A/N: Thank you soo much for the amazing love you've shown to this fic. It warmed my heart truly! Here is the next chapter for you awesome guys, and I sincerely hope that you like it. I do not won Harry Potter; it solely belongs to J.K. Rowling!

A/N : "Bold and italics is conversation in Parseltongue."


CHAPTER 4

Malfoy Manor was filled with excitement, enthusiasm and insane energy, the next Saturday. Narcissa had all but gone crazy with the preparations for this special luncheon as soon as she'd received a positive reply from Lady Potter. Not only Narcissa though, but Nagini was also equally excited, and so were Lucius and Draco, although they chose to remain silent about it. Severus only wanted to know the truth behind everything. Potter and Granger had mysteriously disappeared during their sixth year, and no one knew anything about their whereabouts. That was until now. Plus, Potter's secret daughter issue was making his mind go into a frenzy. Thus, he chose to attend the luncheon as well.

Marvolo was the only one who was conflicted about the duo's arrival. As much as he wanted to meet and spend time with the little one, he didn't know how he'd face Harriet. It was true that he'd hurt her and insulted her, but it also true that he'd never apologised to anyone before. For the first time in his life, he felt nervous and a bit afraid, with only one question swirling in his mind - Would she forgive him?


Lucius stood calm and composed as ever when the next Saturday morning arrived. Beside him, his wife could hardly contain her excitement and happiness at the arrival of their special little guest. Draco and Severus stood with poker faces that they'd mastered years ago – it was true then, like godfather like godson.

They all stood in the receiving room of the Manor, where the Portkey would bring Lady and Heiress Potter. They didn't have to wait long because the huge clock chimed eleven, and there was a gust of wind that brought along with it there figures in tow - Lady Potter and Miss Granger. A small figure was holding onto Lady Potter tightly.

They all waited to greet their guests as they saw Lady Potter kneel and put her daughter down, making sure that the little one was feeling fine after the nauseating apparation. Once Harriet was sure that Lily was indeed okay, she straightened up. She faced Lord and Lady Malfoy with neutral expressions. Beside her, Hermione stood alert and close to Lily. Harriet certainly didn't miss Snape's lingering stare on her daughter though.

"Thank you for accepting our invitation, Lady Potter, Miss Granger. Welcome to Malfoy Manor," Narcissa greeted them with a kind smile. "We've been eagerly waiting for your arrival."

"Thank you for the kind invitation, Lady Malfoy," Harriet replied, continuing with a kind smile, "though I would admit that your letter and invitation were quite unexpected and came as a surprise for us."

"My apologies, Lady Potter," Narcissa apologised. "I know it was very sudden on our part, but I couldn't wait to meet the three of you. Especially your daughter. I actually came to know about you and her when the Dark Lord asked me for help regarding little Heiress Potter's birthday gift," she reasoned further.

Harriet nodded in understanding. It made sense because she was sure that the Dark Lord wouldn't be well-versed in buying gifts for little children. She gave Narcissa a relieved smile which seemed to dissipate the tense environment of the room. Harriet turned her attention to her daughter who stood close to Hermione after seeing so many new people. Her dragon plushie was tucked close in her arms.

"Hello, little miss. I'm Lady Narcissa Malfoy. It's a pleasure to meet you," Narcissa introduced herself as she knelt in front of Lily and extended her hand in greeting. The little one looked at her mother in question and got an approving nod in return.

"Go on," Harriet encouraged her daughter.

"Hello, Miss Nawissa. My name is Lily Mione Potta and I'm thwee.," Lily replied as she shook her hand with Lady Malfoy with a sweet smile on her face. Narcissa couldn't help but chuckle at the introduction. Even Lucius and Draco smiled at the innocent introduction. No wonder the Dark Lord had taken a liking to the baby girl. Lucius cleared his throat to get his wife's attention and spoke.

"Let's take our guests inside now, darling. I'm sure you can't serve them lunch whilst they stand here like statutes," he said to his wife with amusement dancing in his eyes. Hermione and Harriet shared a look. They didn't think Lord Malfoy would open to them to easily. Thus, seeing his playful side was surprising.

Lily openly giggled at the sarcastic comment, making Lucius chuckle.

"Oh hush, Lucius. I remember, of course," Narcissa replied to her husband, then turned to Harriet. "My apologies for making you wait, Lady Potter. Let's get you all seated."

Narcissa's smile couldn't possibly get any wider when Lily took Narcissa's hand in her tiny ones and started following her. She looked angelic in that sunny yellow dress she was wearing, paired with matching shoes. The green dragon plushie in Lily's hand also reminded Narcissa of the one Draco had when he was young.

"Would you like some orange juice?" Narcissa asked Lily as they all seated in the living room, and the house-elves served tea and biscuits to everyone. She had chosen to sit next to the little one. Harriet could feel that her daughter had warmed up to Lady Malfoy.

"Yes pwease, than you. But only a little. Mama says too much sweet is bad fo ouw teeth," Lily replied to Narcissa's question.

"Well, your mum is very much right, sweetheart," Narcissa said as she gave a slight nod to Harriet, "Mable, please get some orange juice and snacks for our little guest."

"Right away, mistress," he elf scurried to the kitchen to get what was ordered. He got everything in no time and kept it in front of Lily, "Enjoy your drink, little miss."

"Than you, mista Mable," Lily thanked the house-elf for his generous service that made the odd-creature look at her with wide, wonderous eyes and bowed at her feet.

"Oh, little miss is so nice, so generous. Mable is happy to serve you, Heiress Potter. Very happy."

"That is okay, Mable. You may go now," Narcissa ordered when she saw her house-elf get overly emotional. She didn't want him to scare Lily off.

"He's silly," Lily whispered to Hermione who smiled at her fondly and helped her with her juice, careful not to spill it on her dress. Hermione was purposely trying to engage with Lily though, she was too aware of Draco's heated gaze upon her. He hadn't once stopped staring at her since they've arrived, and it was seriously getting on her nerves. It was making her extremely anxious.

"How has everything been, Lady Potter?" Lucius started a polite conversation. "It's been quite a long time since we last met."

There was no taunting in his tone, just plain curiosity. He really wanted to know about them and apologise for the way he'd treated her in the past.

"I have been well, thank you. Just living a cautious and adventurous life like any mother experiences. And it's been a long time indeed, though I definitely didn't think that I'll be having tea with you one day," Harriet joked lightly making Lucius laugh. Narcissa was surprised by her husband's reaction.

"I couldn't agree with you more. So much fun yet one is always worried about their child's safety," Lucius said with a bit of nostalgia in his voice. He missed the time when Draco was young and would cause havoc everywhere. It was a golden time indeed.

"Regret your decision, Potter?" Severus' scowl was permanent. The way he was looking at Lily made the little one squirm and get closer to Hermione. There was still bitterness left, it seemed. Still hated Harriet. Some things never change but Harriet had learnt to not care about his words or actions a long time ago. That, however, didn't mean she would stay quiet when he looked at her daughter threateningly, with malice in his eyes as if she was an abomination.

"Not in the least, Professor," Harriet growled like the protective mother she was. "But I would really appreciate if you leave my daughter out of the stupid rivalry you had with my father. Lily has nothing to do with anything that happened to you."

"Why you!" Severus' voice didn't hide his hatred at all as it raised. "What were you thinking when you so selfishly disappeared all those years ago? Or did you leave because your relatives decided to stop treating you like a princess?" He spat.

"You're crossing the line, Mr Snape. I'm not entitled to give you any explanation whatsoever," Harriet said in a formal tone, warning persistent in her voice to not mess either with her or with Lily and Hermione.

"Severus! You're scaring the child!" Lucius reprimanded his best friend. He was acting like the bitter teenage boy who wanted revenge at any cost. He reminded Lucius of the Snape during his bitter and dark Hogwarts years.

Harriet glared daggers at Severus. Lily was pressed tightly against Hermione, trying to hide her face. She didn't like shouting. It was bad. And this man seemed scary and so dangerous. He also didn't like her mama. What if he hurt her mama and her aunt?

"Aunt Mione," she whispered in the slightest as her grip tightened on Hermione's blouse.

"It's okay, baby girl. I'm here, aren't I? I'm not going anywhere," Hermione bent and spoke in her ear. She'd turned her back to the audience knowing well that if anything happened Harriet would handle everything easily. Hermione kissed her head in assurance all the while unaware of how Draco was observing their conversation. She didn't notice him move forward and take a seat next to them.

"He is very handsome. What's his name?" Draco said with the little green dragon plushie in his hand, trying to divert the little one's attention. He was looking at Lily questioningly, but he wasn't angry. He was smiling at her.

"Pipa the dwagon," Lily whispered. She was looking at him with wide, curious emerald eyes.

"Piper! What a mighty name," Draco praised her and got a smile in return.

"Than you. Aunt Mione gave me him as biwthday pwesent. She likes dwagons like me," Lily said. The fear from earlier wearing out a little as she interacted with him.

"Is that so?" Draco asked though his gaze was at Hermione that made her cheeks flush. Whether it was from embarrassment or something else she didn't know. Stupid ferret with that stupidly handsome smirk on his face.

"Ahha," Lily said absentmindedly. She was chewing on her fingers habitually indicating that she was in deep thought.

"My name is Draco. Do you know what it means?" Draco asked her as he introduced himself. Harriet, Lucius and Narcissa watched the exchange between them. Severus' scowl didn't lessen but the glare Narcissa sent his way certainly warned him to keep his mouth shut. He knew they would be having a long conversation later.

"No." Lily shook her head.

"It means dragon."

"Dwaco the dwagon?" Lily's face lit up in excitement. Draco chuckled at this. It sounded adorable when she said his name that way. Quite ridiculous but adorable.

"Yes! Draco the dragon."

Narcissa was relieved that the child wasn't scared anymore. And happy too that she was talking to Draco without any fear.

"Mama, aunt Mione," Lily called Harriet and Hermione.

"Yes, baby girl," Harriet turned her attention to her daughter, not caring about the sullen Potions Professor.

"His hair is like Elsa," Lily pointed at Draco's silvery blonde hair. Hermione couldn't stop herself from snorting out loud at the comment and Harriet too tried to hide her smile at the observation. She failed miserably.

"Who's Elsa?" Draco asked confusion.

"You don't know Elsa and Anna and Olaf and Kristoff?" Lily asked, leaning forward as she looked Draco straight in the eye.

"No. Who are they?"

"You have not seen Fwozen?" Little Lily was horrified.

The Malfoys looked thoroughly confused at the question but before any of them could ask anything, Mable returned.

"Master Malfoy, master snake Lord Slytherin is here. He is wanting permission to come."

"Please bring him inside, Mable," Lucius ordered, careful not to glance in Harriet's direction as he said so.

Harriet's face hid away every emotion. She didn't want to see him or talk to him, yet he'd come, just as she'd expected when the invitation for luncheon came.

"Mama! Lowd Slythewin? Is it Mista Mawolo?" Lily turned around to her mother as soon as she heard 'Lord Slytherin'. Mister Marvolo had left her birthday party and not talked to her ever since. He didn't even send a letter through the owl.

Harriet only responded with a slight nod. Not seconds later, her attention turned to Marvolo entering the room with Mable right behind him. He stopped in his tracks when his eyes met hers, not moving an inch further in the room. She was still angry with him, still upset. He could read the hurt clearly in her eyes. He hated it. He wanted to the smile on her face which he'd seen whenever she was with Lily. But it's wasn't there. And Marvolo felt an unknown emotion crushing him, weighing him down—regret.

His heart stung when she broke eye contact with him and turned her face in the opposite direction.

"Mista Mawolo," Lily's booming voice brought him out of musings and he forgot everything else. The hurt, the pain, the fear—nothing else mattered in front of Lily's sweet little smile.

He moved forward just as the little one wiggled out of Hermione's grasp and took bouncing steps towards him. Just as she reached him, Marvolo scooped her up in his arms and hugged her tightly to his chest, making Lily squeal in delight and hold him just as tightly.

"Hello, my little flower! How are you?" Marvolo asked when she put her little hands on either side of his face, a serious expression on her face. He was bemused as to how could she look so stern.

"Hello, Mista Mawolo. I'm well, than you. But why you go? Mama said you had some impowta work. But I think you lying. I think you did not like my cookies. Did you not like my cookies?' Lily ranted on and on until Marvolo's laugh interrupted her.

Her face scrunched up in confusion, brows furrowing and a pout on her lips. She looked so cute.

"Breathe, little love," Marvolo said in between chuckles. Salazar, how much he'd missed her. All the tension and anxiousness thinking how would Harriet react to his presence dissipated as soon as he saw Lily. It was odd really, having the little one in his arms like this, but the most content feeling in the world. His mind and soul felt at peace when she and Harriet were around.

Marvolo moved further into the room unaware of others' attention on the two of them. The Malfoys were surprised to see this carefree side of the Dark Lord. Never had they seen him happy or grinning widely. He'd always been the kind of person to hide his emotions behind a neutral face, yet here he was, engaged in a deep conversation with a three-year-old, and calling her with the cheesiest names.

He took a seat beside Severus and across from Harriet with Lily sitting in his lap, "I'm so sorry I had to leave early from your party. But your mama was correct, love. I had some important work that I couldn't miss. Can you please forgive me?"

Marvolo said with puppy dog eyes, one that could rival Lily's, Harriet thought. She watched their interaction quietly. How he could act like a completely different and caring person around her daughter was beyond her. Or maybe he just hated Harriet. That too for something that wasn't her mistake in the first place. Harriet hadn't wanted to the child of the prophecy or the fame that came along with it. She had just wanted a family of her own. Someone to love, someone to care for. Someone who loved her equally. And the answer to all her prayers was Lily—her beautiful, innocent baby girl who didn't know how dangerous Marvolo actually was.

'Can you forgive me?' he'd asked Lily, an unhidden plea in his words. Yet, Harriet knew, the question was equally directed at her by the way he was throwing glances in her direction.

"Will you eat the new cookies I helped mama make?" Lily asked in all seriousness.

"I will."

"Will you eat stawbewwy ice-cweam with me?"

"I will," Marvolo promised.

"And will you let me put makeup on you face fo pwactice?"

"I will," Marvolo realised a moment later as to what he'd said and his eyes widened in horror. Lily squealed in delight, clapping her hands and kissing his cheek, "Then you fowgiven, Mista Mawolo."

The room was filled with laughter at the little one's trick. Lucius fell in love with Lily after that, just as Narcissa. From what they'd heard about her from the Dark Lord she sounded a very shy child, but they could sense that she was a snake in disguise. Even better than the Dark Lord apparently.

"Lily, that's not a very nice thing," Harriet told her daughter. As much as she was upset with Marvolo, now she too was keen to see him dolled up in makeup and glitter now that Lily had mentioned it. It would be amusing, to say the least. A smile crept upon her face unknowingly.

"You tricked me!" Marvolo exclaimed realising what the little tyke had done. He looked at Harriet who was now smiling at the two of them.

"But you pwomised," Lily said innocently.

"Lils, you can't put makeup on Lord Slytherin's face," Harriet finally got her daughter's attention.

"But he's my best fwiend," Lily reasoned then looked back at Marvolo. "You my best fwiend wight, Mista Mawolo?"

"Of course, I am, darling." Marvolo's happiness knew no bounds. Yes, he was Lily's best friend.

"See mama, he's my best fwiend so I can put makeup on his face," Lily gave her mum the reasoning she found appropriate.

"Lily, you can't," Harriet said in exasperation. The look she received from Marvolo though, told her that he didn't mind Lily's request at all. In fact, he was willing to do anything to spend some time with her daughter. Harriet was about to speak again when Lily's shrill voice filled the whole room. She screamed at the top of her lungs looking at something behind Marvolo. Immediately, everyone's attention was drawn towards the hissing and slithering noise entering the room. Hermione gasped loudly and involuntarily clutched Draco's hand tightly when the big form of Nagini came into everyone's view. Draco was only looking at their joined hands intently. Harriet left out a worried breath. Marvolo drew Lily closer to him when he saw his familiar creeping closer towards them.

"Nagini, I told you not to come, didn't I? You scared Lily!" Marvolo hissed.

"I don't think so! Look at the hatchling," Nagini's reply came out in a sassy tone. Only then Marvolo looked down at the child sitting in his lap. He realised that Lily had screamed in excitement, and not in fear. She wasn't afraid of the large snake, instead was fascinated.

"Mama! Mama, look it's a snakey! It's a snakey!" Lily excitedly pointed towards Nagini, showing the snake to her mum and grinning madly. She had always loved snakes. They were so beautiful. Lily climbed out of Marvolo's lap and off the couch.

"Lily, careful," Harriet moved from her seat in haste. She moved to take her daughter in arms but she was already too late. Lily had already bent down and started petting Nagini lovingly.

"Hi, sweetie pie," Lily hissed fondly, amazed at the beauty in front of her. Marvolo's eyes widened in surprise. So did Lucius' and Narcissa's.

"A speaker!" Nagini too was shocked at the discovery.

"Speaka? What's that?" Lily asked Marvolo, confusion palpable on her face. He didn't answer her for a few moments, his mind still reeling with the new information. He was about to speak when Harriet hurriedly took Lily in her arms and backed away from the feral snake. She was wary of Nagini. More so since the Ministry of Magic incident. Has Harriet not been stupid to understand Voldemort's plans, Sirius would have been alive and well. But he wasn't here.

Nagini could smell the discomfort and fear rolling off her. It was natural, reasonable. Lily looked at her mama confusingly. Mama loved snakes. Then why was she acting like this?

"I won't harm your hatchling." Nagini hissed understanding her fear. Harriet wasn't for herself, she was worried about her daughter.

"Stay away!" Harriet hissed instinctively. Her glare even made Lucius remain rooted to his spot. Not only her daughter but Harriet too was a Parselmouth. How was this possible?

Marvolo who had gotten up from his seat, couldn't believe the turn of events folding in front of him.

"Nagini, go away," he commanded lightly. Eyes never leaving Harriet's, who too had realised what she'd accidentally done. Hermoine moved away from Draco and stood protectively next to Harriet, hand ready to take out her wand if need be.

"But I wanted to meet the hatchling. The one who'd convinced you to allow and put makeup on your face. I want to get to know her."

"Nagini, not now. Go away!" He didn't look when Nagini slithered away, muttering nonsense under her breath. She was upset that Marvolo had not let her interact with the cute, little hatchling dressed in a sunny dress. But she also couldn't forget the look on Harriet's face. So, she'd silently agreed.

"Lily, can you understand what I'm saying?" Marvolo asked as patiently as he could, not wanting to scare her or her mother because Salazar he was losing his mind and patience.

"Yes, why wouldn't I?" Lily asked innocently. Marvolo looked at Harriet expectantly, wanting an answer.

"Why didn't you tell anyone that you can speak Parseltongue?" Marvolo hissed the words purposely, wanting to make sure that he wasn't hearing things.

"It wasn't a secret. Everyone at Hogwarts knew that I'm a Parselmouth. Dumbledore, Mr Snape, everyone. Draco too. They saw me speak the language. And then everyone accused me of being the Heir of Salazar Slytherin when the Chamber was opened in my second year. Why Snape didn't inform you, I don't know," Harriet replied with a sigh.

"And how was the Chamber exactly opened?"

"You don't know?" Harriet asked. She got a 'no' in response.

"Your diary," she said and Marvolo's face might have shown his surprise. Before Harriet could continue though, Hermione lightly touched her arm and signalled towards Lily. Harriet understood, Draco did too.

"Lily, would you like to see our garden. It's filled with flowers and we have peacocks too," Draco piped in. The conversation was not suitable for a child.

"Peacocks? You have peacocks, Mista Dwaco? The pwetty colouful biwds?"

"Yes," Draco said with a sweet smile.

"Mama, can I go see the peacocks, pwease?"

"Of course, baby," Harriet kissed her head and whispered, "Stay with aunt Mione, okay? Don't go running away."

"Uhuh." After making sure that her daughter was out of earshot, Harriet continued.

"Your diary possessed one of the first years, Ginny Weasley. I went down the Chamber, killed the Basilisk and saved her," Harriet spoke as fast as she could, knowing well that he wouldn't take the news kindly. His face went from calm to thunderous in a matter of seconds.

"You killed the Basilisk? Salazar Slytehrin's Basilisk?" his voice was whispered but sharp enough to cut through her bones.

"I did," her voice wavered a bit. Unlike she'd expected though, Marvolo turned his heated gaze towards Lucius.

"How did my diary reach Hogwarts?" Marvolo hissed dangerously. Eyes flashed crimson and for the first time in years, they could see the resemblance in Marvolo and Voldemort. Lucius shivered in fright. Narcissa couldn't do anything either. How had this luncheon gone downhill?

"It wasn't his fault. I was the one who destroyed your diary," Harriet intervened quickly. She swallowed hard before she spoke again, "and your other self."

Marvolo looked at her intently for a few moments. Lucius gave Harriet a thankful nod in return; he didn't understand why she'd helped him but he wasn't complaining about it.

"How are you able to speak Parseltongue?" He finally asked.

"I don't know. I'm able to speak it for as long as I can remember. Though in my second year I asked Dumbledore. He said that night, you accidentally transferred some of your powers to me after you," Harriet was unable to complete the sentence. Marvolo didn't force her either. That Samhain night hadn't been kind to either of them.

"Have you got any inheritance tests done before?" He asked calmly this time.

"No," Harriet said. "I'm only aware of my Potter and Black Heirship."

"Then we'll get it done. Lily's too," Marvolo said in finality.

"I beg your pardon?" Harriet asked in surprise. Who was he to interfere with her and her daughter's life?

"There was only one family left in the British Isles that could speak Parseltongue. I'm the last living descendant of that family. But you're a Parselmouth too, which means that somehow we're connected. And if you indeed are my family, then I don't want to fuck up this time."

It was odd, Harriet thought. To have a family connection to this man who'd managed to destroy her life quite successfully. She wanted to protest but never got the chance as Marvolo swiftly turned around to get Lily from the garden.

"We're leaving for Gringotts now," he said as he started walking. "And Lucius?"

"Yes, my Lord?" Lucius' voice shivered as he spoke.

"We'll have a nice, long chat later."

Harriet gave Lord Malfoy a look of pity before she hastily started moving towards the garden too.


A/N: Let me know what you guys think about this one! Reads, followers, favorites and reviews are always appreciated! Good day to all! :)