Beta'd by: Bombadilo Baby. Aka my sister. Thank you, oneechan!
Phew! This chapter ended up longer than I thought it would, so you'll just have to see how in ends in the next one. Sorry guys! Though I hope you like it anyway
Wishing you all a bewitched weekend! Mine has been ridiculously hot and full of thunder storms . . . and snakes. Like, the no-legged, scaly, deadly-poison kind. Not the sneaky and ambitious Hogwart's kind, sadly.
. . . If anyone's wondering/guessing, yes I am Australian. The wildlife here likes to keep you on your toes ;-)
P.S. If I have time, I'll try to post another chapter up tomorrow as well! Fingers crossed!
P.P.S I have some ideas about other future pairings for this series. Any thoughts/suggestions are 100% welcome (just don't expect any spoilers from me! My beta is constantly complaining to me about this. I have a bad habit of keeping all my story plots in my head and not sharing until it's finished and written). That doesn't mean I don't take advice/suggestions, just that you won't find out if I did till I post it If that annoys anyone, I apologise profusely.
-G
(I can just tell I'm going to get sick of posting this disclaimer . . .) As usual: I do not own Harry Potter, any of its character's, or ideas - However my heartfelt thanks go out to J. K. Rowling for dreaming up the Harry Potter world. Me, myself, and my childhood are eternally grateful!
Severus Snape was not a happy man.
The dour professor had been dragged out of bed by the chiming of his Floo, and the day had gone downhill since then. The Headmaster had called him up to his office, and he'd left twenty minutes later with clear instructions. None of which included the potion brewing that he urgently needed to attend to; assuming (as anyone rational would) that they wanted a fully stocked hospital wing prior to the beginning of the semester. Severus was at least slightly smug in the knowledge that it wasn't only himself having a poor start to the day. Apparently Dumbledore had received several messages from the board of Hogwarts inquiring into his guardianship of the James Potter's spawn. Unhappy inquiry's if the old goat's expression was any indication. The discussions had quite clearly ruffled Albus' feathers, a fact which caused the potioneer vast amounts of smug satisfaction. And Severus wasn't the only one. Even the headmaster's phoenix, Fawkes, appeared oddly self-satisfied. Severus had amused to hear a chortling trill emitting from the phoenix's beak during one of Albus' frazzled rants.
Of course, Severus was mildly curious as to why the Board was investigating Potter's perfect little muggle household. From all accounts he'd heard the boy was living the life of luxury. He was sceptical that whatever had disgruntled the board was serious enough to rationalise the wastage of his morning plans. To play delivery boy, no less. The dark haired man's scowl darkened.
If there was a faint stirring of uneasiness in Serverus' mind, until he saw any rational proof to the contrary, he would continue to dismiss the sensation as nothing but his natural Slytherin caution. He all but silenced his snide inner voice, one which had started drawling caustically about how likely the possibility of Albus' twisting the truth was (particularly of late). Irritatingly, even that small monologue was enough to make something twist uncomfortably in his gut. He cursed himself for not monitoring the situation personally, if only so that he could rid himself of this absurd uneasiness.
Severus scoffed.
No doubt Potter was being waited on hand and foot, much like his father had been.
The items he'd been sent to deliver were at that moment shrunken in the pocket of his black robes whilst he walked. He couldn't apparate until he'd passed the boundary of the anti-apparition wards surrounding Hogwarts.
Of course, Dumbledore had given him several detailed instructions in addition to this ridiculous drop-off, namely to investigate the Malfoy's current (admittedly suspicious) interest in the whelp.
Severus was not a fool. He knew perfectly well why he'd been the one chosen by the Headmaster for this banal job. He's long been considered a close family friend of the Malfoy's, and was Draco's Godfather to boot. If the pureblood family were going to loosen their tongues around anyone, Severus Snape was a prime candidate. Not that he would ever let slip anything they told him in confidence.
He sneered, wondering why the old goat of a Headmaster thought he would stand with him in any opposition against the Malfoy's, of all people.
Yes, the Headmaster's so called assistance had kept him from Azkaban in the past for his short-lived involvement with the Dark Lord. However he wasn't a Slytherin for nothing. He'd had several plans in place, for at least a decade, should the Headmaster choose to redact his . . . generous public support. Albus had such a lofty image of himself that Severus wouldn't be entirely surprised to learn that levitus delphinium vapours had somehow seeped into his brain.
Severus passed between the wrought iron gates that marked the entrance to Hogwarts. From either side of him the intricate winged bovine loomed, heavily laden with protective magic. Like passing through a bubble, Severus felt the wards of Hogwarts slide around him. He took two sharp steps forward then with a sharp crack, disapparated from the cold footpath leading to Hogsmeade.
When he reappeared the transition was seamless.
He stalked forward smoothly, stride uninterrupted, as his black cloak billowed through the early morning fog around him. He walked the path ahead with cool familiarity.
The large pale stone manor rose from the mist; straight dark green hedges framing the drive to the entrance. From the corners of his eyes, Severus could see groups of small white animals moving amongst the grounds, which he knew to be Niveus Peacocks. The animals had long been associated with the Malfoy family, ever since the muster chose to magically bond to their Matriarch, Arlene Malfoy (wife of Nicolas Malfoy) several generations ago. He'd spoken several times with her portrait. She was a stunning witch, with silver blonde hair and the extremely coveted ability to communicate with all manner of winged animals. The peacock's at Malfoy Manor were one of the most well documented cases in England of a symbiotic relationship occurring between magical animals and humans. By living in such close proximity to high levels of magic, the muster's own magical traits had gradually emerged. These traits rippled back to the Malfoy's and were a great source of pride to the entire family. The peacock's attracted natural positive energies around them, which brought fair fortune and strong magic to the family.
The effect was not dissimilar other cases of people living in close proximity to magical creatures, such as unicorn or dragon herds, which respectively brought positive and neutral energies to surrounding areas. The difference in this case was that the peacock's had chosen to bind themselves to the Malfoy's, and were loyal to (and could benefit) that family alone. As a result, each new generation of Malfoy's was born with stronger magical cores.
Severus walked up the steps under the large portico which lined the Northern face of the Manor. Either side of him the structure was supported by huge stone columns, each stone inscribed with countless runes to maintain strength and protection for all those within. The heavy door's opened as he approached, and the small house elf Dotty greeted him with a small smile and bow, her olive eyes warm. Though he noted a sense of fatigue about the smaller female.
"We's being happy to see you again, Mr. Snapie's." She said, leading him down the entrance hall towards one of the receiving rooms.
"It is lovely to see you as well, Dotty." Severus greeted. "Though, I hope you don't mind me asking, are you well? I've not seen you this tired since Draco was a young babe."
Dotty looked up at him in alarm, stumbling to a stop in the hall. She glanced around warily, her ears perked up to catch any movement. She looked up at him, eyes wide. "I's is fine. Just a bit's dizzy this week. Please don't worry's the Malfoy's sir" she said hastily, before a cross (and amused) look returned to her face "Dobby's is fretting's enough for everyone. And I's be doing my jobie's just fine" she huffed.
Severus knelt down in concern, placing his hand on her forehead and checking her pulse. His frown grew. "Dobby would be correct to worry." He said sternly "You have a fever. We've already had several House Elves at Hogwarts fall seriously ill this month. You shouldn't have been working, Dotty."
A voice came from down the hallway "No, you shouldn't." Lucius came to stand beside his friend. "We told you both the last time, when Dobby fell ill, that if either of you felt unwell you were to tell us immediately." The blonde said with a worried frown, also kneeling down beside Dotty.
Dotty let out a whining moan. "But I's is just fine." She squeaked "And who's would cook's if I rested?!" She scowled up at Lucius "I's is seen what happened the last time you's wandered into my kitchen's. You's not allowed in there no more's!"
Lucius' eyes flickered abashedly across to Severus, wisely refraining from arguing.
"Your health is far more important to our family then a perfectly cooked meal." Lucius reprimanded the elf gently. Dotty's scowl drained away, and she shuffled, eyes cast shyly down at her feet. He stood up.
"Though how you got Dobby to remain quiet about your health is beyond me." Lucius muttered to himself.
Dotty blushed bright red, eyes now suddenly fixed on the roof. "I threaten's him with sleeping's on the couch." She answered reluctantly, as though the words were pulled from her. ". . . for a year's."
The two men chuckled, before Lucius turned to face Severus. "I take it you know what's wrong. How can I help?" Lucius asked.
"It's a virus that's recently entered England. Apparently some house elves that travelled over from Romania were mildly ill. It wouldn't have been that bad normally; however the house elves in England have never been exposed to this particular strand of the virus before." Severus explained. He looked severely down at Dotty "There have been a handful of extremely bad cases so far. Without treatment you could have easily died or created permanent damage to your lungs." He informed the bashful elf.
"I's is sorry!" Dotty wailed, ears drooping miserably "But's I's was sure that's I get's better soon! And when's Dobby had a cold last year, you's not let him work for a whole's fortnight!" she said, as though this was the biggest injustice she'd ever come across. "I's is not going's to sit in bed's that long!"
There was a loud pop beside them, and a frazzled looking male elf pointed his finger right at Dotty's forehead "I told you's to rest's! See's! Master's agree's with Dobby's, you's being silly!" He squeaked, his big brown eyes worried even as he ranted.
Dobby turned to face Severus, tears threatening to fall. "Dotty's being okay's soon?" He asked anxiously. "You's can help?"
Severus nodded, "I have the necessary medication, freshly brewed, that Dotty can take back at Hogwarts." He quickly conjured his patronus, watching as the doe bounded gracefully from the room. "I've sent a message to Minerva to have some sent over right away." He said, turning towards Lucius.
Lucius was quick to nod his head in confirmation. "Come through to my study, we can wait there. Narcissa will want to be informed immediately."
Severus turned back to the two elves, waiting for a moment as Dobby continued to scold Dotty and anxiously check her forehead temperature before he spoke. "Dobby, if you could escort Dotty to your rooms. Make sure to lower her temperature if possible. I'd recommend she drink some cool water and apply damp cloths to her skin." He instructed "Monitor her condition until the potion's arrive, and inform us immediately if she worsens."
Dobby's face set, and he nodded sharply, his grip firm as he whisked Dotty quickly away.
Severus walked beside Lucius towards the study, both of them silent for a moment before the blonde spoke lowly. "You have my thanks. Not that I don't appreciate your arrival, but I presume that Dumbledore sent you over with Mr. Potter's effects?" Lucius enquired.
Severus was interested to note the dark tone that had entered his old friend's voice.
"You would be correct." The potions master affirmed; voice deliberately neutral "I have the possessions in my pocket. Though I must admit that I am curious as to why you decided to take an interest in James Potter's, no doubt odious, spawn." Severus drawled, though inside he was burning with curiosity.
The apprehension fluttering uneasily in his chest once more as he saw Lucius sneer in response.
"Oh yes, that odious boy." He replied, caustically. "Clearly I'm just filling in idle time." He went on sarcastically, stalking further down the hall, his magic rippling with anger around him "After all, any eleven year old wizard that is found alone, appallingly un-educated, severely underweight, obviously abused physically and mentally, in clothes' I wouldn't house a rat in, clearly required no attention whatsoever from the Board." Lucius spat out, unaware of the severe shock and horror that broke Severus's countenance like a fractured mirror.
Severus attempted to speak through the warm lump clogged in his throat, his usually smooth gait awkward and stiff. Severus started to trail behind the Malfoy, unable to keep up as his brain was assaulted by the image Lucius had just painted vividly in his mind. When all he could manage in reply was a quiet choked sound, that tumbled in his throat, Severus stood still. Unable to follow.
Lucius paused, the anger clouding his face clearing somewhat as he (with some shame, since he had been the cause) took in the haunted pale expression on the dark man's face. The brittle and rigid posture, visible even in stasis, of the usually graceful man.
"I apologise" Lucius said, stiffly. His mind, too, had trouble remaining unaffected by the boy's horrible circumstance "for informing you that way. You neither knew, nor suspected." Lucius took a deep breath, his grey eyes hard as steel. "Dumbledore however, has a lot to answer for." He growled lowly.
The magical birth rate in England had plummeted over the last century, and the thought of any magical child being subjected to abuse such as Harry had been was despicable and abhorrent to the elder Malfoy. There had been much researched undertaken into the negative effects that such treatment had on the magical core of developing children. He and Narcissa had been fortunate to conceive Draco at all, and Lucius knew that he had spoiled his son frequently as a result. That the Headmaster had allowed such a thing to occur to a child under his care was a social taboo of enormous scale. And Lucius would ensure he was punished severely for it. The question was where the potions master would stand. As Lucius stared at him now, he already knew the answer.
"You are sure?" Severus barely managed to croak out the question, focused intently on the blonde for his response.
Lucius gravely met his friends gaze, and dipped his head in a curt nod.
Severus' hands curled into fists by his side, the pressure around them building as the magic in his body grew potent and highly concentrated.
"I had my suspicions at first, but the monitoring charm I placed around the house last night confirmed them." Lucius replied darkly "And more" he added, seething. The blonde stalked off down the hall once more, sweeping through an open doorway.
Severus followed behind, iron control locked around his magic to prevent it from destroying the room around him.
Narcissa looked up as the men walked through the door, and knew instantly that her husband had appraised Severus of Harry's circumstance.
"Good morning, Severus." She greeted quietly "I'm afraid we broke fast quite early this morning, due to several important communications between the Board, would you like me to call for some tea?" She inquired. One glance at the dark haired man was she needed to determine he was in desperate need for any form of calmative drought.
Severus shook his head stiffly "Thank you Narcissa, but that will not be necessary. And both Dotty and Dobby would be best left resting as it is." Severus explained, making his way over to sit in one of the elaborately carved lounge chairs.
Narcissa frowned delicately, turning to her husband "Is there something wrong, Lucius? I did think Dobby had been acting oddly these last two days." She mused quietly to herself. Every time she'd come across Dobby he'd been hopping on his feet, pulling his ears, or biting his lips, though no amount of persuasion had convinced the elf to tell her what was wrong.
"Nothing that will not soon be fixed, though we are fortunate that Severus was the one chosen to come today. Dotty is ill. He recognised the symptoms as something a few of the Hogwarts elves are currently suffering." Lucius tiredly informed his wife as he settled behind his desk.
Narcissa turned in alarm to face her husband. "She's been ill?" she asked in concern "Those two, I am sure, are some of the most stubborn elves I've come across!" started to frown "We almost had to insist Dobby remain in his rooms when he last felt unwell. And when we gave them a holiday last month I found them both tidying up the old stables! They don't understand the concept of rest." she said in exasperation. She turned to Severus "You can help her, though?" She asked in confirmation, already suspecting the answer from her husband's relatively calm explanation of the situation.
"The potion's should arrive within the hour. Minerva's owl is . . . quite fast." Severus said, a smile twitching at his lips despite his current foul mood. Minerva had been quite adventurous in her youth, and her fondness for anything fast maintained. Her tabby coloured great horned owl was wickedly swift, outstripping the other birds in the Owlery with ease. Though, thankfully, he had never received any damage to the post it delivered.
Narcissa hummed in contemplation, before flickering a glance towards her husband. "The Board sent through their confirmation." She stated simply.
Lucius glanced up sharply, meeting the calm blue eyes of his wife. He rose quickly from his desk. "I take it you are both coming?" He inquired in a low voice, swinging a cloak about his shoulder and clasping his cane in his left hand.
Severus, understanding the question immediately rose at once from his seat. Narcissa walked gracefully to her husband's side, her back straight and face set.
"Dobby!" Severus called.
Dobby popped into the centre of the room, biting his lip anxiously, obviously wishing to return as quickly as possible to his mate, Dotty.
"I am expecting an owl from Minerva McGonagall. The package should contain the potion for Dotty." He said, going on to explain in clear precision the appearance of the bottle and the dosage Dotty would need. "Do you believe you can administer this to Dotty as soon as it arrives?"
Dobby, who had been listening fiercely, bobbed in head in confirmation.
Severus, approving of Dobby's behaviour, continued "We should be back within the hour, however if you have any concerns, discuss them with me immediately."
"Dobby's will, sir." He said "You go's collect Harry Potter's." he said, his small face held an unusually serious expression.
None of them thought to question how Dobby knew what they were doing. House elves were some of the most complicated and abstractly intelligent creatures known to the wizarding community.
Narcissa nodded. "We will. Take care Dobby, tell Dotty we shall see her Dotty shortly."
Dobby popped back out of the room.
Narcissa turned to her husband. "Perhaps I should call her, Draco will be here without supervision if I don't. And Harry- he could very well need a healer when he arrives." Narcissa said quietly, with backbone of iron in her voice.
Lucius understood immediately whom his wife spoke of. He paused thoughtfully, then nodded his head. "Call her now, and see if she can come across." He agreed calmly.
Narcissa strode to the fireplace, casting the powder into the flames. "Tonks house!" She said crisply, kneeling down before the fire.
A figure appeared in the flames, gradually becoming clear. "Narcissa?" the shocked voice filled the room.
"Blessed morning to you, sister." Narcissa greeted slowly, her usually smooth voice hesitant. "I apologise for contacting you with such short notice, but we would greatly appreciate your assistance." She implored quietly.
Andromeda Tonks frowned slightly in confusion and surprise. "Of course Cissa, I will help." She said without hesitation, concern for her younger sister automatically rising as she took in the unusually worried blue gaze.
The sisters rarely spoke, both of them believing they were unwelcome at the others door. Narcissa wished she were calling under different circumstances. "Lucius and I will be gone from the manor for a least an hour. We didn't want to leave Draco alone, one of our house elves is currently fallen ill, and needs rest. . . It's . . . also quite likely that we will need your healing abilities when we return." Narcissa admitted, worry seeping back into her tone.
Andromeda's concerned frown grew. "Step back, I'll come through now." She stated, her voice brooking no argument.
Narcissa hurriedly stepped back from the fireplace, moments before her elder sister strode through.
"What on earth have you gotten yourself into now Cissy?" Andromeda asked protectively, walking forward to clasp her sister's hand, hoping to provide some comfort.
Lucius cleared his throat from the side of the room, and Andromeda turned in surprise to see the two men standing to her right.
"The Children Services Department of the Board has instructed us to collect a young magical student; we have recently confirmed reports of domestic abuse and they want him removed from his current guardians immediately." Lucius told her, deliberately leaving out the specifics of the child involved. Although he knew that, officially, Andromeda Tonks was not a member of Dumbledore's Order of the Phoenix, he would still be cautious of anyone with close ties to the Headmaster. Once Harry was safely in their household, she would be told the story in its entirety.
Narcissa, although she didn't believe her sister a danger to their current plans regarding Harry, didn't correct Lucius' statement. She wanted Harry out as quickly as possible, and the less time they spent talking over it again here the sooner that could occur.
Andromeda was horrified, and bursting with questions, but quickly agreed to assist in any way possible. "You better be off now then." She said, her behaviour instantly taking on a practical tone, well used from her years as a Healer at St Mungo's. "I'll watch over Draco, and let Ted know that I'll be home once you've returned." She reassured them.
Although there were many issues she and her sister still needed to discuss, now was not the time. Her baby sister needed her help, and she would be there to support her. Heaven knew they could sort out their own issues later.
Narcissa smiled gratefully and, struggling not to let tears escape, quickly clasping her sister in brief embrace.
"Thank you." She whispered into her sister's hair before stepping across to her husband.
Lucius nodded in farewell "We'll be back shortly." He stated then took a hold of both Narcissa and Severus' arms.
With a sharp crack, the three disapparated from the room.