After Party

Natalie stepped through the Floo grate, just ahead of her brother, to the unnerving sound of caterwauling from a hallway to her left.

“What is that?” she complained, her brow knit into furrows as she covered her ears.

“No worries,” Narcissa growled.  “I will take care of this.”  She swept down the hallway, leaving the assembled crowd in the kitchen.

“Aunt Walburga!” Narcissa shouted over the racket.  “Stop that screeching at once!”

Molly Weasley chuckled and immediately set to work preparing dinner.

“You will stop this nonsense or I will cut the entire wall out of this house, do you understand?” Narcissa’s voice carried down the hallway.  Draco chuckled and smiled at Natalie. 

“She would most certainly do it, too,” he spoke softly to the American witch. 

“Who is that?” Natalie asked with her eyes wide.

“The Mistress of the house,” piped up a diminutive elf who just tottered into existence right next to Natalie.

“Kreacher!” Draco yelped, caught off guard.

“Yes, Master Malfoy, Kreacher to serve. Kreacher to welcome the Lady,” the elf chanted in a singsong voice, bowing to Natalie and Draco both. 

Narcissa reentered the room, a smug smile gracing her aristocratic features.  “There, I doubt Aunt Walburga shall be giving us anymore headaches,” she assessed for the group.  “Oh, hello Kreacher,” she greeted the wizened little being. 

“Lady Malfoy, welcome,” he bowed to Narcissa as well.

The members of the Order all stood and stared in dumbstruck silence at his sudden politeness. 

“Where are the other elves, Kreacher? she asked quietly. 

“No other elveses left to serve the Noble House of Black,” he answered.  “Kreacher beings the only elf.”

“Well that can’t be easy,” Narcissa crooned to him.  “Would you allow one or two of the Malfoy elves to come and assist you with all these people?” 

“If Lady Malfoy wishes, Kreacher beings happy for the help,” the old elf answered. 

“Very well then, will you summon them?” She cocked her head and looked at the silent mass of people watching her.

“Is there something wrong?” she asked, concern furrowing her brow. 

“Oh, no, no dear!” Molly broke the silence.  “We just aren’t quite used to Kreacher being so …”

“Present,” Arthur filled in for her.  “Kids, to your rooms until supper. Someone settle Draco in a room. “

“If you don’t mind terribly, I desperately need a real bath,” Natalie asked politely. 

“Oh, my, of course!”  Arthur acknowledged.  “Here now, why don’t you, Nathan and Narcissa follow me and we’ll set you up in some nice rooms. 

“Thank you, Arthur,” Narcissa smoothly replied. 

The Elder Weasley led them from the large kitchen towards the stairs. 

As they walked past the old ballroom, Narcissa paused, staring into the big empty room.  Natalie stepped to her side. 

“Oh, Natalie …” she whispered.  “The last time I was here, I was but a young and carefree girl.  So long ago,” she reminisced sadly. 

“Would that we could be carefree again,” Natalie agreed. 

Draco paused on the landing above to watch his mother, making sure that she was safe.  Harry pat him on the back reassuringly.  Draco nodded and continued climbing the stairs with the younger members. 

“Natalie, I think I should go and perhaps purchase you some more appropriate clothes and things,” Nathan interrupted the women’s reverie. 

“Really?  I can’t just wear Alexei’s shirt every day?” she joked tiredly. 

“Well, you could, but eventually it would start to smell,” Nathan bantered back. 

“Could you just send to Elyse and ask her to bring me my own wardrobe?”  Natalie asked. 

“Better idea, sis,” he agreed.  “She would be most happy to see you again.” 

“I will send for some robes and such  for you to use until your things arrive,” Narcissa offered. 

“Thank you so much,” Natalie answered.  “Oh! Nathan!  I still have stuff at Walt’s barn!” she exclaimed, remembering the things she left in her small room at the barn.

“I will retrieve them as quickly as I can!” he said happily.  “You go take your bath.  I’ll be back before you’re finished.”

“Thanks, brother-mine,” she said, pulling him close for a hug. 

“I love you, Nat,” he whispered as he hugged her tight.  “Trust Thomas.  This is all going to work out.  Keep the faith.” 

“I will try,” she murmured back. 

Arthur and Narcissa respectfully whispered among themselves as the siblings shared a quiet moment. 

“I am worried about them, Arthur.” Natalie overheard Narcissa confessing.

“I am most concerned as well,” Natalie concurred sadly. 

“They are both strong men,” Arthur started.  “They will survive this,” he assured the two women as they climbed the stairs.  “Here we are,” he announced.  “Pick any room on this floor.  They are all suites,” he explained. 

The women glanced at each other, smiled and each picked rooms across the hall from each other. 

“Thank you so much, Mr. Weasley,” Natalie said.  “I think I should like to lie down after my bath, if that is alright with everyone?” 

“Natalie, you do what you need to do. We will all be fine.  I’ll check on you when dinner is ready,” Arthur patted her shoulder in a most fatherly way. 

“I’m off to Walt’s to collect your things,” Nathan added.  He kissed Natalie on the cheek and bounded down the stairs, entirely too happy to have a mission to complete. 

Natalie opened the door and entered the room, resplendent in green and blue velvets.  She left the door open as she made a direct line for the bath.  She closed that door and immediately turned the tap full out, hot, in the big old porcelain claw foot tub.  She stripped the little bit of clothing she had a climbed into the steaming water with a relieved sigh.  As the water level rose, she rested her head on the edge and let her tears fall, streaming down her face, unrepentant.