CHAPTER NINE: MINOR INTRIGUES
25 April 1997
"Per sanguinem domus Malfoy protege verba nostra." With a sharp motion, Draco pricked his finger, spilling a single drop of blood over his signet ring. "Sanctimonia Vincet Semper!"
Pale blue light flashed briefly around them before sinking back into the earth. Cassiopeia stared at him. The fact that Draco Malfoy felt the need to cast a blood ward within his own home while already sitting under a privacy charm spoke volumes.
Draco scrubbed a hand over his face. "I don't know what Snape has told you about your mother, or the Dark Lord," he started, looking vulnerable, "I honestly don't know if I'm even the right person to tell you this, but you're family. I always longed for someone else. It was…isolating growing up alone. Of course, I had Parkinson, Nott, Crabbe, and Goyle, but that's different. It's not family. And if you know anything about our family, you know Malfoys are only loyal to themselves, and Black blood runs true. I don't want to be presumptuous about Aunt Bella, and what Snape has told you, but what she sacrificed to save you…" Draco trailed off, and Cassiopeia could almost see memories of Bellatrix playing in his eyes. "It cost her everything." Draco fidgeted with his ring. "It cost her her sanity. I don't know why Snape decided to reveal you to us now, and it's really not my place to speculate. But you should think about it." Draco paused again, considering his next words. "I don't know if he can be trusted," Draco said quietly. "He's spent an awful lot of time in Dumbledore's pocket. I don't know if she can be trusted, even once she knows you're alive."
Cassiopeia's mind raced. She needed to make Draco believe her story. "I was told it was all part of the plan. That Edythe would raise me until I was of-age, and could legally take responsibility for the Lestrange vaults. He said he didn't want to risk anything falling into the hands of blood traitors should the Ministry decide to appoint one as my guardian. It was too dangerous to reveal my existence after the Dark Lord's fall, and also too dangerous for Severus to retain the knowledge that I lived. I have to trust him - trust him as much as I trust anyone, that is - since he's one of the reasons I'm not dead or fostered out to a blood traitor family for re-education." Cassiopeia paused, bracing herself. "Tell me about my mother."
Draco stiffened. "What do you want to know?"
"I've read the rubbish in the Prophet. Snape mentioned he and Mother tolerated each other during the first war, but hasn't told me much about her or my father."
Draco studied her for a moment, weighing her words.
"Edythe, of course, told me about the sacrifice my mother made to save my life," Cassiopeia continued, letting a hint of fervor seep into her voice, "She told me how my parents and uncle avenged my brother's death by taking care of those filthy Aurors. She told me they were both cunning and ruthless. I know my mother was an amazing duelist, and my father was gifted with Transfiguration. I've seen a few pictures of them from before the Dark Lord fell.
"Edythe also warned me," Cassiopeia said, dropping her voice to let curiosity and a hint of fear creep into her voice, "that Azkaban isn't kind to the minds of those imprisoned inside. Severus said that restoring my mother's memories of me could improve her mind a bit, but that the damage done by Azkaban typically can't be undone. Edythe hid the truth from me for far too long. I was so sheltered at the Prince House, and didn't know the reality of Azkaban. I thought my parents were just locked away behind wards or something, and that the Dark Lord would free them, and reunite our family.
Cassiopeia took a deep breath. "And then I learned the truth. That we would never get to be a happy family. That my mother's memories might not be able to be restored and she might never truly recognize me as her daughter. That both my parents might be completely insane. For almost my whole life, I was counting down the days until I could finally meet my parents. Now, I'm realizing how little I know. To be completely honest, the lack of knowledge terrifies me. I'm hoping you can help. Because we're family."
"I've met your mother," Draco said slowly. "I was given a special task by the Dark Lord this year - and no, I can't share any details - and Aunt Bella has been supervising me. She's still wickedly brilliant, but like you said, Azkaban isn't kind. She's…not all there, anymore." Draco paused for a second, "she's a bit paranoid at times."
Cassiopeia got the feeling Draco was understating things. "Thank you for letting me know," she said quietly.
Silence hung in the air for a moment, broken only by the soft buzz of Muffilatio.
"Was there anything else you wanted to tell me?" Cassiopeia asked.
Draco took a deep breath. "Never question the Dark Lord," he whispered.
Cassiopeia looked at him, waiting for further elaboration. It wasn't forthcoming. She glanced down at Draco's signet ring. He had cast a family-bound blood ward and had scarcely divulged anything of interest.
Cassiopeia's head spun. Perhaps the lack of information was more telling than anything Draco could tell her.
Draco stood, and with a swish of his wand and a muttered incantation, he dispelled the blood ward and Muffilatio. Any hint of vulnerability vanished.
"As I was saying," Draco began as if their warded conversation never occurred, "the Dark Lord occasionally graces the Manor with his presence. Of course, this is an honor he only bestows to his most loyal followers…" Draco continued to prattle on about the importance of the Malfoy family and the excellence of the Dark Lord.
Cassiopeia nodded along, traitorous thoughts rushing through her head. Harry had been going on about Draco all year, and now she had confirmation that he was doing something special for the Dark Lord. There clearly was something off about Draco's behavior, but Cassiopeia couldn't tell if he was just stressed about his task, living up to the Malfoy name, or about his newfound cousin. It seemed so strange that Draco would actually care about another person. He'd always been an obnoxious prat. But maybe she was underestimating him. Draco had made a point about their shared blood.
"...and this," Draco said grandly, "is the library. We have, of course, one of the most extensive family libraries in Britain."
Cassiopeia's eyes roved around. Dark wooden bookshelves stretched across two stories, and small sconces emanated a warm glow. Several stained glass windows were set high along the outer wall. Arm chairs in rich green velvet were placed strategically around the library, each with an accompanying side table.
"This is quite nice," Cassiopeia said, making an effort not to gush over the gorgeous library. "It has more to offer than the one at the Prince House."
"Of course it does," Draco sniffed. "The Prince family has only been in Britain since the fifteenth century. The Malfoys have been living on British soil since the Norman invasion in 1066. I've heard the Lestranges' collection was nearly as impressive before the blood traitor Aurors raided their Manor."
Cassiopeia scowled. "So I've heard. Most of the good books at the Prince House carry blood curses so I can't even touch them."
Draco nodded sagely. "Several of our older grimoires are bound to the Malfoy line. Only Father and I can read them. Mother brought one of the Black grimoires with her when she got married. She says I can't read it until I'm of-age," Draco complained. "It's not fair. For all I know, it could have the information I need to -" he stopped abruptly. "Nevermind that. We ought to return to the Rose Room. Mother wishes to have a few words before you depart."
Cassiopeia followed him out of the library, mind spinning. She had a lot to consider.
The rest of the visit passed in a blur. Narcissa had been adamant that Cassiopeia needed to come over for dinner again and insisted on scheduling a shopping outing. Draco started to make noises about an end of school year gathering, but quickly shut up after pointed looks from Narcissa and Snape. There was obviously something she was missing. Something she had a feeling was related to Draco's mysterious task.
Cassiopeia grimaced as she followed Snape out of Malfoy Manor and down the front walk. The odds of her getting any kind of answer out of Snape was about as likely as squeezing water out of stone.
They reached the end of the walk, and Snape offered his arm. Cassiopeia grasped it. With a slight pop, they disapparated, reappearing in the foyer of the Prince House.
"I think you have some explaining to do," Cassiopeia said quietly.
Snape stared at her, face impassive.
"Draco mentioned having a special project," Cassiopeia continued, "but he didn't share what it was."
Snape raised an eyebrow. "Really."
"He was quite close-mouthed about it. Seemed rather unusual for Draco. Normally he's bragging about everything."
Snape's mouth tightened around the corners.
"So do you know what Draco is up to?"
"I do."
"And?"
Snape sighed. "It is not information you need to know, and certainly not information you need to know tonight. Draco is a fool for sharing as much as he did."
Snape turned on his heel, intent on leaving.
"Draco warned me about you," Cassiopeia called out to his retreating back. "He said you shouldn't be trusted. He implied you may not be loyal to the Dark Lord."
Snape paused for a second, and chuckled darkly. "As I said, Draco is a fool. And, as far as the Dark Lord is concerned, my loyalty has never been in question. Good night, Miss Lestrange."
Cassiopeia watched him leave, head spinning with even more questions. She needed to sort things out, and soon.
30 April 1997
Cassiopeia sipped her tea, eyes bleary with sleep. The past few days had been a whirlwind. Snape was getting tetchier by the day, insisting she needed to finesse her dark curses, improve her Occlumency, and memorize more rules on pureblood etiquette. It was starting to grate on her. Snape was still refusing to discuss Draco's secret task with her, or any of her other numerous questions.
Cassiopeia sighed, and took another sip of tea. She'd nearly shouted at Snape the previous day because of his reticence. How was she supposed to successfully navigate her new role when Snape wasn't sharing information? For every question, there was always an excuse - her Occlumency wasn't good enough, the question was irrelevant, or it simply wasn't the right time to know.
Cassiopeia sighed again. Time was starting to run out. Both Snape and Narcissa had implied that something big was happening at the end of the school year, which was less than two months away. It wasn't fair that she was being kept in the dark.
Taking a deep breath, Cassiopeia tried to center herself. Allowing herself to panic over things she couldn't control was unproductive. Snape's words on Occlumency rang through her mind. You alone have the power to be your mind's king and keeper. There is no foolish wand waving in Occlumency. You must have the desire to fully understand your own mind and the wit to guard its secrets. It truly is a case of mind over matter.
With a flick of her wand, Cassiopeia levitated her copy of The Essential Handbook on Etiquette and grumpily returned to her breakfast. Snape wasn't being entirely unreasonable about her limited knowledge of pureblood etiquette, but it didn't mean she had to like it.
"Miss Lestrange."
Cassiopeia nearly jumped out of her skin. Snape was standing in the door frame looking haggard and clutching a mug of coffee.
"It's time to test your Occlumency."
"Now? Can I finish my -"
The force of Snape's Legilimency probe slammed into her skull like a battering ram. Cassiopeia gritted her teeth as memories started to flash before her eyes.
She was in Carn Euny getting measured for clothes.
She was in the library reading.
She was casting Sectumsempra and marveling at the raw power of darker magic.
The strength of the probe increased. It felt like the force was splintering into millions of tiny bugs crawling through her mind. Cassiopeia did her best to breathe through it. Snape was searching for her childhood memories. Carefully, Cassiopeia offered them up.
She was stomping her foot, not understanding why she couldn't venture outside of the Prince House.
She was getting lectured after touching the wrong book.
She was euphoric after getting her wand.
The power of the probe increased again, the bugs transforming into a charging erumpent. It was all she could do to keep from screaming. Her mind felt like it was going to explode. She had to stay grounded. Had to remember her sense of self.
With a violent shudder, her magic buckled, an insufficient dam against the relentless force of the Legilimency probe. Gritting her teeth, Cassiopeia dug deeper. Something in her magic solidified. For a moment, she was Atlas, with unbearable weight on her shoulders. Then, the pain stopped.
Cassiopeia opened her eyes. Snape stared at her impassively. "That was…adequate."
It was glowing praise by his standards.
Snape pulled out a chair and sat down heavily. "You still have significant improvements to make with your Occlumency," he began. "The Dark Lord puts more power into his Legilimency, and will not be discouraged by your attempts at deflection and expulsion. In fact, he will likely see such attempts as an act of defiance and punish you accordingly. Trust me," Snape continued darkly, "you do not want to experience Legilimency after the Cruciatus."
Cassiopeia shivered, Draco's words echoing through her mind. Never question the Dark Lord.
"You also need to work on your passive Occlumency. You must be prepared for more insidious attacks on your mind. While the Dark Lord favors brute force, others prefer a more subtle approach. Fortunately, only a few of the brethren have sufficient skill to breach your mind. Myself. Rookwood. Dolohov, to an extent, although he may have lost the skill during his imprisonment. You must always be ready."
Cassiopeia nodded.
"With that being said," Snape continued, "I believe you are ready for the answers to some of your questions."
Cassiopeia grinned.
Snape smiled back at her. It was a cruel and empty smile. "Draco's task is to murder Albus Dumbledore."
A/N: The muse has struck again!