Narcissa stood before the intimating wood door, feeling herself take a deep fortifying breath before she could even consciously think to do otherwise. She had never shown up here uninvited and was unsure of what reception she might receive in doing so.
"Narcissa just come inside." The smooth voice from within the office called out causing Narcissa to stiffen her spine. Pulling her mask into place she opened the office door and walked inside, not allowing herself to become nervous.
The office was quite bright, bathed in the natural light coming from the large floor-to-ceiling windows lining one whole side of the room. The hardwood floors were almost black in color creating a sharp contrast against the red padauk wood furniture gracing the office space. Behind the glossy desk, stacked with books and papers, sat Heir Caliban carefully writing something on a piece of parchment.
"I won't be lifting his punishment Narcissa." Heir Caliban said without a pause in his writing, not even looking up at her.
"I wouldn't dream of asking you to do so, my Lord," Narcissa responded instantly. She knew better than to demand as such, although her husband was of a much different opinion. Her son deserved the punishment he was currently receiving, he needed to learn this lesson, especially if he wanted to take on the Malfoy Lordship one day.
Heir Caliban raised an eyebrow, looking up at her. "Then what is with the middle of the day visit my dear 'Cissa? You never visit me this early because Lucius becoming suspicious of your whereabouts."
"Do you wish for me to still hide my association with you Lord Caliban?" Narcissa asked in return, watching his face for a hint of what he wanted. She found herself relaxing when she saw the small smile grace Heir Caliban's face.
"No formalities here Aunt 'Cissa. Of course, you may tell whoever you like if you come to see me. You are still of Black blood and therefore my responsibility, even if you have been one of the ones helping me over the years. Come sit and tell me what brings you here other than your husband's probable tantrum over his heir's treatment." Haylan said, chuckling softly, motioning for her to sit in the chair across from his desk.
"A tantrum indeed," Narcissa grumbled as she sank into Haylan's decadently comfortable leather chairs. "Unfortunately the Malfoy-sized tantrum my husband and son threw is not the reason I came to you. I am afraid Bellatrix may cause some issues."
"I want to say I am surprised, but I am honestly not. Shall I summon the others so we can conference over what may be done?" Haylan suggested looking tired at the thought.
"I think that would be wise. Did you sleep at all after the ball, Haylan?" Narcissa asked.
"Not as much as I would have liked certainly. But I will be fine, no fussing. The others will want to fuss enough as is." Haylan said softly, sending out a quick summons to the others and ordering the house elves to make some tea and snacks for everyone.
It didn't take long before Andromeda Tonks exited the floo into Haylan's office elegantly, only to be followed by Nymphadora face-planting into the floor. Before Nymphadora could pick herself off of the floor, Sirius came through the floo and quickly tripped over her. Haylan sighed but was smiling.
"Honestly I cannot bring either of you anywhere." Andromeda snarked at the two laying on the floor before turning to Haylan and Narcissa. "Haylan, darling, it is wonderful to see you. Cissa, I hope you are well and Lucius hasn't chewed your ear off since last night."
"Lovely to see you as well Andromeda. As well as you two, Dora and Sirius." Haylan said amused. "You wouldn't be so clumsy if you remained your natural height, Dora." Haylan couldn't help but remind her which caused the pink-haired witch to sigh.
Narcissa aided the still skeletal-looking Sirius to his feet while Andromeda watched Dora pull herself off the floor.
"I know but my job gets much harder at my natural height," Dora grumbled.
"Just a reminder," Haylan smirked before turning to Sirius. "My dear Sirius, if you do not start putting on some weight I will have to trap you here at my home and attach Cissa to fuss at you."
The light scolding just caused Sirius to smile. "I will be fine Haylan, no need to worry over this old Marauder. Now you summoned us for more than just tea, what is the crisis?" Sirius said as everyone found their seats and their cups of tea made just the way they liked it.
"I am afraid I am the cause of the summoning. Or at least what I overheard. Bellatrix is likely to start causing trouble in defense of her Lord whether he wants it or not." Narcissa spoke primly but to the point.
"We knew she wouldn't stay quiet for long. The leash that Voldemort holds on her isn't as tightly contained as he believes. The Black Madness is also strongest in her." Andromeda grimley laid out.
"The talks between Voldemort and I have been contingent on both the Death Eaters behaving and Albus being brought into check. If Bellatrix poses a problem, I will leave her fate up to you, Andromeda, and you, Narcissa, as her sisters. I will carry through with whatever punishment you feel is best for her. But if she manages to endanger or harm anyone I will have no choice but to kill her." Haylan warned seriously.
"No amount of mind healing will help her at this point," Sirius commented sadly. Narcissa and Andromeda exchanged looks before nodding in silent agreement.
"We have mourned the loss of our sister long ago. If she becomes a problem, we understand if you must eliminate her, Haylan." Narcissa sadly smiled at her dearest nephew.
"I will send a letter to Voldemort marking my concerns so he may hopefully bring her into check and I will not be forced to kill her. But you four will be the first to know if it must occur." Haylan nodded before looking at Sirius again. "Should I be expecting problems from Albus and the Order?"
"Albus hasn't summoned a meeting yet, but I am expecting one tonight. With how last night went I would expect probably quite a few problems from Albus. The rest of the order was pretty against messing with the Caliban name prior to the ball. Now though I can only guess how they may have reacted to the pre-dinner spectacular you put on. Which is brilliant but brutal by the way." Sirius grinned.
"I am hoping it will make the three of them pull their heads from their asses. Ronald and Draco have never lived without magic, the loss will be daunting but an effective slap in the face. Hermione is more complicated. She has lived as a muggle, but she has become so entrenched in her own superiority that I hope the loss of magic will pull her back down to reality." Haylan sighed unhappily. He hadn't enjoyed what he did, but he would tolerate none of their behaviors.
"More importantly though, did you find any decent eye candy," Dora asked with a leer, causing Andromeda to pinch her daughter. Haylan just laughed but a light blush broke out across his cheeks causing Narciss and Sirius to grin.
"Ooo what lucky Lord or Lady caught our dear emperor's eye I wonder?" Sirius sang out eagerly.
"The Lord to be didn't even stay for dinner, so it doesn't matter anyway. I will have to find someone more willing to be in my presence." Haylan sniffed defensively.
"Don't give up so easily, Haylan. You were pretty intimidating last night, I doubt there was a single person not affected by your little show. Plus if he isn't vying for your hand might be a good sign. You don't want someone to court you just because you are the Emperor to be." Andromeda pointed out wisely causing Haylan to sigh.
"So who is it?" Dora tried again causing Haylan to roll his eyes.
"So you can just scare him off? I don't think so. I will just have to try to speak to him again in a less crowded environment."
"Or, you could send a message to him requesting a date." Narcissa puts in with a smile.
"That would be a bit direct," Haylan muttered, blushing more.
"You don't want someone else to beat you to the punch first. Most of the Lords to be around your age are already betrothed. Depending on the family laws of his family's lordship, he may have to have his lordship before being betrothed. His family could just be waiting till his birthday." Dora added eagerly.
"We just don't want you to miss out on someone you are actually interested in kiddo," Sirius said softly, patting Haylan's shoulder. "Just because you initiate the first move, doesn't mean they still can't woo you off your feet properly. I know you want your partner to care for you and take some of the burden and responsibility off of your shoulders."
Haylan sighed and looked out the window overlooking his extensive gardens but nodded.
"I will send a message this evening after I deal with the drama of Bellatrix, Voldemort, Albus, and the Spanish Monarchy." Haylan sighed, sinking into his chair further.
"Better you than me kiddo." Sirius grins. "But I should be getting back before the order starts gathering without me." He stood and ruffled Haylan's red silky hair causing him to scowl up at Sirius but reaching to squeeze his hand before letting him leave through the floo again.
"Okay everyone out of my office so I can get some work done and we will meet at our normal time tonight." Haylan clapped his hands to get everyone moving, he didn't want to be spending the rest of the day working. He also needed to figure out how to write to Heir Zabini without sounding like a prat. Writing to Voldemort will be much easier and preferable. The Black women gave Haylan their best wishes and left Haylan to his paperwork, not envious of his tasks in the least.
That night Haylan's lammergeier vulture named Eon made his way swiftly to the Zabini estate carrying a dark blue envelope stamped with the Caliban crest.