The Power of the Quill

Author's Notes:

Here's the other half, hope you enjoy it. Please review it.

After chaining her to her computer desk for two day I got this chapter finally Beta'd by Nakhash Makashefah. Yes, I know I take advantage of her, but don't worry. Next time I will give her bathroom breaks.

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter and Co. I own nothing.



The Power of the Quill.


Chapte. Di. Dinner at the Manor, Part two.


The house had two large front doors made of black oak. Each door had a small, gold dragon's head with a ring in its mouth for a knocker. Nervously, Harry took hold of one of the knockers and lightly tapped it three times. At first, he thought he hadn't banged the knocker loud enough for anyone to hear, but within seconds the door latch clicked and one of the doors swung open.


Standing, just inside the doorway, was a very tall man dressed in white and wearing a turban. Harry thought he looked like a royal guard to a sultan's harem. "May I help you?" the man asked in a deep voice with a heavy Middle Eastern accent.


"I'm Harry Potter. Miss Black invited me and my friend to her home this evening," Harry said, with as much confidence as he could muster.


"Of course, Mr. Potter. Please, do come in," the tall man said with a slight smile. Hermione, Ron, and Harry followed him across the threshold. "May I take your coats?" the tall man asked, as he closed the door.


"No, thank you," both Harry and Ron answered. They were both wearing light jackets, while Hermione had on a cashmere cardigan. All three of them were wearing jeans and trainers, as well.


Standing in the foyer, Harry could see that Tonks was right about the interior of the manor. A large, dark wood staircase snaked its way down from the first floor to the ground floor. The main entrance had marble floors with a set of huge matching fireplaces on each side of the room. Large murals and portraits littered the walls. Antique furniture was set in front of both fireplaces. Harry thought the place would be best used as a museum rather than a home. It even had the same cold feel that the typical museum held.


Movement at the top of the stairs caught Harry's attention. She moved down the staircase towards them with such smoothness and grace, Harry thought she might be hovering just above the floor like a ghost. He was completely surprisedNarcNarcissa's appearance when she drew near. He had seen her once before at the World Cup, two years ago, but hadn't really paid too much attention to her appearance. He only remembered the look of disdain she had on her face, at the time; apparently she wasn't a Quidditch fan.


He had expected her to look like a female version of Draco. The truth was, she looked nothing like her son. Harry still would have recognized her right away. the the exception of her blonde hair, she looked remarkably like her sister, Bellatrix. The only real difference was, she didn't have Bellatrix's hooded dark-blue eyes, instead hers were gray-blue and fathomless, the same as her cousin Sirius. She didn't possess Draco or Lucius's platinum-blond hair, either. Hers was the color of golden honey, almost seeming to radiate warmth from it. Harry realized that Flint wasn't exaggerating when he spoke about how Narcissa looked. She truly was one of the most beautiful women that Harry had ever seen. This fact did nothing to help his confidence, at present.


"Eight o'clock sharp. It's nice to see that you're so punctual, Mr. Potter," she said, as she reached the bottom of the stairs. She then looked up at the tall man and inquired, "Is the Manor still using Abdul-Majid? That won't do; he's more of a summertime doorman. I think Pierre is more suitable for autumn." With a wave of her wand, the tall man changed into a shorter five-foot ten man with a very neat goatee and short black hair wearing a dark blue suit.


"Madame, I'm at your service," the man said, with a thick French accent, as he gave her a quick bow.


"Much better," Narcissa said, as she put her wand back in her pearl-white silk robes. Harry didn't think they looked much like robes, the top was open exposing both her bare shoulders and the material was as thin as a negligee.

"All three of you chose to wear Muggle clothing. How quaint," she said with a hint of disapproval in her voice.

"I'm Harry Potter. This is Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley," Harry tried to say with authority, but Narcissa didn't seem to notice.


"I am Narcissa Black, heiress to the Noble Black bloodline," she stated proudly. "Mr. Potter, I have asked you here to discuss our upcoming nuptials."


"There are some things I wish to discuss with you, as well," Harry said, trying to make it almost sound like a threat. Once again, Narcissa didn't seem to notice.


"Very well, if you follow me, I believe the house-elves should have dinner ready to serve," Narcissa said, as she led them through a set of large doors. The dinning room was just as ornate as the lobby had been. Harry couldn't see how anyone could eat in a room with so many portraits staring at them. One large dinning table was set in the middle of the room, large enough for at least twentysts.sts.


There were only four chairs at the table now. Narcissa took the seat at the head of the table, while Harry took the seat at the far end. Hermione and Ron took the two middle seats just opposite each other. Narcissa rang a small bell and with a 'Pop,' a small house-elf appeared. "How can Ditty serve her mistress?" the small elf asked.


"Ditty? Oh no, that name just won't do. I'm tired of house-elf names that sound like they were taken from a nursery r. F. From now on your name will be Olivia," she ordered.


"Yes Mistress, Ovitia likes her new name," the h-elf-elf answered with a look of doubt on her face.


"It's Olivia, try to remember it correctly from now on," Narcissa told the small elf.


"Yes, Mistress, What can Oleevia bring you, my mistress?" the house-elf asked.


"Close enough," Narcissa told the elf. "A bottle of red wine for our guests, Olivia."


"Yes, Mistress, Oleadia will be right back," the little house-elf said, then disappeared with a soft 'Pop.'


"You'll have to forgive the help. This house didn't come with any elves. I had to purchase four new ones, this week," Narcissa explained.


"You purchased four house-elves? That's despicable!" Hermione stated in disgust.


"Isn't it though?" Narcissa said, apparently in agreement. "A house this big requires a least seven to run properly, ten would be best. Unfortunately, I'm on a bit of a budget until my finances are straightened out. Luckily, the little wretches don't actually require sleep, or nothing would get done."


Harry could tell Hermione was getting ready to explode and start throwing hexes at Miss Black. But he had questions of his own that he needed answered first. "Speaking of house-elves, I'd like to talk to you about Kreacher," Harry said in a stern voice. Narcissa just stared at Harry. He had the unpleasant feeling that she was studying him.


"Just what is it you wish to know, Mr. Potter?" she asked, sounding defiant.


"Why did you tell him to lie to me? Why did you try to get me and my friends killed?" Harry angrily demanded.


"I had no intention of getting you, or any of your friends, killed, Mr. Potter. My target at the time was someone else," she answered.


"Who?" Harry asked.


"Lucius," she stated simply.


"What? I don't understand," Harry replied with a confused look on his face. Both Hermione and Ron looked just as perplexed.


"My plan was that Lucius wouldn't survive the battle. He was always a horrendous duelist," Narcissa informed them.


"That doesn't make any sense," Hermione said. "How does sending Harry and us to face a dozen Death Eaters get your husband killed?"


"I knew that the Order would show up to rescue Mr. Potter. Lucius and the others wouldn't stand a chance against Dumbledore and his followers," Narcissa told them.


"How could you have known that?" Ron asked.


"It's quite simple, Mr. Weasley. I did not tell Lucius everything Kreacher told me. You see, his loyalties prevented him from speaking about Sirius with anyone but me. So, Lucius was never present when we spoke. For Lucius and his Master's plan to work, Mr. Potter had to be out from under thechfuchful eyes of Dumbledore and the Order. They thought that they had achieved this when Umbridge took over Hogwarts and both Professors McGonagall and Hagrid were driven from the school. What I knew, that they didn't, was that a member of the Order still remained at Hogwarts to keep a eye on Potter," Narcissa said, with an evil looking smile. All three of them gave each other nervous looks. Harry couldn't believe that Narcissa knew about Snape.


"Kreacher may have hated Sirius, but he still would never betray him," Harry told her.


"You're quite right, Mr. Potter, he wouldn't; not intentionally, that is. Kreacher is really very old and tends to rattle on a bit. He once mentioned that Sirius often complained about a strange creature that kept coming to the house that he wished he could be rid of. Sirius called it a 'Snivellus'. Kreacher didn't know the meaning of this, so he didn't know he was breaking his oath," Narcissa told him. "You see, the name Snivellus is actually...."


"A nickname that my father and Sirius used to call Professor Snape when they were at Hogwarts," Harry said, interrupting her.


"Correct, Mr. Potter. You know a lot more than I gave you credit for," she said, almost complimenting him.


"Snivellus - I'll have to remember that one," Ron said with a smirk.


"You see, Mr. Potter, I knew that the only reason Snape would be anywhere near my cousin was if they were working together," Narcissa told him. " I knew that Snape would inform Dumbledore that you had gone missing, thereby alerting the Order."


"Just why did you want your husband dead? What was so important that you would risk all our lives?" Hermione asked angrily.


"At the time, Miss Granger, I had very few options open to me. I would have surely been killed if I refused to go along with Lucius's plan. At least, my way, everyone had a fighting chance to survive," she said to Hermione.


"But why did you want Mr. Malfoy dead?" Harry asked, repeating Hermione's question.


"Self-defense, Mr. Potter," she answered.


"Are saying that Mr. Malfoy wanted to kill you?" Harry asked.


"Yes, for about a year now. He tried to poison me twice, but just ended up killing one of the house-elves and his favorite dog," she told Harry.


"But why would Lucius want you dead?" Hermione asked.


"There is an old saying among pure-blood families, Miss Granger. The deadliest disease a first wife can catch is turning forty. Remember, there is no such thing as divorce in wizarding families," Narcissa said in a very serious tone.


"But you don't look forty," Hermione told her. "You don't even look thirty-six; you could easily pass for twenty-six."


"That's very kind of you to say, but it not the point," she told Hermione.


"Then what is the point?" Hermione asked.


"The point is that I no longer look eighteen, and that's what Lucius thinks he's entitled to. He would consider it an affront to his pride to have a wife that didn't live up to his high standards," she answered. Normally, Harry wouldn't believe a word of her story. But killing his wife to get a younger one did sound a lot like Lucius Malfoy.


"So, to save your own bloody neck, you were willing to risk getting all of us killed or in Voldemort's hands," Harry said accusingly.


"Do not use that name in this house," Narcissa sternly warned.


"What? You don't expect me to caim tim the Dark Lord, do you?" Harry asked, almost jokingly.


"No, of course not. I would prefer that you didn't mention that egotistical, chauvinistic buffoon, Riddle, at all," Narcissa said irritably. Harry was very surprised that she would use Voldemort's given name.


"It's a good thing your ex-husband didn't hear you talk that way about his Master. He'd really have a reason to kill you, then," Harry said to her.


"Oh please, Lucius had twice the contempt for Riddle than I ever had," Narcissa told him.


"Then why is he a Death Eater?" Hermione asked.


"For the power," Narcissa answered.


"He's rich, why didn't he just buy an election and become Minister of Magic?" Ron asked.


"It was much cheaper to simply buy the current Minister. Lucius wanted power but not the responsibility that goes along with it. He also has certain appetites that he prefers to keep out of the public eye," Narcissa told them.


"You mean like torturing and raping Muggles and Muggle-born witches," Harry asked in a serious voice.


"I was referring to his obsession with collecting Dark Magic artifacts," Narcissa answered. Harry could see by the expression on her face that she wasn't being entirely truthful. She may not have participated in Lucius's crimes, but she was definitely aware of them.


"If Mr. Malfoy had the Minister in his back pocket, why did he get sent to Azkaban?" Ron asked.


"I have to admit, Mr. Weasley, that I'm at a loss to explain it. Lucius has enough on Cornelius to send him to Azkaban for life right alongside him," Narcissa answered.


"So, let me get this straight," Harry said. "You set everybody up to meet in a battle at the Ministry of Magic so that you could get rid of your husband before he got rid of you."

"Essentially, that was my plan. I was hoping that a member of the Order, or maybe Bella, would kill him. I guess I can live with life imprisonment," Narcissa said, sounding a little disappointed.


"Do you know what a sociopath is?" Hermione disdainfully asked.


"I can't say that I've ever heard that term before. Is it a path that a lot of people take?" Narcissa asked.


"I guarantee a lot you pure-bloods are on it," Hone one mockingly answered.


Narcissa narrowed her eyes at Hermione. She knew somehow that she had just been insulted.


"Why would Bellatrix kill Malfoy?" Harry asked.


"She hated my husband with a true passion, for one thing. The fact they were both competing to be the second-in-command under Riddle, was another. Each hoped that they could prove themselves in this mission to their Master. Unfortunately for both of them, things didn't turn out the way they had planned," Narcissa said.


"Why did your sister hate Lucius?" Ron asked. "They were both Death Eaters."


"She and my older sister had this ridiculous notion that Lucius had something to do with our parents' deaths. Which is impossible, because they died when their private yacht was sunk in a freak storm in the Bahamas," Narcissa answered. "Since no trace of the boat, or my parents, was ever found, they naturally assumed that Lucius had something to do with it."


"That's not true," Harry firmly stated. "They found this," he said, as pulled the small black box out of his pocket and set it on the table. "Your sister, Andromeda, wanted you to have this," Harry said. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he slid the small box down the length of the table. Narcissa stopped it with her hand before it fell off the end. After a few seconds of hesitation, she slowly lifted the lid off the box. She gasped a little once she recognized the object inside. With a sliy try trembling hand, Narcissa removed her mother's Black Widow pearl necklarom rom the box.


"Where did she get this?" Narcissa asked in a slightly shaky voice. Harry thought he detected a hint of sadness, as well.


"She found it for sale in a Knockturn Alley store two years after your mother disappeared," Harry told her. "Nowhere near the bottom of the Caribbean Ocean."


"It could be a copy," Narcissa said, obviously still in denial.


"Your mother's blood was still on when it was found; it's probably still on it now," Harry said. Narcissa looked at him with wide eyes. He guessed she suspected the truth all along. But, with no real way to deal with it, she preferred to ignore it instead. But there was no ignoring what she held in her hands.


She removed her wand from her robes and pointed it at the necklace. With a shaky hand she said, "Reperi Artearus Black." Parts of the necklace glowed a deep red color, including the thick chain. Harry knew this was proof-positive that the necklace was her mother's, along with the blood on it. With extreme care, she gently set the necklace back in the box and closed the lid. Looking up a Harry, she finally said, "This only shows that I was right to try and get rid of Lucius when I did," she said to Harry, trying to sound confident. But he knew the necklace was quite a blow to her. Apparently, Tonks' mum knew it would be, too.


With another 'pop,' the small house-elf reappeared with a bottle of wine. "Three fingers for everyone, Olivia," she told the elf. As soon as the house-elf started to pour wine in Narcissa's glass, Harry noticed that his own glass, as well as Ron and Hermione's, began to fill. "Is the main course ready, Olivia?" she asked.


"Yes, would Mistress like to be served?" the house-elf asked.


"Yes," she answered. With a snap of the house-elf's fingers, plates full of food appeared in front of them. Narcissa lifted her glass of wine to her lips, and then quickly emptied it. Harry looked at the food on his plate. The roast chicken looked as good as any he had been served at Hogwarts, but he still wasn't about to eat any of it.


"You're not eating, Mr. Potter?" Narcissa asked, as she let her wine glass be refilled.


"No, I'm not hungry; we all ate just before we..." the clatter of eating utensils interrupted him. Looking over, he witnessed Ron tearing into the food on his plate. Harry felt like taking off his shoe and throwing it at him.


"Ron," Hermione hissed angrily through clenched teeth.


"It was a long bus ride," Ron said, his month full of chicken.


"It was less than ten minutes long," she irritably spat back at him. Ron just shrugged his shoulders and continued to eat.


"I see that Mr. Weasley still has a appetite," Narcissa said.


"It would be a miracle if he ever didn't have one," Hermione told her with a look of disgust on her face.


"As I was saying before, I think it was best to get rid of Lucius when the opportunity presented itself. Besides, everything worked out for the best in the end. Lucius and ten other Death Eaters were caught and sent to prison, and Riddle never did get his hands on the prophecy," Narcissa sm sai said, then took another sip of wine.


"SIRIUS IS DEAD! YOU THINK THAT'S FOR THE BEST?!" Harry ted ted furiously at her.


"Sirius is dead?" Narcissa asked, looking surprised as she lowered her glass.


"Yes, your psychotic nut-job of a sister killed him," Harry angrily said.


"I never knew anyone had been killed; the Ministry reports didn't mention it. Lucius had clamed in his defense that Sirius was there, but there was no proof," Narcissa told Harry.


"That's because Bellatrix hit Sirius with a stunning hex that knocked him through an archway that led to the realm of the dead," Harry told her. He could still see Sirius' face, as he fell through the veil, as if it had only happened yesterday.


"Then what happened?" she asked.


"He died, that's what happened. He fell through the arch and is now gone forever," Harry irritably told her.


"That's it? He just fell through this archway and disappeared?" Narcissa asked, with a raised eyebrow.


"Yes, he just disappeared," Harry answered.


"No set of bleached bones or mummified corpse fell out the other side?" she asked.


"No," Harry answered tersely.


"No painful scream of death as the life was torn from him?"


"No, he just disappeared," Harry told her, feeling irritated by her stupid questions.


"I must ask, Mr. Potter, what makes you think my cousin is dead?" Narcissa asked.


"He fell through the arch and past the veil, no one survives the realm of the dead," Harry angrily explained.


"Actually, Harry, that's not really true," Hermione said.


"Whose side are you on?" Harry asked Hermione, feeling a bit betrayed.


"Miss Granger is quite right, Mr. Potter. There are hundreds of stories about wizards and witches traveling to and from the realm of the dead. Of course, I don't believe all of them to be true, but some of them have to be. Merlin himself was known to travel to the land of the dead many times," Narcissa told him.


"Dumbledore told me Sirius was dead. He wouldn't lie to me." Harry firmly stated.


"That's the problem with listening to wizards over a hundred awentwenty years old. They always think they know what's best for everyone else. The old wizard was probably trying to stop you from going through this archway after my cousin," Narcissa suggested. Harry wondered if she were right; it wouldn't be the first time Dumbledore has tried to protect him from the truth.


"You think there's a chance Sirius is still alive?" Harry asked her.


"I really have no idea, Mr. Potter. But someone built this archway to travel to the death realm. I find it hard to believe that they would have done so if death was the only thing they were seeking," she answered. Harry hoped that she was right; he would give anything to have Sirius back with him. He also knew she might just be trying to avoid the blame for Sirius's death. Harry remembered Tonks telling him how smart her aunt was.


"If Sirius was alive, why hasn't he shown back up, by now? It's been months since he fell through the veil," Harry skeptically asked.


"I really don't know, Mr. Potter. I'm not an expert on these matters. Sirius could very well be dead, for all I know, but I doubt it. Knowing my cousin, he will probably turn up at exactly the wrong time," Narcissa said with a smirk.


"Hermione, do you think it's possible that Sirius could still be alive?" Harry asked.


"It depends, Harry. If he wasn't hurt too badly by Bellatrix's hex and he didn't fall too far once he passed through. He might still be alive," Hermione answered.


"What about food and water. Do you think he could find those in the realm of the dead?" Ron asked.


"He won't need any, Ron," Hermione said. "Time works very differently in that realm. What might seem like minutes to him could be days for us. According to his memoirs, Merlin use to go to the realm of the dead to leap frog forward in time. That's how he lived to be over a thousand years old."


"So, he could come back through the archway at anytime," Harry said.


"I doubt it, Harry," Hermione told him. "There probably isn't an archway on his side. Whoever built it most likely took some kind of device with them to allow them to return. Something like a Portkey. Without it, he may never be able to find his way back."


Harry made the decision right there to learn all he could about the archway. If his Godfather were trapped in the land of the dead, he would find a way to rescue him.


"Have you heard from your dear sister, recently?" Harry sarcastically asked.


"You mean Bella? No, Mr. Potter. Nor do I expect I ever will," Narcissa answered. Harry couldn't tell if she was being truthful or not.


"You two don't get along. That's funny, you both have so much in common," Harry spitefully said to her.


"My sister and I haven't spoken since the our parents died. As I said before, she blames Lucius for their deaths," Narcissa said to Harry, with a look of disdain on her face.


"You're no longer married to Malfoy. Do you think she'll be stopping by for a sisterly chat?" he asked.


"I'm quite sure she's dead, Mr. Potter," she flatly told Harry.


"What makes you think that?" Harry asked.


"The mission to the Department of Mysteries was a complete failure, Mr. Potter. Not only did she fail to retrieve the prophecy, but eleven Death Eaters were captured as well. Riddle has killed his servants for far less. I can only hope that he was merciful and killed her quickly," Narcissa sorrowfully said. Harry remembered what Voldemort said to Bellatrix in the Ministry of Magic. He didn't think Voldemort would have been merciful or quick if he had killed her.


"It was very ironic that Bella was the one who fought Sirius to the death," Narcissa said.


"Why is that; because they were cousins?" Hermione asked.


"They were much tha than just cousins, Miss. Granger. Sirius was my sister's first love," Narcissa told her.


"That's disgusting. They were first cousins for Merlin's sake," Hermione said in revulsion.


"First cousin marriages are not uncommon among pure-bloods, Miss Granger. As teenagers, there were very few other wizards and witches our own age to socialize with other than family," Narcissa informed her.


"Sirius never mentioneythiything about him and Bellatrix to me," Harry said, sounding skeptical.


"I doubt he would have, Mr. Potter. The whole thing only lasted one summer and ended very badly when they were both sixteen. Sirius ran away from home because of what happened between them," Narcissa told him.


"Sirius said he ran away from home because his parents were Dark wizards," Harry told her.


"Well, that was undoubtedly part of it. But he was also angry that Bella refused to see him after what he had done to her. That had more to do with it than anything else," Narcissa said.


"What did Sirius do to her, anyway?" Ron asked, as he finished with his plate.


"I really shouldn't say. It's probably best to leave these things in the past," Narcissa told them. Harry could tell by the look on her face that she was dying to tell them. She just needed the right prompting.


"Sirius is my godfather. I think it would be best if I know everything about his relationship with your family," Harry told her. Harry realized that this was the first time in months that he hadn't referred to Sirius in the past tense.


"Very well, Mr. Potter, if you insist," Narcissa said with a mock hesitation. "As I was saying, during the summer between their fifth and sixth years at Hogwarts, the two of them became an item. Which was surprising, because they always seemed to hate each other at school. I think it had something to do with the houses they were in. I guess the fact that they were both trapped in my aunt's house all summer had something to do with their newfound affection for one another.


"My parents normally went on vacation over the summer, so Bella and I would have to stay with our aunt. Well, about two weeks before the new school term started, Sirius did something completely vile and disgusting to Bella. He said it was an accident, but I still have my doubts," Narcissa said disbelievingly.


"What did he do?" Hermione anxiously asked. Harry was also impatient to hear what she had to say.


"As you all probably know by now, Sirius and his friends learned to become Animagi during their fifth year at Hogwarts. One night, toward the end of our summer break, my aunt left for the evening to visit friends in Wales. Sirius and Bella took this opportunity to consummate their love, right in my aunt's bed. This was the first time for Bella, but not for Sirius. Halfway through their sexual escapade, Sirius got overly excited and changed into his Animagus form while he was still with my sister," Narcissa told them.


"HE DIDN'T!!" Hermione shouted in disbelief.


"He most certainly did, Miss. Granger. Sirius turned what was suppose to be one of the most romantic nights of my sister's life, into a depraved act of bestiality," Narcissa told them with a devilish smirk on her face.


"Sirius wouldn't do that. Not even to Bellatrix," Harry vociferously stated.


"Sirius always maintained that it was an accident, Mr. Potter. He had learned to become an Animagus all on his own, without the help of a professional instructor. He most likely didn't have full control over his new talent at the time. He wasn't even able to change back right away. He and my poor sister were stuck together that way for nearly twenty minutes. James and I had to force them apart."


"It gives new meaning to the phrase 'Doggie Style' doesn't it?" Ron said, as he began to laugh.


"It's not funny, Ron," Hermione scolded, but was on the verge of laughter herself.


"I'm sorry, Hermione. But when I think of Bellatrix and Snuffles together in that big bed. I just can't help myself," Ron said, through a fit of laughter.


"I can assure you, Mr. Weasley, that my sister found no humor in it. She refused to see or speak with Sirius ever again after that," Narcissa told Ron.


"How long after this were you and your sister betrothed?" Harry asked.


"Actually, Mr. Potter, we were both already betrothed at the time, we just didn't know it. I have to admit, it came as quite a shock, when I returned home for the holidays during my seventh year at Beauxbatons, to be introduced to my soon-to-be husband on Christmas Eve," Narcissa answered.


"And how big of a shock was it when you found out you were betrothed to me?" Harry asked.


"I was surprised at who the Ministry had picked, but nt bet being selected. I knew something was up when they decided to annul my marriage," Narcissa answered.


"So, how do you feel about having to marry me?" Harry asked directly. He and his two companions waited impatiently for her to answer as Narcissa took another sip of wine.


"I had reservation at first, of course. But once it became clear that I was left with little choice in the matter, I was able to except it," Narcissa answered.


"You do realize that once you marry Harry, you are going to be a target for every Death Eater out there. The Dark Lord will stop at nothing to make sure that you and your child are both dead," Hermione told her.


"I will be in that situation whether I marry Mr. Potter or not, Miss. Granger. It will only be a matter of time before Mr. Riddle realizes that I betrayed him. At least with Potter, I'll gain the protection of Dumbledore and his Order," Narcissa answered.


"So, it's still just about saving your own arse," Harry said accusingly.


Narcissa gave Harry a contemptuous look, and then said, "We all do what we must to survive, Mr. Potter. Even as young as you are, you should be able to understand that." Harry realized that she was very serious about what she said. She wouldn't let anything stand in the way of her own safety, not even him.


"What about Draco?" Hermione suddenly asked.


"What about him?" Narcissa fired back.


"He's a Death Eater, now. He has the Mark. Ron saw it. Do you think you're going to be safe from him just because he's your son?" Hermione asked.


"Draco stopped being my son as soon as he had me removed from my own house, without so much as a single bronze Knut in my pocket," Narcissa bitterly answered. "Thankfully, my father left enough currency in his private vault, here at the Manor, to sustain me for awhile."


"Wednesday, your invitation said for us to meet here, at Black Manor," Harry said to her.


"I'm quiwareware of that, Mr. Potter. I did write the invitation myself. Do you have a point in bringing it up?" Narcissa impatiently asked.


"Draco only found out about our marriage contract that morning. That means he threw you out the same day," Harry pressed her.


"I believe Draco is still in contact with his father, somehow. It was most likely Lucius's idea to have me removed from Malfoy Manor," Narcissa said with some bitterness.


"I guess you and Draco weren't as close as you thought," Harry suggested.


Letting out a small sigh, Narcissa forlornly said, "It's true, Draco and I have never been that close. He turned out to be so much like his father. That was how he was meant to be, after all. If I were his real mother, maybe it would have been different."


Everyone in the room fell silent at hearing Narcissa's revelation. Harry was sure that he wasn't the only one baffled by it. Finally, Hermione asked, "What do you mean you're not his real mother? Was he adopted?"


"No, Miss Granger, he is not adopted. Whameanmeant was - he is Lucius's blood, not mine. I just gave birth to him," Narcissa answered, but everyone in the room was still looked very confused.


"I don't understand; how can he be Lucius's blood, but not yours?" Hermione asked, sounding very puzzled.


"The Malfoys have practiced the art of Direct Heirs for several hundred years, Miss Granger," Narcissa informed her.


"Direct Heirs, that Dark Magic. It's illegal," Ron anxiously stated.


"What's Direct s," s," Harry asked.


"Direct Heirs is a custom used by some of the older pure-blood families, Mr. Potter. It's a simple spell and potion given to the family heir's first bride on their wedding night. The spell and potion guarantee that none of the bride's hereditary traits or bloodline is shared with the child. The child grows up to be identical to his father," Narcissa told Harry.


"HE'S A BLOODY CLONE!" Hermione excitedly shouted.


"A what?" Narcissa and Ron both asked.


"A genetic copy. He only has his father's DNA," Hermione told them. "If the Malfoys have been doing this for centuries, then he's a copy of a copy. That's why he's not as smart or as talented as his father. There must be some degradation over the generations." Both Ron and Narcissa still looked puzzled. Harry had to admit to himself, even he was a bit lost.


"Dad says Direct Heirs is the main reason why all the pure-blood families are so messed up, now," Ron said.


"It makes sense. With just the inbreeding, it would be bad enough. Cloning would practically dry up the gene pool," Hermione told them.


"I agree. Direct Heirs have weakened wizard bloodlines throughout the Wizarding World," Narcissa said. "It is a cheap form of immortality that denies witches the opportunity to pass on their own talents to their children."


"If you don't believe in Direct Heirs, why did you do it?" Harry asked.


"Lucius didn't give me a choice. He did promise that our second child would be shared blood. I was n and and foolish enough to believe him," Narcissa said with the sound of regret in her voice.


"You never tried to have another child?" Hermione asked.


" I became pregnant three more times after I had Draco, all of them girls. Lucius forced me to abort them all. He refused to have a child that he would have to pay a dowry to get rid of, he told me," Narcissa resentfully said. "After I was forced to give up the third one, I decided to stop trying."


"You want to try again, with me?" Harry asked.


"You have proven yourself to be a formidable wizard, even at such a young age. Your blood and mine should make a excellent heir to the Black bloodline," Narcissa answered.


"So the only thing you want from me, is the Potter bloodline to mix with your own," Harry suggested.


"Of course not. The Potter Bloodline was mediocre at best. I knew your father since we were children. The only thing extraordinary about James was the size of his head. It's your mother's bloodline that I'm interested in," Narcissa told Harry.


"THAT'S NOT TRUE!" Harry shouted. "My father was a great wizard."


"Name one great thing he ever did," Narcissa challenged.


"He joined the Order and fought against Dark wizards like your husband and son. He gave his life to protect my mother and I," Harry furiously stated.


"Oh please, Riddle went through your father like he wasn't even there. It was your mother who stopped him. It was her magic, not yours, that destroyed Riddle and saved you. But does anyone ever mention her? Of course not. They couldn't have a simple witch destroying the most powerful Dark wizard on earth, could they? So instead, it was 'the boy who lived'," Narcissa sarcastically said. Part of Harry knew she was right. He had always felt guilty about people giving him the credit for destroying Voldemort the first time, when it was his mother who gave her life to save him.


"My mother was a Muggle-born. Her bloodline won't help you," Harry told her.


"That's where you're wrong Mr. Potter. Her bloodline is very strong; you're living proof of that. I wouldn't be surprised if she came from a noble bloodline herself," Narcissa said.


"She was a Muggle-born, there are only Muggles in her bloodline," Hermione said.


"I seriously doubt that Miss Granger. Most Muggle-borns have some kind of magical ancestry, usually no more that two or three generations removed. A true Muggle-born, such as yourself, is very rare indeed. I'd be willing to bet that at least one of Lily Evans grandparents was a witch or wizard," Narcissa told her. Harry wondered if she was right; could he be related to another magical bloodline?


"Fortunately, your own magic comes predominately from your mother's side. You have your father's physical strength and outward appearance, but the rest of you takes after your mother," Narcissa informed him.


"How would you know what or who I take after?" Harry suspiciously asked.


"The hair, she must have tested the hair," Hermione said before Narcissa could answer.


"Miss Granger is correct. I did test the hair sample that Moriarty brought back to me. Because of your striking similarity to James, I was afraid that you, too, were the product of Direct Heirs as well. The Potters were pure-bloods after all," Narcissa told Harry.


"So you want my genes to make your heir. What makes you think I'd ever trust you enough to marry you?" Harry asked.


"It's quite simple, Mr. Potter. You don't have a choice. And I want two heirs, not just one. My daughters will be the elite among the Wizarding World. They will bring the Noble Black family back to the great matriarchy that Morgana, Queen of Avalon, started over a millennium ago," Narcissa confidently said.


"Two? Are you nuts? As soon as the first child is born, our marriage will be over," Harry stated pointedly.


"You haven't read the contract that well, have you, Mr. Potter. The marriage can only be dissolved when the pure-blood is satisfied that a proper heir has been provided. And only the pure-blood can petition the Ministry to dissolve the marriage. So, unless you want to be known as Mr. Potter-Black for the rest of your life, you will give me the daughters I was once denied," Narcissa firmly said.


"How do knowknow it will be daughters? Do you plan to use magic to insure it?" Hermione asked.


"No, Miss. Granger, I won't need any magic. Our side of the Black ly hly has always had only girls. My mother had only daughters, as did both my sisters. I most likely would have had a daughter if it weren't for the use of the Direct Heir potion and spell," Narcissa answered.


"No wonder Draco acts like a poof half the time. He was meant to be a girl," Ron said with a smirk.


"You said both your sisters had daughters. You mean Bellatrix had a child?" Harry asked.


"No, Bella never had a child. But she was pregnant, once. She lost the child when she was hit by a spell during a battle with Aurors. She barely escaped with her own life," Narcissa answered.


"Let me guess. One of the Longbottoms threw the curse that hit Bellatrix," Hermione stated.


"I'm not sure who it was, Miss Granger.lla lla and I were already estranged by that time. I can say that it probably was Lucius who tipped the Aurors off about Bella's whereabouts," Narcissa said.


"You still haven't answered my question. How do I know you can be trusted? What's to stop you from handing me, or our child, over to Voldemort?" Harry defiantly asked.


"I would never hand one of my children over to Riddle, not even if it meant my life. Draco was his father's son and was destined to follow in Lucius's footsteps. Our own child will have a free will of her own. Besides, if Dumbledore trusts me, then you should be able to do the same," Narcissa told him.


"What makes you think Dumbledore trusts you?" Harry asked cynically.


"You're here, aren't you? If Dumbledore didn't trust me, he would never have let you come. He would have used all his influence to dissolve this contract. But he hasn't, has he?" Narcissa answered. In some bizarre way, what she said made sense. Dumbledoad tad told Harry to be careful around Narcissa, but he never mentioned that he was against the marriage. "Look, Mr. Potter. As dangerous as this marriage may seem to you, it's twice as dangerous to me. I'm the ex-wife of a Death Eater. To the Ministry, that is the same as being one. All of my old friends will become my enemies. There is really no one, beyond myself, that I came trust at this point. By marrying you, I could very well be signing my own death warrant."


The realization that this marriage was actually going to happen hit Harry like a ton of bricks. He had hoped Narcissa would be as opposed as he was to getting married. But, with her eagerness to go through with it, and without Dumbledore's resistance, he was doomed. "Just when did you want to go through with this, anyhow?" Harry asked, sounding a bit defeated.


"There's no time like the present," Narcissa answ wit with a smile. She then turned to the small house-elf and said, "Olivia, will you tell Minister Dellborn that we will meet him in the library."


"Yes, Mistress," the elf said, then disappeared.


"Wait, you want to get married right now?" Harry asked, with a look of shock on his face.


"Of course. There is nothing to be gained from waiting. The sooner we do this the less opportunity our enemies will have to stop us. That's why I had you bring two witnesses with you," Narcissa answered. She then got out of her seat and headed for the door. Slowly, the three of them rose and followed her.


"Harry, you're not really going to marry her now, are you?" Hermione asked in a whisper, as they followed Narcissa out of the room.


"Do you have a better idea?" he shot back. "It's probably best to get this thing over and done with. At least if I do this now, I won't have to come back to this place in a month."

They all entered a small room on the second floor, together. An old wizard, wearing dark blue robes, was waiting for them. "Madam, I've been waiting nearly and hour for you. I was told that this wouldn't take more than a few minutes of my time," the old man said, obviously irritated by the delay.


"My apologies, Minister Dellborn. My betrothed and I had a few matter to discuss, first. I will gladly pay you for a full additional hour of your time," Narcissa told the wizard. The old man's mood improved immediately at the mention of extra money.


Narcissa walked over to an old style rolltop desk and removed a small dark-green box from one of its many drawers. She walked back over to Harry, held the box out to him, and said, "Here, these were for Andromeda's wedding but were never used." Harry took the box from her and opened it. Inside was a set of wedding rings. Two simple gold bands with small diamonds and rubies set all the way around each one.


"Don't worry about the ceremony. It the simplest marriage ritual there is. All you will have to do is say 'I do' and put the ring on my finger," Narcissa told him, then reached into the box, taking the larger of the two bands. "We're ready for you now, Minister," she told the old wizard.


As the old wizard took up position in front of them, Harry wondered how he had gotten into the Manor without trderrder noticing him. He realized that Narcissa had planned to get married tonight back on Wednesday when she sent the invitation.


The old wizard cleared his throat and started. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here this evening to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. If anyone knows a reason why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace," the Minster asked. Harry looked back at Hermione and Ron. Both had confused looks on their faces, as if they weren't sure what to do.


"Very well," the Minister said, after no one answered. "Do you, Harry James Potter, take Narcissa Black to be your lawfully wedded wife?" he asked. Harry nervously looked back at his friends for an answer. Hermione just shrugged her shoulders at him.
SwalSwallowing hard, Harry finally said, "I...I do."


After hearing his answer, the Minister turned to Narcissa and asked, "Do you, Narcissa Black, take Harry James Potter as your lawfully wedded husband?"


Without hesitation, she s "I "I do." She reached out and took hold of Harry's hand and slipped the wedding band on his finger. Narcissa then held out her own hand to Harry. With trembling hands, Harry tried to put the ring on her finger. After almost drng ing it twice, he managed to get it on.


"By the power granted to me by the British Wizarding Consul, I hereby pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride," the old wizard told him. Harry looked over at Narcissa with fear in his eyes. At only five-foot five she was at least two inches shorter than him. But, at that moment, she seemed larger that Hagrid. After apparently deciding that Harry wasn't going to make the first move, she leaned in and gave him a soft peck on the lips.


Narcissa walked back over to the desk and removed a small black bag from it. She then walked over to the wizard and said, "Here is an extra ten Galleons, Minister. I appreciate your help and patience in this matter."


"You're very welcome, Madam. Enjoy your honeymoon," the wizard said, as he took the small bag of coins and left the room.


Narcissa picked up a small bell off the desk and rang it once. With another 'Pop' the small house-elf reappear "Ol "Olivia, please show Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger out. Harry and I wish to have the rest of the evening to ourselves," she told the elf. That was first time she had called him Harry instead of Mr. Pott He He didn't like it.


"Please tell Professor Dumbledore that Harry will be spending the night here and will be back at Hogwarts tomorrow," she said to his two, still shocked-looking, friends as she took hold of his hand and pulled him from the room.


............................................................................................................


Fifteen minutes later, Harry was sitting on the end of a large bed in the master bedroom. A white bathrobe with the Black family crest lay next to him on the bed. Harry made no attempt to remove his clothes and put the robe on. He wanted desperately to flee this place as quickly as possible. He had considered breaking his replacement wand and leaving for the safely of Hogwarts.


The door to the bathroom opened and Narcissa entered the room. Harry's eyes widened with surprise at what she was wearing. It was a pink teddy that was barely thick enough to not be considered see-through. A normal guy like Flint would probably start drooling all over himself right about now. The teddy was cut so low in the front that her belly button almost showed. The bottom was so short that, if it were an inch higher above her long, smooth, beautiful legs, all of her would be exposed to him. Her beauty and nearly uncovered sexuality only made Harry's anxiety grow.


Narcissa held two goblets in her hands. As she approached Harry, she held one out and said, "Here, drink this. It will help you relax and keep your stamina up tonight." Normally, Harry would never accept a potion from her. But he was desperate for something to calm his nerves. Instead of taking the one she held out, he reached for the one in her other hand.


"I see that trust is still a issue with us," Narcissa said with a smile.


"It always will be," Harry said, as he brought the goblet to his lips and quickly drank the potion. Harry instantly felt warm all over. He could feelinglingling sensation in his fingers and toes.


After finishing her own, Narcissa took Harryobleoblet and set them both on the table next to the bed. She walked back around to the front of the bed and stood only inches in front of him. "You seem very nervous, Harry. Might I assume that this is your first time being intimate with a woman, or girl for that matter?" Narcissa asked, as she placed her hands on Harry's chest.


"Y...Y...Yes," Harry tensely choked out.

Narcissa slid one of her hands down Harry's chest to the top of his jeans. Harry sucked in a panicky breath as her hand slipped into his jeans and began cupping his manhood. "Nice," she said, as Harry felt his erection rapidly grow under her soft caresses.


"Don't worry, Harry, even though its been years since Lucius has touched me, I still know how to please a man," Narcissa whispered into his ear. She withdrew her hand from his jeans and pushed him back onto the bed. She dropped to her knees in front of him and began to unbutton his jeans.


"What are doing?" Harry asked uncertainly, as he leaned forward while resting on his elbows.


"Sssshhhh," Narcissa said, as she pulled him free of his fly. What she did next sent jolts of pleasurable electricity throughout his body. All thoughts of Dark wizards, marriage laws, and pure-bloods were suddenly flushed from his mind.


An hour and a half later, Narcissa rolled off from on top of him and lay panting breathlessly at his side. Harry was near complete exhaustion. Six times he had risen to the occasion. Whatever that potion was, it sure had one hell of an effect. Harry didn't think he could go again without his heart exploding.


Narcissa turned towards him and draped one arm over his chest and said, "You were amazing, Harry. You're so much better than your father was at your age."


"WHAT?!?!"


.........................................................................................................


Next chapter coming soon.

I know, a bit of a fade to black scene. I didn't want to take that big of a chance with the ratings yet. I'll save that for Hermione and Severus.

Here's a quick question for all of my reviewers. As you know I hinted that there was a chance that Sirius was still alive. Should I include a rescue mission in this story or leave him in the realm of the dead for now.