Narcissa nodded once to Harry, stepping closer to the dark wooden door that separated Severus Snape's domain from the rest of the dungeon. She put her hand on the handle, before turning back to the children.
"I would like to talk to you later Lord Peverell, regarding your last letter." She said with a rather formal voice. Harry swallowed. The last letter had been him telling Sirius and Narcissa about the prospect that Lord Greengrass would propose a betrothal contract between Harry and Daphne. He nodded slowly.
"Of course Miss Black. I have to go to my Charms lesson now, so meet me at the entrance hall in about one hour. Would that be acceptable?"
Narcissa nodded and curtsied in front of Harry.
"Of course. Lord Peverell." She turned her head to Ron and Hermione and nodded. "Miss Granger. Mister Weasley." Both returned the nod and wished her a good day. The children, after a thoughtful look by Harry, turned and walked away, talking quietly amongst each other. Narcissa watched their backs for a while, robes swaying and she smiled. Being at Hogwarts brought back old memories of the time when she had been here herself.
Her robes looked good when she turned in front of the mirror, looking herself up and down. Her Black and Blond hair was cascading over her shoulder in a traditional braid and her make-up was spotless. Narcissa, fifteen years old, nodded once at her image in the mirror. Her friend Taylor, more like her minion, was picking up her book bag.
"You ready, Narcissa?" She asked with that awestruck tone she always had talking to the young Black girl. Narcissa raised her eyebrow at Taylor.
"Oh do I take too long for her highness?" She said in a mocking tone, waiting for a rebuttal. Of course, there was none, instead, Taylor looked down, like a beaten puppy.
"S-Sorry Narcissa I didn't mean to-"
"Shut up." Narcissa interrupted her, shaking her head. Taylor flinched and nodded. The Black girl strode towards the door and out of her dorm, her lackey following behind. Gracefully she descended the stairs, one pale and perfectly manicured hand on the railing. At the foot of the stairs, he was already waiting. His blond long hair was combed back, his pale elegant features were looking beautiful and he had a warm smile on his face. He offered her a hand and helped her down the last few steps. Still holding said hand he raised it to his lips kissing her knuckles. Once she had blushed at this but she had learned more control. Still to this day it made her smile.
"You look wonderful as usual Narcissa." He stated with a firm and well-modulated voice. He was so much more mature than her classmates. So educated and regal. She hoped her grandfather would consider their match, it would be heaven marrying him. She smiled, squeezing his hand ever so slightly.
"You look very well too Lucius." She answered, with a slight courtesy. He smiled, waving it off.
"Thank you, Narcissa you are too kind." For a moment it was quiet. "Would you do me the honour of accompanying me to the breakfast?" He asked her in a serious tone. She gave him a gracious nod and he leads her out of the common room. Neither of them acknowledged the people around slightly standing up in respect or Taylor and Jonathan, Lucius own friend/minion. They were the power couple of house Slytherin, the undisputed peak of their house and therefore different than others. It was this way ever since Bellatrix had left Hogwarts two years earlier and Narcissa felt like she was in a dream. A perfect dream with her prince charming at her side and a castle to rule over.
They stepped outside and walked down the corridor. Both made polite conversation, Lucius the perfect gentlemen. It was lovely. Narcissa held a hand up, covering her mouth when she laughed at a well-placed joke by Lucius when someone stumbled into her. She frowned and pushed him away. It was that zit covered friend of her hated cousin, this Pettigrew. The mousy boy turned his head around staring at the two people he just ran into. Lucius stepped in front of her. Pettigrew just started stammering.
"S-Sorry, I just was on my way and-"
Lucius cut him off right there, when he pulled his wand, pointing at the boy. The younger boy shrieked, paling and backing away.
"I have no patience for your stammering. Look what you did, you crumpled Miss Blacks robes. I think it would be best if I would teach you a lesson and-"
"OI!" Came a call down from the corridor. Narcissa turned her head and inwardly she flinched. It was her cousin and his cronies. Sirius' hair was long and unruly and he was wearing his clothes in a loose and rather uncivilized way, that probably was his imagination of cool.
"Leave him alone! Peter has done nothing wrong." The boys reached them and the black-haired boy with the glasses glared at Lucius.
"Put your wand away Malfoy! Certainly even someone as vile as you wouldn't hex a boy for stumbling." he growled, crossing his arms. Lucius sneered and raised his eyebrow.
Narcissa glared at him, her hand still in Lucius' elbow. "Shut your mouth Potter. Lucius has every right to do so as a pureblood!"
"I would hex a half-blood like him for less, Potter. Now you better do a polite bow to a nobleman, as I am one or you are in for trouble." He said, making Narcissa swoon over his coolness. Barely she could hold up the proper facade of a lady. Sirius barked in laughter, before leaning forward.
"He isn't obligated to do as you are no lord, you are just an heir. Come to think of it, I'm an heir too. Maybe you should bow to me from now on James, what do you think Remus? Or should we hex my dear cousin and her git of a boyfriend." Sirius asked the scared boy beside him. The boy just groaned pointing at a place right behind Narcissa.
"Maybe you should have learned your lesson about fighting in the corridors Mr Black. Five points from Gryffindor. And ten points from Slytherin. As a prefect, you are to be an example, Mr Malfoy." Narcissa turned trying her best not to groan when she saw Professor McGonagall behind herself. The elder witch looked at the entire group with a stern look before turning to Narcissa.
"Miss Black, your grandfather is in the headmaster's office to see you. Please follow me. And the rest of you, no more fighting." With that, the head of house Gryffindor turned and walked away.
That morning she had learned that she would be betrothed to Lucius and she had thought she was the luckiest girl alive, dreaming of their wonderful marriage, about the children she would bear him and what a good wife she would be. How different she had been back then, full of wonder and expectations. Times changed so quickly; it still felt like yesterday. Narcissa shook her head casting aside these old feeling and thoughts about a simpler time and she knocked firmly at the door. Narcissa smoothed the front of her expensive dark green robe once more before she turned the door handle and stepped inside. Severus was still standing in front of his teacher's desk, his back turned to the door. He seemed to read something and did not indicate in any way or form that he had noticed her arrival. For a moment, it was quiet then Snape's snarling voice cut through the silence.
"Student, you better leave, because when I turn around and find out who stepped into my classroom without my permission, you will wish for detention."
For a moment Narcissa smirked. This was Severus usual conduct, trying to be as intimidating as he can be. Sadly for him, she wasn't a meek little student, so she raised one of her perfect eyebrows. He maybe would have been intimidating to her, even as an adult, with his dark robes, the glooming atmosphere of the dungeons, his cold voice, but she had been there when he was just a meagre first year, been prefect at the time and had shown him around. Yes, he had been grim even back then but still, the first year was the first year.
"I quiver in my boots Severus." She simply stated, making him turn his head. His eyes widened ever so slightly, what was for Severus Snape a rather extreme expression. He rarely showed surprise, even back in school.
"Narcissa." He spoke, turning his entire body around to her.
"Hello, Severus." She gave him a curt smile, tilting her head slightly. She walked closer, her fingers trailing over the tabletops of the student's desks. Severus Snape eyed her carefully before he turned his body to the side, offering her the way to her office. Narcissa nodded and walked past him. She stepped through the door, that same door that separated Harry from Dawn the last three nights and braced herself. This would be interesting and she would have to be at her most Slytherin. Severus was a clever man.
Narcissa knew his office quite well, been here more often than not the last few years whenever she wanted to talk about her Draco and for different reasons. Severus closed the door behind himself, locking it even then he walked over, sitting behind his desk. Said desk was littered with essays, books and ingredients for brewing. Severus swiped his wand and everything hovered over to a bookshelf sorting itself in.
"I'm sorry for the mess Narcissa, I wasn't expecting you." He said with a little growl. Severus didn't like surprises. As someone who knew a little bit about his life, Narcissa couldn't argue with that at all, she would be the same. They were...friends of some kind, for quite a few years so she knew a little bit about Severus Snape's personal life, but more she knew due to Lucius telling her. She also knew that this friendship most likely would end today, if it was still alive after her divorce. Snape leaned back a little, glancing at her. Narcissa was still standing, before she flicked her wand, conjuring an armchair, which was much comfier than the wobbly chair in front of Snape's desk. In fact, she knew that chair was uncomfortable by design since it was meant for students sitting there in detention or some other occasion when Severus wanted his opponent to be thrown off balance. This was typical Slytherin, even the smallest advantage mattered.
"May I offer you tea? We have a new blend from York, got it just yesterday." Snape smiled at her with this cold emotionless smile he always showed. Not once hat he smiled in her presence for real. Narcissa nodded graciously, folding her hands over her knee.
"Binki." He called out for his personal Hogwarts house-elf. A female young elf popped into existence and was ordered by Snape to bring tea. For a while, they both sat there quietly, waiting for Binki to return. This was an old ritual between the two of them, they never spoke before the tea was delivered. Narcissa resisted the urge to look around, instead just watching Snape. He did the same with her, neither of them backed down, so it almost seemed like they were in a staring contest but not as intense. After a while Binki popped back, now holding a small tray and set up their tea. After a deep bow, the elf disappeared and both adults picked up their cups, watching each other carefully. After a small sip, Severus set his cup down, opening his mouth.
"What do I owe the pleasure of your visit Narcissa." He asked with a controlled voice, not showing any emotion. Narcissa smirked inside, he had spoken first. One point to her. She slowly lowered her cup, placing it down graciously before she folded her hands over her knee, silent for just a moment.
"Oh, nothing special, I'm here because your regular package was delayed and I wanted to see what happened." Her voice was sweet and nice, different from before. She tilted her head slightly, a little coy. Snape didn't move a muscle in his face, just staring at her for a while. Then he slowly spoke again.
"Narcissa, you know full well, your beauty potions, which I regularly provided to you, were a favour courtesy of Lucius. Since the two of you are no longer married that agreement has come to an end. Lucius stopped his payments immediately after your arrangement was cancelled." Nothing in his tone or his voice let on what Snape himself thought about the ending of their relationship or what he thought of her in general, but if Narcissa would have to guess, she would think Snape would stick with her ex-husband. She had tutored him during school and had shown him around in his first year, but Lucius had really groomed him and lead him to influence. His ties with her ex-husband were much tighter. Narcissa nodded, taking a sip from her tea.
"What a shame, your potions worked just fine. I guess there is no use, I have to find a new potioneer that will provide me with the necessary items. That won't be difficult" She said in a light tone, smiling inwardly at slightly tense in Snape's shoulders. While these potions weren't that easy to make, it was still not top tier difficult and Snape was more annoyed that there was another potioneer out there than by the fact that she played the difficulty of his work down. He slowly nodded.
"Yes. I'm afraid it is as you say." There was once again a quiet moment between the two of them, drinking tea and watching each other. Once again, Snape after a while broke the silence.
"How about you tell me why you are really here Narcissa?" Two to Zero, she smirked. While he asked, he was tilting his head ever so slightly. He was calculating back and forth, Narcissa knew. She slowly sat down her cup and looked down, breaking eye contact. This wasn't shown, this was real emotion, something rare from the Ice-Queen.
"How is he?" she simply asked. Narcissa did not need to elaborate who was meant with HE. There was only one possible person. This was one of the reasons she had come here, for real. To ask about this. Snape narrowed his eyes slightly and his voice was cold as ice.
"As I told you in my last two letters Narcissa, I can't talk to you about him. You know full well, how these things work. Lucius had made an inquiry, that Draco is not a matter to be discussed with you. As his legal guardian, he is well in his rights to demand such a thing and I'm bound by my duties to the school to follow this protocol. The matter of Draco is nothing we can talk about."
She flinched inwardly. Oh how she loathed Lucius for this, he was such a bastard. He knew full well that Draco was the most important thing in the world for her and it was his way of getting revenge by shutting her out. It was the way Lucius worked, yet it had never before targeted her. One more reason to castrate him should she ever get the chance, she thought to herself.
Then Snape continued.
"What I can tell you is that he does okay. He seems a little bit secluded but nothing to worry about. Given that his parents just got divorced, that is probably within the normal range of reactions." His voice was just a little bit warmer and it made her smile for real.
"You take care of him?" She asked, trying to get out as much as she could. He nodded.
"As it is my duty as his godfather."
"Thank you, Severus." She smiled again, before lifting her teacup again. He nodded in agreement. They both drank, and Narcissa drained hers. Snape raised an eyebrow.
"That is all you wanted to talk about Narcissa, right?" He was checking himself. She nodded, placing down the cup.
"Yes, just one small thing. Are you stupid?" Her voice was even and clear, no mock, no nothing just like she had asked him about the weather. Snape blinked in surprise.
"What?" He blurted out, confused. Narcissa tipped her chin in mock thoughtfulness and nodded.
"I'm asking because you act like an utter buffoon and I'm not sure whether I should trust my son's safety with someone that stupid." She hissed that out more than anything. Her face was turned to show her distance. Snape blinked before a scowl appeared on his face.
"Beside the point that he is no longer your son-"
"He will always be my son, Severus." She interrupted him rather heated, clawing at the armrests.
"Besides that point, would you elaborate which of my acts would be deemed stupid by the Queen of Slytherin?" He asked it in a mocking tone, using her old nickname to ridicule her. She frowned, crossing her arms over her chest.
"How about your actions against Lord Peverell the last few evenings, Snapy?" She used her own first-year nickname for him.
Just for a moment, Snape sat still, then a fierce scowl contorted his face.
"So, Potter tattled to Black and that coward sent you instead of coming himself, to afraid to do something himself?" Snape snarled it out, angry himself. Narcissa shook her head like she was disappointed.
"You really think that?" It was a rhetorical question. "You really think Sirius is too afraid to come here and hex you into a bloody pulp? Don't make me laugh. Sirius can be called many things but a coward isn't one of them. No, I talked him out of coming here and just murdering you. He was ready to do that, Severus, he would have killed you for what you have done to Harry."
Snape snorted out, waving his hand.
"That entitled brat had it coming, arrogant as he is. Being apart from the newest item of his ridiculous fame might actually teach him a lesson, even if it isn't likely." Snape said with a cold smirk on his face. Narcissa was boiling inside, ready to slam his face in.
"A lesson? A LESSON? Do you have any idea what you are doing to him? Do you have any idea what happens to a bound person, when their familiar is taken away in that early state?"
Snape glared at her in an angry way.
"No, since I was educated at Hogwarts and also have a masters in potions, I am as you know exceptionally stupid!"
Narcissa had to use her entire being to be held in her chair.
"You are! Separating them is torture! The law is clear in this state, whoever does separate a familiar pair within the year of their bonding can be placed in Azkaban for two years! Is that what you want,m you, stupid idiot?"
Snape growled at her, shaking his head. "Don't you dare to talk to me that way Narcissa. Also, like the Ministry would do anything to me, Lucius wouldn't let them." He spat out. Narcissa frowned, shaking her head.
"Really, that is your excuse? You torture a minor because you wouldn't get punished for it? That's sick Severus. But let me tell you, you would if Harry and Sirius would bring this to the attention of the Wizengamot." She hissed angrily. Her wand was, with a lot of forwarding thinking shoved into the folds of her robe or she would have hexed Severus by now.
He just snorts like he didn't believe her.
"Okay, let me lay this out for you Severus, so even you understand it since you obviously didn't keep up with politics these days. Yes, my damn ex-husband still has the Minister in his pocket, at least for now, but that will not help you. Sirius has reclaimed the title of Lord Black. He is sitting in the Wizengamot. As a Lord of a Most Ancient and Noble house. That alone would make problems for you, but he has allied with Lord Greengrass. I see at the look on your face, you know that name well enough to think what that would mean. Last but not least Sirius is good friends with quite a few people. One of these people has the name Amelia Bones and even you can't care so little about the Ministry and the Wizengamot that you don't know what that name means."
Snape had paled considerably during her rant. He stared at her then shook his head.
"So the bastard will use his influence to get me convicted, very noble, very honest. I haven't expected anything else from that bloody idiot." Snape murmured more angry than scared. Narcissa shook her head.
"Stop the martyr play, Snape. We both know not five minutes ago you boasted that you can't be touched due to the man I was once married to, so don't play the unjust card, since even though it wouldn't be unjust since YOU ARE GUILTY!" She cried out, slamming her fist on the chair. "But you are lucky, in two ways."
Snape looked like he was ready to hit her. "And how am I supposed to be lucky?" He hissed.
"First, Sirius won't kill you." Snape snorted again ass she said it. He was going down fighting apparently. "Like he would dare. I think even he learned a few tricks in twelve years of Azkaban."
Narcissa sighed. Severus was a clever man, but when his hate played a part, he was exceedingly stupid.
"He wouldn't go to Azkaban. Torture is considered an attack and since Sirius is Lord Peverell's guardian, he is in his full right to avenge this attack on House Peverell by demanding an honour duel to the death and killing you would be perfectly legal."
Snape smirked at her with a vile look. "I might enjoy cutting that bastard down." He stated. Narcissa closed her eyes and breathed once. Idiot!
"Truly, Severus? You are a world-class potioneer and a genius when it comes to knowledge in the dark arts, but duelling was never your strength and Sirius was the best hit-wizard during the last war. He would mop the floor with you and you know it, but once again your anger blinds you and makes you act like a fool."
Snape glared at her and for a moment he got quiet. Narcissa held in her anger as well as she could. She had no idea why she was trying to save the idiot. She would let Sirius have him if he wasn't her link to Draco, the only way. Also, Harry didn't seem like someone who would want a death on his conscious.
"So, you said two times lucky."
Narcissa nodded and threw a stack of letters onto the table. Snape picked one up and frowned. Augusta Longbottom.
"These are letters from the members of the board of Governors. You are on probation effective immediately. The time when Lucius held your hand and made all the little complaints disappear is over. You will do a proper job from now on. No more blatant favouritism by docking or handing out points. No unjust detentions anymore, no more threats, no more bullying, nothing in that vein. You will be the perfect teacher from now on, toeing the line very carefully!" Narcissa stated in a firm voice. Snape put down the letter frowning.
"And who would determine that? Of course, these little dunderheads will complain about everything and all, running amock and will use every excuse to put me under."
Narcissa nodded, in agreement. "For that reason, every complaint will be analyzed by Professor McGonagall and Augusta Longbottom. Both of whom you can agree to have a reputation as honest women and unjust accusations will get punished. Oh, and you will speak to Lord Peverell with the correct name and title."
Snape raised an eyebrow, shaking his head. He wasn't believing all this. "And you expect me to accept this lying down and saying nothing?" Narcissa smirked a little shaking her head.
"Besides the point that you are lucky to escape a conviction? Oh no, I expect you to write a thank you note to the board of governors, thanking them for this second chance in all the prettiest words you know." A little chuckle escaped her at the face Snape pulled.
"What makes you think I will accept this? I could just leave, returning to research as I have wanted for so long. I am here as a favour to Dumbledore. What do you think he will do if I just leave? He will not be happy." Snape tried to regain a certain amount of control, but Narcissa grinned now, in an evil kind of way.
"You owe Dumbledore more than he owes you. Remember, I know about your little spot of shame on your forearm and who pulled your head away from the flames all these years ago." Snape clutched his forearm, where his Dark Mark was hidden under the black robes. Narcissa's grin turned brighter when she threw a piece of parchment at the table. Snape picked it up. It was a list of businesses.
"But that's not the point. This is a list with all the research institutions, all the firms, all the small market breweries for potions in all of Britain and the rest of Europe. In case you wonder why I brought it here, you might want to check the owner. All have been bought by House Black and/or House Greengrass. Some they share. And as you remember, House Greengrass is an ally of House Black. None of these would take your application and if you find one offshore, let's just say House Black is rich enough to buy that too." Narcissa leaned back smiling. Snape lowered the parchment, gritting his teeth.
"Black that vicious-"
"Actually that was my idea. Sirius just wanted to boot you out and have you find a job, thinking you would hate leaving." She said now satisfied with herself. Snape snorted.
"As if." He muttered, making Narcissa nod.
"Yes, I know. Maybe it wasn't such a great idea telling all your colleagues how much you hated this job including one Remus Lupin. Never liked the man, but he has a great memory and this is the punishment Sirius and I agreed on. You will teach the students potions and at the conditions that have been implemented." Narcissa smirked while Snape glared at her, when she stood up, smoothing her robes. She cast a tempus charm, smiling.
"Severus it was lovely talking to you, but I have a meeting to attend and-"
"OUT!" Snape pointed at the door, burning fires in his eyes. Narcissa smiled, walking over to the door. At the last moment, she turned her head one more time.
"Don't forget about the thank you notes." Were her last words. The crackling sound of a crushed teacup was drowned by the sound of the closing door.