A/N : I own nothing, I've made no money. (Fear of prosecution makes me write that)
Thanks to my Beta, Salce, who still hasn't run screaming for the hills.
Thanks to all you lovely people who review and occasionally chat to me via PM, a little mention for mercersburgrachel who is recovering from a stressful week at college.
Hope you enjoy the new chapter (Updated chapter, correcting tense blindness)
Chapter Ten
Fully expecting to step out into the library of the manor, Harry was surprised to step out into a completely unfamiliar room. Posters of the Montrose Magpies Quidditch team adorned the walls, this must be Draco's room, typical that he should support the most successful team in league history.
It wasn't a bad looking room, black, silver and green decoration, a Slytherin through and through, everything looked expensive, each piece of furniture was probably worth a small fortune, the centre of the room was taken up by a sizeable bed, even with Harry's limited experience in visiting the homes of the pure-blood rich and infamous, he noticed that all bedrooms followed the same pattern, insanely opulent, with an enormous bed in the middle.
"Nice room"
"Thanks Potter, please tell me you're going to do something about that cut on your face"
Harry had completely forgotten about it, spotting the mirror he headed over to assess the damage, it was pretty superficial but had bled a lot, his attempt at wiping his face earlier had just made it worse, blood was streaked back towards his ear and had run down his neck and stained the collar of his shirt. He cleaned away the blood, the cut now an angry red mark, in the muggle world it may have required butterfly stitches, he had half a mind to just leave it and make Draco squirm.
"You do know how to heal it right?" drawled the voice, not quite disguising the note of panic
"Of course I know, but chicks dig scars" he tried hard not to laugh and was half expecting to be hit with a hex at any minute
"I don't think my mother would appreciate being referred to as a 'chick' and would prefer you to be scar free, aside from the obvious, there is no need to be such a bastard about it, and if you think you're getting an apology you can forget it, now fix your face"
Harry felt a little guilty for winding him up, but Draco needed knocking down a peg or two, it would be good for him, and with a resigned sigh he neatly fixed the cut.
"I'm interested in hearing how you're going to explain these turn of events to your wife and mother, if Narcissa is anything to go by, Astoria won't be easily fooled either"
"Don't you worry about me Potter" was that a touch of fear Harry saw on Draco's face
The blonde man stormed over to the door and yanked it open, Harry nodded his thanks and stepped out into one of the manor's vast hallways. Harry followed him in silence, glancing at the occasional portrait, distinctive blonde hair and pointed features sneered down at him, a stern looking man tutted at him, feeling a childish urge Harry stuck his tongue out at him, sounds of disgust followed the two men down the corridor, Draco showed no sign that he had noticed. He stopped suddenly and Harry walked into the back of him.
"Watch where you're walking Potter for merlin's sake, just wait here a moment"
Loathe to do anything Draco Malfoy asked of him he just nodded, the door was opened and he just stood in the doorway, two female voices fell silent
"Draco, where have you been?" to the untrained ear the question would sound completely innocent.
"Um, well I went to cool off for a bit, and realised I'd been a bit of an arse" he coughed "then I thought I could do something about it"
"What did you do?"
Sensing immediate danger he stepped back and Harry was shoved roughly into the room, he snapped his head back round to give Draco a disapproving look. The room was small and cosy, the women sat opposite each other in front of a large fireplace sipping tea, Astoria smiled at him, Narcissa, having overcome her surprise was looking at him, her blue eyes twinkling, she patted the space beside her and Harry happily went and sat next to her.
Draco sat down next to Astoria, seemingly forgiven she put an arm around his waist and leant up against him. Not to be outdone, Narcissa brought her legs up onto the sofa and lay them across Harry's lap, resting herself against the arm of the chair, Astoria beamed at the older woman, who smiled back.
The conversation resumed right where it left off and quickly swung round to shoes and clothes, Draco looked completely impassive, years of pure blood upbringing, no doubt, Harry thought it was probably from having to suffer through endless social gatherings, he almost felt sorry for him, almost. Boredom was creeping in, occasionally Draco saw fit to add a view or opinion, Harry was impressed, not that he'd ever tell the ferret that.
Narcissa flexed her legs, stretching a little and giving Harry an idea at the same time, he surreptitiously warmed his palms and placed them on her bare shins, he started to work the muscles in her calves just the way she liked, it was a perfectly acceptable action, nothing lewd, but he knew that it had quite the effect on his witch, maintaining an air of indifference he continued to knead and caress each calf. Satisfied with his work, he shifted to the side slightly and Narcissa offered him a dainty foot, nails painted a deep red, a stark contrast to her pale skin, the flow of conversation didn't falter at all, but when Astoria was talking he noticed that she gently chewed on her bottom lip, suppressing a chuckle he rubed the sole of her foot and she placed the other in reach, lest it be forgotten.
"Narcissa, are you all right?" she snapped to attention, a pink flush on her cheeks
"Sorry, what? I just drifted for a moment" she glared at Harry
"Draco and I are going to head home, I was thanking you for an eventful day"
"Eventful, well I guess that's one way to describe it" she gave Draco a withering stare
The lady of the house reluctantly extricated herself from the sofa and Harry's touch, she hugged them both and bade them goodnight, Draco grunted a perfunctory 'see you at work then, Potter' which earned a reproachful look from his wife, Harry got a one armed hug and a peck on the cheek. With the guests gone, Harry turned back to Narcissa.
"Shall we have dinner before it gets too late?"
"No, you can finish what you started, once you've massaged the rest of me you may eat"
With head held high and acting every bit the over privileged pure blood, she swished her hair over her shoulder and walked away.
"I'm starving, what makes you think I'm just going to bend to your will?"
She didn't even grace him with a response, instead she just beckoned him with her finger. An internal struggle broke out within Harry, the desire to eat and the desire to please a certain woman, who blithely assumed he'd go running after her without a thought. Unable to resist he hurried after her, deciding that there was no one around to witness his weakness, therefore it was perfectly fine.
The next morning at breakfast Harry got summoned to work, he quickly finished off his breakfast, the time he saved was then spent on a long drawn out goodbye, after much kissing and assurances that he'd see her very soon, he left for work, leaving the blonde alone to contemplate activities for the day.
What Narcissa really needed was someone to talk to, she shuddered inwardly at the thought of seeking out the portrait of Bellatrix, and imagined how a conversation with her would go.
"Hi Bella, by the way, we lost the war, I lied to the Dark Lord, Potter wasn't actually dead, Molly Weasley killed you, and now I'm romantically involved with the very person who brought about the Dark Lord's downfall"
It really didn't bear thinking about. She thought about her eldest sister often, she even missed her, she wasn't nearly as deranged as people were led to believe, they had a strong bond and shared everything, she missed that connection now more than ever. Andromeda wasn't an option either, Narcissa had been complicit in hiding Bellatrix from the world after her escape from Azkaban, and in turn Bella almost single handedly took from Andi everything she held dear, leaving her to care for a young, parentless child, turning up on her doorstep would only lead to another conversation that could only end in disaster, with Harry being Teddy's godfather, she wouldn't do anything that might make her estranged sister stop Harry from fulfilling his role, Narcissa knew how much he cared for the little boy, she quite liked that side of him, the way he got excited and more animated while talking about him.
Lost in a daydream about Harry's potential as a father, Narcissa mentally shook herself, they hadn't touched on the subject of their future. She was convinced that it wasn't just a fling, at the beginning she had enjoyed the buzz of being wanted by a much younger man, she felt alive and free in ways she never imagined possible.
As time went on she found the time outside the bedroom as much fun as the time in the bedroom, she found it easy to relax around him, to be herself, he made her laugh and constantly surprised her, unlike Lucius, he was genuinely interested in her, curious about everything, he introduced her to muggle card games, which she was very good at, and a muggle word game called Scrabble, she was pretty good at that too, he was a very gracious loser.
In return she dug out old family albums and talked in depth about her childhood and her time at Hogwarts, she couldn't avoid talking about Bella, and she remembered how he had taken her hand and told her that he could handle Bella providing it was before the madness, and subsequently treated them like two separate people. On occasion she would play Wizard's Chess, this allowed Harry to claw back a few victories, Narcissa did not like losing.
Still desperate to talk to someone, she racked her brains, sisters were not an option, but maybe there was another option, so obvious she had overlooked it but also for good reason, she remembered the circumstances, the conversations and the owls, before all contact was cut off, Draco would have been half way through his sixth year at Hogwarts and all correspondence had ceased once the war got under way.
Before her courage failed her, she hurried to her bedroom, fixed her hair and her clothes, put on a pair of sturdy heeled boots and left the room. Picturing her destination, she disappeared with a faint pop.
Appearing instantly in a clearing surrounded by woodland, reminiscent of the Forbidden Forest, ancient gnarled trees fought for space, and a well worn path wound it's way out to the north. The path was very overgrown, thorns clawed at her as she walked the path, she drew her wand to save her clothes, after slaying many a thorny branch, Narcissa emerged from the undergrowth and onto a fine gravel path, turning left she crunched along at a brisk pace.
After ten minutes of walking, cheeks flushed from the exertion, a hazy line could be seen in the distance, as her steps brought her closer, the hazy line came into focus, a high grey bricked wall, topped with ornate wrought iron railings, at the break, two columns rose higher than the wall supporting the massive gates, the metal work was skilfully crafted to look like a rose bush, replete with thorny branches and innumerable roses, made sinister by the black of the metal.
Without slowing or breaking stride Narcissa walked straight at the gates and passed right through, ancient yew trees lined the path and many beady eyes followed her progress, a large raven croaked out it's call setting off its brethren, she hurried on to escape the harsh cacophony.
The enclosed path came to a sudden end, a large fountain dominated the view, the melodic trickling of water a blessed relief, the ravens had since quieted. She turned her attention to the house, the word house didn't really do it justice, it was closer to a castle, there were towers and ramparts, the windows were arch shaped with leaded glass, the central window on the second floor was an impressive piece of stained glass, below that, imposing wooden doors with iron hinges and studding.
Circling around the fountain she slowly approached the front doors which swung silently open, the click of her heels seemed obscenely loud in the deathly quiet of the entrance hall. Confidently the woman climbed the stairs and entered a door on the left hand side, once inside she closed the door behind her. The room was small and dimly lit, a fire burned low in the hearth, a high backed chair, a small sofa, a desk and two waist high bookcases were the only pieces of furniture.
Narcissa hesitantly sat herself down on the small sofa.
"I told you not to come here" the voice had a raspy quality, probably through lack of use
"It's good to see you too Mother" she replied stiffly
The chair swivelled to face the blonde witch, and the chair's occupant gave her an appraising look, the firelight threw their faces into sharp relief. Now that the chair had moved Narcissa got her first proper look at the witch, she had aged well, her face was lined but it did nothing to diminish her classic beauty, her hair flowed over her shoulder and almost down to the floor, it was mostly black but streaked with white, her eyes were still in shadow and the reflected firelight flickered eerily in them.
"You are looking well"
"I don't know how you can tell in this dim light" she ignited the candles in the chandelier "You've hardly changed at all mother, and your self imposed isolation hasn't dulled your wits"
"I am hardly isolated, I frequently travel, always using polyjuice potion you understand, I can't afford to be recognised" she shifted in her chair and struck a low blow at her youngest daughter "How are you coping without Lucius?" anger at the question flared briefly in the blonde witch's eyes
"It was lonely at first, Draco has his own life and career, I have my reputation mostly intact along with all my assets, I keep myself amused"
"I read in the Prophet that the Potter boy defended you, even after Lucius' confession, I bet that helped your case no end"
"Harry, I mean, Mr Potter has done much for Draco and myself" she shifted under Druella's piercing gaze
In the silence that followed an awkwardness permeated the room, the long haired old woman clicked her fingers and an elf appeared and placed a tray of refreshments between the two women. Druella was as sharp as ever, she knew her daughter so well and Narcissa hated feeling like a small child vying for attention at her mother's knee. Self doubt barged in, unwelcome and uninvited, maybe this was a terrible idea, she didn't really know what to say to her mother or what she hoped to hear in return. Giving the impression of having read her mind, Druella broke the silence.
"You said that it was lonely at first, implying that you're not lonely any more?"
Narcissa would surely know if her mother was inside her head, with no response from her daughter forthcoming, Druella pressed on.
"Who is it I wonder? An occasional bed warmer, a little something to alleviate your boredom perhaps? A serious suitor? Come on Cissy, there's no need to be shy"
"Mother!" she shook her head in disbelief
"Cissy, I don't need to use Legilimens to know why you are here and what's on your mind, it's written all over your face, you want my advice or opinion on this lover of yours"
"I don't know what you're on about" her voice was strong as she attempted to hide behind denial
"Even if I didn't know my daughter better than anyone, the mark on your neck, that you so carelessly forgot to cast a glamour on, tells me all I need to know"
Narcissa instinctively reached up and ran her fingertips down the right hand side of her neck, knowing that she wouldn't actually be able to feel anything, there was nothing visible when she had been getting ready in front of the mirror, she conjured a small silver compact and flicked it open to check for the mark that betrayed her, Druella's distinctive laughter filled the room.
"You tricked me, I should have seen that coming, I can't believe you'd use such a cheap tactic"
"Would you prefer me to use Legilimancy? I didn't think so" she smirked at her daughter who looked positively livid "I'm all ears sweetheart, are you going to tell me about him?"
Narcissa opened and shut her mouth a few times trying to form the words, she reached for a drink as her mouth had just become completely dry, all the while Druella watched her with a quiet patience.
"It's Harry Potter" her mother, usually so hard to surprise, couldn't have looked more shocked if her daughter had slapped her in the face, the blonde witch smiled, happy to finally have the upper hand in this exchange.
"You despised the boy, his rivalry with Draco and his uncanny ability to humiliate Lucius, you even told me how you almost hexed him yourself "
"Yes mother, I despised the boy, but not the man"
"It still doesn't explain how you could abandon Lucius so easily, you were fiercely devoted to him, and you loved each other" Druella was fighting back for some control
"It wasn't easy Mother, once the Dark Lord returned everything changed, Lucius only cared about his status within the inner circle, and with his constant failures he was willing to sacrifice Draco, and in turn the Dark Lord used Draco as punishment for the sins of the father"
Narcissa was breathing heavily, she hadn't spoken aloud about this to anyone except Bella, and she just thought it was some great honour, she wondered if Bella had been a mother, would she have been so willing to send her own children to their death.
"He's married to the Weasley girl, I read about it in the paper, the social event of the year they called it, if I recall, no daughter of mine will be a mistress to a married man, you shame me Cissy" ice blue eyes flashed with anger
"Yes, he was married, we had an affair, but he divorced her for me, he never lied to me about his situation, I merely waited for my opportunity, you always said that as a Black, it's a case of taking what you desire, a philosophy Bella held dear. I think even you would have approved of his slow courting"
"He's a gentleman then" Druella let slip a derisive snort "it seems like you have it all in hand, what could you possibly need from me?"
"I'm beginning to wonder that myself" she locked eyes with the woman opposite
"I don't want to fight with you Narcissa, I've already lost two daughters, if he makes you happy, if you are happy, then what's the problem?"
It was difficult for her to stay mad with her mother, they had the closest relationship and despite clashing personalities, they were still close. The opening was there, the perfect time to give voice to her insecurities, but she was dragged back to being a child again, in the presence of this woman, in this house, it was not becoming for a daughter of the house of Black to show weakness of any kind. She was a grown woman now, pure blooded ideology long cast aside, she shook off the ghosts of her past to met her mothers inquiring gaze. She didn't know where to begin, the more she thought about it, the more trivial it seemed, embarrassing even.
"He's the same age as Draco, I'm old enough to be his mother, what if he wants to get married? Or start a family? What will the wizarding world think? He is the Boy-Who-Lived-Again, some things cannot be kept under wraps"
Druella sat and listened to her daughters fears, she didn't say a word, she just listening intently until Narcissa had finished. Rising elegantly from her chair, she sat herself next to her daughter and reached her arms around her, the blonde witch allowed herself to be held and rested her head against her mother, settling into the embrace just like she did as a young girl.
"Have you talked to him about this, about his intentions?" she was rhythmically stroking her daughter's long blonde locks, the head beneath her hand shook side to side "Then it would be reasonable to assume that he may be dealing with his own concerns and fears?" this time Narcissa nodded her head. "you may have lived longer than him, but you got your looks from me, you easily pass for a woman half your age, and I'm guessing he doesn't treat you like his mother" she couldn't even muster a disapproving rebuttal at her mother's obvious sexual connotation.
Many minutes ticked by and the blonde seemed content having her mother stroke her hair but was still unwilling to speak, her mother broke the silence hoping to prompt a response from her daughter.
"Is it serious?"
"I think so, I hope so, at first I thought it was just a bit of fun, I enjoyed the attention, I'd only ever known Lucius, and this is nothing like that, and I can't even begin to explain the change on the tapestry"
"The one you have at the manor?"
"Yes, I also had one made for him at Walburga's house, well it's Harry's house now, and that's the same"
"What does it show?"
"Us, him and I, linked, I wasn't surprised, after all it was the same with Lucius and I"
"It's not the same Narcissa, your link was because you were to be married"
She sat up to look her mother in the face
"What does that mean? There's definitely been no talk of marriage, I thought it was reflecting our growing relationship"
"I've no idea darling, but it can't be a bad thing" she laughed softly "You love him?"
"Yes I do"
"Then, for the love of merlin, you need to talk to him you silly girl, I wouldn't worry too much about what the wizarding world thinks, you know how the game of status works Cissy, the world has changed, Harry is very influential, many would accept anything he does, some would be pleased with a union between the houses of Potter and Black, the rest will just have to get over it"
Narcissa gave her mother a squeeze, she hoped it would express her gratitude more than words Druella always knew what to say to make things better.