Severus looked as drab as usual. Normally, Narcissa enjoyed when things remained steadfast and unwavering, but when one's personality is comprised mainly of dust and soot, a change is warranted.
"Delighted," she said, smiling just for the effect. "Rest assured, your Faustus has been treated with the utmost affections of my family. Those who exist in our house receive nothing less."
Had she left her statement there, perhaps Mrs. Malfoy could have walked from Hogwarts resembling a decent woman. Contrarily, though, her goal had little to do with saving face.
"...but you see, Severus," Narcissa continued pleasantly, if only for the innocent child's sake. She removed her hands from the boy's shoulders and stood upright to match the elder man's upturned nose. "I am very much of the opinion that you, capable as you are, could be raising him sufficiently quite without our assistance."