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  This chapter was edited by Gdiusx. Check his works on HP and ASOIAF, I highly recommend them.

  The Matriarch

  “This doesn’t seem right.”

  “You think so?”

  “I know so. These statues seem more like how wizards wish other creatures looked at them.” Harry frowned, scrunching his eyebrows in that adorable way boys did when they were deep in thought. “Goblins would sooner gut a human than look at them like that. In fact, the only statue that appears authentic is the house-elf.”

  “Indeed. I highly doubt a centaur would ever look at a wizard with such adoration.” Narcissa tittered as they stood in front of the so-called Fountain Of Magical Brethren. That it only showed three magical creatures instead of the myriad of sentient creatures living in the British Isles was telling about its hypocrisy. Not that she cared about the other magical beings, for just like muggles, their pce still remained beneath them.

  “Although I do hear tales of certain witches and hags seducing centaur stallions and centaur mares seeking studs of their own.” She snickered without thought before widening her eyes as she remembered her company. Narcissa carefully gnced at the short boy, even younger than her son, yet he simply snorted in amusement, causing her to sigh inwardly in relief.

  Rule number two when it comes to Harry Potter; He’s a lot more mature than anyone his age should be, despite his small stature, yet Narcissa should be careful when speaking to him in a public setting.

  “Come, Harry Potter. Let us begin.” She gently pced her hand across his shoulder and was thankful when he allowed her to steer him to the security desk. “You have yet to tell me what exactly you seek in the ministry, my boy.”

  She could feel him stiffen slightly when addressed as a boy, but he quickly rexed. Something to keep an eye on, as she could not afford to alienate him. Not to mention, Narcissa had started to care for Harry Potter.

  … When did that happen?

  “I need a house. Otherwise, I will be forced to either stay in Diagon Alley long-term or, worse – return to my muggle retives, and that is not an option.” She could feel the revulsion in the boy’s words as he mentioned his retives, and Narcissa could sympathise. She could never imagine being forced to live without magic let alone in the presence of filthy muggles! Even if they were kin, the idea was repulsive.

  “So you would like to check if your family left you any property?”

  “Yes. Everyone tells me how the Potters were rich and powerful in their heyday or how my grandfather amassed a massive fortune making potions. If what I have in my vault was the result of that, then my house’s reputation has been severely overblown. There has to be a house or two hidden somewhere, I'll even take the shrieking shack.”

  Despite his words, Harry looked calm, like even if he did not find a pce to live in, he had the confidence to survive somewhere, regardless. For a fleeting moment, Narcissa entertained the idea of offering him her home. It would have been a perfect chance to have him and her son befriend each other.

  She scrapped the idea as quickly as it came; the scandal that would arise as a result would be too much for the Malfoys to weather presently. Then there was the fact that Malfoy Manor was not hers, but her husband’s. Perhaps if Lucius had found a way to restore his sanity and agreed, then they could have seriously sought such a proposal. Besides, she doubted the prideful boy would accept anything that might constitute charity, not to mention his clear hatred of her husband. She might have understood, but it was difficult to accept.

  “I’m sure we will discover something, Harry. I know my great aunt Dorea married your great uncle Charlus, and they mentioned the Potter ancestral manor was surrounded by mountains. My best guess would be somewhere in Wales.”

  “Great Uncle? We’re reted?” The way Harry turned to her so suddenly, his eyes almost glowing in excitement, made her dread crushing his hopes.

  “Sadly, no. They did have a son, but they all died from the Dragon Pox.” Her heart ached for the young boy as his eyes dimmed, but Narcissa had learned that he was as pragmatic as they came and appreciated hard truths over being patronised. Or at least, that’s the impression she got from him, and she considered herself a good judge of character.

  They stopped before the security desk, where a bored wizard in peacock-blue robes was reading the Daily Prophet with his legs crossed.

  “Names and purpose of visit?” The man didn't even bother lowering his paper.

  “Narcissa Malfoy and Harry Potter, here to search the public records.”

  The man shoved his paper down roughly at their names and stared intently at Harry, though he looked confused when he looked at his forehead. It was understandable, as Harry Potter’s famous scar was nearly gone now, even more than when she met him for the first time. She had yet to ask him about it, but that was neither the time nor pce, as she smirked inwardly when the wizard’s eyes gzed bnkly at her figure. It always felt spectacur to be worshipped this way, to show the world how magic had blessed her with an irresistible figure of beauty, and how she worked hard to maintain it.

  Outwardly, though, she frowned at the man’s rudeness. “Well?”

  “You can't be Harry Potter, where's your scar?” The man coughed, and Narcissa nearly scowled at the man's voice. Thankfully, no one seemed to have heard that The-Boy-Who-Lived was here, which could have started a riot.

  “My good man, of course I am Harry Potter. Or are you telling me you have met me in person without me realising it?”

  The guard spluttered, and Narcissa smirked inwardly at the boy's exasperation. “Will you need to check us for contraband?”

  The wizard stared bnkly at her for a moment and as he was sitting, she could tell that his eyes were glued to her teats.

  “N-no need. Just your wands.” The man finally managed to squeal as he pointed to the wand scale on the table. Narcissa smirked inwardly and didn't hesitate as she pced her wand first, causing the device to vibrate before it printed out her wand’s information.

  “Phoenix feather core, Silver Lime, ten and a half inches, purchased and used by Narcissa Bck for twenty-one years.” The guard read the paper before looking at Harry, who pced his wand on the device.

  “Phoenix feather core, Holly, eleven inches, purchased and used by Harry Potter for two years. You really are Potter, then?” Harry's unamused countenance was the only reply the man got, making the clerk shuffle uncomfortably.

  “I don't know what you are looking for exactly, Madam Malfoy, but you can always check with magical transportation first.” The security guard helpfully advised as he handed them two tags with Record Diving written on them.

  “Thank you, we will keep that in mind. I would appreciate your discretion on young Harry’s visit here, at least until we are done with our errand.” Narcissa gazed at the wizard with an unhidden promise of violence if her request was not heeded.

  “C-certainly, madam. You will hear nothing from me.”

  She kept her piercing gaze on him, subtly reading his intentions, and nodded with satisfaction when the wizard looked away with thoughts of pleasing her clouding his mind. The beautiful woman led Harry away and gently held his hand as he tried to pin the badge. “You don't have to wear that, Mr Potter. Just keep it on your person in case someone asks. We are trying to keep a low profile, after all.”

  The boy nodded as they continued to the nearest lift, which had over a dozen people standing in line. The lift dinged, and they all tried to get in, only for it to be full right on their turn.

  Narcissa scowled inwardly at their luck but was distracted when Harry Potter hesitantly nudged her.

  “So, you also have a Phoenix feather core. You're the first person I've met with the same core as mine.”

  “Indeed, phoenixes are rare, and notoriously frugal with their feathers and tears. I'm surprised you have one as well, they are especially useful for healing and duelling, in my case, the tter was more my forte.”

  “Yeah, Ollivander had said the same. He mentioned Voldemort also having a simir core.”

  Narcissa’s eyes widened. The Dark Lord’s wand was as infamous as the man himself, but to think such a vile monster’s wand would have a core from one of the noblest of creatures?

  She noticed Harry shifting awkwardly and realised she hadn’t spoken in a minute. Trying to think of something to talk about, she was beaten to it by the boy.

  “Er, the clerk said you had your wand twenty-one years ago.” Narcissa arched her eyebrow, surely he wouldn’t mention her age. “Does that mean you had Draco when you were in school?”

  “… Indeed. I was pregnant with my dear boy as I took my NEWTs exams.” Smart boy, he confirmed how old she was by bringing the discussion to Draco instead of her. Narcissa normally wouldn’t discuss that dark moment of her life, but she had long accepted her lot in life and was thankful for the gift she had in Draco.

  A comfortable silence settled on them until the lift dinged and they filed in with the rge crowd that had appeared behind them. Paper pnes also joined them right before the doors closed, and settled near the ceiling.

  “So what's our first stop?”

  “Might as well follow the guard’s advice, so sixth floor.” She sighed as she absent-mindedly hugged the boy close to her as more people squeezed in for room. “Magical Transportation should have floo records for magical residents. If they prove useless, then we will have to check with the DMLE for records.”

  “I see.” The blonde mother frowned as she noticed Harry's voice was slightly hitched before smirking in amusement as she realised she was hugging the boy closely to her chest. It was a good thing he was facing away from her, but perhaps she should tone down on the familiarity. This wasn't her Draco, after all.

  Hugging his neck closer, Narcissa noticed the boy’s skin redden, yet he valiantly endured and remained still. She would have probably let the boy go, if hugging him was not so pleasant, along with the amusing embarrassment Harry Potter radiated. A few witches and wizards stared at her in confusion, probably recognising her but not her charge, yet with one of her patented gres Narcissa easily had them turn away.

  “Level 6, Department of Magical Transportation, incorporating the Floo Network Authority, Broom Regutory Control, Portkey Office, and Apparition Test Centre.” Came the announcement.

  “That’s us, Harry.” Narcissa forced her way out of the lift, Harry Potter in hand, and stepped into the corridors. “Well, Mr Potter? Are you ready to experience the efficient bureaucracy of the Ministry of Magic?”

  The theatrical shiver the boy gave her had her smiling outwardly yet frowning inwardly. She never had to visit the ministry without her husband but had heard horror stories of the incompetence and ziness of the workers. Hopefully, it won’t be as bad as she feared.

  .

  .

  .

  “This is ridiculous!”

  “I am sorry, Madam Malfoy, but these are the rules.” The woman, Mariana Edgecombe, replied woodenly. “You must have authorisation from the DMLE for us to disclose any property under the Potter name.”

  “But I have Harry Potter right here!” Narcissa pointed to Harry, who looked like he was a minute away from wringing the witch’s neck.

  “Harry Potter is not of age and requires his guardian’s approval to access this information.” The wretched witch dared to py games with her? They had already wasted two hours speaking with over a dozen witches and wizards, all proving either useless or outright hostile for daring to ask them to do any kind of work, even if it was for Harry bloody Potter! It was only after Narcissa had threatened to curse one of them and prodigious use of visual Legilimancy that she was directed to Mariana Edgecombe, yet the vapid little hag dared waste her time still?!

  This would not have happened if Lucius was here. He needed only snap his fingers, and the department head would be grovelling at his feet.

  “It is his property, and he has every right to access this information, regardless of his age, and you know this. There is no such thing as age restrictions for property ownership, only that he is required to have an adult witch or wizard of good standing vouching for him. Are you implying that I am not trustworthy? That the word of Narcissa Malfoy is worthless?” Her voice was as cutting as a bde and nearly growled as the woman gulped and sweat gathered on her brow. Narcissa could read her mind like an open book, how the woman was absolutely terrified of her, but she was even more scared of going against her superiors.

  Who was it? Narcissa threw caution to the wind and gred daggers at the woman’s wide brown eyes but she could only glimpse a hideous figure in pink.

  “You will tell me what is going on here and why you are refusing young Harry his rights.”

  “T-this information was sealed and requires–” The woman started to repeat for the sixth time, stuttering and shaking like she was going to murder her. And Narcissa was tempted to do so.

  “Fine! Who do I need to talk to about this?”

  .

  .

  .

  “Is it always like this?”

  “… I honestly could not tell you, Harry. This is my first time being here on my lonesome. When I was young, the mere mention of the Bck name would have opened any door for me.”

  They were waiting for the lift to take them to the second floor, and Narcissa felt drained from the complete waste of time this had been. She knew that Lucius’ actions would cause many people to not respect the Malfoy name, and in turn herself, as much, but to be so btantly obtuse? They wouldn’t even do it for Harry bloody Potter! What had the world come to? Still, she needs to learn the root of this conspiracy, for it was surely one. Who was that ugly woman in pink who dared seal such basic information?

  “Edgecombe, I think there's a student with that name.” The boy was adjusting his half-coat as he stared up at the ceiling.

  “Who knows, probably a daughter, though I pity any child having a cowardly mother like her.” Narcissa had her arms folded as she tapped the ground in annoyance. Perhaps that wasn’t very fair, but Mariana Edgecombe had not impressed her in the slightest. She could ignore being slighted, as Narcissa understood that all her power and authority came from her husband, but to be so uncaring to young Harry’s requests? Even if she was being threatened, the w was on all of their sides, yet she chose to be an annoyance.

  “Heh, I might have a chat with her.” The boy’s face turned into a wolfish grin, which made her pity the girl even more.

  A ding of the lift had them stand upright and wait for it to open and empty its occupants. Once they were inside, Narcissa again held Harry close and was delighted that the boy felt rexed in her arms as he leaned his head on her bosom. For any outside observer, they would look like the perfect image of a mother and her son.

  “People will think you are my aunt or something.”

  An unbidden smile bloomed on her face, and she was gd that there were only a couple of wizards in the lift, deep in conversation about the legal thickness of cauldron bottoms. “Wouldn’t that be a good thing? The fewer people who recognise you, the better. Unfortunately, I am quite well known, so I doubt anyone will mistake me for your aunt.”

  The boy lightly shrugged, “You never know.”

  “Level two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of Magic Office, Auror Headquarters, and Wizengamot Administration Services.”

  The ding following the announcement finally had the doors open, and they shuffled out to the corridor.

  “Do you think Mr Weasley would be working today?” The boy was staring at a sign that said, Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office, and Narcissa frowned inwardly as she seriously thought about it. Arthur Weasley, the head of MMA, regardless of his unhealthy obsession with muggles, was an affable man and would eagerly help them in a heartbeat just for Harry’s sake. She just did not feel it proper for her to show her face to her distant cousin after what Lucius did, even if he did accept her condolences at the funeral.

  “Let’s check with the Auror office first since it's along the way to the MMA office.”

  .

  .

  .

  Arthur Weasley was on an understandable sabbatical, and Narcissa was lost on what to do next. She and Harry made way for Mad-Eye Moody of all people passing through, followed by a line of exhausted Auror trainees. Didn't Moody retire a few years ago? He must have got bored and took up instructor work. Her idle gaze fell on a pink-haired girl tripping over her feet, causing her to snicker inwardly.

  Still, it might be best not to stand around here for long. For obvious reasons, her husband was not popur in this office, and no doubt Mad-Eye had seen her and Harry, yet he hadn't commented. Despite Narcissa’s apprehension, she would do her best for Harry's sake at least. Perhaps the department head would be of use, for surely, Amelia Bones would help Harry Potter…

  “Madame Bones is currently in a meeting with the minister, and I am afraid to say that she is off for the rest of the day.” The friendly official they found, and wasn't that a rare thing, notified them with an apologetic smile.

  “May I ask what could be so important for the head of the DMLE to take the day off?” This day just kept getting worse, and Narcissa's quickly dwindling patience was sorely tested long ago. Still, this was arguably the friendliest face they've met so far, and it would hardly seem proper to act rude.

  “Well, for starters, it's a Saturday, and she was forced to come for the minister's meeting.” The young man, Robert Proudfoot, was patient as he flicked a few papers on his desk and did his best to help them while continuing his Auror work. “I believe she mentioned she will be celebrating her nephew’s graduation as well.”

  Oh, she had forgotten about that. Narcissa recalled seeing the two elder sons of the Bones family holding their sister on the ptform.

  “Ah, Amelia Bones? Aunt to Edmund and Susan?” Harry asked as he moved away from the piles of books that hid him to better speak to the wizard.

  “The very same. Are you a friend of theirs?” The dark-haired wizard asked kindly.

  “A friend of Susan actually, we're in the same year. I'm Harry Potter, by the way.” Harry gave a polite bow as he offered his hand to the stunned wizard.

  “Are you really?” The wizard shook the boy's hand dazedly, and Harry brought out the name tag, causing Proudfoot to chuckle. “I believe you, d. So tell me, what sort of help do you need anyway?”

  Narcissa couldn't believe her luck and unched with Harry into an expnation of what they needed, including their less-than-positive visit to the floo office. The wizard thought deeply on the matter before carefully replying.

  “The problem is that not every property is registered with the ministry, only those that are connected to the floo network or were involved in a will. If the floo office refuses to provide the information, then it must be sealed. You will need to go to the Office of Records and check for any information on whom to speak to unseal it. It will be tedious as they are understaffed, but I think I saw one of their staff picking up reports. Let me see if she is still here.”

  “Thank you so much, Mr Proudfoot. You have been more helpful than anyone else we've met today.” Narcissa gave a genuine smile to the wizard, who impressively maintained eye contact with her without leering. A gnce at his left ring finger found a wedding ring, which expined a lot.

  “Nice guy, the nicest one I've met today, at least.” Harry smiled sardonically as they watched the wizard walk off searching for that staff member.

  “Indeed, such a man must be treasured in this sort of work environment.” They stared at each other for a second before lightly chuckling. It was a sad state of affairs when, for the past three hours, only one ministry official had proven to be competent and helpful.

  Speaking of the man, he had returned with a brown-haired girl of short stature who looked like she had not slept a wink all night. Behind her floated a few stacks of books and scrolls.

  “Thank you for your patience. This is Eleanor Fawley, and I have expined to her your situation. She will take you to the office of records and hopefully sort you out.” Fawley? A respectable old house, and she recalled a Fawley a few years ahead of her in school. Could this be his daughter?

  “Please, follow me. I just need to pick up a few more reports, first.” The girl nodded shyly and motioned for them to follow her. Narcissa turned to the helpful young man first, “Thank you again, Mr Proudfoot.”

  “It was my pleasure, have a pleasant day.”

  They followed young Eleanor as she stopped at a couple more desks to pick up even more reports and booklets. Narcissa would admit she was impressed with her casual use of the levitation charm, considering the girl barely looked out of school.

  Harry, bless his heart, immediately grabbed a stack from the girl when she finally reached her limit of a dozen stacks floating behind her.

  “Please, allow me to help you, Ms Fawley.” Despite the long and stressful day so far, Harry Potter maintained an easy smile for the Fawley girl.

  “Oh, thank you so much, Harry.” The girl smiled tiredly at the boy as she led the way.

  “Er, have we met before?” The boy asked, confused, and Narcissa arched an eyebrow at the girl’s familiarity.

  “Not in person, but I was a seventh-year Gryffindor when you started school. You've gotten taller and gained some weight. Good on you, I’m your biggest fan, by the way.”

  For the first time since she met him, Harry Potter preened like a peacock and gave the girl a smile so bright it finally looked his age. Narcissa smirked inwardly, so the vertically challenged boy had a complex regarding his height.

  Eleanor stumbled on a loose tile, but Harry grabbed her before she fell. Her loads, however, were in danger, so Narcissa waved her wand with a sigh and lifted the stack in both of their arms and took control of four more of the floating stacks.

  “If I let young Harry show me up like this, it would be quite shameful.” She gave a rare smile to the girl, causing her to smile gratefully.

  “Thank you, er, are you perhaps Harry’s aunt?” Narcissa blinked and turned to a guffawing Harry.

  “Told you this could happen.”

  “That you did.” She gave him an unimpressed look, though inwardly, she liked that he seemingly approved of the idea.

  “Er, so you are his aunt?” The girl asked confused as she opened a rge oak door with a pque that said Office of Records nailed to it. The pce was as expansive as Hogwarts’ library, with just as many, if not more, rolls of parchment and books.

  “No, she's not. She's a… mother of a friend, here to help me with some matters. What gave you that idea?” They followed into her office and then to an empty table and deposited the stacks. Looking at the opposite wall, it was made of gss and oversaw the atrium below. Eleanor waved her wand, and the parchment rolls were separated from the booklets and the reports, with all of them easily being sorted into an empty bookshelf.

  “Oh, it's just… I may have read your file when I started working here. I mean, who wouldn’t want to learn about The-Boy-Who-Lived, and it was a public record as well, though your home address was sealed by order of the Chief Warlock.” The girl was flustered as she expined her curiosity swiftly before taking another breath. “It had your muggle family filed as guardians, and while there weren't any pictures, your aunt was described with blonde hair and pale eyes. I apologise for any offence.” Fawley hurriedly added once she saw her face twist.

  To be compared to a muggle. The mere idea had her feeling filthy, and Narcissa urgently wished for a shower.

  “No, there was no offence meant. I am Narcissa Malfoy. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Eleanor Fawley’s eyes widened as she recognised her, and Narcissa frowned minutely. A brief surface check with Legilimancy had her frown become more pronounced as an image of Lucius sitting in a meeting room with a few blurry figures appeared in her mind. She thought she recognised one of them, but she was unsure, as the girl quickly controlled her defences.

  “O-oh, a pleasure as well, Mrs Malfoy.” The girl curtsied, and Narcissa nodded. Eleanor clearly had something to say to her, she could see the struggle on her face and another surface look showed magic was blocking her Legilimancy. An oath, perhaps? While magical oaths and vows provided rudimentary protection for the owner’s mind to prevent them from blurting them, that did not mean they protected the mind from determined Legilimens. Obviously, Narcissa would not do anything to the pure and helpful girl and decided to shelf it for ter.

  Helping Harry came first.

  “So, Eleanor. Do you think you could help us with our problem?” Harry approached the girl, pcing a hand on her elbow and smiled boyishly at her, causing the girl to smile endearingly and grab his hands.

  “S-sure, just follow me, and we will see what we can do. Ah,” the girl turned to Narcissa apologetically, “Sorry, Mrs Malfoy, but my boss really doesn’t like bringing outsiders into the record rooms. Could I ask you to wait here until we’re back?”

  “Certainly, Ms Fawley. Might I ask you to summon an elf for a spot of tea?”

  “Of course. Tita.” A pop sounded, and a female elf with straw-coloured hair dressed in a pillowcase appeared. “Tea for the madam,” the elf nodded and popped away. “We shouldn’t take long. I needed a break anyway.”

  Narcissa nodded as the older girl dragged Harry out of her office and deeper into the record rooms. The elf, Tita, returned just as she sat down by a tea table overlooking the atrium. Tita pced a tray on the table containing a pot of tea, an empty cup, a small milk jug, a sugar bowl and a pte of biscuits. She nodded to the elf before it popped away and served herself the tea, adding sugar and milk in generous amounts as she preferred them, before sipping in enjoyment, her mind going over the past day. Specifically, her thoughts were over the young man whom she had accompanied since morning.

  To say that Narcissa had been impressed with The-Boy-Who-Lived, would be an understatement. She had already regarded him highly, remembering how he carried himself during his friend’s wake, but considering what she knew of him, it was a pleasant surprise nonetheless. Orphaned and raised in the muggle world, practically a muggle-born with a severe ck of knowledge on magical matters, let alone noble courtesies. Yet, Harry Potter had proven to be courteous without being weak. He held a strong will and unyielding spirit that would not allow anyone to insult him or question his honour, as she had personally discovered. Narcissa had not intended to use Legilimancy on him; she had already used it on her son, and once their eyes met, she couldn’t stop herself from getting a glimpse into the mind of The-Boy-Who-Lived. Thankfully, she had merely brushed along his mind defences, or else whatever primal defences she glimpsed would have made her day terrible.

  It was a surprise when she met him this morning, as it was the first time she saw him standing. The boy looked so… small and alone. Narcissa could not imagine her son living a life simir to Harry’s and still managing to grow up to be such a respectable young man. She found his attempts to be polite and courteous to be both impressive and adorable; that he was so short and cuddly was simply irresistible. Her maternal instincts fred mightily, and she wished for nothing more than to take him home and raise him with her Draco, each boy on her p as she nurtured them to be the powerful wizards she knew they could become. Narcissa smiled heartily at the ridiculous dream and bmed her desire for more children than anything.

  “Fawley! Where the bloody hell did that stupid girl go?” Narcissa was interrupted from her thoughts by an unpleasant voice outside the office. The door banged open, letting in a huge, muscled, blonde man with a cruel glint in his blue eyes.

  “Oh? I did not expect to find you here, of all pces, Lady Malfoy.” The man leered at her like all other men should when they were confronted by her gorgeous visage, yet she could tell from a simple gnce at the brute’s eyes that he was different. She didn’t need the mind arts to know he wasn’t satisfied with just looking. This was a man who took what he wanted when he wanted.

  “Do I know you?” Naturally, Narcissa could not care less over a simpleton dreaming above his station.

  “We’ve met before. Your husband even invited me to your home.” The man entered the office proper, leaving the door open. His eyes roamed her body like she was a piece of meat, missing her eyes rolling at the brazen attitude.

  “I am afraid my husband had invited a great many personages to our home.” She scrunched her eyebrows exaggeratedly, “yet I do not recall meeting someone of your countenance.”

  “It’s Thorfinn Rowle, I even had dinner with your family!” Rowle finally stopped undressing her with his eyes and looked her in the eyes. Narcissa used that moment to test his mind’s defences and found them incredibly cking. By Merlin, the Fawley girl had better defences, and she could see in clear detail what the man imagined doing to her.

  “Hmm, doesn’t ring a bell. Are you sure it was me you’ve met and not perhaps my house elf?” Narcissa smirked inwardly; of course, she knew who that man was, though she did admittedly need a few minutes to recall him. A dimwitted brute in the same vein as Crabbe and Goyle, Lucius had used him for some of his more… discreet dealings. Didn’t her husband promise him a good position in the ministry?

  The man seemed to finally understand that she was mocking him and loomed over her, “Are you insulting me?”

  Narcissa drained the st of her tea before pcing her cup on its pte and turned fully to the brute attempting to intimidate her. She crossed her legs and pced her hands on her knees, discreetly having her right hand close to her wand hidden up her left sleeve.

  “I do appreciate a man with brawn. It's a shame it's often inversely proportional to wit.”

  It took an amusingly long moment for the insult to sink in, and Rowle’s face twisted into an ugly scowl and seemed to struggle to hold himself from striking her. She smirked at him in amusement at his impotence until he finally calmed himself and grinned sardonically at her.

  “Whatever, insult me all you want, woman. Your husband won’t protect you anymore. Now, tell me why you are here. This is my office, and you are trespassing.”

  Narcissa narrowed her eyes at the man’s words. It sounded a bit too assured for him to be hot air, but she filed it away. “I do not need to tell you why I’m here, but know that the lovely young Eleanor is helping me presently, so you need not concern yourself.”

  “Fawley? She was supposed to be finishing those reports I left her st night, and now I learn she’s skiving off on some cranky bitch’s whims?”

  Narcissa froze as she registered what the dumb brute just said. So far, she had been subtle in her insults, but did he truly just call her that? The man might have been an oafish ckwit, but surely he wouldn’t be foolish enough to insult her or else risk severe retaliation.

  “What’s wrong, wench? Nothing to say? You sounded entirely too confident earlier.”

  She started to see red and saw the man’s smirk, and she realised he wanted her to do something stupid. What was his goal? He was far too self-assured in provoking her and the Malfoy name. As far as she knew, no one knew of Lucius’ condition, and even with the loss of goodwill that he suffered, his name still brought fear and respect. So, why would some paper pusher have the gall to provoke her like this?

  “Feh,” Rowle spat on her face. “Cowardly and weak. How Lucius couldn’t break you like the bitch you–”

  A small figure dashed into the room so quickly Narcissa might have imagined it, but in less than a heartbeat, the nearly two-meter-tall Thorfinn Rowle was on the ground with a hand twisted in a very painful-looking angle and with a wicked looking fang an inch from his eye. A fang that she knew came from a very venomous Basilisk.

  “Don’t move.” A voice as cold as the arctic winds whispered, yet she heard it as if it were right next to her ears, “Or you will forever see the world with one eye.” Or quite possibly not at all, if the fang still held even a smidgeon of venom.

  We know the Ministry of Magic is a government entity, which naturally means it is as chaotic and incompetent as any real life government administration. Especially if it's supposed to be archaic, and yet, Harry and Narcissa bond over the shared agony of having to deal with the most obtuse people you could imagine.

  Eleanor Fawley was introduced in chapter eight, and I will remind you that while she herself is not canon, her family is. Robert Proudfoot was also canon though we only got his st name. He was in Tonks’ Auror squad.