Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been.
AN: Reviews keep me going - please leave your comments, thoughts, etc.! :) hearing your thoughts! Me encanta escuchar sus opiniones! Sorry for the late updates, grad school is kicking my ass yet again. Thank you all for still sticking with me!
As always, shout out to my beta, A.
Chapter Forty-Four
Narcissa's weary eyes scanned the copied document for the tenth time, the paper edges wrinkled around in her hands from the constant handling. She could sense her sister's eyes on her. Narcissa hadn't spoken for a solid seven minutes and eight seconds, Andromeda was getting tired of waiting. The ritual was complicated and needed to be discussed.
"Draco could ask Harry and Theo."
Andromeda's soft voice said, breaking the silence.
"I do not believe Theodore bears any ill will against Lucius. Perhaps Mister Potter might not, strong might, but not Theodore."
Narcissa answered, just as softly. This was one of the reasons why Narcissa had postponed their discussion – Narcissa knew her husband was not well liked, she didn't need to repeat it out loud when he was on the precipice of death. Her son and her godson were practically brothers; whatever harm Lucius brought on and had put Draco through, Theodore was sure to know. If Draco didn't already loathe his father, Narcissa knew Theodore would bring enough hate for the both of them. She couldn't blame him. Narcissa cursed the day that Gaia decided to become betrothed to Arkyn Nott. He was her downfall and Theodore surely knew it. If he couldn't stand to forgive his own father, he wouldn't dare forgive his best friend's. Andromeda hummed in agreement, bringing the blonde, Black sister out of her thoughts.
"I assume the same can be said of Miss Parkinson and Mister Zabini?"
Andromeda asked. It was Narcissa's turn to hum in agreement. She held in her sigh at the thought of all four of the children she watched grow up having father issues. Pansy was estranged from her family – her father had disowned her when she refused to marry a Scandinavian Pureblood. Narcissa had taken her under her wing before the war and was not going to stop because the Parkinson Lord decided to be a complete a total arse. Blaise had three stepfathers that he rarely interacted with before their untimely deaths – he had no father figure to love. All three of her son's closest friends had no affection for the patriarchs of their own families, much less Draco's.
"Then it can be done with just us three, Cissa."
Andromeda stated. Narcissa inhaled deeply, placing her two first fingers on her lips as she looked away from her dark-headed sibling.
"A coven of five would be better."
Narcissa said. Five was the best number in Narcissa's mind. A coven of five could complete the ritual and catch any wayward magic that might be broken out of the ritual circle. Andromeda sighed, placing a hand on Narcissa' knee.
"There's power in threes, Cissa."
Her sister said to her. She turned her head to face her sister once more before nodding, slipping her hand to place it on top of hers. After a moment of silence, Narcissa finally spoke.
"At least Draco has his own circle of friends for comfort."
Andromeda nodded, with a slight smirk on her lips.
"More than a friend, I suspect."
Narcissa couldn't help but to smirk back at her sister's teasing. She had told her about Draco's intentions shortly after he asked for her blessing. She was immensely proud of her son for asking, having the courage to confide in her that he had feelings for someone that she might not approve of, was brave. She smiled to herself thinking about how flushed her little dragon appeared before her. He reminded her of his father so much in that moment, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him that.
"Well, their courting hasn't officially started."
Narcissa replied, touching the ritual where it was copied from the Malfoy tome, keeping her sigh in. She watched from her peripheral as her sister rolled her eyes.
"That didn't stop you from snogging the Shafiq boy the summer before your fifth year."
Andromeda said. Narcissa suppressed the grin that came to her lips at the mention of her youth from the teases of her older sister and looked down at the paper. Of course, the only blonde of the Blacks was popular when she was in school, Narcissa couldn't deny that. Even more so with the wixen who fancied her and wanted her attention. Before the betrothal contract was passed down to her, she had a string of wixen at her beck and call – one of them being a Shafiq heir at the time. He had died in the first war and his sister was now the current Shafiq Lady. Narcissa sniffed, returning to the present.
"I have no clue what you're referring to, Meda."
Narcissa replied, using her sister's less common nickname. She couldn't bring herself to say 'Andy' just yet, not when she still thought of both of her older sisters. Before the war, before the madness took the eldest, and before the middle was forced to leave. Andromeda chuckled before standing up.
"I'm going to see about lunch and get started on the easiest ingredients for the ritual. Let Draco know while I'm doing that?"
Her sister said. Narcissa nodded once. She would call Draco and get started on the more obscure ritual elements – clippings of a Camahueto horn, really? – before the three could start the ritual right at 1:04 AM. This time Narcissa did sigh out loud, it was going to be a long day. Instead of ringing her son, Narcissa's mind drifted. She wondered about her son's budding relationship with such a prominent witch. From what her social circles tell her, Hermione Granger is impressive. She is on her way to become junior undersecretary to the Minister more quickly than ever witnessed. The curly-headed witch champions for creature and Muggle-born rights with vigor. She isn't poor by any means, but not exuberant in her gold she has gathered from being a war heroine. She is alienated from her parents, so her family consists of the Boy Who Lived and the Weasley family. While Narcissa isn't too fond on the Weasleys, bad blood from one of her great aunts running off with a Weasley ancestor, she could not fault the witch in being close friends with wizards and their families that she fought with – and won. All in all, Narcissa could not find a better candidate for her son as a future Malfoy matriarch. Miss granger was ambitious, brilliant, and loyal. She would only bring out Draco's better nature if they were to truly to court. Narcissa was sure that if she really dug, she probably could find something – no one is perfect – but she finds herself not wanting to. She wants to watch the abnormal, but charming relationship that is her only son and the brightest witch of their age. If Draco is interested in anyone, it's better than being interested in no one, in Narcissa's opinion. She fiddles with her engagement ring out of habitat. The only thing she fears most for life, besides leaving Draco too soon, is leaving her son alone. She pulls out the rather chunky silver mobile from a hidden pocket on her dress. While Narcissa is slowly getting accustomed to having the muggle technology on her, she is also getting better at hiding them amongst her dress that usually do not have pockets. The line rings twice before she hears Draco's low tone on the other end.
"Mother? Is everything okay?"
Worry streamed from his voice and Narcissa can't help but to smile sadly at the concern her son shows.
"Everything is fine, my dragon. I just need you home before 12:30 PM for the ritual tonight."
Narcissa explained. There's a short pause and Narcissa strains to hear the other voices that come to her. She can make out Blaise and Pansy, but there are two other voices she cannot pinpoint.
"I'll be there, mother."
Draco replied before bidding her a hasty goodbye. Narcissa closes the mobile slowly, still trying to figure out whose voice she also heard so close to her son, before her eyes shine with pride and intrigue.
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Harry was finishing moving his godfather's portrait when he saw the invitation from Blaise Zabini on his desk. He had been packing and moving for the past four days and he was finally at the end of obtaining the last of the possessions he needed at Hogwarts with him. The green-eyed wizard put Sirius Black's magical painting down, retrieving the letter which earned him a scowl, but his dark silver eyes were now straying to what Harry was interested in. Harry let out a grin after opening the black letter with silver writing.
"Looks like I'm invited to a party, Padfoot."
He said, showing his godfather the writing. Harry knew Blaise wanted to open and run lounge clubs since he met him; he was excited for his friend to finally open his business as he wanted.
Signore Harry J Potter
Your presence is required for the exclusive opening of Divertimento
on September 10th after 10PM.
RSVP at your earliest convenience via owl to
Zi Ltd.
"Zi?"
Sirius asked, his young self, raising an eyebrow. While the biased Black didn't like the Slytherins in Harry's life, he stopped talking ill about his godchild's friends. Harry was glad; he had to leave the room a couple of times to avoid getting into a big argument with a bloody portrait.
"Zabini's company, I'm assuming."
Harry replied, placing the invitation down and scooping Sirius' portrait once more.
"I don't know any Zabinis."
Sirius replied.
"Italian wizarding family, Padfoot."
Harry said. He heard his godfather hummed in response. Walking to the floo room to go back into his quarters at Hogwarts, Harry took Sirius'moments of silence to think about the coming celebration. The jet-haired wizard raked through his list of potential dates, and he was coming up with none. Flooing to his private quarters, he heard Sirius murmur about how Hogwarts had changed while Harry put him down in a random chair for the time being. Harry had moved into Professor's Merrythoughts old office, which had been widely unused since Slughorn had move back into the potion master's headquarters since Snape had passed away. Harry had presumed that he had moved into Dumbledore's office when he was made Headmaster, but he was told otherwise. His old potion's professor had stayed in his basement quarters while Slughorn stayed in Merrythought's old office. Now they were both moved to their direct position quarters and Harry was glad – he didn't want to live in the basement. The sage green colored stone appeared well in the dark, but Harry liked them when the light from the window hit them – it looked like moss. He hadn't made a mess yet, his wooden desk had neat parchment and papers stacked around with Harry's lesson plans and student records. Harry felt a twinge of pride knowing he was going to start teaching soon. Harry sighed happily before thinking of where to put his godfather's portrait. It wasn't long before he had his first visitor. After placing Sirius adjacent to the window so he could see out of he wanted, Harry heard his name,
"Harry."
The wizard turned around to the airy voice calling him. Standing in his doorway is Luna Lovegood wearing a mint green, summer dress over a dark green, puffy sleeved blouse that the necktie formed a heart. She had her long, blonde hair pulled into two buns on her head and was sporting black, anatomic hearts. Harry could make out bright pink platform boots.
"Luna, hey!"
Harry responded.
"What brings you here?"
Harry asked as he walked towards her, smile on his face.
"I was visiting the threstals. Headmistress McGonagall lets me come from time to time."
Luna replied. Harry nodded before making his decision. While spur of the moment, he didn't regret taking Luna as his date as Slughorn's party; he highly doubted he would regret his action this time around.
"Right. Luna, and let me know if it's not your thing, but do you want to come to a night club opening with me?"
.
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.
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Astoria sipped her honeyed green tea while she watched Theo Nott stare off into the distance – again. Since the encounter with Pansy Parkinson, Theo had retreated to this head. Astoria had given him a moment to compose himself, but it was getting close to half an hour. Astoria had understood why he needed some time; Pansy was a force to reckon with and if he was the subject to her ire, she too would need some time to form a plan. However, he was taking too long – she had enough.
"Theodore, are we friends?"
Astoria asked, setting her teacup down on the black tea saucer. She had chosen the small, tea shop located near his home after the awkward encounter with Pansy. The quaint shop would offer some privacy and she knew neither his friends nor Daphne visited this tea shop. It only housed three tables with two seats each. Astoria was glad they were the only in-house clients for the time being. The bell rang again, and another customer came through to leave with their brown to-go cup filled with either steaming tea or coffee. Theo stirred from his daze, straightening up on the stiff, wooden chair.
"Yes."
He responded, holding onto his own coffee mug like a lifeline.
"Why are you bothered then that Pansy saw us?"
Astoria inquired. It took him a few silent seconds, but his blue eyes found hers.
"I loved Pansy."
He confessed. Astoria didn't speak, internally wondering when the current Lord Nott developed deep feelings for Pansy Parkinson – her sister's ex-girlfriend. As far as Astoria knew, Pansy only dated Draco in her Hogwarts years – before and after as a cover. Her eyes drifted to the rose necklace Theo rarely took off. Daphne had told her that it was his mother's family's heirloom, and everyone knew how Theodore felt about his mother. Anyone could curse his father, but Salazar forbid any remarks about Gaia Nott. When Daphne and he were still courting, Daphne often questioned to herself – loudly – if she was going to receive it one day. Even then, Astoria doubted it. She could see the love in his blue eyes when he spoke of his mother; Theo never looked that way when he spoke about Daphne.
"It was strange seeing her and telling her that my feelings for her were no longer applicable."
Theo continued. Astoria hummed in response. She didn't know what to say but she wanted to remain responsive.
"And her harassing you wasn't what I was expecting either."
Theo finished, taking a drink of his semi-sweet, semi-cold coffee. Astoria shrugged.
"I'm sure it has nothing to do with me personally."
She answered. Theo's eyebrows rose at that. Astoria reminded herself that it was not endearing.
"Pansy's only ever come to me for one thing and one thing only: Daphne."
Astoria said. Theo nodded once in response. They continued to drink their drinks in silence, and Astoria was sure she had messed up by asking her question, but then Theo smirked at the younger Greengrass witch. Astoria dampened her oncoming blush.
"Do you want to come to Blaise's club opening with me?"
He asked. Astoria rolled her eyes at him but could feel herself warming up to the thought. She mentally shook it off. She didn't need to imagine herself walking in with Theo at her side; she needed to get out of her imagination. Astoria had heard stories about Blaise Zabini, one-third of the Slytherin prince trio, pursuing a business venture. However, since her sister was on the outs, Astoria had really no clue what Blaise Zabini was actually doing with his life. All she knew was that he was a notorious bachelor and not even his mother could get him to plant his roots and start a family. Now she was aware what Blaise Zabini was doing and she wasn't surprised; she could envision Blaise, dressed in a posh muggle suit, smiling at the cameras as his new, shiny night lounge opened. He was always good for the paparazzi and reporters that had follow his mother and him around since he had been born. He was conditioned to act like a charming movie star when the lights went off.
"Would that be wise?"
Astoria asked. Theodore flashed her a smile that made her stomach flip before he finished off his coffee.
"Wiser than most decisions I've been making as of late."
He said softly. Astoria didn't ask what he meant; he hadn't told her, but she had notion that Theodore was indulging more in magical and non-magical drugs than he let on. If seeing Pansy's face hadn't put it all together, the jet-black haired witch's moment of surprise before steeling herself did. If Astoria hadn't caught on then, then she would truly not be a credit to her house. The last time she saw Theodore was a few days ago, and he was higher than a Nimbus 2001. However, Astoria didn't judge him. She figured that was another reason why he was seeking her companionship – she didn't critique him for his habits. If he chose to pass his time to avoid being lonely with drugs and her, who was Astoria to say otherwise. She herself had fallen into a routine of picking a wizard and try to fall into him rather than deal with her own personal issues. Being a perfect Pureblood witch. Being an elite socialite. Being a sacred twenty-eight member from a Noble house.
"As long as Pansy doesn't hex me for showing up."
Astoria joked. Theodore's smile returned before he winked at her. I will not find him charming, Astoria thought to herself. She had decided when he first took her to his manor that she was only going to be friends with Theodore. Not just to break the routine she was in, but because he was a huge, giant 'NO'. Her sister would skin her alive with a cursed knife to make her hurt if she dated her ex-fiancé. Not because she still had feelings for him – Gods no – but because Theo was supposed to be hers, definitely not Astoria's.
"I have your back, Tor."
Theo said, Astoria's thoughts coming back to the present. Astoria trampled the butterflies forming from the nickname he used. She finished her tea to quiet her thoughts about the wizard in front of her.
"Let me know what colour your robes are, or dress."
Theo said before standing up, offering her his hand. She schooled her face to an impassive mask, but the butterflies returned at the thought of being escorted, arm-in-arm and matching, with Theodore Nott. Get it together! She scolds herself mentally before nodding once at his words.
"Of course."
She replied softly, hoping he wouldn't notice her change as she followed his leave and took his hand. Astoria had almost calmed herself down as they passed the door opening when Theo smiled widely at her.
"Thanks, Tor."
He said and Astoria could not control the coloring of her cheeks. If Theo did notice, he didn't say anything, but out of the corner of her eye, she could see the small smirk on his lips. That only made Astoria's blush deepen. She groaned internally, her heart racing inside her ribcage. She was in trouble.