Rescuing Dragons

Meeting Mum

 After moving to England, several weeks went by before Raven showed up at her mother's doorstep. She wanted to settle in first by unpacking a few things. Then there was shopping to do and errands to run while Dilly was busy organizing.

Raven had met with the Headmistress of Hogwarts for an interview a few days after she arrived. After she had heard about her plans, Madame Maxime had sent a long complimentary recommendation to Hogwarts along with Raven's stellar exam scores. While Professor McGonagall's severe nature had been a little intimidating, Raven knew the interview had gone well. She had described the exceptional education Lyra gave her and explained she had only found out who her parents were four years ago. The Headmistress tried to hide her astonishment when Raven told her their names. The only time she smiled was when Raven mentioned Lyra. It seems when Professor McGonagall was a young woman visiting Paris, she had gone to a concert to hear "Miss Rosier" sing. Afterwards, she had purchased a small enchanted replica of the famous singer. It wore a beautiful lilac-colored gown and sang "Etrangère au Paradis" when you touched its head.

Two days later, when Raven was invited to come back to discuss a position, she pretended to be calm but was actually thrilled. Raven promptly signed the contract that gave her the position of Potions Master. Her job would involve teaching around five classes a day along with some extra duties as well. It was a little... overwhelming.

While looking for a flat, Raven told herself that finding a place in Wiltshire, the same town where her mother lived, was just a coincidence. Now, after preparing for the move, selling the house, and settling in, it was time for a visit.

________

Someone was knocking. Narcissa Malfoy walked quickly towards the door, hoping it was good news. While carefully erasing any signs of anxiety from her face, she opened the door and stared at the young woman instantly recognizable from years of photos.

"Hello, Narcissa. I hope this isn't an inconvenient time."

Narcissa was stunned. All pretense at hiding her emotions were gone. "Raven? Is it really you?"

Raven smiled and relaxed slightly. Her mother seemed glad to see the daughter she had abandoned. There was an awkward silence for a few seconds.

"Please, Raven, come in!"

Chit looked at Narcissa intently as they stepped into the foyer. Raven glanced at her bird as if waiting for something but the crow was silent. Peering out from behind Raven was Dilly. Narcissa recognized her as the house-elf she met at Lyra's house. "Dibby, isn't it?"

"It's Dilly," Raven said.

"How nice that she was able to come with you instead of staying in France."

"I've sold the house in France and most of what's in it. I've accepted a teaching position at Hogwarts as Potions Master"

"How wonderful! Would you care to sit in the parlor so we can visit?

"That would be fine," replied Raven, automatically imitating her mother's formal tone.

They entered the parlor and took a seat across from each other. Dilly stood behind Raven's chair, her large blue eyes watching Raven's mother. Narcissa motioned towards a teapot. "May I serve?"

"Thank you," Raven said.

"I had heard Professor Slughorn had retired," Narcissa said as she poured the tea. "He taught me when I was a student at Hogwarts. Draco studied under him as well." There was another awkward silence as they both were suddenly aware Narcissa had brought up Raven's half-brother.

"Have you told Draco about me?"

Narcissa took a deep breath. "Not yet. My husband, Lucius, was...taken aback when I told him about you. We were not together when I became pregnant so he has come to terms with it. But he did not want me to tell Draco unless it was necessary. It looks like it is now." She smiled slightly and Raven had the impression her mother was relieved he could finally be in on this secret. "I am sure he will be pleased," she continued as if trying to convince herself as much as anyone else. "I suppose he will be...surprised at first, but he has always wanted a brother or sister."