Harry Potter and the Next Lestrange - *FANFICTION*

2. Fire-Bird

"Come in, if you must," spoke Draco Malfoy, his sneering tone almost lost but still evident as the figure laboriously pulled off his cloak and kicked it into a corner. "Aberforth, I know why you are here. My father is unwell, don't pester him. I remember just how much your type likes to pester."

Aberforth again extracted his wand, but this time he whispered a different spell. "Expecto Patronum." A glowing goat clumsily clattered around the dark hall, illuminating the huge frames in which sat dull witches and wizards that were hung on every wall. "Your castle is cold; light the fire." Draco's mouth twitched in annoyance but, even so, he flicked his hawthorn wand and watched in satisfaction as a fire-bird, as small as a fingernail, fluttered about the paintings and suddenly dropped into the pile of coal - setting the hearth alight. "Good. I didn't come here to see your father Draco, I wanted to talk to your mother. Where is she, Narcissa?" At this, Draco's tired eyes looked lost and threatened to pour tears. No, he was a man now. And at the age of 63 he even had grandchildren. "Dead." Draco replied.

Aberforth looked at Draco awkwardly and opened his mouth to speak, to console this man who - even though was classified as an enemy - had lost everything from hope to honour 40 years ago at the Battle of Hogwarts. And now his mother. Aberforth coughed then replied hesitantly, "I am very sorry to hear this dreadful news, Mr Malfoy." He paused, then added, "Your father, may I speak to him?" Draco pointed to his left,

"The drawing room." Aberforth nodded, decided to apologise again, then resolved to keep quiet. Politeness was not known to be one of Aberforth's strengths.