Villainous Deeds

The next few days proved very interesting to everyone involved. Harry was spending a lot of time with Bellatrix, who he found was actually very nice. He'd even called her 'Mum' a few times. Hermione and Sirius were also frequently meeting up. They now called each other 'sweetheart' and 'my love'. Ron was still chasing Narcissa Malfoy, who was doing nothing to encourage him. Although she had to admit, the love poem was excellent, even if she didn't understand most of the long words. Draco was now living with Severus Snape, and was beginning to miss the simple pleasures of living in a manor house.

Currently, the said Malfoy Manor was in turmoil. The organ had suddenly started playing a cheerful wedding march. Lucius found he couldn't concentrate on the wicked plans he was thinking up.

As the organ was being repaired, Hades the cat seized the opportunity to escape his master's office and explore for a while. Eventually, he found himself in Narcissa's private sitting room. Because he was a cat, he started rifling through the small bin, not looking for anything in particular. Something pink happened to catch his beady eye. Something pink, with lots of hearts and words on it. Hades was a rather clever cat, and knew it could only mean trouble, so ran straight to his master, the love poem between his teeth.

"Come on now. Any time soon…" Lucius Malfoy was waiting, and very impatiently at that.

After his faithful cat had shown him that impressive yet juvenile love poem, Lucius went straight to his wife. Naturally, Narcissa made a big scene, sobbing at his knees, telling of her 'stalker' and begging it to 'stop!'.

Pathetic, weeping wives do not usually stir the hearts of aristocratic villains; yet Lucius felt that an exception could be made in this case. So he had told Narcissa to write an owl…which is why Ron Weasley hurried to the designated spot, hoping to see Narcissa, but instead getting Lucius.

But there was a flaw in the brilliant plan. Unknown, unseen, our fair Hermione had followed. For she had been with Ron when the owl was received, and immediately knew it was a trap. Ron, however, was as hapless as usual, despite his new 'hero' look.

"Narcissa?" he called. "Cissy dear?"

A low, cackling laugh answered him.

"Well, well, well. Just who gave you permission to call my wife 'Cissy dear'? I'm afraid only I have that privilege."

All the colour went from Ron's face. He was shaking with fear. No-one could blame him really; Lucius really did look very evil.

"Your time is up, boy. You've been terrorising my wife! It's an insult to just look at such a wife as mine with those Muggle-loving eyes as your own. Avada-"

"NO! I won't let you!" Hermione had revealed herself just in time. Ron stared in shock, and then concern.

Lucius rolled his eyes. "Really, who would have thought – a mudblood ruining my plans…" A thought suddenly occurred to him – maybe he could turn this situation to his advantage!

Ten minutes later, Ron and Hermione were locked up in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor. Lucius had just given them a very powerful sleeping draught.

Oh, I am evil. He thought to himself. Let's see them get out of this one!