Doe (#Wattys2016)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The masters seemed to have enjoyed their holiday too. They all came back to class feeling a little more refreshed. It was during one Maths lesson that a footman came to summon Francis to Lord Lurie. There was something so nervous in the footman's expression. Francis looked at Draco as her heart plummeted. She could stand, she would not, and all she seemed able to do was to plea with his burning eyes.

"I'm with you." He told her gently.

They rose together and followed the footman without a word. Francis felt heavy and cold almost as if she were turning to stone. As she walked she was conscious of how silly it was to be afraid; she had always known this was how it ended.

She took hold of Draco's arm and awkwardly he came to a stop. As she opened her mouth all the things that were pressing against her skull suddenly retreated from her lips, so she was left gaping at him. He waited a few moments, letting the footman walk on until her breathing became more regular.

Curiously, they were taken to a morning room usually unused, in the heart of the house. Even more curious was the sound of golden laughter filling the corridor. Draco's pulse quicken against her fingertips. They entered the room. Francis' body reacted to the jump Draco made. She was terrified of anything that might cause Draco such horror. However, when she opened her eyes, she saw Lord Lurie lounged as the sofa, laughing even more wildly at them. Almost simultaneously she realised what had shocked Draco; staring at them coldly was his face transformed into a feminine profile, even though on a heavily pillowed sofa she remained upright and elegant. Francis had seen her before, the statue in the entrance hall had done the woman an injustice- the statue was more alive.

Francis went to curtsey but was caught by Draco.

"Don't bow to her."

Francis wobbled under his touch.

"Come now-"

"Don't disrespect your mother!" Lord Lurie roared.

"She'll never be my mother. The cook's more my mother than she is." Draco replied coldly.

"That would be perfectly plausible, if I had not gone through the agony of birthing you. You lack the fortune of your friend there."

She had managed it, insulted the whole room in a couple of lines and in a tone that suggested she were so tired she could hardly get the words out. Not that she slurred or murmured, her diction was perfectly understood but her attitude suggested she had much better things to do than speak to you. In fact, she was already tired of your company.

"How dare you not greet your mother properly." Lord Lurie tried again, ignoring the last comment alluding to his infidelity.

"Tibbs, do calm yourself." She told him.

"He wasn't even asked for," Lord Lurie moaned quietly, "And now he's ruined my good mood."

"Just get on with it." Draco folded his arms.

"Well it really doesn't concern you, and it's of a delicate nature." Lord Lurie's smile returned.

Draco remained.

"Fine if you won't go."

"If she gets to stay." Draco snapped.

"I don't mind-" Nona gave a small cold laugh.

"Fine," Lord Lurie growled, "It's the boy, Will."

Francis put her hand to her mouth, biting her lip. All this play-acting was beginning was to irritate her.