Squib On The Run (sequel to Squib In The basement)

18. Playing Pretend

Seeing Lucius again and talking about the past, opened up a can of worms inside Cassiopeia's head. And she was plagued with nightmares for days afterwards.
But she realised that if she wanted to overcome her trauma, she would have to face her fears.
So, Cassiopeia went along with Narcissa's plan, and continued coming to Malfoy Manor throughout the Christmas period.
And eventually it began to work, as she found herself being less afraid of Lucius every time she saw him. She still absolutely loathed him, but she was no longer scared of him.
Being able to shout and rant her thoughts out loud, was making her mind a more pleasant place to be.
Cassiopeia could see why Muggles spent so much money on therapy, as being able to talk openly about her feelings, for the first time, had done her a world of good.

Narcissa was happy because she thought that everyone she cared about was finally getting along.
But Cassiopeia was only playing happy families, because of Narcissa's ultimatum.
If she wanted to see Draco when he next came home from Hogwarts, then she would have to pretend to be comfortable in Lucius's presence.
Cassiopeia would smile and play the part, but deep down her hatred for Lucius was still incredibly strong.
She just hoped that while around him she might pick on up information regarding the Chamber of Secrets, which she could use to help Harry.

Even though Cassiopeia was an expert at pretending, she still didn't want to have to fake a smile on Christmas Day, as she wanted to have one day to relax. But Narcissa insisted she came to the Malfoy Manor to celebrate Christmas with the family.
Cassiopeia wanted to refuse, but since her existence, and Harry's safety depended on her cousin, she knew had no choice but to attend.

"Well, this is nice. The three of us finally sharing a meal together" exclaimed Narcissa, during Christmas dinner.
Cassiopeia thought there were many words she could use to describe what she was enduring, and nice wasn't any of them.
"I just wish Draco could be here with us" admitted Cassiopeia.
"It wasn't safe to have him here while you and Lucius were at each other's throats. I didn't want him walking into a room where you were throwing pieces of furniture at his father, for I did not want him to get hurt... Besides, Christmas at Hogwarts is always a joyous affair, and Draco should be allowed to experience at least one Christmas, during his time at Hogwarts" replied Narcissa.

"Sirius always enjoyed being at Hogwarts over the holidays, as Christmas at 12 Grimmauld Place was never that enjoyable. So, I'm glad that Draco gets to experience Christmas at the castle... However, if I had to pick one year for him to spend there, I certainly wouldn't have picked the year when the Chamber of Secrets was open. And there was a monster going around  attacking people" commented Cassiopeia.
"Draco will be fine over the holidays, there is no need to worry about him" reassured Lucius.
"Why? Does Slytherin's monster take the holidays off, and take a break from attacking people?" Mocked Cassiopeia.
"Don't be ridiculous".

"I'm just saying, that if he was my son, I would have insisted he came home for all of the holidays, so that he was safe, and not in any danger of being Petrified" said Cassiopeia.
"If we thought Draco was in any danger, we would have brought him home. But since Draco is a pure-blood, he is safe from the wrath of the heir of Slytherin, and won't come to any harm from whatever creature resides within the Chamber of Secrets. The Mudbloods are the only ones who have to watch their backs" replied Lucius.

"You seem very sure that this heir is only interested in Muggle-borns. How can you be so sure that Draco is safe, and that he won't get accidently killed by this monster?" Questioned Cassiopeia.
"The Chamber has been opened many times in the past, and the pure-bloods, especially the ones in Slytherin house, have always been fine" answered Lucius.
"What about the ones who aren't in Slytherin? What about those who's blood is not as pure as ours? There are a lot of half-bloods around these days, since so many people with magic were killed during the war, which led to more people mating with Muggles. So, what about the half-bloods? Are they safe? Is my godson Harry, safe?" Demanded Cassiopeia.

"How should I know?" Asked Lucius, defensively.
"Well, you seemed to be the one with all the answers. And I thought you might have more knowledge on the subject, since you are a lot older than me" replied Cassiopeia.
"Exactly how old do you think I am? You know that the Chamber was last opened over 50 years ago, and for the record, I was not at Hogwarts during this time. I am not that old" countered Lucius.
"I know that. But they say that knowledge and wisdom comes with age. And since you are older than me, I hoped you would know more about the situation than me"
"Well, I don't".

"Lucius is a school governor, which means the wellbeing of the students at Hogwarts, is very important to him. Don't you think that he if knew anything about the Chamber of Secrets, he would have already informed Dumbledore and the Ministry" said Narcissa.
"We both know that Lucius has no love for Dumbledore or the Ministry. So, I don't think that telling them anything would be his top priority" admitted Cassiopeia, as she tried her best to hold how she really felt abut Lucius, inside her.

"He may not like either of them, but when it comes to doing the right thing, I know Lucius will do what is necessary. He won't put all of the children at Hogwarts in danger, just to suit is own needs" insisted Narcissa.
"Are we talking about the same guy here?" Mumbled Cassiopeia.
"Cass, that is uncalled for. He is not the same man he was during the war, and you know it. He's changed. He doesn't know any more about the Chamber of Secrets, than you or I. So, can you just drop it. I want us to have a normal Christmas dinner together, as a family. Is that too much to ask for?" Questioned Narcissa.

"No, of course it isn't, my dear" reassured Lucius, before glaring over at Cassiopeia.
"I was only looking out for the best interests of your son. I wasn't trying to ruin Christmas" insisted Cassiopeia.
"I appreciate how much you care about Draco. But if Lucius says that he is safe, then he is. For he would never put our son in danger" replied Narcissa.
"I really hope you are right" sighed Cassiopeia.