Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Ival Pythonica	By : MistressMalfoy2 Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 10034 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 18
- 19
- 20
A/N: I do not own Harry Potter, any of its characters, etc. They are all the property of J.K. Rowling. For no profit of any kind, I am simply borrowing her characters for a short while. Only the Original Character of Megan Malfoy is my own, though her last name is borrowed from J.K. Rowling. Any mention of musical quotes, titles, or singers I also don’t own any of that nor do I make any profit from using any of it.
Narcissa Malfoy glided into the room in a satin, royal purple, ankle length dress. The dress was held in place by two long strips of satin tied in an artful knot at the back of her slender neck. It had criss-crossing straps down her back. The satin hugged tightly to her slight frame, accentuating her small curves, then fanned out below the hips into many folds of fabric which flowed when she walked. Her small feet were in black stilettos which clicked lightly on the marble floor. Narcissa’s long blond hair was held up with pearl and diamond covered bobby pins in a complicated but gorgeous design. Tendrils of curled hair fell along her neck and the sides of her face. She walked over to stand in front of the fireplace. Narcissa’s hair pins flared to life like trapped fire against the light. A coy smile played across her lips when she saw Lucius’ jaw drop as he took in her appearance.
Lucius stared and blinked rapidly, trying to pull his mouth closed. He shrank back in his chair and gripped the armrests until his fingers were mottled with effort. Suddenly, Lucius shook his head violently from side to side and closed his eyes.
“You’re not here. It’s the medication causing me to hallucinate. You’re not here.”
Narcissa smiled softly and walked forward, reaching out to stroke his cheek. She felt him lean his face into her palm.
“Do I feel like a hallucination?”
Lucius rubbed his cheek against her open palm and smelled her lilac perfume wafting from Narcissa’s wrist. He slowly reached up and touched her hand, covering it with his. A sigh escaped his lips and a tear slid down his cheek and over their hands.
“No. You feel so real. But you can’t be. You’re . . . . you’re . . . .”
“Dead? Yes, I am dead but not gone. I will never be gone. You have made sure my spirit still lingers between the living with your love and devotion.”
Lucius looked up at Narcissa with tear-filled eyes. He suddenly leaped out of his chair and threw his arms around Narcissa’s slender waist, pulling her tightly to him. He inhaled her lilac perfume like a drowning man finding oxygen. He began to sob while he held her, tears trailing down her back to stain the satin.
Narcissa hugged him back and rubbed his back, shushing him softly. She almost rocked him back and forth, trying to calm him. He only sobbed louder and held on tighter. Finally, after several minutes, she eased herself out of his arms and raised his face to herself with her right hand. Her own blue eyes were shinning with tears.
“Please don’t cry, my dear. It’s alright now, I am here.”
He looked beseechingly at her as if he were a lost child who had found his mother.
“Narcissa, can it truly be you, after all this time?”
Lucius held her face in both hands, searching every detail.
“Yes, I had to come to you. I could feel your need stronger than ever to have me by your side.”
“But how is this possible? How can I be sure I am not just dreaming this?”
“There is only one sure way: ask me.” Narcissa held up her hands.
“What did we agree we would say if one of us died before the other and returned in any way?” Lucius regarded her closely.
“I come freely with love in my heart and light in my soul.” Narcissa grinned.
“The first line of our wedding vows . . .” Lucius smiled in return. “It is you.”
“Of course, would I wear this dress for anyone else?” She laughed.
Lucius ran his hands down her waist and hips. I smiled tugged at his lips.
“I bought you this dress for our first wedding anniversary. When I saw it in the shop window, it just screamed ‘Narcissa’ to me. I thought you would look so beautiful in it. You looked lovelier in this dress than I had ever imagined. Everyone at our celebration couldn’t stop staring at you. I was never prouder you were mine.”
“It only took two house elves and thirty minutes to strap me into it but the look on your face was enough.”
“I was blown away by your beauty that night. You glowed.” Lucius looked wistful. “I believe this is the dress that led to Megan’s conception.”
Narcissa’s smiled wavered and she pulled out of Lucius’ embrace.
“Yes, it is. Speaking of Megan, we must talk about our daughter’s current chaos.”
“Is that the only reason you have come back to me?” Lucius grimaced.
“Partly, yes, it is the reason I have visited you this way. She is our child and you are as lost with how to deal with the situation as our Megan has been.”
Lucius sighed in disgust and flopped back down in his leather chair. His cold, angry demeanor which he was so famous for returned, chasing away the happiness and tears.
“How exactly am I supposed to deal with this situation? How could I have ever been prepared for such an event?”
“There is not guidebook to raising children nor to dealing with an event such as this one, but you could help control some of the situation by helping Megan through it.”
Lucius sneered and scoffed. Narcissa closed her eyes and sighed, knowing a storm was about to erupt. She stood her ground and grabbed the edge of the mantle on the fireplace.
“It is a disaster! Her reputation is ruined! I will never be able to clean up this mess. The media have gotten wind of it and there is to be a public trial in a little over two weeks. All the attention will be very detrimental to the Malfoy name! Thank Merlin Frederick Vonosco is so in love with our daughter that he will overlook all this shame and still marry her. Of course the dowry will be much lower than it should be because that miserly father of his will see her as damaged goods no matter what Restoration and Cleansing spells are used. At least there will be combined wealth in the future and gorgeous grandchildren to pass on the Malfoy genes.”
“Lucius, how can you talk about marriages, dowries and fortunes when our daughter is in such pain? She needs a father not a marriage broker! Besides, a marriage is impossible with her pregnancy.” Narcissa saw the annoyance on his face. “Have you also forgotten she already carries a child fathered by Severus Snape? Did you think the child could be ignored? It is our first grandchild and it carries our blood! Your blood, Lucius!” Narcissa eyes narrowed in fury.
“I am aware of the blasted child! She can give birth and either give the child to Severus or put it up for adoption. It may carry Malfoy blood but its Snape blood has corrupted it. The child could never truly be a Malfoy because its blood is not pure enough. As for her pain, she is doing quite well under the pressure. She is a Malfoy, after all. She will survive this and be the stronger for it. Besides, she is gaining a sexual education from Severus which what I had intended any way. I had not planned on a curse being involved but I guess, as the Slytherin code goes, the ends justify the means.” He shrugged. “If it were not for the dirty half-breed mongrel Lupin and the pregnancy, it would actually be perfect.” He sighed.
Narcissa walked the few steps to Lucius’ chair and slapped him hard across the face. Lucius recoiled and touched his face. There was blood welling up from his lip and the small scratch marks from her nails on his cheek.
“Have you lost your mind, Narcissa?” Lucius whispered in shock and anger. “In all our years together you have never struck me.”
Narcissa stood with her fists balled at her sides. Her body shook so hard with anger that the diamond and pearl pins began to slip out of her hair. They hit the floor, slicing the thick silence with loud, sharp, sounds. Her long blonde hair fell around her shoulders and face in long curly waves. Her blue eyes glowed with an inner fire. Narcissa’s mouth was twisted in a snarl so hard, it made her words come out with a deep, grating harshness.
“The question is, have you? You speak of your daughter as if she were a pawn on a Wizarding Chess board! You ignore her deep suffering, her need for support and comfort! You,” Narcissa stepped forward and stabbed her well-manicured finger into his chest, towering over him. “would give away your first and only grandchild against our daughter’s wishes! You would sacrifice her happiness for your own greed and reputation, giving her away to a man in marriage she cannot love! You would use her to your own ends! It is not the curse that will hurt her, break her heart, break her spirit, and break her beyond fixing. It will be you, YOU, YOU, YOU!” With every ‘you,’ Narcissa stabbed her finger into his chest.
Lucius flinched at every stab and every word. He closed his eyes and took a shaky breath.
“It is only way I can see Megan right now, as an extension of the Malfoy name. How am I supposed to see her?”
“I want you to see her as your daughter, your little girl, who needs her father more than ever! This is same little girl you held in your arms and rocked to sleep countless nights when she was a baby, comforted when she had nightmare as a young child, who you would stand over and watch sleep at night with a smile, the little girl you would play tag with in the Hedge Maze and let sit in your lap or at your feet until she was teenager. You began to grow apart as she got older but she was always secretly your pride and joy. I remember when you would look at her like she was your whole world. Megan was always your favorite, even Draco knew it and was jealous of the relationship you two had. Merlin, even I was jealous sometimes! I remember it was like you two had your own language full of words, looks, private jokes and understandings which made us all feel like outsiders who were missing something.” Narcissa smiled as she remembered the anger fading.
Lucius’ face softened and he stared through Narcissa, as if he was reliving all those precious memories as Narcissa described them.
“It’s true. We were so close. Could always read her thoughts, her face, and I treasured the connection so much. Frankly, I had forgotten so much since you died. I guess I tried to block out how much I loved her and all we had shared as father and daughter because if I loved her as I always had, it would hurt so much. It made it easier to love her from a distance. I just couldn’t love her after what had happened. She is not the same person to me.” Lucius had the grace to look at the floor, ashamed.
“You always told me that I was the first most beautiful woman in the world but who was second?” Narcissa scrutinized his face, waiting.
“My Megan.” Lucius whispered as he turned his head away, staring into the fire.
“What has happened between you two?” Narcissa face fell in sadness.
“She killed the only other woman on this planet I ever loved. She killed you.”
“Oh, Lucius,” Narcissa knelt in front of Lucius and touched his knees. “Megan did not mean to kill me. She even injured Severus when he tried to hide her, to save her, like we all discussed. Do you remember?”
“Yes. We all sat down in this room the night before the Final Battle and agreed that if any of us saw Megan, the person would grab her and get her to safety or defend her life if necessary.”
“Exactly. Severus did just that. He grabbed her right from under the Dark Lord’s wand and pulled her down the alley but she couldn’t have known it was him. Just as we taught her, she was a great fighter. Severus was knocked down with the Crucio before he could reveal who he was but he was too immobile to help afterwards. When she saw me coming, she couldn’t have known it was her mother reaching for her. She reacted on instinct and I am quite proud of her for doing so. I could have been any Death Eater. What if I had been her aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange? Bellatrix thought Megan was an abomination of our family line by not joining the Dark Lord at the first chance. She would have tortured Megan within an inch of her life, if not killed her on sight. In fact, she tried but Megan fought her off. Never knew until that day our daughter was so brave and my last dying thought was the peace of knowing she could protect herself. I had done my job as a mother and taught her well. I could die in peace. Though I will admit I was sad to go so soon, there is so much I wanted to experience and see. However, it was just not meant to be.”
Lucius turned his head back to Narcissa and stared at her upturned face, a few tears trailing down her cheeks but smiling in triumph.
“Only you could be so forgiving, Narcissa. Only you could be so proud about being murdered by your own flesh and blood. She almost killed me last night. Did you know?”
“Yes, but just as what happened with my death, her attack upon you was not intentional. The baby is so powerful. It is using their combined powers and using our daughter as a conductor. It feels her anger towards you and doesn’t understand yet who you are or why, just that its mother is angry. It used her to lash out at you, my dear. Megan had a near breakdown when she realized what she had done. It wounded her deeply. She cannot lose you Lucius. With me gone, you are all she has left of her parents. She loves you so much even if she doesn’t show it like she used to when she was younger.” Narcissa pleaded.
“I cannot forgive her. She took you from me. It has broken parts of me, my heart, my spirit and my soul to know the daughter I loved so much took away the woman I loved with my all. I am sorry to hurt you, Narcissa, but I cannot forgive her. She has done too much damage to me which can never be fixed.” Lucius’ voice wavered but he tried to be firm.
“If you don’t forgive her, it will break her heart. You’re her father but deep down you are still Daddy and she is the little girl dying for your attention, your approval. She may have taken me out of this world but Megan is going to bring a new life into this world, who is going to make you so proud, but you’ll never enjoy it if you cannot know the child. And you won’t if this situation is not mended between you both.”
Lucius turned to her suddenly, face puzzled.
“How could you know the fate of her child, of its future?”
“Well, being on the Other Side allows certain privileges which I can hint to but not reveal entirely. Let us just say I was allowed a sneak peek of our first grandchild’s life. I also got a peak of what the future will be like if you do not fix things with our daughter. You must forgive her, accept the baby and allow the relationship between Severus and Megan run its natural course. Besides, who better than Severus Snape to take care of our baby girl? Please, for me, my darling? Please, try to love and trust our daughter again?”
Narcissa stroked his injured cheek. Lucius had turned his head way again, staring into the flames. Narcissa felt the wetness of tears run down his cheek. His voice came out choked by tears, his throat tight with emotion.
“I never stopped loving her, Narcissa, just as I never stopped loving you. She is almost a mirror image of you in so many ways but she has my temperament, my stubbornness, and I see glimpses of myself in her all the time. I have been so proud of the young woman she has become and what she has accomplished at such a tender age. Her level of maturity is so startling some times. Just when I thought she couldn’t surprise me, she did. I guess I could try to forgive her because you asked me to try, but it will take time. As for Severus, you are right. He isn’t Pure-Blooded but he is the only man I would trust to watch my back. Definitely, he is the only man I would trust with my daughter’s heart, her well-being, and her life. The grandchild I will love as I would any child of Megan’s. This will all take time for me, though. It will be a lot of small steps. But I need to look over her, protect her and stand by her side through the worst of this right now as she once did for me when you died. You are right. I have to try being a father and a friend, not a dictator. I just hope I can do it right.”
“All you have to do is open your heart up again to Megan and it will come easier than you think. Small steps can lead very quickly to bigger steps, just watch. What about the Vonosco marriage contract?” Narcissa eyes him carefully, knowingly.
“I will abolish it as soon as possible. To tell you the truth, I really cannot stand Frederick or his family.”
Lucius laughed and wiped the tears from his cheeks. Narcissa sat on his lap and hugged him.
“I am proud of you for listening to me. I know this was hard.”
“Only you could ever knock sense into me, make me angry and then go completely sentimental in the same moment.” He kissed her lips gently. “You remind me I have a heart. Although, I would never admit any of this to anyone but you and if asked I will deny it all. I do have a reputation to uphold in the magical world.”
“Oh, I know. Lucius Malfoy: the terror of all Pure-Bloods in the world, the nightmare of every Muggle child, the heartless wizard and a formidable enemy.”
Lucius made his face into his most haughty mask which Narcissa mirrored to perfection. They stared at one another for a few heartbeats. Narcissa was the first to crack, bursting into giggles which made Lucius laugh. He kissed her lips again and leaned his forehead against hers.
“I wish we could stay here like this forever but I know we can’t.” Lucius whispered against her lips.
“No, we can’t, my darling. I have one more request of you before I go.”
“Yes? I would give you anything, anything in my power. Just ask and you can have it.” Lucius leaned back to see her face fully.
“Please put my painting back up and live again. Slowly start joining the real world and find love again. Don’t be alone forever. I don’t want that for you.”
Lucius blinked rapidly.
“That’s three requests, not one. The painting is not a problem and I can spend more time around others in society. But find love again? That I don’t think I can do. I won’t.”
Narcissa held his determined face in her hands and smiled.
“Oh, yes, you will.”
Narcissa got up from his lap with a last brief kiss.
“How can you be so sure? Do you know something I don’t?” Lucius eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“Maybe.” Narcissa grinned.
“It’s cheating to be able to see the future.” Lucius pouted.
“When have I ever played fair?” She stopped and looked over her shoulder.
“Never.” He grinned back at her.
Narcissa’s high sweet laughter filled the room as she walked away.
Lucius shot up in bed, his ribs a dull ache this time. He shook his head wildly and looked around the room. He was back in the Dungeons, alone. He felt his cheek where Narcissa had smacked him but there were no marks. He laid back against his pillows and sighed. Then something on the sheets in his lap caught his eye. He gently lifted the blue hair ribbon with its silver, white and green embroidery. A chuckle fell out of his lips.
“I thought I lost this ribbon many years ago. You really did never play fair, Narcissa.” He put the ribbon to his lips and kissed it. “I love you, my darling.”
A soft breeze of lilac perfume blew across the bed. A voice floated across with the perfume, caressing Lucius’ face.
“I love you, too, my dear.”
Lucius smiled and closed his eyes, still holding the ribbon tight in his hand.
Megan’s hand tensed around Snape’s as Dumbledore knocked on Isabella’s door. Snape turned to Megan and smiled reassuringly.
“Come in!” A voice yelled from the other side of the thick oak door.
Dumbledore opened the door and walked through. Snape and Megan followed, Megan’s anxiety growing with each step. They entered the threshold and Megan saw Isabella pouring silvery, fine powder from a mortar and pestle set into a glass bottle with silver ink.
Isabella’s golden-red hair was tied back in a tight French braid, her face screwed up in concentration as she carefully place the cork in the bottle and shook the ink until it glowed brighter. Her lightly tanned skin was a shade paler than usual, the freckles standing out in strong patterns. Isabella placed the ink down gently, releasing the cork to let the ink breathe a little. All her tattooing equipment was laid on a rolling metal table which she must have borrowed from Snape’s or her personal laboratory. Everything was laid out with careful order but Isabella double checked the needle kits and the gun with precision. The clear surgical gloves were pulled up past her small wrists. When she finally seemed pleased all was ready, she turned on her small swivel stool and looked up at Megan. She tried to smile but Megan gasped and put a hand to her mouth. Isabella’s eyes were bloodshot with dark bags under them.
“You look awful . . . Isabella . . . I . . .” Megan started towards Isabella.
“Thanks, you look like shit, too.” Isabella grinned but the light didn’t reach her eyes.
“I never meant to hurt you. I cannot tell you how sorry I am. The word ‘sorry’ seems so empty and useless to cover what I did, but it’s all I have.” Tears trailed down Megan’s face as she lightly touched Isabella’s face.
“I am not mad, Megan. I was outraged at first. Don’t get me wrong, but I wanted to beat the crap out of you once I woke up. I was so hurt and angry. Dumbledore saved your ass. He and Sirius explained what was up. I know enough about dark curses and pregnancy hormones to know it’s not your fault. I also heard you kicked your Father’s ass and I didn’t feel so bad.” Isabella chuckled.
Megan knelt down in front of Isabella and grabbed her forearms lightly, her eyes pleading.
‘If you could ever find it in your heart to forgive me . . . .”
Isabella pulled Megan up of the floor with a dramatic sigh and hugged her.
“For Merlin’s sake, Megan! I forgive you already or I wouldn’t be helping you. You’re my best friend and I want to help stop your pain. Also, I would like to be able to talk to without getting maimed again. Besides, it takes two to tango as they say, and I said some pretty awful things which I didn’t mean about you, your family, and just in general. I think I also owe you an apology. I am sorry I was such a bitch.”
“Are you kidding me? If you can forgive me for nearly crippling you, it should be apology enough!” Megan squeezed Isabella into a tight hug.
Isabella pulled back from Megan and grinned.
“‘Love is a battlefield.’” Megan stated, smirking.
“‘Guess you better go and get your armor.’” Megan replied, grinning and pointing to the table.
They laughed as Megan slid onto the leather tattoo table and laid back flat.
Snape had taken a position against the wall by Megan’s left side. Lupin was leaning against the opposite wall, mirroring Snape. They looked between the two girls and at each other completely confused. Dumbledore smiled and sat down in the oak desk chair in the far corner.
“Why is it I feel we have all missed the joke?” Snape asked.
“We were quoting a Muggle song. We do that sometimes when we feel the lyrics fit the situation. ‘Love is a Battlefield’ seemed appropriate at this moment.”
“Is it ever.” Isabella chuckled.
Snape nodded, still confused, and looked at Lupin who shrugged.
“I had no idea you listened to Muggle music, Megan. I am surprised.”
“I believe you once said you knew absolutely everything about me?” Megan raised an eyebrow at Snape.
“Touché, my love. I admit I was wrong. There is much about you which I am not familiar.” He bowed at the waist and stood back up with a shadow of a smile.
Isabella lifted Megan’s shirt. She reached over and grabbed a cleaning wipe, a razor and some clear deodorant. After cleaning the skin and removing any hair, she spread the deodorant over Megan’s lower abdomen. She stopped and looked around the room.
“All of you squeamish about blood?”
All the men shook their heads. Megan laughed. Isabella looked at look puzzled.
“Isabella, you’re talking to one of the greatest wizards in history, a former Death eater who played double agent while being Voldemort’s favorite and a werewolf. Blood really isn’t even an issue.” She nodded at Dumbledore, Snape and Lupin in turn.
Isabella shook her head and laughed as she grabbed the tattoo gun, dripping it in the silver paint first.
“I should have never asked. Just when I think I have my footing around here, you all surprise me yet again. You ready Megan?”
“Yes. Just another day at the office, right?” Megan smiled.
“You bet, girl. Here we go.”
Isabella began to outline the heart, vines and leaves in silver ink. The gun buzzed softly in the quiet room. Isabella occasionally wiped the blood away and dipped the gun in more ink to continue. The men watched on without a word for the entire outline. When Isabella finished and changed needles for the red, Snape moved off the wall a few steps and admired Isabella’s work.
The heart was perfectly shaped, the silver lines wrapped around the heart once at the bottom, middle and top. The vines snaked off along the bottom, curved up along the edge of the heart and curved off to the left or right depending on which side he looked. The leaves were tear drop shaped, spaced evenly along each vine. A small line dissected each little leaf. The silver shimmered very brightly against Megan’s pale skin.
“I was under the impression that most tattoo artists had to draw up an illustration to place on the skin as a guide for an outline. You have done the work freehand, quite impressive, Miss Huntington.” Snape stepped back against the wall.
“And I thought that most potions required a recipe and directions. Yet I have seen Megan make a potion from memory, such as I bet you could. Sometimes for custom designs or personal drawings people want done, I will use a transparent outline in black to place on the skin. But most times, the person gives me the general idea of what they want and I just picture it in my mind. That is all I need. Plus, Megan trusts my artistry as does Dumbledore.” Isabella glanced at Dumbledore and he winked back.
“How do you know she would be able to do exactly what you described, Albus?” Lupin asked.
“Let us just say, I have been in the capable hands of Miss Huntington a couple of times.”
Snape’s eyebrows shot into his hair line, Lupin just stared and Megan blinked. Dumbledore simply spread his hands and shrugged.
“You have tattoos, Albus? Somehow that is an image I cannot wrap my mind around.” Snape muttered.
“As I said earlier this week, Severus: an old man is allowed a few secrets.”
“Don’t worry, Albus, your secrets are safe with me.” Isabella winked back at Dumbledore who nodded with a knowing smile.
Isabella laughed when she looked at Megan’s face. Isabella dipped the new needle in the red ink.
“’In a heart, I paint it crimson red.’” Isabella said, looking up at Megan.
“‘Baby, don’t let it go to your head.’” Megan answered with a knowing smile of her own. “What an interesting song quote to choose.”
“I always it should be your theme song about a certain Professor before all this happened.”
“Very funny, Isabella.” Megan blushed very red. “Get back to work, woman and stop trying to embarrass me.”
“Already accomplished.” Isabella shot Megan a wicked grin and laughed.
“What song would you be quoting that would have anything to do with ‘a certain professor before all this happened’ as Miss Huntington phrased it?” Snape quirked a curious eyebrow.
“‘Don’t Let It Go To Your Head’ by Jordan Sparks. I can play it for you some time, Professor Snape, if you would like.”
“Isabella!” Megan widened her eyes in shock. “Don’t you dare play that song for him! Why must you embarrass me so badly?”
“Who? Me? Never.” Isabella face was a mockery of seriousness, her voice innocent.
“If you had gone to Hogwarts you would have been a Slytherin, I swear it!” Megan shook her head in frustration.
“I actually agree with that assessment, Megan.” Lupin laughed.
Isabella dipped the needle in the red ink and the gun began to buzz again in the silence. She started filled in the heart, careful to avoid crossing the silver lines. After a few minutes, Isabella stopped. She looked around and sighed, frustrated.
“What is wrong, Miss Huntington?” Dumbledore inquired.
“Speaking of music, I could really use it. I know that most electronics do not work here but I always work to music, it helps me concentrate.”
“Not a problem, Miss Huntington.”
Dumbledore took out his wand and waved it at the dresser. A Muggle-style radio appeared. He flicked his wand at the Ipod on her dresser and the device flew to the top of the radio, clicking into place. The song list on her Ipod began to play. Dumbledore replaced his wand in his robes and nodded for Isabella to continue, as music filled the room. Isabella nodded back at Dumbledore but frowned at the song. She turned her head towards the radio.
“Play ‘Waking the Monster’ and volume level 8.” Isabella demanded, and then smirked at Megan.
Megan laughed as the Darren Hayes song began to pulse through room loudly, drowning out any possible thought. Isabella sighed happily and hummed along with the music, while continuing to fill in the heart on Megan’s abdomen. Snape and Lupin listened to the lyrics. Lupin grinned at the lyrics. Snape simply shook his head and rolled his eyes.
Isabella worked diligently, humming or mouthing the words to the songs that filtered through the radio. The heart was filled quickly, the red ink bottle empty. The red ink had been absorbed more than the other two inks. Isabella only had to wipe blood away occasionally but not too much ink residue. She turned to change needles and grabbed the green ink. The vines suddenly came to life as the green ink was carefully placed between the tiny silver lines.
Megan slipped into listening to the Muggle music, eyes closed, as the ink sunk into her skin. A calming sensation had spread through her, stronger and stronger with each drop of red ink. She felt the vibration and prickle of pain as Isabella began to fill in the tiny vines and leaves. Before Megan realized it, as if she had been asleep and time had sped by, Isabella was done.
With the last drop of ink, a bright light exploded from the tattoo, lighting up the room for a brief few seconds. Megan’s body vibrated sharply and she gasped with wide eyes. Then it stopped, looking perfectly normal except for the beautiful shimmer the ink gave off. Megan struggled to catch her breath as a wave of calm spread over her body. She stretched out a hand to her left and Snape quickly grabbed it out of habit. Megan’s breathing began to slow and she relaxed so completely she looked almost boneless. Everyone had frozen for a moment but a nod from Dumbledore told everyone it was okay and to proceed.
Isabella sprayed the skin down with a tiny bit of alcohol, wiped away the few stray drops of ink and mostly blood, spread Healing Salve and taped a bandage on the 5” x 5” tattoo. Megan heard Isabella snap her gloves off and roll back from the table. She opened her eyes and Isabella gave a small smile. Megan gave a lazy smile, feeling half asleep suddenly.
“I think it worked. I feel so calm.” Megan tried to sit up.
Isabella helped her sit up and step down from the table. She hugged her gently.
“You know the rules: don’t remove the bandage for 4 hours, don’t get it wet for at least 8 hours, no swimming for 2 weeks, and keep it hydrated with Healing Salve. Got it?”
“Yes, I remember the rules and I don’t think swimming in December will be an issue.”
“With all that has happened so far, I can’t tell what will be an issue with you lately.”
They both laughed.
“How about I stop over later tonight and we talk, girl to girl?” Isabella asked.
“Sure. I would very much like that right now.”
“Good. See you later. With my work holding that baby in check, you should be cleared for human contact even with your father. Good luck with him, by the way.” Isabella grimaced.
“Yeah. I will need it.”
Megan turned to Lupin, walking across the room. She offered her hand and he took it, gently.
“I think we should take a walk. I would love to see Sirius.”
“You should speak with your father.” Lupin chided.
“Oh, my father can wait until later tonight. Wouldn’t you love to go see Sirius instead?” Megan pleaded.
Lupin sighed and used his other hand to smooth some stray blonde hairs away from Megan’s face. He suddenly looked very sad but determined.
“That was very smart, trying to use my love of Sirius to escape.” A sad smile turned into a frown. “I don’t want to say this, but I think you are avoiding your father entirely or just until it is you and Severus. I thought I would agree but as you were on that table, I realized hiding from the man is cowardly. If you have the courage to face Lucius after what happened then so do I. He hates my guts and will probably continue to after this is all over but he and I need to air things out. I need to say my piece as I am sure so does he. If we don’t have an understanding, I am afraid he may come after me later and I won’t be looking over my shoulder the rest of my life. Severus should also be there, of course.” Lupin pulled himself up to his full height.
“Remus, as much as I admire your courage, I can’t let you walk into a suicide mission.” Megan looked wildly around the room for help.
“Megan, either I go with you now or I go on my own later and take my chances alone.”
“Remus . . . .” Megan began.
“Strangely enough, I agree fully with Lupin. I never thought I would utter those words in my life but it is true. He must face Lucius, as must you and I.”
Megan turned to stare open-mouthed at Snape, who had his most serious, “professor face” in place.
Megan wanted to argue but he narrowed his eyes coldly and folded his arms across his chest. She knew she couldn’t argue with Snape when he went into this mode. She sighed and threw up her arms in defeat.
“Fine but don’t say I didn’t try to warn you all.”
Lupin, Snape and Megan all turned and walked out of Isabella’s rooms. Megan looked back over her shoulder at Isabella because she was the last one out the door. Isabella smiled and nodded her head, mouthing, ‘be strong.’ Megan turned, squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. She walked behind the men with a purpose but when they reached Lucius’ rooms, Megan faltered.
Snape grabbed her by the hand and squeezed. Lupin patted her other shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile.
“We are both here for you.” Lupin said.
“That’s what I am afraid of.”
Megan let go of Snape’s hand and stepped up to the door, knocking.
“Come in, Megan.” Lucius announced from behind the oak door.
Megan took another very deep breath and opened the door. She walked in and stood at the foot of Lucius bed. She looked at the coldness on his face and winced.
“Ah, finally my daughter has decided to grace my presence.” He looked at Megan with piercing eyes. Lucius’ face suddenly turned into a mask of hate and seething anger. “I see you brought not only the snake in the grass but the dirty mongrel as well. Where’s the mutt, he would make this a perfect moment.”
“I am right here, Lucius. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” A voice bit into the air.
Megan turned and saw Sirius standing in the doorway. He strode into the room and shut the door. Megan saw the anger in Sirius’ eyes like a mirror of her father’s only in dark brown.
“Wonderful, now the party can truly begin.” Lucius spat, a twisting sneer spreading across his face.
Megan gulped and tried desperately to run screaming from the room.
- 18
- 19
- 20
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Ival Pythonica