In her dream, Mrs. Malfoy was no longer the dignified and dutiful matron of one of Britain's most powerful wizarding families.
She was Narcissa Black once again.
A girl of elegance and confidence. A girl who had just met Moriarty, embarking on a life of wonder.
There was no Voldemort.
No looming dread.
No arranged marriage.
No cold, calculated title of "Lady Malfoy."
Only beauty.
Only happiness.
Only Moriarty.
"Bang bang bang!"
"Mum? I'm coming in if you don't answer! I'm worried about you!"
The sharp knocking on the door pulled Narcissa from the fading traces of her dream. She sat up, blinking.
"Obviously… go wait outside," she called softly. "I'll be out right away."
In less than three minutes, Narcissa Malfoy had transformed once more.
From the vulnerable girl in her dream to the elegant woman the world knew.
She wore a flowing sapphire-blue dress that hugged her waist gracefully, a pristine white shawl cascading across her shoulders, and over it all, a long black trench robe whose hem brushed her calves. A pair of polished, mid-calf leather boots completed the ensemble.
With a composed breath, she opened the door.
Click.
All warmth and nostalgia vanished as she stepped back into her role.
---
In the manor's grand hall, a chorus of voices greeted her.
"Draco? Are all your friends here?"
"We've been waiting forever!" Pansy squealed excitedly, clutching Daphne's hand.
Around Draco sat Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, and Daphne Greengrass, all chattering with childlike excitement. In the corner, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle stood munching snacks, their mouths too full to speak.
Draco clutched the sleek Nimbus 1990S, a special gift from Moriarty himself. He hadn't let go of it since it arrived.
"Mum, can we go now?" he asked eagerly.
Mrs. Malfoy smiled faintly and nodded. "Let's."
---
Soon after, the children and their chaperones boarded an enchanted carriage that soared through the skies, heading for Hogwarts.
Awaiting them on the lawn were the Hogwarts professors, led by Albus Dumbledore, and the enthusiastic members of the Forever Shining Fan Club.
Mrs. Malfoy, ever meticulous, had acquired a special Portkey to Hyprosai through the Ministry of Magic—an ornate, gem-inlaid jewelry box.
Everyone was arranged in neat rows, hand-in-hand, to ensure a coordinated jump.
Rubeus Hagrid, towering and grinning, volunteered to handle the Portkey.
Mrs. Malfoy chuckled lightly, reminded of Moriarty's manipulation of Tom Riddle. Seeing Hagrid now was almost amusing in comparison.
She gave him the nod.
Behind the main group, the "seven radishes" (as Zabini called their younger classmates) stood in awe, watching the growing line of Hogwarts attendees.
"There's gotta be over three hundred people," Zabini whispered, eyes wide. "That whole crowd? Moriarty's fan club."
"It's not just any fan club," Draco corrected smugly. "That's Forever Shining. And see the girl in front? That's Lilith Piliwick. She's visited my home!"
"She looks icy," Zabini muttered, deflated by her apparent indifference.
Lilith was, in fact, coordinating logistics. Ensuring the safety of a massive group of excitable fans—especially young witches—was no easy feat. She and Gemma Farley had their hands full.
"If only Tonks-senpai were here," Gemma sighed dramatically.
Lilith smiled knowingly. "Tonks is probably with Moriarty."
It was no secret that Nymphadora Tonks spent Christmas at Slytherin Castle. The students speculated endlessly whether she'd officially join the Slytherin table next term.
Lilith had long grown used to Moriarty being surrounded by beautiful women. It no longer bothered her. She just wanted to see him again.
"Hurry up! The Portkey is activating!" she shouted, amplifying her voice with a charm.
Zabini winced. "Told you. She's got that McGonagall energy."
Draco scoffed. "You lot don't understand anything. Managing a few noisy girls is easy for her."
He recalled the day Lilith stood at Malfoy Manor's gate, boldly negotiating with foreign wizards. She was no mere prefect.
Mrs. Malfoy, observing quietly, turned to Dumbledore.
"Headmaster, is everyone accounted for?"
"Indeed, Mrs. Malfoy," Dumbledore said warmly, glancing at his golden pocket watch. "Nine o'clock—excellent timing."
Mrs. Malfoy's tone turned curious. "Yet I find some names on the list… unaccounted for."
"Ah," Dumbledore replied easily. "Our Alchemy Professors, Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel, won't be attending. They prefer peace and quiet."
"And the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor? Randy?"
"Well…" Dumbledore smiled with mischief sparkling behind his half-moon glasses. "Randy, as you know, is a vampire. And vampires aren't exactly Quidditch enthusiasts."
"I was aware of Professors Flamel. But Professor Randy's name wasn't on the Ministry list. Instead, it listed Professor Diana Shava."
"Oh, I think Mr. Moriarty can answer that far better than I."
Dumbledore turned, walking toward the queue. The morning sun caught the rim of his glasses, glinting with quiet amusement.
Mrs. Malfoy stood frozen for a moment.
Diana and Moriarty?
She'd heard of Diana's appointment to the Defence post. Then she had vanished, and Randy took her place. A quiet switch with no explanation.
Could Diana be… expecting?
Mrs. Malfoy's eyes narrowed.
Little vixen.
She shook her head, smirking faintly. Dreams were dreams. A mature woman could still distinguish between illusion and reality.
---
"Everyone ready? Let's depart."
Mrs. Malfoy gave Hagrid the signal. Hagrid grabbed the jewelry box, and in an instant, the whole group lurched forward as though yanked by invisible hooks behind their navels.
The Portkey spell seized over 300 people and hurled them forward through swirling space.
The rush of wind, disorientation, and a moment of blinding whiteness—
And then boom!
Feet hit solid ground.
A clear voice called out, "Nine-ten, from Hogwarts! Welcome. Up that hill is your destination."
A Canadian official, clipboard in hand, nodded at the arrivals.
Another wizard nearby gasped. "By Merlin's beard—Hogwarts really came?!"
The students didn't answer. Their eyes were wide as they took in the magic around them.
The Hyprosai Quidditch World Cup was in full swing.
---
Dumbledore, as composed as ever, adjusted his hat and strode confidently toward the distant stadium. The Hogwarts professors followed him.
News of Hogwarts' arrival spread rapidly.
Crowds whispered: "That's the Forever Shining group."
"That's Dumbledore! It's Dumbledore!"
Cheers erupted. The Headmaster's name alone seemed to command reverence across nations.
Lilith smiled. "Good thing Minister Fudge isn't here. He'd sulk for days."
Just then, something even more shocking occurred.
Out from the hotel walked a delegation of high-ranking officials:
Helmut, Canadian Minister of Magic
Paul, President of the U.S. Magical Congress
James, U.S. Magical Sports Director
Fabre, Chairman of the World Cup Committee
Apollo, French Ministry of Magic Sports Director
They rushed forward, enthusiastically welcoming Dumbledore—and also showering attention on Mrs. Malfoy.
After all, it was Narcissa Malfoy who had paid a handsome sum to guarantee that Hogwarts students and staff could attend the final with premium access.
The Malfoy name carried weight—even beyond Britain.
Meanwhile, a Malfoy retainer had already checked in all accommodations.
---
Near the hotel entrance, Lilith stood with the fan club when a stunning blonde in stilettos stepped into view.
Tall. Elegant. Radiant.
"Professor Diana?" several students gasped.
The elven woman turned, her pointed ears flicking. She smiled and waved, "Hello, girls!"
That was Diana Shava?
Mrs. Malfoy silently studied her from the back of the group.
She glanced at Diana's belly—flat.
Still…
She's an elf, Narcissa mused. That may mean little.
The girls, however, swarmed Diana with excitement.
"Where've you been, Professor?"
"Why aren't you teaching us anymore?"
"Can you still show us charm spells again?"
"Professor, you look more beautiful than ever!"
Lilith rolled her eyes. Hopeless fangirls.
But Penelope Clearwater asked a more pointed question: "Professor Diana, how long have you been here?"
Mrs. Malfoy silently praised her.
Diana's smile faltered for a brief moment. "I arrived yesterday."
Yesterday?
That meant ample time alone with Moriarty.
Several girls clearly had the same thought.
But Diana quickly added, "Oh, but many people arrived yesterday. Your senior Tonks is here. So are Blanche and Flint."
The group relaxed, though Mrs. Malfoy was unconvinced.
She could see it—in Diana's eyes. That flicker of affection.
You're not fooling me, Narcissa thought. Your eyes betray you, little elf.
And then, a familiar voice echoed melodically from the hotel's main doors.
"Hogwarts classmates! It's been far too long."
The air shifted.
The fan club surged forward, hearts leaping.
He had arrived.