Ice and Flame

Chapter 14

  Next evening Cath and Severus went to Malfoy manor. The yard and the living room were decorated with aristocratic subtlety. Well dressed bombastic men and women entered the house in groups and couples. Lucius looked extra important meeting guests and accepting congratulations. 

"See the real Malfoy" Severus said sarcastically.

Cath wrinkled.

"Why do they have to be such peacocks. I hate events like this. I'm here only for Lucius" she said.

"Well, I won't comment this. You know my attitude to such events" Severus said with understanding.

"Well, yes. Let's go" Cath replied.

  They approached Lucius. He couldn't wait to see a real, alive face of his beloved woman, her sincere face and emerald eyes in this crowd of fake smiles.

"Good evening, Lucius. Happy Birthday" Severus said handing him a present.

"Hello, Lucius. Heartiest congratulations" Cath said giving him her present.

When he took the box their hands met for a second.

"Good evening Severus, Cath" Lucius said with a smile.

 Lucius opened Severus's present ant took the dagger.

"Severus. What a subtle work. And wine is marvellous. Thank you" he said.

"I'm glad that you like it. I'm sorry" Severus said and went aside to talk to Narcissa.

 Then Lucius opened Cath's present. Holding the book in his hand he ran his other hand across the leather cover in awe.

"Cath. It's wonderful. I've been looking for this book for such a long time. How did you get it?" he asked.

" I had to almost fight fanatic collector. But I will fight anyone for you. I'm glad I satisfied you, love" she said quietly coming closer to him.

"More than, my love. You're so seductive today. It's a pity I can't thank you right now" he whispered.

"We'll find time later, I'm sure" she said licking her lips with only Lucius noticing.

Then she came to Severus.

"Narcissa, let me introduce you my assistant, friend and pain-in-the-ass. Katherine" Severus said.

"Hi, I'm Cath. Nice to meet you" she said to the well dressed middle aged pretty woman.

"Hi, Cath I'm ex-wife of this peacock" Narcissa said nodding at Lucius's side "Nice to meet you. I've hearsd a lot about you from Lucius" Narcissa said.

Cath was taken aback.

"Really?" she asked in surprise.

"Yes. We tell everything to each other lately.Sounds weird, isn't it?" Narcissa said with a smile.

"I think it's great. You stayed in touch" Cath smiled back.

Draco came to them.

"Ms Wilson, Professor Snape. Good evening" he said.

"Good evening, Draco. You can call me by name when we're not at school" Cath said.

Snape's eyebrows raised.

"Thank you...Catherine. It's unusual" Draco said smiling.

"Sorry. I see our friends there. We need to say hello. Have a good evening" Narcissa said.

She nodded with a smile. She and Draco went aside.

"Let's have a drink" Severus said.

"That's a deal. I won't refuse from the glass of wine" Cath said.