Chapter 6: Invitation to the Crones Council

Ivy Hall, Bracknell, Bracknell Forest, Berkshire, England

January 1980

Cassiopeia smiled as she glanced over from her position at her writing desk to watch Timery tending to Leonis. The happy Elf was singing softly to the baby even as she made the child's stuffed animals float in the air around him. Leonis giggled and reached out for the little lion stuffed animal that had been a gift from Narcissa.

The gift of the lion stuffed animal had surprised Cassiopeia more than she cared to admit. Oh not because of the choice of lion. Leonis meant lion after all, and everyone in the family knew that his nickname was "Little Lion" now. It was the intricate charms that Narcissa had purposefully lain throughout the stuffed toy that had surprised Cassiopeia. There were protective charms that might assist in shielding the infant should someone attack him. There were charms to help reassure him that he was safe. There were charms to keep night terrors at bay.

It was really quite thoughtful of Narcissa. She was not terribly fond of Narcissa's father. Her nephew Cygnus was the sort of man she had always despised. The sort who thought a woman could have no life without being a wife. He had been disappointed to have three daughters and no sons. He had pushed the eldest two girls into betrothals. Bellatrix had dutifully wed the young Lord Lestrange. Andromeda had run away to wed the man she truly loved and thus earned the enmity of her father forever for her disobedience to his will. Narcissa had been fortunate in that Lucius Malfoy was already paying court to her, otherwise she would have been forced to wed Andromeda's spurned suitor Lord Julius Spinks. Despite her lack of fondness for her nephew Cygnus, Cassiopeia was actually rather fond of his daughters.

It was the protective spell that Cassiopeia wondered about the most. She wondered why it was that Narcissa had thought to include that spell. The time to weave the spell on the lion would have been exhausting, especially to a pregnant woman, yet the only magical signature that Cassiopeia could trace on the lion had been Narcissa's own.

She smiled as she watched Leonis clap as the lion began to prance in the air, his eyes following it and his face lit up with glee.

She turned back to her writing desk to look over her correspondences. She made a mental reminder to write a thoughtful letter to Narcissa to thank her for the gift to Leonis.

She sighed when she saw the first letter was from Lucete Goyle. She had never much cared for Lucete. The woman was a gossip. She was the sort that fed that upstart sensationalist reporter Rita Skeeter stories about the upper echelons of society. In fact, Rita Skeeter was invited to all of the balls held by Lucete Goyle.

She took up her letter opener. The entire letter opener was made of silver. The handle had been shaped into the form of an owl and had delicate small topaz jewels inlaid within. It had been a gift many years ago from her cousin Lycoris Black. She smiled softly as she looked at the letter opener. She missed Lycoris at times. The woman had been her idol in a way. Lycoris had chosen to never marry after she had been involved in a dangerous love triangle. Poor Lycoris had died in nineteen hundred and sixty-five at the age of sixty-one. Muggles sometimes thought that was old but Cassiopeia knew that was quite young for a Witch and Wizard. Witches and Wizards generally lived to sometime in their hundreds. Why at sixty-one Lycoris had not yet finished her prime of life.

With a swift movement she broke the seal on the letter from Lucete Goyle and opened the letter. She scanned it for anything useful and found herself annoyed that Lucete was demanding to know the details about Leonis birth and how Leonis came to be in her care. She set the letter down with a scoff. Lucete was an arrogant creature. To think she actually dared to write a letter demanding to know these things, as if they were her right to know.

She closed up the letter and placed it to the side. She would deal with Lucete later when her mind had steadied on the exact way to rip her to shreds with the point of her quill.

She smiled when she saw whom the next letter was from. Callidora Longbottom's swirling calligraphy lay atop the letter. Callidora was probably her favorite cousin. Cassiopeia and Callidora were born the very same year and had attended Hogwart's together. Both of them had been sorted into Slytherin House. Callidora had married Lord Harfang Longbottom a few years after her graduation from Hogwarts. When Harfang was killed along with her son Albert in nineteen hundred and seventy-seven, Callidora had gone into seclusion, so deep was her mourning. However, in early nineteen hundred and seventy-nine she pulled herself together with the determined care of her sister Cedrella Weasley. It was a great relief for Callidora to once more be sociable.

She broke the seal on the letter and slowly opened it preparing to savor every line. She smiled as she read about how Callidora's grandson Frank was doing. The young man was an Auror and he had married a delightful woman with a happy disposition named Alice Starkey. The marriage had created a few grumbles in the House of Black since the Starkey's were a lesser pure-blood family but Callidora had flippantly told the rest of the Black's that they could marry their children to the lords and ladies if they wanted but she would see her Frank in love and happy. Cassiopeia believed that marriages where the couple could love each other always worked out better. Arcturus and Melania were a prime example for the Black's of that. Cygnus and Druella were a prime example of the opposite for neither loved the other. Cygnus had coveted Druella and Druella's heart had belonged to another man when she was forced to wed him. She turned her thoughts away from her nephew and niece-in-law and returned to reading her letter from Callidora.

"Oh!" She exclaimed as she read then re-read the lines that Callidora wrote about how Alice was with child. The child was due in July.

"Is Mistress well?" Timery asked from her position near a now dozing Leonis.

"Hmm?" She questioned looking at the House-Elf. "Oh yes, yes. I just received surprising but good news in the post." She told the elf. "It seems that the young Lord Longbottom and his wife are expecting a child.

"A baby." Timery smiled. "Should they be needing help in tending to their little heir?"

Cassiopeia laughed then. "You'll not be happy till you have a nursery full to play with will you?" She shook her head in amusement. "The Longbottom's have many house elves. I am sure they are looking forward to the task of tending to the Heir or Heiress Longbottom."

She then turned back to her missive and read Callidora's request that they each make the time to have afternoon tea sometime soon so that they may share the more recent joys of each other's lives. Cassiopeia easily understood that Callidora was curious as to why Arcturus allowed her to be the Guardian and Custodian of the Heir Black. It was a move not in keeping with Arcturus. Normally he would have insisted on raising the family heir himself. Yes. Callidora would be curious. Furthermore, she knew Arcturus as well as Cassiopeia did.

Cassiopeia would tell Callidora the approved of story of course. Arcturus and Cassiopeia had already sworn vows of silence as to the truth of Leonis existence. They had placed strong spells to hide that truth. Cassiopeia had wanted the truth obliviated from her mind but Arcturus had refused to allow that. He had insisted that being as she was the one to raise Leonis then she would need to have full knowledge even if she could never tell anyone. His magic had already worked wonders on the Lady Olivia Macmillan as well. The girl was likewise incapable of telling the truth about Leonis.

Cassiopeia let herself stare at her charge as he slumbered and she smirked. She had been present at the blood adoption. Arcturus had told her of how he had followed Sirius from Grimmauld Place where Sirius had confronted Kreacher with the news of Regulus death. Arcturus had been there to charm the family tapestry in the house to show that Regulus was dead. The charm would not fool the tapestry for long but it did not need to. It only needed to fool it long enough for Walburga Black to see her son was dead. Then while Walburga retired to her bedchambers to mourn her son, Arcturus had informed the Elf Kreacher that Sirius would be coming to Grimmauld Place and that Kreacher was to speak with him and answer his questions about Regulus being dead. He was to tell Sirius that Regulus was dead. The Elf had obeyed the Lord Black. Then Arcturus followed Sirius to a pub where it seemed the outcast Black Scion intended to drink away his sorrows. Arcturus had used a few simple spells to make the men follow Sirius into the alley intent on beating him up and taking his money. While the fight was in progress Arcturus had then cast a blood leaching spell on Sirius. It was a dark spell, banned by the ministry and one had to have exact precision and skill to truly use the spell. Arcturus was such a man of precision and skill. He had taken just enough blood that was needed for the ritual. He had then watched over Sirius as the other men fled and Sirius in turn apparated away to his apartment. Arcturus followed behind Sirius until he had been safely within and then he had returned to his London residence in Belgravia where Cassiopeia awaited him with Leonis and the vial of blood from Olivia Greengrass or rather Olivia Macmillan. The girl had sent the vial hours prior to her wedding to Lord Malcolm Macmillan along with a Greengrass family heirloom, a locket necklace that she wanted her son to have.

Cassiopeia had wept to watch the boy's features change ever so slightly. His brow, eyebrows, and chin were now most certainly from the Greengrass family. His black hair had become slightly curly at the ends, just as Sirius' hair had done when he was a babe. She was relieved that his eyes were still the same shade of gray that Regulus had always possessed. He was a beautiful baby, more beautiful than he had been previously, if she was being truly honest. The additional element of more Black blood and Greengrass blood did not hurt his looks at all.

She nodded to herself. She would have to tell Callidora the tale that would keep Leonis safe. That he was the son of Sirius Black III the outcast Black Scion and the lovely Lady Olivia Macmillan when she was still Lady Olivia Greengrass.

She took up a spare piece of parchment, a thick piece that was decorated in silver gardenias along the sides. She dipped her quill into the ink and then began a reply to Cassiopeia's letter. She took the time to lavish happy praise upon Frank and Alice. She politely asked what sort of baby clothes or toys that the happy couple might like for the child or if that was too impossible a question perhaps a simple answer of what to avoid would be best. She asked after Callidora's daughter-in-law, Augusta, with civil politeness. She knew that Callidora was not the least fond of her daughter-in-law and would happily see the girl shipped back to her own family, the Wood's, if she thought she could easily get away with it. Cassiopeia thought it best that Augusta was ensconced in one of the lesser of the Longbottom homes. The best for her to remain there where an easy eye could be kept upon the woman. She closed the letter with a potential date in mind a week from Thursday where if it suited Callidora then she would be most welcome to floo to Ivy Hall for afternoon tea or even to stay on for dinner if it pleased her cousin.

She sealed with burgundy wax and affixed her seal to the wax before setting the letter aside to let the wax dry. She could have said a spell but she decided to simply let it dry as she looked over the rest of her correspondences. The next letter took her off guard due to the seal. The seal imbedded in the golden wax showed the simple yet elegant triskelion, the emblem of the Crones Council. The Triskelion represented Maiden, Mother, and Crone. She had received a few letters in her youth from the Crones Council. Those had been the standard invitations permitting her to attend certain balls and soirees held by members of the Crones Council. Those letters had not been sealed in Golden Wax.

She mused over that for a moment before she once more took up her letter opener and gently eased the wax to relinquish its hold on the letter without crumbling. The parchment was lavender scented made of rich thick vellum. It was not the cheaply manufactured parchment bought in bulk but the richly made and expensive type that ladies of high society preferred to use for invitations to their social gatherings. Slowly Cassiopeia perused the letter.

A small smirk curved her lips as she read the letter and then she read through it a second time. It seemed that the Crones Council was in need of new members. The Crones Council had been set up long ago of three women. Each woman represented the triple goddesses of warfare – Battle, Strife, and Sovereignty. They had the sacred duty of blessing warriors going into battle, as well as other social duties in the community. The council morphed over time and grew in size with time and population. Now the Crones Council held nine positions. Three positions for Maiden, Mother, and Crone. There were a few qualifications one must meet to gain a position in either of the three categories. To become a Maiden one must have never been married and never had a child of their own body. To become a Mother one must be married and pregnant with a child or already have produced one. To become a Crone one must be of a grandmotherly age, though a woman could be a Crone without having ever had children of her own. The Crones Council wished for Cassiopeia to become one of its Maidens.

The idea caused a bubble of mirth to issue forth from her lips. She did not give in to her laughter though due to hearing the bell that announced that she had a visitor whom had flooed her home. She frowned at that. She was not a recluse but nor was she known to be a great social butterfly. Yet ever since Arcturus' small gathering of Black's on New Years Eve in his London home, Cassiopeia had been bombarded with visitations from Olivia Macmillan and Narcissa Malfoy. She had not the heart to refuse either woman her hearth and home. Olivia was Leonis mother. The woman had proved that well enough on New Years Eve. Cassiopeia wished to have a higher hand in the young woman's cultivation. She could not leave a jewel like Olivia to the likes of Melania. Poor Melania, she was a dear but she really would not know how to improve Olivia and turn her into a social lioness. Narcissa was her favorite of Cygnus' daughters and so she had always had a soft spot for the pretty blond woman. Furthermore she preferred for Narcissa to visit often, the better to likewise shape her. Narcissa was already, by benefit of whom she married, turning into a social force. Cassiopeia wanted Narcissa to rise to be a great social lioness. She wanted Narcissa to be without reproach that way if any of the nefarious deeds of the Malfoy's should ever become known, Narcissa might be viewed as an innocent angel trapped amongst the devils. Let the white knights of society scramble then to save her good name while reviling that of Lucius Malfoy.

Oh she did not dislike Lucius per say. In truth she had rarely conversed with the man. He was a charming sort with that edge of danger to him that would naturally appeal to a lady born of House Black. Yet her observances of Lucius did not suggest him to have the skill of his father. He was more flamboyant than Abraxas and he lacked his father's cunning. Cassiopeia was convinced that this would harm him later and she did not wish to see her great-niece dragged down with him.

"Aunt Cassie." Called the voice of Narcissa. "Auntie are you in?" She asked even as she rounded the corner and into the sitting room. "Oh, I am sorry. I did not realize that Leonis would be asleep." Narcissa immediately apologized even as she looked down upon the little baby.

"Tis alright Missy Cissa." Timery told her. "I put a silencing spell around the young Master."

Narcissa's lips quirked up at that. "Oh? And why would you do that Timery?"

"Because sometimes Mistress talks aloud when she reads her letters." Timery said as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Narcissa laughed aloud then and Cassiopeia felt her cheeks pinking in a faint blush. The older woman ruthlessly calmed herself. "Cissa, darling, is there a particular reason for this visit?"

Narcissa smiled even as she nodded. "Yes. I received this letter and wanted your advice on it." She admitted as she brought forth a letter from within her sleeve. She handed the letter over the Cassiopeia.

"Timery, have Timor bring us some tea." Cassiopeia said absently as she noted that the letter was almost word for word the same as the one that she had received from the Crones Council. "Do be seated Narcissa." She said in after thought only to look up and find Narcissa had already seated herself.

"I know your habits auntie." Narcissa said in amusement. "Though I would not dare to have been so presumptuous if you had other company present."

"Indeed, well it is a good thing for you that I am a Black and we have a certain appreciation for presumption." Cassie said as she refolded Narcissa's letter and handed it back to the younger woman.

Narcissa smiled. "Ah, but only certain types of presumption. Black's are not known for their patience." She reminded her aunt.

"Yes, being as you are trying mine." Cassiopeia said as she took up the seat across from Narcissa.

"I take that as a compliment." Narcissa said to her aunt even as Timor came in carrying a tray laden with a tea service and a plate of the butter biscuits and raspberry jam that Narcissa had taken to liking of late.

"Just as it was meant." Cassiopeia replied simply. She took up a cup to pour Narcissa her tea and then smiled at Timor. "Thank you Timor. I am sorry to have pulled you away from your duties."

"Timor is always happy to serve Mistress and Missy Cissa." Timor said and then he backed away two steps before turning to exit the room.

Narcissa smiled as she accepted her tea. "I do think that if Lucius ever saw Timor do that, he would order all of the Malfoy House Elves to do it." She said lightly.

Cassiopeia pursed her lips. "You are worried about more than this letter." She observed, stating the obvious because Narcissa would need her to do just that.

"Yes." Narcissa admitted. "I fear that Lucius will be too doting of a father to Draco." She admitted to her aunt.

Cassiopeia blinked in surprise. She did not know Lucius very well. She had spent more time observing his father than the young man whom had married her favorite niece. "You fear for your unborn child."

Narcissa nodded her head. "Yes. My little Draco." She said softly. "Lucius will be a loving father and an indulgent one." She informed Cassiopeia. "Abraxas was very harsh on Lucius." She informed her aunt. "Often Lucius did not feel as though his father truly loved him."

"Love is rarely spoken in our circles." Cassiopeia replied.

Narcissa nodded her head in agreement. "Lucius has vowed that he will not raise Draco in the way that he was raised." She admitted to her aunt. "I fear that he will dote upon him too much. I fear he will turn Draco into a spoilt brat."

"Then you must make up the difference." Cassiopeia said sternly before taking a sip of her own tea. "You must not let Lucius be the guiding light of Draco's life. You must not let Lucius be the thing that Draco strives to emulate."

Narcissa took a sip of her tea. "Your advice is wise Auntie, but I do not know how to go about it. I fear that Lucius shall be an absentee father." She revealed. "He spends little time with me now due to his work. I am sure that he will spoil Draco when he is home to make up for it. Just as my father used to do to Bella, Andi, and I. Draco will need a father figure to emulate, will he not? I fear that my own father and my father-in-law will not be satisfactory."

Cassiopeia frowned as she sat down her tea cup. Yes, that was a problem, she admitted silently to herself. With Leonis it was so simple. Arcturus would be the father figure that Leonis would emulate. In turn he had mothers in the form of Olivia and Cassiopeia. Draco Malfoy was different. Narcissa's father, Cygnus, was out of the question. Abraxas was the best to emulate of the two and that still was not acceptable for Narcissa. She frowned at that. "Why do you believe it best that Draco not emulate Abraxas?"

Narcissa slowly took up a plate and placed one of the butter biscuits upon it. "He is an unscrupulous man." She said softly. "I would have Draco grow up with a moral compass. I want my child to be like the Dark Wizards of old. Honorable, compassionate, ruthless in the service of his friends, family, and society."

Cassiopeia smiled. "Yes, well I always liked how unscrupulous Abraxas Malfoy was." She said with a soft smile. At Narcissa's startled look Cassiopeia smirked. "He wears arrogance well." She said pointedly.

Narcissa sputtered out a laugh. "Auntie, you do not have a crush on my father-in-law do you?"

Cassiopeia laughed. "Cissa, darling, I am sixty-five years of age. Women of my years and distinction do not have crushes." She said with a sniff of disdain.

Narcissa smiled at her. "Of course, forgive me dearest auntie." She said with amusement tinging her voice.

Cassiopeia nodded her head regally as she took a sip of her tea to hide her smile. Once she was composed she sat her tea cup back upon the saucer. "So your father, husband, and father-in-law are out of the question for male role models for Draco." At Narcissa's sad nod Cassiopeia continued. "There is of course Arcturus. You are a member of House Black, but I do think that will disturb Lucius and Abraxas."

Narcissa nodded. "I had thought the same. I am sure that I will be able to arrange for Draco to take some history lessons as directed by Lord Black, but that is only because my father-in-law believes a properly brought up gentleman should know all about his heritage on both sides of the family tree."

Cassiopeia nodded. "What we need is a God-father." She proclaimed. "A man that you trust to teach Draco good values, to not let him get away with acting like a spoilt brat, and who you believe could come to love him a great deal."

Narcissa sighed then even as she took up yet another butter biscuit. This time she hesitated a moment before deciding to put raspberry jam within the biscuit. "Lucius and Abraxas have been arguing with each other over the God-father." She admitted after she had nibbled on a bite of the biscuit. "Lucius wishes to name his old friend Caius Parkinson as God-father. Abraxas wishes for Lucius and I to name his oldest and dearest friend Lord Orran Nott as God-father in repayment for Orran having named Lucius as the God-father of his son Theodore Nott."

She pursed her lips in thought. "You do not believe that either men will truly fit the criteria for what you shall need to properly raise Draco to be like the Wizards of the Olden Ways." It was a statement of fact rather than a question. Cassiopeia only waited for Narcissa to nod in acknowledgement before she continued. "Then who would you choose Cissa?"

"I.." Narcissa began only to cut herself off. She took up her tea cup and took a sip of the warm tea as she thought over the question. "I would choose Severus Snape." She said at last. Her hand trembled as she sat the tea-cup down upon the saucer.

Cassiopeia felt stunned for a moment as she stared at her favorite niece. Severus Snape. She knew the name. He was the youngest Potions Master in Europe. If she was not mistaken, he was the youngest to receive the mastery in close to two hundred years. He was the son of Eileen Prince and some Muggle. He had also recently caused a stir in the press by taking full possession of the Prince Estate, vaults, and various holdings. He was now Lord Prince. He was also a Half-blood. She wrinkled her nose at the thought. She eyed Narcissa with narrowed eyes, searching her face as though it would let her know why Narcissa would want such a man to be the mentor of her golden child?

"An unconventional choice." Cassiopeia muttered.

"But an inspired one." Narcissa said softly. "At least, I hope that it is." She said to Cassiopeia. "Severus, I mean Lord Prince, he has no care for the concerns of the nobility. He is as an outsider looking in, but he is an outsider with a keen mind, and wit as sharp as a blade. He is not ignorant. Part of his blood understands the politics of the upper houses, he just does not care to play by our standards you see."

Cassiopeia nodded her head. "I still do not understand Cissa."

Narcissa frowned. "He will teach Draco to not play these games by anyone else's standards. It is too easy to get trapped when you conform to playing the game by someone else's set of rules." She said quietly. "Draco must learn how to evade such traps. Severus could teach him that. Also the Malfoy's pride themselves on their apothecaries and their Potions Masters, but there have been no Malfoy's with an aptitude toward Herbology, Horticulture, let alone Potions making in at least five generations." She said then continued. "Draco, if he takes after me, will be skilled in all three and he will need a proper Master to teach him. I can think of none better than Master Snape."

Cassiopeia smiled at the girl. "I see. So you will push his selling points to your husband and to your father-in-law."

Narcissa nodded her head. "Also there is some history between Eileen Prince and Abraxas Malfoy. He was fond of her when she was young. I think he feels bad for not being able to protect her and in turn Severus." She told her aunt. "That might be enough to sway him to allow Severus to be Draco's God-father."

Cassiopeia nodded. "The addition that should Lord Prince become God-parent to Draco then it is most likely that Draco shall one day be more than Lord Malfoy but also be Lord Prince could sway a greedy Lucius and Abraxas."

Narcissa nodded. "Of course, speak to their greed." She smiled. Then she pouted. "If I go through all this trouble and Severus refuses I do not know what I will do to the stubborn man."

Cassiopeia laughed. "Place Draco into his arms and he will not object." She promised her. "I place Leonis in Arcturus' arms now to win arguments. Most effective." She said taking the last sip of her tea.

Narcissa laughed then. "I am sure it is." She said with a smile.

Cassiopeia poured herself another cup of tea then sat back in her chair. "Now about your letter." She began. "I too have received a letter from the Crones Council. It seems that they are in need of ladies to fill a few of their seats."

Narcissa nodded. "Quite a few ladies on the Crones Council passed away this last year." She informed her aunt.

"I see." Cassiopeia said. "I had wondered why so many seats were unoccupied."

"Three deaths but two retired due to failing health." Narcissa explained the gossip she had heard.

Cassiopeia found herself nodding. "I do not know exactly who is now on the Crones Council." She admitted to Narcissa. "I do however, think it would be worthwhile for both of us to join." She admitted. "It could only allow us greater say in society. It will give us an advantage in protecting Leonis and Draco. It will also give you more to do that will be your own and not a shadow of your husband. You need that boost Cissa. I want you to be a social lioness in your own right." She informed her niece. "I want you and your activities to be above reproach so that you will always be there to shield Draco until he no longer needs shielding."

Narcissa slowly lowered her plate containing yet another buttery biscuit. She stared at Cassiopeia for several moments. "What do you fear auntie?" She asked softly.

Cassiopeia was startled by the knowledge in Narcissa's gray eyes. She looked away, toward the crib that held the slumbering Leonis. "This generation of Black's have not done so well." She stated. "Sirius practically disowned himself."

"Traitor!" Narcissa sniffed in disdain. "He turned his back on the family. He turned his back on Regul…" She trailed off unable to finish the name as tears sprang to her eyes.

Cassiopeia nodded her agreement with Narcissa. "Yes. Sirius is no Black, not anymore for all that he has kept the surname." She said in disgust. "Regulus died too young. Andromeda ran off and eloped and so is disowned. That leaves Bella and you, Cissa for your generation." She murmured. "Bellatrix worries me. She needs a firm and loving hand but I do not think she has that in her husband."

"No." Narcissa greed. "Bellatrix can run roughshod right over Rodolphus and Rabastan." She admitted. "She speaks of the Dark Lord with awe and reverence more and more often. Sometimes, I could almost swear she were speaking of the man she loves most in the world when she speaks of him."

Cassiopeia closed her eyes for a moment to hide her grief from Narcissa. Bellatrix was mostly likely a lost cause then. "Is Bellatrix marked?" She asked.

Narcissa nodded her head. "Yes. One of five females to be so. She was the first female to be marked and she is very proud of that fact." She revealed to her aunt.

"You know that Death Eaters killed Orion." Cassiopeia started carefully. "You know that Arcturus will never side with the Dark Lord and his followers now that they killed his son. It matters not that it was probably an accident or overzealousness on the side of green recruits. The damage is done. House Black will be an enemy of the Dark Lord whether it be publically or privately."

Narcissa smiled as though relieved to hear her aunt say so. "I had hoped that Lord Black would order the members of House Black to forswear the Dark Lord."

"You have met the man?" Cassiopeia inquired.

"If he can be called such." Narcissa shivered. "Yes, I have met him. I was forced to play hostess to him and several of his favored Death Eaters. My sister was not in their number. I know she wants advancement but the Dark Lord has yet to humor her."

"Whatever you know about the Dark Lord you should write down and then see it delivered into the hands of Lord Black." Cassiopeia ordered her. "Your willingness to do so will no doubt ensure that if the time comes that Draco will fall under the protection of House Black instead of the wayward courts."

Narcissa nodded curtly. "Then I shall do my duty to my House." She promised her aunt. She was quiet for a moment and then she raised her head and asked. "Do you think there is any hope for Bella?"

Cassiopeia frowned in thought. "She bears the Dark Mark. We know so little about that mark but he uses it to make people as his own. It is a magical mark but I have never examined one. I could not tell you what magics have gone into that mark or what magics he twisted for that matter." She shook her head. "I am sorry Cissa, but I think that Bella shall be lost to us."

Narcissa's bottom lip trembled but she did not burst into tears. "I have thought as much over the last few months." She admitted to Cassiopeia.

The two women sat in silence for a few more moments in silence and then Narcissa broke the silence with a question. "Auntie, do you ever speak to your late sister's son?"

Cassiopeia frowned at the question. "James Potter?" She asked with a slight laugh. "The only Black he can stand is Sirius so why would I bother to speak to him?"

Narcissa bit her lower lip for a moment and then she seemed to come to a decision and continued. "Last week Bellatrix came to see me. She was more manic than usual. She spoke of how the Dark Lord was rewarding her for her diligence because she brought word to him of a prophecy."

"A prophecy." Cassiopeia said softly. Divination was a tricky bit of magic. You either had the gift or you didn't. Those who did not would never understand how it truly worked. While Cassiopeia was not gifted with a Diviners skill, she knew better than to spurn their magic. "What about this prophecy?"

"Bella was in the Hogs Head Tavern in Hogsmeade. She had followed Albus Dumbledore there. He was meeting a woman named Trelawney. I am not sure of the particulars. As I said, Bella was quite manic when she explained it to me." Narcissa explained. "Bella found the conversation boring and was about to leave Dumbledore and Ms. Trelawney before risking discovery when she heard the woman's voice change. She watched from a crack in the door as the woman delivered a prophecy to Dumbledore. She did not hear the entirety of the prophecy because the Barman grabbed her and tossed her out. Still she delivered this prophecy to the Dark Lord." She finished.

"And you fear for James?" Cassiopeia asked skeptically.

Narcissa sighed. "He is family, albeit frustrating and thankfully distant." She defended herself. "But it is not really James that concerned me." She added. "It was his child. You see the prophecy spoke of a child that would be born as the seventh month dies and that child being somehow the destruction of the Dark Lord."

Cassiopeia stared at Narcissa in disbelief.

"I fear for that unborn child, you see." She said and her hand lay protectively over her own stomach. "I want the child to live and be safe. If that means warning James Potter and his little wife, then so be it."

Cassiopeia nodded. "And you think it will come better from me than the wife of a suspected Death Eater."

"You can tell them that I told you and that I heard it from Bellatrix." Narcissa said. "I do not intend to hide from them. I just, they should be warned and I do not know if Dumbledore will warn them."

Cassiopeia stood and walked back to her desk. "Yes. I will write to them right now." She promised her niece. "Sit there, eat more biscuits and clarify matters as I ask for them."

Narcissa smiled and happily complied while watching her aunt begin a letter of correspondence with the House of Potter. Who would have thought that Narcissa would have willingly helped a muggle-born and her unborn child by warning them of danger? She was sure that her father would be angry with her. Lucius would hate her for it. That should have given her cause for alarm. Instead something warm and quite satisfying moved through her. She hoped that James would take her aunt's letter to heart, for his child's sake. Who knew, maybe in a better world her little Draco and James' little child would be able to play together. Maybe they could be friends. Perhaps in a better tomorrow.