Narcissa's troubles

Narcissa Black sat in the library trying to work on her essay for Professor Slughorn. She was writing down what her amortentia potion had smelled like. Leather, linen, and ozone..She frowned thinking about that last one, ozone is the smell given off when we cast spells...the only leather I'm around is the bindings on some of our books...and the straps on the training dummies in the dueling classroom..linen though, that's everywhere...She shook her head to remove those thoughts then frowned as she saw Lucius and Nott walking into the library. Thank Circe they haven't seen me yet..I am in no mood to deal with those two slugs..She rose and ducked into the bookshelves away from the tables. She watched Lucius sit down and pull out a paper from his pocket.

"Damned woman. Bellatrix has vanished. On the plus side though Fawkes isn't here today...the announcement was that he had 'business to attend to'..." Lucius muttered darkly.

Narcissa's eyes widened, Bella is missing? Surely she and Professor Fawkes didn't..She shook her head, there's no way that Bella ran off with him..then she heard Nott.

"Rodolphus is planning on killing her the moment he sees her. He's keeping an eye on their ledgers at Gringotts..if she touches a single knut he will hunt her down."

"I doubt that she would be that stupid...she's a traitor and a whore, but she's not wholly an idiot. She has probably been hiding money away." Lucius looked at the note, "She was supposed to have killed Fawkes and returned..so either she ran off, or he killed her.."

"Fawkes couldn't kill a half-dead bowtruckle..she probably skinned him alive and then legged it," Nott said with a smirk. "If that is the case," Lucius said, "I'll have to get Narcissa to keep an ear out for any word from her sister.."

"She won't go for it," Nott said, to which Lucius smiled nastily.

"My dear Nott, she won't have a choice, either she agrees or a compulsion charm will make sure that she agrees anyway.."

Narcissa felt herself grow pale and cold. She watched as the two began their work and then when they were distracted enough, she whispered a notice-me-not charm and hurried out of the library.

Scene Break

Pounds House was not what Harry was expecting, I knew that it had been in stasis but I was hoping that it wouldn't be quite so...awful looking..It reminded him of Grimmauld Place from his time, It's bigger I'll give it that..but it looks like it's been sitting in a bucket of dirty water for the last eighty years.. Harry looked up, from the roof to the ground the house appeared grayish-brown from dirt and mildew. "This is going to take some work.." He said looking over to Bellatrix.

"I don't know..the wards feel solid..the house foundation seems to be holding up..let's look inside.." She said grabbing his hand. I could make this into a fine home for a Lord and Lady..She thought as she led him to the door. Harry put his hand on the knob and felt a pulse from his ring, then the door opened.

"Well, this is a surprise.." He said softly. While the outside of the manor was dull and dreary, the inside looked practically brand new."

"That's stasis. The outside has aged, but only superficially." Bellatrix pointed out to him, before taking his hand and leading him through the foyer into the formal sitting room. "At least it's furnished..I was not looking forward to the idea of spending my fortune fixing the place up." Harry said, resting his hand on an overstuffed chair.

The house again reminded Harry of Grimmauld Place, but then he supposed there weren't that many styles of nineteenth-century manor houses. The house featured bedrooms and bathrooms for ten people, a kitchen, a formal and private dining room as well as a library, study, and formal sitting room. As they inspected the rooms Bellatrix read off from the deed, "There are stables for fourteen horses, an owlery built for at least ten birds, three hectares worth of land for orchards, a barn, servants quarters, a mill and millpond, and surrounding us on all sides is roughly two miles of cleared and forested land." She looked up an smirked, "That makes this manor slightly larger than the family home in Cardiff."

"The Black Manor is in Cardiff?" They were standing in the master suite, Harry went to the window and looked down, he could see the eastern half of the property here, below him sat the land that once contained row upon row of fruit trees.

"Yes, that's not too far from here, about three hours or so..maybe after we kill Rodolphus we can go for a visit.." Bellatrix grinned and pulled him closer, her arms snaking around him, "You know, once Rodolphus and Rabastan are dead...I'll have access to the full Lestrange fortune..we'll be even richer than we are now..and that's pretty damned rich as it is.."

"Speaking of your husband and his brother...how should we deal with them?" Harry asked he watched Bellatrix think for a moment then she grinned, "When the time is right, I will send word that I was 'captured' and have managed to free myself. Rodolphus hates losing his toys, so he will come to us. Then we kill him. When he's dead Rabastan will come after you, he's crueler than his brother, but more of an idiot..he'll be easy."

Harry nodded, "Well if this is going to be our home I suppose we'll need to purchase an owl for the property."

"An owl, you'll need to see about binding a house elf as well." Bellatrix pointed out.

Harry nodded and looked out the window at the fallow land where the orchards had once been, "D'you think we could get the orchard replanted?"

"Possibly, why?"

"Butterbeer, firewhiskey, they are all fine..but I like cider.." Harry said, "Maybe we could even get some beehives put up so we could have honey."

"You know, mead is also very good..we'll look into the particulars later." Bellatrix went to the desk close to the wall beside Harry's window. "This place has the makings of a fine home for House Peverell." She said softly, for a moment she too looked out the window, but where Harry saw fruit trees, in Bellatrix's mind there were a few dark-haired children running around in the shade of those trees.

Bellatrix Fawkes watched as her eldest climbed one of the apple trees, tossing down the shining red fruits to his sister. Her husband, the Lord of House Peverell was at the opposite side of the orchard giving the first flying lesson to their youngest child. She smiled feeling the warmth of the summer sun on her face.

"C'mon James, I want that big apple, please.." Nine-year-old Madeline Fawkes begged her big brother for an apple that dangled just out of his reach. Bellatrix watched as James, a handsome boy of thirteen who looked just like his father, reached out then fell forward. Her wand was in her hand in a split second and James hovered just off of the ground. Madeline rushed to her brother and hugged him. "I'm sorry James.." She said beginning to cry.

Bellatrix watched as Harry and their baby, six-year-old Charlotte rushed over. Bellatrix lowered their son to the ground, watching as Harry helped him up. She had never really wanted a family, but somehow being with Harry Fawkes had made a change in her.

Bellatrix shook her head softly then turned to Harry, he was still looking out at the land. "It's going to be a beautiful place someday.." He said before turning and looking at her, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For asking me to take you here. I think on the weekends I'm not in Hogsmeade we can come here and start getting the house ready...we can probably start living here full time by Yule." He said taking her hand and drawing her against him.

"Full time?" She asked, "You are still teaching at Hogwarts.."

"I can teach and then come home. I'm not a Head of House, so I don't have to spend the night at the castle. As long as I'm there for my posted class and office hours, my free time is ours.." Minus what I need to fight Riddle..He thought that last part as he pressed a kiss to her temple.

Scene Break

Harry and Bellatrix slept as well as could be expected in Pounds House. The house was clean inside, but it was still stale smelling. Freshening charms only did so much, and it was too cold and damp at night to keep the windows open. "It will be better as time goes by, especially once we see about getting a house elf to work while we're gone," Bellatrix said once they had apparated back to London and gotten themselves some breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron.

"First order of business is to get an owl or maybe two, one for each of us," Harry said as he took a bite of bacon. "Then we'll see what elves are available for us to bind with." He took a sip of his coffee wincing at the slight bitterness. "Tom is good with magical drinks, but he burns the dragon shit out of coffee.."

"I've never cared for the stuff.," Bellatrix said sipping from her own cup of tea.

"Good coffee is a godsend when it's cold and mucky out," Harry mentioned, thinking about all the days he had been running from snatcher squads in the cold and rain.

"So, we'll handle the owls first, file your papers at the Ministry, and then we can talk about a house elf." Bellatrix made a mental note, to which Harry nodded.

Harry went back to the paper he had bought. Pictured prominently was a photo of himself talking to Amelia Bones, a hooded Bellatrix at his side.

HEROIC RESCUE IN DIAGON ALLEY

By Barnabas Cuffe

There was a panic in Diagon Alley yesterday afternoon when French tourist Apolline Dubois was attacked by a group of ruffians. Junior Auror Amelia Bones was on hand but gave no comment except that the suspects were apprehended. Ms. Dubois, however, had this to say: 'I was coming from Twillfit's shop and I was pulled into the alley by a group of drunkards. I thought the worst when I was rescued by a handsome dark-haired stranger. Harry Fawkes saved my life.'

Just who is Harry Fawkes? According to the rumor mill, he is a champion from the North American dueling circuit, a cursory check at the Ministry of Magic has also shed light that Harry Fawkes, Dueling instructor at Hogwarts, is also the newly minted Lord Peverell. The question remains: Who is Harry Fawkes, and who was the mysterious woman at his side?

For more information on this case, turn to pages 3,4,7, and 11.

Harry shook his head and showed Bellatrix the article. "I'm pretty sure that everyone at the Ministry will know who I am."

Scene Break

Narcissa had managed to avoid Lucius and his lackey Nott for most of the day. I have to speak with Professor Slughorn...no wait..that walrus won't do anything, the Malfoy family is too wealthy and influential...perhaps the headmaster...no that won't work..not unless..that's it! She knew what to do, she would spend the rest of the weekend in the infirmary with Madam Pomfrey, then on Monday, she would speak with Professor Fawkes. He and Dumbledore are always talking together, it'll be the perfect way to get Dumbledore to help me.. Narcissa rushed to the infirmary wing, her mind already working on the next phase of the plan.

"Malfoy wants to do what?" Madam Pomfrey was as angry as Narcissa had ever seen her. "He ought to be expelled. Using a compulsion charm on another student.."

"He hasn't used it yet Madam, I overheard him planning it."

"You were right to come here my girl until Monday morning you will stay right here helping me catalog my supply of potions." Pomfrey snapped her fingers and a Hogwarts elf appeared before her, "Please gather all of Miss Black's belongings and have them brought to the infirmary." The house elf vanished, leaving the two witches alone. "Alright, take a parchment and get to work. I'm going to have a word with the headmaster."

Scene Break

Albus Dumbledore watched as Poppy Pomfrey strode into his office, a look of pure rage on her face. "Poppy, what is the matter?" He asked.

"I'll tell you what the matter is, there are two Slytherins planning on harming one of my students!" She snapped, "Narcissa Black overheard Lucius Malfoy and Cantankerous Nott planning using a compulsion charm."

"A compulsion charm? Poppy, I promise you this will not stand." Dumbledore snapped his fingers and a house elf appeared before him, "Please bring me Professor Slughorn and ask him to bring Misters Malfoy and Nott."

"I will take care of this Poppy, go to Miss Black and tell her that this is being handled." Dumbledore sighed as Madam Pomfrey nodded and walked out of the room.

Professor Slughorn received the message and rose from his desk, Damn and I have to be the one to bring them...He left his office and made his way towards the Slytherin common room. Albus must need them for something important...perhaps they are being awarded something...no that would only be for Mister Malfoy, Mister Nott is nowhere near capable enough a student to receive an award..

Scene Break

Harry and Bellatrix went to purchase an owl. Sadly the emporium he knew from his time hadn't been established yet. In its place was a small building with a sign that said 'Orps Owls'. He held the door for Bellatrix to enter before walking inside. This place smells like wet hay...no wonder it wasn't around when I started school..

"Shame that it is, this is the only place to purchase trained owls in London." Bellatrix said softly, noticing the look on his face, "We'll just pick out two owls, one for each of us." They began to look at the large cages, each housing an owl with the name and species written in cramped script on a small card sitting on the cage door.

Bellatrix took a liking to Loki, a short-eared owl. For Harry it was much harder, there was no Hedwig, not yet anyway. But he knew he needed one, finally, he selected Brutus a handsome tawny owl. They were met by the owner of the shop, a wizened old man who leaned on a wooden staff that had a crook for another owl to sit. That owl, snowy like Hedwig watched them as if it fully expected them to try and steal the owls. "Ye'll be taking Loki and Brutus then? Fifteen galleons each. Do yeh be needin' cages an' food?" He asked them.

"Yes, a traveling cage for both birds as well as some treats until we arrive back at our home," Bellatrix responded.

"Right, that'll be sixty-three galleons fourteen sickles then."

Harry opened his money bag and said the number, he felt it grow heavy in his hands. He reached in and began to hand the money to the shopkeeper.

A few hours later found Harry and Bellatrix back at Pounds House introducing Loki and Brutus to the aviary. "I think they like it.." He said looking over to Bellatrix.

"It's much more spacious than that cramped shop..." She said watching as her owl, Loki began to clean himself.

"Well, at least now we have some food. Come on, I'll make us some dinner.." Harry said taking her hand and leading her into the house again.

"You can cook?" She asked him, to which Harry shrugged.

"Yeah, I had to learn. I was the house elf growing up." He went to the kitchen, "I'll surprise you, go ahead and get changed for dinner.." He kissed her softly before shooing her from the doorway of the kitchen,

Scene Break

Lucius Malfoy finished the letter he was sending to Walburga Black. He thrust it at one of the other students, "You. Snape. Take this letter to the owlery and get it sent off." He turned back to Nott without looking at the other boy who dutifully rushed off to fulfill the order of the Prefect.

Nott looked to him, an eyebrow quirking, "What was that?"

"A letter to the Lady Black, I think we need to step up the engagement of myself and her youngest niece. I want the betrothal solemnized by Yule." Malfoy answered. Nott nodded, "Good idea, I overheard Madam Pomfrey ranting about your plan...we need to figure out what we're going to do."

"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Nott, I'm glad to see you both, if you would come with me the headmaster wishes to speak with you. Probably to award you for something you've done in one of your classes." Professor Slughorn said it's probably something he did in Defense, Lucius is frightfully good with the Dark Arts class..He thought as the two rose, he turned and led them towards the door, not noticing the look that passed between the two students.

"Imperio!" Lucius Malfoy said casting the spell on the Professor, "You will take us to your office, you will open the floo for us, then you will forget you saw us."

"Come along lads, let's go to my office first...it's a bit drafty in the castle today, so let's get a nice fire going." The Professor said charging forward blissfully unaware that his mind wasn't his own.

"What now?" Nott asked.

Lucius smirked "We'll oblivate him just to be safe, then we'll go to Malfoy Manor. Father will hide us long enough to make contact with our master."

"What about Narcissa?"

"We'll meet with Walburga, with luck she'll send for Narcissa to come home immediately and then once she's married, I'll let her come back to keep an eye on Fawkes."