Chapter 31 – Wither on the Vine
Draco limps behind the rest of his Housemates, ready to drop into bed and sleep the afternoon away. He still has homework he needs to complete, but right now, he just wants to crawl under his duvet and wait for the aches to go away. He wishes Madam Pomfrey had given him a more potent pain relief potion, but the woman had refused.
He would reluctantly admit, though only to himself, that he had pushed himself harder than he should have. However, he had only done so because Holly kept complimenting Potter on his forms.
The Common room has more students milling around now. Belatedly, he realises that breakfast is just starting. Given how early he'd been awake, it feels like it should be mid-afternoon already. He follows the others into the boy's dorms and collapses onto the closest bed, which is Blaise's. Given his current state, his bed is two beds over and too far. Theo's bed is next, and the other boy, conversely to Draco, begins to grab his things for a shower as if this is any other Saturday.
"How long have you been going there?" Daphne's abrupt tone penetrates his post-workout haze, having dragged her sister and best friend into their dorm.
He sluggishly opens his eyes, unaware of when they'd even closed. He has no energy to do much more but painstakingly pushes himself into a half-sitting position. He regrets pushing himself as he had, having thought himself more than fit enough to keep up with whatever exercises Potter and his posse could dish out. He's been training for Quidditch for years, after all. He'd never ached this much after Quidditch training. A betraying thought enters his mind: no wonder the Gryffindor team are so unbeatable if they train like this regularly.
"Why are you having this conversation in our dorms?" Blaise asks idly as he continues to gather his towel and toiletries for his shower. "As opposed to the girls' dorms?"
"Because this includes you too," Daphne bites out.
Draco slowly looks to Blaise, who doesn't seem to pay attention. Which irks Daphne like nothing else.
Her earlier fatigue seems to have melted away in her ire at her sister and friends.
"You, all of you," she snaps, pointing between Astoria, Tracey and Blaise, "you've all been going to the gym regularly. Haven't you? Today wasn't your first time, was it?"
Draco makes an effort to sit up a little more, looking between the offending parties, feelings of confusion deadened by exhaustion.
None of them looks particularly guilty in the slightest, but they do exchange looks that basically came across as uncaring that they've been caught out.
"How long?" Daphne snaps into the silence.
"A couple of years," Blaise admits with an indifferent shrug.
"Since first year," Astoria adds, looking unapologetic.
Crossing her arms defensively and nodding toward Astoria, Tracey mumbles, "Same time as Tori."
"Why didn't you ever mention it?" Daphne asks furiously.
"We did," Astoria says defiantly. "You were never interested, so we just went without you."
"That was dangerous of you," Daphne snaps. "You know you have to be careful, Tori."
"I am careful," Astoria snaps back.
"Wait," Draco interrupts before Daphne erupts at her sister. He sits up properly, looking between the lying trio, "During summer, when I gave you the skipping rope. You already knew how to use one, didn't you?"
Astoria and Blaise exchange a smirk and admit that they did.
Feeling betrayed, Draco looks at them with hurt in his eyes. "Why didn't you say?"
"You already know the answer to that, Draco," Blaise says derisively.
"You should have told me," Daphne accuses, looking at her sister.
"You weren't interested," Astoria repeats slowly. "I'm not going to stop living my life because I have to wait for your permission to do what I want to do."
Draco, on the other hand, deals with his own feelings of betrayal.
"Get out," he snaps. "All of you, get out."
Before Daphne can snap back, Tracey and Astoria flounce out without a backward glance. The elder Greengrass sister has no choice but to follow. Draco turns to his dormmates and tells them to leave as well.
Blaise rolls his eyes at his antics and takes himself off to the shower, with Theo trailing behind. Draco flops back onto the bed, denying the stinging in his eyes. He thought Blaise was his friend. How could the other boy do that to him? Blaise had been going to the Gryffindor's gym behind Draco's back the whole time. Had Blaise been spying on him for Potter? Was he close to Potter? Why hadn't he told Draco?
First, his father secretly keeps Potter's association with Holly hidden, and then he gives the Ponce Who Lived duelling lessons. Now, his own friends?
What has he done to deserve this?
ooOoo
Sirius reads through the letter from the Weasley twins with amusement. The boys have been writing to him for a while since they returned to Hogwarts. He'd seen their products' creativity first-hand and wished they'd gone to school together. Had Fred and George been a part of the Marauders, they would have ruled the school.
The boys are geniuses. Creative and innovative but lack the resources to take their products far. Over the summer, he'd been indignant on their behalf when Molly constantly threw away the joke products they'd worked so hard on. She is still so determined that they should join the Ministry that she's trying to stifle their ambitions because they don't match hers.
Through various disguises, he's been able to leave the house, both in human form and in dog form, but Regulus and Molly, though the latter is more vocal about it than the former, prefer he keeps these excursions to a minimum.
He has to admit that he enjoys going out to the Yoga classes with Andromeda and Narcissa in dog form. The place is dog-friendly, and he's encouraged to train in his animagus form. At the end of class, there's an added bonus when all the lovely ladies insist on petting him before the Black sisters tug him away. However, there's a different type of freedom to being out in human form that he can't wait to experience again. He's trying to hold onto his patience because he's aware that Regulus and Shacklebolt are trying to find Pettigrew so they can use him to free Sirius.
Grimmauld Place has become a regular hot spot for visitors, even if it's not Order-related business. He and Narcissa are the sole occupants currently. Regulus is still away in Brazil, looking for Merlin-knows-what. His brother is reticent on that particular business.
Andromeda is a regular visitor who spends as much time with Sirius as she does with Narcissa.
Molly visits the safe house occasionally, pursing her lips in disapproval at the sight of Narcissa, but stays uncharacteristically silent. Sirius believes he's taking the brunt of the ire that she would have otherwise directed at Narcissa, but he bites his lip and lets Molly vent her indignation.
She also disapproves of Dudley coming over as regularly as he does, though Sirius doesn't understand the reasoning behind that. On the other hand, Arthur is fascinated by the boy, who could occasionally be found at the dining table exchanging information about each other's worlds.
He brings his attention to the letter again as the boys outline their failure of the second part of the Nosebleed Nougat that would stop the blood from flowing freely. Seems like he's got some research to do. He might not be Potions Master material, but he's a dab hand at potions when he puts his mind to it.
Over the past few weeks, he's had to refamiliarise himself with his old potions books, but he'd picked it up quicker than expected. He occasionally helps Andromeda brew the required potions for the Order but also has a separate Potions lab next to Andromeda's to use for experiments for the Weasley twins. Everyone but Molly knows this, keeping it a secret from the woman whose lungs could rival a banshee's when she wants.
The boys have tried to stand up to their mother, but the stubborn witch believes their ambitions are a waste of time. Fred and George try to hide it, but Sirius can tell that it hurts them that Molly doesn't support them. Worse, when she throws away their hard work without a second thought.
He and Regulus have enchanted the bins to return all products that Molly throws to be returned to their bedroom. In fact, the lab Sirius is using now is where all the experimental products are stored. He's been using his own money to buy more ingredients to help the boys with their Joke shop ambitions.
The boys had already picked out the location of their new shop in Diagon Alley and had trusted Sirius and Regulus with the money to secure it for them. What the boys didn't know (yet) was that the Black brothers had added their own money to that provided to them by Fred and George. Sirius and Regulus fully believed in Fred and George to succeed and thought them worth investing in.
None of it is without strings, of course. Sirius and Regulus fully expected to own shares in the soon-to-be prosperous Weasley Wizard Wheezes. The Weasley boys couldn't possibly turn down an offer like that.
"Need some help?" a voice interrupts his research.
"Come in, Tonks," Sirius invites with a smile.
Tonks ambles in, casually looking around as she always likes to. Roped in by Andromeda as a helper, Tonks also helps to brew any potions required for the Order. Tonks claims she only passed her Potions classes due to her mother's tutoring. Sirius has no problems believing that.
"I'm just doing some research for Fred and George," Sirius confides as he gestures at the books before him.
"Right," Tonks nods distractedly.
"What is it?" he prods, knowing there's something on the young Auror's mind.
She looks like she's about to deny whatever it is, but then she sighs.
"Remus," she says as if it explains everything.
"Ah," he says with a sage nod because it does.
Tonks has not hidden her interest in the lycanthrope. Even Remus is aware that Tonks is attracted to him. However, the pathetic martyr that he is, despite his obvious attraction, Remus refuses to take the steps necessary to act on that attraction.
Sirius can understand Tonks's frustration, given that she has asked Remus out several times and made it abundantly clear that she doesn't care about his furry little problem.
"Do you want me to talk to him?"
"Will it do any good?" she asks with a bitterness that he's never seen on the young witch's face.
"No," Sirius admits with a grimace. "Remus is pretty stubborn about stuff like this. It took James and me months to break down his defences when we were little firsties."
Remus had always been adamant that no one would want to be friends with a monster like him. As a first year, Remus used to fold his socks, he thinks with a mental snort. Remus was the neatest of all of them. Only as he got older did Sirius realise it was because Remus felt he couldn't control his monthly changes, so he used to control his environment. He was the one who planned out every little detail before he allowed any of them to pull off their pranks. He never stopped them.
"Give him time," Sirius advises. "He likes you too. He just needs –"
"A kick up his arse?" she suggests.
"That too," Sirius laughs.
ooOoo
Minerva tickles the pear and enters the kitchen upon the appearance of the door handle. Several students had complained about the state of the Gryffindor Common area and the dorms. The students knew to pick up after themselves, and anything left out would be returned to the students' dorms or handed to Minerva to wait for their rightful owner to pick up.
Minerva is under no illusion that all teenagers are organised and neat creatures. They are teenagers, after all. There is only so much she can expect from her Gryffindors. However, for the House Elves to let the Common Room look like it currently does is alarming, and Minerva needs to get to the bottom of it quickly. She's already queried the matter with the other Heads, who have inspected their respective areas and have not reported on any similar issues.
So, the logical next step would be to speak to the House Elves to get to the root of the issue.
She's immediately surrounded as she steps into the kitchen by eager House-Elves, ready to serve. Calling forth Notley, the House Elf in charge of Gryffindor tower, and his helpers, she sees them shuffle forward hesitantly.
Her instincts are buzzing warily.
"Notley, I wanted to ask about the state of Gryffindor Tower," she begins in a no-nonsense tone. "Is there an issue with the cleaning of it?"
"That is what we is also wanting to know, Professor Cat," Notley replies, uncharacteristically bold.
"Pardon me?" Taken aback, she eyes the Elf's stiff back.
"We has been cleaning and cleaning and cleaning Gryffindor Tower for many years and always, we keep students happy always. Why is students not being happy now?"
Minerva is aware that despite the rules to forbid it, the students enter the kitchen. Even Severus turns a blind eye to those infractions, depending on his mood. The Weasley twins and Harry and his friends are among those who have been the most frequent visitors over recent years. The rest of the students like to use the kitchens for several weeks upon first discovering, but after the novelty of the discovery wears off, they return to their regular routine.
"Explain," Minerva demands.
In mounting exasperation and irritation, she listens as the House Elves enlighten her of Hermione Granger's sneaky attempts to free them by randomly placing hand-knitted woolly hats and socks around the tower. She feels a headache coming on.
Hermione is her best student. Logical, responsible and sensible. Or so she thought.
Despite her maturity, Minerva reminds herself that Hermione Granger is still a teenager. Prone to mood swings and fits of righteousness, believing only her way is right.
Though she can admit that Hermione's heart is in the right place, on this occasion, Hermione has let her sense of injustice and emotions cloud her judgement.
A strike on cleaning Gryffindor tower is quite a mild reprisal from the House Elves. Despite their outwardly jovial nature, they are vicious creatures when riled. She considers herself lucky that a dirty tower is all she has to contend with. If she hadn't decided to look into this now, she could imagine the Elves refusing to do the Gryffindors' laundry. It wouldn't be long before the students revolted for not having clean clothes.
"So, no one has been cleaning Gryffindor Tower for several weeks?" she questions.
They all look collectively in the direction of a lone House Elf on the fringes of the group.
Dobby hesitantly steps forward, and the other elves part for him.
"Dobby be cleaning Gryffindor Tower by hisself, even though Notley asks him not to," Notley explains. "We can't stop Dobby from cleaning Tower, but we be keeping him busy with other works."
Eying Dobby, she realises the Elf does look exhausted under the pile of badly knitted hats he's donned, apparently from pulling double duty.
"Why have you not stopped cleaning the Tower?" Minerva questions curiously.
"The rest of the students not be needing to suffer for Miss Grangy's mistake," Dobby implores. "Dobby likes being a free Elf because of old Master, but Dobby just be wanting to work. Miss Grangy isn't understanding that all Elves like working. Miss Grangy not understanding House Elves be safe in Hogwarts."
Well aware of the said 'old Master' Dobby refers to, Minerva listens quietly as Dobby passionately defends his actions of cleaning Gryffindor even against the wishes of his fellow colleagues. And it must have been difficult for them to step away and leave an area of the castle in such a state. The elves usually take great pride in their work, even if it is never outwardly acknowledged.
The House Elves are encouraged to avoid the students so they don't get asked to do additional tasks outside their assigned responsibilities. The castle is enormous, and even with the hundreds of Elves working here, it is a lot of upkeep on a general basis.
Most of the deep cleaning, as it were, of the castle is done during the summer when the castle is empty. Students don't realise how much work goes into maintaining the castle, making their meals, growing the crops, cleaning the more regularly used classrooms, laundry, etc.
Though she has often heard the words that the mark of a good Elf is to remain unseen, in truth, the Elves are told to stay out of sight to protect them from students and to stop them from being taken advantage of.
Most affluent Purebloods are used to having House Elves catering to their every whim. The children particularly liked to hide their misdeeds using House Elves. And those raised in the muggle world also enjoyed the novelty of having another being cleaning up after them. A few reacted like Hermione Granger did, against the use of what they deemed to be slaves.
Minerva admits she had also been against the use of House Elves. That is until she learned more about their magic and culture directly from them. The Hogwarts Library is admittedly not the best in providing information on House Elf magic. Simply because not many would deem them interesting as unicorns or dragons. What she is shocked at is that Hermione didn't take the time to speak to the Elves directly, especially as she has come down here several times.
Regardless, she needs to have another talk with Hermione Granger. Something she feels badly about. As much as she likes Hermione Granger for her intelligence and passion for learning, she can also admit that the girl can be too much sometimes. However, there is a vast difference between the Hermione of first year, who was condescending in her knowledge without meaning to be, and the Hermione of now, who is much more compassionate than she used to be. That is primarily due to the influences of Ron Weasley and Harry Potter.
Truth be told, Hermione reminded her a lot of a young Severus Snape. Intelligent and thirsty for knowledge. Loners who didn't know how to connect with people, not with all the book learning at their disposal. They both felt they had something to prove when they stepped foot in Hogwarts for similar reasons. Both wanted to prove something to those who were raised in the wizarding world and wanted to prove that they belonged.
Minerva isn't looking forward to a second difficult conversation with Hermione Granger in a short amount of time. The poor girl is still reeling over her discussion with the Heads about her grades following her complaint about Lucius Malfoy.
Speaking of Lucius, she eyes Dobby and then says to the Elves, "I promise I shall have a strict conversation with Hermione Granger regarding her attempts to free you," Minerva assures them, and explain why the scheme wouldn't have done anything other than pissing off the Elves.
Managing to convince them to return to their Tower duties and assurance that they should come directly to her should something like this occur again, Minerva leaves after a quick private conversation with Dobby and strict instructions to rest before he takes up any more duties.
She debates, for a brief moment, whether she ought to speak to Lucius about Dobby's presence. Minerva and Dobby had both been told about Lucius's appointment as a DADA professor during the summer, with Minerva having been filled with a brief history of their former Master/Servant relationship. She knows Albus is hiding something from her, but she's managed to piece together enough to understand that Lucius was somehow involved in the Chamber of Secrets fiasco and that Harry had managed to free Dobby from Lucius's services.
She had not enquired further than that or poked at the dragon's nest at the time and wonders if she should look further into it now. No doubt Hermione is fully aware of what transpired at the time. Harry is more inclined to share with his friends than Albus is with his.
Further to her conversation with Hermione, where Minerva will have to tell the young witch to stop her fruitless efforts to free the efforts and educate on exactly why that would not work, she also must tell Hermione she is no longer allowed to step foot in the kitchens.
ooOoo
"Harry?" Holly says, instantly gaining the boy's attention.
Harry stops immediately. They're walking hand in hand, as usual, after the UMPA club to Lucius's quarters. If not Harry, then it's usually one of the professors who will walk Holly to the blond's private room or directly down to the dungeons.
"What is it?" he asks.
Holly has that tone where she wants something but is reluctant to ask.
"I miss Aunt Cissa," she confides.
Harry nods in confusion. He knows Holly and Narcissa often communicate through letters. Harry has only had two encounters, if they could be called that, with Narcissa Malfoy. Once was at the Quidditch World Cup, which Harry had attended with the Weasleys. Narcissa looked like the typical snob that Harry expected Draco's mother to be. The second had been September 1st when Harry had looked to her across the platform for a glimpse of Holly.
Lucius spoke little of his wife, but Harry didn't expect the intensely private man to share something so personal as his family. Their conversations are kept strictly to Holly, schoolwork, duelling and how to perform various exercises. Lucius doesn't share anything personal about his family, and Harry never volunteers anything from his side, either.
His reason for doing so is most likely the same as Lucius's. In that, the more personal information shared, the more arsenal one would hand their opponent. Harry, despite all he is learning from Lucius, doesn't trust the older wizard. He's seen enough evidence to see that Lucius has accepted Holly as his family, and he's learned enough to understand that Lucius appreciates family, whether they are blood-related or not.
Holly, on the other hand, always talks about the people she likes. Little anecdotes that bring a smile to Harry's face because he appreciates the care the Malfoy's actions show. She still is reticent about Draco, but the younger Malfoy hasn't done much to endear himself to Holly, despite his many apologies since the Potions class in which he'd purposefully smashed Harry's potion sample.
It goes without saying Harry trusts Holly to never reveal anything regarding anything he went through with the Dursleys. She might like Lucius and Narcissa, but the young girl is more than aware of their true nature and even if she wasn't, Holly isn't the type to break confidences.
She's never revealed anything deeply personal regarding the Malfoys or Snape to Harry, and Harry will never expect her to either.
Seeing her hesitant look, he, still holding her hand, slips into an empty classroom and they sit together as he expectantly looks at her for an explanation.
"Tell me," he prompts gently.
"I miss Aunt Cissa," she repeats, fidgeting, looking at him earnestly.
"Okay," he nods, waiting for the rest of what she has to say.
"Letters aren't the same," Holly continues. "And I miss seeing Uncle Regulus, too."
"All right," Harry nods again. "There's a Hogsmeade visit coming up this weekend. Do you want to write to them and see if they'll come and see you?
Holly looks a little happier but also not entirely satisfied.
"I wanted to see Mrs Figg and Dudley too," she admits.
Harry thinks swiftly but then realises that Holly is looking nervous.
"You want to visit them?" he guesses.
Holly doesn't answer straightaway.
"Holly?" he prompts gently, wanting her to say what's on her mind.
"I want to see them," she confesses, "but I don't want to leave you either."
"You don't have to worry about me," Harry assures her. He doesn't exactly understand her hesitation if he's entirely honest. He understands she's become fond of Narcissa and Regulus in the same way she'd come to like Mrs Figg and Dudley- the same way Harry loves Ron and Hermione and the Weasleys. However, Harry and Holly have an entirely different type of relationship.
"What is it?" He urges her to share. "Are you afraid your dad won't let you go?"
That startles a reaction out of her.
"No," she instantly denies. "I've not thought about it."
He raises his brow at her, unknowingly channelling Oma.
"You should," he admonishes. "He's your dad."
She scowls, reminding him of the Potions Master in question.
She rolls her eyes and whines, "Harry."
He smiles at her.
"What's on your mind?"
"You'll want me to come back, won't you?"
"What? Why wouldn't I?" Harry frowns at her.
"I heard Ron talking to Hermione," Holly tells him. "They were saying you're always so busy with everything. Hermione said this was an important year because of your OWLs and you doing all those clubs taking away time from classwork. And Ron said how you didn't spend time with him like you used to because you're spending all your time with me. I don't mean to take you away from your friends."
Harry's brows snap together in a vicious frown, but he eases his forehead when he sees Holly watching his reaction anxiously.
He does have a lot going on this year, perhaps more than in other years; the gym, the various clubs, including the UMPAs, Prefect Duties, teaching the Weasleys DADA, Quidditch, Duelling lessons with Lucius, spending time with Holly and Luna, Harry still manages to find time to spend with Ron and Hermione. Perhaps it's not as much as they used to hang out, but Harry didn't think they were as bad as Ron and Hermione made it seem.
"What did Oma tell us about schoolwork?" Harry asks her solemnly.
"She said even if you fail your work, your effort should be a hundred per cent," Holly answers immediately.
"How do you think my effort is?"
"More than a hundred per cent."
"You're important to me," he tells her.
"You're important to me, too," she repeats soberly.
He knows she understands what he's trying to say.
"So, tell me what you want."
"Can I go spend some time with Uncle Regulus and Aunt Cissa? Maybe a week? I can visit with Mrs Figg, and Dudley should be going to Uncle Regulus's house on Saturday, and I can see him."
Regulus is actually still away in Brazil on some sort of Order business, but Harry knows he's due to be back in a few days.
"You still need to ask your dad," Harry reminds her.
Holly rolls her eyes.
"I'll ask him," she says in an unconcerned voice.
Harry has to stop himself from pushing as he thinks about it. He knows that Holly never asks Snape for anything directly. Father and daughter seem to use Lucius as their middle wizard for all requests, which Harry finds exceedingly amusing. Lucius doesn't even seem to realise how he's stuck in the middle, or perhaps he does but likes being the one Holly goes to for such requests rather than her own father.
Truthfully, Harry doesn't think Snape would stop Holly from going when asked. If anything, Snape would probably jump at the chance of having Holly far away from Harry. The Potions Master might have backed off significantly from trying to separate Holly from Harry, but that doesn't mean Harry doesn't believe the other man isn't biding his time.
Snape would never believe it, but Harry wants Holly to have a good relationship with her father. For Holly's sake and for Eileen's sake. Harry's mind goes to the package Oma left to pass to Snape. Snape hasn't earned it yet.
Snape's only just joined the gym workouts in the morning. He struggles his way through the exercises, acknowledging everyone but Harry. Not that Harry minds. He only wishes Snape had taken that stance since his first year.
No, Harry doesn't think Snape will deny Holly her request.
"I also wanted to visit Grandad," Holly adds as Harry thinks about the whole situation.
As much as Harry believes in Holly's judgement, he will also confess to being wary of Tobias Snape. The man abused his wife and son for years. Tobias was the reason that Eileen left as she did, even if Snape's questionable friendships had been the ultimate catalyst.
"If he hurts you," Harry snarls, pulling his sister close.
"Uncle Regulus or Aunt Cissa will be there," Holly assures him as she hugs him, too.
They hold each other in silence.
"I can go?" she asks eventually.
"As long as your dad's okay with it," Harry says.
Holly beams at him as she pulls away briefly before throwing herself back at him again.
Harry's never been particularly superstitious, but one of the reasons he's agreeable to Holly leaving the castle is because it means she wouldn't be at Hogwarts for Halloween, which falls on a Tuesday this year. Halloween always spells trouble for Harry and it would take a lot off Harry's mind if Holly is nowhere near him on that particular date. Their Hogsmeade weekend is coming up this weekend; Regulus or Narcissa could pick up Holly directly from the village.
Also, it looks like he needs to have a conversation with Hermione and Ron and what they say in the vicinity of his sister.
ooOoo
Narcissa smiles as she reads Lucius's letter.
Regulus isn't back until the following afternoon, but she knows there's a spare room for Holly on their floor. Or, if she wants to, Holly can use the bedroom Harry occupied. Regulus won't mind.
The bedrooms allocated to Harry and the Weasleys had used during the summer were a temporary situation, but Regulus plans to speak to Harry about giving him a permanent room. Narcissa doesn't know the whole story but believes it's something to do with the Dementor attack on Harry in the summer that necessitated removing Harry from his relatives in Surrey.
She does wonder at how easily the muggles gave up their nephew, but puts it down to a difference in culture. From brief conversations between Regulus and Dudley, Narcissa understands that Petunia Dursley is a harsh mother as Walberga had been. Dudley has a great love for his mother; that much is obvious, but apparently, she can also be a very exacting woman, her behaviour almost compulsive recently, according to her son.
Narcissa confesses to being surprised at how fond she has become of the squib boy. He doesn't speak of his parents all too much. However, he is full of delightful stories of Holly and Harry, painting altogether a different picture of the Boy-Who-Lived than her son ever has.
Narcissa is, however, beginning to understand the source of Draco's displeasure, even if Draco himself seems too ignorant of his own feelings. Draco's letters to his mother over the last several weeks are full of his discontentment and in no particular order; regarding Harry and Holly's relationship, what he believes is Lucius's favouritism towards Harry, what he deems his friends' betrayal by keeping their gym activities a secret from him, Harry's relationship with the Lovegood girl (though he calls her by the terribly unflattering name of Looney that Narcissa will be having words about in person as he seems to be ignoring her admonishments via the written word), and how unfair the duel with Harry been as the other boy had clearly cheated.
Draco barely mentions his progress with his schoolwork, his relationship with Pansy, Quidditch or anything happening within the school.
Lucius has been more forthcoming about the happenings around the school, the boys stalking Draco and his friends and particularly Yaxley, who tried to attack Holly. That's not to say that Lucius hasn't been talking about Harry, either. Narcissa wonders if he is aware of how much of his fondness for Harry is leaching into the letters he writes to her.
She had been re-reading her letters from Lucius only yesterday, and she'd noticed the change in his attitude. From his initial clinical assessment of Harry's personality, his magical power and prowess, Lucius's belief that the boy was deliberately underperforming in his schoolwork. His admiration for Harry's hardwork and dedication in the gym, his loyalty and care towards Holly.
Reading of the duel between Harry and Yaxley had been concerning, entertaining, and starkly different from Draco's version. She was glad Holly was all right and had been shocked at Harry's response to Yaxley. Lucius informed her that Yaxley was firmly in hiding, but his cohorts are watchful as ever.
"What news is there today?" Sirius queries in an uncaring voice, interrupting her thoughts.
"Holly's asked to visit myself and Regulus," Narcissa informs him.
To his credit, Sirius hides the disgruntled look rapidly before shrugging as if unconcerned. He might not be happy with the idea of Severus's daughter visiting, but he knows he'll be overruled if he protests.
"When?"
"This weekend," she replies. "Regulus and I can collect her during the Hogsmeade visit. Perhaps Dudley can join. I'm sure he'll enjoy visiting the magical site."
"Is it safe for you to be out in Hogsmeade?" Sirius questions after a few moments of silence. "You've been avoiding popular magical places for a reason."
Touched by his concern, Narcissa gives a faint smile as she admits, "You're not wrong about that. I shall have to discuss with Regulus the best way to proceed. Lucius and I made the decision to stay away from Magical areas for unnecessary shopping trips, and for Yoga, we have to restrict ourselves to purely muggle areas. However, for Holly, I'm willing to take the risk of visiting Hogsmeade. Dudley, if he is free and amenable, is more than welcome to join us. However, for the sake of safety, we won't stay there long."
It will indeed be hypocritical of them to enjoy themselves in Hogsmeade when their safety is at risk; especially as they keep telling Sirius to stay inside. Perhaps she can go in disguise, as Sirius often has to when he ventures out.
"I'm sure Dudley will enjoy visiting the village. I'll have to pass him along some galleons to bring me back some Honeydukes' chocolate," Sirius smiles.
She's glad he's not kicking up a fuss regarding Holly. Severus's daughter is well regarded by not only Narcissa and Regulus but also by Andromeda, Nymphadora and Dudley.
They will also be glad to spend time with the child.
ooOoo
Draco's behaviour is getting on his last nerve.
Though, he has not missed any further duelling sessions since his humiliating loss in the Duelling club at the beginning of the month, his performance, however, could be so much better.
Lucius understands enough to glean that there's been some sort of falling out or argument between the group. There's a clear division between Draco, Pansy, Daphne and Blaise. Theo is mostly neutral but behaves more normally with Blaise than Draco likes.
This all seems to have occurred after the first gym session run by Potter. Though the Slytherins in question have diligently attended the gym in the mornings with Lucius, Holly and the others, the atmosphere is obviously tense.
Potter, keeping to his promise, ensures he doesn't engage with Draco. Lucius only wishes that Draco wouldn't goad Potter or his friends. Lucius can't deny that Draco is working hard in the gym regarding his exercises at least.
Yet, when it comes to duelling, Draco is getting emotional and sloppy. Lucius can detect a drive to do better, but his son is still not strategising and thus getting more and more frustrated with every loss. For this reason, Lucius refuses to duel with Draco until the boy takes the criticism seriously and puts some effort into his duels. Otherwise, Lucius feels he is only wasting his time.
Instead, Draco chooses to listen to everything resentfully but also cherry-picks what he takes on.
At least the others are taking his words more seriously, making the whole exercise worthwhile.
At the end of the session, he gathers them in, giving them their feedback.
"Pansy, you still need to work on your output on your spells. Things can happen quickly in a duel. If you have better control of your spells, it can make a huge difference in winning.
"Blaise, excellent at using distractions. You're getting better. Just learn to look at your surroundings a little more.
"Daphne, you're improving, but you still need to work on your defensive skills.
"Theo, you're getting better at using your known spells in a creative manner, but try to expand your repertoire a little more.
"Draco, stop trying to rush your progress. You can do so much better if you start thinking strategically," Lucius ends, holding back a sigh.
He's rewarded with a scowl the boy must have learned from his godfather. Those are not the habits Lucius wants his son to emulate.
"Is that what you tell Potter?" Draco scowls.
Lucius doesn't miss the discreet eye roll from Blaise from behind Draco's back but chooses to ignore it. He doesn't want to deal with a tantrum from Draco right now.
He finds himself wishing Draco was like Harry and stores the thought away for further examination at a later date. Harry is not without his flaws, and of course, he's not better than Draco. He's simply frustrated with Draco and his unneeded attitude right now. He doesn't even realise that he's no longer referring to the Boy-Who-Lived by his surname.
Unlike Draco, the others take the observations earnestly. Lucius knows they're more appreciative of any advantage. Perhaps Draco just needs another humiliating defeat at Harry's hand.
"Now, before you all leave, I have something important to say," he announces.
He maintains eye contact with each for a few seconds to show the gravity of his words.
"Hogsmeade; it's this weekend," he says after he knows they're paying attention. "I'm sure you have your own plans." He pauses at this to flick a quick look between Draco and Pansy, the only couple he knows of within the group. "However, I'm asking you to stick together for the first part of the morning – as much as possible."
"Why?" Draco asks belligerently.
Lucius ignores the tone and continues as if the boy hadn't spoken.
"Holly has gained permission from Severus to spend a part of the morning in Hogsmeade village on Saturday."
He senses their surprise, but no one interrupts, so he continues.
"From Hogsmeade, she will be picked up by Narcissa and Regulus. She will be staying with them for a week. Perhaps two, even."
"Does Holly know she's staying with us? Not Potter?" Draco questions sceptically. Lucius can't blame the boy for this. Holly has refused to have anything to do with Draco since his ill-advised stunt of smashing Potter's sample.
"Staying with you until Regulus and Narcissa collect her is one of the conditions Severus set before agreeing to let her go. A condition that Holly has agreed to," (however reluctantly that may have been) "so, protecting her in the meantime is your hands."
He means all of them, but he looks at Draco specifically as he says this. Severus (and Lucius) are trusting Draco to protect Holly. Yaxley and the others have been mysteriously quiet since Yaxley's defeat against Potter, but that doesn't mean that they aren't planning something. Letting Holly go to Hogsmeade with only the group in front of him is a considerable risk. Severus has Order duty the night before, and his patrol duty won't be until after lunchtime; he knows Severus likes a late morning after patrol. Lucius has marking he needs to complete before his own patrol mid-morning. He's also looking forward to seeing Narcissa in person. He wishes they could have more time together than a few hours, but there will be other occasions. Narcissa plans on coming to the first Quidditch game between Gryffindor and Slytherin in November, so he'll have another occasion with his wife then. And then it's only a matter of weeks before Winter break.
Lucius hopes they can have a family dinner for Yule at Malfoy Manor. He and Narcissa are already planning with Andromeda and her family. Severus and Holly will already be travelling to the Manor for the break. The trick is to allow Regulus and Harry to be invited without Severus throwing his own tantrum. And what a trick that will be to pull off. That's another thought to examine for another time.
Bringing himself back on topic, he states, "Severus and I shall join you in Hogsmeade as soon as we are free. You shall only have to stay with Holly for an hour or so. She has also been warned that she needs to stay with your group only until you meet with Narcissa or Regulus. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir," they respond in unison.
"Good," he nods approvingly before dismissing them with a "Have a good evening."
Draco, at least, leaves with a bolstered mood.
ooOoo
Despite all ears to the ground, they still have not found out who might be selling the Guardian Medallions. Not even Fletcher seems to be able to unearth that information. Severus doesn't entirely trust that cowardly toerag.
How Dumbledore even managed to persuade Mundungus Flecther to spy for them is a mystery to Severus, but he suspects that Arthur Weasley is involved somehow.
As usual, he makes his way to the safe house belonging to someone from Tonks's side of the family to wait for the others.
It seems to have become a habit of ending the patrol with a hot chocolate topped with whatever alcohol is in stock at the end of the patrol. Severus usually stays for one drink and then takes his leave.
Holly is staying with Lucius in his quarters today, so Severus decides he will remain for a little longer. He does not plan to go to the gym in the morning, and Holly will be leaving with Draco and his friends for Hogsmeade as soon as breakfast is over. He does not have any duties in the morning and does not have any patrol duties until the afternoon.
Besides, even if Holly was there in his room, she was still not in a mind frame where she'd care what time he came home. Severus refuses to admit he's feeling lonely and convinces himself he's only staying … well, he hasn't figured out why he doesn't want to return to empty Chambers, but it's definitely not because he's lonely.
Shacklebolt and Tonks are already at the kitchen table; today's alcoholic beverage seems to be Vodka, and a shot is already prepared for him. No hot chocolate in sight today. Apparently, both are off duty from all sides this weekend and want to celebrate with a late night.
They raise their glasses in salute and down it in one go. Severus pushes his glass forward silently for another, ignoring Shacklebolt's surprise, but the Auror pours him out another one without question.
Severus doesn't participate in the conversation, to begin with, but listens as they talk about the latest arrest and something about the new rookie Auror that Severus tunes out.
When the conversation turns to the Apothecary in Knockturn, Severus finds himself speaking about their extortionate prices on Billywig stings and how he believes they have an illegal export of mushrooms.
He misses the exchange of looks between the Aurors as he's busy pouring himself another shot from the almost empty bottle – emptied chiefly by him.
"You might want to consider slowing down," Tonks giggles at him, but Severus pays her no mind.
Still, a second bottle is brought out. The more he drinks, the more nonsense he spews to the Aurors's amusement. As they have not seen him so verbose, they listen in fascination. Though, to their credit, they respect him enough not to ask personal questions and keep things silly. They never would have believed that Severus is a lightweight if they hadn't seen it themselves.
"You're in no condition to Apparate back to the castle, Snape," he hears Shacklebolt say above his head.
"There's a spare bed he can use," Tonks says somewhere above him. "You staying too?"
"No. I'll be fine. You?"
"No, I'll head out too. I'll secure the wards and leave him a note."
"Let me help you get him up to bed," Shacklebolt's deep voice sounds above him.
Severus pours another drink, though it doesn't taste like Vodka, and he grimaces. He doesn't realise just how much he's drunk and that the vodka has now been switched to water.
"But those mushrooms," Severus continues an earlier conversation that has already been discussed.
"We'll make sure the mushrooms are taken care of," Shacklebolt says patronisingly.
"He stores them with the unicorns. Diluted with pickle juice."
"That's not very safe," Tonks laughs.
"You're laughing at me," Snape frowns at her.
"Not at all," Shacklebolt says, suddenly straight-faced.
"You'll make sure the mushrooms are safe," he adds as a statement rather than a question.
"We'll make sure the mushrooms are safe," Tonks promises.
"I should go home," he mumbles, standing up and swaying.
"Good idea."
Unknowingly, he's led to the spare room.
"Am I home?"
"You are."
"Need to check on Holly," he mutters as he lies down.
"Holly's sleeping," he hears above him.
"Need to check on Holly. She has nightmares sometimes," he mumbles as he closes his eyes.
"I'll check on Holly for you."
"Don't go into her room without permission," he tells them.
He should do it himself. He will, he promises himself as he closes his eyes.
The next time Severus consciously opens his eyes, it's with an almost silent groan. He reaches for his pounding head, squeezing his eyes tightly together. He feels a chill that has him believing he must not have lit the fire in the dungeons last night.
He pushes the covers away and slowly swings his legs off the bed, still hungover and half asleep. The chill to his groin takes him by surprise. He looks down in confusion and sees his exposed member.
"What?" he hisses in bewilderment.
Drinking last night had been a mistake. He should have come straight home. After growing up with a drunken Tobias, Severus never allowed himself to drink excessively. Last night was the first time in decades that he drunk to the point of insensibility. He couldn't even say what made him stay the previous night. He simply hadn't felt like returning to the dungeons.
He looks around, squinting through his headache. His robes are half on the floor and half draping off the bed. His frock and shirt are haphazardly buttoned - or rather unbuttoned. He must have tried to undress for bed last night and then given up on his drunk state.
Case in point, his trousers and underwear are around his knees. For Merlin's sake, he's not even taken off his shoes.
Sitting up properly, he hangs his head in his hands, still dishevelled, waiting for the headache to abate. Luckily, it's the weekend, and he doesn't need to be up for classes or any other duties. Still, he doesn't want to deal with a hangover and needs to get up to get himself a Hangover Remedy. Take a shower and feel fresh for the rest of the day.
He stands and stretches with a groan, his trousers falling further down his legs. Just as he reaches down to remove his shoes so he can fully undress, he hears a slight sound behind him that has him whirling around and almost tumbling on his bare arse before he gets his bearings.
There's a lump in his bed.
There's a human-shaped lump in his bed.
He swallows as he realises that he's not at Hogwarts. He looks down at his naked groin and flaccid member.
Had he… ?
He hadn't sex in … well, in too long, frankly speaking. He couldn't remember last night at all. Just how much had he drunk?
The lump moves and he startles as he belatedly realises his half-undressed state. He quickly pulls his underwear and trousers up in one go, grimacing at the feeling. He swallows as he hastily buttons his clothes to a presentable state.
He has enough awareness to ensure he checks his wand in his wrist holster. As he slowly backs up to leave the room without disturbing the lump in the bed, an incorporeal patronus appears through the wall.
"I need your arse out of bed, Tonks!"
The voice of Moody announces itself, startling the lump.
"Wha – No, I'm up," Tonks yelps.
The cover slips, exposing a pair of breasts.
Tonks' bleary eyes catch his, and Severus's plan to leave without being discovered is shot to pieces.
"I have to go," he gabbles and spins on the spot, disapparating with a loud crack!