First weekend with the Malfoys
The living room was silent. On the couch, in front of the fireplace, a tall woman was watching the flames dance. She was beautiful, but had a cold expression on her face that made her look like the Ice Queen. Long blond hair, blue eyes and pale skin. She turned her head at the noise of two pops! And stood, looking at her son and husband.
Draco put on a mask of indifference. He didn't want to worry his mother. She was suffering enough, living with his father. Fortune couldn't replace love. Love that she deserved.
"Lucius…my Dragon. How was it? Why did he ask you to bring our son?" she asked her husband worried.
"Narcissa, dear! Nothing to worry about! Actually, the Dark Lord was extremely pleased with Draco's performance tonight! I can guarantee he will be initiated next summer, as he turns 17."
"So soon?" she whispered. "But what happened exactly, dear?" she said loudly.
"It seems that the Dark Lord managed to find the missing element of the prophecy: the Daughter of Fire. And she was initiated tonight. Draco had the honors!" Lucius said, looking very pleased and proud.
Narcissa gave Draco a glance like "We'll talk about it later, when we'll have some privacy!" It was a look full of love and Draco gave her a little smile.
"Oh, by the way, Narcissa dear! She will be our guest as soon as she returns with Severus."
"SHE will stay here father? In our house?" Draco exclaimed.
"Who will be our guest, Lucius? This…Daughter of Fire?"
"Yes. It was his wish. She'll stay here."
"For how long, father?"
"Well, that depends. If Severus is successful, only until your summer break, Draco."
"And if not, father?" Draco asked with a clear shade of fury in his voice.
"If not…and if she isn't financially independent…as long as the Dark Lord wishes to keep her around, I guess."
"Financially independent?!?!? Are you in the mood for humor, father? She doesn't know any spells she's been raised by Muggles! Where would she get money from? And most of all, what would she do with Muggle money in our world?" Draco spat.
"Well, son, we'll just wait and see. For now, please have a guest room prepared for her, Narcissa dear!"
"Of course, husband."
"I can't believe you're accepting this just like that, father! If you'll excuse me, I need to change these clothes!" Draco said and stormed out of the room.
"He definitely needs to work on his anger. Let me tell you all about this meeting, Narcissa."
The world was coming to shape and they stepped into a dark room. Clara was still firmly holding onto Snape. He felt uneasy having this warm body glued to him. She was still trembling and looked exhausted.
"Lumos! You can open your eyes now, Miss Noctus." he said.
She did that but didn't let him go. The light wasn't very strong, so her eyes got used to it quickly.
"If you don't mind letting me go, I shall go find someone."
"Oh, sorry, Mr. Snape. Should I come with you?"
"You are in no condition. And I can't let you wonder around the castle. I will be back shortly. You may sit here, near the fireplace. You're not dressed properly for this type of weather."
"So, is it a castle or a school?"
"Both. Don't touch anything!" he warned her as he stormed out of the room.
She sat down in his chair, behind the desk. She wasn't quite where he said she could stay, but she figured that the uncomfortable chair might keep her awake. She was still struggling to hold her magic deep inside. It wasn't long before her eyes felt heavy. So, in order not to fall asleep, she checked the room. Shells full of vials with different colored liquids. "Potions! Of course, he is a Potions Master.. Too bad I can't stand up and go read the labels. And so many books! I wish I had the chance to come here again and read them!" And loads of parchment rolls, with different writings. "He's a teacher! This grumpy Scrooge of the wizarding world is a fucking teacher?!? I pity his students. Especially those he doesn't favor, if he ever favors any of them!"
The door opened and Snape entered, followed by someone who didn't look at all like the Headmaster of a school. But Clara knew that he was Dumbledore. Maybe it was the blue twinkling eyes, his "loving grandfather" looks, she couldn't quite put the finger on it.
"What are you doing in my chair? I told you not to touch anything!"
"And I didn't! I'm sorry if I was rude. It was not my intention. But your chair seemed to be the only piece of furniture in your office that is able to keep one awake."
"She's right, Severus!" the old man said and smiled amused.
Snape swallowed his anger. He was almost steaming through his ears. "What's his problem?" she wondered.
"Good evening, Miss Noctus, the old man said in a kind voice. Severus informed me of what he saw happening tonight and of your mission."
"Good evening to you, Professor Dumbledore. Please call me Clara."
"Very well! How did you know? Is my disguise not good enough?" he responded amused.
"Actually, your disguise seems to be good. Or else, your enemies would have spotted you already. It's either that, or they already know about it and they're preparing a trap to eliminate you definitely."
"Plots within plots, isn't it, Severus?" he said, smiling to the grumpy Professor Snape, who didn't respond. "What is it then?"
"Well, I reckoned that Professor Snape wouldn't bring the genitor in his office to see me or inform him about what happened tonight!" she said raising an eyebrow. "So, while that Umbridge person, whom, apparently, I have to avoid at any costs, is thinking that she's in charge of the situation, you're fine and well supervising your school, under the mask of an insignificant member of the staff. Right?"
"Very correct. I see that your spirit of deduction doesn't seem to have been affected by your magical exhaustion. Severus…told me you've been hit four times by Cruciatus, plus Harakiri, which didn't seem to work as it should have, and of course…the Mark. I have many questions for you, dear girl."
"Of course, Professor Dumbledore. But first I have an important question."
"Just one?" he smiled.
"Well, actually it's not just one. But this I have to know now."
"All right. Ask it."
She turned to face Snape. He looked rather astonished.
"Professor Snape, what is my mission?"
He didn't answer right away. He looked at Dumbledore, who nodded.
"The Dark Lord wants you to be integrated in Hogwarts' staff to observe Potter closely and to influence him to take his place among Death Eaters when he completes his education."
"Really?!?!? In case he's as blind as he is stupid and infatuated! I might be older than Potter, but I'm not old enough to be a teacher! Plus, I don't have talent for it. And what the hell was I going to teach, since I lived all my life with Muggles?"
"Precisely, my dear. You were to teach Muggle Studies." Dumbledore answered. "But you are correct. You are not old enough to be a teacher. Not even for first years. Well then, what should we do?"
"You know what will happen, Headmaster!" Snape said with a grim face.
"If you two don't mind, Sirs, before we continue this little late night chat, is there a spell to stop this pain in my left arm? And maybe a revigorating potion of some sort? Because otherwise, you are going to have this conversation without me." Clara interrupted them, gasping.
Dumbledore smiled at her. Such a warm and sincere smile, that she couldn't help but smile back.
Snape entered a small room and retrieved two vials before walking back into the room once more.
"Drink this, Miss Noctus."
So she drank it. Horrible taste! But she felt like a burst of energy was pumped through her veins.
"Now give me your left arm, please!"
She extended it and Snape poured a semi-liquid substance on the mark. It eased some of the pain, but not all of it.
"It hurts terribly, I presume," said Dumbledore looking at the steamy red mark.
"It hurts, and itches and burns in the same time, Sir."
Clara was still in Snape's chair behind the desk. The two men were in front of her.
"Do you think you could answer some questions now, my dear girl?"
"Yes, Professor. Go ahead."
"You do realize that if this situation would have been different, I wouldn't put you through this in your condition. But it seems you are to go to Malfoy Manor as soon as possible. Any unnecessary delay would put your life and Severus's in danger."
"Don't worry about me, Sir. I'll hold on just fine."
"Yes, I'm sure you will, Clara. So, first thing's first. How did you survive the curses inflicted on you tonight? They would have driven anybody crazy, if not worse."
"Well, Professors, the Crucio thing didn't affect me much. The first one was harder. But I just imagined the pain as a veil passing through my body like a breeze... I guess Draco didn't put much force in it."
"I can assure you, Miss Noctus that Draco didn't hold back, not even once!" Snape said.
"Hmm, very interesting, Clara. It is as I always said. The power of one's mind is limitless. And the Harakiri?"
"Wow! That was an awesome illusion! I really did see the blade in the moonlight. It was beautiful and very attractive. But Draco didn't foresee that I actually might have a good reason to want to live. My mistake was that I completely forgot that the Japanese suicide ritual involves spilling your guts on the floor!" she said wincing. "So I stabbed myself in the heart."
"Are you implying that you acted? You faked it?" Snape burst.
"Yes, I did."
"Remarkable! You are a very interesting person, Clara!" the Headmaster said.
"Thank you very much, Sir!" she smiled.
"You're quite welcome. I presume you didn't act concerning the Mark?!?"
"No. And I didn't expect it to hurt like that. Half of the people there must have gone deaf because I screamed for real."
"You certainly have a great capacity for high notes!" Snape said dryly.
"How did you land in this situation, Clara? Why not try to find me first?" Dumbledore asked.
"I found a letter from my mother the day that my foster parents died. But I only read it tonight. At one time I was in my room, reading it and the next I was near Voldemort's hide out. All I know is that I thought to myself that I have to find him."
"As time is not our ally tonight, I suggest we use the Pensieve. It's a recipient in which you can put your memories for others to visit them. It's an easier way to see what happened from your point of view."
"Sure, Sir. Whatever is needed for you to take a decision."
"Please, Severus, go to my office and get my Pensieve."
"Of course, Headmaster."
And Snape stepped into the fireplace after throwing some powder into the flames.
"Now, Clara, I need to know two things. I feel a lot of dark energy coming from you, more than I felt in most people. Actually, I only felt it in the presence of a single person I met long ago, when I was a student myself. It was one of my colleagues, Annabella something. Hellas, my memory is affected by age!" He sighted.
"The person you met is probably my grandmother, Annabella Noctus. In her letter, my mother said that in our family the power is transmitted from grandmother to granddaughter and that I'm going to be the strongest witch in my family, because I'm the 13th. That's probably why you feel the darkness inside me so strong."
"It seems to be a plausible explanation, yes. And your mind? Why is it locked?"
"I locked it. You see my magic was quite wild when I was a child. I hid it. I locked it inside me. I guess I just wanted to feel accepted by the others, even though, deep inside, I knew I was different. I've always been afraid that someone will try to read my mind and they will find out who I am. So I blocked the access to my mind!" she said, looking at Snape placing an object made of rock, containing a liquid both transparent and dense. "Actually, I never felt attacked until tonight. Voldemort, Professor Snape, you, Sir. All of you trying to get into my mind. Ah, and let's not forget Lucius Malfoy. Boy, he is persistent!"
Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes, he is. You see he's used to get whatever he wants, most of the time!"
"Not from me, he won't!" Clara declared.
"Now, if you would, I would like you to take out your wand and place it at your temple while your head is over the Pensieve."
"I'm sorry, Sir, I cannot."
"Why is that, Clara? You don't have to fear, it doesn't hurt!"
"I don't fear pain, Sir. I just don't have a wand."
"Oh! I see. Severus, step behind Clara. We'll have to use your wand."
Snape didn't seem very eager to do that. But he did, probably out of curiosity of what might come out of her mind.
Dumbledore was expectant while Snape muttered an incantation. Clara didn't feel anything in particular. She looked at the Headmaster inquisitively.
"That's it? What happened?" she asked. "Are my memories in there?"
"I'm afraid you did a too good job at locking your mind, my dear. We cannot get your memories out of there. I don't like this." Dumbledore answered worried.
"Maybe there is a way, Professor. If I get relaxed enough, maybe you or Professor Snape could get into my mind."
"And how do you suggest getting relaxed?"
"Headmaster, if I may," Snape suddenly said, "I have a question for Miss Noctus that is troubling me."
"Of course, Severus, go ahead."
"Why is it that you didn't fight back? During the initiation? We all felt the tremendous power inside you, but when you stepped into the circle, it wasn't there anymore!"
"I don't know how powerful I am, Professor. But I didn't want to risk hurting Draco. And so, I cumulated my energy inside me, where it sleeps even now, because I'm afraid that if I release it, I might kill or hurt someone."
"Are you insane? How long do you think your body can take all that pressure?" Snape yelled at her.
"You put yourself at danger, Clara!" Dumbledore said. "You're not as Dark as you may want to seem."
"The problem is how to get my memories out. Professor Snape, I need your help. Would you please take off your shirt?"
"What for?!"
"I will try to adjust my heat beating with yours and it's much easier if I put my ear at your chest and I feel the warmth of you body directly. So, would you? Please? And could you sit on the floor?"
Snape didn't seem to enjoy this at all. But he took his shirt off and sat down, with his legs gathered beneath him. Clara walked to him and sat in his lap. She put her head on his shoulder, breathing at the base of his neck. She could feel how uneasy he was.
"Please hug me. And when you'll feel that my body is relaxed, and then you try to enter my mind."
Snape wrapped his arms around her reluctantly. She was cold. She felt his heart beat strongly and a scent, indescribable but nice, coming from him She soon begun drifting away.
Snape closed his eyes as he begun relaxing as well, even though having this complete stranger in his arms wasn't really what he enjoyed.
Images invaded Snape's mind. A wall of bricks falling…and another. Then, a storm. A curtain of dust and wind. As he looked closely he saw that it was a tornado. Huge, violent and noisy. But it started to diminish little by little. And suddenly he was on a green field. All he could see was tall, green grass and a clear sky. It smelled like eucalyptus. So relaxing and quiet. A strong headache hit him as he received glimpses of her thoughts and memories.
Clara wrapped her arms around his neck with a lot of strength and he tightened his embrace.
Dumbledore was standing in front of them. It was odd to see the emotionless Severus Snape having that girl in his arms. And she…she had had the audacity to go ask Tom Riddle aka Lord Voldemort to give her the Mark and a mission. What troubled this old but very wise man was that Voldemort accepted with almost no fight. Had he gone so desperate in destroying Harry? What was in this girl's mind? And…there was no light in her. Not even a glimpse. Yet, she risked her life and sanity so that young Malfoy wouldn't get hurt or killed by her inner power. She faked almost everything she'd done tonight. But Dumbledore felt her sincerity as they spoke. No doubt about that. What is there to do?
Snape felt frustration, fear, loneliness and despair in his entire being. Feelings from this girl standing on his lap, holding so strong to him…Then he heard a strange noise in his mind, something like a strong wind. "Get out, now! I can't hold it back anymore!" he heard her voice. He saw the tornado forming very near to the field he was in, and retrieved immediately from her mind.
As he regained himself again and opened his eyes, he saw Dumbledore pacing in front of him. Clara was in his arms, but the hold wasn't firm anymore and she seemed unconscious.
"So quickly, Severus?"
"I don't know how quick it was, Headmaster, but she poured memories, thoughts and feelings in my mind so rapidly…my head is about to explode."
"Quickly, get them into the Pensieve, my boy!"
Snape levitated Clara on the armchair near the fireplace and sat above the Pensieve, pouring white-silver strands of his temple and in the liquid. As he finished, both him and Dumbledore sank head first in the liquid and their conscious selves entered Clara's world as their bodies remained in the room.
Dumbledore saw the suffering of young Clara when she discovered that she was different, not just from the kids of her age, but also from everybody around. He saw the lonely Clara in her teenage years, others calling her a freak so many times that she started to believe it herself. Then, her adoptive parents dying and the finding of the letter from her mother. The smile on her face reading it. Like if she discovered where she belonged.
Clara's body collapsed on the floor, letter in hand, her lips murmuring "Voldemort…" And last but not least, the events that had occurred tonight.
Finally, they got out of her thoughts.
She was still on the armchair, now awake, but looking like a ghost.
"My dear girl, you don't look good at all. You need to rest!" Dumbledore said.
"Professor, what I need is an answer from you, please!" Clara responded with a weak voice.
"But you said it yourself, Miss Noctus, there isn't any possibility to integrate you in the school's staff!" Snape said as he was putting his shirt on.
"I'm really in difficulty, my dear, because, you see, I'm no longer Headmaster of Hogwarts, therefore I cannot promise you anything."
"I have no doubt you will regain your position before the end of this school year, Sir! Can't I join the students, if not the staff?"
"And just how do you think you'll be able to approach Potter when you are in first year?" Snape snapped at her.
"I can learn! I can pass the exams and integrate into their year…his year!"
"It's not such a bad idea, Clara." Dumbledore replied. But how are you going to study? I can't keep you here until I'm reinstated, you know!"
"No need, Professor. She's to be at the Malfoy Manor…indefinitely!" Snape answered.
"Malfoy certainly has a library, Sir. And his son is a student here. I'll borrow his books."
"It's getting very late, Severus. You'll take Clara to Lucius for now."
"So, can I come as a student next year, Sir?"
"If I'm reinstated…and if you pass your exams, yes, you can, Clara."
"Thank you so much for this, Professor!" she said, her eyes kind and full of hope, something that Dumbledore saw for the first time at her. "I will not disappoint you!"
"I know you won't Clara! You will tell to anyone interested that we did speak tonight, but I rejected the idea of you being in the staff and said you'll do better as a student, since you are not magically instructed."
"Yes, Professor. Goodbye and thank you again!"
"Goodbye Clara, Severus."
And he was gone. If she were not exhausted and drained of power and strength, she could have jumped up and down of happiness. But she was about to crumble as she tried to stand up. Snape grabbed her quickly.
"So, what do you think?" Dr. Billings asked the man standing in front of her desk, studying the readings of Mark's equipment.
"You know, Suzanne, that a human brain is very complex. We only use about 10 of its capacity. 9.3, to be exact. Your patient…I've never seen anything like these readings, and I've been in the business for about 30 years."
"Your diagnosis, Doc?"
"It's more advice than a diagnosis, Suzanne. Don't give up on her. Her mind is wandering now. We may never know where or why, but this girl is beating an illness for which there is no cure just to be where she is now. No matter how long she will be in a coma, don't put her to sleep!"
"Easier said than done. But I don't know how long my boss will let me keep her!"
'When he will decide otherwise, I'll move her to my clinic. I'll make a full report and send it to you as soon as possible."
"Thanks, Doc, for everything!" Suzanne said as she walked him to the door.
She then returned to her patient who was deeply sleeping. The readings indicated general exhaustion and a drop in blood pressure.
Lucius and Narcissa were talking in front of the fireplace, when the flames turned green and Snape, holding Clara closely to him, got out in a graceful movement.
"It's almost four in the morning, Severus! What took you so long?" Lucius exclaimed.
"Good…morning, Narcissa," Snape bowed his head to the lady of the house. "We met Dumbledore, Lucius! I'll tell you immediately what happened, but first we must put her in bed. She's in a very bad shape!" he added, Clara still in his grip, barely breathing.
"Follow me, Severus!" said Narcissa as she walked towards the stairs.
Snape levitated Clara into the room Narcissa had had prepared and put her gently on the bed.
Draco burst into the room in his pajamas.
"Mother, what happened? Oh, hello Severus!"
He couldn't see what they were doing, but as Severus moved to sustain the girl's shoulders, he could see that his mother was undoing her corset, getting off her skirt as well. They covered her with a blanket.
Draco just froze in the doorway, strange feelings bursting out of him. The image of this girl he had forced down to the ground with four Cruciatus curses, who got up even though he was begging her in his mind "Don't get up!" the Harakiri that didn't work as it should. The tears falling down her face as she stabbed herself in the heart.
"Oh, get a grip on yourself, Draco! Why should you care?" he braced himself.
But his eyes fell on her again. All he could see now was her face, white as if she was dead. A round face, with long, dark eyelashes, full lips, straight nose. Her dark blond hair, almost brown, with lighter blond strips reversed on the pillow. He shook her image from his mind and followed Snape and his mother down in the living room. Severus was already discussing with his parents.
"…and someone should keep an eye on her tonight. I don't know what are her reactions to what happened, so she should be kept under observation. Actually, I believe that she won't wake up very soon!" Snape said.
"So, you're on your way to the Dark Lord now. You wouldn't happen to know how long she's to stay here?" Lucius inquired.
"No. I'm sorry, Lucius, Narcissa, I have to leave."
"Have no worry, Severus, she will be well treated!" Narcissa said.
Snape nodded and stepped once more into the green flames.
"So, I'll go watch over her now."
"Narcissa, you should get some sleep. Let one of the house elves see to her."
"I'll watch her, father!" Draco found himself saying. "What the fuck? What is this feeling inside me? Why, why do I care if she dies in her sleep?"
"Very well, son. You do that!" Lucius said watching him with suspicion and leaving towards his bedroom.
His mother gave him a grateful look as she followed his father.
So Draco entered the bedroom where Clara was sleeping, conjured an armchair and sat besides the bed trying to sort out in his mind what had happened that night and trying to not fall asleep.
A ray of light falling on his face awoke him, and he swore in his mind for being so weak and succumbing to his tiredness. As his eyes became more used to the light, he saw that the girl had moved in her sleep, uncovering herself totally.
Draco moved his eyes from her legs up to her black panties and stopped on her back. Her back, tattooed with two black wings on each side of the spine, descending until reaching her bottom. He rose from his chairs and drew himself closer to have a better look. He had his face so close to her back that he could see all the details of the work. "Well I have to give credit to the Muggle who did this. It's magnificent!" He checked her out, now that he was closer. She wasn't fat but she wasn't skinny either. Her skin looked smooth and she smelled nice.
"Found what you were looking for?"Draco startled at the sound of her voice, waking him up from his thoughts.
"You…you're up!" he said in shock.
She turned her head.
"Well, with your breath tickling my skin, it was hard to stay asleep!" she said giggling.
Draco suddenly felt very hot and his cheeks colored.
"I…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
"No problem. When did I arrive?" she said, shifting her position and pulling the blanket over herself.
Draco was puzzled and stared at her, unable to react normally. Her calm voice, with no shade of anger and resentfulness…that's what was wrong. "I would have taken the opportunity to take revenge on someone who just hexed me the other night!" he thought.
"Well?!?""Well, what?" he asked.
"When did I arrive?"
'Oh, that! Severus brought you at about 3 or 4 in the morning."
'I see. Well, thanks for staying with me. If you don't mind, I have a request!" she said, as she got up from her bed almost totally naked, looking around the room.
Draco's jaw dropped but he looked away.
"Sure!" he answered, gulping and trying to get rid of her image inside his head.
"Ah, there it is. Snape did something to my trunk yesterday to shrink it. The problem is I don't know the spell to return it back to normal, not that I would have a wand to do that... Could you help me?" she said getting closer to him and handing what looked like a matchbox-sized trunk.
Draco turned around and met her amber eyes, almost yellow. Her face was still white as parchment, but her lips did have some color. She didn't seem bothered at all to be in the same room with him wearing nothing but her underwear.
"You see, I'd like to take a shower, but also to change my clothes, and I can't turn it back!" she added.
"I'll be right back!" he said and left to his room to get his wand.
"Nicely done, Clara! This will be easier than I thought! I just have to remember not to show any emotion when I see weird stuff. And I have to know exactly what are my powers," she thought sitting in the armchair beside her bed.
Draco went to his dormitory, which was three rooms further than Clara's. He took his wand and conjured a clock. "Hmm, almost noon. No wonder my stomach is rumbling. I missed breakfast." He re-entered Clara's room and found her in the armchair he had conjured the other night, staring at the window. She wasn't someone you could call beautiful, but he found her very attractive, mysterious, exotic…a riddle.
"Could you please give me your trunk? I will change it back immediately."
She smiled feebly and walked to him, extending her hand. A strange noise came from her.
"Sorry about that. My stomach is rather empty!"
"It's OK. It's almost noon, so we'll have lunch. I suppose you didn't have time for dinner yesterday, and we missed breakfast this morning. ENGORGIO!" he said pointing his wand and making the trunk regain its original size.
"Actually, I haven't eaten anything in almost two days!" she said smiling, satisfied that she could go through her things in her trunk.
Draco didn't say anything in return. He really didn't know what to think.
She was taking out a toothbrush and toothpaste, than shampoo. And as if Draco wasn't in the room, she entered the bathroom, let the water running, took off her last piece of clothing and entered the shower.
Draco was amazed by such lack of shame and decency, besides all the cold sweat produced by his highly active hormones. He had never met a girl like that. His girlfriend, Pansy Parkinson, who was also his housemate, was chaste and shy, even though she never refused one of his fantasies. He actually kind of hated her because his father obliged him to befriend her. He wasn't really attracted to Pansy. Suddenly realizing he was standing mouth opened in the room of his guest, he returned to his room and started undressing to get a shower. Then he heard a knock on the door.
"Dragon dear, may I come in?" he heard the voice of his mother.
'Yes, mother."
"How is she? Any change? And how are you?"
"She's taking a shower."
"Stop joking, Draco. Severus said she wouldn't be up so soon!"
"Well, for once he was wrong!" he said with a soft sigh.
"Oh…I hoped we could have our little chat about last night, now that your father is in town for the day, my Dragon. I've been worried sick since Lucius came to fetch you."
"I'll be short. The Dark Lord needed me to torture this girl. I threw four Crucios at her, mother! And she got up! He was furious and asked me to get her on her knees. I thought to myself she won't be able to take another Unforgivable so I casted Harakiri. But it went wrong! I don't know why. Anyway, she got on her knees and begged like they all do. But there's something about her…about this whole thing…I can't quite put my finger on it!"
"I'm sorry, Draco! I'm so sorry!" she said, looking away so that her son did not see the tears in her eyes.
"You've got nothing to be sorry about, mother!" Draco replied and hugged her tight.
She gasped in surprise, for that was a very rare gesture from her son.
"All right, I'll let you shower now, Draco!" she said regaining her ice-cold self. "I'll tell the house elves to prepare whatever suits for lunch. I don't think I want to know what she eats, actually."
"I'll be downstairs soon, mother."
And so he entered his bathroom and took a cold shower, hoping it would drive away the images shaping in his mind.
Clara was drying her hair with a towel. Although she felt better after washing herself, she was still weak. She let her magic flow in her, feeling like she had electricity running inside her body. It was a nice feeling, tickling every nerve. She brushed her hair but couldn't find any plug in the room or any electric device whatsoever to actually be able to use a hair dryer, so it was still sloppy. "I guess they don't have electricity around. Probably they don't even use it nor need it!"
She dressed herself, taking an emerald green outfit: long skirt – low waist, a very wide V-shape blouse and black shoes. No jewelery except for her earrings. She put on some perfume and exited her room. "So, let's take a look around and see the beauty of Malfoy Manor!"
One thing was for certain: the Manor looked huge, like a small castle. And the chambers were very tall, she saw that in her room. It was full of light, with big windows everywhere. She walked along the hallway and passed many different doors but didn't dare open them. She walked down the stairs, walked in a huge entrance hall that could very well have been a small ballroom. She saw only one door open and, as she entered that room, her jaw dropped.
"I think I died and went to heaven!" she spoke out loud.
What she saw in there was the biggest library ever, built on two stages, with books all over the place on the walls, from bottom to top, and big sofas in the middle of the room. In the left corner to the entrance there was a big Victorian-style desk with a comfortable leather armchair.
"You did not die and you've only found our library," Draco's voice reasoned behind her.
"This is the most beautiful library I've ever laid eyes on!" she said, facing Draco.
"Hmm…lunch is ready. Mother is expecting us."
She nodded and followed him through the hallway. They entered another enormous room, with a table for at least 50 people. His mother was waiting for them at one head of the table and Clara observed that it was set for three people.
"So Lucius is out. Or I'm not to eat. Not likely! Draco has so much of his mother, even if his features are identical to his father's!"
"Good day, Mrs. Malfoy. My name is Clara Noctus!"
"I know," came an iceberg-like answer. "Welcome to our home!" Narcissa said, with a little bow of her head. "I hope you're feeling better."
"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy. I am indeed in a better shape than yesterday."
Clara suddenly felt like she wasn't hungry at all. If that was a welcome, then a kick in the behind would have been as if she'd been offered cookies. "I can't blame her! I wouldn't like it a bit for a fucker like Voldemort to make me take a total stranger in my house for an indefinite amount of time."
"We've ordered the house elves for whatever suits," Draco tried to break the ice. "I…we didn't know what your favorite meals would be."
"Thanks, Draco. It's very considerate!" she said cracking a smile. "But how do these…house elves know what I usually eat?"
"The house elves are very powerful magical creatures, loyal to wizard families. They have special abilities!" Narcissa answered as coldly as before.
"I see."
The silence was annoying. Clara stared at her empty plate.
Suddenly, food appeared before Narcissa and Draco. And glasses of wine as well. But nothing in front of her. "Are they going to starve me to death?" she asked herself with watering mouth as the flavors from the plates tickled her nose. But she didn't say anything. Draco looked at her.
"Mother, I think Clara should eat something. She didn't have anything in two days."
"What are you talking about, Draco?" his mother asked taking her eyes out of her plate. "What's going on? Miss Noctus, explain yourself!" she said rather irritated.
"I…I don't know what happened. And trust me, if I wanted to kill myself I wouldn't do starvation."
"Dinky!" Narcissa said in an upper tone.
A strange little creature popped into the dinning room. Big round eyes, ears like bat's wings, very small body for such a big head.
"Mistress called. What is Mistress' wish?"
"Why isn't our guest served? Talk quickly!" she snapped at the creature.
"Mistress said whatever suits. Dinky made for Mistress and Master Draco. But Dinky can't read guest. Dinky doesn't know what suits guest!" he said bowing to the ground.
"What do you mean, you stupid, useless creature?" Draco asked in disgust.
But before the poor elf got to answer, Clara intervened.
"It's all right, Mrs. Malfoy. Can I tell him now what I would have?"
"You do that, Miss Noctus."
"Please get me the same meal as Draco."
The elf looked at Narcissa for confirmation.
"What are you waiting for twit, a written invitation?" Draco said. "Go!"
And the elf was gone with a pop! Almost immediately, Clara's food appeared. She smiled.
"It's…" Draco started with a smug look on his face.
"Somon fumé à la Norvegienne, yes, I know!" Clara interrupted him.
"You do?! And you speak French!" Draco gulped.
"Oh, just a few words. Enough to face a small conversation," Clara replied.
"It seems you have been educated a little, Miss Noctus!" Narcissa said.
"It's Clara, ma'am. And yes, I have been. Just because I've been raised by Muggles doesn't mean I'm a savage!" she said, smile whipped off her face and eyes on the food.
The icy atmosphere returned. They didn't talk any longer during lunch. She and Draco had chicken breast with honey crust and baked potatoes and for desert, apple pie. She didn't glance at any of them and as she finished, she just said:
"Thank you for lunch! Good afternoon."
She walked slowly back to her room. She opened the window to get some fresh air and to take a peak on the estate.
Meanwhile, in the dining room…"How rude!" Narcissa exclaimed.
"You did offend her, mother."
"And what was that all about? With the food?"
"Father said he couldn't read her mind and you know how good he is in Legilimency. Perhaps the elves couldn't see what suits her."
'Or perhaps she did it on purpose to not think of anything in particular. I don't like her. And I don't want her hovering about the Manor. You'll be in school, my Dragon, Lucius is always out for business…"
"Don't worry, mother. I have the feeling you won't see her much."
"Really? Why do you say that? Do you have a plan already?" she said with a mischievous smile.
"It's not about my plan, mother. When I went to fetch her for lunch, she was admiring the library. My guess is that she will spend most of her time there. Besides, Christmas break will arrive shortly. I'll go see her now."
"Be very careful around her, my Dragon. I don't like her at all."
Draco nodded and walked towards Clara's bedroom. He knocked briefly.
"Come in."
She was standing in the armchair, looking rather sad. She turned her head as he closed the door behind him but didn't say anything, she just watched him sit on the edge of the bed. She sighted.
Images of her being stricken down by his curses, barely breathing, and the tears in her eyes haunted Draco. He couldn't get rid of them, of the shame and guilt…and that troubled him deeply. He was going soft.
"So, you'll go back to school tomorrow?" she suddenly asked.
"Yes, I am. But I'll be back for Christmas holidays."
"I see."
"Look…I'm sorry. Really sorry!" He couldn't look at her so he went to the window.
"For what just happened for lunch or for torturing me?"
Draco gulped. He had never met someone to speak so directly. Except for the orders his father gave him.
"Err…for both, I guess."
"Lunch wasn't your fault. And I don't blame your mother for not wanting me here or for supposing I'm a complete idiot because I was raised by Muggles. As for last night…you didn't seem to have second thoughts about torturing me…then again, I guess you had no choice but to obey him. I believe that you are curious about what happened."
"As a matter of fact, yes! I'm curious. I casted those spells perfectly. You didn't look as affected as you should, he said trying to face her. But what intrigues me the most is that you didn't fight back! Where did all the energy I felt when I arrived go?"
She smiled and she walked to him. She was standing so close that he felt she was taking all his air.
"I restrained myself, Draco. And your curses may have been perfectly cast, but I overcame them."
"Impossible! No way had you, who have no magical training whatsoever, overcame such a powerful curse as the Cruciatus! And Harakiri as well!"
"Yes way, Draco!" she said, stepping back and making some space between them.
"Let's just say, as a hypothesis, that you can beat Cruciatus. But Harakiri worked, even if not as it should have!"
"Only the illusion of the blade worked."
"What do you mean?" he asked very puzzled.
"I saw it shining. It was quite attractive. Only my wish to live overcame the wish to kill myself you induced."
"But you stabbed yourself in the heart!!!"
"Oops! Sorry about that! It slipped my mind that I was supposed to slide the blade into my stomach" she said laughing quietly. She looked amused at him, while Draco was trying to process what he just heard.
"You…acted?!? All was just an act?" he said shaking his head.
"Yes and no. The first Crucio, I felt it. And getting the mark hurt like hell!" she said extending her left arm and watching the mark which turned black on her forearm now.
He stared at her arm, conscious that soon he will probably be obligated to bear the same mark as she is.
"This is getting very weird. Why are you doing this? Is it the Dark Lord's plan? He doesn't trust my parents anymore?"
"This has nothing to do with Voldemort, Draco. And you will know details of my plan if and when I consider it fitting that you so. As for trust, I doubt Voldemort trusts anybody. Sooner or later, you'll have to choose sides."
"What do you mean?"
"Don't play innocent with me, Draco! It's quite obvious that you're looking for a way out of Voldemort's grip on your life. But in a war you can't be neutral. So if you're not on his side…"
"Stop pretending you know me and understand me! You know nothing!" he burst out.
"If you react like that…it means I guessed correctly!" she said smiling. "But you should go welcome your visitors now."
"What?!"
"Didn't you hear the bell ring?"
"We have none."
"Oh…I must have imagined it, then."
"You didn't imagine it. But that bell rings only for the residents of the house. The permanent ones, that is. I'll go down, see who it is."
She blocked his way to the door and stared him in the eyes.
"If you ever need something, anything, I'm here for you, Draco. Things are not what they appear to be. And I would like to have another chat with you, if that's all right."
"Okay!" he whispered, lost in her amber eyes. "Snap out of it, Draco! You don't owe anything to anybody!"
She stood aside, making room for him to pass. As he closed the door, she let herself fall onto the bed, the room turning around her. She was exhausted and started to drift away.
When Draco arrived downstairs he looked worried and thoughtful.
"Good afternoon father, Severus!" he greeted the two men.
"Oh, Draco! I thought you left with your mother for shopping in town!" Lucius said.
'I kept company to our guest, father."
"You don't have to watch her day and night, Draco. As I said last night, she won't be up soon!" Severus said.
"I know that you are always correct in your diagnosis, Severus, but Clara was up at noon. We had lunch, which didn't turn out too well, and we talked just now."
"What?!? She's up? This is no good. Why did you let her get out of bed?" Severus was genuinely worried as he stormed to Clara's room, followed by Lucius and Draco.
Snape didn't bother knocking and he entered. He saw her lying on the bed, looking asleep.
"Draco, why didn't you fire call me immediately? She could be in a coma."
Draco's heart was racing. "First torture and now I bring her death. Way to go!"
Snape approached her and checked the pulse at the base of her neck.
Clara was deeply asleep. She was dreaming of last night on the field, only now Voldemort was strangling her. She felt the grip of his cold hand on her neck.
Suddenly, Snape found himself thrown to the wall, Clara's hand on his chest. "When did she get up? How?"
Draco and Lucius were in front of the door, mouths opened in disbelief. Not only they didn't expect her to be so strong but also they saw something incredible. On her back, two black wings materialized, looking as if they were made out of smoke and velvet. And now they were stretched out. Big and beautiful.
Draco walked towards her.
"Clara, don't hurt him. We were only trying to see if you were alright."
She turned to face him. Her eyes looked like the iris was on fire. The color of the flames. She smiled at Draco and she released Snape, only to crumble in Draco's arms. While holding her not to fall, Draco felt the wings folding on her back…a silky touch. She gulped and looked at Snape who was recovering from the shock.
"I'm sorry I hurt you, Mr. Snape. I was having a bad dream."
She was trembling in Draco's arms. Suddenly, realizing he was holding her, she took a few steps back. She was shaking.
"No problem, Miss Noctus!" Snape answered. "Lucius, Draco…if I could have a minute with your guest, to check if she's all right."
"Of course, Severus. I'll call you when dinner is served."
Snape nodded briefly, the two Malfoys exiting the room.
"Please sit down, Miss Noctus…you don't look very well."
"Call me Clara, Mr. Snape. And I'm perfectly fine, thank you."
"Yes, I can see that. Now sit down or I'll make you!" Snape said in a harsh tone.
"What? Another row of torture? I don't think I'm strong enough to hold back my magic!" she answered defiantly, sitting on the edge of the bed nevertheless.
Snape walked to her and held her face up, a small smile flourishing in the corner of his mouth. He checked her eyes, then lifted up his wand and murmured "Lumos!" She was looking into the deep black sea of his eyes. She was calm now.
Snape sustained her gaze. "What's going on in that mind of yours, Daughter of Fire? And how am I going to protect you from the Dark Lord?" But Clara couldn't decipher anything of his composed attitude. No feelings shadowed his face.
"It seems you are better indeed. But I recommend you don't push yourself too much."
"Thank you, Mr. Snape."
"As you can imagine, I have questions for you. If you feel up for a conversation, that is."
'I've got more energy flowing through me than you can ever imagine!" she said smiling.
"No doubt. I've never seen anybody recovering so fast after…well, after what happened. And…you may call me Severus when we are not in class."
"Thanks, Severus. As for classes, it's not sure I'll be your student."
"Dumbledore will be reinstated. And you'll enter Hogwarts, I'm certain."
She smiled at him. "Not so bad after all! I just have to break his shell!"
"So, what happened at lunch? Draco mentioned it didn't go quite well," Snape continued.
"Well, if you weren't there to read my mind…"she grinned.
And she started telling him all that occurred, but didn't mention her discussion with Draco.
Meanwhile…Lucius entered the living room, followed by his son.
"I have a very important mission for you, son. And it's a matter of life and death to our family that you succeed in this task."
"Oh, sure, dad, everything is! Geez, I hate him! Everything about him!" Draco thought to himself.
"What is it, father? The Dark Lord wants me to spy on Dumbledore…or to find him?""Stop the mockery, Draco!" Lucius said in an angry tone. "I'm talking about what just happened."
"I'm not sure I quite follow you, father!" Draco answered, defiance still displayed clearly. But Lucius decided to overlook it and made a mental note to award a fitting punishment to his son. Then he continued.
"As you could see a few minutes ago, this young woman who just entered our lives and already ruined them is a very powerful witch. Plus, the Dark Lord seems to like her very much and considers her our way to victory in this war…"
"What am I supposed to do? Quit Hogwarts, marry Clara against her will just to keep a permanent eye on her, father?"
"You will pay for your insolence, Draco! Don't push me!"
"I'm sorry, father!" Draco said with false regret.
"You will not quit school! You know how much the Dark Lord insists on a proper magical education. You have to seduce her, make her fall desperately in love with you. I, of course, will not accept, not formally, that the two of you be together."
"Hmm…do you really think it will work? I mean, she doesn't look that stupid, father."
"You will make it work…and when you succeed, you will be fully rewarded. You are a Malfoy, whether you want the title or not. And you know very well that our family honor is our greatest asset!"
"Yes, father."
"Good! Now go fetch Snape and the girl. Your mother will be home soon and we shall have dinner."
"I don't think it's such a good idea to put mother and Clara in the same room again! Last time it felt like Hell froze over, father!"
"I didn't ask your opinion, son. I'll have a little chat with your mother. Now go!"
"Fucking bastard! If it weren't for Azkaban, I would kill you right here and now!" Draco swallowed his fury and made his way up to Clara's room…
Snape watched Clara while she was telling him what had happened. "She looks so innocent. She isn't even aware of the darkness inside her! Stupid child! What have you done? I need more time in your mind, I need to know how and why you are here!"
"Don't look at me like that, Severus!" she interrupted his thoughts.
"I'm not looking at you in any particular way."
"Don't think I don't see beyond that composed mask of indifference. Your eyes betray you!"
"Oh! And what do you see in my eyes?"
"Concern, resentfulness…Do you resent me for getting the mark?"
Snape indulged himself a little smile.
"I don't resent you. Nevertheless, you did a very…stupid and childish thing!"
"Tell you what! You stop underestimating me and I don't tell anybody you have feelings underneath your…decorum, OK?"
"You shouldn't be so confident in yourself, Clara. The Dark Lord is a very powerful wizard. You might get burned…literally!"
"Hahaha! Fire is me, don't forget! But thank you!"
"What do you thank me for?"
"You know perfectly well what for! Yes, Draco?" she said turning to the door.
Draco didn't even get the chance to knock on the door. Snape gave her a quizzical look, while Draco entered the room.
"You could feel me?"
"No Draco, but I did see a shadow moving at the bottom of the door…and I doubted your father would be behind it. It was just a lucky guess!" she said grinning.
"Well, you look better. Father would like you to join us for dinner, Severus!"
Snape nodded in agreement. Clara got up and went looking for something in her trunk.
"Voila!" she murmured. "Well, gentlemen, enjoy your dinner."
"Aren't you coming?" Draco asked.
"Do you really think that's a good idea? Stepping on your mother's toes like that might get me into trouble. Besides, I'm dying for a smoke!"
"You smoke?" Snape asked.
"Might I remind you Sir that I am of age?"
"Nevertheless, I think it would be polite for you to come to dinner," Snape answered.
"All right, I'm coming! I'll be there in five minutes!" she answered, lighting a cigarette with her finger (she muttered "Fire").
Draco stared at her in disbelief while Snape was pushing him out of the room.
She finally arrived downstairs.
"Good evening!" she saluted everyone in the living room. Narcissa was glaring daggers at her, but didn't comment.
"Oh, dear Miss Noctus! So good to see you're better!" Lucius said with false politeness.
"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy!" she said smiling back at him.
"Please, call me Lucius! Let me tell you how glad we are to have you as a guest!" he continued, taking her by the shoulders and starting to walk to the dining room.
Clara saw the disgust on the others faces as she got pushed around by Lucius.
Malfoy Sr was very gallant with her. Obviously he wanted her to enjoy her stay at the Manor, but it wasn't because he was being a great host or because he was doing his Master a favor. Clara noticed the effort he was making and realized that it wasn't out of the greatness of his heart. "So, he'll either try something himself or he'll make Draco do something. Or I'll be attacked both ways! Wicked!"
The dinner went on without incident. The food was astute but the atmosphere was rather…uncomfortable. She chatted mostly with Lucius and about nothing really.
Narcissa hardly said a word, Snape and Draco were glancing at Clara once in a while as if she were an oddity of the nature. And it was finally over. Snape left, Narcissa excused herself saying she was rather tired. Clara was left in the living room with Draco and Lucius.
"Well, thank you for the delicious dinner. I think I shall retire now! Good night, gentlemen!" she said, turning to go.
"Leaving us so soon, dear Clara? Please join us for a glass of cognac!" Lucius said.
"Oh…I don't know if I should drink…I mean, mixing alcohol and the medicine Mr. Snape gave me…"
"Nonsense! I'm sure you can have a sip! Draco, why don't you serve us three a glass?"
Draco got up of his chair and poured three glasses. She could see he didn't enjoy his father's presence. And she wasn't sure he enjoyed hers either.
"Thanks!" she said, looking at Draco. But he avoided her gaze and turned to give his father the glass.
Lucius expected her to choke with the sip she took, but she swallowed her drink.
"I'll be right back!" she said raising from the armchair and moving quickly to her room.
"She can't take a mere glass of cognac!" Lucius commented with an evil grin on his face.
Draco didn't respond. He knew almost for sure that she was gone to retrieve the cigarettes. Indeed, she came back a minute later, with a small white box in her hand and a mischievous smile on her lips.
"I hope you don't mind I smoke, Lucius! Do you fancy a cigarette?" she extended her left arm.
"She does it on purpose, for father to see she's one of them…to see the Mark!" Draco was thinking.
Lucius was puzzled by her habit and her attitude, but he forced himself to smile and look away from her Mark.
"No thank you, Clara. I don't smoke. But be my guest!"
"I am your guest!" she replied smiling. "Draco?"
"Draco doesn't smoke!" Lucius said sharply, before the boy could answer.
But Draco's eyes were saying that he didn't really want to refuse her.
Clara took a cigarette and extended her left palm. She said briefly "Fire!" and a small flame appeared…she lit the cigarette, inhaled some smoke and exhaled it.
Lucius stared at her, his heartbeat accelerating but his figure composed. Clara broke the uncomfortable silence.
"Lucius, can I ask you something?"
"Of course. I don't guarantee I will be able to answer, though."
"Since I don't know for how long the Dark Lord intends to keep me hidden…and he chose your home for me to be in…can I have your permission to study the books in your library?"
"Well, I didn't know you were interested in books…of course, you have my permission but I must warn you…those aren't easy to read…hmm, maybe you should start with something lighter…"
"Lucius, are you afraid I can't read because I was raised by Muggles?" she asked with a mix of worry and bitterness.
"No, but face it…you don't know anything about our world…and…"
"And nothing, Sir! I'm perfectly capable of adapting and if I ask you permission for your library it's in order to get educated not for taking a nap with a book in my arms and pretend I read it!" she burst.
For the first time, Draco saw his father remaining silent in front of someone other than his Master. "He must really believe she is a good protector. If I was to talk to him like that, I would probably be in a pit full of poisonous snakes right now!"
"I'm sorry, Lucius. I overreacted. It's time I go to bed. Good night!" she said and left.
"What are you waiting for, Draco? Go after her! Or have you already forgotten your mission?" Lucius hissed at his son.
"No father, I haven't..." Draco answered and walked to Clara's room submissive.
He knocked once but entered without waiting for an answer. She was standing in front of the opened window, smoking. She didn't turn.
"Help yourself with a smoke, Draco. They are on my bed."
Draco took one and walked to the window. Clara extended her left hand and a small flame formed on the middle of her palm. Draco lit his cigarette and inhaled deeply.
"It's been a while since I last smoked. One of my housemates is bringing this stuff into school."
"I thought you wouldn't touch…something so Mugglish!" she responded turning her face to him.
He smiled and took another breath of smoke.
"Father doesn't know. He doesn't approve any contact with the Muggle world."
"And your mother?"
"She doesn't know it either. But not for the same reasons."
"I see…well, I won't tell if you don't."
"Thanks, Clara. You're not that bad after all!"
"Jeez, Draco! I'll take it as a compliment!"
They finished their cigarettes in silence and she turned to close the window.
"Wait a second! I'll throw the butt out the window," Draco said.
"Give it to me."
She extended her hand and he reluctantly put the still burning cigarette butt in it. She put hers as well in her hand. Then, her hand started to glow like if it was on fire and the two pieces of cigarette were completely disintegrated.
Draco took her palm into his hand and looked at the smooth skin. All he saw were tiny blue veins. No burn and no sign of ashes. He looked at her breathless. She was smiling slyly.
"Do you think I could have my hand back?"
"What? Oh, sure!" he said. "Amazing!" but he didn't let her go.
"Draco, snap out of it! It's not a big deal!"
He finally let go of her hand. He murmured a "Good night!" and left the room.
That night, he could barely sleep, trying to sort things out of about what had happened. Too much happened and he was feeling overwhelmed by the situation…by her.
Clara smiled mischievously as he left the room and went to sleep, secretly praying for all this never to end. "It's too perfect to end now!" was her last thought, before sliding under the warm blanket and slept a dreamless sleep. And then came the morning…she opened her eyes and saw that she was still there. The clothes she was wearing the other day were on the armchair, folded carefully. They looked washed and ironed. "House elves!" she said to herself. A knock on the door.
"Morning, Clara! It's time for breakfast!" Draco announced. And he closed the door.
Clara was downstairs in 10 minutes. But only Draco was there.
"Mother and father had to go to London, but they'll be back by noon," Draco said.
"Oh…good morning to you too! You left so quickly that I didn't have the chance to answer."
"It's OK. Bon apetit!"
"Yeah…can I ask a favor?"
"I guess…"
"Don't worry, Draco! It's not about killing someone. I would like to borrow your books from school, if you don't mind."
"You'll have to wait until Christmas break. I left them at Hogwarts!" he said.
"Oh…all right. Thank you!"
"Don't mention it. I mean it! Father mustn't know."
"Sure, no problem!"
They finished their breakfast and went for a walk outside, to take a tour of the estate.
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