Disclaimer: Don't own anything, just having fun in HP's world.
Alice immediately looked up, as if the elevated and ornately coffered ceiling demanded her attention. The lighting was dim, but what light there was sparkled off the golden embellishments scattered across the room. The floor was a beautiful black marble covered by ornate Persian rugs. The lush furniture reminded her of the French Baroque style and she wondered if it was that old.
From the other side of the foyer, a tiny, gaunt figure appeared. It was a faint grey color and was wearing a very untidy tea towel. He slowly approached Draco, nervously fidgeting his hands together. "Young Master Draco has returned." He said feigning excitement, his beady eyes moving between Draco and his new companion.
"Loister, take Miss McNally and her belongings to the East guestroom," Draco said.
"Yes Master Draco sir." Loister took the handle of Alice's suitcase, which Draco had placed in front of him, and the little elf began pulling it over and up the grand center staircase. Alice simply looked on in amazement.
"House elf," Draco said to Alice nonchalantly, she could only nod bewildered by it. "Go on," he said, urging her to follow.
Alice caught up to the house elf, which had made it to the top of the stairs. She tried to grab her suitcase from the small figure, but he swung it away from her. "No, this is Loister's task, given to me by Master Draco," he said determined, but slightly out of breath.
Alice really didn't know what to say and continued to follow him. The house elf led her down a wide corridor with several doors lining each side. He then opened the third door on the right and with a quick snap of his fingers, lights in the room turned on. It was sumptuously decorated, with a large marble fireplace caddied by two chocolate brown leather armchairs. The walls were trimmed in ornate sage green wallpaper, and a huge four poster bed had cushions that looked even fluffier than Aunt Marla's. There was also an adjoining bathroom, and Alice could see the side of a white porcelain tub peaking out.
The house elf placed her suitcase next to her and left the room, slamming the door behind him. "I suppose there could be worse locations to be stuck in," she said as her feet moved her towards the bed.
Downstairs Draco had proceeded into the drawing room where he expected to find his parents. He was contemplating how he would explain his guest, knowing they would not be pleased. Before entering he heard his father talking.
"To think that such rabble could come from a muggle's quill. It's insulting that it was even printed!" Lucius said angrily, holding that morning's Daily Prophet in his hand.
"Oh, Draco!" Nacissa spoke out, turning her head and smiling towards her son. Draco's movement had slowed upon hearing his father's words. "Who was the companion you arrived with?" She asked. Draco noted that nothing ever gets past his mother.
Draco started from the beginning of his day, casually explaining that he was asked to work on a case for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement by his former classmate Blaise Zabini. He would fill in for their potioneer, who was away on business. Adding that he had already run several potions tests on the subject they had in for questioning.
"Well that all sounds very official," Nacissa mused, impressed that he was trusted with such a task.
However, his father's eyes narrowed, "And your guest?" he said.
"Well, she needs a place to stay while the case is running, where reporters can't find her and since I'm not registered as an official department worker, I offered." Draco realized he skipped an important piece of information.
His father suddenly grew aware of the paper he was holding and it did not take him long to piece in the missing parts. "You offered our house to a filthy muggle criminal!" He yelled. "This is entirely unacceptable!"
Draco gritted his teeth during the response and then spoke to her defense, "It is temporary and she's not filthy or a criminal."
Lucius's eyes raged with anger and Nacissa, although equally disappointed in her son's decision, decided to quell the fire. "It's probably more complicated than we think, Lucius," she said calmly, noting that the investigation was continuing and this woman must have had some interest for the department.
Nacissa had the unique ability to calm her husband's temperament. She continued, "It is your house too Draco, but you cannot expect us to take kindly to this." Draco nodded. It was times like these where he considered living on his own.
Lucius added, "And make sure you keep her under lock and key. I can't promise her safety if she's out of her room."
Draco understood their meaning. Leaving his parents behind he decided to check in on Alice before retiring to his room.
He knocked on the door and slowly opened it. Upon entering he saw a hand fly up from the bed. "Over here," Alice said, not moving her body from its position. She had already removed her stockings and decided to lie down on her back. It felt like therapy after a long day of sitting in an uncomfortable chair or on the floor of the interrogation room. A moment later she rose and slid her bare legs to dangle over the side. Draco blushed slightly at the sight of her pale skin.
Clearing his throat he managed to speak, "I hope this room is adequate."
Alice laughed slightly, "It's better than my current flat, but…" She sounded unsure of continuing, "This doesn't seem normal for my situation."
Draco knew that Alice was given few if any details on her incarceration. Blaise had wanted it that way, though Draco found most details unnecessary to hide.
"You would be staying in the department holding block, but you've created some interest with The Daily Prophet. We want to distance you from journalists." He avoided saying too much.
"I see…I could tell the other guy wasn't thrilled about the publicity. He's the head of this case, isn't he?"
"Yes, his name is Blaise Zabini," Draco informed her, realizing she had not been given his name.
"And you? From the newspaper it sounded like you were an independent potions researcher." She wondered why he was involved.
"Well, I am, but I was asked to fill in for their current specialist, who's away. Blaise is a friend from school…" He trailed off, noticing he was perhaps conversing too much with her.
Noticing the tension, Alice spoke, "I don't mean to pry; I just don't know what to make of my situation anymore."
"I would tell you," Draco said feeling some compassion, "But I am not completely sure myself. Loister will bring your meals, but it is requested that you stay in your room."
He turned and started walking to the door.
"Draco," Alice said after him, making him stop. "Thank you," her voice dripped with sincerity.
Draco felt the sound of her voice hit him softly to his core, but without a reply, he continued out the door, locking it behind him.