Chapter Text
Anxious.
Anxious, excited, and just a touch frightened.
Truly, Bella was a jumbled mess of fear, happiness, and anticipation that was causing her to fidget and move about in the throngs of people on Platform 9 ¾. Every single one of them were there to welcome back the children. Hogwarts had ended its term finally and the train was due back at any moment.
The chatter was getting more and more animated as the minutes ticked by. Parents eager to see their children and hear all about the mundane courses and adventures their children partook of during the year. Bella was merely getting more fidgety, twirling her index finger in her curls and biting slightly at her lip.
The time that lapsed between Yule and the end of term was much longer than the first bloc of the Hogwarts’ school year. There had only been three short months between sending her raven off until he had returned to celebrate with the family for the holidays. Sending him back the second time had been harder.
Harder still once she learned what her hatchling had been truly facing this first year of his education. Dumbledore had been the known threat. One that had been split rather well between Hogwarts and the Wizengamot as they had taken their first steps in ruining his reputation and taking away his pretty titles and honored visage.
The Dark Lord had been an unknown. Hearing her child, her baby, say with conviction that he was certain he was dealing with a possession, had been terrifying. Even more so when he expressed his concerns about who it was.
Such news would have been worth celebrating; seven years ago. Her Lord returned to them, as she knew he was capable of doing. He certainly would have praised their efforts against Dumbledore so far, and perhaps would overlook their cowardly pleas in the courts given their results.
But things had changed. Changed far too much and now she feared him as the rest of the populace did. Bella, the most loyal and devoted follower of the Dark Lord Voldemort, now anxious and fearful that she would be asked to give over her son to the whims of one of the most powerful dark wizards of their generation.
Knowing full well she’d not be able to do it.
Even still, she had told Corvus to see what it was the possessed man was after, see if he could not aid Voldemort’s quest in Hogwarts. If only to get the man out of the castle and away from the hatchlings. And hopefully, enduring her hatchling enough to the man so that he would leave Corvus be. Leave him to flourish and thrive as he had once in her care, and to give her time to find a way out for her darling child.
Yes, Severus claimed Lily Potter perhaps had given them a road map to freedom themselves. But Bella only had one goal at this point; ensure Corvus and Draco were free to choose their own paths and their own destinies.
Her anxiety was being noticed. Lucius who was in his best robes and shiniest trinkets, was standing beside Cissa, throwing little scowls and furtive glances her way.
It wasn’t as if Lucy didn’t have a good reason to be glowering her way. He was still rather upset with her over the adventure the hatchlings had gone on. Poor Draco had gotten injured by one of the trolls put in place as a safeguard against the Philosopher’s Stone.
Bella had been stricken with a great deal of guilt and worry once she’d heard the news. The brutish creature has shattered the boy’s tibia with its club as the hatchlings had tried to maneuver the two trolls into harming one another in the confusion. The hatchlings had been clever, brave, and ambitious in their bid to help Corvus reach the stone. But they were still just children and she was rather worried she had pushed Corvus, and by proxy the others, just a touch too fast.
They were just babies after all.
Narcissa was the picture of calm civility among them. Her long green dress was dragging on the ground, yet not picking up an ounce of grim or dirt. Her hair was pulled back away from her face, so she could see clearly, and her makeup was muted but refined. To any observers, she was merely a fine lady, waiting patiently for her son’s return home.
But the way she clutched her small purse in front of her, fingers digging into the embroidered fabric, told Bella she was just as anxious to see her son in person to confirm he was, in fact, well-mended.
While most of the families congregated with friends and allies, their little family group found themselves slightly besieged.
Lucius was being approached rather regularly as they waited. Different businessmen, politicians, lawyers and just regular citizens all seemed to want to greet Lucius and make themselves seen. He was doing his best to politely engaged each person and get them on their way without too much upset to Cissa. But his patience was starting to wear a bit thin.
Bella could see the small sneers and crinkles at the corner of his eyes whenever he was becoming annoyed. So too could Cissa, the perfectly poised woman always finding just the right moment to step in and draw her husband back into the moment or shoo away the annoying pest that had riled him.
The word that Lucius was the top contender for the position of Chief Warlock after the lengthy campaigning process and discord being sowed in the media, had spread like fiendfyre and now everyone was looking to hedge their futures on Lucius being the top of the political food chain.
Some thought that to be the Minister position, but Bella saw once joining the Wizengamot that it certainly was not the case. Chief Warlock held most of the sway on legislation, court proceedings, and guiding the overall direction of the Ministry as a whole. The Minister was just a figurehead sitting on a throne. The parliament was the driving force.
Which is why Albus Dumbledore had been so eager to shy away from running for Minister of Magic, and so desperate to hang on to the Chief Warlock title.
That simply would not be possible now. Though Dumbledore had tried to throw himself into the campaign, stating he’d been unjustly removed due to a personal conflict, almost all the voting members shot that down. The blight was too recent and too damning for Albus to overcome having lost Harry Potter to muggles.
Lucius and Cissa standing together, united, calm and amongst the people of their world, painted a far better picture. One of power, grace, but humility. Not that Lucy had much of that trait. Still, Cissa had been adamant he be there to welcome Draco home and present the image of a united, interested, parent eager to see his child.
They would make a good team should Lucius win the vote. Cissa was the perfect lady in which to admire, and Lucius was both a businessman and political hunter. Cissa knew how important image and poise were to the game and would only bring a touch of class back to their politics.
Bella was happy to stay in her role as regent and vote along the lines until Corvus needed to start learning for himself how the game was played. Though, she could not help but hope Cissa would badger Lucius into pushing for a reform of the ugly purple uniforms they had to wear.
“They’ll be here soon.” Cissa was smiling her way. Her blue eyes warm and sparkling in the dim light of the platform. Bella nodded that she heard her and continued to stare down the tracks in the direction the train should be coming from.
Cissa was still trying to reassure her all this time, despite the many missteps Bella had taken. Her sister had been beside herself, hearing about Draco’s injury. Even more so as Bella explained why the boys had encountered trolls in the first place. It had been a huge risk that Lucius had yelled about for hours, Bella letting him because she had known that. She had known it and still asked her darling son to do what he thought best for himself and their family.
But Cissa’s silent condemnation, pale-faced and staring, had been a dagger in her heart and Bella knew Cissa didn’t understand the reason she would take such a risk no matter how well Bella tried to explain it.
“No other choice…”
That had been Bella’s defense, weak as it was, but at that moment in time she had no other plan that didn’t somehow risk herself or Severus being labeled traitors. Either herself being labeled by the Dark Lord as one by doing whatever was necessary to protect her darlings, or Severus being labeled by Dumbledore as he aided the wraith possessing the man in the castle.
And neither of them was yet in position to risk such a label.
“I’m certain the boys are fine. I know it, actually. Severus was very detailed in his treatments…” Cissa was fiddling with her clutch again, sighing a bit in frustration as she tried to open it and grab at the handkerchief that was inside it. “But I just would feel so much better to see them in person.”
“Agreed.” Lucius was one more eyeing Bella and she passively stared back. There was no changing what happened. Only what happened going forward and she knew there were going to be discussions with the boys.
The train seemed to crawl its way into the station at last. The red and black engine chugging along faithfully, but far too sluggishly for Bella’s liking. She could see the crowd all start to move forward in anticipation and rolled her eyes a touch. No use crowding the hatchlings, they would find their way to their places so long as they stood still.
The staff of the train hopped off first to begin unloading. Mounds of trunks, suitcases, and animal cages began to form near the front of the train, waiting for their owners to come and claim them. House elves made quick work of these piles, however. Those families with the creatures at hand, trusted their servants to grab their children’s belongings and take them home without fail.
That left only a smaller mound of things for the less affluent and muggle-born crowd to begin searching.
But most everyone was busy looking through the crowd for their loved ones. Children hopped off the train eagerly, teenagers pretended to act aloof, but they all began to navigate the mass of people waiting for them and found their homes.
Bella let her eyes start to dart around, looking for the dark curls and platinum blonde hair of the hatchlings. It didn’t take long at all to see the group of younger children coming off dressed in silver and green trimmed robes. Corvus and his merry band of friends were approaching Lucius, the tallest of them all, his fine blonde hair a beacon amongst the crowd.
“Really Draco, didn’t Professor Snape give you Skele-gro?”
Daphne Greengrass was rolling her eyes at Draco, now hobbling about with the group with a handmade cane in his grip. It had a dragon at the top; its wings made of thick silver and spread wide as if lifting off the ground to create a grip for the boy. Bella knew its design because she had it made for her dragon as way of apology and to help him along his recovery.
“After he disappeared the broken one?” Theodore Nott was snickering as he readjusted a small bag on his shoulder. “And it was a week ago…”
“Yes, but the ligaments need reattach and my muscles are a little weak from the temporary loss of bone.” Draco was pouting a bit, causing both Cissa and Bella to snicker a bit at the boy’s indignation. “I was told to take it easy.”
“Milking it…” Blaise Zabini was patting Draco’s shoulder before smiling at Bella and the Malfoy’s as they reached their area. “Hello Lord and Lady Malfoy! Lady Black!”
“Greetings to you Heir Zabini.” Lucius was bowing a bit to the boy, putting on a smile. “I hope the trip was smooth and enjoyable for you all?”
“It was a blissfully quiet trip.” Pansy Parkinson was curtseying right alongside Daphne. “Forgive me my rudeness, but I need to find my brothers. We wanted to meet Mother and Father together since we’ll be headed to the French Riveria straight from here.”
“Oh, of course darling. Do have fun!” Cissa nodded to the girl. “Please give your family our hellos. We will see you at some point this summer I am certain.”
Daphne too apologized and was off to find her own family. Eagerly hugging her little sister, who was two years younger. Both girls had apparently been distraught to be separated, according to Cissa who visited Serafina often for tea.
“You’re sure you’re okay with taking Fuzzle?” Theodore Nott was asking Corvus nervously, his light blue eyes scanning the crowd; for Tiberius no doubt.
“Theo, I am certain.” Corvus was sighing with an exasperated tone. “And I will ensure that he gets his treats, and ample time to hang out with me in the library.”
“I wish I could have him read. I really want to see more of your library.”
“Then you will just have to come visit, Theo.” Bella smiled at the boy and he gave her a shy smile in return. She knew he felt himself a burden or a bother, how could he not with Tiberius as his sire. She’d permanently house the boy if she thought she could get away with it. “And I am still adamant you tell me if Tibby gets any stupid ideas.”
“Yes Lady Black. I remember.” Theo was blushing a bit but that smile broadened just a touch.
“Now what, or who, is Fuzzle?” Bella eyed her son with a mischievous grin and Corvus smirked back.
“I’ll show you when we get home. He’s Theo’s familiar. But his father really didn’t want him to have one…so…”
“Theodore! Come! I have business to attend to!” Tiberius Nott’s voice carried in the platform and several people turned to give him glares or looks of curiosity. The old arse paid no mind, standing a good bit away from their group and glaring over heads at his son.
Theo nodded to him, said a quick goodbye to Corvus, Draco and Blaise before disappearing into the crowds obediently.
“We’ll see him soon.” Draco was scrunching up his nose. “Birthdays and all…”
“Yes, something else we’ll have to discuss once home.” Lucius was agreeing in his off sort of way, eyes following Tiberius and frowning slightly.
“Something will be planned soon, I hope?” Viviana Zabini was coming up and Bella snarled a bit when the woman’s hand landed on her shoulder. The woman only smiled in triumph at her, refusing to budge it. “After all, Draco and Corvus’ birthdays typically start of the summer social calendar!”
“Hello Vivi. How was your trip?” Cissa drew the woman away from Bella, kissing both cheeks in the customary greeting.
“Very entertaining. Blaise, you look well. I do hope we’ll be hearing about your outstanding performance at Hogwarts.”
“You will, Mother.” Blaise was taking a snarky look at Corvus. “Though, I doubt I was able to top Corvus or Theo’s scores, I did my best.”
“Yes, well, we all know Corvus is the one to beat, don’t we.” Vivi was smiling at Corvus, who just looked back happily at the woman, not at all bothered by her attentions. “Come darling, I’m certain the Malfoys and Blacks have much to do.”
“See you guys soon.” Blaise was waving as they departed and then it was only them.
Lucius was eyeing Draco’s cane, Draco not leaning heavily on it by any means, but still sporting it rather proudly.
“Viviana is quite right, we’ve much to discuss and should be going as well. Dobby and Kreacher both should have your belongings by now.” Lucius nodded towards the passageway leading to the floo points. “We’ll be going to Grimmauld first, to admire your mother’s handiwork.”
“I thought you had that all done Mother?” Draco was asking Narcissa with all sincerity. “It certainly looked great during Yule!”
“That was only the main floor, Draco. The guest rooms still needed a lot of work and I rushed Theodore’s just for the occasion.” Cissa smiled and tilted her head up proud as could be. “I’ll have you know Grimmauld is not as small as it looks and can hold quite a few secrets. Though, Corvus, we will have to take some time to discuss your desires for the library. I’m certain it’s rather outdated…”
“It’s fine Aunt Cissa.” Corvus shook his head. “Libraries are supposed to look old.”
Bella couldn’t help but reach down and take Corvus’ hand in her own, giving him a big grin. He gripped her hand and gave her a blinding smile in return. Her darling hatchling let her swing their arms back and forth, walking among the other wixen using the floo points to head home, rather than pretend to be muggles out in the rest of King’s Cross.
This is what she was excited for, her raven; her hatchling. Back with her where he belonged. Unharmed. Not taken. Not found. Things were fine. Things would be fine, so long as they did not take their eyes off the old man or the looming presence of the Dark Lord.
“Where did you obtain that cane, Draco?” Lucius was asking as they came to the queue for a free floo to use. “Severus didn’t mention you needing one.”
“I sent it to him.” Bella crowed proudly, giving Draco a wink as Corvus leaned against her and chuckled at his cousin’s embarrassed blush. “He deserved a trophy for his valiant efforts, didn’t he?”
“Bella…” Lucius was warning her softly with his tone. It didn’t do them much good to openly talk about how Draco got hurt, not where ears could hear. But she had no intentions of doing that, she only wished to let Lucius know what he had wanted to know.
“Are you that jealous of your son’s cane? The dragon certain strikes a better pose than that boring old snake head.” Bella teased and Cissa hid her mouth behind her hand, her eyes crinkling to show she was trying not to laugh. “Don’t you let your father bully you, Dragon. I think you look very handsome and refined.”
“And it is practical after such an injury.” Cissa was composing herself as the line moved and they crept along with it. “Yes, the bone is regrown but it is new. Draco is very correct that there is a period of adjustment for the body and it is wise to take it easy.”
“See, practical AND stylish.” Bella swept past Lucius and got hold of Draco’s hand as well. She hopped right into the next open floo, Corvus grabbing a handful of powder nearby. She smiled confidently as her son prepared to throw the glittering dust down so they could leave. “See you at home!”
In a blink they were back in Grimmauld’ s sitting room. Draco smiled up at her at the same time as Corvus did. She did so love her dramatic entrances and exits and they were happy to be a part of this one.
“I am so very glad to have you home, my darlings. And I wish to hear all about your adventure. But your parents are a touch upset with me about the matter, so we must endure a bit of a lecture I’m afraid.”
“I was afraid you were going to say that.” Draco was slumping into one of the sofas and fiddling with his cane.
“The fault lies with me, my hatchlings.” Bella reached over and put her hand through Corvus’ hair as he looked up to her to gauge how bad the lecture was going to be.
Before they could discuss more Lucius and Narcissa arrived just the same way. Lucius brushed off his robe sleeves and Cissa smiled at the boys as Corvus moved to join Draco on the sofa to await the rest.
“Oh, don’t look at me so, Draco. You know we must discuss it.” Cissa pouted just a touch, knowing that Bella had taken the boys ahead to warn them. “Do you know how frightened I was when Severus called on us?”
“How frightened we were.” Lucius was adding firmly as he sat in the highback nearby. “Though, I am aware of the circumstances you both found yourselves in, I am still rather disappointed you did not think to contact us, Draco.”
“I am sorry Father. I will know to do so from now on.” Draco was looking down to his lap in an embarrassed way.
“It was mostly my fault anyway, Uncle Lucius. If I had just gone myself…” Corvus was quick to come to Draco’s defense.
“I am not placing blame anywhere, to be frank.” Lucius sat up as Bella moved around the room and stood behind the children. “Well, not on either of you, really. Bella should have consulted us once she knew what was happening, I cannot say any of us anticipated the situation you found yourselves in. But it did happen and we must discuss ways in which it may have been better handled.”
“Draco, Corvus, I hope you know we would have been utterly devastated if anything had happened to you.” Narcissa finally allowed herself to sit as well and looked at both boys with tears in her eyes. “You should have never been put in such a situation and I wish I could more fully direct my anger at the one that caused it in the first place.”
“Yet, we cannot without showing Dumbledore that we know both about the stone and his guest for the year.” Lucius agreed.
“Which means darlings, we’re off the hook.”
“Bella!” Cissa yelped. She looked a touch upset but the boys smiled in response and that caused her to sigh heavily and smile back at them. “Not completely. But we are proud of how you handled yourselves. We are proud that you faced something so dire without faltering.”
“Next time, however, I fully expect you two to first approach Severus.” Lucius lanced them all with a look, including Bella and she bristled and straightened at the implication that she too had to ‘check in’ with the younger man. “He is astute, calculating and he is your Head of House when you are in Hogwarts. He has my upmost faith with our family secrets and you two should give him the same.”
“We do.” Corvus whispered, abashed slightly at the implication that he did not trust Severus implicitly. Bella knew the boys adored the man and she could understand Corvus wanting to protect him.
“We didn’t want him to risk his job though. It wouldn’t be the same if he wasn’t there.” Draco added sheepishly as well.
“I am very pleased that you are thinking about how your actions can affect others.” Lucius was nodding along but still looking serious on the topic. “That doesn’t mean you keep such issues away from us. We are the adults and we can handle whatever fallout or consequences that occur far better than you both can.”
“At least for now.” Cissa added with a knowing smile, smoothing their bruised egos. Bella reached down and patted both their backs and gave them an apologetic grin as they glanced her way.
“So, did you give him the stone Corvus?” Lucius sat back and relaxed his posture slightly. “You spoke directly with him?”
“I gave him the stone.” Corvus replied and nodded at the same time. “It is very strange to see another face in the back of a person’s head. But I did speak to him.”
“I can imagine.” Lucius grimaced at the description. Bella too felt a shudder.
Possessions were rare things and they almost always remained undetectable unless the change in personality was severe enough. Most spirits could not will their features onto their hosts.
But, if anyone was able to do so, it was the Dark Lord.
“How angry did he seem?”
“I can’t say he was angry. Perhaps frustrated, desperate at first. He was rather pleased when I gave him the stone.” Corvus shrugged a bit before leaning back. “He seemed rather intrigued too. Like he was fishing for more information.”
“About his followers? About what happened after he was disposed?” Lucius grabbed hold of this warning fervently.
“About me.” Corvus blushed as he reached for his pocket. Alya wrapped around his arm and he raised her up, both of them hissing at one another quietly. “He gave me some books, earlier in the year. One was about Parselmagic and the history. It’s in the library upstairs, I haven’t been able to look at it much…”
“We discussed you not speaking to Alya so openly, yes?” Lucius sat up with a twinge of confusion on his face.
“And he didn’t. Really.” Draco’s turn to now defend Corvus. “He didn’t even speak to her much if Theo and I were the only ones around. I doubt anyone heard him…”
“He could hear the snake.” Bella whispered out, mind reaching for any logical explanation for the subtle assistance the man had provided for her son, while showing his clear interest. “He could hear Alya speaking no doubt. Despite Corvus not speaking to her, I’m sure the little rope had plenty to say about her surroundings. She certainly gave you warnings and commentary, yes?”
“Of course.” Corvus nodded as he stroked the snakes silver scales, tracing the black line down her back. “Usually only if she smelled something weird. Which, he smelled odd to her at times so she would point it out.”
“I see…” Lucius was looking to Narcissa worriedly, eyes communicating silently after years of marriage.
“Don’t think too hard Lucy.” Bella finally rounded around the sofa and sat next to Corvus, wrapping her arms around him to assure him as well. “He frequently lamented not knowing any other speakers. The ones in India were far too religious in their reverence and since he was unwilling to conform to servitude, they refused to speak to him in that tongue.”
“I always forget how close you got to him.” Cissa shuddered now, eyes darting away at the thought of the fearsome man. “Still, that could be the extent of it. Corvus, you don’t think he had any ideas of who you were?”
“No, not really. He did ask me how much I knew about my father.”
“He may very well still be in the throes of insanity then.” Lucius was sitting back, rubbing at his forehead and sighing in defeat. “Or, perhaps he is merely curious due to Sirius’ escape. The rumors of him being one of his followers surely piqued his interest.”
“We can sit here and debate the what ifs for hours.” Bella shrugged and looked at the boys. “Meanwhile, the elves have been preparing a welcome home feast and I’m certain the hatchlings are starved.”
“Bella’s right. We can only move forward.” Cissa stood and smiled at her and waved her hands for Draco to come to her. She hugged him fiercely, letting her fingers run through his hair and then smiled at Lucius. “And you have far bigger things to concern yourself with. The upcoming campaign and vote for Chief Warlock.”
“Oh! Pansy says her father put his foot in but wasn’t really serious.” Draco turned to Lucius with a bright, knowing smile. “He only did so in order to take some of the heat off of you.”
“Yes, it was rather a mess those first few rounds of posturing.” Lucius smirked a bit at his son, patting his hair then tilting his head to Bella and Corvus.
They had to lead the way; it was their house. So, Bella smiled at Corvus and tilted her head as well, he was the Lord here after all. He blushed, ducking his head for a second before standing, nodding to the Malfoy family and putting on that irresistible smile of his and began down the hallway.
“I can’t wait to have Heddy’s cooking again.” Corvus grinned at Draco. “Hogwarts is great, but Heddy’s better.”
“Oh! Young Master is too kind to Heddy.” The elf was waiting at the doorway, bowing lowly to them all. Inside the room, the table was laden with different dishes, from goose to ham and a plethora of sides and salads. “Please sit, please sit. Younglings must be starving! Such a long trip to take with no meals.”
“Thank you, Heddy.” Corvus said as he entered in and sat to the side as he was so used to doing. Bella came up behind him, raising him up by an arm under his elbow and putting him at the head of the table. “Mum?”
“I am but your regent, my raven. This is your home. Your dining hall.” She sat him into the head spot at the table and took up the chair he had been in. “You, are the Lord here.”
“Bella is quite right.” Lucius sat as the visiting lord across from her and put a napkin on his lap, back straight and head raised.
Corvus sat stunned for a second, goblets appearing for them while Kreacher came up with Corvus’ separately on a tray. The elf bowed to the boy, though a mischievous glint told Bella that the old elf and her son would be bickering later tonight about this pomp and circumstance. Corvus took it gingerly, looking at her with wide eyes and a questioning glimmer in the storm clouds that were his eyes.
She nodded to him softly, waiting for him to default to what he’d seen Lucius do a thousand times with guests in Malfoy Manor and smiled as he did raise his goblet up and nod to them with a fond smile on his face.
“You are my family; you need no invitation to eat.” Corvus smirked as Lucius let his own sly smirk grace his features.
“Thank you, Corvus.” Cissa said gratefully and smiled proudly at the boy now heading the table. “Now then, I wish to hear about the more boring aspects of your time at Hogwarts! Any new friends? New interests?”
Bella chuckled as the boys started to reach for food, clearly hungry from their trip and blushing at the thought of sharing every detail about their first year. But, once they started on about their classes and their teachers, it snowballed into their friends and the new people they had met.
Lucius snarled lightly when Corvus told them about his retributions against a Ronald Weasley, bemoaning the blood feud his grandfather had started with Septimus Weasley. But Corvus sought to calm it, saying that the older brother, Percy, had been a great help to him. Even going so far as to tell Corvus what would frighten his brother; a spider.
Draco spoke reverently about the quidditch team and how he and Corvus were really going to make a difference next year. Slytherin had only gotten the cup by the skin of their teeth. But with him and Corvus able to try out next year, Hogwarts would certainly have to agree Slytherin was the best.
And that caused the anxious, nervous feelings in Bella’s chest to settle. The idle chatter welcome in what was typically a quiet home. The elves bustled about, refilling drinks and ensuring food was still warm and fresh. They were all together again, as they should be, and things would work out eventually.
For now, they needed this time with each other, to regroup and recover. To relax and unwind, and she would make sure her hatchlings did just that, by throwing them a lavish gala for their birthday. With Cissy’s help, of course.
As the late afternoon rapidly moved into early evening, the boys went about adoring the finished product of Cissy’s hard work. Each guest room was now complete. Each sitting area and gathering point were works of art.
Zilly demonstrated how the guest rooms could be made to fit any guest; including those who were close to the family. Draco gushed about his own guest room, a mix of dark and light silvers and a dragon statue protecting the bed. Corvus was pleased with Theodore’s room, a cozy retreat full of bookcases for his closest friend.
Soon though, the Malfoy family was leaving to return to their own manor in Wiltshire. She and Corvus saw them off through the floo and then looked to each other with varying levels of excitement and concern.
They’d never been truly alone in a house, let alone their own.
But it was momentary. Corvus was eager to unpack in his own room, at the top of the house and to let Alya into her impressive enclosure; a floor to ceiling glass area that allowed for different places to hunt, rest, and bask in warmth. The snake was very pleased, according to Corvus, that Bella had stocked it recently with all her favorite treats. Crickets, toads, and a hidden egg from a quail within the depths of the snake’s home.
She helped him at the start, letting him delve deeper into his study group as he showed her the pamphlets he and his friends had made. Corvus really was an artist at his core, the drawings he’d made for each point of the Wheel of the Year had been well done and eye catching. Each description simple, yet still getting to the very core of what each ritual was for and meant.
But she soon felt that Corvus was ready to retire. He moved to the bathroom nearby, to see to whatever nightly routine he had adopted at Hogwarts. She retired to her own room, down the hall, dressing down into a comfortable nightgown and slipping into her bed with a satisfied huff. Her child was home with her and she could rest easy now.
Still, she couldn’t help but feel a great swell of gratitude and love when she heard footsteps approaching her just before the hour struck ten. Corvus came creeping in, light silk pajamas in blue hanging on him loosely as he confidently climbed into the bed with her. He came sliding in beside her and nuzzled into her neck as she wrapped her arms around him possessively.
“Missed you, Mum.”
“And I you, my raven. I am so happy to have you home.”
“I think I got used to others sleeping in the room.” Corvus huffed slightly, letting his fingers grip her nightgown’s front. “Draco snores and Theo tosses and turns. Blaise sometimes talks.”
“Ah, could not sleep in this quiet old house?” Bella let her fingers coil into his hair and relished the feeling of soft, pliable hair as she tried to help him relax. “It does take quite a bit of getting used to. But I’ve managed.”
“You weren’t lonely?”
“At times, I was. But Cissy and Andi never let me get too bored. And your cousin Dora has been a welcome visitor. I should warn you; she stops by once a week to have a dueling session.”
“That sounds fun.” Corvus yawned and nestled in as close as he could manage. “Can I watch?”
“Of course you can. You can even join if you want.” Bella felt the boy relax against her and it warmed her in ways she had sorely missed.
“Love you, Mum.” The boy yawned again, now relaxed and unable to fight the sleep he needed after such a long day.
“Love you too, my raven.” Bella kissed the top of his head and let the silence of the night seep into the room.
As Corvus started to snore softly, Bella thanked Merlin he was still just an eleven-year-old boy.
One who still wanted to cuddle with her. One who still loved her even after she had sent him to face the man who’d put him on this path. The man who’d killed his real mother and real father. But he was still her hatchling. Still her son. Still the one she would do everything and anything for.
And for now, they were safe and they were home.