𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓖𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 || 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐟𝐨𝐲

Chapter 1 - Interview

Authors Note: Thank you for coming along on another ride with me, this is just a small introduction into the story, I hope you enjoy and stay tuned for another Lucius Malfoy romance adventure!

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"You're rather accomplished, aren't you?" Narcissa Malfoy asked as her eyes flicked over the parchment in her pale manicured hands. Though her words were complimentary, the tone was far from it, mocking, distasteful almost. She crossed her legs, her black heel kicking up as she leant back into her brown leather arm chair. Mrs Malfoy narrowed her eyes on the paper.

"I like to think so, I pride myself on setting goals, and of course, meeting them." The young woman in front of her said with a small forced smile, she sat up straight, her hands folded delicately into her lap, her brown Chelsea boots knocked together as her knee trembled slightly under the elder witch's scrutiny.

"Ophelia, is it?"

"Yes madam," The young woman nodded, her corkscrew curls bounced around her shoulders as she did.

"Pretty name..." Mrs Malfoy sighed as she looked over the paper to the bonny young thing that was perched on the maroon velvet loveseat. "For a pretty girl... how old are you Miss?"

"Twenty-three" Ophelia answered obediently.

"So young... it says here you speak French, Latin, Greek and some Italian. You were of course schooled at Hogwarts, Ravenclaw house, I could tell that from the moment you walked in..." Mrs Malfoy said mostly to herself. "You were the governess for the Yaxley's, and before that the MacMillans..."

"Yes, and all my students entered Hogwarts fully prepared, and were instantly the top of their classes, and remain to be to this day." Ophelia bragged lightly, trying to sell herself to Mrs Malfoy. Ophelia knew getting in with the Malfoys would open professional doors for her, she knew of Mr Malfoy and that he was a governor at Hogwarts. Impressing him could mean landing a professor position at the prestigious school. She wanted the job, no needed the job!

"My son is nine... oh my Draco, he is a very talented boy, but he requires nurture, he is a most special child, he will do great things one day you see, but he has a hard time concentrating on his studies, that's the problem when you're great at everything, you want to do everything. Do you understand?"

"I think so, what is it Draco enjoys doing in his spare time?" Ophelia asked as her fingers drummed her knee.

"He is an excellent flyer, he loves to watch quidditch, he spends a lot of time in his room reading, playing wizard chess, if you force him, he plays beautifully," Mrs Malfoy nodded towards the black grand piano behind Ophelia. The young woman looked over her shoulder at the beautiful shiny object of her dreams. Oh, what she'd give to be able to play it, she would ask one day, when she was in better standing. Assuming she got the job...

"Fantastic, I play myself, which you've probably already read, but I'd love to help fine tune his skills," Ophelia smiled sweetly, her cheeks were beginning to hurt from the sweet charade. Her interview 'self' felt like a different person, an alternate being, a character. A twitch in her cheekbone made her swallow hard, how much longer would she have to endure this woman?

"Wonderful!" Mrs Malfoy beamed, before the smile dropped from her face suddenly. "His last governess was not a great musician..."

"Oh... is that why she is being replaced?" Ophelia asked with a gulp. Where they really that ruthless?

"Oh no, she died. Quite sad really, she was an old dear though, she just went to sleep and never woke up... I don't usually hire younger staff, my husband he... well you know how it is, young predatory women, rich influential men. I'd hate to see you make a fool of yourself, throwing advances at him... it would only see you the door. Do you understand?" Mrs Malfoy raised a brow, Ophelia nearly choked upon hearing the elder witches' words, she was insulted, but mostly shocked at her boldness. Predatory women? Really?

"I can assure you; I have no interests in husbands Madam, I am a professional, and my interests lie with your son and his academic progress." Ophelia's words had a slight bite to them, but paired with a sweet smile they were softer on Mrs Malfoys ears. The older witch nodded, her black and blonde hair swishing about her shoulders as she pursed her lips in thought.

"You may start tomorrow, Miss Oakham." Mrs Malfoy eventually said, with a tight smile. Ophelia sighed with relief, and stood as Mrs Malfoy raised to her feet.

"Thank you, Mrs Malfoy, I can't wait to get started." Ophelia extended her hand, which Mrs Malfoy took in her own gently, and the two shook hands.

"Now, a quick tour of the house, and of course I'll show you where your quarters are..." Mrs Malfoy had already begun to walk away, her black heels click-clacking on the dark wood floor of the sitting room.

Ophelia looked around the grand home with an accomplished smile, next stop Hogwarts.