The sound of the bedroom door opening smoothly caught Narcissa's attention. In the mirror's reflection, she watched Harry step into the room. He smiled warmly, first toward Tonks-who instantly brightened, flashing a cheerful, flirtatious grin and chirping out a lively "Wotcher!" in greeting.
But then Harry's sea blue eyes shifted toward Narcissa, and his gaze froze abruptly. A look of open admiration and desire flickered across his face as he drank in the sensual vision of Narcissa standing there in her provocative white dress, every enticing curve proudly on display for him.
Narcissa's heart beat just a touch quicker at seeing the visible hunger flare in his eyes. Exactly the reaction she had hoped for. A coy, satisfied grin slowly curved her full lips. Her eyelids lowered just slightly, and she tilted her head gracefully, offering him a welcoming, seductive smile that spoke volumes without her uttering a single word. "Good morning, Master," Narcissa purred softly. She slowly pivoted to face him fully, making certain his eyes never left the exposed curve of her ample cleavage.
He exhaled quietly. "Good morning, Narcissa," he returned smoothly, stepping further into the room and closing the door firmly behind him.
Tonks, oblivious as ever to the charged tension between her aunt and Harry, laughed cheerfully. She bounded toward Harry, looping her slender arm playfully through his. "What brings you here so early, Harry? Are you thinking of sneaking out of the castle again?"
"I already had my fill of sneaking out this morning, actually," Harry told Tonks with an easy chuckle, gently disentangling his arm from her eager grasp. "I had a rather intense training session with Sona earlier."
Tonks immediately scrunched up her face in an exaggerated pout, her lips pressing together in an adorable show of disappointment. "Harry! You know I'm supposed to be around to keep you safe. I'm your personal Auror, remember?" she complained lightly, crossing her arms beneath her modest chest as she frowned petulantly. "Not much point in that if you keep sneaking off without me..."
"For the moment, perhaps you are, my dear niece," Narcissa gently reminded Tonks. "But I doubt your career as an Auror is destined to survive past the end of this school year."
Tonks's playful expression faltered briefly. Her eyes now dulled noticeably. "What do you mean by that?" she questioned softly, her previous exuberance fading. "They wouldn't just sack me out of nowhere, would they?"
Narcissa turned fully toward her, softening her tone slightly as she patiently explained, "You forget, Nymphadora, your new life as a devil complicates matters rather significantly. For the next three years, you'll need to spend at least an hour per day near Harry-your King. That is something you HAVE to do if you don't want to become a stray devil. Also, it is not good for you to be employed by a family that isn't the Sitri Clan. People would start questioning where your loyalties lie..."
The realization visibly sank in for Tonks, who bit her bottom lip softly, her expression shifting into a worried frown. "I hadn't really thought about all of that yet," she admitted quietly. "I mean... I suppose you're right..."
Harry, clearly sensing Tonks's sudden anxiety, reached out immediately, gently resting a comforting hand on her slender shoulder.
"Hey, don't worry about that right now, Nymphadora," he said soothingly. His deep voice was gentle, soothing away the younger witch's apprehension. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. And I'm sure there's openings in the underworld if you still want to be a cop in the future."
The softness in Tonks's gaze returned immediately, her previously tense posture relaxing beneath Harry's calming touch. "Thanks, Harry," she whispered softly, her voice filled with genuine relief. "I appreciate that... And don't call me Nymphadora!" she added playfully.
"Ill never stop calling you that," he said cheekily, making Narcissa giggle at the pout that put on her niece's face.
After a moment, Harry's attention shifted once again toward Narcissa herself. His eyes roamed appreciatively over her figure, lingering particularly on the enticing window in her dress that showcased the flawless swell of her generous breasts.
— Tonks —
Tonks shifted uneasily where she stood, eyes flickering between Narcissa and Harry. She could clearly see the way they were staring at each other with his eyes lingering on Narcissa's impressive figure and her aunt returning his gaze with a sultry, seductive smile.
Tonks's cheeks flushed hotly, an unexpected wave of jealousy and embarrassment flooding through her at the blatant attraction radiating between them. And yet, much as she hated to admit it, there was something embarrassingly arousing about watching the silent exchange of desire playing out so openly before her eyes. The warmth pooling low in her belly left her even more flustered and confused.
Bloody hell, being a devil was definitely making everything more complicated-feelings and desires constantly amplified to almost overwhelming intensity. Tonks suspected Narcissa was handling the transition with far greater ease and grace.
Realizing she needed to intervene before Narcissa decided to rip Harry's clothes off right here and now, Tonks cleared her throat loudly, desperately attempting to dispel some of the charged tension saturating the air. "So, Harry," she said a little too loudly, drawing both of their attention back toward herself. Narcissa glanced briefly her way, irritation flickering subtly across her lovely features before being quickly smoothed over again.
Tonks stubbornly ignored her aunt's brief annoyance. "What exactly brought you here this morning?" she said, forcing a smile onto her lips.
"I actually came here because I wanted to finish our conversation from last night," he explained. "What should we do with Lockhart? Or whoever the hell is impersonating him, anyway."
"Oh, right," she murmured seriously, crossing her arms thoughtfully beneath her breasts.
Harry nodded grimly. "We need to figure out exactly what we're going to do about him. If he really is an imposter, we can't just ignore the situation."
Tonks squared her shoulders determinedly. "We obviously need to hand him straight over to the DMLE," she said firmly.
But surprisingly, Narcissa shook her head. "I'm afraid that might not be the best idea, my niece."
"And why exactly wouldn't it be?" she asked incredulously. "We can't just let some fraud continue impersonating a Hogwarts professor!"
Narcissa sighed quietly, stepping toward a nearby table and picking up a folded newspaper lying there. Her face was set in an expression of mild disdain as she held out the copy of that morning's Daily Prophet for them both to see clearly. "Perhaps this will explain," Narcissa murmured softly, her voice cool and measured.
Tonks took the paper from her aunt's outstretched hand, quickly scanning the dramatic headline.
"Even More Trouble at Hogwarts! Over 20 Dementors Attack the School! Boy-Who-Lived Fights Them Off in Daring Show of Bravery! Is Dumbledore Growing Too Old to Control His Own School...? Talks of replacement are in the air..."
"Merlin's balls," she muttered irritably. "Those bloody vultures never miss a chance to stir up drama."
Harry scowled in equal annoyance.
"Of course," Narcissa confirmed sadly. "As irritatingly dramatic as this article is, however, it highlights an unfortunate truth-Dumbledore's reputation and authority are currently hanging precariously by a thread. Our master Harry returning to the Magical World. This tournament. All of these attacks. It's not painting a great picture in the eyes of the public..."
"You think revealing Lockhart as an imposter would make things even worse for Dumbledore?" Tonks guessed hesitantly.
"Precisely," Narcissa confirmed. "The moment it comes to light that a Hogwarts professor has been replaced without the Headmaster's notice, it would be used as irrefutable proof that Dumbledore has completely lost control over his own school."
Tonks frowned as she considered Narcissa's words. Harry's brows were furrowed deeply as he stared down at the paper, clearly troubled.
Narcissa looked between the two of them and sighed softly. "Personally, it makes no real difference to me who runs this school. But I know you have a certain fondness for the old man, Harry.
"Of course I do," Harry told them. "He personally invited me to come to Hogwarts, and I wouldn't have met either of you otherwise."
Narcissa blinked a few times at his words, then she nodded. "I suppose I shockingly do have some fondness for the old man then. But this could still be the nail in the coffin for Dumbledore's tenure as headmaster..."
Harry scowled in displeasure. "If it comes out publicly that Lockhart's been secretly replaced by an imposter, you're right. There's no way Dumbledore could avoid the fallout. They'd crucify him in the press for this."
Tonks chewed anxiously on her lower lip. "And you're certain it would be enough to remove him?"
"Quite certain," Narcissa confirmed, her pale blue eyes hardening slightly. "The Board of Governors has been watching Dumbledore's every move like a pack of starving vultures ever since this year started. If there's even a whisper of incompetence-such as allowing a fake professor to infiltrate the school-they'll leap on it instantly."
Harry's expression darkened further. "Who would they replace him with, though? I can't imagine anyone else capable enough-or trustworthy enough-to fill his position right now."
Narcissa's lips twisted into an unpleasant grimace. "That's precisely what worries me. My dear ex-husband, Lucius Malfoy, is one of the most influential members on the Hogwarts Board. He's spent years quietly positioning himself and cultivating favors from other board members. I can assure you, he'd seize this chance eagerly to appoint someone loyal to him. In fact, he'd likely attempt to take the headmaster position himself."
A low growl of irritation escaped Harry's throat at that suggestion, and Tonks felt her stomach twist with disgust. Lucius Malfoy, headmaster of Hogwarts? The very idea was sickening. Lucius Malfoy was arrogant, ruthless, and had no regard whatsoever for anyone but himself and his precious pureblood ideals. Allowing him to run Hogwarts would be catastrophic for every student and staff member alike!
Narcissa crossed her arms tightly beneath her ample breasts. Her delicate jaw clenched briefly before she spoke again. "Lucius has been absolutely furious ever since I divorced him and stopped playing the role of his obedient little trophy wife. He's written me numerous letters since-each one more venomous and threatening than the last. I've burned every single one of course." She paused momentarily. "Draco has also been particularly unpleasant. I've refused to engage him outside of the classes I teach..."
Tonks watched as Harry frowned deeply at Narcissa's revelation. Finally, Harry shrugged casually and broke the tense silence. "Well, we could just kill Lucius, then. Problem solved."
Tonks blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off-guard by how bluntly he'd suggested murder-before realizing that, devil or not, she completely agreed. Lucius Malfoy was nothing more than a festering sore on wizarding society, an arrogant bully who delighted in making others miserable. He'd spent decades skirting the law, using his influence and wealth to keep himself immune from consequences. Tonks glanced at Narcissa, seeing an identical expression of amusement and agreement in her aunt's cool blue eyes. Meeting Harry's gaze squarely, Tonks nodded firmly. "Honestly, fuck that guy. No one's going to mourn Lucius bloody Malfoy."
Harry chuckled appreciatively at her blunt agreement, clearly pleased by her immediate willingness to back him up. Tonks's cheeks flushed slightly as warmth blossomed in her chest. Damn, she enjoyed impressing him far more than she cared to admit.
Narcissa smiled softly but shook her head slowly. "Unfortunately, satisfying as that idea is, we can't get rid of Lucius quite so soon. Right now, I would undoubtedly become the prime suspect if something happened to him. Everyone in Wizarding Britain knows about our bitter divorce. We'll have to wait at least a few months-long enough for suspicion to ease off-before removing him permanently!"
Tonks huffed in irritation but grudgingly saw the logic in her aunt's reasoning. She certainly didn't want Narcissa landing herself in trouble over Lucius's miserable hide. "Alright," Tonks admitted reluctantly. "Then let's circle back to Lockhart. We need some other solution. I suppose that we don't actually need to expose the imposter publicly. All we have to do is find out what happened to the real Lockhart. Once we've rescued him, we simply... dispose of whoever replaced him-quietly and without any public fuss..."
Harry nodded in approval. "And Lockhart will undoubtedly be so grateful to us for saving his worthless arse, he'll eagerly cooperate and keep quiet about the entire incident."
"Exactly!" Tonks agreed, beaming proudly at him. "And then we gently convince Lockhart that Hogwarts isn't safe anymore. He'll voluntarily resign his teaching position, leaving the Defense Against the Dark Arts job wide open for Aunt Narcissa to officially claim!"
Narcissa's gorgeous face split into an openly delighted grin. "Oh, Nymphadora, you're positively brilliant," she purred happily. "You've just described precisely the original plan I had in mind-long before Lockhart was replaced, of course."
Harry laughed warmly, looking between the two women fondly. "Merlin, I'm glad my girls are so smart," he praised them both.
Narcissa's smile immediately shifted into something far more sultry. With purposeful, provocative steps, she crossed the small distance toward Harry, each sway of her generous hips mesmerizing to watch.
Tonks's heart thumped faster, her breath hitching slightly as Narcissa paused mere inches from him, her lush body nearly pressed against his broad chest.
"You'll find," Narcissa purred throatily, her voice dripping seduction as she leaned forward, ensuring Harry's eyes were drawn irresistibly to the exposed swell of her ample breasts, "that the two of us are far, far more than just girls, Master."
Harry's throat visibly tightened, his gaze lingering hungrily upon Narcissa's perfectly displayed cleavage. The air grew charged once more with palpable tension.
Tonks felt her own cheeks flame hotly at Narcissa's shameless forwardness. She bit her lip softly, suddenly vividly aware of how long it had been since she'd been with a man herself. She wasn't exactly a blushing virgin-far from it-but bloody hell, it had been far too long since she'd allowed herself any fun herself.
