At Madam Malkin's: Before the Dreadful Dinner Party

Chapter Four: At Madam Malkin's: Before the Dreadful Dinner Party

As Severus sat in the Leaky Cauldron with Regulus, listening to Hagrid divulge further details about Nagini Malfoy and her recent Wizengamot ordeal, his thoughts raced back and forth from his own recent, squalid memories to the snatches of information about Nagini's disclosed, sordid ones.

Images of Severus' father's filthy, lifeless body flashed through his mind, and with them, a grim feeling of satisfaction. Severus' father, Tobias Snape, had been the worst kind of wretched Muggle to exist; an abusive, drunk, sadistic piece of shit was how Severus remembered him.

Recollections of their final confrontation and Tobias' consequential death from it brought nothing but bitter contentment to Severus. It was bitter because of his mother's subsequent anguish and quick demise after the burial of Tobias' foul carcass. If slightly catatonic beforehand from the long conditioned psychological and physical abuse, Eileen Prince Snape quickly fell into a deep, despondent depression from which nothing seemed to help draw her out.

"Nagini's parents?" Severus asked abruptly. "Where are they? Who are they, exactly?"

"Well, that's the thing," said Hagrid. "Her mother was ol' Abraxas' younger sister. She must 'ave been in the third or fourth year ahead o' me. O' course, her bein' in Slytherin, I never really knew her, but yer couldn' help noticin' Lucretia Malfoy. She was a year younger than Abraxas an' Riddle, I reckon. Two peas in a pod, they were, Abraxas an' he."

"Tom Riddle, Hagrid?" Severus asked doubtfully.

"Yeh, I knew him," Hagrid said bitterly and took another swig from his mug. "I knew him before he called himself... well, before he became what he is today... Anyway, Lucretia Malfoy didn' get along with either o' them, from what I recollect, an' it's hard ter say exactly what it was that caused bad feelings between 'em. There were always more ugly sort o' happenings an' disagreements in the Slytherin House than others, yer see. All I know fer sure is that she disappeared after leavin' Hogwarts: never heard o' again."

"She's still missing?" asked Regulus.

"No, she's dead, or so they say," Hagrid mused.

"And her father?" prompted Severus.

"Dunno... no one knows... Dumbledore perhaps... but he's not sayin', if he does know."

"Perhaps he's sworn not to?" suggested Severus.

"How do you know she's deceased, Hagrid?" a troubled Regulus asked.

"The court hearings... no other livin' relatives, other than Abraxas an' Lucius..." pondered Hagrid. "There was mention of a 'mad ol' hag' who had taken care o' Nagini, up until she was put in Durmstrang. Well, that's what Abraxas called her, 'a mad ol' hag'; he blames her fer Nagini's behaviour an' lack o' proper control, as he says... Also, Nagini's mother's wand was given ter Abraxas. From what I 'eard, it was the only thing recovered from her remains... There was another set o' bones uncovered along with hers, but they never identified ter 'om they belonged."

Severus started to feel a sharp pressure in his temples; his head had started to ache painfully. Hearing dark details about someone else's bodily remains was not what he was in the mood for. He had barely recovered from the loss of his own mother; it had only been two months since Eileen Snape's body had been found, drowned in the river. Her death was still fresh in his psyche.

Severus' head started to pound harder; he just wanted to get through this weekend as quickly as possible. Attending Lucius' soirée was necessary on many levels, primarily because the Dark Lord would be sure to show up at some point during it. As Severus' jaws clenched with darting pain from his pounding temples, his thoughts jumped from what Hagrid was carrying on about, regarding the dubious activities of Abraxas Malfoy, to his own immediate plans for when classes resumed.

Severus was eagerly awaiting the return to Hogwarts for the new term. He had, without cease and in intense secrecy, tried all first semester to get Lily Evans to meet with him. And when Lily had heard of his mother's death, she had sent him a short but poignant condolence letter. In the postscript, she had agreed to meet him at their old library table, where Severus and Lily used to meet and discuss their lives, sharing their thoughts and emotions as only true friends could.

It had to be perfect; this time, meeting with Lily, everything had to be perfect. Severus had to win her back, her intimate trust in him, her need for him. Severus needed Lily to believe and want him again but most of all, for her to forgive him. Her forgiving him for wounding her with his name calling last spring was so very necessary. Severus still felt confused, like he had lost a part of him when thinking about Lily and the loss of her in his life. How could she not understand the humiliation and distress that had caused him to lash out against her that day? The culmination of unceasing attacks from that cursed infernal James Potter and his ruddy fiendish friend, Sirius Black!

This time, Severus would bare his soul to Lily; he would risk her rejection once more, the last remaining scraps of his pride along with the risk of being found out by his Slytherin housemates, for this chance to admit his true, deep feelings for Lily and what having her in his life had always meant. Severus envisioned her forgiving him and understanding why he had kept his amorous feelings for her secret: that his aloof facade had been for her protection all along. She would pardon him, and they would work out how to be together. Beyond Hogwarts. But, this time, for always.

How Severus was going to balance keeping his recent full allegiance to Lord Voldemort, and the required activities thereof, with keeping Lily in his life but at a safe and secret distance, an understanding, consenting distance, engrossed his mind at that moment.

"Abraxas! The Malfoys!" exclaimed Regulus suddenly, startling Severus back to attention and the reality of the Leaky Cauldron. "Hagrid, the peacock eggs! Were you able to get them?"

"Indeed, I did," Hagrid confirmed proudly. "I said I could, an' I did."

Hagrid sifted through the odd, clumsy shaped packages and pulled one out. Gently handing it over to Regulus, he said, "Here they are. Now, I've got 'em packaged safe an' sound. Yer just need ter put some fancy parchment around 'em, but my advice is ter hand 'em personally over to Narcissa, them bein' delicate, yer see."

"And here is your fee for them," Regulus said, handing over a small pouch filled with Galleons and briskly rising from his chair. "Thank you, Hagrid. Sorry, we need to be off; we're running behind on time. Quite a few other errands to run before this evening."

"I understand. Lots ter do. Take care o' yourselves, you two. Regulus, I know Lucius'll be yer relative o' sorts now, but watch yer back, as they say."

"Thanks for the advice, Hagrid, but no need to worry. I'm a Slytherin, remember?" Regulus jovially reminded him as he turned, leaving.

"Perhaps yer should've been in Gryffindor!" Hagrid bantered back, equally jovial.

"Enlightening as always, Hagrid," Severus said curtly and followed Regulus out.

Outside of the Leaky Cauldron, Regulus turned to Severus and said awkwardly, "I need to go to Borgin and Burkes to pick up an item for my mother, but she asked me to go alone. You know how she is... "

Severus knew well what Walburga Black was like, as well as her second cousin whom she had married, Orion Black. Both of them were the epitomes of pure-blood mania. He had only been spared Walburga's full inquisition of his family's background by being presented by Orion as Lord Voldemort's latest and most worthy servant. Orion and Walburga fully supported and encouraged Regulus' and Severus' friendship, especially after the disgrace of their eldest, blood-traitor son, Sirius; this had rendered Walburga a full nervous breakdown, from which she was only marginally recovered.

The hope that Orion and Walburga's youngest son, Regulus, would make up for Sirius' disgrace was ever present. Even though Regulus was only sixteen, he was already being coerced to join Voldemort in the name of all that the manic pure-bloods held sacred; it would be the Black family's deliverance from disgrace.

Trying to spare Regulus from any embarrassment and actually relieved, Severus informed him offhandedly, "I need to go to Madam Malkin's to pick up some recently ordered robes. Let's meet up at Malkin's, then? If I'm not finished, just wait in the front parlour for me. I'm sure she will oblige you."

Severus' current robes were too short and faded for him. He had grown taller, to a full adult height, and had filled out a bit more since the last summer, although he was still somewhat angular and gangly. Dumbledore had seen that the Young Wizard's Bereavement Fund had allocated funds to pay for new robes for Severus as well as other provisions, school related and personal, which he had needed. Severus was relieved that the privileged, wealthy Black wouldn't witness any charity being allotted to him at Madam Malkin's.

Regulus hesitated but then further asked impulsively, "Severus, these peacock eggs... could you take them for me? Just guard them for me until I return – I may need both my hands free. They'll be safer with you at Malkin's. As I've got to rush, I'm afraid something might happen to them."

Not wanting to be responsible for the security of Narcissa's engagement gift but unable to refuse Regulus, Severus complied. "Very well."

Regulus cautiously handed over the odd, clumsy package to Severus and then headed off, calling back, "Thanks, mate."

The two Slytherins continued onwards, each on his own separate path.

************************************************

Arriving outside of Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Abraxas stopped in his tracks abruptly. Turning around to Lucius and Nagini, Abraxas addressed Lucius first. "Take her inside; have her measured and fitted for appropriate social gowns as well as robes for Hogwarts. Tell Madam Malkin that two dresses are needed immediately for this evening and to send them on as speedily as possible. Son, I have some urgent, private business to attend to alone. You're responsible for getting her back to the Manor. Under no circumstance is Nagini to be left unattended." Abraxas gave Lucius a decisive, ominous look. "Do you understand me, Lucius?"

"Perfectly, Father," confirmed Lucius.

"And you!" Abraxas said derisively, turning and addressing Nagini. "One further incident of impropriety from you... You've been well warned, Nagini."

By now, Nagini loathed Abraxas with every ounce of her being. Her face and left arm were throbbing, aching in burning pain from the inflictions he had wrought upon her in the vault. She would never forget. Or forgive. She struggled with all her will to answer him. Abraxas noted her obstinacy with a sharp step towards her. Almost a split-second too late, Nagini answered, "Yes, Uncle."

Glancing around the public streets, Abraxas started to say something but thought better of it and abruptly turned away and headed toward Knockturn Alley.

"Follow me," ordered Lucius, indicating the entrance, and Nagini followed him into Madam Malkin's boutique.

As Lucius and Nagini entered Madam Malkin's foyer, the sound of carousing laughter was heard. As Lucius stepped towards the boisterous merrymaking evidently going on in the adjoining parlour, he heard the familiar, jeering voice of Rodolphus Lestrange, encouraged by other mocking voices doing imitations of someone. The mimicking, done by two separate female voices retorting back and forth to each other, was followed by the unmistakable, high pitched laughter of both Bellatrix and Narcissa Black. The laughter resounded throughout the high, arched rooms, immediately vexing, for a reason known only to him, Lucius. He found the trio stretched out and lolling around on plush poufs and couches; the adorned, silver side tables were covered with half-emptied champagne glasses.

As Lucius appeared in the archway, Lestrange's eyes widened, and he burst into laughter; he choked out, "Speak of the devil, and he appears!" Seeing Lucius, the witches giggled uncontrollably.

"Oh, Lucius, don't look like such a sourpuss! We've begun the celebrating a little early, that's all. Please, don't look so solemn," cooed Narcissa, slowly idling up to him. Knowing Lucius had a short fuse ... his temper was highly volatile ... and he would never tolerate being ridiculed by anyone, she tried to gloss over any suspicions he was having. "We were just speaking about you, and behold, here you are!"

"Something very amusing about me, apparently," Lucius commented, his tone clipped, not duped by Narcissa's explanation. He was definitely not amused. Perceiving he had been mocked by them, Lucius' lips thinned in a forced, tight smile, and he asked, "Anything interesting?"

"Not really, Lucius. For our sweet amusement only," teased Rodolphus. "But it seems you have something interesting. Pray tell, who have we here?" Rodolphus had spotted Nagini standing a slight distance behind Lucius.

"Oh, her... " acknowledged Lucius, turning halfway around towards Nagini. Realising it was unavoidable, he said resignedly, "Let me introduce my cousin, Nagini Malfoy."

"Oh, this is she! Finally!" exclaimed Narcissa, covering a worried expression with a gracious mask. "But, my dear, what has happened to your face?"

"She tripped in our family vault. We've just come from Gringotts, you see," answered Lucius.

"Tripped? On all of your filthy, lovely Galleons, Lucius?" purred Bellatrix, getting up from her reclined position. Lucius gave Bellatrix an appreciative smile as he stepped towards her.

"No, on all of my filthy, lovely gold trinkets, Bella..." Lucius replied caressingly. His dour demeanour had softened; Bella and Lucius were close enough to embrace each other. An unspeakable secret was being shared between them.

"Oh, behave, you two! What will your cousin think? I daresay she needs time to adjust to your 'sense of humour' among other things. Don't shock the poor girl silly with your nonsense before she gets to know us all," Narcissa scolded coyly. Then, she turned and called out, "Madam Malkin!"

Madam Malkin entered in a hurry, flushed and excited. "Mr. Malfoy! Why, to what have I this honour, today? We've just been toasting your mutual engagements. Are you so impatient to see your fiancée?"

Lucius found himself in a very foul mood after Malkin's comment. Checking his rearing short-temper, he informed her, "Impatient I am, Madam Malkin. I'm here on other business and wasn't expecting to see my bride-to-be. In short, we need to register another name to our family account: my cousin here, Nagini Malfoy."

Madam Malkin stepped back, startled, as if she had seen an unimaginable ghost. Finding her voice, she asked, "Can it be? Oh, my dear, you are the daughter of ... Lucretia?"

Uncomfortable with Malkin's shining, glassy eyes, watering up as she ogled her, Nagini answered simply, "Yes, I am."

"Well, my dear. Please come to the ladies fitting room. We will immediately measure you - she will need to be fitted for...?" Malkin asked hesitantly to Lucius.

Lucius listed, "Four robes for Hogwarts, an array of social gowns, several, let's say, but we're in dire need of two dresses for this evening's soiree, Madam Malkin."

"But of course, Mr. Malfoy. We've always some in stock; shall I choose for you or would you prefer to do so?"

"Lucius, I should like to assist in selecting," offered Narcissa. "You can trust me to know your taste."

"The dresses aren't for me, my dear, but for Nagini. The only criterion is that they must be befitting of the occasion," pointed out Lucius.

"Well then, I'll do the selecting; who better to know what a Malfoy wants?" Narcissa pointed out, cloyingly sweet.

Bellatrix scoffed, "Indeed, Cissy. Then, I shall assist you as well."

Madam Malkin guided Nagini through a mirrored inner room to one of the back rooms followed by a slightly flustered Narcissa. "Please, come this way, ladies. Miss Nagini... your face, my dear... I have some wonderful healing balms for cuts, if you'd like to apply them?"

Melting under the woman's unceasing graciousness, Nagini replied, "Thank you, I would."

Bellatrix sashayed slowly behind the witches, only turning for a second to give Rodolphus and Lucius a calculating and crafty look before following the others into the ladies fitting room.

From the front parlour, Rodolphus gazed at where the witches had disappeared. Something dreamy passed over his mildly inebriated face. Taking a sip from his champagne glass, Rodolphus waved his hand to an empty one, which immediately filled halfway, and offered it to Lucius. "Champagne?"

"No, thank you, Rodolphus. I'm not in the mood."

"As I can quite plainly see. Dear, oh dear," Rodolphus sighed, "what's ruffled your feathers this morning, my dearest Lucius?"

Lucius did not answer him but remained silent, brooding.

Leaning back in the plush sofa, Rodolphus said lasciviously, "Quite a luscious piece of relations you've got there, Malfoy."

Sitting down, Lucius said slowly, "She is a quaint little thing, I suppose."

Languorously, Rodolphus asked, "She's half-Veela, isn't she?"

"Not that I am aware of," Lucius responded in a bored tone.

"Well, if she isn't, she could well be ... I mean, look at her, Lucius!" Rodolphus whispered fiercely.

Lucius looked up and followed Rodolphus' gaze. Nagini had already stepped back through to the central, mirrored room, bare-shouldered, dressed in a corseted, forest-green gown. It clung to her curvaceous form, previously hidden under her damper, travelwear suit and cloak.

As Nagini stood in front of the full-length mirrors, Bellatrix tentatively held up the accompanying sheer, blousy wrap to be worn, and Narcissa pointed her wand at Nagini's hair, whispering a charm; immediately, Nagini's hair became very neatly coiffed.

"What do you think, you two?" Bellatrix called over to Lucius and Rodolphus. "Bare-shouldered or covered?" Turning directly to Nagini, she whispered darkly, "I think they'd prefer your lovely, naked flesh on display."

"Please," Nagini asked impatiently, holding her hand out, indicating she would dress herself, "the blouse?" An intense, mutual feeling of dislike had already formed between Bellatrix and Nagini.

"Don't tell me you're the modest type?" Bellatrix said coldly. "Pity."

Lucius languidly eyed Nagini up and down.

Unable to read Lucius' thoughts precisely, Rodolphus asked softly, "Tell me, what do you see?"

It was all too obvious what Rodolphus wanted to hear: something lecherous or perverse. But as Lucius peered at Nagini, the resentment of her mere presence in front of him, invading his world, interfering with even his petty daily plans, infuriated him. Less than forty-eight hours ago, his life had been quite comfortably set, predictable; Lucius controlled the terms of engagement ... how and with whom he engaged had always been a relished power.

All of Lucius' and his father's plans had been arranged accordingly.

But now, this – this illegitimate, bastard relation had been thrust upon them... But what riled Lucius even more was Nagini would eventually have legal rights, thanks to that wickedly clever Lester Qualmsick; she would have the means, through Qualmsick, to challenge Lucius, if she ever chose to in the future. Nagini could claim part of the Malfoy estate and any other aforesaid inheritance to which she could be entitled.

As Lucius continued mulling Nagini over in his mind, thinking of her potential access to the family vault, the confidences and family secrets that the prestigious Lester Qualmsick had now been made privy to because of her, his mood turned fouler and fouler.

And obviously, if Nagini was capable of murder, of what else was she capable? The verdict hadn't fooled Lucius; he knew her intent had been to kill the Durmstrang student. Cold-bloodedly. Lucius thought about how the depth of her Dark Arts abilities was still untapped and unknown.

Nagini was a Parselmouth, as well.

Lucius had never thought much of the ability beforehand. "Why would anyone wish to converse with snakes?" he thought glibly. But apparently, the ability afforded access to unknown magic. A very rare gift. He was getting himself worked up the more he dwelt on it. Lucius slightly flushed in envy and speculated jealously about Nagini having something he didn't have, something he could never have, something beyond his control.

Lucius gaze had hardened. "I see... a threat..." he replied simply.

Rodolphus inhaled sharply and then exploded into laughter. Catching his breath, Rodolphus said, "Wonderful! Only you could see something as delectable as that creature before us as a threat... I know that look of yours, Lucius." Rodolphus leaned into him, and whispered, "What? Do you really think she's dangerous? But you enjoy danger, dangerous creatures ... at least, dangerous witches. I know. I know you well, Lucius, my old friend. I know that look of yours."

"This time, as with many other things, you're mistaken, Rodolphus," said Lucius, almost hissing.

Rodolphus was taken aback by Lucius' acidic tone; it was enough to make him shut his trap for a few seconds and think before speaking again. For the first time, Rodolphus knew he had crossed some invisible line with Lucius. And over what? A witch? Rodolphus bristled a little, insulted; he didn't care if Nagini and Lucius were related or not – why should Nagini be considered any differently from Bellatrix or Narcissa? Both Lucius and Rodolphus had always enjoyed a mutual, libertine freedom in their social as well as private interests and interactions with the esoteric selection of available pure-blood witches and the socialising thereof. They had shared courting, seducing and, generally, exploring which witches would be appropriate for which of their needs. Pressure from their families to only socialise with pure-bloods, and from this select group to arrange marriages with the most suitable ones, ones whose families leaned towards a new order of rule in the Wizarding World, and in particular those that were already stout, devoted followers of Voldemort, had narrowed Lucius and Rodolphus down to these two Black sisters, Narcissa and Bellatrix; the third, middle sister, Andromeda, was a treacherous blood-traitor, never to be spoken about again.

In the new order, the Dark Lord had selected his elite entourage: predominantly the offspring children of the Knights of Walpurgis, and surely, being the direct descendant from this elite esoteric group within the Wizarding World, this newly arrived female Malfoy would be brought into Voldemort's fold. "The sooner the better," thought Rodolphus. "What was Lucius being so bloody irritable about?"

Rodolphus let out an audible sigh as he contemplated the new tension between him and his dearest, oldest friend. He and Lucius sat in silence. Rodolphus sipped his champagne, and Lucius continued to glare at the witches in the mirrored, inner room.

Lucius needed respite from Rodolphus. He needed... he needed - Severus Snape - he spotted Severus in the foyer. Rising, Lucius called out, "Severus, come over and join us!"

Severus crossed halfway towards him but stopped in the archway. "I don't wish to intrude," he said, giving a reserved look to both of them, lingering an extra second too long on Rodolphus Lestrange. Rodolphus gave Severus a cold smile.

Severus Snape had entered Madam Malkin's foyer quietly during Lucius and Rodolphus' chat. He couldn't help but overhear Rodolphus and Lucius and hadn't known quite what to do. Severus stood there holding the bulky, little package of peacock eggs, which were beginning to let off a slightly sulphuric odour. He knew he couldn't leave, as it was to be the rendezvous spot for him and Regulus; on a practical note, Severus needed his new robes. He'd be damned if he was going to start the new term in his old, ragged ones.

Bellatrix had left the other witches and entered the parlour, going directly over to Rodolphus. Even as she plopped herself on his lap, Rodolphus kept a steady eye on Lucius and Severus, both of whom had moved back into the entrance foyer. Bellatrix watched Severus particularly, with a curious gaze.

"Actually, I was just thinking about you, Severus. I have a special request for you," said Lucius. Suddenly, Lucius sniffed sharply and asked, "What's that putrid smell?"

Indicating the bulky, smelly package, Severus answered, "It's a gift. For Narcissa."

Lucius raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Something rancid? How thoughtful of you."

"It's not from me. From Regulus," clarified Severus. "It's his idea. Regulus is convinced Narcissa will be pleased."

"Humph, those Blacks..." grumbled Lucius, making a face, "Well, we all want to keep Narcissa pleased, don't we?" Then, giving Severus an imperious look, Lucius said, "I need to know."

Severus was puzzled. He waited for Lucius to elucidate his thoughts, bracing himself for a number of possibilities.

Lucius gave a fleeting glance back at Rodolphus and then continued, "You've now met my newly arrived cousin, Nagini. I need to know... when she arrives at Hogwarts, as she'll be with you in your class, I need to know what she does." Lucius hesitated before continuing, searching for the right words. Impatiently, he continued. "How well she does things. Her activities. With whom she does them. I trust you to report back to me."

Severus remained silent. He knew he didn't have a choice in the matter. It wasn't a request; it was an order from Lucius.

Continuing, Lucius emphasised, "I trust you as well to... to look after her, shall I say? I won't be around all the time to help her ... it's for her own protection, you understand. My father and I are in a rather delicate situation regarding her."

"Because of the Ministerial verdict? And Bartemius Crouch?" offered Severus.

Lucius eyes widened with surprise, and then he gave Severus a demanding, glowering look for further explanation.

Severus explained quietly, "Regulus and I ran into Rubeus Hagrid at the Leaky Cauldron. He filled us in a bit about some things when Regulus mentioned that we had met you at Gringotts."

"That half-breed oaf! Leave it to Dumbledore to entrust a mindless idiot with Ministerial protocol!" fumed Lucius as his eyes flashed dangerously. "Bartemius Crouch! That interfering, blood-traitorous leech! Once Crouch gets hold of someone, he doesn't let go. He's been waiting for something like this; Nagini's just the opening he's been waiting for to have an excuse to meddle with us. Damn him!"

Bartemius Crouch had the well-known reputation as a merciless, brutal Magical Law Enforcement officer. His perfidious, even diabolical means of rooting out the nests of iniquities of Death Eaters and potential followers of Voldemort had put a lurid fear and cautiousness in them all.

Just then, Madam Malkin appeared suddenly from the parlour. "Ah, Mr. Snape, I've been expecting you. I have your new robes all ready for you to try on. Would you like to do so now or perhaps relax with your friends a bit? Just let me know when you are ready."

Severus gave Lucius a look for approval to discontinue their conversation. Lucius concurred instinctively, saying, "We'll continue discussing this matter this evening. I need to be getting back to the mansion instead of lingering around here."

They gave each other concordant, knowing nods, and as Lucius returned to Rodolphus and Bellatrix in the parlour, Severus followed Madam Malkin.

"Please, Mr. Snape, step this way to the gentlemen's dressing room," she said, escorting him.

Severus followed Madam Malkin across the foyer to an archway that also led to the central, mirrored room. Heading towards the gentlemen's fitting room, across from the ladies fitting room, he glanced at the witches busy in front of the mirrors.

Nagini's attention was divided between Narcissa, still fussing and experimenting with Nagini's hair, and those in the front parlour, distracted by their stares.

Severus paused for a second, his attention drawn to Nagini. The picture of loveliness before him stopped him in his tracks. Indescribable. Nagini slowly turned in profile beside Narcissa. Severus was not easily beguiled or attracted to superficial appearances, as the one he saw before him: Nagini's bruised face had been covered with a charm or something similar; her attire, the curvaceously formed gown, glimmering, revealed far more of her body than could have been imagined from the last time he had met her, cloaked and betrodden. He knew it was a cheap facade. A lie.

Severus' sole preference was based entirely around Lily Evans and her unmarred, earthy beauty, inside and out. No other female could be compared to Lily or the feelings evoked.

Nevertheless, as Severus gazed at Nagini, facade and all, 'it' happened. He was struck by a revelation of beauty previously unknown to him, and a profound warmth flooded his entire body. Uncontrollably. He was suddenly aware of a feeling of ... Instantly, the discomforting feeling engrossed him along with the feeling of being ashamed, for it was purely carnal: a sensation of self-gratifying and sensuous need. The carnal heat wavered through Severus, causing a sharp intake of breath.

The carnal yearning wasn't for Lily Evans. It was for Nagini Malfoy.

The realisation sent an equally intense wave of guilt to wash over him, clashing hard with his lust. Severus forced himself to turn away and walked slowly to the gentlemen's dressing room in turmoil.

Meanwhile, Narcissa was chattering away. "There we go. Now, what do you think? Worthy of being shown off, Lucius? Rodolphus, close your mouth."

"Yes, Rodolphus, shut it!" snapped Bellatrix.

After a few seconds of silence, Lucius compliantly appraised Nagini's apparel for Narcissa. Slowly, he replied, "Yes, Narcissa, you've done quite well, naturally. Your taste is impeccable, as always, my dear." Lucius had risen and crossed over to Narcissa, giving her a dutiful kiss on her cheek.

Giddy with delight, Narcissa continued. "It's absolutely wonderful. I said to Nagini, jokingly mind you, 'it's a pity that you're not a blond', and look ... in an instant, wandlessly, her hair changed shades! Now, that's a gift! Although, it could be perhaps a bit more platinum, my dear."

As Narcissa gushed excitedly about this, Nagini glowered at all of them and transformed her hair back to mercurial shades of auburns, randomly highlighted with streaks of golden blond, reds and blackened nuances. She had turned around and started to walk back to the dressing room when Lucius' crisp voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Bit of a Metamorphmagus, are you? How interesting, Nagini." Lucius walked stealthily, resolutely towards her, stopping in front of her face. "Tell me, how many others know about your extra special little gifts?" he whispered fiercely, referring to the Parseltongue ability displayed in the family's vault. "Does Qualmsick?" A dangerous glint appeared in the grey, prying eyes.

"I'm not a Metamorphmagus. Well, not a pure one, that is," snapped Nagini.

"Not a pure what?" Rodolphus called out. The room had taken on a frozen atmosphere.

Only Bellatrix's eyes were glistening with secretive, bright thoughts as she peered at Nagini.

"I'm not a pure Metamorphmagus; I have some abilities. Limited abilities. Not worth boasting about," Nagini said directly to Lucius. Feeling suddenly tense and nervous from the changed atmosphere in the room, Nagini babbled out, "I know how to change my hair colour, some physical characteristics, wandlessly, when I'm in the mood..."

They were all staring at her like she was the strangest sort of idiot they had ever seen. Realising how silly she sounded, Nagini recklessly offered more information about herself, feeling put on the spot. "Transfigurations – I'm very skilled in Transfigurations; I can at will – wordlessly, wandlessly..." Then, she stopped herself. A rush of anger accompanied by a feeling of being humiliated washed over her. "Who were these people?" she thought to herself. Their smug, arrogant, judgmental faces were staring at her like she was the most distasteful oddity they had ever come across.

Their askant, apprehensive looks made Nagini want to hex them all ... blast them out of their posh, comfy positions. Why was she feeling that she needed to explain anything about herself to them at all? She was a witch the same as they, and though it wasn't the right time or place, she would've gladly duelled any of them on the spot, if only Abraxas hadn't taken her wand. Three armed wizards against one; Nagini knew it was a futile, whimsical thought.

Narcissa had unintentionally revealed a portion of Nagini's unknown skills ... it was true; she knew other wandless magic as well, but daren't display it before this lot.

Intensely, Nagini's thoughts flitted out of Madam Malkin's parlour and on to Monday. She desperately thought about how in two days' time, she would be in Hogwarts, away from all this direct scrutiny and not obligated to her horrid cousin and uncle, as well as their cronies. Then, Nagini remembered a warning given to her: ''No matter what is said or done to you between now and arriving at Hogwarts, keep calm, discipline yourself, control your anger. Do not provoke your uncle or those around him...'' The advice of the Hogwarts' Headmaster, Dumbledore, echoed around in her thoughts. Even though Dumbledore had been sublimely suspicious and brutally shrewd with her when he had met Nagini and 'interviewed' her for the first time in her holding cell at the Ministry of Magic, his advice had been a mantra for her to cling to in the past thirty-six hours.

Nagini glanced up and caught Narcissa's eyes. Narcissa was giving her a clandestine look. Was it with a twinge of compassion? Or something else? Either way, Nagini didn't care. She's another overly conceited ninny, a perfect match for that ruddy, pompous prat Lucius; they're perfect for each other, she thought ill-temperedly.

"I don't need to explain myself! To any of you!" Nagini exclaimed impulsively. "I'm going to change. Just leave me alone ... all of you!" She glowered at them and stormed out of the room; regardless of Nagini's outburst, Narcissa slowly went after her.

"Quite a rude, little attitude she's got there, among other things," Rodolphus commented.

Lucius crossed over to Rodolphus. Quizzically, he said, "Yes, we really should help her, I suppose." Lucius then gave Bellatrix a smile. "Help teach her some manners, that is." He turned back to Rodolphus and asked, "Are you game?"

Relieved that Lucius had pardoned any previous faux pas between them, Rodolphus smiled and said, "Lucius, you know me. I'm always game ... ready, willing and able."

"Count me in as well," purred Bellatrix, holding up her glass.

Lucius took the untouched glass of champagne previously offered him by Rodolphus. "Here's to kindred, Wizard bonding!" he toasted. "In more ways than one!" The trio gleefully chuckled, clinking their glasses together.

Having changed back into her travelling attire, Nagini entered the room with Narcissa as the trio toasted. "Have we missed something?" asked Narcissa, taking in the mirthful atmosphere.

"No, my dear." Lucius crossed over and swept Narcissa into him, planting a passionate kiss on her lips. Breaking away from him slightly in surprise, she exclaimed, "Lucius!"

"Just a little something. Until this evening." He kissed her again. "Now we must go." He turned to Nagini and proposed nonchalantly, "Shall we? Must return to the mansion before the guests arrive. Don't want to be rude by being late and unprepared, being the hosts, do we, Nagini?"

Nagini said nothing, eager to leave as soon as possible and return to the Manor, to her room, for some solitude. She followed Lucius to the door to leave without looking back at the others.

Madam Malkin bustled in, announcing, "Pardon me, I've just finished with Mr. Snape's fittings. I'll send your gowns to Malfoy Manor right away, Mr. Lucius."

"Thank you. We'll be expecting them." Then, turning to the trio, he said, "Until this evening, everyone!" As Rodolphus, Bellatrix and Narcissa smiled back in acknowledgement, the two Malfoys exited.

Leaving Madam Malkin's boutique, Lucius and Nagini walked down the main, winding street a little ways, and then they turned off onto a desolate side street. Lucius stopped, turned and said, "This will do. We can Disapparate from here." He offered Nagini his arm.

"I can Disapparate by myself. I don't need you!" she said, stepping away from him.

"You're not licensed to Disapparate! Remember?" hissed Lucius. He roughly grasped her around the waist and pulled her into him. Nagini could feel him smouldering with suppressed anger; a dark glow seemed to waver around him. Stoically holding her firmly against his hard body, Lucius nonetheless detected Nagini's suspicion of his abilities. Irked by her daring to insinuate, even silently insinuate by her blatant discomfort, his inaptitude in anything, Lucius remarked sneeringly, "No need to worry about my Wizarding skills; I've been taught by the best ... you'll find I'm quite accomplished, even by your standards, whatever they may be..." Then, Lucius admitted darkly, "My dear cousin, the Malfoys are not feared by name alone... I'm already as accomplished in the Dark Arts as my father, if not more so," he added pointedly. "And I suspect your mother, my dearly departed aunt, was a perfidious sorceress of opportunistic means, treacherous and formidable, but an extremely audacious teacher of yours, no doubt." Then, Lucius nuzzled his head into her abundant thick hair, and intentionally placing his lips to graze her left ear, he whispered fiercely, "My little murderess!"

Frozen, Nagini's eyes widened, awed at Lucius' audacity to so intentionally disorientate her by so directly insulting her.

Pleased at having achieved the desired effect, Lucius tugged Nagini sharply into him again, and they Disapparated with a loud pop.

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Author's note: Deep appreciation to potionmistress23; and to Sempra, without whom this chapter for TPP could not have been realised - thank you for your guidance & tweaking, and astopperindeath/TPP administration for their patience & guidance!