Malfoy Manor
The small salon issued an unmistakable wealth. Ornamented chandeliers and old paintings were delicately arranged as eye-catchers. A bunch of roses stood on a small side table. The embossed green wallpaper blended well with the golden shimmering seating and the embroidered cushions. The colour of the walnut tree furniture tinted the place in a warm shade of a comfortable place. Leonor knew the manor had numerous rooms. She had seen some of them already, but this was the one she liked most. The room reminded of endless childhood dreams, most of them never came true and still, it had something of a long-left home. It was not cluttered or flamboyant despite the expensive interior. The decoration did not hint to the pure-blood preferences of the family, no suspicious artefacts or the gloominess that came along with it. Leonor watched the dancing flames of the crackling fire. A series of photographs stood on the mantelpiece; a gorgeous baby with chubby cheeks grow up into a handsome teenager with Quidditch robes. The last shot was likely from late summer. Draco Malfoy posed in dress robes prepared for the departure to Hogwarts.
The butler asked Leonor to await Narcissa Malfoy in the Golden Salon and a house elf brought a silver tea set with delicious looking cookies and whipped cream. Leonor followed Narcissa's invitation to a late afternoon tea and hoped it would be some nice small talk. Leonor's first assignment with a pure-blood family was successfully completed. She experimented with the formula of a pain killing potion and Narcissa concocted it herself from now on. Leonor came to terms with the rich spoiled hostess; most of the time she was searching distraction and company and not unfriendly at all. She loved her son and Leonor sensed it broke her heart to send him away every September. Draco remained at Hogwarts to attend the Yule Ball, like so many others. Leonor walked to the large window to catch a glimpse of the weather. The snow in Scotland poured down as rain in Wiltshire.
A thudded subdued knock resonated through the lower floor. Leonor turned but paid no further attention to the door knocker and the voices in the hall. Narcissa entered through a small side door at the same moment and Leonor greeted respectfully.
"Ms Scott, thank you for your visit!" she gave Leonor a formal business-like smile. "It is a relief to sleep without headaches, would you check my potion one more time. I apologize to let you wait for so long, but I wanted to finish it." She handed a crystal flask with a richly ornate stopper to the healer.
"It is my pleasure! I used the time to shake off the chill from the torrential rain at the cosy fireplace. I hope you don't mind that I looked at the nice pictures of Draco?" Leonor removed the stopper, smelled the amber liquid before extracting a little quantity. A few drops run slowly down on the back of her hand before Leonor tasted them.
"Mrs Malfoy, well done." Leonor smiled. "I could not do it better. Colour, smell and taste are perfect."
Narcissa grinned smugly and gestured Leonor to sit at the small table. She waved her wand and the butler appeared with the hot steaming teapot instantly. The two women spoke nothing for a while and Leonor ate the offered cookies with a large portion of the whipped cream.
"How did Draco do at the ball?" asked Narcissa and a certain curiosity resonated in the mother's voice.
"He's handsome. The girls notice it," said Leonor convincingly. "I hope he wrote you whom he invited?"
"Pansy Parkinson, if I'm not mistaken," answered Narcissa proudly.
"A nice couple, a good match for the dance," Leonor paused and glanced at the boy's photographs on the mantelpiece. Draco and Pansy showed some equal character traits, but despite the teenage distraction, they didn't support each other well. Draco tried to trump her constantly, but it was more in his family and less in his nature. Pansy looked for somebody impressive with too much focus on the outside demeanour than the inner self. Draco would be interesting if he could uphold the mask. It would be better for Draco's personality to engage at least more with the Ravenclaws. It could give some distance to his family's views and especially the idiots of Grabbe and Goyle. But he was in his own way and Slytherins reputation did the rest. Draco directed all his ambition to please his father; his father's opinion was law. One day he would learn that nobody was perfect, not even his father.
"The room is beautiful. The cookies are delicious, thank you very much," said Leonor honestly after another silence.
"It is my personal room and not used for regular social contacts. It is gorgeous in summer. Draco used to play here with the toy broomstick and zoomed around the terrace. The surrounding landscape is invisible in this weather, unfortunately. It's incredibly dark this year. I suggest we repeat the teatime. I will send you an owl." Narcissa stood up and Leonor copied her. The teatime was over, and the two women shook hands. The butler appeared once again with Leonor's travelling cloak across his arm.
He bowed deep before speaking. "Master Malfoy suggested to having a light dinner in the conservatory. He hopes the schedule of Ms Scott does allow it. He and his guest are awaiting you both in a few minutes."
Narcissa Malfoy sniffed at the butler who answered promptly. "Your husband arranged the visit upon your request. Ms Scott is by chance still here which he finds a fortunate situation."
Narcissa's expression brightened in an instant. "Ms Scott, I hope you have no other appointments tonight." She led Leonor rapidly into then Entrance Hall and further down the corridor without asking for consent. A door at the far end of the floor stood ajar and Leonor heard a male voice speak that something 'would be a good opportunity'. The drawling tone belonged obviously to Lucius Malfoy. An anxious feeling grew in Leonor's stomach despite the curiosity. She tried to lag, but Narcissa ushered her to follow. Narcissa entered the conservatory ahead of Leonor and embraced a black-clad man who stood with his back to the door.
"I'm so happy you could make it before the new year starts," whispered Narcissa delighted and in no way surprised.
Lucius stepped lavishly into Leonor's direction to flutter a kiss on the back of her hand. Leonor observed the room quickly. Ancient and careworn elves set a table for four. She was paralysed for a second and Lucius Malfoy's welcoming gave her just enough time to compose herself and fix a genuine smile on her face. The guest was well-known to Leonor. The stress relief to meet no ambiguous ministry official or even worse made her beaming.
Lucius spoke importantly when Narcissa let go of the embrace. "It will not be necessary to introduce you."
Severus turned and faced Leonor. His expression stiffened slightly and then he answered quietly. "By no means. Good evening Ms Scott." His eyes narrowed; a small muscle twitched at the temple. Leonor had no clue if he was surprised or if Lucius told him before. The icicles in his gaze made her freeze, and she decided to better say nothing wrong.
"Mr Snape, nice to meet you!" She bowed a little. The joyful smile evaporated in the humid air of the conservatory and was replaced by a mild anger. She knew the Malfoy's were the sort of dangerous pure-blood families, but Severus gaze felt like to lecture dim-witted children. She decided to hide the disappointment and observed the conservatory to keep her temper. Losing control was the worst what could happen in this house.
The Malfoy's busied themselves to marshal the butler and the elves. Narcissa's usual miffed expression returned talking to the inferiors and soon the hosts followed them out into the hallway. The conservatory was well-illuminated by hexed crystal candles. They emitted a warm yellow light. A jungle of magical plants surrounded the wicker furniture. Leonor surveyed the tall perennials and small trees and choked; it was a selection of toxic exotic plants, like oleander, castor beans, baneberries, paternoster beans and many others. The bloom and fruits looked great. The white and rose oleander was a looker, but the mix of the poisons would be deathly. Leonor stepped closer to peer into the thicket of greenery and flowers. She stopped under a tree that filled the conservatory from the bottom to the ceiling with wintergreen hard leaves.
"I know that tree. Some Indians on the northern part of South America used it to poison their darts. The Spanish conquistadores learned that quickly. It's a Manchineel Tree. Do you know the antidote?" Leonor turned to almost bump into Severus, who stood close behind. The sight of the plants distracted them from the imminent dinner.
"Arrowroot," he said grudgingly. "Get out under this tree." Severus shoved her back to the plant-free middle. His hand rested on Leonor's shoulders.
"You care? You glare at me as if my face is already irritated," said Leonor nervously.
"Even a small drop of condensation with the milky substance in it will cause the skin to blister. You don't want this. Narcissa would die laughing."
"That's not an answer to my question," answered Leonor back.
"It does not go well with your dress—," said Severus and his eyes slid over her figure in the red velvet gown and rested on the necklace with the small diamond. His guards were down, and the hard features softened for a heartbeat, but there was no time to enjoy the moment.
Lucius and Narcissa returned with a bottle of elf wine. Narcissa had changed into an extravagant evening robe, not that the simpler elegance of the afternoon would have been enough. Leonor felt dwarfed even in the new dress. Lucius paid his wife lavish compliments while patting Severus on the back and sending prurient looks to Leonor's backside. Narcissa smiled gloatingly before she invited them all to sit. Leonor felt glad that Severus did not join the fulsome praise.
A selection of light starters appeared, and Lucius poured the blood-red wine into the glasses. He raised his glass and toasted to the guests with a twisted grin.
"To a successful Triwizard Tournament!"
Leonor sensed that Lucius watched every move of her carefully, but it was not only about her body. That spoiled Leonor's appetite. She considered Severus cautiously and it appeared to her that he wasn't hungry either. His impenetrable barrier of Occlumency was even stronger at Malfoy Manor than at Hogwarts.
"Leonor, I hope you don't mind inviting you tonight?" said Lucius and continued without waiting for Leonor's agreement. "How's Dumbledore?"
"Good," answered Leonor unmistakeably bewildered. It was the last question she expected. Lucius made no secret of his dislike of Dumbledore's opinion.
"Do you talk to him often?" Leonor still wondered about Lucius questions, convinced it had nothing to do with the well-being of herself or the headmaster.
"From time to time, I give some lessons, and he checked the curriculum until term break. He's very satisfied," lied Leonor. She sensed that feigning contact with the headmaster was more appropriate than to deny it. Dumbledore had not even asked what she would teach, but it was the easiest explanation for visits. Lucius stopped the questioning afterwards and gave Severus a knowing look.
Severus seemed satisfied and added with a spiteful side glance at Leonor, "The headmaster is obviously self-correcting his decision of two untrained defence teachers of last year. Teaching is not everybody's talent, not that a specific Auror is an improvement in any way."
"Indeed," smirked Lucius and Narcissa added smugly that the Malfoy's would like to see Severus in the teaching post instead of the fools lately. Leonor smiled despite Severus' cold remark and Narcissa's ugly amusement. She was convinced to be part of a well-prepared game.
The remainder of the evening passed by uneventful and in general with hypocritical small-talk. Narcissa queried more about Draco and Pansy. It was the reason why she wanted to see the teachers in first place. Lucius promised to recommend Leonor's excellent skills, while Severus cold expression and pointed remarks confirmed the contrary. Leonor showed gratitude to keep the etiquette but couldn't care less about it; Lucius was controversial even in the rich pure-blood families. Severus stood soon after the dessert, a selection of sweets half-finished on the plate. He explained something of being on duty tonight. Leonor said goodbye too and luckily nobody stopped them. Severus told the Malfoy's to stay put and finish their dessert, while he would escort Ms Scott. The butler waited with their cloaks in the large dark entrance hall and Severus left unhesitatingly.
The gravelly driveway crunched aloud under the steps. Leonor had trouble to keep up with Severus' swift pace. He raised his left arm about twenty feet from the large iron gate and it opened noisily. He turned right with his wand at the ready and stopped under a faintly glowing street lantern. It rained. The downpour from the afternoon changed into a heavy drizzle. The small sprayed drops drenched overcoats and hair without mercy. Severus face contorted furiously in the milky light.
"Do you have any idea in how much danger you've been?" shouted Severus. Leonor was taken aback; she thought Severus calmed down during the dinner by carpeting Leonor's skills.
"No, I don't. Narcissa invited me for tea—," she answered earnestly, but could not finish the sentence.
"Let's go." Severus grabbed her upper arm and shoulder and turned on the spot. The swirl of the side-along apparition compressed Leonor's insides. Severus clasped her arm stronger, and they landed on the side street in Hogsmeade, stumbling into the front of the apothecary.
"Good heavens!" gasped Leonor in shock after the forceful transport.
"Lucius is recruiting for the Dark Lord. He wants to shine with new followers, even though the Dark Lord will decide on his own whom to trust or not. I told him you've frequent meetings with Dumbledore. He cannot know we are friends." Severus brushed the raindrops with a spell from their shoulders.
"—but I don't have meetings with Dumbledore, and we are friends—," said Leonor defiantly.
"I know. Your answer was the only thing to stop him. Luckily you lied," replied Severus calmer. "He will hopefully lose interest if you are Dumbledore's ally. Did Lucius talk to you about the Dark Lord?"
"No, I met only Narcissa on my visits. I suppose she was happy about my company and to hear snippets about Draco."
"Understandable," remarked Severus thoughtfully.
"And why did you criticise my skills? Was that necessary too?" asked Leonor agitated.
"Yes, unfortunately. He better believes you don't know what to do with your wand except for potions and household spells. What you taught to the third-years the last term doesn't matter. Draco blabbed, but it's hardly above beginner's level."
"And you? You are quite familiar with Malfoy Manor; you are even on first-name terms with the staff?"
"I told you, there's a job to do. The Malfoy's are my acquaintances from Hogwarts. Lucius is dragging Draco into his stubborn obsession," snapped Severus with a deep frown on his forehead.
"Draco?"
"Draco does everything to get Lucius' appreciation. It must not concern you."
Severus still glared at her, but he said nothing for a while. He glanced around the street and the landlord of the Hog's Head Inn peered with a besom into their direction. It was still early evening and the tavern empty.
Leonor saw it too. "The old fool always watches when I go, when I come—"
"No wonder. It's Dumbledore's brother Aberforth. I wouldn't be surprised if an owl sends word soon." Severus dragged her more into the shadows of the entrance.
"Dumbledore's brother?" said Leonor surprised.
"Have a beer with him, you'll notice the resemblance. I found out by chance. Dumbledore knows what goes on in the filthy pub and Hogsmeade. He's got staff to do the spy work for him," answered Severus contritely.
"You don't mind if he's watching?" Leonor was genuinely surprised.
"Dumbledore and McGonagall know—," said Severus quietly, "—I mean, they know that we get along. Aberforth won't tell them anything new. He doesn't know where we have been tonight. But he'll report as soon as certain people seek your help."
"Certain people?" asked Leonor curiously.
"Death Eaters and other sympathizers," hissed Severus.
"Next time you apparate to my garden and you enter through the back door. I still don't want to be stalked privately," she said matter-of-factly. Severus nodded.
"Listen, never talk to Lucius about the Dark Lord. You cannot get out anymore if he confides anything. But you must not support Dumbledore in the open either. It's walking a tightrope. We don't know each other outside Hogwarts. Promise me!" Severus almost forced Leonor to agree. The darkness of his eyes and the warmth of the hands on her cheeks send shivers along Leonor's spine.
"It's over. Narcissa is prepared to help herself. I don't have to go back," she answered timidly. Leonor had never seen the danger to the extent of Severus grave expression.
"Good," he confirmed and let go of her face. "I'm free on New Year's Eve. Could we meet somewhere?"
Leonor interrupted him with a chaste kiss. "I promised to visit the Romano's and after checking Durmstrang and Beauxbatons I will pay a visit to Madam Rosmerta. She invited me for the 'Special' Sunday Roast. But we could meet later in the tavern and talk? It will be open to the public before midnight. I'd be happy to have your company," added Leonor softly.
"If it needs to be the pub—," Severus sighed reluctantly but agreed. He pressed a kiss on her forehead and apparated to Hogwarts without much of a goodbye. Leonor could hardly sort the mixed emotions before falling asleep that night. She had not thought of being in the middle of politics, but apparently, the healer's job wasn't immune to it nor certain acquaintances.