Twins: A Different Life Year 1

Chapter 95

"Malfoy Manor," Sirius called before he stepped in to the flames, he caught himself before he was thrown out of the grate and managed to step out gracefully. An elf popped in to meet him and Sirius requested to speak with the Lady of the manor, he was led up to the sunroom where Narcissa was reading as she sipped her tea.

"Oh, hello, Sirius," She greeted, "This is unexpected."

"Yeah, sorry about that," He said sheepishly, "I have news and I didn't think it could wait."

"Do have a seat," She told him, indicating the chair opposite.

"Thanks,"

"What is it that cannot wait?" Narcissa asked, interested.

"Remember aunt Cassiopeia?"

"Yes, what about her? She's been dead for years."

"That's the thing... She's not dead." Sirius said, running a hand through his hair.

Narcissa's eyes widened and she looked at him as if he was insane.

"What?" She gasped.

"She's not dead." Sirius repeated.

"But, that's not possible. I mean, it was announced. I attended the funeral."

"Well, whatever that was, it certainly wasn't Aunt Cassie." Sirius stated and Narcissa blinked.

"Are you sure?"

"Very sure,"

"How do you know?"

"I saw her, I had tea with her, and I spoke to her." Sirius told her, "I think I am very sure."

"Oh my,"
"Yeah," Sirius agreed, "When I stepped out in to the Château, she was the last thing I expected to see."

"I can imagine." Narcissa muttered, "Well, this is a surprise."

"I, of course, had to be the one to fill her in with everything that has been going on from a first-hand view." Sirius said and Narcissa smirked.

"I assume that went extremely well, especially as she, no doubt, wanted to speak all about Hadrian." Narcissa said amused, Sirius scowled at her, "Did she speak about contracts too?"

"Laugh it up, she wants a dinner and you can bet your fortune that you are going to be there." Sirius grumbled.

"I may have a full calendar" Narcissa backtracked.

"Oh, it will be such a shame when I tell Aunt Cassie that you were unfortunately busy, but you will be delighted to have her here for dinner:" Sirius told her cheerfully and she gave him a filthy look. "We will attend."

"I knew I could count on you, cousin." Sirius said brightly.

"How did Hadrian respond to her?" Narcissa asked, changing the topic.

"He had her wrapped around his finger in an instant. The kid knew exactly what to say, when to say it and how to act in that situation." Sirius shook his head, "I don't think he will ever stop surprising me."

"He responded well to the mention of a contract?" Narcissa confirmed shocked.

"Ha! That's a laugh, it was like he had said it a thousand times before: I have not yet seen someone who I feel could bring respect and prestige to the House of Black. I wish to spend this year discovering if there is such a girl, I will not have the future Lady Black embarrassing our Noble House. Honestly, you should have seen it."

"I bet she absolutely adored that." Narcissa laughed and Sirius snorted.

"You got that one right. It's obvious she likes him, well... as obvious as she would allow it." Sirius said rolling his eyes.

"Do you intend to write a contract for Hadrian?" Narcissa questioned and Sirius grimaced.

"He wants one." He answered and Narcissa raised a dainty eyebrow. "According to Hadrian, where he grew up, he would have been in a contract at eight, married by next year and expected to have had an Heir by fifteen so It's nothing new to him. He said he wanted a contract so that he could protect his fortune and so there are escape clauses for him, he also wants to be the one to choose the girl and to have a hand in what is put in to the contract."

"That is a very mature outlook." Narcissa noted, "I suppose, given the time of the founders, marriage happened at a much younger age so his mindset is understandable."

"That's what Moony said when he was explaining it to me yesterday." Sirius said with a grin and Narcissa smiled fondly.

"That man was one of the best things to happen to you Sirius Orion Black."

"Of course, it's Moony." Sirius said as if it was obvious.

"I think I may use Hadrian's idea for a contract when we tell Draco about it." Narcissa mused, "It may halt the otherwise guaranteed tantrum coming our way." "Good idea," Sirius laughed.