The Next Generation (Malfoy's Daughter) Book 1

Chapter 6

Lynx sat nervously in the chair, fidgeting and looking around to distract herself from the man next to her. Fortunately there were plenty of items in the room to use as that distraction. It was an interesting circular room with sunlight shining down from tall windows. Lots of curious looking instruments were set on shelves, the sunlight sending colorful prisms spiraling from more than a few and around the walls were pictures of people whom she did not recognize. Well, two she recognized. She knew Albus Dumbledore from the chocolate frog cards - his had been one of her first cards. She also knew Severus Snape from a few old photos that she'd found in the house. Based on this and where she was sitting she guessed that they were all prior headmasters and headmistresses of Hogwarts.

Feeling his gaze on her she pointedly stared at the picture of Dumbledore, situated directly behind the headmistress' chair. He was snoozing, his half moon spectacles slipping slightly on his crooked nose. Beside her her father cleared his throat, surprising her as he spoke. He didn't speak to her; she wasn't sure who he was talking to - he sounded almost annoyed.

"You don't need to pretend to sleep. I know you're awake."

Lynx, still looking at Dumbledore's painting, noticed his face twitch slightly as if attempting not to smile.

"Draco." The voice came from the black haired Snape. "It has been a long time."

"Yes, it has."

"I'm glad to see that you escaped Azkaban."

"Not entirely." His left arm clenched as if by automatic reaction. Lynx continued to look studiously at Dumbledore who'd peeked an eye open for a very brief second at these words; none of what was being said was news to her.

"Still." The portrait looked at her, and she found herself unable to keep from glancing at him. "It would seem that you have still managed to have a life. Tell me, who is this? I would assume she is your daughter."

"Yes." The previous headmaster raised an eyebrow in curiosity, and to Lynx's surprise her father continued speaking. "Astoria Greengrass was her mother."  Snape nodded in understanding and he went on.  "She was supposedly involved in a trick that almost killed the young James Potter."

An unexplained look of triumph flashed in the painting's eye, but he returned to feigning slumber as the door to the office suddenly opened.

Lynx's head craned around to watch as Professor McGonagall entered the room, her lips pursed in a thin line as she walked over to the desk where they sat and took the large chair on the opposite side, looking at her father instead of at her.

"Mr. Malfoy. Thank you for coming on such short notice."

"Of course." He replied curtly.

"As I wrote in my letter, your daughter facilitated a situation that nearly caused a young man to lose his life. You are here so that we can discuss an appropriate punishment for your daughter.

"I don't see the problem here." He spoke coldly. "Lynx was sleeping while Potter was in the forest. There is no reason to punish her for someone else's actions."

The professor was looking coldly at her father, a look that he matched stare for stare.

"The young Mr. Potter claims that he went into the forest on request from your daughter to save her pet. As she was the reason-"

"I don't have a pet." Lynx exclaimed, interrupting the professor and earning a stern look from both adults. Fortunately her father had her back.

"No, Lynx was not allowed a pet this year. Furthermore it is not her fault if Potter's son decides to be an idiot. If that's all-" He stood. "I'll be leaving. I'm quite busy these days."

Although McGonagall looked angry she didn't move to stop him as he left the room without a backwards glance at his daughter.

"...Does this mean I can leave?" Lynx asked, too nervous to go without permission.

"Twenty points will be taken from Slytherin for your lack of empathy towards another student. Leave before I change my mind about expelling you."

"Yes professor." 

 Lynx rose quickly and hurried to the door, not daring to look back. Once outside the stairway she leaned against the gargoyle, letting out a loud sigh. Her father wasn't there - apparently he'd already left. How was she supposed to have known that Potter would meet 'invisible monsters' and then run into fire crabs - certainly she couldn't be blamed for the fact that he'd gotten burned... She told herself this. Told herself that it was all his fault, but she felt terrible. That morning she'd been taken out of double transfiguration and brought to the headmistress' office by Professor Nott. That's when she'd been told what had happened. 

 Straightening up Lynx composed herself as best as was possible and walked away from the gargoyle, making her way to lunch as so much time had passed. Coming the other way up the staircase was an adult she didn't know - though he was walking with a sheepish looking James. The adult had messy black hair and had a concerned look on his face as he made his way up the stairs, his hand on James' shoulder. As they passed each other she noticed a scar on his forehead and stared a second too long - this was the famous Harry Potter himself. He didn't notice, continuing on their way to most likely see McGonagall. James also ignored her completely, but she didn't notice any obvious injuries. He must have already been healed.  Hurrying the rest of the way down the stairs Lynx wanted to tell Sami about what had just happened.

Arriving at the great hall Lynx slid into the open seat next to Sami. The hall was full of whispers, and the guys sitting near them eyed her hesitantly. Ty TJ and Chris wouldn't look at her, focusing instead on their plates. Looking at how they were acting she became frustrated.

"Look, it's not like I meant for that stuff to happen." She hissed at them. They glanced at her and then looked away. Annoyed, Lynx grabbed a sandwich from a tray and began to eat. Shortly after she arrived the guys left. People were still staring, so the two girls left and walked aimlessly through the halls, eventually stopping at an empty classroom. Going inside they closed the door and looked at each other.

"I'm sorry!" Sami broke out, surprising Lynx.

"What? Why?"

"I should have said something - taken some of the blame -"

"No. It's ok, it WAS my plan, and I'm not in trouble. How were we to know they'd actually get hurt?"

"Still, I should have been in that office with you."

"No." Lynx shook her head. "I'd rather only one of us be singled out anyways. Besides, I don't think Potter and Weasley told on you either - so it wouldn't make sense for you to volunteer yourself."

Both girls were quiet for a moment, thinking this over. As much as they didn't like family politics, they did understand them. This was just how it had to be.

Unfortunately they didn't have much time to waste before they were off to Defence against the Dark Arts. They arrived slightly early and took seats near the middle. The gryffindors arrived not long after, all shooting her hate laden glares.

"Just ignore them." Was Sami's advice.