Harry Potter and the Ties that Bind

Chapter 3

Author's Note: So, before you start this chapter, I have an apology to make. This is actually the chapter before my other chapter. I accidentally added chapter 5 instead of chapter 3. This is the real chapter 3.

A woman emerged from a large fire place. Her fashionable black heels clicked along the marble floor. Her wizarding robes looked more like a dress than actual robes. Black satin glimmered as she strode across the large foyer, ignoring the imposing columns and ornate paintings.

Her march took her all the way to a large, imposing staircase that branched in two directions. The white marble of the staircase contrasted with the dark green carpet that had been placed over the stairs.

A pop, the sound of air being displaced, alerted her to the presence of a house elf appearing. She paused to stare down at the little creature, its ears flopping and its refined outfit fitting its frame. It wore the symbol of the Most Noble House of Greengrass on its front.

"May I help you, madam?"

"Well now, this is a surprise," she said, holding a hand demurely to her lips, the better to hide her smile, "I had not been aware that Nathaniel had gotten himself a house elf. Well, no matter. Please inform your master that Celestina Zabini, Head of the Most Noble House of Zabini, is here and would like to meet with him."

The house elf stared for a little while longer, before slowly bowing before her.

"Very well, Lady Zabini."

There was another crack of displaced air, and the house elf vanished, leaving her alone.

With nothing to do but wait, she amused herself by studying the various paintings that lined the foyer. All of them were fine pieces, exquisite works of art that defied description; landscapes that displayed incredible scenes of beauty and differing techniques. They also cost a small fortune. Nathaniel Greengrass must be doing very well for himself if he could afford these.

The air popped again. Celestina turned back to the house elf, who bowed before her.

"The master will see you now."

"Very well then. Lead the way," she smiled, "It has been so long since I've last been here that I fear I no longer know how to get to Nathan's study."

The house elf bowed again.

"Of course, Lady Zabini."

Celestina followed the house elf up the flight of green carpeted stairs, and through a number of corridors. As she walked, she silently studied the house of her old friend.

This place looked nothing like the Greengrass manor that she used to know. Back before the death of Mary Anne Greengrass, this manor had been such a lively place, with bright colors and an inviting atmosphere. But no more. Instead of warm and inviting, it was cold and impersonal, no doubt a reflection of its owners current state of mind.

They eventually reached an elegantly crafted wooden door. Several designs that she recognized as ward schemes ran across varnished rosewood, hidden behind motifs and swirling patterns. Nathaniel must have become awfully paranoid if he was having defensive arrays like that placed on his door. She eyed the crest in the center: a King Cobra on a grassy field, coiled and ready to strike. Below that, the Greengrass family motto, Agnuis in herba, was displayed underneath in golden cursive.

"The master is waiting for you," the house elf bowed, opening the door with a snap of his fingers.

Celestina strode through the door and surveyed the room with a keen eye. Dark green carpet, wood panelled walls, expensive furnishings, this room was no doubt designed to impose Nathaniel's importance on all who entered. In the back of the room, sitting behind a rich desk made of walnut and drafting papers, was the person that she had come all this way to meet.