Of Blood and Serpents

First Year: Chapter Eight

Christmas with the Malfoy's

The Malfoy's house seemed grander still somehow with Christmas decorations filling every corner with pretty boxes with bows, greenery hanging every which way, some twined like serpents on the stair banister. A servant entered them into the front and issued them into one of the drawing rooms where Narcissa and Lucius greeted them. Draco was also there, a small boy of five with icy white blond hair and stark blue eyes much like his parents. He greeted them, looking very cute while he did so in a formal manner as he was instructed (as much as you can instruct a five year old) and looked very proud of himself after Narcissa petting his head and crooning in praise. Severus and Lucius moved away to talk leaving Lily with Narcissa and the baby and the two began talking of her first year at Hogwarts.

"It's been very nice." Lily said watching as Narcissa slapped Draco's hand away from his nose where he was rooting around moments before. Draco made a face something like childish indignation and scowled at his mother. "Thank you for the dress and shoes, they're lovely." Lily said blushing faintly as she looked down at the thing that almost seemed too lovely for her to wear, she managed though. Narcissa lit up at that, her attention away from Draco as she smiled at Lily, reaching forward to clasp her gloved hand in hers she leaned in almost conspiringly.

"Oh, how it pleases me to hear you say that! I've so longed for another girl." Narcissa said seeming sincere as she gave Lily's hand a squeeze. Lily was slightly uncomfortable at the contact but she smiled back pleasantly.

"I've only got Severus so I've never much had the opportunity to enjoy things such as dresses." Lily admitted although she couldn't help but think she didn't much care for many girly things anyways, she wouldn't say that to Narcissa however, and Lily certainly did enjoy wearing the dress.

"Well we must get together more often to enjoy such things then, it's not right not having a mother sort to look after you my dear." She said with the inflection of sympathy and Lily blushed, glancing away shyly at the duration of attention being put on her.

"Mummy I'm hungry." Draco said pouting looking like a little cherub as he went to clasp his mother's hand.

"Dinner is soon little dove." She petted his silky white head as he pouted. Narcissa sighed and snapped her fingers. There was a loud 'crack' and Lily started in surprise at the homely little creature with giant wide eyes, bat like ears and a sniveling nose that suddenly appeared in a burlap sack dress. The little creature stooped in a bow.

"Yes my lady?" The raspy high pitch voice asked with a slight simper.

"Bring Draco a snack and some toys from his bedroom." Narcissa ordered in a clipped tone. With a crack the sad looking thing disappeared.

"What was that?" Lily asked in slight alarm sitting straighter in her chair.
"Oh, him? A house elf, many of the great families have them. The little urchens have their uses." A crack and the creature returned with a plate and toys under his arm. Draco ran forward, his pudgy hands swiping little crab cakes from the plate as he quickly began stuffing the food into his mouth so fast his cheeks ballooned.

"Leave it and get out of my sight." Narcissa ordered , the little creature fumbled to put the plate down and placed the toys down near Draco and was quickly gone as Narcissa ordered: out of their sight.

"I've never seen such a creature."

"I suppose you wouldn't living at spinners end in cokeworth." Narcissa said with a grimace and shudder as if it left a bad taste in her mouth. "Really dear we must take you out more into the magical side of things, it would be wonderful." Narcissa said with eyes trained on Draco who was playing with a miniature broomstick and action figure, making the little thing zoom around while he made little whooshing noises. Lily smiled thinking that while he was a little bit of a snotty brat he was still quite cute. Narcissa smiled at Lily having sensed her warm thoughts towards her son.

Across the room at another fireplace Severus and Malfoy spoke over glasses filled with amber liquid.

"I do wish you would have some sense in the matter." Lucius spate and Severus nearly groaned.

"I do have sense, it's you who can't see past his own nose Lucius." Severus growled, taking another sip of the amber liquid that was making him bolder. "The girl must remain with me, however improper you think it is, it was his last request of me."

"Must you be so literal with it all? the girl deserves what we can give her." Lucius insisted tenaciously.

"Give her whatever you like, take her for holidays, she will still remain with me." Severus spat in finality. Their conversations were interrupted by a Childs laughter in the opposite end of the room which drew their attention. Lucius looked over to see his son Draco making noises and playing with toys by the fire place at Narcissa's feet his hair glowing in the firelight giving him something of a halo. His features softened considerably when he looked at his son and Severus noticed, using it to divert the man's attention.

"Fatherhood suits you." Lucius looked back to him, his eyes lighting in surprise and giving an odd sort of satisfied smile.

"It suits you as well, I'm surprised to say." There was a genuine lit to his voice that lightened Severus's mood slightly as his observed Lucius over the rim of his glass as he tipped the contents back.

"She's quite easy to handle, most of the time. I'm just as surprised as you that we get on." Severus admitted to his old superior.

"How is she in classes?"

"Sharp. I had her placed in second year potions." Severus told him in a matter of fact tone, attempting to keep the pride out of his voice. He didn't quite manage. Lucius raised his brow fairly impressed.

"She has great things ahead of her... if only you would let us help her reach her full potential Severus." And suddenly they were back at it again, although in much better humor.

Dinner was served in their elegant and richly decorated dining hall. It was a full course of meals that appeared magically in order on their plates once it was time. Lily enjoyed the food greatly, as did Severus although he did his best not to show it. Draco made a mess of himself and threw a bit of a fit which Narcissa dealt with promptly so it would not interrupt their guests overly much. The boy was put to bed early and Narcissa was back after some time looking only slightly haggard at the ordeal.

"It must be tiring." Lily commented on the fit Narcissa smiled wanly at her.

"It can be but he is still our little blessing." the smile was tired but seemed genuine.

After dinner they were admitted again into drawing room. That was when the moment Lily had been waiting for happened. Narcissa left to go check on Draco, excusing herself politely when Severus also rose, needing to go to the bathroom. Lucius need not direct him as he knew quite well were to go, having spent some time during the war at Malfoy Manor. Lily's heart stumbled over itself, rising like a lump in her throat. She knew she would need to act quickly as her time was limited with Lucius. Rising quickly from her seat as Severus's coat tails disappeared from the doorway she found herself standing in front of Lucius with a look of determination on her face.

"Mister Malfoy... I wanted to ask you something while we were alone." Lucius perked up, his blue eyes almost sparking in curiosity smirking in interest he tilted his head invitingly.

"Oh do tell, I do love secrets." Lillian summoned up her bravery and boldness beginning to chew her lip gently.

"I want to know about the war, about you know who and what you and Severus were involved in and where I came from." She spat it all out at once, hardly breathing. Lucius was clearly taken by surprise, and he only smiled wider.

"Oh well that is something isn't it?" He asked in a low tone, clearly amused and perhaps slightly impressed by the girl who was standing in front of him, her fist nervously clenched at her sides, the girl looking older than she ought to in a beautiful dress. Lucius calculated before answering carefully. "And say I had all the answers to your questions, what should I get in return, hmm?" Lily was taken off guard, clearly unsure of what he wanted she blinked in surprise, shifting nervously.

"I-I don't know... what do you want?" Lucius appeared to think about it for a moment then answered with his trademark smirk, his brow lifting slightly.

"Why not secrets for secrets hmm?" Lily felt suddenly completely out of her element and realized she was stepping into dangerous territory but she felt as if she had no recourse. Biting her lip, she made her pact with the devil.

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.

Severus entered back into the drawing room to see Lillian sitting near Lucius who was standing with another glass of brandy. Lily looked lovely in the glow of the fire, cheeks faintly pink, dress flowing and soft on her making her look even more delicate. Severus had to shake himself a little, eyes narrowing wondering what their low tones were all about.

"Ah Severus, I was just discussing with young Lily a trip to Diagon ally. Nacrissa has being dying to go with a girl, I thought I might escort them. Wouldn't that be nice my dear?" He asked. Severus did not expect Lily to answer, as she usually diverted any direct questions and such but this time she shifted awkwardly her voice tremulous as she answered.

"Yes that would be nice." She said slowly as if she was unsure, her gaze had been on Lucius but she pulled them away to look at Severus, her expression oddly blank and uncertain. "May I go Severus?" Severus felt as if he had missed something, a conversation of some sort had gone on between them while he had been out of the room. He grit his teeth in annoyance wondering what Lucius could have possibly said to the girl.

"Perhaps. We may discuss it when we are home. Speaking of which we have strained your hospitality enough tonight Lucius. We should be going." He said hoping to usher them out quickly.

"Don't be ridiculous Severus, you are always welcome." His eyes locked on to Lily's. "As long as you like." He said firmly, smiling.

"It is appreciated, but still it is getting late for the both of us." Severus insisted. To his surprise Lucius accepted their departure very quickly and easily.

"Very well, but first your gifts." Lucius said, withdrawing his wand sharply from his walking stick he waved it, summoning two lovely wrapped packages on the table. He picked up one, and after inspecting it handed it to Severus who took it in to his hand staring at it speculatively. Lily took hers smiling gently.

"Happy holiday, old friend. To many, many more." He said raising his glass to them and taking a sip in their honor. Severus nodded feeling slightly touched by the man's overtures, although he was also increasingly suspicious of them.

Narcissa appeared before they left, and they said their goodbyes. Narcissa took Lily's hands in her own and gave the girl a kiss on each cheek making her blush, and her cheeks were still pink by the time Lucius graciously kissed her knuckles.

.

.

"What did he say to you?" Severus asked a soon as they were alone together again. Lily fought hard to keep her expression neutral and had some success.

"I don't know what you mean." she looked at him, feigning innocence and only feeling a tinge of guilt as she did so. Severus's dark eyes bore into her. He sensed her lies and he didn't like it one bit, but he doubted he'd get anything out of her short of using Legilimency. She felt only relief when he chose not to further interrogate her.

Back at their home in spinners end Lily made herself some peppermint tea, pondering over thoughts of her hurried conversation with Lucius.

'And say I had all the answers to your questions, what should I get in return, hmm?' He asked as slippery as a snake.

'I-I don't know... what do you want?' She couldn't imagine having anything he wanted.

'Why not secrets for secrets hmm?' Lily felt trapped perilously out of her element, yet driven by desire. desire to know.

'I don't think I have any secrets...'

'I think you do. What do you say, I answer your questions and you answer mine. does that sound fair?"

'I suppose...' she struggled with the feeling of uncertainly and anxiety wrestling in her breast. She sat in one of the armchairs near Lucius looking up at him still as he spoke.

'Good, then you will accept an invitation from Narcissa and I for a social call and we will have all the time in the world to discuss it. Agreed?'

'Very well.' she answered resigned but determined.

Lucius had very quickly and easily then created a scenario when they would all be alone. she wondered if they would really go to Diagon Ally or if it was for show. She felt like a traitor suddenly towards Severus, although it really had nothing to do with him at all. It had to do with her, her past she so desperately felt like she needed to know. 'If I don't know where I came from how do I know who I'm supposed to be?' She couldn't help but wonder helplessly and used that thought to suppress her guilt over being dishonest to Severus. She needed answers. She needed this.

As Lily went to sleep, peppermint still sweet on her mouth one memory welled up before she was claimed by slumber. Firenze's words bubbled up. 'beware the serpents tongue.'.