69 Ch69. Ball and Fawkes's freedom

Ministry Ballroom:

Narcissa was bored. Extremely so. She would rather get a good pounding from her husband during this fine evening rather than have to interact with these manipulative idiots. Alas, she was still Narcissa 'Malfoy', hehe. She had to show some of her social abilities to not embarrass her 'husband'. The same husband who was scowling, sneering, fuming, and snarling at her from across the room. At least some good points her attendance had.

Seeing Lucius completely livid could be, by now, called her hobby!

Narcissa doubted Dumbledore had any idea what him asking her to attend would mean. She was gleeful when she saw his own lackeys look at him completely flabbergasted at inviting a 'Malfoy'. Alas, he probably thought he would be able to spread her hostilities with Lucius and make their conflict a public knowledge, weakening Malfoys and with them, other Dark Families. But... Why would Narcissa explain herself to a bunch of Light Munchers? When she was asked why she was invited by him, she just smiled and courteously nodded while stating.

"Ask Dumbledore."

But... the poor old chap couldn't reveal it! He swore an oath to Lucius… and her! Even if it was unknowingly. Dumbledore probably didn't think it would cover the secret of her being with Lord Black. He should clearly study oaths more, idiot.

Oaths are intent-based. All Narcissa had to do was to secretly grab her wand when Dumbledore was giving the oath and subtly connect her magic, a trick she learned from Hadrian during sex, with the magical link of the oath between Lucius and Dumbledore as it was forming.

Her position was the one who was being given a promise and her intent was to protect the secret of her relationship with Lord Black.

Dumbledore's wording.

'I swear to protect the secret I just heard.'

Was vague enough to pull it off. Yes. He should definitely study oaths more...

So, when the light families oh so subtly asked Dumbledore why he asked a 'wife' of a Death Eater to attend on his insistence...

Narcissa enjoyed his sour look and side-glances to her as he realized his plan was fucked up. Narcissa just shrugged at him with a smirk.

"I am sorry, Lord Dumbledore. I am a taken woman. If I knew your intentions I would never have accepted. No matter how much you insist, we can't be together."

She told him impassively when quite a few of his allies came closer and left his side. It was glorious! The old coot was gaping in the middle of the Ministry Ball in his indigo starry robe as he was swarmed with indignant questions and angry allies.

She walked away and tried to keep herself out of the spotlight while keeping watch over the old goat. It wouldn't do for him to leave. Her sole role was to make him stay in the Ballroom, after all.

Narcissa was approached by many people. To talk. To do business. To gossip. To flirt. These gatherings were always boring like that.

"Hello, Lady Malfoy." Andromeda approached her, followed by Amelia Bones and Susan Bones.

'Oho, this will be fun!' Narcissa thought.

"Greetings Regent Black. Hello Regent Bones, Heiress Bones." Narcissa curtsied herself properly.

"I saw you sitting here alone, drinking wine, and thought you would like company." Andromeda quipped.

"Ah. Yes, having a company would be nice." Narcissa smiled and Amelia narrowed her eyes.

"Susan is half-blood." She bluntly told Narcissa who just waved her head dismissively.

"Let that be a problem for my 'husband'." Narcissa giggled, from the corner of her eyes observing Lucius's snarl. "Hello, Susan. I heard a lot about you." She pleasantly greeted the girl.

"You did?" Susan asked shyly.

"Oh, yeah. I heard you are one of the Potter little half-blood group." Narcissa rolled her eyes. "As is my niece, Andromeda's daughter. Big deal… really."

"Oh..." Susan bashfully lowered her head, getting Amelia's encouraging hand on her shoulder.

"So? Do you love Potter?" Narcissa asked curiously, making the little girl even redder than her hair. Looks like her fun just delivered itself right to her front door!

"I-, I" Susan sputtered with wide eyes.

Amelia smiled knowingly at Narcissa and decided to join the fun.

"Well, he did save my little princess from the big bad troll."

"Oh, do tell, his heroic tale about saving the little damsel in distress!" Narcissa clapped.

"You two..." Andromeda looked at them speechless while Susan wanted to dig a hole and hide there.

"But seriously... troll." Amelia scowled. "We are lucky the boy managed to fight in long enough for Dumbledore to dispatch it."

"Dumbledore did not defeat it!" Susan instantly screamed, defending her friend while attracting attention.

Narcissa quickly sent the crowd an apologetic gaze that basically meant 'fuck-off' while Amelia scolded Susan for being loud.

After the crowd finally looked away, Amelia asked.

"What do you mean? My auror reported it was Dumbledore who defeated the troll."

"Blasting a corpse with Bombarda is considered defeating it?" Susan huffed.

"Okay, princess..." Amelia nodded slowly. "Tell me what really happened, then."

Narcissa also listened about the bravery of her lover and couldn't help but smile at the indulgent, wishful, and happy smile Susan had when talking about Hadrian.

'Oh, we will have so much fun with this girl!' Narcissa couldn't help but think giddily.

The rest of the evening Narcissa spent probing and teasing Susan while Andromeda and Amelia talked about old times when they went to the class together.

Amelia was really amused at this 'new' Lady Malfoy. She never saw Susan so engaged in conversation. So bashful but so happy. It was such a pity that Narcissa was Malfoy. She would not mind having Narcissa teach Susan a few lessons on etiquette, manners, or politics but if Bones associated with Dark Families... Sigh, at least Blacks started to be seen more of a grey than dark. Gotta be happy for small mercies.

The evening was nearing its end and Narcissa was wondering if Hadrian managed to get into Dumbledore's office when it happened.

A bright flash of orange exploded near Dumbledore, blinding everyone. When the light show finally subsided, a majestic phoenix... chicken in Narcissa's opinion... could be seen flying in front of Dumbledore.

Dumbledore who was talking to several light-sided families furrowed his brows and approached the phoenix.

"Fawkes? Why are you here? Go home, my friend." The old coot goaded.

The phoenix didn't take it well and screeched hatefully... cue another bright flash of heat.

When all was done and gone, the flash subsided. Fawkes was already long gone.

Dumbledore stared wide-eyed forward as his body suffered several serious burns. He registered the pain and started screaming his lungs out. His body was charred except his head. It must have been insanely painful, Narcissa surmised.

Dumbledore's body slowly crumbled to the ground, unconscious.

The panic ensued. A phoenix just attacked his owner and ran away!

Well, let's just say, the rumors saying that only a light wizard can have phoenix as a familiar would now bite Dumbledore in the ass. Serves him right, he should not have circulated them in the first place. His phoenix just burned him before a huge crowd of important people right in the Ministry building before leaving. This will have far-reaching effects on Dumbledore's reputation. Especially if the phoenix left for good!

Somewhat, Narcissa understood that Hadrian's mission was a success and he was behind this. She counted this as a great success if she took into account Dumbledore's complete lack of hair, beard, and eyebrows!