Draco's Blunder

Harriet was walking through the halls on Marvolo’s arm as they made their way to the ball room. After the announcement of Harriet’s new status, Marvolo had sworn everyone in the room to secrecy so they couldn’t tell anyone, particularly their children in Hogwarts, about what had happened. There was no doubt in Harriet’s mind that the Death Eaters had tried to hint to their spouses and children about what was happening, but the magic in the dark mark wouldn’t allow them to outright say anything.

They had just reached the open doors when Harriet heard an unwanted voice from the side.

“Well, well, well, Potty, finally realised you have no chance of winning against the Dark Lord? Do you think spreading your legs for a nobody will save you from death?”

Harriet felt Marvolo tense up as they turned to see Draco standing in front of his mother and rapidly paling father, a smirk on his face.

Before Marvolo could open his mouth, let alone fire off a curse, Harriet waved her hand and Draco was on the ground screaming and twitching from her wandless and wordless crucio. She could feel the eyes of the Death Eaters and she saw Narcissa draw her wand but Lucius was able to grab her arm in time to stop her from doing anything.

After releasing Draco from the curse and watching him glare at her while still twitching from the aftereffects, Harriet turned to Lucius. “Not only are you late, but your son failed to understand whatever hints you told him prior to this meeting. Perhaps he should stay home next time, after all, these meetings are for adults and those who have proven their worth.”

“Why you—” Draco started to say but was quickly cut off by Marvolo.

“Crucio.” Marvolo held the curse longer but eventually released Draco until he was slumped on the floor.

Harriet watched impassively and Draco struggled to do more than pant and twitch. When she turned to look at Lucius again she could see Narcissa had paled. Ignoring the other witch, Harriet focused on Lucius and raised her brow.

“Yes, My Lady,” Lucius said, bowing slightly to her before turning to Marvolo and bowing. “My Lord.”

Harriet saw the moment Draco started to realise what was going on.

“Missy,” Marvolo called out.

Seconds later a house elf arrived wearing a green dress with the Slytherin crest. “What can Missy bes doing for Master and Master’s Queen?”

Harriet gave Missy a small smile, leaving Marvolo to explain why he called the little elf. One of the first things Harriet did was organise uniforms for the house elves, and it went better than expected.

--Flashback--

“All house elves, present yourself,” Marvolo called out and in seconds pops were heard as the elves obeyed their Master’s call.

“Kreacher, please come here,” she called out and soon Kreacher was standing with the other elves.

“This is Harriet, my Queen. You will obey her as you would me, is that understood?”

“Yes, Master,” they all replied in unison.

Before Marvolo could send them away, Harriet asked the gathered elves. “Do any of you know how to sew?”

“Yes, Master’s Queen, a few of us bes knowing,” one of the female elves responded.

Harriet didn’t need to look at Marvolo to know he was smug over what the elf had called her.

“Good, I would like those elves that know how to sew to work together in making uniforms for everyone. You will have pants and shirts, or dresses if that is your preference, but they must have the Slytherin crest on them. Green is the preferred colour choice, but if you wish to have a different colour based on your work then that is fine. Shoes are optional, it is up to you if you wish to wear them and if you change your mind later that is fine. I want our elves to feel proud to be serving our house and family and to show other wizards what a proper house elf looks like. If you have any questions or any issues I want you to come to me. I will also be having a look at your living arrangements and if needed, we will upgrade them to ensure you have enough room. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Master’s Queen,” they all said in unison, looking both shocked and excited.

“Dismissed,” Marvolo said before turning to her and raising a brow.

“Kreacher, you may return to Grimmauld Place for now. I expect you to get a uniform as well but you may have the Black crest instead of the Slytherin crest if you prefer.”

“Kreacher bes Mistress Queenie’s elf, Kreacher get Mistress Queenie’s crest,” Kreacher replied, stubbornly lifting his chin.

“Fine, talk to the other elves and see if they’ll give you both crests for now,” she replied.

Kreacher nodded and popped away.

Harriet sighed and turned to Marvolo and saw the raised brow. “I was treated as a house elf for the better part of my childhood. I will not have our house elves mistreated or dirty. They are creatures too and more importantly, they handle everything for us including our food.”

“You have a good point, dearest. I will not counteract you.”

“Thank you, Marvolo,” she said, smiling at him.

Maybe it’s not just his looks that have changed?

“But I will torture those that treated you so terribly,” he added.

Harriet just sighed. I spoke too soon.

--End Flashback--

Harriet returned to present just in time to hear Marvolo’s order to Missy.

“Young Mister Malfoy here thought it would be smart to insult his Queen, take him to the dungeons, make sure he is fed and watered.”

Harriet almost giggled at the way Draco’s eyes widened and the glare he received from the little elf.

“Yes, Master,” Missy replied, not taking her eyes off Draco before popping them both away.

Harriet and Marvolo resumed their way to the ball room and their thrones. Lucius and Narcissa waited before following them and taking their places amongst the assembled Death Eaters.

“And how long will Draco be enjoying our hospitality?” she asked curiously, but loud enough for the whole room to hear, wanting everyone to hear the discussion.

“I haven’t yet decided, did you have a suggestion?”

“Not particularly. He obviously has none of the qualities we’d need for the upcoming plans so his absence won’t impact anything. However, this incident has clearly shown the decline in Hogwarts education if he thinks it’s acceptable to insult his betters.”

While she may look calm and collected on the outside, inside she was cackling as she watched the Death Eaters trying to decide if they were insulted or happy about possible future changes. The Malfoys were trying hard to retain their pureblood masks.

“Indeed,” Marvolo replied as he seated her on her throne, Nagini quickly coming over.

Patting Nagini she watched Marvolo introduce her to those that weren’t at the previous meeting, mainly those attending Hogwarts, before getting into the plans going forward. Plans that she was aware of and had on occasion provided suggestions on.

Leaning back on her throne she couldn’t help but think, I wonder if Nagini would like to go and scare Draco while he’s visiting?