Chapter 32 : Meanwhile, back at the manor

"Well," Remus said, looking at the four listening with rapt attention to his telling of the 'Battle at the Ministry'. "That's my bit. Thank you very much." He did a bow and took his seat next to Tonks.

Harry stood and turned to the crowd seated at the different tables.

"What do you all say to a short tea break, then we'll continue. I heard some growling stomachs during the last part."

James Potter poked his brother in the ribs, grinning. Albus ducked his head, and whispered, "It wasn't THAT loud, was it?"

"No, it wasn't," whispered back his mother, ruffling his hair.

"Gerroff, Mum! "

Headmaster Dumbledore stood, clapped his hands and a tea buffet appeared on the staff table, to applause from the children and nods of approval from the adults. After letting the youngsters go down the line first, the older members of the group filled their plates and settled down to relax and enjoy their 'cuppa'.

The youngsters were off at the end of one of the tables, presided over by Teddy Lupin; all the brothers, sisters and cousins chattering away, while the adults separated into four groups, each centered around one of the Muggle guests.

Dan was surrounded by Harry and Ginny, Remus and Tonks and Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall and Neville.

Rupert was buried somewhere in the crowd of Weasleys; Arthur, Molly, Ron, Hermione, Bill and Fleur, Percy and Audrey.

But, Fred and George had dragged Tom off to tell him about how they had progressed with some of the ideas he had given them during the first 'visit'. Angelina, Alicia, Luna and Sirius rounded out that group.

Emma found herself surrounded by the Slytherin contingency; Draco, Lucius, Narcissa and Severus.

X X X

"So, Sirius, what have you been up to since we last saw you?" Tom asked, after having had Fred and George describe the latest additions to their store inventory.

"Well, after Peter's trial, which you will hear about in detail soon, I was a free man, but on Voldemort's hit list in big, red letters. So, although I could come and go as I pleased, I mostly went to Hogwarts to help the DA train, but kept out of sight; didn't want to draw Voldemort's attention to the school," he added.

"Using the old Marauder's methods to slink around the hallways, eh?" Tom grinned at him.

"But, of course . . . had to keep up the tradition, so to speak," Sirius laughed.

"Of course . . . so . . . did Voldemort ever find out it was you who killed Nagini?" questioned Tom. "Or is that part of the story to come?"

"Well, when he did hear what happened, he blamed me for killing his pet, but didn't know we knew Nagini was a Horcrux. He was pretty upset and still determined to kill Harry." Sirius shook his head. "I think that he became even more dangerous . . . at least he seemed to get that way, as compared to what happened in the books . . . it wasn't easy, even being a bit ahead of him, because of the knowledge we had been given . . . you'll hear all about it."

"Right . . . bet poor Draco caught a bit of grief from him, though." Tom glanced over at the blond haired Slytherin, who was talking with Emma and his mother.

X X X

"We have been in Providence and saw the signs for Brown University, but didn't want to intrude into your life, cruising the campus on the off chance we'd see you," laughed Narcissa. "Slytherins we are, stalkers we are not!"

"I doubt seriously if we would have seen each other, in any case; there's too many students streaming from building to building to be able to locate anyone without knowing their schedule," Emma reassured her. "Besides, with our shooting schedule over here, I wasn't really a full time student, in any case; just got there when I could, took the classes available that term and then I was gone again. Plus, I was starting to do fashion photo shoots and traveling for premieres . . . it's been quite hectic."

"That's how I kept track of you, through the Muggle fashion magazines and newspaper articles. Picked up a few fashion pointers along the way, too," smirked Draco, before taking a drink of pumpkin juice and winking at Emma over the rim.

"You do look quite GQ, Draco. As do you," Emma added, turning to look at Draco's father. "But I heard you and Cissa were caravanning, Lucius, and wondered if you have discovered L. L. Bean? It's just north . . . " Emma started to explain.

"Oh, Merlin," gasped Narcissa. "Don't get him started, Emma, we'll be here all week!"

"Well, that's hardly fair!" pouted Lucius, as Draco laughed out loud. "Yes, Emma. To answer your question, I have been to that renowned establishment of all things pertaining to the outdoors. In fact, I have a L. L. Bean credit card right here." He snapped his fingers and a bright plastic rectangle appeared in his hand. "Ta-Da!"

Emma looked at the proud owner of the very sign that he'd truly embraced living in the Muggle world and turned toward Narcissa, who was rolling her eyes and Draco, who almost immediately collapsed in roaring hysterics, joined a second later by Emma, Narcissa and finally Lucius, when he realized what was so funny.

Regaining her composure, Emma reached over and took hold of Lucius' arm. "It's really a good thing, Lucius. It means you have learned a thing or two since all this began. I swear by their 'duck boots', myself. Won't go on location without them!"

"Actually, I have a pair for mucking about in my garden," admitted Narcissa, sheepishly. "And their parkas are so warm, but still stylish," she added.

"Agreed. I also love their canvas totes . . . . . ' Emma leaned toward the witch and was soon deep in conversation about the merits of various clothes options available.

"Draco, we seem to have lost their attention," noted Lucius, looking over at his son.

"Let them chat, Father. I know Hermione has grown to know you and Mother over the years, but this side of you is new to Emma. I imagine it's still a bit of a shock, after only having to deal with your Death Eater persona, even if it was an actor and not the real you," Draco replied. "She seems remarkably at ease with all that our world means, isn't she?" he added, watching the two women chatting away.

Lucius was watching Draco as he observed the Muggle and the Witch chatting like sorority sisters. He'd never seen that look in his son's eyes before . . . Draco wasn't just observing; he was memorizing Emma's every feature, every expression, every inflection in her voice . . . . 'Merlin,' thought Lucius, 'I think he's falling in love with her. . . pity . . . they'll never have the chance to be together, once she has returned to her own time, with no memory of all of this.'

Lucius turned and looked at Severus, who had been sitting quieting, sipping his cup of tea and listening to the banter between Lucius, Cissa and Emma. He, too, had also observed Draco watching Emma and when his eyes met Lucius', both raised an eyebrow, a smile twitching the corners of their mouths.

X X X

"We live Godric's Hollow, in Harry's parents house," Ginny informed them.

"What? But . . . wasn't that . . . hard, knowing your parents died there, Harry?" Dan gasped.

"It took a bit of persuading, but when we saw the plans drawn up, we realized it would be a great house for us. We didn't demolish it, just gutted the inside and started fresh; the house was just a building that had seen better days. We took pity on the structure. It had what I believe you Muggles call 'good bones', so after all the updating and repairs, it truly was a new house, which is now our home," Harry finished.

"It's a shame you can't visit, but know we're very happy there," Ginny added.

"Okay. . . I think I understand. It's just . . . well all I know of it is the sets that we used for the movies, which were purposely made to look awful, so I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around any other way for it to look. I'm very glad you and your family are happy and healthy, Harry . . . Ginny." Dan looked from one to the other and received nods and smiles in return.

Turning to Remus and Tonks, Dan grinned. "I think, besides Fred, you two were the ones I was most anxious to see here, with Teddy, too, of course. How is it going for you?"

"I'm still an Auror, Dan," answered Tonks, even as she nearly upset her tea cup. "Just as dead clumsy as ever, too!"

"AH, some things never change," laughed Dan, turning to Remus. "And you, Remus?"

"Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor here at Hogwarts, Dan," said Remus. "Seems that being on the winning side against Voldemort greatly improved my public image. Plus, there's been some improvement in the treatment for my 'condition', so my little 'episodes' are much more controlled and, blessedly, less painful; my recovery time has dropped to a few hours, instead of days."

"That's wonderful! Great news, Remus!" Dan was really surprised and happy for the werewolf and his family. "Teddy seems to be a total blend of you two; your height and 'animal magnetism', Remus and Tonks' abilities for changing his appearance," laughed Dan, as he pointed to where Teddy was amusing some of the younger set by flashing his hair in outrageous colors, causing much laughter at both tables.

X X X

Rupert found himself deep in a discussion with Mr. Weasley about all he had learned over the years about Muggle things, how his workshop had been expanded and that he actually had another car he was tinkering with, learning how the engine worked, how to change the tires, etc.

"It sounds like you've been having a great time, Mr. Weasley. Looks like those books were a good choice, eh?" Rupert laughed.

"AH, that was just the beginning . . . I've learned to use a computer so I can access information about . . . .well . . . anything!" Arthur beamed. even as Rupert's mouth dropped open.

"You have a computer at the Burrow?" he gasped.

"NO!" injected Molly, before Arthur could form an answer. "It's at Ron and Hermione's house. Hermione uses it for her work and lets Arthur do research for his different projects. We've no electricity at the Burrow, so it wouldn't work there in any case."

"But Molly, dear, it wouldn't be a bit of trouble to have electricity connected to . . ." Arthur started to say, but Molly cut him off, mid-sentence.

"Arthur, we've had this discussion, several times, and there are perfectly sound reasons that is not going to happen . . . and you know it!" she huffed, crossing her arms.

Rupert sat there with a big grin on his face, which made Molly and Arthur turn to stare at him. Realizing how he must look, he ducked his head and tried, unsuccessfully, to hide a bark of laughter.

"I'm sorry, that's wrong of me to laugh, but Molly, you are exactly as I imagined you'd be when Arthur is trying to talk you into something. And I understand the reasons you can't have electric service run to your house; the Muggles would wonder why no-one has noticed the Burrow is inhabited, then you'd have to pay the local taxes and usage costs, etc. It would be opening a can of worms," Rupert said, as he watched the Weasleys staring at him.

"Taxes . . oh dear," Molly muttered.

"Can of what?" Arthur asked.

"Worms . . . Muggle expression; means tricky, slippery situation, once it's started, hard to control," Rupert replied. "But, with a bit of magic, the hookup could be hidden, and running a computer doesn't take but a tiny bit of juice."

"Juice?" Both Molly and Arthur said, then looked at each other, puzzled.

"Juice is slang for electricity - the current coming through the line." Rupert was quick to explain.

"Oh."

"Right."

Bill leaned over to Rupert and whispered, "You do realize Mum thought she'd won this war . . . looks like it was just the first battle."

" 'Oh dear, we are in trouble now'," added Percy, with a grin.

X X X

When everyone was finished, they retook their seats for the next part of 'the story', as the four Muggles were starting to call it.

"Where were we?" mused Albus, then he snapped his fingers and turned to Narcissa. "I do believe it's your turn, Narcissa."

"This should be interesting," Tom whispered to Emma, who nodded.

Narcissa Malfoy stood and walked forward, a thoughtful look on her face, but she smiled at the four young people watching her with inquisitive expressions on their faces.

"These are my recollections, mixed with what my sister related to me over the months that followed the 'Battle at the Ministry'. Bella's was a slightly biased, off centered, deranged version of the events, but I surmised the truth, easily enough, from her ranting and raving," she added, with a slightly evil smile. Lucius snorted which earned him a swat on the arm from Draco and a cocked eyebrow from his wife. Emma covered her mouth to keep from giggling, but Draco caught her eye, then nodded and winked.

"Anyway, Minerva, carrying Crookshanks, Sirius and I 'Apparated' away from the house less than a minute after Sirius beheaded Nagini. Good thing, too, as the Dark Lord returned not more than 2 minutes after that."

X X X

The black stream of smoke, that marked an 'Apparating' Wizard or Witch, streaked across the forests and fields, landing at the back entrance of the manor house. Voldemort let go of Bella's hair and walked thru the open door, wand out, listening for any sound. He advanced silently up the stairs, Bella almost crawling at his heels, knowing, for once, to hold her tongue.

At the door to the main salon, the Dark Lord paused, as if steeling himself for what he might see when he entered. His boney white hand gave the wooden panel a shove and the door swung open only to bang to a halt against an upturned, broken chair. The room was a shambles, wrecked furniture scattered in every direction, blasted to bits, overturned tables, rugs bunched in piles, some smoldering slightly . . . it was evident a battle had taken place in this room, but who had it been? Where was Wormtail? But, more importantly, where was Nagini? If she was here, she'd have come to him by now . . . his anger boiled over.

"WORMTAIL!" Voldemort roared, causing Bella to cringe against the wall. Scanning the salon, his eyes settled on an odd shaped scattering of ashes, and he knew it was Nagini . . . he could feel it. "AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Dropping to his knees, he scooped up a hand full of the grey powder and clenched his fist. "Find Wormtail . . . and bring him to me . . . here," he hissed at Bella. "Do not harm him, just FINDHIM!" His voice shattered the glass in the windows and the chandelier, which had been hanging precariously, crashed to the floor.

Bella turned and fled, tearing through the manor house, searching every room, from the attics to the basement, around the manor house and the grounds, until she was sure Pettigrew wasn't lying dead somewhere, or worse, trying to hide. When the entire property had seen scoured, she reluctantly returned to the salon to report that Peter had disappeared. She lay prostrate at her Master's feet, hoping against hope that he wouldn't take out his anger on her, and was shocked to hear the calm tone in his voice when he finally spoke.

"You will go to your sister. Inquire if Wormtail came to her house, if she's seen him tonight, knows where he is or might be. Do not say why I want to see him, just that he is needed urgently. If she has seen him, bring her to me. Now go!" Voldemort hissed.

X X X

"Dobby!"

'Pop'

"Dobby is here, Missy Cissa."

"Here, take the baskets and get rid of all of that rubbish, as quickly as possible. I'm going to my bedroom," Narcissa told the House Elf, handing over the food baskets. Turning, she sprinted up the stairs and into her chambers, where, with a wave of her wand, she divested herself of her gown and in a swirl of color, stood there in her nightgown. Tossing her jewelry onto her dressing table, Cissa went into the bedroom, pulled down the covers, settled herself under the silk sheets and down filled duvet and, finally, lay down with a sigh of relief.

'Pop'

"Dobby has brought you a potion to help you sleep, Missy Cissa. It is late and yous is needing your sleep," admonished the House Elf, as he held out the glass to Cissa.

Narcissa sat up and reached out for the drink. "Thank you, Dobby. I just realized how exhausted I am. Cheers!" She tipped the potion down her throat and then put her head back down on her pillow and closed her eyes. She was asleep almost immediately, so Dobby tucked her covers and padded softly out of the room, closing the door behind him.

X X X

"Cissa! CISSA!"

"What? . . .Why are you yelling? . . . Bella?! What's wrong? Is Lucius all right? Is . . . " Narcissa sat up at the sight of her sister by her bed, looking confused and scared.

"Where's Peter Pettigrew?" Bella asked.

"What? How should I know? What in Merlin's name is going on?" Narcissa grabbed her wand and magiced open the draperies, flooding the room with the early morning light. "Why would Pettigrew be here, he's the Dark Lord's lapdog. What did he do, slip his leash?"

"This is serious, sister dear," Bella drawled, watching for Cissa's reaction. "Someone killed Nagini and Wormtail is missing."

"What?" Narcissa gasped, eyes flying wide in shock, "The Dark Lord thinks Pettigrew did it?"

"We don't know what happened, but Nagini is dead and our Master wants answers."

"But why would you think he's here, of all places?" asked Narcissa, as she climbed out of bed and put on a robe. "Why didn't Lucius come here to look for him?" Looking up, her hand flew to her throat. "Bella! Where's Lucius? What's happened?" Grabbing her sisters arms, she shook her. "WHERE IS LUCIUS?"

"In Azkaban, by now," Bella replied in a small voice. "With the others, including Rudolphus. The Dark Lord and I were the only ones to make it out of the Ministry."

"WHAT!? What happened? Lucius said it was a perfect plan! How is it that you escaped, Bella?" Narcissa scowled at her sister.

"Snape let me escape to warn our Master. It was a trap and he was brought along, according to him, by Dumbledore," Bella explained. "Or so he said."

The women stood looking at each other for a moment, then Cissa straightened up and raised her chin. "I'm getting dressed. Then we'll search the house, just in case Pettigrew did sneak in here sometime during the night, trying to hide. And then, I want to hear what happened, Bella . . . every damn detail of how you lot screwed up the Dark Lord's plan."

Without another word, Cissa marched into her dressing room and got changed. Coming back into the bedroom, Bella was still standing there, raging silently at her sister's attitude.

"Bella, think!" Cissa got right in her face. "We're the only followers the Dark Lord has at his side right now, that he can trust . . . although we both know he never really trusts anyone. So let's find Pettigrew and help the Dark Lord avenge Nagini's death."

Seeing the truth in her sister's words, but not liking the fact that it had to be pointed out to her, Bella weighed her options and nodded. Better to have her sister by her side facing the Dark Lord, than alone.

"Right. I'll fill you in on what happened while we search the house. I don't think Pettigrew is so stupid as to try and hide here," Bella replied, which got a snort of derision from Cissa. "But we'd better be able to say we made the effort to double check."

"Attic first and work our way down," suggested Narcissa, as she led the way to the stairs.