I struggled with this chapter a little bit. I wanted to make Malfoy more of a bastard than I did, but I didn't want to make it so violent that it was unreadable. Hope you enjoy.
I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER – JUST BORROWING
When they got home Snape wordlessly handed her the packages and walked into the kitchen. Cassi stared after him, confused and frustrated. What the hell did he want from her? I mean she was good, but she wasn't a seer. She put the packages on the stairs, hung up her cloak and went into the kitchen after her father.
"Wanna tell me what that was about?" Cassi asked.
Her father turned around, eyebrow raised, looking down at her imperiously like that absolute asshole Malfoy did. "What, what was about?"
"Malfoy? Why are you shipping me off to the Malfoy's and when were you planning on telling me?" Cassi said frustratedly.
"I am not shipping you anywhere." Snape said pinching the bridge of his nose. "Some plans evolve quickly. There is a certain amount of flexibility one needs to have. But it is true, preventing variables is better."
"Maybe I'd be able to be a little more flexible if I was told more and not threatened every 30 seconds. Wait - Did you want me to be afraid of you? Or at least look like I was afraid of you?" Cassi nearly yelled as she turned her back on him. What an asshole, she thought savagely.
"What is it that you want from me?" She said turning back arms splayed. "You talk about not wanting variables in your plans yet you give me no information. How does one control variables when one makes them almost constantly?" She asked him giving him sharp look. "Dumbledore told everyone that I was in a unique position to help the Order. What does that even mean? Is anyone planning on explaining anything to me?"
"Sit" he said pointing to a chair.
"I'd rather stand" Cassi said mulishly crossing her arms. Snape gave her the kind of look that scorches. He pointed to the chair again. Letting out a grunt of frustration Cassi crossed the kitchen and threw herself into a dining chair.
"Get a hold of yourself. Being overemotional will cloud your thinking. You are acting like a child!" Snape spat, settling himself in the chair at the head of the table.
"I wouldn't know. I've never gotten to be one. I've been training to fight some invisible foe forever. I can't remember anything else." Cassi spat back. Her father ignored this.
"You are in a unique position to help. You are a Black, nearly pure blood. If we play our cards right, you'll be accepted before you're presented. I'm sending you to the Malfoy's to get them interested in you. If the Malfoy's accept you, so will the others. It will make things infinitely easier" He explained. "Narcissa has always wanted a daughter. You could be that missing piece for her."
"I AM NOT LETTING HER REPLACE MY MOTEHR." Cassi said loudly and clearly. "Did Dumbledore tell you to do this?" Cassi asked unable to keep a note of frustration out of her voice.
"Professor Dumbledore." He corrected, then plowed on. "And no, he did not. He realizes however, that you will have to be presented at some point. He was hoping to wait. I on the other hand have more confidence in your capabilities. I convinced him this was the right course of action." He paused steepling his fingers. "I don't expect Narcissa to replace your mother. However, using her weakness against her, might be to our advantage. As for Lucius, I did not know when he would show up, but I knew he would eventually. I needed to be harsh. It's how he raises his son" Snape said smoothly. "I knew it would create a kinship of sorts. Lucius likes to be flattered." He finished.
Cassi stared at him. Was he fucking serious!? No wonder her mother had run for it. Despite being on The Dark Lords shit list, these people were fucking crazy.
"Just so we're clear. You were harsh with me because you thought IF Malfoy saw you being harsh, he'd approve because that's the way he treats his kid. And you want me to stay with these people? Cassi asked her voice rising a few octaves as she went on. He really was an asshole. Shit! What was she meant to do with all of this?
Raising his eyebrows and leaning forward so he could look her in the eye he said, "Precisely. Also, it would do you well to lose that attitude before staying with the Malfoys. Lucius does not tolerate cheek, he will beat you, and I will have no choice but to let him."
NOPE! So much nope! She wasn't going to let that smarmy bastard anywhere near her! Trying hard to gloss over the comment about Malfoy beating her, she plowed on. Fighting would only get her punished again. Once a day was enough. He's just the kind of asshole that would have her here all-night writing pointless lines. She closed her eyes praying for patience. He just had a way of getting under her skin that she hated. But this is what she wanted, isn't it. It's what she was training for since she was a small child. The Dark Lord had to be brought down. Shouldn't she want to be part of it? So what if she had to do lines or take an extra beating or two to make it happen? It would be worth it in the long run, wouldn't it? Godric give me strength.
Completely changing subject, "So what happened when I got my wand? Why did it call out to me like that?" She asked.
Her father hesitated, running his long finger across his chin apparently in thought. "As to that, I am unsure. I know there are many things. mysterious things about wand lore. Many have studied it for years and have bearly cracked the surface. I would like to impress upon you to not speak of what happened in the shop, especially at the Malfoys. You will have your wand on you at all times, but you WILL NOT use it unless it is absolutely necessary. Am I understood?" He said.
"Yes Sir, understood. I have essays to do. I'll see you at dinner." Cassi said coldly standing up from the table. She stopped in the doorway. Turning back to look at her father she asked, "Do you have an owl I can use?"
"Why would you need an owl? What is it you plan on sending?" Snape asked not even turning to look at her.
"There was an advanced potion making book I wanted from Flourish & Blotts. I don't need any gold for it. I would have asked for it while we were there, but I got a strange feeling and left to stand next to you." She said casually.
He turned to look at her, "What strange feeling?" He asked frowning.
"I'm not sure. I've felt it before in magical spaces. It felt like someone was standing too close, almost touching me. But when I turned around there was no one there." She explained. He frowned at her but said nothing. She looked at him impatiently, "The owl? Do you have one?" She asked again.
"No, you may not use the owl, not tonight" Snape said. She narrowing her eyes at him, she turned and walked upstairs without another word.
The next few weeks went by slowly. She made sure to ask permission for early morning runs the night before so as not to upset him and his ordered existence. Other than running, Cassi spent the majority of time in her room reading or working on potions, coming down mainly for meals. He knew she was angry with him. It didn't seem to bother him in the slightest. Well, she was, in fact, his daughter. She could be just as stubborn as he could.
The next day at breakfast, he demanded the last two essays be finished before she went to the Malfoys, which she handed to him that night at supper without complaint. She was happy to see there was little revision she had to do to the essays. She had her trunk packed the night before, he seemed to be a stickler for time tables. Her father had gotten her two sets of new dress robes because the Malfoys dressed for dinner and he didn't want her to insult her hosts. Of course, we wouldn't, Cassi thought, rolling her eyes dramatically. Cassi was dreading the dawn. She had no idea what to expect from the Malfoys. They were old world and proper. There were guidelines and manners she would be expected to portray. She hoped and prayed she remembered her mother's lessons.
The next morning, she ate breakfast and dressed in the new robes he bought for her. She brought her trunk downstairs and waited for him to make an appearance. "Meg?" Cassi called.
"Yes miss, what can Meg be doing for yous?" the little elf asked.
"Nothing to do Meg. I just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of me while I was here. I wanted to make sure I had time to say a proper goodbye to you and let you know how much I appreciate your service. You are a very good elf." Cassi said warmly.
Meg's large eyes filled with tears. "Miss is too good to Meg. Meg will be missing you too miss. Meg cannot wait until miss returns from Hogwarts." Meg said, bowing low. Cassi scooped up the little elf and gave her a hug. Meg gasped a little then hugged her back. When Cassi released her she was still wiping tears out of her eyes. Meg patted her knee and went back to doing, well what ever she does during the day.
Snape came down the stairs dressed in his potion master's robes, stopping just short of the back door. Glancing over to her he asked, "Are you ready?"
Cassi nodded, "Yes Sir" she answered, placing down her tea cup and standing. She made to grab her trunk but her father pulled out his wand and levitated it out the back door. He waited for her in the same place he stood when they apparated to Diagon Alley. Stepping out into the muggy morning air, she grabbed hold of his arm and then turned into that crushing oblivion.
They appeared at the apparition point in front of the gates to Malfoy Manner. Snape began striding forward holding his wand aloft in front on him levitating her trunk. He held his left arm up at the gate and it opened for him. Cassi straightened her spine and walked a pace behind him, as was expected. It was going to be a very long two days.
Her father pulled the bell pull and the same little elf from the wake answered the door. He swept passed the elf into the entrance hall. "This way please." The little elf said and showed them into the day room. Every room in this house screamed opulence. It was a little repulsive. Cassi kept her eyes down respectfully and stood just behind and to the left of her father.
"Ah there she is" Mrs. Malfoy drawled. "Welcome to the Manor darling. We are so pleased you could join us." Mrs. Malfoy swooped down on her and gave her a peck on each cheek. She pulled away and held Cassi by the upper arms, appraising her.
"Good morning, Madame Malfoy. Thank you so much for having me. It is very kind of you. I hope it is not too much of an imposition." Cassi said beaming at her. She very much hoped her smile met her eyes.
"Good morning, Severus. You're looking well. Fatherhood suits you." She said allowing him to kiss her hand. Cassi very nearly snorted with laughter.
"Good morning, Madame. Thank you for agreeing to take her. I am in your debt." He said smoothly. Mrs. Malfoy gave him a glowing smile. Cassi rolled her eyes behind Mrs. Malfoy's back.
"Ripley!" Mrs. Malfoy shouted. An elf popped into view bowing low. Cassi thought he looked injured. "What took you so long! Filthy creature! Take this trunk up to the guest room immediately! Then bring tea and be quick about it!" she commanded. Her tone was harsh, and punishing. Cassi schooled her expression to one of polite indifference. She could not be seen interfering. Her father had warned her how they treated their elves.
"Come darling, come. Let me take a closer look at you." Mrs. Malfoy said pulling her farther into the day room and into the light. "You look lovely. I hope you brought some dress robes to wear. We are having a dinner party tonight at five to celebrate yours and Draco's good news." She nearly squealed in delight. Cassi felt her insides melting. A dinner party? Shit!
"Draco's good news?" She said hoping to get her hostess off the topic of a party.
"Yes, yes he was made Slytherin Prefect." Mrs. Malfoy said, beaming at her father.
"Oh, that is excellent news! Where is he so I might congratulate him personally?" Cassi said in what she sincerely hoped was an excited tone.
"RIPLEY! Call down young Master Malfoy. NOW!" Mrs. Malfoy screeched.
Draco joined them shortly afterward. He came into the room smiling at her. "Congratulations Cousin! I just heard you were made prefect. That's wonderful news!" Cassi said trying to sound a lot more excited than she felt.
Mrs. Malfoy bullied her father into staying for a quick cup of tea. Before taking his leave, her called her off to the side where their conversation would be just within ear shot of the two Malfoys. "You will behave yourself. You will be gracious and courteous to your hosts. If I get even a hint of a bad report you will be standing at the welcoming feast, have I made myself clear." Snape said harshly.
"Yes father" Cassi said dutifully trying to look intimidated. Snape nodded looking satisfied and strode from the room. Cassi returned to her hostess.
"Oh, he's such a brute." Mrs. Malfoy said dismissively. "Don't let him intimidate you darling." She made an odd cooing noise towards Cassi like she was an infant. Cassi tried to look grateful. She wasn't sure what kind of game her hosts were playing yet. Why was this woman so happy to see her?
"Draco, why don't you show your cousin where she's staying." Mrs. Malfoy crooned at him.
"Yes Mother" Draco said nodding to Cassi to follow him. They could hear Mrs. Malfoy shouting for the house elves to clear the tea as they walked up the stairs. The staircase was made of white marble with an ornate green and gold runner down the center. Several austere looking portraits were hung along the hall going up the stairs, all with the same white blond hair. They were all looking down their noses at her as if judging her. Cassi looked haughtily back at them. Holding her head a little higher, she followed her cousin to her room.
He opened the door for her "Here you are, cousin. Not many people stay in this room. We usually use other guest quarters. But mother thought this one would be appropriate since you're a girl and all. You have a bathroom just through that door." He said almost off handedly pointing vaguely in the direction of two doors along the wall.
The room was as magnificent as the rest of the house, but overly done for her taste. It was rose tones and gold overlay. The bed was enormous with a canopy and floral hangings. There was a large fluffy ivory carpet and the furniture was painted white with ornate gold embellishments. The curtains were pulled back and the balcony door was open so she could see the grounds. The chandelier was lit and bathed the remaining space in the room with a warm glow. "Thank you, Draco. I appreciate your assistance. So, tell me, why is your mother so happy to see me?" Cassi asked suspiciously.
"Probably because she bought a load of stuff in Diagon Alley and will be using you as a distraction so Father can't ask her about it. He never talks finances in front of guests." Draco said, grimacing at her in apology. "Well, I'll leave you to get settled. Would you like to play chess in a bit?" He asked hopefully.
"Sure." She said smiling. Cassi had been about to say something else when a little house elf came in the room. He had a lump on his head that he was rubbing tenderly. Cassi grimaced looking at it, it was red and looked very painful. "Good morning, Miss. My name is Ripley. Mistress sent me to unpacks for you." The little elf said gently.
Draco frowned, "I'll come back for you in a bit. After – after you're settled." He said eyeing the elf.
Nodding to Draco she said, "Of course, Ripley, that would be fine. Thank you for your assistance." Then steeling herself. "Ripley, I can cure the bump on your head if you wish." Cassi said gently.
"Oh, no Miss. Thank you miss. But my mistress is most displeased with Ripley. Ripley could not dishonor her likes that." Said the little elf miserably. Cassi sat at the dressing table and allowed the little elf to unpack for her not wanting to insult the elf or her hostess.
Draco came to get her a little after the elf left. "Come on then, we'll have the elves bring us some lunch while we play." They sat in the parlor happily playing chess, eating finger sandwiches and drinking tea. Draco was rather good at chess, but Cassi, to Draco's dismay was better. At least he didn't go easy on her.
"Young Master and Miss, I is sorry to be disturbing you. Your mother calls to tell yous to ready yourselves for dinner." Ripley announced timidly.
Before Draco could speak, Cassi said, "Thank you Ripley." Cassi said rising from her chair. "I'll see you at dinner." She said smiling.
Cassi bathed and dressed in the silver dress robes her father had bought. They were fitted in the bodice, with beads and small jewels. There were thin straps holding the dress up, and cap sleeves made of a sheer material shaped like flower petals. She wore a simple silver and emerald necklace her mother had given her for her fourteenth birthday. She slipped on a simple pair of heels that matched her dress. Looking at herself in the mirror, she had to wonder where her father got such robes. Smiling at herself in the mirror, she realized she saw a little of her mother smiling back. Before she left the room, she took a small sip for antidote for common poisons and an antidote to veritaserum. As her father said, flexibility is key, but preventing variables is better.
Draco met her at the top of the stairs. "Well don't you look handsome" Cassi said to Draco.
"Umm, you too. Pretty I mean." He said clearly uncomfortable.
"Care to escort me?" She said teasing her cousin.
He blushed furiously, "Shut up" he muttered taking her arm and leading her down the stairs.
Walking into the dining room together, arm in arm, caused Draco's mother to dissolve into fits of ooohs and aaahs. How pretty she looked, how much of a gentleman her son was. It made her grateful her mother was much more practical. There were times when she spent the day covered in dirt, practicing camouflage or training. Her mother never put much store in wardrobes or hair styles. But she made sure to tell her daughter when she looked beautiful. She showed her how to do her hair, and what spells and potions to use. There were times like these when she really wished her mother could be here.
Cassi curtseyed to Lord Malfoy. Really, he was just Mr. Malfoy, but he was the Lord of Malfoy Manor as it's only heir. The titles and propriety that went along with it could be exhausting. He took her hand and showed her to her seat.
The dining room could easily seat 25. The table was a massive maple creation. The dark rich wood gleamed under the candlelight. The room had a massive fireplace, much like the library where they had her mother's wake. The chandelier was an incredible crystal creation. It gleamed so brightly when lit it was difficult to see its intricacies. Mr. Malfoy sat at the head, Draco at his left, Mrs. Malfoy at his right. She was sat next to Draco.
The elves served dinner, roast beef, roasted potatoes and baby carrots with a sumptuous Yorkshire pudding. Once plates and goblets were filled, Mr. Malfoy raised his goblet. "To Draco. The newest Slytherin Prefect." Everyone chanted "To Draco" and they all clinked goblets. Cassi took the smallest of sips and she thought she saw Mr. Malfoy smile slightly. Cassi sighed, game on, she thought wryly.
"Cassiopeia, you've not touched your dinner. Do you not care for roast?" Mr. Malfoy called down the table at her.
"No, Sir, it's not that at all. Dinner looks delicious. I'm just a bit nervous. I'm not used to dining in such grand surroundings." She said meekly. "I mean, it's not like it's been poisoned or anything" Cassi said with a little giggle. At that Draco stopped eating. And Mrs. Malfoy laughed openly, "Oh you silly girl, how you make me laugh" She said putting a hand delicately to her bosom.
Mr. Malfoy did not laugh. He looked at her sharply, "Is that what you think of the Noble House of Malfoy. That we're simply assassins?" He asked, cold fury in every word. Mrs. Malfoy's laugh died instantly and Draco paled, shaking slightly.
"Of course not, Sir" Cassi said, recognizing the land mine she'd just stepped on. "It was a joke made in very poor taste. I humbly apologize for insulting you, your House, and your good name. It will not happen again." She said smoothly, even though she knew he had resorted to poison on more than one occasion and could definitely detect something in the wine. She was grateful her mother had taught her to be paranoid.
"Should you even think of it, I will bring you to my study to dissuade you of the thought. Am I perfectly clear?" Lucius said in a deadly whisper.
Cassi made herself look afraid, "Yes sir. Perfectly clear." She swallowed hard, trying to make herself tremble.
Mr. Malfoy nodded. "Very well" he said. "Are you looking forward to attending Hogwarts?" he asked. The change in subject was almost alarming.
"To be honest with you Sir, I'm a little nervous. I've never been to school. I'm not sure what to expect. It might be nice to be around people my own age for a change though." Cassi added thoughtfully
"Draco, since you're a Prefect, I'm sure you know all the students. You can tell me who's good to be around and study with and who's trouble, right?" She said smiling at her cousin. The room visibly relaxed.
"Yes, Draco. Make sure everyone knows Cassiopeia here is under the protection of the House of Malfoy," Lucius said imperiously.
"Of course Father," he said looking grateful. "It would be my honor cousin." He gave her a small smile.
After dinner tea was quiet. Cassi made sure to sit near Mr. Malfoy. He asked her questions about her education up until then and mentioned he might put her father in contact with a private tutor that could be useful. She thanked him graciously. She and Draco went up to bed not long after their first cup.
The next day was spent happily flying over the grounds and comparing essays. Draco was jealous her father had corrected her essays already and offered to let him read them. He made a few changes of his own.
Dinner that night was much less formal. During tea, they were informed that they would be aparating to Kings Cross station, and the elves would be bringing their trunks. Cassi nodded and thanked both sincerely for their hospitality. After tea, they were sent up to their rooms to make sure the elves hadn't forgot to pack anything for them. Cassi was not used to being waited on. Yes, she had an elf, but he was not her servant. Bailey was family.
That night Cassi went to sleep, her head buzzing with thoughts. She had some of her mother's memories about the Hogwarts Express. She had played games and ate sweets, talking with friends on her way to school. The uniforms were not much different now, than they were then. When she woke in the morning, she'd be on her way to Hogwarts.
