Chapter Text
Chapter 2
Harry woke to Draco’s voice. Even though they had been given different bedrooms there were a few days in the year when they shared the same room. The night before their birthday was one of them. And this year’s birthday was even more special because they were turning 11. They would get their Hogwarts letters today! Clearly Draco was excited because Harry could hear his awful singing through the bathroom door.
Both the Malfoy children had been instructed in things beyond their studies and etiquette from a young age. It always astounded Harry how Draco could be an exceptional piano player but such a horrible singer. Mum had tried to get Harry to start lessons in some instrument too but it was too stifling for him and he had hated the two lessons with Miss Fespott who used stinging hexes every time they did something wrong.
Instead he enjoyed art and had recently even painted a mural in Mum’s sitting room. She quite liked to show it off.
Harry could see clothes had been laid out for him already, Dobby’s work most likely. He hadn’t met an elf as strange as Dobby but since Harry had always been polite to him he had turned out to be quite useful. Most of the time Dobby did everything Harry needed without being asked to. Draco would always pout when he saw Harry’s favourite dishes were made more often. Sadly Draco’s ship had sailed a long time ago when he had started emulating Father and kicking house-elves left and right and now there was nothing he could do to get the preferential treatment.
He saw Draco come out of the bathroom wearing his bathrobe a wide smile on his face. Harry smiled back. “I’m sure even the Abraxans in the stables heard how excited you are” He said and winked.
Draco’s cheeks pinked slightly but he sniffed haughtily and started dressing. “Just because you can’t appreciate talent doesn’t mean our horses can’t either. Now go and take a bath, you know we won’t be given our letters until we have breakfast.”
Harry nodded and hurried to the bathroom. His parents had told him Hogwarts wouldn’t be a big change for them because they had already been going to school with their future classmates for 5 years now but Harry was nervous anyway. He knew he wasn’t the best with crowds, he had been taught how to handle them from a young age practicing at balls and soirees since he was 8 but it never came as naturally to him as it did to Draco.
Draco thrived under attention while Harry mostly shied from it. Which was why he preferred his books and his paint brushes. And now he wouldn’t be able to come home to his room, his library or his mum at the end of the day. He heard Draco calling his name and started dressing quickly.
When he reached the garden patio everyone was waiting for him. Like every other summer morning, Father was reading the newspaper and Mum was alternating between reading the hundreds of letters she got and listening to Draco prattle about something. Harry nodded at his father and wished everyone a good morning. His mother gave him a bright smile which Harry returned after kissing her cheek.
“Father why can’t you ask the Dark Lord to let me take a broom? It is completely unfair that first years aren’t allowed to play quidditch.”
Harry snorted and Father didn’t even bother looking up from the newspaper. Draco gave him a dirty look and tried to convince Father again.
“Draco, the Dark Lord has better things to do than change quidditch rules at Hogwarts.”
More like Voldemort would crucio Father if he even considered talking about Quidditch to him.
A few years ago after Voldemort had rescued Harry from the Outcriers he had developed a huge hero worship of the man. He had spent weeks researching old Knights of Walpurgis pamphlets, talked to Grandpa Abraxus about him and read newspapers that discussed his earlier days. But that had changed when on one visit to Diagon Alley he had seen a Muggleborn get tortured and then thrown into Azkaban because he had dared to open a shop in Diagon.
While most things had improved under Voldemort’s rule and Muggleborns were on the whole accepted and a lot of times even adopted, they were second class citizens. Grandma Druella called it ‘not getting ideas above their station’. That day Harry had been heartbroken because he had believed Voldemort was exactly like the kings in the stories Mum had told him. But slowly he had realised he was just another man, more intelligent and powerful definitely but still a man who wanted to rule and wouldn’t give up the support of his power base for something like equal rights.
He had been in a funk for days but then his mother had told him that he should enjoy the fact that he would get the best of everything just because of who he was born to. It wasn’t right and it certainly wasn’t fair but he was a Malfoy and there was a reason why Malfoys never went to Hufflepuff. Fairness didn’t matter in real life.
Harry hadn’t exactly agreed with her but it was not like he could do anything about it so he let it go.
“Are you done?” Draco poked him.
Harry nodded and his mum smiled. Father put down the newspaper and gave them their letters with a proud look on his face.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmaster: Severus Snape
(Order of Merlin, Second Class; Master Potioneer)
Dear Mr. Malfoy,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely
Bartemius Crouch Jr. Deputy Headmaster
Harry smiled as he looked at his godfather’s name. Uncle Sev who hated being called Sev had been made Headmaster two years back. He had been teaching the NEWT students at Hogwarts for five years before that. In his early years Harry had barely seen Uncle Sev but he had always received gifts and pictures and letters from his travels as he went looking for obscure ingredients and made new potions.
He had received his Order of Merlin when he discovered the cure to Dragonpox. It wasn’t fool-proof and had to be given within 4 months of the beginning of the disease but it was better than nothing. Thanks to him Grandpa Abraxus was healthy again.
Harry was 4 when Uncle Sev had joined Hogwarts and since then he had come to the Manor regularly to spend time with him. He taught Draco and him ingredient preparation and beginner lessons on Potions but he spent a lot more time with Harry talking about spell crafting, recommending books or telling him about other Wizarding Schools. Had it not been compulsory for him to go to Hogwarts he would have asked Father to attend Uagadao and learn more about Wandless Magic.
“When will we go to get our things?” Harry asks.
“I don’t want to get your robes from Diagon Alley. The rest of the things we can go and buy today.”
“And the robes?” Draco asked a slightly fearful expression on his face. Mum was scary when she took them clothes shopping.
“We’re leaving for France in 3 days” Mum replied, “Your father won’t be able to join us but Aunt Astrid misses you boys and you won’t see her as much this year. We’ll buy the robes there”
Both the boys looked at each other and grinned. Visiting Aunt Astrid was always fun. She was pretty laid back compared to their other family members and let them do whatever they wanted as long as they didn’t get hurt. They were talking to each other in excited tones as Father got ready to leave when they heard their mother’s screech.
“HADRIAN!!”
Father and Draco looked at him with identical exasperated looks on their faces but when they heard their mother shout again Father quickly left for the ministry. Their mother didn’t raise her voice often but when she did someone was in a huge amount of trouble, usually Harry.
“What did you do now?” Draco asked almost whining.
Harry who had paled by this time swallowed and said, “I think she found my bug collection.”
“You should hide.” Draco said seriously. Harry nodded and ran out of the patio.
Diagon Alley looked as lively as ever. Mum had a pinched expression on her face because today was when the teacher’s at Little Sorcerer’s brought the muggleborns and orphan half-bloods to shop for their school supplies. The alley was crowded and there was barely any space to walk. Harry was going to hex the next person that stepped on his toes.
“Mother” Draco whined “Let’s come back another day”
“Keep quiet Draco” Mum said, her expression still pinched “You know we won’t have time for this before we leave the country. You shouldn’t have spent the last two days playing quidditch and waiting for the last moment.”
“Hadrian was playing with me too!”
“He is not the one who is complaining. Come on, hold my hand boys.” They were walking at either side of her and tightly held her hand. Their mother cleared the path while looking just as pristine as ever. Draco and Harry hurried to match her long strides and they entered Ollivander’s which was thankfully empty.
“Thank Merlin” Draco said dramatically.
“Welcome, welcome Malfoys. Narcissa Malfoy nee Black – Cypress wood, Unicorn hair core, 10 inches. Good for transfiguration. I trust your wand is happy with you?”
“It has served me well Master Ollivander.”
“That is what I like to hear. But then, there is no doubt it will serve you well when the wand chooses the wizard.” He looked at Draco and Harry, “Your children I presume. One Malfoy, one Black.”
No one said anything and Ollivander asked Draco to step forward. Ten minutes later he was matched with Hawthorn with Unicorn Hair, 10 inches. Harry hesitated a little when he was asked to step forward but Mum gave him a small but reassuring smile and Draco’s awe while he looked at his wand got rid of the rest of his nerves.
Harry tried wand after wand but nothing worked. He had been hit by a few in the face, Ollivander’s shop was in disarray and everyone was feeling frustrated. Well, not everyone. Ollivander was looking more and more excited as wand after wand rejected Harry. Harry would have been quite upset had he not had proof of his magical capabilities.
Finally Ollivander brought out a wand that was dark and little longer than mum’s wand. Harry tried it out and he felt like his whole life has changed. He had always been connected to his magic and participating in the solstices and other festivals every year increased that connection but he had never felt so powerful and comforted in his life. He felt like he could hear singing and wand was emanating a golden glow around him.
“Holly, Phoenix feather, 11 inches” Ollivander said, a disconcerted expression on his face “Curious, Curious”
“What is curious?” Draco demanded before Harry could say anything.
“Why, the bird that gave its feather for this wand gave only one more feather. The feather that went into the Dark Lord’s wand.”
“Brother Wands” Mum gasped looking a little worried. Draco looked envious but happy for Harry. Harry shared a look with his mother who slightly shook her head in a manner that said they would talk about it later.
Harry was not sure what talking would do. The Dark Lord was known for killing his opponents in cold blood before they became a big problem and even though he was saner than what his parents remembered from their youth this information would reach him and increase his interest in Harry.
Regardless, there was no use of worrying about it right now. Harry asked if they could go and have ice cream, the elves tried but this was not something they were talented at and it was better to have some outside the house than listen to their blubbing and stopping them from hurting themselves.
Narcissa smiled and nodded and they walked to Fortescue’s.
Harry stood in the Great Hall waiting for the Sorting Hat to finish its song. He had spent many hours trying to needle information about the sorting from everyone he knew but no one had ever told him. He had a feeling the Hat cast some sort of magic on people to ensure they couldn’t speak about it to people who didn’t know. Maybe like a different version of notice-me-not where every time someone tried to talk about the hat they felt like withholding the information? But he was digressing.
The Great Hall was beautiful and looked just as grand as Father had told him. Uncle Se – Headmaster Snape was sitting on an ornate black chair in the middle of the teacher’s table and looking at them with beady black eyes that told Harry he was assessing them. He heard Draco’s name being called and looked at the Hat interestedly.
Hermione had already been sorted into Slytherin, but that wasn’t too surprising. The girl Harry had studied with in his early years had changed so much that it was better to believe that this Hermione was a new person. Since her adoption Hermione looked exactly like Aunt Bella except her light brown eyes. She was a fanatic when it came to learning Defence and Harry tried his best not to get on her bad side. Ernie had also been sorted into Hufflepuff like he had hoped. Grandma Melania would be happy. Maybe she would make their favourite sweets for them again.
Draco swaggered to the little stool on which the Hat rested and Harry sighed when he heard Ron sniggering. The Hat had barely touched his head when it shouted ‘SLYTHERIN!’
Harry clapped loudly and Draco puffed up his chest and walked to the Slytherin Table. He heard his name get called and made sure to keep his back straight and head high as he walked to the stool. The Hat almost covered his eyes when it rested on his head but Harry didn’t care. All he wanted was for this day to finish so that he could start exploring the castle tomorrow. Lord Voldemort had discovered the Chamber of Secrets during his school years and had released pictures a few years back. Harry wondered if Rowena Ravenclaw had left any books behind. Maybe he should acquaint himself with the Hogwarts Library first.
‘Ah! A thirst for knowledge and the ambition to learn everything there is to learn. There is bravery too but not enough for you to be comfortable in the House of Lions. Sytherin or Ravenclaw?’ Before Harry could snap and ask the Hat to hurry up it shouted, ‘RAVENCLAW!’
Harry took off the Hat and looked at Draco who had a smug expression on his face that clearly said ‘knew it’. Everyone who knew Harry had speculated that he would go to Ravenclaw and he knew his Father must have had a few nightmares about him going to Gryffindor. But he had never been particularly bothered about which house he would go to, he knew wherever he went he would do his own thing and Ravenclaw was the perfect house if you wanted to be left alone.
He sat at the table and his housemates Terry Boot, Anthony Goldstein and Michael Corner gave him nods of recognition. He had never been particularly close to any of them but they seemed like decent people. He let his eyes wander around the hall and looked at the teachers table. He knew most of them from the many parties he had to go to.
Barty Crouch Jr, the Deputy Headmaster and Arithmancy professor was one of Uncle Sev’s best friends and was extremely intelligent. After Lord Voldemort he had been the only person who had achieved all Os on their OWLS and NEWTS.
Minerva McGonagall and Filius Flitwick were the only teachers who were from Dumbledore’s time. Professor McGonagall taught Transfiguration and though Harry didn’t know about her a lot she seemed strict and competent. He had heard good things about Flitwick too.
Harry looked at the Hat when he heard Theo’s name and a few minutes later Theo was in Ravenclaw too. Harry knew how worried Theo had been about the sorting since his father expected him to be in Slytherin but he seemed happy enough right now so Harry clapped loudly for him.
“You okay?” Harry whispered to Theo as he sat down next to him.
“Yes. I spoke to Father and he said he had stopped expecting me to be in Slytherin as soon as I became friends with you.”
Harry snorted and nodded.
Harry had enjoyed the feast at Hogwarts. The food was just as good as the elves at the Manor made but there was something about the atmosphere that made it taste better. Before any of them could go out of the Great Hall Headmaster Snape stood up.
“Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. I hope you all haven’t forgotten the things you learnt last year. All students will be given their schedules tomorrow morning at breakfast. Now, I would like to welcome the Dark Lord into the hall.” Uncle Sev said and everyone clapped.
The doors to the Great Hall opened and Lord Voldemort walked in, just as tall as ever with as red as they had been all those years ago. He walked to the front of the hall and roamed his eyes over all the students. Harry wondered if it was his delusion that they stopped at him for a moment. They had decided not to publicise the fact that his wand was Voldemort’s brother wand till they knew how he would react to the information. Only his immediate family knew and even Draco knew not to boast about it.
“Hogwarts is not just a school. It is a legacy. Every year the best and most powerful witches and wizards are chosen to attend Hogwarts. I hope all our first years realise how fortunate they are and what a wonderful opportunity they have been given. I urge you to reach your highest potential and not hesitate to ask for help from your fellow students or professors. I will look forward to seeing each and every one of you do your best in Hogwarts and later in life.”
From the way every student was listening to the man Harry assumed the speech changed every year. Or maybe the staring had more to do with how magnetic the man looked. Harry could feel the power flowing from him in waves and the children sitting closest to Voldemort looked a little dazed.
But it was a nice speech and Harry promised himself that he would learn everything he could and reach his highest potential.
A few hours later Harry was lying in his bed in the Ravenclaw tower. The rooms weren’t as lavish as his room at the Manor but Harry liked it. The common room had been circular and filled with books while the ceiling had been similar to the Great Hall except that it could show the night sky during the day too. It helped the students with their Astronomy work.
Thankfully Ravenclaws weren’t expected to share their dorms with all the boys in their year. Two of them had been given a room and once they started their Third Year they would get a room all to themselves. Harry was sharing with Theo.
Harry wondered what classes he would have the next day and how challenging they would be. They hadn’t been allowed to use their real wands at Little Sorcerers but Harry had sneaked into Father’s library which was the most well warded room in the Manor and used Mother’s wand to practice. It wasn’t the best fit for him – not like his Holly and Phoenix feather wand but it worked well enough.
He sighed loudly and mentally sent thanks to the silencing curtains around his bed. Theo was a light sleeper and he didn’t deserve to be disturbed just because Harry couldn’t sleep. He closed his eyes and started reciting Potions ingredients alphabetically. Hopefully that would put him to sleep.
Two weeks later and Harry was having the time of his life even if the course load was lighter than expected. He schedule was very open with a lot of free periods distributed across the week. He had been reading something or the other constantly and it was always interesting in the Ravenclaw common room where someone charmed a violin to play increasingly difficult tunes in one corner while someone else practiced summoning demons in the other corner.
He had spent some time with Draco almost every day but Draco was best handled in small doses and Harry spent a lot of his free time in different parts of the castle sketching while Theo read increasingly thicker books at his side as long as Harry sat in the common room or in the sunny grounds.
Professor Flitwick must have noticed he was having an easy time with classes because he had asked him to stay after class one day and suggested joining some club. First years were only allowed to join Herbology club or Astronomy Club and while Harry knew a lot about stars thanks to his many Black relatives he didn’t enjoy it very much. He had wanted to join Ancient Studies and learn about curses from Egypt or Native American spirit animals but he could only join that club in third year.
He had also started roaming around the castle with one or the other book in his hand. Theo was studying Ancient Runes in his free time and didn’t particularly enjoy exploring the castle so Harry had mostly been alone. He was reading a book on Spell Theory and not watching where he was going when he walked into someone. He gave the boy a disdainful expression he had learnt from his mother when the boy nodded.
“Malfoy”
Harry nodded back and said “Zabini”. Blaise Zabini hadn’t attended Little Sorcerers with them. He had Italian citizenship as well so it wasn’t compulsory for him to but Harry had met him a few times at some international balls. He had a permanently bored expression on his face and was pleasant enough but beyond that Harry didn’t know much about him.
“Call me Blaise. Maybe you should find a nice corner to read in” Zabini drawled but his eyes were full of mirth.
Harry almost smiled back but then sniffed exaggeratedly and said “Then you can call me Harry. And I’m multitasking.”
Zabini smirked and said “I’d rather call you Hadrian. It’s a beautiful name for a beautiful boy. I’m going to the Music Room. Want to come?”
Years of practice and truly horrendous lessons under Great-Aunt Cassiopeia were the only things that stopped Harry’s blush. “I thought we couldn’t join the Music Club yet.”
“We can’t but that doesn’t mean we cannot use the room. The club performs in the school and participates in Inter-School competitions. But there is no restriction when it comes to playing the instruments the club owns.”
“Ah” Harry said looking at Blaise curiously. Harry wondered which instrument he played. His fingers weren’t long like Draco’s or Mum’s but he did have a nice voice. Maybe he sang.
“Which instrument do you play?”
“The Guitar. My father’s family doesn’t approve of such a Muggle pastime but it is something I enjoy and my mother has never been one for such social niceties”
They entered the Music Room and Harry’s breath caught. It was beautiful. There were floor to ceiling windows on the walls and the glass was stained with instances from famous Magical stories and Musicals. Instruments were lying all around the room and there was a dais, similar to the Quidditch bleachers for what Harry assumed was the School Choir.
“Will you play for me?” Harry asked eyes wide with awe and a soft smile on his face.
Blaise’s face softened and he nodded. He picked up a maroon coloured guitar with gold swirls on it and if Harry hadn’t been so interested in listening to him he probably would have made a joke about the Gryffindor colours. Harry sat at a bench in front of Blaise and looked at him as he played. He looked serene and he was truly talented. Before long, he started singing in a slightly husky voice.
Che bella cosa na jurnata 'e sole,
n'aria serena doppo na tempesta!
Pe' ll'aria fresca pare già na festa...
Che bella cosa na jurnata 'e sole.
Ma n'atu sole
cchiù bello, oje ne'.
O sole mio
sta 'nfronte a te!
O sole
O sole mio
sta 'nfronte a te!
sta 'nfronte a te!
Harry had closed his eyes sometime during the song but he opened them and clapped for Blaise once he was done. “What does it mean?”
Blaise blushed a little but then smirked. “It means a sunny day is a beautiful thing but I have a sun that is more beautiful. My own sun that is upon your face.”
“You’re very talented”
“Thank you. So what do you like to do besides reading while walking?”
Harry laughed. “I draw. I have been doing a lot of that these past few days so I decided to explore the castle and I started reading my book once I found myself finding classroom after classroom. You want to come? Maybe we’ll find something interesting together.”
“After you” Blaise said and they walked out of the Music Room together.
Severus was standing in the Potions classroom waiting for the first Potions class of First Year students. This introductory class was shared by all the houses together and was the only one Severus would teach them till they passed their O.W.L.S. The class wasn’t held till the students had completed 2 months at Hogwarts learning Practical Herbology and revising the ingredient preparation they learnt at Little Sorcerers.
The Hufflepuffs entered first like in most classes, they were the most adept at finding new classrooms in the least time every year. The Ravenclaws entered next likely because their prefects had asked them to memorise a map of Hogwarts within their first month here. Hadrian and Theo were not with them, probably spending time with Draco or Hermione. But then Hadrian entered along with the Zabini boy. They had become fast friends in their time here, Severus had a feeling it was because Hadrian could ask Zabini about Muggles without getting in trouble and get correct information.
Hadrian looked at him and gave him a bright smile, his green eyes shining. Eyes so similar to ones he had loved once, so long ago. But those eyes had never looked at him like this. Severus didn’t know how Hadrian matched that particular shade of green and truthfully he didn’t care to either but every time Hadrian looked at him with love, pride and admiration in his eyes the hurt from all those years ago soothed a little.
He had never agreed with or liked Lucius and Narcissa’s decision to make him godfather. He had never been very parental and he couldn’t exactly emulate his parents when it came to caring for a child. He had not been around in Hadrian’s early years, choosing to send him gifts and postcards but he had returned when Hadrian was four and found an extremely intelligent and precocious child who didn’t have enough energy to run around with his brother but still chose to call him his best friend.
He had always loved Hadrian, from the day he had performed the blessing ritual. You couldn’t do something like without pure intentions and love for a child but over the years he had started feeling pride in the man Hadrian would grow into. And frankly, if he wanted to talk about Muggles or read some science-fiction Severus didn’t particularly care.
The rest of the students were seated by now and Severus walked in front of the desk and gave them his most intimidating stare. Draco and Harry looked amused, Hermione looked bored and the rest of them looked wary or scared. Mission Accomplished.
"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," he began. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, but had them hanging on every word. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even stopper death— if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."
The children looked at him with wide eyes and he was pretty sure he heard Zacharias Smith squeak.
“However, I teach only the best. I only teach the children who obtain an O on their owls and prove that they are dedicated to this subject. Professor Poculla will be teaching you Potions till your O.W.L.S and those of you who do not have what it takes to enter my classroom but still want a N.E.W.T in Potions will continue with her even after Fifth year. Today’s class is simply to see if you have learnt anything in all the years you have been learning about ingredients. Today you will be brewing the first part of the Forgetfulness Potion. Instructions can be found in your books on Page 32. Begin”
He walked around the room noticing how someone chose their ingredients, how they chopped them, their hand movements and if they followed the recipe or tried to improve it. Draco and Hadrian knew an improved recipe and they were following that. Hermione was following the book but noticing the difference in the steps made by Draco and would probably learn the new recipe by tonight. Severus would never have believed a child would benefit from having Bellatrix as a mother but Hermione had only improved since the day she had been adopted.
Most of the Ravenclaws and Slytherins were capable brewers but Severus was surprised to see that the most talented student in his class was Susan Bones. She didn’t look like she had brewed this before but she had an instinctive understanding of how the recipe worked. Severus had despaired once that neither his godson nor his godson’s brother, were naturally inclined towards Potions. They were good students but Draco had always been interested in Transfiguration and Hadrian in Curses and Spell Crafting.
He watched Susan Bones for some more time and even stood behind her to see if she could perform under pressure but she remained unflappable and continued brewing. He would have to keep an eye on this one.
As he walked to his table he saw a cauldron bubbling dangerously from the corner of his eye and quickly created a shield around it. The cauldron burst and Finnegan jumped but thankfully no one got hurt.
“Finnegan! 5 points from Gryffindor! Can’t you read the instructions? You have to brew it at a gentle heat. Detention with Professor Poculla tonight!”
Finnegan swore and Severus gave him his best glare. “2 more points from Gryffindor!” Even the Gryffindors were glaring at him now.
“You will come to this classroom after Dinner and brew this potion again.”
Fifteen Minutes later the students had left the classroom and Severus sighed. There was one every year. At least he wouldn’t have to deal with him again and even if he had to, not for 5 years at least.
Narcissa was adjusting her Pale Blue robes that matched the colour of eyes perfectly. Her hair was collected in an elegant updo and she was wearing the diamond necklace and earrings Lucius had gifted her this morning. Today was the 10th anniversary of the day the Dark Lord had defeated Dumbledore and they were attending a ball in the Ministry to commemorate the occasion.
“Ready love?” Lucius asked as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. He touched the skin on her neck around the diamond necklace and Narcissa rested her head against his shoulder.
“You look exquisite” he murmured and kissed her neck “When we come back home, I want you to lie on the bed wearing nothing but these diamonds”
“And what will you do then?” she gasped.
He bit her earlobe lightly and said “I’ll thank for making me the luckiest wizard on Earth for having you in his life and on his arm”
Narcissa moaned, then turned and gave Lucius a hard kiss. “We’ll be late darling. You look wonderful too. The most handsome Minister in the history of Britain”
Lucius sighed but nodded.
The ball was in full swing and Lucius was mingling with the crowds while Narcissa rested her feet for a moment. Being the Minister’s wife was tedious work. She saw Lucius walking towards her with the Dark Lord and stood up.
She curtsied and gave the man a smile. “Good evening My Lord. May I extend my congratulations on such a joyous occasion”
The Dark Lord nodded at her. “Are you enjoying your duties as wife of the Minister?”
“I enjoy the power that comes with it My Lord. Dealing with incompetent people and all the paperwork from the charities, not so much”
The Dark Lord chuckled and it reminded Narcissa of dark chocolate and blood. She stopped herself from shivering.
“Your boys have started at Hogwarts I heard? How are they doing?”
Lucius answered for her this time. “They’re doing well. Draco was sorted into Slytherin and Hadrian into Ravenclaw. They’ve been diligent about their studies and extra-curriculars”
The man nodded and looked straight at Narcissa. “I’ve heard good things about Hadrian, an intelligent and powerful boy.” Narcissa had no doubt he knew about Hadrian’s wand but Lucius nodded looking proud.
“He makes us proud”
“I’ll be keeping an eye on him. Someone as talented as him should get the correct training. I still remember his powerful accidental magic from when he was younger”
Even Lucius looked a little apprehensive now. Narcissa sent her most charming smile the Dark Lord’s way and hoped his interest in Hadrian died as soon as he saw Hadrian had no interest in taking over Britain. She didn’t know what they would do if Hadrian was in danger from the Ruler of Magical Britain itself.
Harry threw a snowball at the back of Draco’s head and he fell face first on the snow. They were at Maison de Black for their Yule Break and Blaise had accompanied Harry because his mother was busy with her latest fiancé in Brazil. Draco gave Harry a glare once he stood up, shouted a war cry and ran at him like a bull. Harry screamed and started running. He could hear Blaise, Ernie and Theo howling with laughter and he was sure Hermione was making more snowballs to throw at the boys.
He ran into Grandma Melania and hid behind her. She laughed softly, turned and pulled him into a hug. “Come children, I’ve made hot chocolate and we have to start baking now.”
They all yelled joyfully and ran to the kitchen. Grandma Melania always made the best cookies and she was the best person to be around this holiday because the rest of the Blacks were in an especially foul mood. Sirius Black, the white sheep of the family was coming to visit this Yule.
No one admitted to it but Grandpa Arcturus believed he wouldn’t live too long now and he wanted to choose his heir once and for all. Sirius Black had been blasted off the Tapestry at Grimmauld Place by Aunt Walburga when he had run away from home. Harry didn’t blame him because anyone who could stay in the same room as the woman for an hour had his respect and Sirius had lived with her for sixteen years. Cousin Regulus had been made the heir after him but once he had died Sirius was the legal heir again.
They spent the rest of the day drinking Hot Chocolate, making gingerbread cookies and then went to their rooms to get dressed. They were standing in the Parlour in a line in the order of their ages with Hermione the first to be introduced and Harry the last. Sirius Black stepped through the floo and while he greeted the elders Harry looked at him. He looked remarkably like Harry, or maybe Harry looked like him except for the green eyes and the baby fat. Draco and the other kids stared between them, curiosity and wonder on their faces.
Sirius greeted every child and then stepped back in shock when he looked at Harry. Father never would have shown his surprise on his face.
“Cousin Sirius, may I introduce you to my second son – Hadrian Malfoy” Mum said softly.
Sirius kept staring at him for some more time so Harry decided to take the initiative. He gave the man a small bow and said, “Cousin Sirius. Welcome to Maison de Black”
Sirius returned the bow and said, “Cousin Hadrian”
“Call me Harry” Harry said and grinned at the man. Almost everyone in the room looked at him with resigned frustration on their faces. Sirius relaxed and grinned back and Aunt Bella cackled.
“Let us move to the dining room” Grandma Melania said and led everyone to the room they used while hosting. Harry didn’t like it as much as the one they ate at every Yule but needs must.
The children had been allowed to sit at the Adult Table today, notice Sirius and learn what they shouldn’t grow into under any circumstance. The table was laden with traditional Yule Food – Pork Roast, Winter Solstice Soup, Moon Cookies, Ale and a Chocolate Yule Log in the centre.
Sirius looked at the table a slightly wistful expression his face but looked at Grandpa Arcturus when he cleared his throat.
“How are you Sirius? Enjoying your time in the Colonies?”
Sirius laughed loudly but sounded more like a bark and less like a laugh. “They haven’t been Colonies for 200 years now Grandfather. But yes, I am enjoying myself. I’ve opened a business and even teach a few classes on Enchanting at Ilvermony.”
Grandpa Arcturus looked impressed and all the children stared at Sirius with admiration on their faces. Enchanting was a very difficult field of study and required extensive knowledge in Transfiguration and Charms besides the caster being precise and creative. Sirius preened a little and Hadrian realised that you could take a person out of the Black family but you can never take the Black out of him.
“How are the Potters?” Mum asked politely.
Sirius’ face fell a little but he schooled his expression soon. “Things were tough for a while after they left” He said stiffly “But they had a son a few years later. He turned 7 this March” He had a soft expression on his face as he talked about the boy.
“That is good news” Mum said sincerely. “Convey our Congratulations”
Aunt Bella scoffed and Sirius glared at her. “Something you want to say, Cousin Bella?”
Before Aunt Bella could answer Father started talking about the investment opportunities in America. Sirius didn’t look like he knew much about them but he let the topic change without too much fuss.
Crisis averted for now.
Lucius walked in the Black Family Mansion looking for Hadrian. Sirius Black had been staying with them for the past three days and had left an hour ago after transferring the title of Heir Black to Hadrian and Regent Black to Cassiopeia Black.
But Lucius wasn’t looking for his son to congratulate him. He was looking for him to ask what was wrong with the boy. For the past three days Hadrian had been acting more uncouth than usual, spending time with Black, talking to him about pranking of all things. Lucius would have believed it to be Black’s influence if he had not heard them discussing a prank on Slytherins at dinner last night. Hadrian hated practical pranks.
Hadrian had always been a little different from the rest of the Malfoys – more open, less arrogant and less prone to seeking fame and power and while Lucius had been frustrated with him at times he had always been proud. Hadrian was a smart, curious child who loved his family and respected their traditions. Why he was behaving like a half-blood with bad breeding he didn’t know and he was worried.
He walked to Cassiopeia’s section of the Mansion. She lived in Wales most of the year but visited Arcturus in France regularly. She had always been fond of Hadrian and he had always stayed close to her at Black Family Gatherings when he was not playing with the other children. Lucius had never cared to ask what they talked about because Cassiopeia’s views were similar to his.
He heard voices coming out of her study and stood outside the door listening to the two of them.
“You did well this week Hadrian”
“Thanks Aunty” Hadrian said almost cheekily.
Cassiopeia wasn’t known for her patience but she gave Hadrian an indulgent smile. “You know I wouldn’t let anyone else call me that”
“But I’m your favourite”
“Maybe you are”
“I almost couldn’t sometimes you know. He is an intelligent and talented man but he kept talking about Slimy Slytherins and he called Uncle Sev Snivellus!” Hadrian said outraged.
“Sirius was always a hypocrite, calling us prejudiced and then doing the same himself. But you handled him well. I knew you would be the Heir regardless but we might need him someday and it would be good if he identifies with you”
“He asked me you know? If anyone mistreats me because I’m different.”
“Ever the Gryffindor” Cassiopeia snorted. “Blunt and naïve. What did you tell him?”
“That sometimes it’s tough being different from my family but I love them anyway. He gave me a sympathetic look. I’ve never wanted to use Muggle violence more than I did at that moment.”
“Why?”
“Why not?” Hadrian shouted and Lucius winced. Hadrians temper was truly something to be wary of. “I love my family, I love my parents. I know I’m different but I’m an asset to them and they have never condemned me for being different. Father looks troubled sometimes but I know that is because he worries and not because I don’t fit into some mould of the perfect Malfoy child.”
“Bravo! Sounding more and more like Sirius with every sentence. I’ve told you, control your temper.”
Hadrian sent her a betrayed look and she sighed.
“Harry, love you don’t need to shout to get your point across. And you share a few qualities with Gryffindors but only when you’re with people you trust. When you’ve lived as long as I have you realise they are wonderful qualities to have at opportune moments – a sense of right and wrong, stubbornness and bravery are not bad qualities.”
“I know. I don’t have any problems with Gryffindors. I probably wouldn’t have minded if I myself was in Gryffindor. I just – He called Uncle Sev Snivellus and talked about how they bullied him.” Hadrian sounded close to tears and Cassiopeia pulled him against herself.
“You did well. I’m proud of you. If you don’t want to, you will never have to meet him again.”
“Thanks Aunty”
Lucius smirked to himself with satisfaction as Hadrian hugged Cassiopeia. He had always wondered if he should have been more like his father when it came to raising his children but when he had seen Hadrian for the first time, half the size of Draco and barely as tall as his palm he had promised to himself he would be whatever his child needed him to be.
Hadrian wasn’t as close to Lucius as he was to Cissy but Lucius knew that he would come to him if he ever needed any help without shame or apprehension. At least in that respect he had done better than his father had ever managed to do.
He decided to go back to the Family Parlour before anyone realised he had been here.