...and, it's Tuesday! I feel like I've been sitting on this chapter for months for some reason. Maybe I have. I'm currently working on the finale chapters and the RFMD reboot, so maybe that's why this feels so far away.
"Well, let's never do that again," Dad said as we got in the car. "I don't know why I keep expecting them to change. I wish Dudley had told me that they were coming. It's common bloody courtesy!"
Teddy let out a sigh as his hair changed back to its usual blue.
Mum glanced back at the house as we pulled away. "I just feel bad for their daughter."
"Well, hopefully they've learned from experience that they can't punish magic out of a child."
What did that mean? There were a lot of strange things at dinner tonight.
"How old is she again?"
"Nine."
"So she'll start attending Hogwarts during Lily's sixth year-"
"If they let her."
Cars always made me sleepy. I rested my head on James's shoulder, and the soft sounds of talking lulled me to sleep.
Chapter 15: The Malfoy Problem, Part 3
I didn't want to go to the Ministry Ball. I knew it was selfish, but I hated that event so much.
Dad needs my help to deal with Astoria and Aurelie Malfoy. I have to do this. There's a lot at stake.
I hate dresses. I tugged on the edge of the lacy monstrosity that I was wearing. It was objectively a nice dress, just not on me.
Did I mention that it was pink? That orange-y, rose-y pointe shoe pink?
Sure, I liked pink. I loved pink. My quilt was pink and my bedroom walls were pink and ninety-percent of my pillows were pink.
But the fact remains that redheads can't wear pink. Mum should have known that.
"Can't I wear something else, Mum?"
James appeared in the doorway in his black dress robes.
"I'm not Mum."
"Look at you," I scowled, "You're dressed decently."
"I'll say."
A blue-haired figure appeared beside James in the hallway.
"Teddy, what are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming?" He was dressed, to my great envy, in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
"I'm here for the fashion show, obviously. Nice dress, by the way." Teddy turned his hair the exact same shade as mine. "Chocolate?"
"Thanks, but I'll stain my teeth and Mum will yell at me. Ugh, don't look at me." I tried to smooth the fluffy lace skirt, to no avail due to the layers of pink tulle supporting it. "I look like something went wrong in an avant-garde bakery."
"I've seen worse," said James.
"Oh yeah? What?"
"Al's face."
Teddy snorted.
A shout of "Oi, I heard that!" came from above.
I stuffed my feet into my white Converse, daring someone to say something as I walked downstairs and into the kitchen. Mum was already there, and noticeably not dressed in pink.
"Lily, shoes," Mum said.
"What? I'm wearing them?"
"Upstairs, the nice white ones, get changed quickly."
I rummaged through my closet to find the shoes Mum was referring to, then trudged down the stairs with the shoes in hand.
"Lily, hair."
"Really, Mum?"
"You can't wear the same braid you wear to school to the Ministry Ball."
"What about James's hair? It's an absolute mess and you're not telling him to fix it!"
Mum nodded.
"Lily, James, hair."
"Seriously, Mum?"
I undid my braid in short little tugs. Little known fact, the reason I wore my hair in a braid so often was because I inherited the Potter messy hair curse, too.
I frowned at Mum as I shook my hair out a bit, allowing curls and waves and cowlicks to stick out in every direction and reminding her just how much of a disaster my hair was.
"Ta-da."
"On second thought, maybe the braid's a good idea."
I sighed with relief.
"But a nicer one."
"Mum!"
"Take your glasses off," Mum said as we approached the ballroom.
"I can't see very well without them!"
"You look prettier without them, and they'll be taking pictures." Mum held her hand out, and I sighed as I took my precious glasses off, folded them, and handed them to her.
"If I break my neck-"
"-I'll blame myself, yes."
People with cameras were waving.
"Over here, over here! Harry Potter, can we get a picture with you and your family?"
I winced at the blinding flash of what felt like hundreds of cameras. The winter air felt cold against my exposed arms. I wish I didn't have to wear this stupid dress.
I found myself between Al and Mum.
"Smile, Lily," Mum hissed into my ear.
You can do this, Lily. Stop being selfish. Come on, just put on the stupid show that they're here for. Don't give the rumor mill a chance to make up bullshit about why you looked so unhappy at the Ministry's Christmas Ball.
I blocked out the sound of the cameras and fixed my face into what I knew was a perfectly symmetric, radiant smile. I'd been practicing it in the mirror since I lost my first baby tooth.
People were asking questions. I knew the drill. Keep looking at nothing and smiling until you hear your name. Then if you do, figure out if it's a question you have to answer. If not, keep smiling. If you have to answer, say the fewest words as possible. Keep it short and sweet. Always say positive things so no one can splice the quote into something unfavorable.
I heard my brother's names and refocused on the sound of the people taking pictures.
"Albus! There have been rumors that-"
"I'm afraid I can't answer that," he said quickly, still smiling pleasantly. Albus had always been the best at deflecting. He got the most questioning, after Dad, of course.
"Anything you can tell us about the investigation on-"
"No," said Dad before the reporter could finish. That was the other trick. If the question is going a way that you don't want it to, stop it.
"Lily, you've been rather quiet this evening. How are you enjoying the Ministry Ball this year?"
That's a stupid question, I haven't bloody gone in yet. At least it's a lowball.
I continued to smile. "I'm just happy to get to spend time with my family."
"Lily, how do you respond to the rumor-"
"No comment."
"There have been rumors that Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Draco Mal-"
"I'm aware who he is," Mum interrupted.
"Then, are you also aware that your daughter has a crush on Scorpius Malfoy-"
"I do not!"
Shit shit shit, did I say that out loud?
I must have, because now my parents and my brothers were staring at me.
Bloody hell, why I didn't I just shut up and smile? He wasn't even asking me!
So what, it's none of their bloody business! And for the record, I do not have a crush on Malfoy!
I attempted to smooth my dress again and regained my composure. I set my shoulders back and tried to relax.
"Sorry, I guess I'm just a bit jumpy!" I forced a laugh to diffuse the tension. The people behind a camera responded with some scattered laughs.
I continued shakily, gripping the hem of the awful dress with my sweaty hands. Deflect, deflect. "You never know what the Hogwarts rumor mill will come up with next! No, all his fangirls can rest assured that I'm just his best mate's sister!"
Please, please let that be enough.
I sighed as the vultures moved on to the next question.
Eventually, the flicker of cameras stopped. Mum handed me back my glasses as we walked inside the ball. Albus put a hand on my arm to stop me, and we hung back a bit by the entrance.
"You okay, Lil?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. It's nothing."
He raised an eyebrow. "You and Scorpius? I didn't think Imogen was serious at first." Al shook his head, looking thoughtful. "But it actually makes sense on some bizarre level."
Me and Malfoy make sense? On some bizarre level?
I felt a sense of dread.
"Can we talk about it later?" I sighed. "How do you do it, Al?"
"What?" he asked, even though I was pretty sure he knew exactly what I was talking about.
"Pretend."
He shook his head again. "Try to enjoy the ball, yeah? I'm going to go find Scorpius." A impish look came over Albus's face. "You can come if you want."
I shoved him lightly. "You're one slippery bastard, Al. I'm going to find Rose."
"Suit yourself."
I glanced to the side and caught sight of Scorpius Malfoy discussing something in hushed tones with a tall, dark-haired woman. Who was she? She looked familiar.
I squinted.
"Who's that woman Malfoy's talking to?" I asked Albus. He thought for a second.
"Daphne Greengrass. His aunt."
"Right."
I left in a hurry, my shoes tapping loudly again the marble floor. I hadn't taken the chance yet to look around the ballroom.
The theme for this year was clearly pure gold, and I suddenly understood why Mum had picked the dress out. The orange hues in the lace matched the orange hues in the gold decor.
The ceiling was charmed to be a swirl of bright nebulae. Neon pinks and vibrant blues splashed across the ceiling against a carpet of twinkling baby stars. The wall was lined with high, curved, baroque-style windows that reminded me of the Mirror of Erised. Some of them looked like they led out to balconies.
"Ever wear your hair down, She-Potter?" Malfoy tugged my braid. That sense of dread rose up again in my throat.
"No, I'm unfortunately not immune to the Potter messy hair curse." I didn't turn around. He was standing close behind me.
"Huh. I remember your first year you never wore your hair in a braid. You had curls going in very direction-"
"Not a pleasant sight." I flipped my braid over my shoulder before he could tug it again. People were staring. Look, how scandalous. Harry Potter's daughter and Draco Malfoy's son. What's going on with them?
I gripped the hem of my dress again. "Leave me alone, Malfoy." I didn't want him to leave.
"Fine." He sounded a bit hurt as he slunk away.
Sorry, Malfoy. I turned to reach out to him, but he had disappeared back into the crowd.
Do I really like Scorpius Malfoy? I pondered Albus's words.
Astoria and Aurelie Malfoy entered the ballroom. Why didn't they come in earlier, with Scorpius and Mr. Malfoy?
Dad had noticed them come in, and was making his way over to where I was standing.
"Really to face the music?"
"Are you sure you trust me after I screwed up earlier?"
"I trust you, Lily. There's no one else Aurelie will talk to."
I straightened the skirt of my dress and tried to clear my mind of Scorpius Malfoy. I have to do this.
"Alright. I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
My heartbeat pounded in my ears as I followed Dad across the ballroom. I tried to wipe my sweaty hands on my dress. I think I'm going to throw up.
Calm, be calm. Focus on the pretty ceiling and the stupid tinkly Christmas music.
I looked up and my father was shaking Draco Malfoy's hand. They were saying something, but I barely heard as I came face-to-face with the Devil herself.
Astoria Malfoy.
I tried to calm myself by noticing details.
Her honey-blonde hair was curled and arranged in an elaborate updo, her lips stained the perfect shade of red, and her eyes outlined with a soft swipe of black and a sprinkling of shimmery gold. Astoria was beautiful and cruel and striking, all at the same time.
She was dressed ostentatiously but tastefully in layers upon layers of decadent Slytherin green. Judging by Aunt Hermione's vintage Muggle fashion magazines, the dress looked kind of like a Dior gown, with the voluminous skirt and dainty waist and the way that the gown oozed luxury. She wore heavy silver and emerald jewelry. Even the long nails on her long, delicate fingers were painted green.
She fixed her unnerving, pale green gaze on me with a sneer that reminded me suddenly of Aunt Petunia. Except this one actually commanded respect.
I bowed my head. "Mrs. Malfoy, it's a pleasure to see you here tonight."
"Likewise. I hear you have been spending a good deal of time with my Aurelie." Her voice was measured and emotionless, but I already knew she hated me from years of experience.
Astoria Malfoy snapped her fingers. "Walk with me, Miss Potter. Let us talk."
I looked back at Dad for reassurance. He nodded tightly.
"I'd love to, Mrs. Malfoy," I responded as sweetly as possible. Astoria strode in front of me, and I wondered how she managed not to trip on her gown.
I followed her to the other side of the ballroom, towards one of the balconies. I cast a glance to where Dad was standing, speaking with Draco Malfoy. Aurelie had all but disappeared behind her father, and Albus and Scorpius stood off to the side, talking.
Astoria followed my gaze.
"They're very fond of each other, aren't they? My son and your brother?" she asked.
I swallowed, trying to assuage my nervousness. "Yes. Yes, they are."
Astoria turned to me again, and I forced myself to return her stare and not shrink back.
"Is your brother often fond... of friends?"
I put the camera smile on again. "Aren't we all fond of good friends, Mrs. Malfoy?"
I jumped suddenly as Astoria swept closer to me, gripping my chin with her talons and forcing me to stare into her eyes. She seemed to be searching my face for something. My heart thudded in my chest.
What the hell is she doing to me?
Whatever it was, Astoria seemed satisfied.
"You're certainly not pretty. Then again, one can remove most women's beauty these days with a wet tissue."
Ouch. That hurt.
"There is something about your face, Miss Potter," she said, "that I've seen before."
The emerald nails dug further into my skin.
"Can't imagine- maybe one of my parents?" I offered. I just wanted her talons off of my face. She released me.
"No. I will have to ponder it later. Perhaps we have met before, in a previous cycle." She cast another glance in the direction of Albus and Scorpius, then looked back to me.
"Do you find yourself facing problems often, Miss Potter?"
I shrugged. "I have been, recently."
"When facing a novel problem," said Astoria, "There are often familiar solutions. Be sure to keep that in mind."
"Yes," I nodded. Then... did she know about the tests? The book, the Chamber, the Mirror of Erised, the riddle?
Only one way to find out.
"You're a shrewd woman, Mrs. Malfoy. What strategy do you propose when one needs to solve a riddle?"
Astoria smirked. The expression looked frighteningly like Scorpius's, and for a second, mother and son blurred together.
"I would advise you to think beyond the literal. Sight can mean many things."
She knew? She had to know the words of the riddle. Otherwise, why would she mention sight?
"Do you-"
"I am afraid that is the limit of the advice that I can offer, Miss Potter. To be worthy, one must fight one's own battles."
"That's not a very Slytherin way of thinking," I retorted.
"Is it not? Is not pride the way of Slytherin House?"
I thought of Albus. "I suppose you're right."
Astoria smiled almost imperceptibly as she glided besides me. Now for the hard part.
I swallowed. "You know, a lot of people don't think much of me."
Astoria paused.
"I," I looked down at my hands. Come on, Lil, you can do it. Just one little lie, that's all.
"I'd like to be more powerful."
"Wouldn't we all?"
"Specifically," I fiddled with the hem of the dress, "synthetic power. Not potential. Power I don't have."
I forced myself to turn and look into her eyes. Dad has green eyes. So has Albus. Teddy can make his eyes green too. And you're not scared of them. So look at her.
"Show me."
She laughed, high and cold. "And why, Miss Potter, do you think I can show you how to develop... unnatural abilities?"
Those eyes, that unnerving gaze.
Dad is ten feet away. He is watching. You are surrounded by Aurors. They won't let her hurt you.
I lifted my chin and squared my shoulders. "Well? Can you, Astoria?"
"My, my, my. Aren't you a brave one. And cunning. Both the lion and the snake. Lily Luna Potter. Perhaps I have underestimated you." Astoria's gaze was absolutely predatory, and she seemed to burn with glee. "You'll do nicely."
She stepped closer, and my heart started racing again. Shit shit shit, Astoria's going to skewer me with one of those talons!
I saw Dad reach for his wand out the corner of my eye.
"My son will let you know if I can be... of assistance," she whispered. Then she drew back, speaking in a normal tone.
"Let us return to the fray. Shall we?"
I nodded weakly. My heart was still pounding as I trailed behind her.
Dad grabbed my elbow as I drew closer to him.
"Good job, Lily," he whispered. "I'm proud of you."
I beamed despite myself; the first real smile that evening.
After an hour or so of wandering around the ballroom, Dad nodded at me as he drew Astoria into a conversation.
"Aurelie, would you like to walk around the rose garden with me?"
The white snow fell thickly on the ground amongst the charmed roses. The air was only barely cold and filled with the sweet scent of the flowers.
We walked silently through the garden, her smaller hand in mine.
"Mother has roses like this," she said, reaching out her other hand out to touch one, then drawing it back suddenly.
"Did you prick yourself? Victoire showed me some healing spells for cuts." I took her hand in mine, barely noticing the fear in her eyes. I was prepared to cast the charm, when the cloud that had been covering the moon disappeared, flooding the garden with soft moonlight.
"You- your blood!"
The small bead of blood where she'd pricked herself on the thorn was not red, but golden.
Not blood. Ichor.
I let go of her hand. My wand trembled in my hand. A monster. Aurelie Malfoy is a monster. She's not human.
Oh, Merlin. I've discovered her secret, and now she's going to kill me.
"What - what are you?"
"I'm human! I'm a witch like you!"
"Humans don't bleed-" I lowered my voice to a whisper, "-don't bleed gold."
I stopped dead as I heard a rustle of robes. Are we being followed?
I saw pale hair in the moonlight. I didn't wait to see which Malfoy the hair belonged to.
I ran.
I slowed down to a swift walk as I entered the ballroom again, making a beeline for Dad. He was talking to some people who looked important and it would be rude to interrupt. But wasn't this even more important?
"Dad, Dad, Dad!"
He turned, frowning. I grabbed his sleeve. The people glared at me.
Everyone is staring.
"Dad, I really have to talk to you, it's really, really important."
"Can't it wait until I'm-"
"No!"
He must have noticed the panic in my voice, because he turned to the people and made an excuse to allow me to drag him out onto one of the balconies.
"Lil, this had better be important." He frowned again.
"Dad." I was shaking. I didn't realize I was shaking so much.
"Dad, she's not human, she pricked her finger and it wasn't even blood when the moon came out, and then somebody was watching, I-"
Dad put his hands on my shoulders to hold me steady.
"Calm down, Lily. Take deep breaths and tell me what happened."
I nodded and tried to take deep breaths. I was on the verge of crying and I didn't know why.
"Dad. She's not human."
I took in his confused expression as I took another gulp of air.
"Aurelie Malfoy and I were walking around the rose garden. She pricked her finger on a thorn. I was going to heal it for her, and then I saw-"
I hiccuped.
"Take your time, Lil. Tell me what you saw."
"She's not human, Dad. She doesn't bleed. She bleeds ichor."
"What do you mean, Lil?"
"Dad, she cut herself and her blood was gold, not red! I saw it when the moon came out!"
"You're sure?" He didn't seem surprised. Was he expecting this? What the hell did I just find out?
"Certain."
Dad nodded resolutely. "Mum is going to take you home. And I'm going to call in a favor."
Daphne and Astoria are just such blank slates, and I think like my headcanon for the Greengrass sisters is quite a bit different from the common ones I've seen. Astoria's name just sounds so deeply entitled and foreboding to me, more than Daphne anyway which has a softer sound. So I've always seen her as a Chessmaster/INTJ-type character.
We are getting so close to the big reveal! I know that there are so many hanging threads right now, but everything gets sewed up really neatly in the next few chapters.
Any guesses at where this could be going? I'll give you one hint: Carla made some insightful comments way back in Chapter 5. Revisiting the (edited) Chapter 1 might be helpful, too...
