Chapter Text
If this wasn't the absolute rock bottom of her life, Narcissa Malfoy shuddered to imagine what would be.
Standing outside the bank in a hooded cloak in the middle of the night, the Pureblood witch couldn't help but wonder how it had all come to this. Just a couple of years ago, she was the wife of one of the most influential men in Britain. Her husband Lucius was the second-most powerful man in the country, only coming after Albus Dumbledore. He was the leader of the Pureblood faction in the Wizengamot and had the ear of the Minister of Magic. In truth, the Malfoy family all but ran the country, given all the power they had.
Unfortunately, it was all gone now.
Narcissa's husband, Lucius, was dead; she no longer had any money, and if that wasn't bad enough, her crazy, psychotic sister had her sights set on her only daughter, Lyra.
Narcissa felt her heart clench in fear at the last thought.
She couldn't help but shudder as she remembered the look in her sister's eyes when she looked at her daughter. It was the look of someone who had found a priceless treasure and wanted it for themselves, no matter what.
The moment she had seen that look in Bellatrix's eyes, Narcissa had known.
Known with absolute certainty that, unless she did something soon, her sister would take Lyra away from her.
Bellatrix would seize her daughter and place her into the service of the Dark Lord, just as she had devoted every part of her own life to him. To Bellatrix, it would be an honour, a privilege beyond measure.
But Narcissa knew better.
She had seen where such devotion led. She had watched Lucius spend years serving faithfully, only to be cast aside and murdered for a single failure.
The Dark Lord had shown not a single amount of regret for killing Lucius in a fit of anger. He had only said, 'Good riddance,' in his sibilant voice and then served the dead body for his snake Nagini to feast on.
Narcissa had been left stunned by the display of brutality.
It was a well-known fact to her that the Dark Lord had a temper and that he loathed failures from his subordinates, but until that moment, she had genuinely thought that her family was free from any sort of harsh punishment from the man. In her eyes, the Malfoy name was too powerful and too influential for even the Dark Lord to kill any of its members.
But apparently not.
It was a harsh lesson for Narcissa to learn that men like Lord Voldemort didn't care for a person's money or their political power. For them, a wand was might. As long as they were magically powerful enough, they could do anything to anyone and get away with it.
In the Dark Lord's eyes, Lucius had committed too many mistakes. First, he lost the diary, and then he allowed Potter to get away with the prophecy. So, as a result, he had to be punished.
Narcissa could only watch in horror as her husband was killed in front of her eyes, unable to do anything. Sure, her marriage to Lucius was one of convenience, and there was no real love between them, but still, they had been together for almost twenty years and had raised a beautiful daughter. After such a long time, there was bound to be some affection between them.
Narcissa remembered how angry she had been. She had wanted to kill the Dark lord for what he had done. But she was also realistic. She knew that if she tried anything, it would be the end of not just her but also her daughter.
So, she swallowed her anger. Helpless and powerless, Narcissa stayed quiet as the other Death Eaters jeered at Lucius’ dead body. She didn't object, as with every passing day, her home was filled with filth like Werewolves and Vampires. She also didn't say anything when the Dark Lord took the keys to the Malfoy fortune in Gringotts, leaving her with nothing to her name.
In her mind, Narcissa decided she could handle all of that as long as her daughter Lyra was safe at home, away from any danger.
However, after seeing Bellatrix's behaviour over the past few days, Narcissa wasn't sure that was the case anymore.
To her absolute terror, there was a hunger in her sister's unique purple eyes every time she gazed at her daughter. It was a look that people offered to something that they desperately wanted. Narcissa had seen the same look in Bellatrix's eyes years ago while looking at their sister, Andy.
Andromeda had been Bellatrix's favourite since childhood. Their middle sister was the apple of Bella's eyes, who never allowed her to go anywhere without her, always keeping her company, whether Andy wanted it or not. In the end, Bella had suffocated Andromeda so much that their sister ran away with a mud-blood at the first opportunity.
Honestly, Narcissa didn't even blame Andromeda for what she had done. By marrying a filthy mud-blood like Ted Tonks, she had made herself repulsive in Bella's eyes. This way, at least she was allowed to live her life in peace away from their oldest sister and her suffocating presence.
Narcissa remembered well how possessive Bella had been of Andromeda from the start. She used to treat her like her personal doll, wanting Andy to be just like her, an almost identical copy with no will of her own.
Bellatrix had the same look in her eyes nowadays while looking at Lyra.
It was in that moment that Narcissa knew what she had to do.
She had to leave her home and take her daughter with her.
Narcissa realized that if she wanted to save Lyra from the clutches of her mad, unhinged sister and the insane Dark Lord, she had to find someone who could give them protection from such powerful people. Only by doing so, she might be able to save what remained of her family from those megalomaniacs.
That decision brought Narcissa to here, and now, standing outside Gringotts in the middle of the night while rain hammered against the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley.
Inside the great white building lay her only hope to save herself and her daughter.
Drawing her hooded cloak tighter around herself, the blonde-haired witch squared her shoulders before beginning to climb the front steps to the bank.
As she stepped inside through the large golden front doors, Narcissa was surprised to see the amount of activity inside the bank. Apparently, business didn’t stop at Gringotts just because it was well past midnight.
The large, high-ceilinged room was filled with customers standing in line before the goblin tellers. A part of Narcissa couldn’t help but notice that all of these individuals were garbed in dark, hooded cloaks just like her, making it impossible to see their faces for anyone. It was like these people were also trying to hide their identities while conducting their business inside the bank.
It was then that Narcissa realized with a start that she wasn’t the only one with secrets to hide at Gringotts. All these other people with her were also here at this late hour because it was something they couldn’t do in the middle of the day.
Narcissa felt a little better as she realized that she didn’t look out of place dressed like this. Getting into the back of one of the less busy lines, the blonde-haired witch waited for her turn to speak to the goblin teller.
Finally, after almost thirty minutes, Narcissa approached one of the tellers on the high bench. As she passed a certain threshold, she felt a privacy ward come into effect, covering her and the goblin teller.
“Welcome to Gringotts. I’m teller Gnarlak. How can I help you today, Madam?” The goblin banker sitting behind the tall podium asked, peering down at her with sharp yellow eyes.
Narcissa took a deep breath before replying firmly. “I’m here to see Executive Bogrod for some personal business.”
Her answer prompted the teller to raise an inquisitive eyebrow. Adjusting his golden monocle, the goblin regarded her for a long moment before speaking, “Hmm. I see,” he said in a deep, measured voice before continuing. “And are you aware that Executive Bogrod is the overseer of the Black estate, Madam? I ask only because he does not meet with anyone outside members of that particular family, and we wouldn’t want to waste his most valuable time.”
Narcissa’s jaw tightened as she heard the mocking tone in Ganrlak’s voice. “Who does this wretch think he is? Does he think I’m so common rabble wasting his time?” She thought to herself angrily. However, in the end, she took a deep breath to calm herself. After all, she couldn’t afford to create a scene now.
Finally, Narcissa sniffed haughtily as she answered the bank teller, “Yes, yes, I’m very aware,” she replied coolly before placing something on the goblin’s desk, gesturing for him to take it.
After shooting her a curious look, Gnarlak gently picked it up. His white bushy brow furrowed in concentration as he held it up to the light, turning the object slowly between his fingers.
At first glance, it appeared to be a small silver ring set with an onyx stone. However, if one looked closely, they could see that the band was engraved with tiny stars and crescent moons, depicting the galaxy. On the inside of the band, there were also golden words written in a flowing script. ‘Toujours Pur’, the Black family motto, done in tiny, ornate lettering. It was clear that the ring was a remarkable piece of craftsmanship, obviously done by the talented hands of a master silversmith.
Narcissa watched in satisfaction as Gnarlak’s eyes widened in realization as he finished examining the band. He clearly recognized that it was a family ring given to the members of the Black family.
As he came to this realisation, Gnarlak’s gaze returned to her with a start, and he bowed his head to her in apology. “Forgive me, my lady. I didn’t recognize you in your disguise,” he said to her respectfully.
Narcissa felt her wounded pride soothe a little at the goblin’s apologetic tone. She waved her hand at him. “It’s fine, it’s fine. No harm done in the end, Gnarlak. Now, can you direct me to Executive Bogrod’s office or not?” she asked in a slightly impatient tone.
In response, the goblin quickly put up a closed sign in front of his desk before jumping down from the high stool. Coming around from behind the raised pedestal, he stopped in front of her.
“Please, follow me, Madam. I will lead you to him right away,” he said, bowing, before moving towards an adjoining door to the side of the chamber.
Leading her through it, Gnarlak led Narcissa through several long, narrow, winding passageways until they finally arrived at Bogrod’s office some ten minutes later.
“Here we are, Madam. Executive Bogrod is waiting right behind those doors,” the goblin said to Narcissa, inclining his head towards the gleaming bronze double-doors in front of them.
Seeing that no one else was around in the small corridor, Narcissa finally lowered her hood and offered Gnarlak a small nod. “I’m grateful for your help, teller,” she told the goblin before handing him a couple of galleons for his service.
Gnarlak’s yellow eyes gleamed in appreciation as he accepted the gold coins from her before bowing respectfully. “It was my pleasure, Madam,” he said before turning around to leave.
Narcissa watched him depart with sharp blue eyes before moving towards the large bronze doors of Bogrod’s office. She pushed them open without ceremony, surprising the old goblin inside.
Executive Bogrod jumped in his chair as Narcissa barged into his office without warning.
“W-what is the meaning of this?! Who told you that you can come into my office without permission?!” the goblin growled in anger before calming down slightly as he recognized her. “L-Lady Narcissa, what are you doing here?”
“Bogrod! How nice to see you!” Narcissa greeted him in a sugary sweet voice as she came to a stop in front of his large mahogany desk. “I’m glad you still remember me, my dear old goblin. I was afraid you had forgotten me since you didn’t send a single reply to any one of my letters.”
Still looking surprised by her arrival, Executive Bogrod chuckled slightly as he replied, “Oh, that could never be the case, my lady. To tell you the truth, I have been too busy over the last few days and just couldn’t find the time to contact you,” he said, gesturing towards the large pile of paperwork on his desk.
Narcissa glanced down at the mountain of official-looking papers on Bogrod’s desk with haughtiness. She sniffed dismissively before narrowing her eyes at the aged goblin. “Well, I guess I can forgive you for your lax behaviour this time. But make sure it never happens again, Bogrod,” she said coolly before continuing. “So, did you manage to accomplish the task that I asked you to do?”
At those words, the Black family account manager sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m afraid I have no good news on that front, my lady. Things are a little more complicated than you might like to hear.”
Narcissa couldn’t help but feel irritated at the vague, unhelpful answer. She planted both her hands on the goblin’s desk before leaning across it. As she towered over Bogrod, Narcissa asked him in a soft, dangerous voice. “Explain it to me then, goblin. What is it exactly that is so complicated, hm? I gave you a simple task, didn’t I? You were to contact Harry Potter and tell him that I wanted shelter for my daughter and me. Are you telling me that you couldn’t accomplish such a simple task?”
Unfortunately for Narcissa, Bogrod seemed entirely unmoved by her intimidation methods. Instead, he met her gaze calmly before gesturing towards the seat opposite his desk.
“I will explain it to you all,” he said evenly, “but first, please have a seat, Lady Narcissa.”
When she remained standing for several long seconds, Bogrod’s voice became a bit sharper.
“Please, my lady, have a seat,” he repeated, more firmly this time.
Finally, Narcissa decided to relent and settled into the black leather chair with visible reluctance.
Bogrod gave a small nod of satisfaction before closing the several files spread open across his desk. Setting them aside in a neat pile, he turned his full attention to her.
“Now, as I was saying earlier, Lady Narcissa. Things are a little more complicated than they seem,” the old goblin started in a gruff voice, steepling his fingers together just beneath his chin. “I know you arrived here at my office, thinking that I have been ignoring your letters, but that hasn’t been the case at all, Madam. The truth is, I have been working tirelessly to fulfill your request. Only, it’s taken me a while longer than expected to get an answer from Mr. Potter.”
Hearing those words, Narcissa felt a spark of hope rise in her chest. She looked at him with wide blue eyes. “So, you finally have an answer for me?” she asked him in a breathless voice. “What did Potter say? Has he agreed to give me and my daughter shelter from the Dark Lord?”
Executive Bogrod hesitated for a few seconds before he answered her query. “I’m afraid not, Lady Narcissa,” the goblin said in a gentle voice. “The new Lord Black has rejected your request, unfortunately. Apparently, he doesn’t see any need to provide shelter to a couple of Death Eaters. His words, not mine.”
For a moment, Narcissa felt like she had misheard Bogrod. However, soon her surprise turned into anger. “He said what?!” she exclaimed in outrage before continuing. “That bastard! How can he call us Death Eaters without having any sort of proof? Besides, Lyra is still inside school, how would she even have the Dark Mark? Is Potter completely stupid or something?!”
Bogrod offered her a sympathetic shrug of his shoulders in apology. “I’m afraid Mr. Potter isn’t interested in having any sort of proof, Lady Narcissa. His mind is made up about the entire Malfoy family. Apparently, he and your daughter have been enemies for a long time and have quarrelled multiple times at Hogwarts. Taking that into account, and your husband and sister’s actions towards Mr. Potter this summer, there’s no chance that he’s going to help you.”
Narcissa felt a massive headache coming as she listened to Bogrod’s explanation.
Of course, somewhere in the back of her mind, she was aware that Lyra had always had an adversarial relationship with Potter, but she had no idea it was so bad. The blonde-haired witch didn’t even try to excuse Lucius’ behaviour towards the boy, even inside her own head. There would be no way to justify the harm her husband and sister Bella had done to the younger wizard.
Still, despite all that, Narcissa just couldn’t let things end like this. She had to find a way to get herself and her daughter out of the Dark Lord’s clutches.
Without a doubt, the blonde knew that Harry James Potter was her best bet to do so.
After all, he was the only person to survive and attack from the Dark Lord multiple times, even forcing the monster to flee during their duel in the Ministry of Magic.
Feeling determined, Narcissa set her jaw and stared at Bogrod from across the desk.
“I need to speak with Harry Potter immediately. Can you arrange that, Bogrod?”
The goblin’s eyes widened at her sudden request.
“I don’t think that would be of any help, Madam. As I said, Mr. Potter has already made up his mind, and he won’t change it now.”
The old banker told Narcissa in a confident voice, but she ignored him.
“Yes, yes, I heard what you said already, Bogrod,” she said to the account manager, shaking her head dismissively. “But I want to try to convince Potter myself. Maybe he’ll listen to me. Now, do you have a way for me to contact him directly?
Executive Bogrod hesitated, glancing over her shoulder to the single fireplace in the office.
Narcissa followed his gaze, turning in her chair. Her gaze landed on the small clay pot resting on the mantle above the fireplace, and she realized it was a private Floo network.
Suddenly, Narcissa remembered the fact that it was common for Gringotts’ account managers to have a direct Floo network to their clients’ homes. She remembered Lucius’ account manager, Grimtooth, arriving at all odd hours at the Malfoy Manor to get her husband’s opinion on one investment or another.
Taking that into account, it was most likely that the fireplace in Bogrod’s office led directly to wherever Harry Potter was staying during the holidays.
“Is that Floo connected to Harry Potter’s house?” Narcissa asked Bogrod as she suddenly got to her feet, heading towards the fireplace.
Realizing her intentions, the goblin jumped down from his chair before rushing after her. “Lady Narcissa, wait! You can’t just barge into my client’s home like that!”
However, Narcissa was done listening. There was no point in her talking to Bogrod anymore. She needed to talk directly to Harry Potter herself and make him change his mind somehow.
So, with her mind made up, Narcissa stepped around the frantic goblin before grabbing a fistful of Floo powder from the small pot on the mantle.
“Thanks for all your help, Bogrod. But I’ll take it from here,” the blonde-haired witch told the old goblin as she tossed the glittering black powder into the fireplace before stepping inside.
The last thing Narcissa saw before the green flames in the fireplace whisked her away was the amusing sight of a panicked-looking Bogrod clutching his bald head in despair.