Chapter 6: The Next Day [Afternoon]

Narcissa sank into the hot tub with a pleased moan. The day was barely half through and she already felt beat. It was then a good thing that for the first time in weeks she had nowhere she had to be and no one to face or bully or protect… Unless the aurors showed up for their usual barely polite inquiries about her husband and son whereabouts. A location as unknown to her as it was to them. And she'd much rather had it that way than the alternative.

Bellatrix was Miss Granger's responsibility now, and at least for a little while Narcissa didn't need to worry about her sister.

It was nice to finally be able to relax.

A sharp pull of magic and biting cold of air on her skin shocked Narcissa awake.

Large blue eyes of her house elf blinked rapidly barely a foot from her face.

'Mistress sleeps! Mistress drowns! Mistress not well?!'

The tiny creature wailed and pulled worriedly at his ears.

Only then Narcissa realized that she was levitating just above the water surface completely naked, and that the door to her bathroom was ajar.

'Alfy, is anyone at the house?'

'Mistress is.'

'Anyone but me?'

'Alfy is'

Narcissa gathered her patience and the last of her tired brain. The young elf was kind, and capable... and used to be quick-witted, before several unfortunate encounters with the dark occupants of the Manor, her sister included.

'Anyone but me, you or other Malfoy family elves?'

'None is.'

Narcissa contemplated the open door.

'Alfy, was anyone at the house this afternoon?'

The elf shook his head.

'Mistress not well?!'

Narcissa raised an eyebrow and nodded at the door.

Both stared at it for a moment. The elf jumped from the tub, padded to it and pushed it closed. It stayed closed, the elf came back to the tub with a puzzled frown on his forehead. Then slowly the door creaked open.

'I see… Alfy, please warm the water and lower me back in it.'

The elf did as she asked, then looked seriously at her.

'Mistress not sleep!'

'I won't, I just want to get warm.'

'Alfie start fire and tea?'

'That would be lovely.'

'Mistress go to hospital later?'

She shook her head

'No. I won't be visiting St. Mungo's anymore.'

The elf's ears sagged.

'Mistress Bellatrix come back?'

Narcissa contemplated the elf's question and the sentiment behind it. She should get angry at the creature who all but stated he didn't wish for Bella's return. Yet Narcissa couldn't find it in her to get angry, she was relieved that Bellatrix won't be in position to share her house for a while, if ever.

'Bella is at the Black Grotto House. The elves of the Malfoy family won't need to deal with her.'

The news clearly eased the tiny creature's mind.

'Miss Hermione Granger is staying with her.' She added. 'If all goes well Bellatrix will stay there for a long while. If I ever need you or others to go there, you most likely will deal with Hermione.'

The large blue eyes lit up at the mention of the young witch.

'Mistress wishes all well?'

'Yes, Alfy, I do.'

'Alfie wishes all well then too.'

Narcissa slid under the water surface to mask the sudden moisture filling her eyes. Sometimes she really really resented her sister. Sometimes the lengths Bellatrix was willing to go for her didn't make up for all the misery the dark witch brought to everyone else around her.

Perhaps, she was just tired.

When she resurfaces another elf was there. She looked incredulously at them. Not that she was self-conscious around the creatures, but she rather not have all of them in attendance during her bath time. Before she could send both away, the newcomer squeaked.

'Pardon, Mistress! Mr. Harry Potter and his friend Mr. Weasley are at the gates.'

Thankfully, her uninvited guests departed as soon as they received the information they were looking for.

Yes, the marriage was genuine. Please see the solicitor for information on marriage contract.

No, Miss Granger was not coerced. Please see the solicitor for information on the sworn witnesses and other details.

No, she had nothing to do with the matching process. How could she prove it... Can they prove that they had nothing to do with it? She does need to contact her solicitor if she is under such ridiculous suspicion.

Yes, she could and would share Miss Granger's new residence.

No, she does not recommend apparating there. Why? Well, the wards are strict and death or dismemberment are some of the possible outcomes.

What she suggests? Owling first, as is polite, of course.

And no, she doesn't believe her sister is a danger to anyone at the moment. Her condition? They better contact St. Mungo's and her solicitor for proper releases.

The famous young wizard even promised to try and limit the number of visits she gets from his colleagues.

Narcissa looked forward to sleeping for the next 24 hours straight at the very least.

She took off her night robe and was half way in bed when she heard the telltale sounds of the floo call.

She waved the illusion wall away and there it was, a small fireplace and the green flames roaring in it.

Her son's head twisted left and right looking for her to come into view.

'Draco!'

'Mother! Are you alright? Are you free of the charges? Sorry we couldn't connect sooner.'

'Yes-yes, Mr Nightshade was impressively stubborn with DMLE and Wizengamot, bullied them into full dismissal of charges against me without possibility of review. Harry Potter's testimony helped. Opening the details of our marriage bonds was decisive. Of course now all family decisions are treated as Lucius' responsibility.'

'That was Father's preference, Mother, and I agree it was the right decision. You must not worry about it! You should never be in danger of imprisonment.'

'Draco-'

'Mother, if I had to take the Mark…'

Draco stopped and took a breath.

To take the Mark to protect you, her mind finished what her son refused to voice.

'...the least he can do is take responsibility for what he dragged us all into!'

'Draco… you and your father have to support each other, you cannot stay angry, and not on my behalf, especially-'

Especially because we all know those bonds were never sealed, her mind supplied helpfully. Lucius didn't wish to go against his parents, but he didn't wish for a subservient wife either. The level of sneakiness it took for him to achieve both. She admired him even more for it.

Their decisions were always theirs.

'I know, I know. Still, I am.'

She sighed. Her son had every right to be angry with his father on his own behalf. She just hoped Lucius was doing something to fix it.

'Draco, you two must be patient and stay away until I'm able to secure a fair trial.'

'I understand. We understand.'

The two studied each other quietly.

'I miss you, my dragon.'

'I miss you too, Mother.'

'How are you? How is your father?'

'We are fine. I can't name the location, you understand. We do have what we need. Please don't worry about us, Mother.'

'And another matter?'

'Other matter is resolved. The marriage is official and was registered ahead of time.'

'How is she? I know what-'

'She is devastated. First her dad dies, and now... Mrs. Parkinson wasn't even a Death Eater, Mother. If she were just a month older, she wouldn't have even been included in the stupid matching.'

Not only Rosallie Parkinson was not a Death Eater, her marriage bonds actually were extremely old-fashioned and constrictive. The woman wouldn't have been able to say a sentence contrary to her husband's. With a decent solicitor she would not have been convicted at all.

'Please pass my condolences. I am pleased to have her join our family. Even if it was not under the best of circumstances.'

'Thank you, Mother. Speaking of joining… Aunt Bella? Did Granger really get her as a match?'

'She did…Draco, what do you know of that match?'

'Nothing.'

'Draco!'

'You always say she never had a chance after she met him … she got one now. Granger is probably the only person in Magical Britain stupid or arrogant enough not to kill her on sight. And she won't give into the public pressure to do so either. Do be careful with Aunt. I don't care if she fucks up her chance and kills Granger, but I'd rather no harm comes to you.'

'Draco-'

'I have to go, Mother. Father sends his love.'

'Draco!'

The green fire died.

Two months of silence, and he sends his love.

And what was that look when Draco asked about Bella, surely he is not getting himself involved in the Ministry affairs while on the run!

Narcissa rubbed her temples.

End of Chapter 6