The Taste Of Your Magic Chapter 6, a harry potter fanfic

I don't know what happened, but chapter seven is not finished yet and I did not post it. It will be up as soon as I finish it, probably entitled 'The Actual Seventh Chapter' after all this mess.

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They ended up talking for over an hour before deciding on a general outline of their plans. Azkaban would be broken into so they could acquire their cousin and technical Head of House, Sirius Black, as well as any other prisoners of value. It went without saying that the Lestrange brothers would be included in this. It also went without saying what would happen to them. Not that there was any doubt.

At some point they would need to 'prove' Bellatrix innocent, an objective aided by her no longer bearing her Dark Mark. With a little careful rehearsal, they did not believe this would be too difficult. Both of them would have to claim their husbands' Family Wizengamot seats, and Narcissa would have to remind certain members that the debts owed to the name of Malfoy were not lost with her husband. Nor were the favours given.

Sirius would be forced to name Harry his heir and then abdicate his role of Head of Family and Lord Black. They toyed with the idea of killing him or keeping him under the Imperius curse, but it would depend on their meeting with him.

They decided the sacking of Azkaban would be first on the list as the confusion and panic it would cause would allow them to move largely unnoticed, and hurry certain proceedings along. With the prisoners gone, thought to be free and roaming the world causing havoc, who would look too closely at one Death Eater proved innocent? Or one legally widowed talking with certain influential persons?

That virtually every powerful family had maps of Azkaban was a poorly kept secret. The ancient fortress itself boasted incredible defences from attack, but none from infiltration. The presence of Dementors was thought to be enough to dissuade any attempts, and usually they would be correct. They were, however, well trained not to go anywhere near the few human guards. Constant exposure to the Aurors' Patronus charms over the years had instilled within the soul-sucking monstrosities a certain understandable aversion to the uniform.

So the plan was simple. Bellatrix would visit and walk through the corridors with several guards under her Imperius curse, going from cell to cell and dumping the prisoners in one of her expanded trunks.

The slightly more complicated part lay in making sure it remained that simple.

The number of guards would have to be reduced, and if possible the quality of guard as well. A distraction might work well, but it would be better to also lay in some groundwork first. Certain influential people might be persuaded that extra Aurors were needed elsewhere, and new graduates could handle Dementor-cowed prisoners. Besides, the experience would look good on their records and might lead to a promotion. And so on.

Barty Crouch Senior was one to talk to, though they might have to handle it carefully, depending on his mental and emotional state. It was likely that he did not have much time left before he was demoted from his position of Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Office, was another important person in their plan.

Unfortunately, neither were corrupt or malleable as far as they knew, and both had reputations as tough, unyielding bastards who loathed anything Dark.

Fortunately, they both had less scrupulous people working for and around them. A whisper here, a little gold there, and the right words would find there way to both men. Narcissa would be able to accomplish both with relative ease. Even more fortunately, Crouch had a son in Azkaban and a wife that was heartbroken by it. They anticipated Crouch to be desperate in one way or another, opening his mind to certain possibilities.

The distraction was another matter. Neither could come up with anything other than sending Aurors after Malfoy. As the only known high profile Death Eater free, along with his goons Crabbe and Goyle, they were the only target large enough to gain the attention of the Auror forces. Narcissa would have to claim her husband's Wizengamot seats and contacts and kick up a fuss about them, and her kidnapped son.

The only real problem was that she wouldn't be acting. If she slipped and revealed too much of herself, it could have very negative effects on their goals, not least including her being removed from the seats due to extreme emotional turmoil rendering her unreasonable and unfit to hold a seat, much less several, in the Wizengamot.

Bellatrix worried about her sister, but Narcissa said she would cope and be fine, and with some preparation together it should be alright, so she relented and resolved to do all she could to help her little sister face this.

Another few hours were spent refining certain details and preparing Narcissa for the coming confrontations. It would have to be soon, the sooner the better, lest it become more difficult to assume the seats and re-establish contact with those under Malfoy influence. That same day, even.

Eventually though they grew hungry, having forgotten breakfast, and so Bellatrix summoned Dobby. It was truly marvellous how a house-elf could bypass all wards and protections to find their master. Theorists could not to this day state how they could break several known magical laws, but no one truly cared. They were oft overlooked due to their simple nature and limitations, but a good house-elf was a very valuable resource.

"Mistrisses is be wanting their luncheon?"

Bella nodded with a small smile and adopted a sweeter than usual tone. "Yes Dobby, thank you. You are a very good elf to anticipate your masters needs."

The diminutive creature brightened immensely and disappeared to prepare the meal. Narcissa considered her sister, it was all but unheard of to speak to a house-elf so... kindly.

She laughed a little in response. "Cissy, when will you learn that house-elves are much more useful when they feel they are appreciated. Surely you have not forgotten dear Kreacher?"

An early lunch was soon served and they ate in silence, each considering the plans they had laid out. Narcissa would go to the Ministry soon after they finished to be able to meet some of the people during their lunch breaks. Today she would claim the Malfoy seats and remind certain individuals that their dealings with Malfoy were not over. Tomorrow, she would get started on the rest.

Halfway through the meal Bellatrix paused and set her fork down with a sigh. "I forgot to get Harry. I've been trying to show him how normal food is eaten, but he does not care to learn it when he never eats any of it. Not that I blame him, I would choose magic over food, too."

She left the room and entered the pensieve to find Harry reading through her younger self's shoulder. She blinked. He could read?

He looked up at her and smiled. "Hi Bella! I'm trying to read 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard' but it's really tricky. The speaking words helps lots though! Your aunty is a good teacher too, but she's pretty mean to you. I don't think I like her very much."

Ahh, she remembered this now. She was five or six and learning to read more adult writing, or trying to. The book was enchanted to speak the words aloud as they were stroked, a rather useful educational tool. She very much approved of the way her little Harry spent his time bettering himself, rather than frolicking around in her more idle memories. She paused the memory and kneeled to speak with him, smiling happily.

"Hello my love. My clever little Harry is learning to read! Such a good, smart little boy I've got. I think I come to love you more each day. Yes, aunty is a bit strict. But I think this is enough for now. Did you want to come out and have lunch with Cissy and little me?"

He brightened before frowning. "You don't mean with food, do you?"

Bellatrix laughed at his cute little pout. "Don't worry, my love. You don't have to eat anything but the magic from our breasts! If it's ok with you though, my love, I'd rather be your first."

Harry smiled at that, food just didn't seem nearly so good as Bella. "Ok Bella, you can be first. You can always be first."

"Thank you."

Bellatrix smiled and held him close, his face nestled between her breasts, stroking his hair and hiding exactly how exultant his innocent declaration made her feel. Oh, she would so enjoy always being his first.

She couldn't wait until he was older... really, she couldn't. Already she was plagued with daydreams of-

No, she would wait. For a while.

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Narcissa strode through the Ministry atrium with her head held high and her eyes guardedly pleased. Expensive silver-blue robes swept behind her as she made her way out of the department that handled Wizengamot claims and paperwork. She was now the official holder of three Wizengamot seats previously held by proxies for the Malfoy Family. It was recommended she pass at least two on to be held for her by persons of her choosing, but not strictly necessary.

It had gone better than she expected.

Her nerves were frayed and her composure shaken by the frank talk and rumours about her previous husband and her kidnapped son, but she held herself together as a true Black and managed to avoid that particular pitfall. She doubted that she could have managed without the extremely pleasant warm thrum of power lingering throughout her body from little Harry's last drink from her.

That boy truly was amazing.

Narcissa knew what Bella was trying to do. She knew Harry was being used as a replacement for her son and even husband, a new target for the affection she wished to give and a new goal to focus on. And while she could not shift her feelings so easily, she did appreciate the gesture. It was helpful, and she could actually see herself doing exactly that in the future, something that she thought should have made her feel something bad about it. Self-disgust. Regret. Shame.

But she didn't.

Harry was a darling, beautiful little boy, and the means to achieving everything her line had ever dreamed of. Of course she would care for him and raise him to achieve his full potential, throwing her lot in with his. Her husband was lost to her, and he had all but ensured her son was as well. She would not despair, but she would also not live her life clinging to the barest thread of hope, avoiding life until it was too late.

She was not the first mother to lose her son so young. If by some miracle Draco was found, she would rejoice and take him back into her heart and life instantly. If not, she would quietly mourn while moving on as much as she could. But she would not mourn so much that she stopped living.

So, Narcissa hardened her heart. Draco was dead, Lucius had killed him. He might come back, but until then he was dead, or in a coma, or just gone.

And she had work to do.

Narcissa managed to walk through almost every main department, pausing to talk with certain acquaintances, responding casually to the rumours already flying around, literally sometimes as enchanted paper plane memos, that yes indeed, she had taken on the Malfoy Seats. Yes, Lucius had taken her son. Yes, it was awful, soul-crushing, devastating, but no, she was not broken by it.

Oh, and how neglectful that the Aurors weren't chasing after the only known Death Eaters that were still free, especially ones that had kidnapped the son of such a high standing citizen. Even more so now that the terror of You-Know-Who's causing was over, thanks to The-Boy-Who-Lived. Why, it was almost like the Ministry didn't care that such a horrendous crime had taken place, the very day that the criminals had escaped Auror custody! Swift action had to be taken to capture the criminals before they could recruit more to join their awful cause, and of course to rescue her dear son.

Her expressions were perfect each time, the tone of outrage and anger coupled with frustration and misery blended masterfully. It helped that she was completely serious for once, but her acting skills helped convey her words with greater impact. By the end of the day almost every single Ministry worker knew exactly what had happened and were convinced Malfoy and his goons needed to be captured immediately.

By the end of the week, the community would be baying for the blood of the only free Death Eaters, ones who had committed the most grievous crime of kidnapping a child. That he was male, a single child, and heir to a wealthy pure-blood family only drove the point home further. There were few crimes worse. Heads would roll for their escape, and the opportunity for advancement, and the whispers of the bounties, would further excite the need for their capture.

So everything went rather well. The next hour or so afterwards was spent altering the wards around the Malfoy manor so that none but she could access it, courtesy of her new status as its sole Lady, and packing some of her things to bring to the safe house. Perhaps soon she and Bella would place it under a Fidelius Charm, that would really aggravate Lucius, not being able to remember his own Family manor and knowing exactly why. Ahh, that would be nice, a lovely little revenge.

Almost as nice as imagining the look on his face when she retook the name Black and bound the Malfoy seats to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, thus destroying any chance of his or his line holding the seats one day.

Such a strange system. Permanent seats were attached to the noble Families that originally formed the Wizengamot, with temporary seats being held by various Ministry officials. Unlike temporary seats, the permanent ones were passed down through the family lines, and more than one could be held the same person. Through various methods including extremely strong marriages and conquests, the Malfoy Family had clawed their way into holding three such seats, a rather impressive feat considering their relatively new status in England from France.

Of course Lucius and his father before him had preferred to let their proxies make the votes so they could work from behind the scenes and avoid certain questions and bad publicity.

Narcissa, however, did not have this option just yet, nor did she wish to use it. The previous proxies were completely in Malfoy's grip, so of course they had to go. A few quick obliviations and memory charms ensured they remembered nothing incriminating, nor had any reason or desire to re-enter politics or cause her any kind of harm.

Another few loose ends tied up.

But there wasn't anything else she could accomplish without ruining their plans in her haste, so Narcissa regretfully finished her packing and left the manor. She felt the wards settle as she left the property boundaries, and a few spells made certain that all was well.

Tomorrow she would make another few appearances, and then the next day she could begin in earnest. It was both satisfying and vexing to know that things were proceeding as well as could be expected but at the same time knowing more could not be done just yet. Haste, or even the appearance of haste, could ruin everything. A deft touch and no more was required in most of these schemes, and she knew better than most how far she could push before it snapped.

So she would return to her sister's safe house, or little hideaway as it seemed to her, and share exactly what had happened. It was nice seeing Bella be herself after so long, and happier then ever. All thanks to little Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived, Future Dark Lord and God-King of the Britain, if not the world.

Narcissa shivered.

Bella's words still rang in her ears, whispering and stoking the fires of ambition that all good Slytherins had. Those words were so seductive, so beautiful, she could not even bring herself to fight against them. Not that she would ever want to.

It did not hurt that he could empower her in every sense of the word.

It did not hurt that he did so in such a pleasurable way.

Raw magic flowing through her and growing within her aside, it had been so long since Lucius had shared her bed that the intimate contact made her shiver by itself. As soon as she fell pregnant, and it was swiftly confirmed to be a male heir, her newly wed husband had left her alone, despite her attempts at seduction. Sex between them was for the production of an heir to carry on his line, and little more. She knew this from the start, but had held hopes of more, of making a true love-match grow between them.

He had been so... almost affectionate. Their love-making was almost exactly that, and while he had not paid too much attention to her pleasure, he had indulged his desire and prolonged their intimacy. It had been rather more than pleasant, he was not unskilled or unhandsome. It had allowed her hope to grow. It had given her happy dreams of their future together. It had made it all the worse when he turned from her bed and retreated to his own.

Somehow it had been worse not knowing if he merely satisfied himself, spent the time with mistresses or whores, or truly did not feel any desire any more.

But then he had kidnapped their son, and if she ever saw him again she would kill him and laugh at his face while watching him writhe in agony. Naturally.

Draco would be taken back instantly and loved and raised to become a handsome, clever, strong young man. If she could.

Bella was to be helped and trusted and together they would accomplish great things, wonderful things.

But oh how Harry made her shiver.

Narcissa flicked her wand and saw the time float into existence in pale white numbers. Just after four o'clock. Maybe if she was lucky it was time for an afternoon snack?

She pulled out a small silver locket that held inside it the moving figures of herself and Bella sitting side by side with an adorable Harry laying across their laps, currently suckling at her breast with a smile. Her expression in the photo could only be described as blissful, while Bella appeared to be half happy and half jealous. The photo had been taken just before she left for the Ministry, and already it had quite the place in her heart.

She closed the locket and held it tight, thoughts shifting between it and the other locket around her neck, holding a photo of her son. A sigh tore through her lips as something gave, and she kissed the cool silver before whispering the password "My Darling" and she disappeared with a small flash of blue-white light.

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As planned, two days after claiming the Malfoy seats and beginning her plan, Narcissa was once more walking through the Ministry. Several more 'chance' encounters along the way ensured the rumours would continue to build, but this time she had a scheduled meeting to attend.

Trying very hard and only partially succeeding, she fought the memory of warm lips stirring power and pleasure within her. It did not help her that it had been not half an hour since her darling had fed from her breasts, but it was too good to avoid it simply because it made her a little flustered.

Besides, her little darling was hungry.

Narcissa blinked and realised she was standing outside the appointed room. One quick breath later and she was walking into the room to meet the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Or rather, the Head, for now.

Barty Crouch's reputation was in shreds after his son was convicted, by himself no less, of being a Death Eater in the Dark Lord's Inner Circle, amongst many other crimes including the most recent torture of Alice and Frank Longbottom under the Cruciatus curse. Though the two top Aurors had survived and fought them off to eventually make a full recovery, the attempt had lingered in the minds of the British public.

Crouch was ruined, it just hadn't happened yet. And everybody knew it. His office had been swept for anything suspicious, and nobody bothered to let him back in. He currently used the bland room she had just entered, though by 'used' Narcissa supposed 'stayed in' and 'slept in' barely counted. It was well known his wife loathed the sight of him for his callous conviction of their only son. It was also well known she was about an inch away from dying of a broken heart.

As Narcissa walked into the study, she took in Crouch's appearance without batting an eye. His once immaculate grooming had given way to despair and neglect. He appeared not to have bathed recently, or changed attire. Dark rings and pale skin marked his lack of sleep and sunlight, but the hollow way his eyes looked past her revealed the true depth of his fall from grace.

Realising it might be better to get this over with quickly, Narcissa took a seat unbidden. Her wand waved about casting numerous privacy wards that would have been superfluous but she felt it necessary.

"Mr Crouch. Let me be frank. Your son is in Azkaban, and your wife is not long left in this world if she cannot mend her broken heart. My cousin, Sirius Black, is also in Azkaban, and he is the Head of our Family with no heir that we know of. I would like to arrange a private visit to speak with my cousin, as you and your wife no doubt wish to speak with your son."

Narcissa paused, ignoring the fact that the man before her would likely strangle his son before exchanging a civil word with him. And the fact that his eyes still hadn't truly focused on her the entire time.

"Such a meeting would have to be very discreet, as I am sure you can appreciate. Not to cast aspersions, but certain Aurors would not hold their peace. And there is the matter of the recordings that list all visits. If, however, an important matter came up that required as many experienced Aurors as possible, it would be perfectly reasonable to reassign several of their number to a more important cause."

Another pause. She had his attention now.

"And really, with the formidable enchantments, not to mention the incredibly daunting Dementors, a few newly graduated Aurors could easily 'hold the fort', as they say. With the rush and their new assignment, not to mention the presence of the Head of the DMLE himself, certain procedures might be relaxed to avoid unduly embarrassing certain prominent citizens.

"Oh, and speaking of prominent citizens, did you know that the three Death Eaters that remain free, having escaped Ministry imprisonment after being convicted, have robbed Malfoy manor and kidnapped my son, the Heir to the Noble Malfoy line? Of course you know. I would thank you for every effort being used to rescue my son, and ensure the safety of the Wizarding public by capturing these terrorists."

Crouch seemed to come back to life, but not enough to speak just yet. She decided to put it as bluntly as she could make herself, this was just ridiculous. It was more painful than she had thought.

"I think I would be even more thankful if you appointed a special task force under a highly skilled and trusted Hitwizard to track them down and bring them to justice, while saving my son, the Heir to a prominent Pureblood Family. I'm sure they would be happy to lead such a visible, well known task force where their chances for promotion and reward are greatly increased. Such a person would be in a great position to repay those they owe favours, regardless of where those persons might be or how terrible their reputation might have become, yes?"

As light drifted back into the man's eyes, a calculating glint made itself known. It was a shame she had been forced to be so overt. How frustrating. Oh well.

There was a distracted air to Crouch now, as though he were far away. She recognised the look, and quickly excused herself. It was amusing how he barely seemed to notice her once again, after having held his desperate attention mere moments ago. He would plan it out almost as well as she could have, but all in his own style and without further evidence of her interaction. An angry, grieving mother could understandably demand action be taken, but too much proximity would eventually set off alarms. No, it was better to leave him alone now. One down, one to go.

And with the tracking spells she had inconspicuously placed on the distraught man, they would know the minute he approached anywhere near Azkaban. Just in case.

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Its taking a little longer to set things up, but I think in the long run it will be better for it. House runnings are between Ravenclaw and Hugfflepuff now unless I suddenly get a freaking fantastic idea otherwise.

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