DISCLAIMER: HARRY AND HIS FRIENDS AND ENEMIES DO NOT BELONG TO ME! THEY BELONG TO THE AMAZING J.K ROWLING! ONLY THE PLOT IS MINE!
A/N: This takes place at the start of the Christmas holidays, OotP. Does not follow HBP or DH timelines.
Chapter 9 — The Favour
It wasn't a common occurrence for Narcissa Malfoy to receive owls. In fact, most went to Lucius and Draco. When she wanted to talk with somebody she usually invited them to the manor to have tea, and usually it is with other pureblooded ladies in their circle.
So obviously she was confused when a regal golden eagle swooped down into the gardens where she was currently attending to her roses. The eagle squawked and hopped closer to her, raising a leg. Narcissa tilted her head, confused, but accepted the letter. She turned it over, and her eyes widened at the seal of Black, her maiden house.
"Go have a bite at the owlery." She told the beautiful predator. The eagle chirped in a friendly way before taking flight. Narcissa finished watering the plants before she hurried inside and up to her study, touching the black wax seal carefully, about to break it, but with a flash of magic, the seal disappeared, and only then did she realise it would only have opened for her.
She took out a piece of parchment with jagged handwriting on it. Her curiosity nearly made her look at the bottom, but it is impolite and improper to read who sent her the letter before reading the content. Of course she didn't know that even if she did, she wouldn't be able to see a name yet.
Dear Narcissa,
I know this comes completely unexpected, but I have a favour to ask of you.
Narcissa frowned at this. Who could this possibly be? She didn't really recognise the handwriting either.
An event occurred two days prior in the Department of Mysteries. I am not sure if you are aware of this fact, but the Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt was murdered by the Dark Lord Voldemort.
Narcissa's eyes widened again at the gall of this person to write something so sensitive down. Shacklebolt, she recalled, was quite high up in the rankings. He must have been guarding something important. Thank goodness Lucius wasn't home.
This happened in one of the most secret and guarded rooms in the Department—the Prophecy Hall. I have reason to believe that Voldemort is going after a certain prophecy that involves Harry Potter and himself. The exact contents of the prophecy are unknown to all except for Albus Dumbledore, but the Headmaster is unwilling to share this information.
By now Narcissa has deduced that this person was definitely not a Death Eater. He or she was probably someone who is close to Dumbledore and has inside information.
This, so soon after the attack on Arthur Weasley, has stirred an inquietude in me. I fear Voldemort is going to do something that will send a shockwave through the entire Wizarding World and help him gain even more infamy. To take steps in ensuring some resistance against him,
At this, Narcissa gasped audibly. She quickly cast some privacy charms around her and continued to read at a faster pace.
I need to gain a position that will aid me greatly. As you are reading this part, you will realise that you are now bound in an oath of magical secrecy through your blood.
No sooner did she finish reading that sentence, she felt a bind settle on her, and she growled at the audacity of this person. Just who was…?
Place a drop of blood on the parchment and further information will be revealed.
Narcissa scowled and cut her finger with the paper cutter, sterilising it afterwards. She let a drop fall onto the parchment, and more words quickly began to form.
This is Sirius writing.
She nearly dropped the letter in shock. All she knew of her cousin was that he was still an escaped convict who is the Dark Lord's right hand man. However, from what she has read so far, it seemed highly implausible, and only cemented her suspicion that a man like him would never betray the Potter like that.
I have to ask you to tell Lucius that it is of the utmost importance that he brings Peter Pettigrew to Malfoy Manor today at 3 PM in the afternoon.
"What?" She asked herself. "Peter Pettigrew is dead! That's why you're in Azkaban!" She scanned that part again in disbelief, and then read on.
I will explain everything if you come to the Leaky Cauldron at 11 AM. I will be waiting in the furthest corner of the pub. No harm is to befall either of us during this meeting. This I swear as long as you do.
The letter will self-destruct in a minute precisely after you finish reading this sentence. Please note down the time, and do not be late.
Narcissa sat back slowly, digesting the information. Part of her scoffed at the idea of her being late. She was a punctual person. The other part, the main part was still shocked that Sirius would write something like this. Her curiosity peaked, and she cast a Tempus charm. It was nine in the morning, giving her just enough time to prepare for the meeting.
She watched as the letter burnt to ashes, and with a wave of her wand, vanished the traces of evidence. She stood and went to find Draco. Her son was sitting in his room pouring over some Defence books.
"Draco." She said. He looked up.
"Mother." He acknowledged with a smile. Narcissa's expression softened. He was still so young, still not ready for the harsh world.
"I will be heading out for some business today, and I would appreciate it if you could inform your father that I will be having lunch out when he returns at noon." She said. Draco nodded.
"Of course, mother. Anything else you require of me?" He asked. Narcissa shook her head, instead, walking over to him and kissing his head full of blonde hair tenderly. She was afraid. So afraid. She wanted—no, needed to protect her young dragon from the Dark Lord, yet she finds herself trapped, with no way to steer Draco away from Lucius's path. Sometimes she truly hated her husband for what he did to their family, but her love outshone that, and she could only hope he would realise his mistakes before it is too late.
At precisely eleven o'clock, the fireplace of the Leaky Cauldron flared green, and a lady stepped out gracefully. Sirius observed quietly as she made her way towards the corner. She hasn't really changed. Her blonde hair was twisted up in an elegant bun, leaving just a few carefully selected strands loose. She was dressed in a dark green robe, casual, but definitely able to show that she was someone from the highest echelons of wizarding society. His lips curled when she stopped, frowning at the wards that surrounded the table.
"You may come in." Sirius expressed his permission, and the wards flickered. Narcissa's eyes widened when she took in the appearance of the only surviving Black male. She stepped in cautiously and took a seat. The wards flickered once more before they hummed, sealing them off from the outside. Narcissa knew this was a safety precaution, but she also knew it was Sirius's way of saying she wouldn't be leaving until he got something out of her. A quick study of his face showed her he was dead serious, pardon the unintentional pun. In her mind, she praised him for thinking of such a Slytherin tactic.
She remained silent, as it was impolite to speak before he did, since he invited her.
"You haven't changed." Sirius finally remarked, leaning back casually. She merely inclined her head, waiting for him to get on with it. "No small talk?" He asked. She looked at him with her icy blue eyes, and he sighed, leaning forward again. "Alright." He said, making eye contact. "I'm innocent."
Narcissa blinked. She could see no lies in that, and she was surprised when a small tendril touched her mind. Out of instinct, she followed the trail and was brought into Sirius's memories.
She stood in a Muggle street, looking at a cowering man and her handsome cousin, rage twisting his face.
"WORMTAIL!" Sirius thundered, cornering the man with a wild look on his face. His teeth were bared in a snarl and his fists trembled.
"S-Sirius!" Pettigrew stuttered out. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, he continued in a much louder voice, "YOU BETRAYED JAMES AND LILY! THEY TRUSTED YOU TO BE THEIR SECRET KEEPER!"
"WHAT?" Sirius bellowed right back. He snapped his wrist and his wand fell into his hand.
"HOW COULD YOU, YOU TRAITOR?" Peter wailed.
Narcissa didn't know whether it was intentional or whether her position allowed her to catch the next part, but what she saw blew her mind.
Before Sirius could aim, Peter took his wand and waved it behind his back and muttered 'Confringo'. The infrastructure exploded, and it blew Sirius back even as he whipped up a shield. The Muggles standing closest to the confrontation were blown to pieces. Peter, trembling, sliced his finger off and transformed into a rat, scampering into the now-exposed sewer system.
Narcissa watched, speechless as Sirius started laughing hysterically, tears of betrayal and rage streaming down his face.
Sirius didn't allow her to stay long enough to see his arrest as he pushed her out gently but forcefully.
"Now do you see?" He asked. "I wasn't even given a trial, just thrown into Azkaban." He said. Narcissa, for her part, felt anger welling up inside her. Enemies or not, he was still family, and he was incarcerated wrongly for twelve years of his life. She gazed at him, seeing none of her younger cousin inside the damaged man. All she could see was anger and bitterness, and a steel cold glint in what used to be warm grey eyes.
"What do you want from me?" She found herself asking resignedly. A spark of pity ignited within her, but she quashed it ruthlessly. If Sirius is as proud now as he was then, then he wouldn't accept any form of pity.
"I already told you." He said. "Tell your husband to bring Peter Pettigrew to Malfoy Manor at 3 PM. I will floo over directly and deal with him." His eyes darkened. "And tell him if he dares inform his Lord of these events, I will ruin the Malfoy family." He said. Narcissa had no doubt that Sirius was capable of revenge at that level. What made him even more dangerous than a true Slytherin was the mix of Gryffindor in him, making him more unpredictable. He wasn't the young man he once was. Azkaban hardened him, made him into something unstable and powerful, and she didn't want to see what would happen if Sirius Black didn't get his way. She had to protect her family.
She nodded.
Sirius smiled pleasantly, startling her at how fast his expressions could change. She looked at him warily.
"Now that's settled, I have to invite you to lunch as courtesy and a thank you for agreeing to help me." He said, waving his wand in front of his face. His black hair shortened and lightened to a fair brown colour, and his face became rounder. His nose curved like an eagle's, and his irises changed to a dark muddy brown colour. His slightly thin body rounded out as he gave himself a rotund belly. He lowered the wards and stepped out, chuckling when nobody gave him a second glance. Some looked at Narcissa but looked away as soon as she gave them her most frigid stare.
"Eef you wood please, madame, allow me to escorte you to ze restaurant du Pont." He said. Narcissa hid a smile at his perfect but fake French accent as the two of them stepped into the fireplaces.
Upon her return to Malfoy Manor, she found Lucius reading a newspaper in his favourite chair in the drawing room. Sunlight filtered through the window and she smiled at the way his hair nearly glowed. She walked over, dropping her cloak on the couch, and bent to kiss him on the temple. He smiled and folded his newspaper. She settled on his lap comfortably.
"I took the afternoon off." He informed her. "I heard from Draco that you had some business to take care of?" He quirked an eyebrow.
"Yes, dear." She said. "I need you to bring Peter Pettigrew here for me at three." She said. Lucius looked confused.
"That blubbering, no good fool? Why would you want to invite him into our Manor?" He asked. Narcissa traced his jawline with her finger coyly.
"Don't ask questions, darling." She said. Lucius was suddenly reminded of her Black heritage, and he nodded sagely, agreeing with her. A merry twinkle entered her eyes, and he sighed internally.
Bloody woman, he thought fondly.
"Careful what you think." Narcissa teased, and Lucius was also reminded of her talent for Offensive Occlumency. He cleared his throat.
"I believe he is currently staying with Severus." Lucius said.
"Tell Severus he must not inform the Dark Lord of this under any circumstances." Narcissa instructed. Lucius nodded as she stood to let him stand.
"What reason shall I give him if he asks?"
"If I am right he would not ask. Otherwise just tell him I have some use for the vermin." Narcissa said. Lucius noted this down and kissed her cheek before flooing to Spinner's End, leaving Narcissa to wait for her cousin.
At 2:55 PM, the fireplace of the Malfoy Manor drawing room flared to life, revealing the jolly face of a portly French gentleman. A sly smirk on the face, though, told Narcissa it was her cousin. He sat next to her.
"My husband is risking a lot to help you, Sirius." She said in a low voice. He was silent for a moment, mulling over the possibilities.
"If my plan works out, he should have less to worry about." He replied mysteriously.
"…there's also Draco." Narcissa added. "I'm afraid he will be roped into the Dark Lord's service. He's too young." She said. Sirius didn't know much about the Malfoy heir, but he was Narcissa's child. Perhaps he could win her over by protecting the young man.
"You know his safety all depends on Lucius's choice." Sirius informed her. Narcissa bit her lip, recognising the truth in the statement. Before they could say anything else, Peter stepped through the fireplace, followed closely by Lucius.
"Narcissa? Who is this gentleman?" Lucius asked. Narcissa opened her mouth, but Sirius was quicker.
"Why, Lucius, you of all people should recognise me." Sirius made no attempt to disguise his voice, yet Lucius still did not know. Peter, on the other hand, squealed with terror in his eyes.
Petrificus Totalus! Sirius thought harshly. Peter toppled onto the floor like a block, and Lucius's eyes widened briefly at the show of nonverbal and wandless magic. Narcissa was impressed. It seemed that while Azkaban moulded Sirius into a different person, it had not deteriorated any of his skills.
"Well, well, well, Peter." He said with hatred lacing his voice. "Nowhere to run now, hmm?"
Lucius cast a strange look at him.
"Perhaps I should introduce myself, Mr. Malfoy." Sirius smirked, cancelling the glamours. Lucius whipped his wand out, alarmed, but Narcissa's call stopped him.
"Just watch." She said. Lucius kept his wand out though, staying in front of the fireplace.
"Yes, Peter." Sirius jeered, "Recognise me?" He flicked his hand, a part of him giddy for showing off in front of the high and mighty Lucius Malfoy, and put Pettigrew upright. "As much as I would like to torture and end you for your betrayal, I have more important things to do with you. I would think a life sentence in Azkaban or a Dementor's Kiss would be preferable." He said. Lucius's grip on his wand tightened at the coldness in Sirius's voice. He never knew the Gryffindor could be so dark. "So, regrettably, I am just going transport you to the Ministry Atrium and let them have their way with you." He paused, taking out a roll of parchment which he stuck to Peter's forehead with a temporary sticking charm. He conjured a ribbon and made it tie itself, and stuck that onto Peter's head nicely as well. He stunned the rat and he crumpled to the floor.
"Now if you'll excuse me." Sirius said to Lucius, levitating Peter's unconscious form. "I need to deliver an assumed dead Order of Merlin, First Class receiver to the Ministry's front steps."
"Let him, Lucius." Narcissa said when Lucius made no indication he was going to move.
"Why?" Lucius asked in a hard voice.
"Because I'm bloody innocent since Pettigrew's fucking alive, Malfoy!" Sirius snapped. "What do you think I'm doing? I've got a Lordship to claim!" He said. Lucius stumbled out of the way, taking in a sharp breath as he realised Sirius now had a claim to the position of Lord Black. It would ensure him more power than Lucius because of how feared the entire family is. If he wasn't wrong Black was also Potter's godfather, making him head of the Potter family until Potter came of age.
Sirius muttered something and both he and his prisoner became disillusioned. He stepped into the fireplace.
"Ministry of Magic!" He said clearly. His magic snapped and bound Pettigrew to him so that the man emerged earlier than he did.
With a smile, Sirius saw that there was nearly nobody in the Atrium, as it was still working hours. He levitated Pettigrew to hang above the Fountain of Magical Brethren. He lay in wait for someone to discover him, and mere moments later one of the elevators dinged, and to his surprise Madam Bones walked out. He smiled at the just woman. He was lucky it was her.
He cancelled the disillusionment charm and Madam Bones gave a shriek, attracting more attention.
"Peter Pettigrew!" Amelia Bones shouted. "How is he still alive?" Her mind raced, and Sirius had no doubt it would only take a few seconds for her to reach the conclusion. When he felt her magic try to take hold, he let her, and vanished in green flames, unnoticed due to the commotion in the Atrium.
He would just have to wait for tomorrow's headlines.
I do realise this chapter jumps around a lot and could have been written better. The capture of Pettigrew is essential but does not deserve an actual full blown scene by itself for this fic, as it only serves to clear Sirius's name. What he will do after gaining Lordship is going to be focused on more.
Also, this is and will be a Lucissa pairing. I don't truly dislike Lucius Malfoy, because I think he is just a man who made all the wrong choices. Sue me, but I can manipulate this character how i want in my own story. He isn't a wimp by any means, he just trusts Narcissa, and isn't stupid enough to antagonise the soon-to-be Lord Black.
Edit: I am aware Amelia Bones was killed in the summer of 1996, but I chose to ignore canon.