Narcissa and Lucius gain Kreacher’s loyalty while Hermione helps her Father regain his property, and Draco gets a not-so-friendly warning.

Once the necessary arrangements had been made, Lucius and Narcissa went to the main sitting room and called for Kreacher. The elf ‘popped’ into the room immediately at Narcissa’s summons, and was overjoyed to see a ‘Mistress of the House of Black.’ Narcissa eyed at the pathetic little creature, who had a bulbous snout-like nose, bloodshot eyes and many hanging folds of loose skin. His bat-like ears had copious amounts of long white hair growing out of them.

All told, he was the most derelict house elf Narcissa had ever seen.

“Thank you for coming, Kreacher.” Stated the Lady of the Manor, imperiously.

“Kreacher lives to serve the Noble House of Black. What can Kreacher be doing for you, Mistress?”

Narcissa took the fake locket out of her robes and held it out so Kreacher could see it. The elf’s eyes widened in recognition and he started to wail, pulling on his ears and mumbling about how he ‘fails Master Regulus, tolds Kreacher to destroys the locket, but no matter what Kreacher tried he could not do it.’

When Kreacher went to grab the poker from the fireplace to hurt himself, Narcissa told him firmly to ‘stop.’ The trembling elf gazed at her with his big eyes unsure of what to do. Narcissa got up from her chair and walked towards the little creature, keeping the locket visible at all times. When she’d reached him she sat down regally on the chaise and smiled gently.

“Kreacher, the reason Lord Malfoy and I have called you here is we need your help. This locket has come into our possession recently, and there was a note inside of it from dear Regulus. He’d mentioned his desire to destroy the ‘real’ locket and from your ramblings, it would appear you recognize this locket and might know where the real one is?”

“Oh yesss Mistress! Kreacher is knowing where the real locket be. Kreacher has been keeping it safe until Kreacher could find a ways to destroys the filthy evil locket.”

“I see,” Narcissa nodded thoughtfully, “it just so happens, Kreacher that Lord Malfoy and I know of a way we can destroy the locket, but we need your help. Will you help us?”

Kreacher stared up at Lady Malfoy in adoration and wonder. “Kreacher lives to serve the Noble House of Black. I can go’s back to where it is hidden and brings it here’s for you?”

Narcissa gave Kreacher her most benevolent smile of thanks. “That would be wonderful, Kreacher, please do so immediately.”

When the elf bowed and ‘popped’ away, Narcissa glanced at her husband, who was watching the scene with a contemplative look on his face she was only too familiar with. “Is everything alright, darling?” She asked sweetly.

Lucius nodded, his fingers steepled under his chin. “Yes, my love. You’ll have the little creature eating out of the palm of your hands. Soon, he will be begging you to let him give assistance to you in whatever way he can.” Smirking wickedly at his wife, she didn’t need to guess where his thoughts had gone.

Giving her husband a placid smile she stated innocently, “Destiny helpers often appear disguised as dreadful beggars.”

Lucius laughed at his beautiful wife’s wit.

She truly was a Slytherin through and through.

Just then, with a ‘pop,’ the unfortunate elf returned with the doppelgänger locket clenched in his tiny fist. He brought it over to Narcissa, who smiled and nodded at the elf. “Well done, Kreacher. Lord Malfoy and I are grateful for your assistance.”

“Kreacher lives to serve.” The elf bowed and gave Narcissa the real Horcrux.

“I’m sure Master Regulus would be very thankful for all you’ve done to honor him, Kreacher. Lord Malfoy and I would like to give you the other locket as a reward for your faithful service to the House of Black.”

Narcissa then handed the fake locket to the little elf whose eyes shone with gratitude and devotion.

“Thank you’s, Mistress.” Gushed Kreacher, who stared at the real Horcrux with such hate. “You will destroy the locket?”

Narcissa nodded. “We have a spell which can do so. If you wish? I can call for you tomorrow to give proof that the locket has been destroyed.”

Kreacher, visibly shaking with gratitude bowed humbly, “Kreacher lives to serve the Noble House of Black.”

“One more thing, Kreacher? Has anyone been able to access Grimmauld Place recently?”

Kreacher’s face made a grimace of disgust. “Master, filthy blood traitor that he is, has been comings and goings from the Ancient House of Black as has the old half-blood wizard, Dumbledore.”

Narcissa smiled genuinely at the elf. “Thank you, Kreacher. Please keep our dealings quiet if you can. We will see you tomorrow.”

When the elf returned to Grimmauld Place, Lucius had Dobby fetch the Dark Lord and Hermione from the library and told Dobby to bring them to his study. Escorting his wife, they entered the room just as Dobby appeared with their guests. After Dobby was excused, Narcissa removed the real horcrux from her robes and handed it to Voldemort, who smiled in pride at his daughter.

“Well, it seemed your theory was correct, Daughter.”

Nodding, Hermione considered the locket inquisitively. “Did this locket actually belong to Salazar Slytherin?”

Voldemort nodded, “It had been in my mother’s possession and she had been tricked into selling it for a mere pittance to Borgin many years ago. He then sold it to a woman, Hepzibah Smith for a considerable profit. I was able to secure it years later from the woman, as it was mine by birthright.”

“I have information for the incantation and ritual. I’m assuming the elf was bade to destroy the locket for his Master?” Hermione inquired.

Narcissa nodded. “We told him he could return tomorrow to see proof that we kept our word. He seemed very grateful and eager to be of service, My Lord.” Narcissa tipped her head towards Hermione, “It would seem your daughter is quite intuitive, My Lord. We were able to confirm from the elf that Sirius has been to Grimmauld Place, as has Dumbledore.”

Lord Voldemort smirked evilly. “Then it is fortuitous that we have someone on the inside.” Looking over at his daughter, the Dark Lord gave her a genuine smile. “I’m learning with each day Narcissa, how truly brilliant Hermione is.” Hermione blushed prettily at the compliment.

Lucius cleared his throat, bringing attention back to the more immediate issue. “Would you trust me to perform the ritual, my Lord?”

Voldemort eyed Lucius closely. “As my daughter is not of age and still carries the trace, I would be pleased if you would do the honors, Lucius.”

Lucius bowed in supplication, “I would be most honored, my Lord.”

Hermione walked over and gave Lucius the incantation that needed to be said. “A blood sacrifice needs to be made, and as I am your daughter, it would have to be me, Father.”

The Dark Lord stood up, walking over to his daughter and lifted her chin, gazing deeply into her eyes. “And you are alright with this, child?”

Hermione nodded. “It needs to be done and I’m willing. Please let me do this Father.” Hermione pleaded.

Voldemort sighed resignedly and nodded to one of his most loyal followers, “Let us begin preparations, Lucius, as the ritual will tax Hermione greatly, I will require you to look after her closely for the next few days to make sure she isn’t draining her magic.” Hermione rolled her eyes, but her father was not amused. “You will obey me on this, Daughter. I understand your need to help me, but you will not place yourself at any unnecessary risk.”

“Of course, Father.”

Narcissa walked over and put her hand on Hermione’s shoulder in comfort. “I will see to her needs personally, My Lord.” Voldemort nodded his thanks, and preparations for the ritual were quickly prepared.

When the optimal time approached, Hermione was brought outside to where the Malfoy family stones were placed. Her father was waiting for her, and surprisingly Draco was there as well. She was brought into the circle and kneeled before Lucius, who had everything prepared. Hermione’s blood was taken as a considerable gash was made down the inside of her arm, then the spell was recited by Lucius. At the same moment Lucius cast the spell, Hermione hissed the word ‘open’ and in an instant the piece of soul that had been trapped into the locket flew out and swirled around Hermione momentarily before moving in a black cloud, returning to its rightful owner.

Hermione collapsed from blood loss, so she barely heard a deep voice speak her name, but she did feel dark magic swirling over her, and a hand cradling her arm before she lost consciousness.

When she came to some hours later she was in her rooms, lying in bed. Glancing down at her arm, thankfully there was only a slight remnant of a scar remaining, that would probably be gone in a few days. Nagini surprisingly, was laying at the end of her bed asleep, but an even bigger shock was seeing Draco curled up in a chair by the window. He was quietly reading a book, and looked quite disheveled. When she cleared her throat, his head whipped to the side and he smiled gently, moving over immediately towards the bed, careful not to disturb the snake.

When he sat down in the chair by the bed however, Nagini woke up and eyed the him closely. Draco seemed a bit wary, but oddly didn’t back down from the giant snake.

“Are you alright, Hermione? What were you thinking? I know you wanted to help your Father, but you lost so much blood! My Father had to force a blood replenishing potion down your throat while your Father, healed you.” Draco shivered, remembering the honor he’d felt when Hermione collapsed unconscious. “I didn’t think it was possible for the Dark Lord to look worried, but I think he was genuinely concerned.”

Hermione shook her head and said softly, “How did you get in here, Draco? Not that I’m not glad to see you, but I’m surprised my Father allowed you in my rooms unchaperoned.”

Draco laughed. “We are chaperoned, love. Your snake has been keeping a close eye on me since I came in the room an hour ago. Mother had to go take care of something important, so she asked me to sit with you. Nagini stays here as long as I’m here.”

Hermione smiled down at the snake, who was continuing to watch their exchange closely.

Hissing at Nagini, Hermione admonished, “So, you’re my personal bodyguard now, Nagini? Protecting my virtue from any potential suitors?”

Nagini looked like she was grimacing. “Is this boy young Mistress’ suitor? Has he formally asked to court you properly?”

Giggling Hermione shook her head in amusement. “He has expressed his wish to, yes. But I have told him that things are uncertain and I’m too young to be courted properly.”

Nagini tilted her head in consideration, staring unblinkingly at Draco, which made him nervous. The snake then slithered over towards the side of the bed he was sitting on. When she reached the edge, Nagini leant over and moved her head towards Draco, who was now trying desperately not to look terrified of the large snake. To his credit though, he sat perfectly still while the snake ‘sniffed’ him.

She then moved her large body and started to coil around the younger wizard.

Draco looked like he was going to wet himself, but he stayed perfectly still as he tried not to panic. Hermione watched the scene unfolding with amusement. It would seem that Nagini was sending a message to her would be suitor. Once Nagini was firmly settled, she started to squeeze the younger wizard until he gasped in pain. Nagini hissed in warning and Draco paled significantly, but seemed to understand where this protectiveness was coming from.

After a few moments, Hermione hissed softly, “That’s quite enough, Nagini.”

Nagini hissed back angrily, “Master is unhappy with the boy and feels he needs to learn respect for Mistress.”

Hermione sighed softly and hissed. “So you’re doing Father’s dirty work now?”

“Nagini does as she pleases and it pleases her to teach the whelp a lesson he won’t soon forget.”

Hermione giggled softly and watched Draco’s eyes widen in disbelief momentarily. She decided to take pity on the wizard and spoke so Draco could understand her. “It’s alright, Nagini. I think he’s gotten the message.”

The snake moved back to the bed and settled near Hermione, where she raised her head slightly off the bed and hissed, “The boy is in love with you, young Mistress. He is protective of you, scared for you and has deep feelings for you. If the boy wishes to formally court my Mistress, Nagini is not sure she approves. But if he hurts my Mistress again, Nagini will kill him then eat him. Master will approve.”

Hermione sat in stunned silence for a few minutes and then snickered out a startled guffaw, shaking her head at Nagini’s joke.

Well, she hoped it was a joke for Draco’s sake, but she was fairly certain Nagini was completely serious.

Draco, watched the exchange, appearing puzzled and completely flustered.

“What did your snake say?”

Hermione smiled impishly. “That if you play me false, she will eat you for dinner.”

Draco paled even more, while Hermione was biting on her lip,trying to keep a straight face.

When she started giggling again, Draco just sneered.

“She didn’t say that?” Draco questioned a bit uncertainly, “Did she?”

Hermione just shook her head again. “She’s wary of you, Draco. She senses that you have good intentions where I’m concerned, and should we decide to court properly at some point. You’ll have to earn her blessing. But she did mention if you hurt me again, she would eat you. Apparently she’s already gotten my Father’s permission to do just that.”

Draco sighed a bit shakily and slowly reached for Hermione’s hand. The snake was eyeing him like prey, and Draco had the distinct impression if he made one wrong move that Hermione’s snake could kill him faster than he’d be able to react.

He lifted her hand in his and gently placed a kiss to the back of her knuckles, then set it back down gently as before. She blushed at the sweet gesture, which just caused Draco to smirk in satisfaction.

“I’m glad you have her,” gesturing to Nagini, “to watch out for you, Hermione. Just please don’t do anything like that again anytime soon.”

Handing Hermione a glass of water, and making sure she drank all of it, Draco went back to his chair by the window and watched his witch as her eyelids started to get heavy, and soon she was back asleep.

Sighing in relief, he looked at the snake who was now watching him curiously. He nodded at the snake and whispered softly, “I promise to take care of her and look out for her. She’s too stubborn, cunning and brilliant for her own good sometimes. But I just want you to know, that I’m not going anywhere and no matter how long it takes. All I want, is to be with Hermione.”

Nagini raised her head slightly and nodded at the blonde wizard, as if she’d understood exactly what he’d said.

Blimey, she probably did.

But at least Draco knew he had an ally of sorts, in Hermione’s familiar.

And he didn’t doubt that the snake would attack anyone who so much as tried to harm his witch.