Chapter Sixty-Seven: Sneaky, Sneaky
Narcissa is as sneaky as ever. Molly shops. The Weasleys talk.
(i) The characters and world of Harry Potter are the property of J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this. I wish I did 😊
(ii) Yey, I'm back!
Thank you to all the fabulous readers who have stayed with me through the writing of this tale. Your patience has been truly amazing and your continuing reviews are so appreciated. They make me think, they make me question plot lines I thought were already long decided. Thank you 😉
(iii) I hope you are staying safe wherever you are. Big, socially distanced hugs everyone as we get ready for the fourth wave.
I life hasn't been too hellish and that if things haven't gone as planned, commiserations. Don't give up, and don't let the bastards wear you down.
Molly spent the day preparing for her family to come to dinner. She wished she could have had Ginny with her, forgetting that her daughter would not have been let out of school in the normal course of things. Molly had Flooed Minerva to ask if Ginny could come for dinner, however, she'd been in no uncertain terms denied contact with her daughter due to Ginny's incarceration.
Molly grumbled under her breath as she prepared to go out shopping. She couldn't believe that Minerva was being so intransigent. More likely that no-good Severus had made a decision and Minerva was acting as the mouth-piece for the jumped up Slytherin.
Molly conveniently forgot that there were three Order heads who discussed decisions and arrived as a consensus unanimously. She also forgot that Minerva was not a witch who was easily pushed around by anyone.
But getting out of the house did Molly good. She'd not really felt the urge to make much of an effort of late. Percy had moved back into his flat near the Ministry in early autumn, and Ron had rented a small room in Diagon Alley above the Potage's Cauldron Shop just before Christmas. George was still in the flat he'd shared with Fred above the joke shop, and the Burrow had felt ever so empty once Arthur went to the Ministry.
But when Arthur had come home earlier than expected the evening before and said how he'd spoken to Ron and Percy, who had both wanted their mother's home cooked food and had suggest a family gathering, Molly had beamed. Yes, her daughter was going to have to endure the tough love of the Delacours, but she was still being kept in a comfortable castle with family. She hadn't been charged or sent to St Mungo's or anything else that could be seen as tarnishing the Weasley name. Molly conveniently forgot that this was not so much for her or her family's benefit but because of how it would affect the Order's standings.
Molly tended to shop locally in the Muggle part of Ottery St Catchpole. The butcher was a jovial man who had excellent prices, and she'd even learned to navigate the small supermarket which always filled her with accomplishment. Today, Molly bought some lovely rabbit to stew for dinner, and then knowing how much her boys liked her puddings and cakes, bought out of season strawberries and dark chocolate to go with the chocolate roulade she was planning to make.
She knew Arthur had Flooed Charlie, and left a message with his colleague because Charlie had been out in the field. She hoped her son would make it. She knew Bill would be there, Fleur had Flooed that morning to say she'd bring her French onion soup to start the meal.
Narcissa broke the quiet of the breakfast table with a thoughtful question.
"Do you know who's writing for Witch Weekly?"
At the startled looks of both Ronald and Draco, the matriarch smiled. "It seems a little partial to only speak to the Prophet when we can get mileage by speaking to more than one rag. And, they'll be delighted to do an entire special edition on the Malfoy connections if we agree to do posed family photographs. If the photos show parts of the Manor not usually seen in The Prophet, well then, I think we might be able to swing things into motion almost immediately.
Draco grinned. "No wonder Father calls you his most brilliant and devious flower and compliments to that effect."
Narcissa preened at her son's flattery.
Ron could only gape. He knew the Slytherins understood tactics, that they played the long game and thought two, something three or more steps ahead. But he'd only imaged something that would directly influence Lavender. This spin, this angle would ensure that The Prophet writing garbage would seem like sour grapes after The Witch Weekly scoop. Even his mother took out an annual Witch Weekly subscription and he'd seen copies in St Mungo's and the Ministry. This was the kind of thing that would totally bamboozle the Wizarding World.
Ron couldn't help but grin. "I've got to agree, Lady Malfoy, this is an amazing plan. And, I think one of the society writers is actually Percy's old girl-friend Penelope Clearwater. They aren't together anymore, but they are still friends, so if you ask her, I'm sure she'll be glad to get involved. She'll think Percy mentioned her."
Narcissa looked suddenly very much like Lucius when he'd found prey. "I know her great aunt Helen. I'm sure Helen has mentioned her niece writes for the magazine. We'll use that to start the conversation, and then, if that isn't enough to get us what we need, I'll dangle Percy's fondness for Penelope into the mix."
Ron nodded. "I'll tell Percy the plan when I go into the Ministry later. We're having dinner as a family tonight; I know Dad was going to ask Charlie to take a port key to not miss out. Mum's feeling rather conflicted about Ginny being at Nott Castle with Fleur's parents."
"We've got a plan in that case," said Narcissa. "We'll probably do photos this evening. Have you got appropriate robes, or do you think your trainee Auror robes will be better?"
Draco frowned. "If we want to play on the heroism of Ron, and Harry, too, then trainee Auror robes would work perfectly. And Percy in work-wear. I'm sure we can spruce up as needed."
Ron nodded. "Thank you." He sighed and ran his hand threw his hair. "I do mean that, sincerely. I'll inform Harry and Percy."
Penelope was delighted to get Lady Malfoy's owl. Her editor was even more delighted when Penny burst into his office, waving the letter. "I owe my great aunt an extra special squeeze," exclaimed Penelope, grinning. "She's apparently told Lady Malfoy that I'm now writing for Witch Weekly and Lady Malfoy thought we'd like to do a special on the Malfoys' expanding family. Apparently, they've recently blood-bound a few more members in reaction to Ginny Weasley's PTSD melt-down. She doesn't mention who, but given Ginny's connections, I think we should pursue this."
Johann Misslethorpe rubbed his hands in delight. He had had to endure Cuffe's smug gloating when they'd met at Serendipity's cocktail bar last night. This would even the score a little bit. "How soon can we get this written? Maybe we could rush out a special edition and beat the Prophet?"
Penny was equally enthusiastic about a speedy publication. "I've not got anything major planned for today. Perhaps if I Floo Lady Malfoy after we've finalised plans, we can even try and have the photo-shoot this afternoon."
"If we get the photos done today, we can slot it in with our usual weekly publication tomorrow. It will be a tight squeeze, but oh, the perfection of being up-to-date with the latest news. This will put the stuff we've got on the Valentine's Day parties completely to one side." Misslethorpe smirked. It was not often that a weekly got to beat a daily with the latest. And this was such juicy gossip.
Penny trembled with delight. "I don't want to use Bozo, even though he does good work for us. He's too closely associated with The Prophet."
Misslethorpe frowned. "Who do you want to use?"
"There's that young Australian chap that has sent in some excellent photos he's taken." She grinned. "He's cheap, too."
Misslethorpe liked the young blonde's thinking. And using a new name would mean they had more of a chance to not tip things off with The Prophet. "Give him a shout, get it sorted Pen. We need this to be spectacular."
Penelope nodded. "That cow Lavender has been gloating since the time she did her first interview with Lady Malfoy. I shudder to think what she'll be like when I meet her next. But this will give us an equal footing again."
Misslethorpe smirked. There was no denying that healthy competition was good for staff motivation.
A definite part of Ron's Darkest desires revelled in the prestige and glamour that was being displayed for The Witch Weekly. No wonder everyone constantly talked about the Malfoys and their power. It was a carefully orchestrated performance to ensure they as a family constantly stood apart as the leaders of the Pureblood world. Ron knew his mother would delight in hearing all that had happened that afternoon.
Ron had gone directly to the Ministry after his breakfast with Narcissa and Draco. Once there, he'd spoken to Kingsley before he'd attempted to do anything else. He was fortunate that the Minister had had a fairly uncluttered schedule that morning. Kingsley's immediate understanding of how important the Malfoy machinations were meant all three young men had been released from their duties and training sessions and sent to the Manor with the Minister's blessing.
Ron and Harry's trainee Auror robes of black had been on arrival taken away by the efficient house-elves to be cleaned, then altered to fit perfectly. No Ministry uniform had ever been so well tailored or so perfectly fitted along the shoulders and back. The young men's athletic physiques were emphasised in the best way possible while still maintaining the requisite degree of aristocratic elegance. While their attire was being altered, the trio had been sent off to Lucius' own dressing room to be barbered and shaved, before being escorted to their individual rooms to freshen up and shower.
Ron suppressed a snigger at the ostentatious dressing room of the patrician, but as the elves worked, Percy's comments on the very suitability of using all weapons in their arsenal to convey their version of events struck true. He realised that Lucius had always used his attire and grooming as a non-verbal defence. No one seeing a Malfoy would ever dismiss them as anything other than monstrously wealthy and powerful. It made Ron rethink the image his own father projected.
Surely Arthur knew that he was often dismissed because of his own haphazard attire. And often, it wasn't about wealth. Arthur could have used charms and transfiguration to alter his clothes, even a little bit, if he wanted to present a different image. Even Molly, who was a talented witch and had amazing skills, hadn't taken the time to alter things for herself or her family.
Ron remembered the ghastly dress robes he'd taken to school for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He knew there had been no money for new robes, but couldn't his mother have removed the horrible lace, perhaps altered the cut a little bit to fit him better? Ron realised his need and desire for fame and fortune were hollow things that failed to understand the attention, effort and time put in for such positions. Was he willing to do what was needed? Spend the magical energy required?
Percy had been wearing a nondescript pinstripe suit. This had been whisked away as quickly as Harry and Ron's trainee uniforms, leaving him in what was apparently Lucius' smoking jacket. Funnily enough the older style suited Percy to a tee.
By the time the photographs were taken, Percy's suit had been replaced by an amazingly elegant Italian wool suit, a subtle slate grey, that complemented the ginger Weasley hair perfectly. Dove grey tie and pocket square, and Percy looked like he'd stepped out of a fashion magazine. Even his ancient horn-rimmed glasses had been replaced with something that looked Muggle, designer and very modern. Rimless, they had dull gold arms and bridge and looked like something off a Parisian catwalk. Ron wondered how that had been managed in so little time.
Draco, in the customary dove grey of the Malfoys, perfectly complementing Narcissa's ice blue silk, and Lucius' silvery grey contrasted so they made a stunning portrait of a family of power. Combined with the latest finery worn by Hermione, as well as Harry, Ron and Percy, and the entire ensemble were very smart indeed.
The photographer tried various arrangements, but finally settled on Harry and Hermione flanking Draco, who stood immediately behind his parents. The elder Malfoys were elegantly seated on an aquamarine silk covered Chesterfield loveseat. Percy and Ron, as the latest additions perched on the arms of the sofa on either side, the pose at once formal and casual, displaying their informality and familiarity with each other. The placement of Ron and Harry's trainee Auror robes on either side of the photograph, balanced out the mostly cool shades that predominated. Malfoy diamonds glittered in Narcissa's ears, and around her throat and on her fingers. Hermione's slate grey wool dress and bolero jacket was a perfect match to Percy's suit, and had delicate embroidery and crystal beading glamming it up. They looked like a family, and even if it had taken artifice and cleverness to create, the message being made was strong, loud and clear. They were now a family. One that was united by blood and magic.
Once the formally posed family photograph had been taken to the photographer's satisfaction, in the drawing room, the family relaxed, and the photographer took more candid shots, of Hermione, Draco and Harry laughing with Ron, in the conservatory; of Percy sat talking earnestly to Narcissa in the library; of Lucius with his hand on Draco's shoulder smirking at the picture Hermione and Harry made as they sat on either side of Narcissa in the matriarch's elegant sitting room; of the two Weasleys sitting with Hermione, Ron perched on the arm of her chair, Percy leaning casually against the other side in the morning room, the roses filling the vases with profusions of bold scarlet and vermilion. The photos were perfectly judged, capturing the Malfoys en famille, elegant, glamourous and somehow still retaining warmth and charm.
Ron and Percy arrived at the Burrow directly from the photo-shoot at the Manor. Neither of them had had any previous experience of a Malfoy campaign. Analogies of war seemed apt, given the attention to detail the Malfoys placed on their image. They had both been thoroughly groomed and prepared for their introduction to the Wizarding World as Malfoys. Molly gushed in delight to see how smart her sons looked.
"You'll adore the pictures, Mum," said Ron, grinning.
Molly beamed. "My handsome boys," she said.
Bill smiled. "Smart ploy," he remarked, jerking his head to Percy.
Percy blushed. Ron laughed. "Narcissa used her own connections to get Penny to do the spread. But you should have seen our man here talking to the make-up artist."
Percy frowned at Ron. "I was just making conversation with Audrey. And she was interesting."
Ron raised his hands as if to ward of his older brother's annoyance. "I'm just saying," he began, but Percy cut him off.
"Well don't. She was nice. Her mother is a Canadian witch, who moved here to find her roots, and met a Muggle archaeologist. They home schooled her at the start, but when things got really difficult, they all relocated to be with her grandparents in Toronto. She's doing make-up to be with her father's family here, but she's really interested in ancient beauty magic. She's like no-one I've ever met. Modern yet really steeped in ancient magical culture."
The entire family listened in amazement to Percy talk about the new girl he had met. Never before had Percy taken centre stage like this in personal matters. Molly was delighted at the thought of a romance. "Well dear, you must invite her home for dinner." Then catching sight of her son's face, she quickly added, "if you see her again, of course."
The rest of the meal passed in detailed conversations about the photo-shoot, and the way Narcissa had done all the talking for the article. Molly was ecstatic by the end of the meal, and couldn't wait for the morning post-owl to bring her copy.
"Don't worry, maman," said Fleur with a smile. "Bill can pick up a few on his way to Gringotts, that way we'll have lots of copies to show people."
Fleur knew Molly well now, and knew too how to keep her happy.
The red-head beamed at her daughter-in-law. "What a lovely idea," she murmured.
Eventually, once dinner was complete everyone gathered together in the living room. Having already planned things with Arthur, it was he who explained about the changes in their sons' magic, and how the change had led to Ron going to the Ministry and doing a real de-brief to Warrington and Kingsley. Arthur then explained that Ron had taken a vow of loyalty to Lucius, making their bonds stronger, hence the need for this photo-shoot.
"Couldn't you have asked Lavender?" asked Molly. "Although I can't fault with going to Witch Weekly, it is more prestigious after all, surely Lavender could have done a good a spread for you?"
"That's another thing," said Ron. "I broke up with Lavender last night. So much has happened mum, I totally forgot to tell you."
"Forgot to tell me?" screeched Molly.
"I know, right?" grinned Ron. "But it is true, we broke up because I realised, I didn't truly love her. You know one of the effects of soul magic of any sort is showing the caster themselves to some degree. Well, I saw that I didn't feel enough for Lav. I'll always think well of her, even if I know she's going to publish some utter tripe tomorrow, hence us wanting to get a jump on The Prophet with our own story, but it just didn't sit well with me. This Darkness is so annoying. Everything was so murky; I couldn't see straight. The blinkers are coming off, and I'm really starting to see clearly now."
Everyone waited with baited breath for Molly's reaction. "You're too good for her anyway," said the matriarch staunchly. "And even though I didn't like the thought of you becoming blood-bound to the Malfoys, I'm not stupid. I know it was necessary, and now you'll have even more influence to go places. With the Malfoy name, nothing is stopping Percy one day becoming Minister if he so chooses."
She smiled mistily at her sons. "You need someone with more connections and substance than a gossipy reporter."
Ron grimaced, but realised they'd all got through this rather well, all things considered. Molly had been pragmatic, rational. It was a wonder.
A/N: Love it or hate it, please let me know what you think.