(Untitled)

[beauty_marred]

There are several quiet, out of the way corners in the bar at any one given time.

In one of these corners tonight, Narcissa is sitting comfortably, enjoying an evening cup of tea and the view out the observation window. She's been in a relatively good mood of late, and tonight is no different.

Acceptable company just might be welcomed.

Comments

[dragonofgrey]

Her son's been keeping away. Either in fox shape or perfecting the use of Concealing Charms. Usually the former, like tonight. Quiet and out of the way corners were a good place to hide as well. And he was stopping in to check on things, so Cissa will likely notice the white fox quietly padding around. He was underneath a chair nearby, whiskers and nose twitching greatly with caution.

[beauty_marred]

She does notice and tsks quietly.

"Come out now, Draco. I'll pour you a nice cup of tea."

[dragonofgrey]

The fox peered up, and then came out. Moments later, there was a very pale, and somewhat haggard looking Draco standing up now. Also dark circles under his grey eyes that quickly scanned the area before sitting across from his mother.

[beauty_marred]

"You look ill, darling." She passes over a cup, frowning slightly. "What's the matter?"

[dragonofgrey]

Draco took the cup, and held it in both of his hands. He stared down at the brown surface for a few moments. His wavering reflection doing nothing to improve his current appearance.

He finally replied, faltering slightly on his words, "It's... That is... Er... Has Father spoken to you recently? Or Uncle Rabastan?"

[beauty_marred]

Well. That doesn't do much to inspire confidence in what he's going to say.

"I have been keeping rather to myself of late. What's happened?"

[dragonofgrey]

Probably for the best really in his opinion. Easier to hide away.

He sighed and then said, "Uncle Rodolphus is here in the bar as well. Ran into him some weeks ago." Nearly a month ago, Merlin... not much time left.

[beauty_marred]

"Is he?" Narcissa frowns again, although not for reasons Draco would know. "How... interesting. What does this have to do with your state?"

[dragonofgrey]

He just shook his head, not looking at her, "Nothing...everything. I can't say, but glad that you and Father have been scarce here of late. Safer that way."

[beauty_marred]

She fixes him with a look indicating she's a fair bit more irritated now than she was before.

"Draco, if something is bothering you, then tell me. I'm in no mood now for your dancing around the issue."

[dragonofgrey]

Draco replied, "I already told Father some of it, and he might make things worse now. I can't tell you that much. Already risking things just by admitting this much. It's best for you and Father not to be seen around here. Not if he's around."

[beauty_marred]

"Oh for Merlin's sake, you tell me that and expect me to leave it be?" She snaps.

[dragonofgrey]

Draco sighed, and he whined, "I'm trying to handle it. Bad enough Uncle Rodolphus did what he did to Uncle Rabastan, trying to get him killed from werewolves. As long as I could do something to change things for us, all the better. He wanted me to help deliver up Rabastan. I had to say something."

[beauty_marred]

Narcissa quite literally facepalms.

And then, her voice, low, quiet and no-nonsense, "Draco, what have you done?"

[dragonofgrey]

He's really been getting that question and reaction a lot. And boy has it been deserved.

"An arrangement, but it'll be fine. Only have about a week left, and hopefully he'll be dealt with. Might still yet have a way to make the Dark Lord reconsider my value, or at least not want me dead anymore."

[beauty_marred]

"Arrangements that involve the Dark Lord are never fine, Draco. Have you learned nothing from what you've already been trhough?"