Riddle Me This

Chapter 23

Catherine's POV

I returned to the sitting room after returning Sevy to my room, seeing a new teacup sitting on the small table. I sat down next to Draco on the couch and took a sip on the tea before me.

"Thank you very much, Narcissa." I said with a smile.

"No problem, Catherine. You're one of Draco's friends. Though I don't remember him describing you as polite in the letters he sent home." She said. I turned to Draco to see that he wasn't facing me.

"Yes, well. My grandparents raised me to be respectful of my hosts. Once I warm up a little more, I'll probably be less so." I admitted.

"Less so to me already." We turned to see Lucius entering. I narrowed my eyes.

"Yes, well Mr. Malfoy, I believe that our first encounter was less than positive." I said as I sipped from my cup again. "And you have done little to change my less than pleasant opinion of yourself."

"Lucius." Narcissa said. "What have you done to the poor girl?"

"Gave Ginny Weasley my father's old diary, which then released a Basilisk on the school with the mission to kill muggleborns, second year." I said with a glare. "I had been very happy with nobody knowing who my father was, or that I was the heiress to Slytherin. Now I can't walk down the halls without someone trying to hex me."

"Merlin's beard." Narcissa said quietly. "The students have been trying to hex you?" I nodded.

"Not as often when I have others around, but yes." I shifted on the sofa. "But Draco was there most of the time, and he helped out quite a bit. Though I do wish you would've raised your son with a backbone. Don't fancy being left alone. He's done that twice to me already since I've met him, and it's not a good feeling."

"Left you alone?" Lucius asked, obviously not impressed.

"When was the first time?" Draco asked.

"First year, detention with Hagrid. When my father was in the forest drinking unicorn blood. Remember running away while I had been leaning against you because I couldn't stand right?" Draco turned away, obviously embarrassed. "And we won't repeat this year's example."

"I thought you had forgiven me already." Draco said. I shrugged.

"Yes, I have forgiven you, Draco." I smiled. "And you've kept your word that you wouldn't do it again, and I appreciate that." Draco blushed lightly and I giggled.

"Well, how else was your year, Catherine?" Narcissa asked. I lit up.

"Oh, we had a marvelous Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. Unfortunately he resigned." I pouted. "He was the first decent one we've had since I started Hogwarts."

"Professor Quirrell-" Draco began.

"I didn't learn anything from him because I kept feeling like a dragon was breathing on my back." I interrupted.

"Wasn't this year's teacher a werewolf?" Narcissa asked, slightly concerned. I nodded.

"Yeah. And I'd rather have a werewolf teach me how to defend myself than a liar who can only mess with people's memories." I said. "Lupin was a nice bloke. Happily took those who tried to hex me and explained the consequences should they have followed through."

"Tame compared to Snape. He had them cleaning cauldrons for the rest of the term." Draco added. I shrugged.

"That's true. But they were targeting a Slytherin, of course it'd be worse." Severus had said he didn't want anyone to know he was my godfather, and I would keep this secret as long as I could. A house elf came in and cleared her throat softly.