Skeeter Chronicles Chapter Sixteen
Title: Skeeter Chronicles
Rating: This chapter PG
Author: SoLeo
Word Count: +1600
Warnings: *EWE*
Disclaimer: You know I don't own them.
Summary: In which Rita Skeeter attempts to get the exclusive of a lifetime.
AN: Hey this chapter is dedicated to myk_myks - she knows why!
Chapter Sixteen
A quick floo journey later we are tumbling out of the Malfoy fireplace, I steady Harry before he can fall all over the rug. Narcissa greets us warmly as we dust off the soot.
“Did you need to speak with Lucius? He’s out in the garden, I’ll have Brooby fetch him.” She is about to motion the house elf when I stop her.
“Actually Narcissa, I need to speak with you, about the upcoming school year.” Her demeanor doesn’t change significantly, but I notice she tenses slightly expecting bad news.
“Oh. Of course Severus, please join me in the study.” She leads me off out the door, but Harry stays behind and gets comfy on one of the couches.
Lucius’ office is my favorite room of the manor. Books of every kind line one of the walls, and it feels very homey to me, comfortable and safe. This room wasn’t ornate enough for Voldemort to have taken it over, so very few memories taint my feelings of it. Once we are both seated in the corner I plough head on into the subject at hand.
“I know you were only signed on to teach one class Narcissa, but I need your help, something that would require you and Lucius to live-in at Hogwarts.” She likes to feel needed, and this approach should appeal to her motherly instincts.
“Whatever could be the matter Severus, you know I can’t risk anything with the Ministry on my back, watching me all the time. We’re not free to do as we please.” She’s worried about her son mostly, but Lucius backed her over Voldemort in the end and she would not risk his safety either.
“I want you to lead Slytherin House and hold the East wards.”
I see she wasn’t expecting that. It’s a good kind of upset, I think, hard to tell with moisture pooling on her eyes.
“Are you certain it will be allowed?”
“I will be speaking to board tomorrow. I will make them see reason. You are most fitting the post.”
“I thought you had already chosen another. I never thought that I…” She is overcome by emotion and begins to dab at her eyes.
“I have seen the true character of Mr. Fadden, and found it lacking. He was not honorable enough, but you my lady, I hold you in great esteem. You would lead the snake-lings very well, direct them to the path of glory without the sacrifice of values or their moral code.”
“Of course, and the pay?” I smirk, very pleased. She is ever the Slytherin.
“Increased due to the added responsibilities. You would be required to live on the grounds to attend the children at any hour they might need you. Family quarters would be provided.”
“If you manage the old coots’ approval I will get Lucius’. I always wanted more children to look after.” She’s teary again, but I ignore it. This is not something that I would dare use against her. Few knew how she had chosen to make herself barren rather than someday have her husband ‘share’ her with their great leader to try a produce his offspring. She had learned from the damage done to Bellatrix. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity Severus. I count you as one of my dear friends, and I hope you do the same for me.”
Years of watching my back, and not trusting anyone but Dumbledore, had turned those that I would have counted as friends into enemies. Knowing that she had put aside any feelings of betrayal made me glad. I take her hand and place a chaste kiss on her knuckles. “My lady.”
Good thing I was about to go, because Draco burst into the room. “Mother, did you know Harry Potter is in the sitting room, getting mud on our rug?” He notices me and quiets rapidly. “Hello Headmaster Snape.” He holds his hand out and I shake it. He hasn’t changed much, still full of himself. I would think that having your fortune frozen and your name publicly in the mud would humble a person, but it must be his defense mechanism to stick his nose up at everyone.
“Yes, I am aware. He arrived with Severus, and they are about to leave.”
“He arrived…” Something clicks in his head, possibly the inflection she used, and suddenly he is laughing. Not just a chuckle, but full out belly busting laughter. I had never heard it before. I don’t like to be the butt of any joke and I turn my best scowl on him. He doesn’t stop immediately, but he quiets down and rubs away the tears that had formed. “I’m sorry. It’s just so unexpected. Harry Potter, the second greatest Gryffindor next to Godric himself, and you Master Slytherin. A very unlikely pair.”
Righteous indignation blazes through me. “You had best keep your thoughts to yourself Mr. Malfoy, or you will find yourself with just enough rope to hang yourself with.”
Narcissa steps between us quickly, hands out to keep us in place. “I’m sure he meant no disrespect Severus. His youth blinds him sometimes to the value of silence.” She gives him a pointed look and nods at me.
He quiets down quickly then, seeing the fury in me. “I’m sorry. I… Please accept my apologies.”
“I understand that this new world, free from a bleak future ruled by the Dark Lord, is something that you are having a tough time coming to grips with Mr. Malfoy. But you would do well to find your place in the new hierarchy as we all have. Being insulting to those you are indebted to is a character flaw you would do well to correct. Your mother will not always be there to save you from yourself.” I know he is stung by my words, he needed the reminder of the life lessons he has learned. I storm out of the room, my exit not up to my usual flourish as I had to forgo my normal robes in favor of muggle attire.
When I enter the sitting room Harry is waiting patiently. He smiles as he sees me, but changes to concerned at my countenance. “Is something the matter? Did Narcissa refuse?” He joins me at the door. I bask in his embrace, feeling my ire leave me as his clean smell washes over me. He is sunshine and grass to my snow and damp. Draco is right, we are an unlikely coupling, but I will be thrice damned if I would let him influence me in any way.
“No, she did not refuse. I’ve just had the displeasure of the younger Malfoy’s presence. He has forgotten when to hold his tongue.”
“I thought I saw Draco stick his head in here. Didn’t even say hi to me, he can be such a prat.”
“Indeed. Let us go.” Harry’s exuberance is a balm to my jaded heart.
-/-/-/-/-/-
We apparate to an alley behind a theatre in Muggle London. The dumpster has a sickeningly sweet aroma and I hurry to get away from the stench. Harry is fairly bouncing with every step, heedless of the grime he is stepping in.
“What kind of movie should we see?” As Harry reaches me he grabs my hand. It’s unexpected and I almost pull my hand away, but the look on his face stops me. He’s so open and hopeful. I don’t want to deny him this little thing and replace that look with something dour.
“I would think, as any young man you would most be interested in an action movie. Although since we are on a date I believe the norm is a romance comedy.”
“I like it when you say things like that.”
“What?”
“That we’re on a date.” I scowl, but he just laughs. “Ok. So an action film sounds great.”
The Sunday afternoon crowd is light, and the line is short. As we reach the front the cashier gives us a strange look but doesn’t comment about our hand holding. I glower at the prejudice muggle and pay, as Harry has forgotten to bring along any muggle money and I always keep some on me just in case.
“What should we do until our movie starts?”
“We could purchase some concessions or try our hand in the arcade.”
“Popcorn! I need to have popcorn.” I smile indulgently as he pulls me towards the food counter.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Harry picks a seat in the back of the semi-dark theater, already munching on his snacks. I marvel at the amount of sugar, butter and cheese he can happily consume and make a mental note to brew a stomach settling potion after we get back. “You’re going to upset your stomach with all that junk food.”
“I am not.” He takes a bit of his hotdog and moans low. “This is the best. Why haven’t we done this before?”
“I believe your desire to have privacy is greater than your desire for conventional means of entertainment. I prefer books.”
“Well, we are going to have to do this again.” He’s started on his nachos and some cheese dribbles on his fingers. He catches me staring as he licks them clean. “Did you want some?” Instead of grabbing his food I lean over and kiss him, thoroughly. The flavor of the imitation cheese and other processed foods is muted by his taste, of which I enjoy much more.
He’s dazed when I pull away, a silly smile on his face. “Yeah, we’re definitely doing this again.” He leans over to kiss me this time and we don’t notice when the lights turn down.
Rating: This chapter PG
Author: SoLeo
Word Count: +1600
Warnings: *EWE*
Disclaimer: You know I don't own them.
Summary: In which Rita Skeeter attempts to get the exclusive of a lifetime.
AN: Hey this chapter is dedicated to myk_myks - she knows why!
Chapter Sixteen
A quick floo journey later we are tumbling out of the Malfoy fireplace, I steady Harry before he can fall all over the rug. Narcissa greets us warmly as we dust off the soot.
“Did you need to speak with Lucius? He’s out in the garden, I’ll have Brooby fetch him.” She is about to motion the house elf when I stop her.
“Actually Narcissa, I need to speak with you, about the upcoming school year.” Her demeanor doesn’t change significantly, but I notice she tenses slightly expecting bad news.
“Oh. Of course Severus, please join me in the study.” She leads me off out the door, but Harry stays behind and gets comfy on one of the couches.
Lucius’ office is my favorite room of the manor. Books of every kind line one of the walls, and it feels very homey to me, comfortable and safe. This room wasn’t ornate enough for Voldemort to have taken it over, so very few memories taint my feelings of it. Once we are both seated in the corner I plough head on into the subject at hand.
“I know you were only signed on to teach one class Narcissa, but I need your help, something that would require you and Lucius to live-in at Hogwarts.” She likes to feel needed, and this approach should appeal to her motherly instincts.
“Whatever could be the matter Severus, you know I can’t risk anything with the Ministry on my back, watching me all the time. We’re not free to do as we please.” She’s worried about her son mostly, but Lucius backed her over Voldemort in the end and she would not risk his safety either.
“I want you to lead Slytherin House and hold the East wards.”
I see she wasn’t expecting that. It’s a good kind of upset, I think, hard to tell with moisture pooling on her eyes.
“Are you certain it will be allowed?”
“I will be speaking to board tomorrow. I will make them see reason. You are most fitting the post.”
“I thought you had already chosen another. I never thought that I…” She is overcome by emotion and begins to dab at her eyes.
“I have seen the true character of Mr. Fadden, and found it lacking. He was not honorable enough, but you my lady, I hold you in great esteem. You would lead the snake-lings very well, direct them to the path of glory without the sacrifice of values or their moral code.”
“Of course, and the pay?” I smirk, very pleased. She is ever the Slytherin.
“Increased due to the added responsibilities. You would be required to live on the grounds to attend the children at any hour they might need you. Family quarters would be provided.”
“If you manage the old coots’ approval I will get Lucius’. I always wanted more children to look after.” She’s teary again, but I ignore it. This is not something that I would dare use against her. Few knew how she had chosen to make herself barren rather than someday have her husband ‘share’ her with their great leader to try a produce his offspring. She had learned from the damage done to Bellatrix. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity Severus. I count you as one of my dear friends, and I hope you do the same for me.”
Years of watching my back, and not trusting anyone but Dumbledore, had turned those that I would have counted as friends into enemies. Knowing that she had put aside any feelings of betrayal made me glad. I take her hand and place a chaste kiss on her knuckles. “My lady.”
Good thing I was about to go, because Draco burst into the room. “Mother, did you know Harry Potter is in the sitting room, getting mud on our rug?” He notices me and quiets rapidly. “Hello Headmaster Snape.” He holds his hand out and I shake it. He hasn’t changed much, still full of himself. I would think that having your fortune frozen and your name publicly in the mud would humble a person, but it must be his defense mechanism to stick his nose up at everyone.
“Yes, I am aware. He arrived with Severus, and they are about to leave.”
“He arrived…” Something clicks in his head, possibly the inflection she used, and suddenly he is laughing. Not just a chuckle, but full out belly busting laughter. I had never heard it before. I don’t like to be the butt of any joke and I turn my best scowl on him. He doesn’t stop immediately, but he quiets down and rubs away the tears that had formed. “I’m sorry. It’s just so unexpected. Harry Potter, the second greatest Gryffindor next to Godric himself, and you Master Slytherin. A very unlikely pair.”
Righteous indignation blazes through me. “You had best keep your thoughts to yourself Mr. Malfoy, or you will find yourself with just enough rope to hang yourself with.”
Narcissa steps between us quickly, hands out to keep us in place. “I’m sure he meant no disrespect Severus. His youth blinds him sometimes to the value of silence.” She gives him a pointed look and nods at me.
He quiets down quickly then, seeing the fury in me. “I’m sorry. I… Please accept my apologies.”
“I understand that this new world, free from a bleak future ruled by the Dark Lord, is something that you are having a tough time coming to grips with Mr. Malfoy. But you would do well to find your place in the new hierarchy as we all have. Being insulting to those you are indebted to is a character flaw you would do well to correct. Your mother will not always be there to save you from yourself.” I know he is stung by my words, he needed the reminder of the life lessons he has learned. I storm out of the room, my exit not up to my usual flourish as I had to forgo my normal robes in favor of muggle attire.
When I enter the sitting room Harry is waiting patiently. He smiles as he sees me, but changes to concerned at my countenance. “Is something the matter? Did Narcissa refuse?” He joins me at the door. I bask in his embrace, feeling my ire leave me as his clean smell washes over me. He is sunshine and grass to my snow and damp. Draco is right, we are an unlikely coupling, but I will be thrice damned if I would let him influence me in any way.
“No, she did not refuse. I’ve just had the displeasure of the younger Malfoy’s presence. He has forgotten when to hold his tongue.”
“I thought I saw Draco stick his head in here. Didn’t even say hi to me, he can be such a prat.”
“Indeed. Let us go.” Harry’s exuberance is a balm to my jaded heart.
-/-/-/-/-/-
We apparate to an alley behind a theatre in Muggle London. The dumpster has a sickeningly sweet aroma and I hurry to get away from the stench. Harry is fairly bouncing with every step, heedless of the grime he is stepping in.
“What kind of movie should we see?” As Harry reaches me he grabs my hand. It’s unexpected and I almost pull my hand away, but the look on his face stops me. He’s so open and hopeful. I don’t want to deny him this little thing and replace that look with something dour.
“I would think, as any young man you would most be interested in an action movie. Although since we are on a date I believe the norm is a romance comedy.”
“I like it when you say things like that.”
“What?”
“That we’re on a date.” I scowl, but he just laughs. “Ok. So an action film sounds great.”
The Sunday afternoon crowd is light, and the line is short. As we reach the front the cashier gives us a strange look but doesn’t comment about our hand holding. I glower at the prejudice muggle and pay, as Harry has forgotten to bring along any muggle money and I always keep some on me just in case.
“What should we do until our movie starts?”
“We could purchase some concessions or try our hand in the arcade.”
“Popcorn! I need to have popcorn.” I smile indulgently as he pulls me towards the food counter.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Harry picks a seat in the back of the semi-dark theater, already munching on his snacks. I marvel at the amount of sugar, butter and cheese he can happily consume and make a mental note to brew a stomach settling potion after we get back. “You’re going to upset your stomach with all that junk food.”
“I am not.” He takes a bit of his hotdog and moans low. “This is the best. Why haven’t we done this before?”
“I believe your desire to have privacy is greater than your desire for conventional means of entertainment. I prefer books.”
“Well, we are going to have to do this again.” He’s started on his nachos and some cheese dribbles on his fingers. He catches me staring as he licks them clean. “Did you want some?” Instead of grabbing his food I lean over and kiss him, thoroughly. The flavor of the imitation cheese and other processed foods is muted by his taste, of which I enjoy much more.
He’s dazed when I pull away, a silly smile on his face. “Yeah, we’re definitely doing this again.” He leans over to kiss me this time and we don’t notice when the lights turn down.