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

20. End Of A Reign

Cassiopeia was at the Malfoy Manor one morning, towards the end of the year, when Lucius was summoned to Hogwarts for unknown reasons.
Instead of going home, Cassiopeia eagerly waited at the Manor for Lucius to return, so that she could find out what had happened.
Lucius announced his arrival back at the Manor, by loudly slamming the front door, making the whole building rattle.
"Oh no, he's mad... Maybe you should go home, so that you don't rile him up further" suggested Narcissa, as Lucius's foorsteps got closer.
"No thanks. Whatever has made that man angry is probably a good thing for the rest of the world, so I want to know what it is" admitted Cassiopeia.

The sitting room doors suddenly swung open, and in walked Lucius, who looked angrier than Cassiopeia had ever seen him look before.
"Darling, what has happened?" Asked Narcissa cautiously.
"What do you think? That old coot Dumbledore has interfered in my plans again!" Shouted Lucius.
"I thought you had him fired" said Cassiopeia, unable to hide the glee from her voice.
"The other governors went against me and summoned him back to Hogwarts when the Weasley girl was taken into the Chamber by Slytherin's monster. They even told Dumbledore that I'd threatened to hurt their families if they didn't side with me and him fire in the first place" exclaimed Lucius.
"Well my dear, that is true" Narcissa said calmly.

"Is the Weasley girl O.K?" Asked Cassiopeia.
"Of course she is. The Potter boy saved the day as usual. He headed down into the Chamber, slayed the monster, defeated the heir, and saved the girl" answered Lucius.
Cassiopeia clapped her hands together in excitement, "Oh Harry, that brilliant boy. I knew he could do it".
"It seems that Mr Potter is quite the little hero" spat Lucius.
"Just like his parents" beamed Cassiopeia.

"So, who exactly was the Heir of Slytherin in the end?" Quizzed Narcissa.
"The dark lord. Well, a version of him anyway" informed Lucius.
"I see... What else Happened Lucius today? Why do you look so troubled?" Questioned Narcissa.
"Well, you can't honestly think that after blackmailing the other governors, I was allowed to keep my job? I've been fired from the school board of governors".
"It serves you right for trying to get rid of Dumbledore" said Cassiopeia.
"Cass, shut it. You're not helping" hissed Narcissa.

Narcissa stood up and cautiously approached Lucius, "Why don't I summon Dobby to make you a calming pot of tea?".
"Dobby isn't here" revealed Lucius.
"Well then where is he?" Quizzed Narcissa.
"Smart little Mr Potter tricked me into giving Dobby clothes. The elf has been freed, he doesn't serve us anymore" informed Lucius.
"What! You lost our house-elf"
"It wasn't my fault! Potter handed me a book wrapped in a sock, and without thinking I threw them both to Dobby who was stood next to me. I didn't intentionally give him clothes, it was an accident. But before I could rectify my mistake, it was done. Dobby is no longer in our employ, and that's that".

Cassiopeia couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Quiet you!" Snapped Lucius.
"I'm sorry, but it's just incredibly funny. You were outsmarted by a 12 year old" laughed Cassiopeia.
"You dare to laugh at me! Now I see where the boy picked up his bold behaviour. He is just like his godmother" spat Lucius.
"It warms my heart to hear you say that".
"You're like two insufferable peas in a pod. And like you, Mr Potter fancies himself as a little detective, for he also accused me of opening the Chamber of Secrets. So, I suppose he got this idea from you?".

"No, I would never tell Harry anything that would put him in danger. And since confronting you would be risky for him, I never told him about you... Besides, I didn't need to tell him anything, because he already had his suspicions about you. And now, I can finally tell you why. It was Dobby. Dobby has been protecting Harry ever since last year, and he has been giving him as much information as he could while still being magically tied to this family. Your own house-elf has been undermining you this entire time. Which I guess is why Harry tricked you into freeing him, because the two had gotten close this year, and Harry wanted to help him in return. And all of this happened behind your back" revealed Cassiopeia.