It Wasn't His Fault

At the Manor:

Apparating into the foyer Lucius Malfoy took a deep breath and then went upstairs in search of his wife. "Narcissa?" He yelled. Faintly he heard her response. Briskly walking down the hall he stopped in front of the room two doors down from his own. "Narcissa."

Facing the window, Narcissa Malfoy turned, "Hello dear, what do you think?"

"Radiant as ever, my love." He responded as he crossed the threshold and walked towards her.

Just as he reached her she shook her head. "No. The room. What do you think of the room?" A pause, "And thank you. It's a new sun dress-I'd hoped you wouldn't mind."

So that's where the 300 galleons went, "It looks very nice dear. Although, I've never been a young women so I can't speak from that point of view. Speaking of-"

"Do you think it's too girly?"

"No. I don't know. It doesn't matter. Not really, does it?"

Incredulously, "Doesn't matter? Of course it matters. No mind. I shall re-do it. I shall-"

"You don't have time dear, they're bringing her hear in under two hours. So if there is anything else you'd like to prepare, then you should get to it."

Clasping her hands together excitedly, "Coming here? So soon? I-I oh dear this is wonderful."

Holding her shoulders gently, Lucius looked upon the beaming face of his wife, "Love, promise me you won't bring up her mother?" Her smiling face falls, crestfallen, "You want her to like you right?"

"Of course I do. I-just… It's Andromeda and I, it's been such a long time."

"I know, Cissa. I know. Just don't for now, maybe if a relationship is forged then it may be alright, until then…"

Sighing, "I know and I promise that I will do my best not too."

Embracing her in a hug, "Thank you."

At St. Mungos:

"So Sev., when do I leave?" A look. "I am just so thrilled about my vacation at a five star hotel." Humph.

"No need for the tone Dora. You'll probably enjoy yourself at the manor."

"Ha! I doubt that. Seriously though, when do we leave?"

Sighing and moving away from the window sit next to her, "Whenever Kingsley informs us that we can. I believe he's filling out your exit paper work."

"Oh… Well it's lame waiting. Can't we just go?"

"Miss Tonks. Thank you for being so patient, while I prepare your potions for your stay with the Malfoys."

Looking up as her doctor walked in, her demeanor changed I noticed. But as soon as it had it was back to her façade. I'm sure though now, that she's nervous about her stay. "Thank you doctor. Would you prefer to come to the manor to administer the potions?"

"I am able to come if it suits your schedule best, but it'd be better for me if you were able to do so Professor Snape. I have many patients here and being away, even for that short of time may be detrimental."

Nodding. "Very well. I shall speak with Albus and will let you know."

The potions were handed over to Professor Snape and the doctor left, Kingsley entered. "Nymphadora, you're all set."

"Oh joy." I say rolling my eyes. "So how are we going to do this?" I ask.

"Severus, why don't you apparate with Nymphadora and the potions. I'll head over to the manor now to inform them that you'll be arriving within fifteen minutes. Does that time frame work for you two?"

"Yes, that is acceptable. We shall meet you there."

"Very good. See you in a few. Nymphadora. Severus."

"Where are my clothes?"

Sighing, "I have no idea, where did you leave them?"

Looking at him. "I don't know, I was almost dead remember…?" Looking at him he looks back at me, I sigh. "Just, just go outside for a minute, I'll figure something out."

"Alright. Five minutes."

Glare. "Go Severus. Please."