Ophiuchus: The Serpent Bearer. The Story of Narcissa Malfoy

Chapter 1

Serpens: New Recruits

Autumn & Winter 1972

Narcissa Black raised her head from her toast and marmalade as the post owls began to flock into the Great Hall. It was a bright October morning and a mass of brown and grey obscured the ceiling - pale blue sky with scudding white clouds - as the birds began to circle the long tables, looking for their owners. A long-eared owl swooped suddenly down, landing clumsily next to Narcissa's goblet. It wobbled, but Lucius spotted the impending spillage and steadied it with his hand.

"Hello, Ursa," smiled Narcissa. The owl hooted, presenting a small box and a scroll of parchment to her mistress. Narcissa untied it as Lucius asked quietly,

"Your sister?"

Narcissa opened the note and read it through quickly. "Yes," she answered. "She's sent us some sweets - says we'll need them to get through this year." Narcissa tapped the box with her wand and it expanded, revealing itself to be a huge box of deluxe sugar quills.

"That's kind of her," Lucius commented, his tone nonchalant.

"She's always said N.E.W.T.s are a real dog." Narcissa shrank the package again and slipped it into her bag. "We'll have some later." Ursa nipped Narcissa's finger affectionately as she spread her wings and took flight, heading for the owlery. Another owl swooped down in front of Lucius, presenting him with a copy of the Daily Prophet. He paid the owl and unfurled the newspaper. All over the Great Hall, other students were doing the same thing. Every day, the papers bought more news of the ongoing war. The Dark Lord's side was growing in strength and numbers, and disappearances, deaths and unexplained accidents caused fear and discord to ripple amongst the students from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Only at the Slytherin table was the daily news greeted with outward indifference and secret delight. Narcissa looked at the three other tables dispassionately and two Ravenclaws suddenly cried out and ran from the room.

"They must be related to the half-blood, Parry," Lucius commented quietly, pointing to a death announcement. "If I remember rightly, the Carrows were asked to do that one?"

Narcissa nodded. "Parry was very vocal in his support of Muggle rights. He got what he deserved. It's people like him who caused us to have to go into hiding in the first place." She rose gracefully to her feet. "Come on, McGonagall will have a paddy if we're late." Narcissa looked down at the top of Lucius' white-blond hair as he finished his pumpkin juice then got languidly to his feet.

"A 'paddy'? That's Irish, not Scottish." Lucius smirked as he followed his girlfriend from the Great Hall. Narcissa narrowed her eyes but before she could respond, a scuffle in the Entrance Hall diverted her attention.

"Not again," she hissed. Two Gryffindor second-year boys had a small Slytherin backed up against the wall. Their voices were raised; the Gryffindors were laughing manically and the Slytherin was angry and cursing. One Gryffindor was waving a wand over his head in triumph - it seemed he had taken it from the Slytherin boy. Two more Gryffindors stood nearby. One was looking in the opposite direction, as if oblivious to the whole scene. The other was obviously stationed as a look-out.

"Prefects!" he called. Immediately, the two Gryffindors stepped back, thrusting the stolen wand back at its owner. The Slytherin grabbed it, stuffing it back into his robes as Narcissa and Lucius approached.

"Well, well, well," Lucius drawled. "What do we have here?"

"Nothing," grunted one of the Gryffindors, lounging against the wall. James Potter really thought he was the bee's knees. He ran a hand through his already tousled hair, glancing around to see if they had an audience. They did. A small group of Gryffindors were loitering, waiting to see who would triumph. Little jerk. Narcissa thought contemptuously.

"Yes, Potter, your adoring fans are all here to see Sleekeazy's walking, talking advertisement. Although -" Lucius smirked as he took in the boy's wild mane "- it doesn't appear to have worked on you - rather a poor endorsement, if you ask me." Lucius raised an eyebrow at Potter, whose face had reddened, before turning to the other Gryffindor. "What were you doing, Black?"

"Just playing," he replied in an off-hand manner. Narcissa looked scathingly at Sirius Black. The boy was a great disappointment to their whole family. He had chosen to defy all their exceptions and had ended up in Gryffindor. Little brat.

"Please don't insult our intelligence by lying to us, dear little cousin of mine." She smiled sweetly. Sirius glared, showing Narcissa the little remark had hit home. It was the same way Bellatrix reacted to Andromeda's name being spoken; both hated being reminded of the family they loathed. The boy who had so far been ignoring the situation then stepped forward,

"We're very sorry, Miss Black, Mr Malfoy. It won't happen again." Remus Lupin put a hand on Sirius' shoulder, patting him gently, as if trying to calm an angry dog. Little brown-noser.

"I don't believe it is us you owe an apology to, Lupin." Narcissa caught the boy's eye. He was hiding something... but before she could decide what, he broke the eye contact, glancing at his friends. Potter shook his head almost imperceptibly. Lupin, apparently having been denied permission to apologise to Severus, said nothing more. The fourth boy, Peter Pettigrew, didn't speak either. His small, watery eyes watched the confrontation with... almost delight. An observer... but he didn't speak up for his friends. Narcissa noted that piece of information with interest and stored it away for later. Little coward.

"Come, Severus." Lucius beckoned the Slytherin forward. Severus' face was completely blank, dark eyes averted from the crowd as he moved to stand beside the two seventh-years. Lucius glanced at Narcissa, who smiled brightly at Sirius again, saying,

"You know, I feel we really don't spend enough time together, little cousin. Family is family, after all. How about you come and see me tomorrow evening? We can have a nice little chat."

The boy scoffed, raising his chin. "No thanks." Next to him, Potter smirked.

"I'm sorry to hear you say that," Narcissa continued. "In that case, I'll just have to take twenty points from Gryffindor for your actions just now and another five, Sirius dear, for your rudeness." There were noises of outrage from behind her and the four boys exchanged horrified looks.

"But, Miss Black -"

"We didn't mean -"

"It wasn't like that!"

"You don't understand!"

Narcissa raised a hand and they fell silent, looking worried. "Twenty-five points from Gryffindor - that should teach you not to gang up on other students - and I thought Gryffindors valued honour and bravery?" Only Lupin had the grace to look ashamed. Narcissa turned to leave, then paused. "Pettigrew?" The boy looked up, fear etched on his face. "A word to the wise; I'm Head Girl now, not a prefect. Remember that." And with that, Lucius and Narcissa swept Severus away from the group of irate Gryffindors, who immediately turned on their classmates in anger.

"James, you prat! You've just lost me all the points I got in the last three Potions classes!" wailed a girl's voice as the Slytherins mounted the marble staircase.

"I don't need your help," grumbled Severus as he hurried along beside them, his short legs unable to keep pace with the strides of the seventh-years without trotting. "I was fine."

"They had your wand, Snape." Lucius reminded him coolly. "We will discuss this later. Which class do you have first?"

"Charms," he grumbled.

"Off you go then. But first, I think you owe Narcissa here a thank you."

"Thank you, Miss Black," Severus mumbled, eyes on the floor.

"You're welcome," she replied. "Did you enjoy the book I lent you?"

He looked up at her and a smile spread across his face. "Yeah."

"Was it instructive?" she asked.

"Very! I think I've nearly worked out..." He glanced around then lowered his voice, "...how to do something."

"Good." She nodded. "We can discuss that later, too."

Recognising the dismissal, Severus left them and hurried towards Charms. Narcissa and Lucius didn't speak as they headed into Transfiguration, where Narcissa's prediction was indeed correct, and whilst the Scottish witch did not have a 'paddy', she was certainly not pleased at their tardiness; "I expected more, especially from our Head Girl." Narcissa arranged her face into one of humble contrition, much to Lucius' amusement, and they joined in with the lesson.

"So, who do we have for Ophiuchus this year?" It was early afternoon, and Narcissa and Lucius had taken their books outside to sit by the lake in their free period. They wrapped up well in cloaks and cast Warming charms to keep the October chill at bay. Narcissa crossed her legs and began to list the names:

"Brennan Wilkes, Valdis Avery and Mallory Mulciber are continuing. We need to recruit my second cousin, Evan Rosier. He's third year now and very good at Charms. Reading between the lines of Bella's last letter, I think they're a bit overwhelmed with thug-types at the moment, what with Macnair and the Carrows, and now Crabbe and Goyle have signed up..."

Lucius snorted, remembering the ogre-like boys from the previous year. "So they're looking for brains, not brawn?"

"Exactly. But don't say that in front of Zillah or Persephone, they are engaged to them, remember? It's a good enough match, a bit of a shame for Sephy, though. Being a Shafig, I think her parents were hoping another member of the Sacred Twenty-Eight would snap her up, but Sephy had already fallen for Crabbe, so it was a moot point anyway. Theodosia's done well though, landing Nott. A Selywn-Nott alliance is very desirable all round. Besides, Sephy's parents can't have really thought Sephy would attract that level of blood status, not after the scandal with her aunt running off with that Muggle..." Here Narcissa broke off, reminded of her own sister. Andromeda's decision to date a Muggle-born had almost torn her family apart and could have severely damaged her own prospects of marriage. Seeing her discomfort, Lucius took her hand and kissed it gallantly,

"But luckily for you, I lost my heart from the first moment I met you. A thousand mad relatives couldn't keep me away! And besides, Crabbe and Goyle aren't bad; their parents and grandparents are all witches and wizards, which is more than can be said for most. No, it isn't a bad match. Zillah and Sephy aren't too bright themselves, so it should work out fine."

Narcissa smiled at Lucius. He had a very kind heart, under his icy exterior. "Anyway," she continued, "I asked Bella about Regulus, and I'm almost certain she'll agree. He's young but shows great promise."

"And he is from a noble family."

"That too."

"And Snape?"

"I'm not sure yet. His reaction to the book I lent him is promising... We'll see tonight exactly what he made of it all."

"And he already has quite a reputation for favouring... certain branches of magic."

"Yes... but how much of that is true and how much is it Gryffindor muck-raking?"

"I suppose we'll have to wait and see. Are you going to read Bella's message?"

"Not here! It's too open. After dinner we'll go to your dorm, the others can help - she must be feeling paranoid, there's about fifty quills to get through! It'll take an hour or so to find the right one. Are Doyle and Ant coming to the first meeting?"

"Yes. They're set to get their Marks straight after graduating, same as me. We can teach the younger boys a few things before we go, I daresay."

"Good." Narcissa nodded in agreement. Doyle Travers and Antonin Dolohov, unlike Saxon Crabbe and Esau Goyle (who looked impressive but had very few practical skills) were a dangerous mix of quick cunning, brute strength and exceptional talent.

"What about you?" Lucius asked. "Bellatrix has been marked, and Alecto. Women can join properly, you know."

"I'm not sure. I think it would be more... prudent... if he were to have a few unmarked followers. Theodosia feels the same way too. Keep everyone guessing, create uncertainty. He should keep an ace up his sleeve."

"With you being the ace in this metaphor - how arrogant you are! But, naturally, I cannot argue." He laughed as she aimed a punch at his arm.

"Shut up, Luc. You know what I mean!"

"Yes..." Lucius was no longer laughing. "But if he wants to mark you, you will do it, won't you? I couldn't bear to see you hurt..."

Narcissa leant against his side as he put an arm around her. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "You know me, Luc. I will always do whatever it takes to protect myself and my own." They sat in silence for a few minutes, then Narcissa got to her feet. "Right, I'm off."

"Where?" Lucius asked, stretching as he got to his feet.

"Sluggy wants to see me. And I have a few questions for him, too."

"Want me to walk you?"

Narcissa smiled. "I'll be fine, see you at dinner." She stood on tiptoe and kissed him lightly. He responded enthusiastically and she submitted for a few lust-filled moments before gently extracting herself and walking back up to the castle.

Narcissa was not surprised to find that Professor McGonagall was present in the Potions Master's study. Obviously, news of her reprimand to the Gryffindor miscreants had reached the Head of House's ears. Narcissa quickly sized up the situation. Slughorn looked as jovial as ever, moustache quivering as he smiled widely at her. Professor McGonagall's lips were pursed and she looked as if she were sucking a lemon. How should I play this? Narcissa pondered. McGonagall was a stickler for the rules and valued fair play. Narcissa decided to let that be her guide, and arranged her features into an expression of concern as she entered the room and addressed the older witch,

"Good evening, Professor McGonagall, I didn't expect to see you here. Is anything the matter?"

"Miss Black," the Professor spoke briskly. "Whilst you may be Head Girl, that does not give you the right to penalise the students of my House! Twenty-five points! What were you thinking? If you are incapable of being impartial, your position will be handed to another student."

"Come now, come now, Minerva!" Professor Slughorn looked aghast at the thought of one of his Slytherins being demoted. He had been overjoyed at her appointment - Slytherins were not often made Head Girl or Boy, after all. "Miss Black may have been a little overzealous, but surely there's no need to speak of replacing her!"

Narcissa looked at her hands and forced her voice to come out quietly, with a slightly pathetic edge. She didn't lay it on too thick - McGonagall would pick up on it straight away - but just enough to suggest that she was doubting her earlier actions. "No, Sir, Professor McGonagall is quite right, perhaps I was overhasty." She took a deep breath, then looked up into the witch's face, twisting her hands slightly as she continued to speak: "Lucius and I came out of the hall after breakfast and saw that Sirius Black and James Potter had Severus Snape pushed up against a wall. Sirius had Severus' wand and was waving it in the air. Peter Pettigrew and Remus Lupin were there too. Lucius and I intervened, and Sirius gave Severus his wand back. A group of Gryffindors were watching by this point. We asked what had happened but Potter and Sirius lied, saying it was a game. This isn't the first time I've caught them bullying Severus, so I wanted to make a stand... I asked them to apologise, but they refused. So then I tried to give Sirius a detention - he seemed to have been the main culprit - but he outright refused. Professor, he's my family and I didn't want to be accused of letting him off lightly. I took twenty points - five for each boy and an additional five from Sirius for his refusal to take a detention. I guess I should have broken it down for them... or insisted he do the detention?" She ended her speech on a questioning note and looked away from the Professor's face, as if overcome with regret. Had it worked?

"They went for Severus - again?" Slughorn's shocked voice rang out. Narcissa glanced up at him and he looked, if possible, even more aghast than before. "Minerva, I thought you had dealt with this!" Narcissa fought to keep the smirk from passing over her face. This is brilliant - I couldn't have planned it better myself. Professor McGonagall looked flustered and annoyed.

"I cannot be everywhere at once, Horace. I assure you I have spoken to the boys and they promised me..."

"Well clearly they have broken their promise! Minerva, you cannot allow this to continue." He turned to Narcissa. "I quite agree with your actions today, Miss Black. And I will be giving each boy a detention tomorrow morning. As it's a Saturday, they can come here straight after breakfast. Perhaps you would be good enough to inform them of this, Minerva?"

Professor McGonagall looked as if she was sucking a lemon again. Trying not to giggle, Narcissa spoke up. "Sir, Pettigrew and Lupin didn't actually do anything to Severus this time..."

"Miss Black, I appreciate your honesty, but they were complicit. They can all serve detentions."

Professor McGonagall said nothing more, but turned on her heel and strode from the room. Professor Slughorn breathed out sharply, fluttering his moustache. "I am sorry about that, Miss Black, but Severus is really a rather gifted boy, and I feel he could make something of himself if he just had a bit more confidence and a nudge in the right direction."

I quite agree... and I'll do my best to nudge accordingly. Narcissa thought. Aloud, she simply said. "I quite agree, Sir. It's funny you should say that, as I was actually hoping to ask you something about Severus - if you don't mind."

"Ask away, my dear girl, ask away!"

"Well, I was wondering if he might like to join Ophiuchus. What do you think?"

"A splendid decision, Miss Black! Why, you've certainly made something of Travers - his Charmwork is outstanding now! And I've heard he and Dolohov can wipe the floor in the Duelling Club. Quite excellent, I'm sure they will rise to prominence within a few years. Yes, and Avery and Mulciber are shaping up rather nicely too... I don't know how you do it, Miss Black."

She beamed at him, allowing a slightly flirtatious note to enter her voice. "My natural charm, Sir - and a lot of hard work." He laughed heartily at that.

"You Black sisters! Why, I remember when I met Bellatrix, I was utterly enchanted - then Andromeda came along and I thought no woman could be more beautiful - then you, Narcissa, proved me quite wrong..." He sighed, and as Narcissa knew he would, he trotted out his favourite line. "Why, if I were forty years younger..."

As usual, Narcissa hid her annoyance and took up her own line. "Then I would be all yours!" He laughed heartily again, and Narcissa took advantage of his good humour to begin her questioning. "So which area is Severus particularly gifted in, Sir?"

"Potions! My dear girl, that boy was born to be a potioneer!"

She nodded, then asked, "Anything else?"

Slughorn looked suddenly more guarded. "Perhaps..." He looked as if we were making a decision, eyebrows creased. He spoke hesitantly, "Miss Black, I trust you will keep this to yourself?"

"Of course, Sir." She widened her blue eyes appealingly.

"Young Severus is rather impressionable... his home life isn't very stable, money problems, and his father - a Muggle, you know - well... the less said the better. His mother was one of my students, actually. Captain of the Gobstones Club, Eileen Prince. Pure-blood, but the family name died out. A real shame, but they had been... unstable for a few years. I assume Eileen married out of the wizarding world to attempt to rectify that - many pure-blood families find it to be necessary from time to time. Otherwise, it can lead to inbreeding... I know of one family where the son was completely insane, born of incest and hell-bent on attacking Muggles, and the sister was a squib, and her son - but that is neither here nor there." He stopped suddenly and wiped a hand across his forehead, which was shining with sweat.

"And Severus?" Narcissa prompted, wondering who he had been talking about. She read fear and regret in his eyes.

"Severus!" Slughorn looked more cheerful again. "Yes, a very gifted boy. But perhaps not as nurtured as he should have been at home. Seems to have taught himself some rather unsavoury spells - books he inherited, no doubt, from his less-suitable relations. Boys will be boys, but he has a bit of a reputation... and this bullying business hasn't exactly helped matters. He's lashed out a few times in retaliation... and I'm rather concerned about the type of magic he sometimes uses..." He looked at Narcissa and lowered his voice. "With all the rumours flying around... he would he just the sort of boy You-Know-Who might try to... recruit. Would you keep an eye on Severus, Miss Black? I know I can count on you."

Narcissa smiled serenely. "Of course, Sir. You can trust me." And she left to join Lucius for dinner.

"I've got it!" cried Doyle triumphantly. Narcissa, Theodosia, Lucius, Doyle and Antonin were sat in the Slytherin seventh-year boy's dormitory, each surrounded by a stack of sugar quills. Bellatrix certainly hadn't made their task easy this time. The box had been cursed, then they had accidently set off a Stinging hex followed by a nasty little Burning charm. Once they finally got inside the box, they did indeed have over fifty sugar quills to test. Whenever Bellatrix sent a box of cakes or sweets, she had concealed a message inside, disguised as one of the edible treats, but woe betide the person who attempted to eat the message. Narcissa once left a box of Chocolate Frogs from her sister on her bed and Zillah had nearly choked to death after sampling one. Fortunately, Theodosia had hit upon the right counter-curse and no permanent damage had been done. Doyle passed the innocent-looking sugar quill to Narcissa, who quickly transfigured it back to its original state.

Cissy,

Yes to Regulus.

We need: Healing charms, human Transfiguration, offensive/defensive duelling tactics and advanced Potions (poisons & antidotes.)

Also, we need a spell to enable us to speak without those around us hearing.

The box the quills came is the next book in the series you asked for. Page 32 has an eye-locking curse. Counter-curse is on page 15.

Rest of the quills are fine - I think. Enjoy!

Love, Bella x

Theodosia, reading the note over Narcissa's shoulder, picked up the box and waved her wand over it. A heavy tome fell into her lap. She read the title aloud, "'Concealed Dark Arts II'. What's that for?"

"Who's it for, you mean." Narcissa idly sucked a sugar quill as she took the book from her friend. "I'm attempting to recruit the second year, Snape. Bella said they needed Potions in her last note too, and Sluggy just confirmed he's exceptional at the subject."

Theodosia looked sceptical. "Yeah, good luck with that, Cissy."

"What do you mean?" Narcissa looked at her friend, eyebrow raised.

"Haven't you noticed who Snape spends most of his time with?"

"Yes - my dear cousin and his bullying little gang."

"Wrong!" Theodosia sat back looking satisfied. Lucius looked just as bemused as Narcissa, but Doyle and Antonin were smirking.

"She's right, you'll never get Snape," Doyle said, taking a quill for himself and nibbling it. "These are good! Your sister doesn't skimp on treats, does she?"

Narcissa tossed her hair, turning back to Theodosia. "Don't play games, Thea, we only have ten minutes until Ophiuchus starts - just tell me."

Theodosia got slowly to her feet, looking down at Narcissa as she spoke. "Snape's best friend is that red-haired Gryffindor, Muggle's spawn, Lily Evans."

At nine o'clock, a small group of Slytherins had crammed into the seventh-years boys' dormitory. The older ones sat on the beds, with the younger ones cross-legged on the rugs on the floor. Narcissa and Lucius stood, surveying them critically. Narcissa then stepped forwards and addressed them in a low, almost melodic voice,

"Welcome to Ophiuchus. For those of you who don't know, Ophiuchus is a star constellation, and the name means 'Serpent Bearer'. It is often represented as a man holding a snake, which is the constellation Serpens. This is an elite study group which has been running since my sister, Bellatrix, first started Hogwarts in 1963. Back then, it was run by Bellatrix with the help of two older pupils, Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange. To the professors and the rest of the school, we are merely a group of students who wish to focus on our studies and further our magical ability. We have a good reputation and most professors -" here she paused, considering the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall "- are supportive of this initiative, so we can meet with relative ease. You have been chosen because you excel in a certain field of study." She then indicated each member as she spoke their name and their specialist area:

"Doyle Travers - Charms and Duelling,

Antonin Dolohov - Duelling,

Theodosia Selwyn - Transfiguration,

Valdis Avery - Herbology,

Mallory Mulciber - Defence Against the Dark Arts,

Brennan Wilkes - Care of Magical Creatures,

And myself and Lucius. Transfiguration and Defence Against the Dark Arts."

She motioned to the three new boys to stand. They did, looking awkward and nervous. "And here we have this year's intake. Severus Snape, Evan Rosier and Regulus Black. I have it on good authority that you three are gifted in Potions," she turned to Severus, "Charms," she indicated Evan, "and you, cousin mine," the boy smiled shyly, "seem to be a good all-rounder. We can shape you however we wish to. And there we have it. We meet weekly on a Friday at nine pm sharp. We do not tolerate excuses or tardiness. Academic success is of vital importance, as is our reputation. But we are more than a mere study group. Should you join us, you will also be honing and testing skills which you will use in later life to serve the greatest wizard of all time. You will therefore be expected to partake in certain... activities... and also expected to use your wits and cunning to evade the notice of the staff."

The new boys looked awe-struck. The older students, who had heard this before, kept quiet. Narcissa continued, "We are at war and you need to decide which side you are really on; which side has the most to offer. Should you choose correctly, your success in Ophiuchus will carry great weight when you leave school. I will not insult your intelligence by spelling it out for you. All of us here have chosen our side. You three still need to decide. You have one week. You will report back here at nine o'clock next Friday. If you choose to join us, you will be officially initiated then. If not, we will not harm you. We will simply Obliviate you and send you on your way. Any questions?"

Evan and Regulus shook their heads quickly. Severus, however, spoke up. "I want to join. Now."

Regulus and Evan nodded eagerly. "Please Narcissa, I mean -" Regulus blushed "- Miss Black."

"You wish to join now?" Narcissa turned to Lucius, who nodded.

"If they know what they want, why go through the formality of a week's wait?"

Narcissa nodded to Doyle who slid off his bed and approached each boy holding a quill and a piece of parchment. "This parchment is charmed. If you sign it, you are agreeing to total secrecy about our extra-curricular activities. If you spill, your brain will be wiped - and I mean completely wiped." He grinned nastily, "So I wouldn't try it - unless you fancy living as a Muggle for the rest of your days."

Severus solemnly took the quill and signed. Regulus almost snatched if off him in his haste to sign his own name. Evan signed last.

"Well then." Narcissa smiled at the three new recruits. "I must write back to my sister and tell her the good news. Perhaps you should all head to the common room and get to know your fellow stars of Serpens a bit better." They all moved towards the door, but Narcissa called out. "Severus. Stay a moment." The boy hung back, his usually pale face flushed. Narcissa waited until the rest of the group had left before she turned to Lucius. "I believe you needed to address the incident which occurred this morning?"

She waited whilst Lucius took Severus through the events which led to his being disarmed by Sirius. As usual, it had been a surprise, unprovoked attack. We need to work on his wandless magic, Narcissa mused. After Lucius had finished, Narcissa presented Severus with the book Bellatrix had sent her. His dark eyes glittered as he greedily read the title. She warned him about the curse, then asked him to perform a simple Transfiguration spell to disguise the true nature of the book. After two attempts, it looked like a perfectly innocent volume entitled 'Simple Spells for Simple Sorts'. Narcissa took the book, declared herself satisfied and handed it back to the small boy, saying,

"You mentioned you had learned something from the first book. What was it?" Severus looked almost possessed as he began to speak. As first his voice was slow and low, but it picked up in speed and pitch as grew more excited, outlining the theory he had been reading,

"And so," he concluded. "If you can figure out the right properties at base-level, if you break down the language of the incantation, dissect the wand movements and build it up from there, you can actually make your own spells. It's like a potion, you just have to have the right ingredients, use them in the right amounts in the right order and expose them to the right stimuli - think about it! You could make a spell for literally anything if you worked hard enough!"

Narcissa smiled. He was certainly enthusiastic. And perhaps she could use this... give him his first test... Lucius seemed to be thinking along the same lines. He caught Narcissa's eye and she nodded. He then addressed Severus slowly, "Severus, we want you to try something. Based on what you have learned, we would like you to try to create a spell which would allow a group of people to have a private conversation in a public place without those around hearing. Think you can do it?"

Severus looked at them, his face determined. "Yes."

"You can ask anyone in Ophiuchus for help if you get stuck," Narcissa put in, but Severus immediately shook his head.

"I won't need help." He made towards the door, but before he could leave, he was called back.

"Severus," Narcissa spoke lightly, but there was a steeliness to her voice which made the boy's eyes snap immediately to hers. "I heard today that you are friends with a Gryffindor - one with no blood status. Is this true?" She couldn't get a read from his eyes, she realised with a feeling of surprise. That was unusual... but potentially very useful. She, Bellatrix and Andromeda were like that too. Severus did not reply.

"You need to be very careful who you associate with," Lucius spoke warningly to Severus. "Those of lesser blood are of lesser worth. Your blood status is already murky enough, Severus. Don't forget that you carry the surname of a Muggle. Fortunately, your mother's status as a pure-blood and your natural ability will do much to counter that, but be careful not to muddy the waters by fraternising with Mudbloods."

Severus did not look shocked, annoyed, or even surprised by the slur. His face was completely blank and he nodded jerkily. Narcissa, wishing to dismiss him on a positive note added, "I am impressed at how quickly you signed up, Severus. Bella and our Master will be very pleased too, when I tell them about it. You also inspired loyalty in two others. We need more people like you." The boy nodded again and his shoulders relaxed. "Go and join the others," Narcissa urged. "Get to know them. They will be good friends to you." Severus smiled at them both and left the room. Lucius turned to Narcissa.

"You are one formidable witch." He looked at her admiringly.

"Lucky you're on my side then," she countered easily, sinking slowly onto Lucius' bed.

"So... we have the dormitory to ourselves." He moved slowly across the room to the door as she replied,

"Indeed we do. What do you want to do about it?" She kicked her shoes off and lay back, stretching.

Lucius took off his tie, opened the door, hung it on the outside handle and shut the door again, before locking it with his wand. "I can think of a few things..."

Narcissa and Lucius joined the rest of Ophiuchus in the common room half an hour later, looking slightly dishevelled but very pleased with themselves.