd like to thank my beautiful wife, Walburga, for her generous hospitality this evening," Orion finished, smiling affectionately at his wife.
As Orion sat down, Walburga stood up to address the guests. She spoke with a shrill, yet commanding voice.
"Thank you, dear. I would also like to add how fantastic it is to see my two beautiful nieces and their husbands here this evening. Now, without further ado, please enjoy this lavish feast, so aptly prepared by Kreacher."
Walburga rejoining the table was the queue to begin eating, and the guests started helping themselves to various dishes. Red wine was passed around freely, and Amelia felt like a proper adult being able to have some herself. The elf-prepared meal was delicious, and there was little to no conversation as everyone ate their fill.
Finally, as Kreacher cleared the dessert bowls, now empty of the rich chocolate cake, the chatter began to rise.
Most of the talk was of the Ministry of Magic, and its ridiculous Muggle Protection Act.
"Honestly, those filthy creatures don't need protecting, they need locking up," said Orion, his lips loose from drink.
"Here here," agreed Walburga, banging her fists on the table.
"It's all because of that Mud-blood loving fool Dumbledore," announced Bellatrix, her pale face flushed from four goblets of wine.
"I couldn't agree more, as a member of the Hogwarts' board of governors, I have been calling for his dismissal for years," added Lucius.
Amelia remained silent however, not wanting to say the wrong thing and create a bad impression.
The conversation then broke apart, as people started to chat in ones and two as an oppose to one group, and Orion turned his attention to Amelia.
"Regulus informs me your about to start your final year at Hogwarts, Amelia. Are you doing well at school?"
"Yes sir, I'm expected to get top N.E.W.Ts in almost everything," she replied.
"Very good, and what are your favourite subjects?"
"I particularly like Charms and Transfiguration, sir," said Amelia, leaving out the fact that she was also very good at Defence against the Dark Arts, as she did not think this would go down very well.
"Excellent, excellent. So, what have you being doing during these school holidays? Not causing trouble for your uncle and aunt I hope."
"Oh no sir, I'm never any trouble. I've been working hard to prepare for the start of school."
"Excellent," he said again, then turned his attention to the heated debate Lucius and Rodolphus were having.
Noticing that everyone else was preoccupied with their own conversations, Regulus whispered in Amelia's ear.
"Come on, let's go somewhere more private."
Amelia nodded in agreement, as they slipped out of the dining room. Up the flight of stairs they went, then entering through the first door, Amelia found herself alone with Regulus in the drawing room. She did not really take in much of her surroundings, as she was distracted by Regulus' presence.
They sat together on a low-slung two seated leather sofa, which forced them to sit very closely, over by the window.
"Are you having a nice evening?" Regulus asked.
"Yes, it's been lovely. The food was delicious and your parents are very nice," Amelia replied.
"They're only being nice because you're here, you should hear my mother screech when she's in a bad mood."
They both laughed, although something in Regulus' eyes gave away that he was only half joking.
"So, are you looking forward to going back to school?"
"I guess so, but I'll be taking my N.E.W.Ts and I'm so scared I'll fail," she admitted.
"I'm sure you won't, I bet you'll pass everything. I remember you from school, always studying hard in the library."
"Obviously you haven't heard about my potion-making skills, I don't know how I managed to get onto the N.E.W.Ts level. I think old Slughorn was just as surprised as I was to be honest."
"Well, nobody's perfect," Regulus laughed. "So, have you given any thought what you'll do when you leave?"
"A little, I guess. Slughorn thinks I'd do well in the Ministry, and Professor Dobhail thinks I'd make a good spell researcher for the Department of Mysteries."
"Dobhail? I don't know that name, was he there last year?"
"She," Amelia corrected, "is the new Defence Professor. The previous teacher decided he'd be better off raising a heard of Hippogriffs than teaching at a school of children."
"Oh yeah, I remember him, that Professor Boyer. Huge chap, always ordering first years 'round as if they were animals. I guess he'll do well with the Hippogriffs."
Amelia laughed, picturing Professor Boyer herding a group of the half-horse, half-eagle creatures. "This way you stupid beasts! Don't you know who I am!"
"So, the Department of Mysteries, eh? I've heard about that place from my father, no one ever speaks about what they do down there."
"No, when ever I've asked Uncle Lucius, all he'll tell me is that they're looking into new forms of magic. Half the fun in getting a job there would be finding out what they do."
"Yeah, it would be worth all the exams just to find out what they get up to. So, no husband and kids then? You'll be too busy making a name for yourself in the Ministry," said Regulus, almost as though he knew Amelia's deepest desire.
Amelia blushed, before answering. "Well one day I'd love all that too," she replied, leaving it at that.
A few minutes silence followed, as Amelia pictured her favourite fantasy of being married and living in Malfoy manor with a brood of children. This time, however, Regulus was the husband in her fantasies.
"How about you, what are you doing now you've left school?"
"I've been working with my father. As you might have guessed he's dead set against this Muggle Protection Act, so I've been helping him with that. He's also being showing me about the running of the house and stuff like that. Since Sirius left, it's fallen onto me to continue the Black name."
"Oh Merlin, I can imagine the pressure. Being the only unmarried Malfoy is bad enough, especially as Lucius and Narcissa haven't got a child of their own. I dread to think what it would be like if I were a boy."
"You have no idea; every pure-blooded female that even looks my way is a possible wife, and the woman that will bear the next Black child."
Amelia raised an eyebrow, "Have you forgotten the party last Friday? The whole purpose was to parade me in front of eligible pure-bloods, hoping to marry me off before I get to old."
"Well I bet they're clapping their hands in glee now, what with you and me up here alone. I bet they're all hoping I've proposed."
Amelia went the shade of the dining room walls, even if Regulus had meant it as a joke, there was nothing she would like more.
The silence was broken again by his deep voice. "I guess all we can do is keep seeing each other and see where it goes."
Amelia had lost her voice at the thought of marriage and remained silent, so Regulus continued speaking.
"Not that it's a bad thing. You're a very attractive woman; anyone with half a brain would jump at the chance to marry you."
Amelia finally found her voice, and replied. "You mean like Crouch?"
"No, that slime ball doesn't deserve someone like you. But he wasn't the only one interested."
Amelia snorted with laughter, "Yeah, I've been inundated with marriage proposals from Crabbe, Avery, Parkinson and the list goes on."
Regulus blushed, "I guess I'm out of the running then?"
However, Amelia was fortunate not to have to reply as a screeching voice, which could only belong to Mrs. Black, rand up the stairs.
"Get down here now, the pair of you. People will begin to talk!"
The pair preceded downstairs in a fit of giggles, knowing the adults gathered in the dining room would be clambering to spot a diamond ring on Amelia's finger.
Back in the dining room, with cups of coffee, the chatter continued. It was mostly small talk, always going back to the topic of the proposed Ministry regulation, which seemed to be an on going theme.
Finally, at midnight, Lucius announced that it was time to return home. The Malfoys, accompanied by Regulus and Mr. Black made their way to the hallway, and fireplace. Mrs. Black remained in the dining room, chatting to the Lestranges.
Given the fact that adults surrounded them, Amelia and Regulus did not get the chance to say a proper goodbye. Instead, he hurriedly whispered in her ear, as she took a handful of floo powder.
"I had a great time tonight, and would love to see you again soon. I'll send you an owl tomorrow."
"I had a great time too, and I look forwards to getting your owl."
"Sweet dreams Millie," he said, placing a light kiss on her cheek.
"You too Regulus," she replied, returning the kiss.
Then, in a whirl of green flames, Amelia returned to Malfoy Manor.
With Mr. Black saying goodbye to his guests, Lucius did not have a chance to question Regulus about how he was advancing with Amelia, something Regulus was glad of.
When Lucius had first instructed Regulus what to do, he had not wanted to, but given the circumstances had no choice. Now however, Regulus was starting to regret the decision.