The Slytherin King

9

Running through the halls of Hogwarts, Narcissa Malfoy, née Black, was going through the spells she knew from the Black family library. Perhaps they needed a reminder of why you do not mess with the House of Black. Or maybe they forget she and her sister were Daughters of the House of Black. Either way, she would remind them once and for all.

Opening the doors to the medical wing, her blue eyes were cold and distant as they scanned for her nephew. Looking over, she saw Madam Pomfrey, the healer and matron at Hogwarts. The woman was the matron even when she was a student.

"Where is Cepheus?" the Lady gritted her teeth. She wished not to be rude, but she was at her wits' end with people hurting her nephew.

"First bed to the left, Dear. He is alright and sleeping currently. Young Zabini and your son have not left his side all day, " the woman said with a kind and understanding smile.

Making her way over, Narcissa saw poor Cepheus lying in bed with only his bottoms. His torso and arm were wrapped with bandages. The bandages were still semi-fresh, but blood had already seeped through. She felt her heart tighten in fear, knowing that if it weren't for Severus, her nephew would be gone.

On either side of the bed were Draco and Blaise in chairs. Draco's hair was disheveled, and his Slytherin robe was behind him. His eyes trained on his cousin. Blaise was not fairing much better. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face tight with anger. She noticed his wand gripped in his wand tightly. Ready to curse anyone who tries to harm Cepheus.

"Oh, boys," she whispered softly, gaining their attention as she walked to the bed. Draco immediately ran up and hugged her tightly. She could feel his tears soaking her robes, yet she couldn't care less. She understood that it was a close call. "What happened, Dragon?"

"G-G-Granger.....L-L-Leaving the the library...e-e-explosion..."

She nodded softly and made her way to the chair where her son had previously sat down. Her son clung to her still and sat in her lap as he had when he was younger.

"Will he be okay, Lady Malfoy?" Blaise asked softly. His eyes filled with fear, care, and worry for her nephew.

"He will be."

All three looked over to see Lucius Malfoy. He had floo'd in with his wife but made his way to Dumbledore's office first. From the look in his silver-grey eyes, Narcissa knew he was livid, though his face gave away nothing.

"If you wish him to be taken home for the duration of his healing, I can certainly write a note," the Matron softly informed. "He is a good child with an amazing heart. Besides, I know he would be in your safe hands, Lady Malfoy. I am the one who trained you, after all."

Narcissa smiled at the Matron softly. Not many knew it, but Poppy Pomfrey and Cygnus Black the Third were like brother and sister. So Narcissa, Bellatrix, and Andromeda grew up calling her "Aunt Poppy." Of course, knowing Dumbledore, they kept this a tight-lipped secret. The Dark Sector had more support on staff than the old man. However, he wouldn't know until it was entirely too late.

"Thank you."

His body hurt. That was his first thought. He was used to hurt. His second thought. But he was away from the Dursleys? Or was it all a dream? His body clenched at the thought of it all being a dream. He just wanted a-

"Cepheus?..." came a voice to his left. He knew that voice! "Cepheus, come on. It's okay. You are home."

Opening his eyes slowly, he saw his Aunt Cissa and Uncle Lucius both smiling at him. Looking over, he realized he was in his bedroom. Wasn't it March? Shouldn't he be at Hogwarts? The attack...

"How are you feeling, Sweetheart?" asked his Aunt softly, her hand on his forehead with a damp washcloth.

"H-hurts." he croaked, tears threatening his eyes.

"Here."

She uncorked a vial, holding it to his lips, and Lucius held him up just enough. He knew it was a pain-reliever potion from the smell alone. Once done, the group sat silently for a few moments, unsure what to say.

"I thought it was all a dream when I woke up in pain..." confessed Cepheus softly. "I I hadn't been in pain like that since the muggles... so.."

Narcissa grabbed his hand with small soothing noises. Tears that threatened finally made their way from his eyes downward. He was so scared. The attack. The Dursleys. Everything.

Narcissa hated visiting but also loved being able to. She hated the dementors, but she would face them for her sister. Currently, she was in the visiting room waiting for Bella to arrive. She knew the only thing keeping her sister and brother-in-law sane in any capacity were their lockets—three lockets identical to the one her nephew wore every day.

"Cissy!" exclaimed Bellatrix, hugging her sister. "Oh, how are you?"

"I am well, Bella." smiled the blonde as they sat. "Cepheus is doing well. According to Severus, he excels in all of his classes, but especially Charms. He takes after Rodo a lot in that."

"I'm so glad. Lawyer Abbott says our trials will be soon," sighed Bella. "Thankfully, we will be given Veritaserum if I ever find out who harmed Alice and Frank."

Bella gritted her teeth. Her hands wrapped around her sleeves harshly. People dared say she and her husband and brother-in-law hurt Alice and Frank. Augusta was her bloody aunt! Frank was her cousin! Everyone willingly forgets that August was a Daughter of the House of Rosier. She blames it on the fact that she married into a typically light Pureblood family.

Feeling a hand on hers, Bella looked into her sister's eyes. She was the oldest. She should have comforted her little sister, but she had to be comforted by Cissy.

"I must tell you something that happened recently. First, I will state that he is okay and Lucius is handling everything."

"What happened?.."

"Cepheus was attacked in Hogwarts by another student. She used a Bombarda while he was going to the Dorms from the Library."

"But he's ok?.." asked the woman, hope and concern filled in her words.

"He is. Aunt Poppy let Lucius and I take him home. He's resting and has a few burns and cuts but will be okay."

As Bella heard the guards step away, she looked at her husband. Since her sister began telling her their son's news, she shared them with Rodo. They hoped that within the next few months, they would be free from this hell so they might be able to hug and hold their son once more.

"He was attacked, but Cissy said he is at her home healing and is fine. He also has your aptitude with Charms."

Rodo smiled softly. His son was well with Charms. He couldn't wait to show Cepheus the other wonders Charms could bring! He looked to his brother, whose cell was diagonal from his own.

"We'll see him soon, Basty."

"Yes, we will." agreed his brother.

"Just save some Dumbledore for me, alright?" asked Sirius.

Admittedly, they ought to hate him. Yet after his admission that he didn't know about the Potters stealing Cepheus, it was better. He even used the Godfather bond to give them whatever updates he could. It wasn't much, especially since it drained him, so he only used it twice. But twice was better than none.