Summary: Harry Potter's 5th year at Hogwarts a new and strange teacher
comes to the school. Lucius is confronted with his past. Was he always this
way? (This is AU) Rated R for future chapters.
Bard's Tale
Departures and Arrivals, Part 1
She stepped from the shower, droplets of water clinging to her pale skin; wrapping a towel around herself she heard a knock on her chamber door. Walking to the door she opened it to see a tall warrior elf standing there.
"Yes, Bakai Leldorial?" she said, as the elf made a half bow.
"Lady, their majesties request your presence, they have received word from your grandfather. It is time."
"Thank you, Bakai." She said, addressing him by his title. " I will be along presently. I will need but a few moments to make myself presentable."
Even after 15 years of living Underhill she retained the formal address of the high court even when in her private suite. Warrior elves could be extremely touchy and unlike their diminutive cousins the house elves, whom existed to give service, they were likely to engage you in a duel for the slightest perceived insult. The warlord elf sketched a most elegant bow and nodded.
"Thank you, Bard." She noticed his eyes taking in her damp hair and the towel wrapped around her. "Pray, forgive me for disturbing your ablutions." She waved her hand.
"Think nothing of it, Leldorial. This news, while expected, is to great to wait upon." The elf bowed again and retreated up the corridor.
Shutting the door, she moved to her dressing area and began to look through her formal attire. Liselle, the elf assigned as her servitor began to move about the chamber getting things ready. She chose a gown of dark green velvet, cut in a renaissance style, it's hem embroidered with black roses and silver snakes, the enchanted embroidery making the snakes slither in and out from behind the roses. Sitting at her dressing table she gave the dress to the young elf.
"I will wear this Lise, please get me the black velvet slippers to go with it."
"And your hair, Lady?" she inquired while moving off to get the shoes.
"Leave it, there is not enough time for it to dry. I do not wish to keep their majesties waiting." She replied as she began to comb out the wet strands. She stood to allow the elf to draw the gown over her head. Shifting her shoulders she settled the dress into its proper position and slipped her feet in the soft slippers. Placing a headband in her hair to hold it back from her face she moved quickly out the door, her soft soled shoes making no sound on the polished floor.
Moving gracefully and swiftly through the forest complex to the audience chamber, she reflected on the news that has been brought to her. Through the blood bond she shared she had felt the change, just as she had felt it all those years ago. She shook her head and cursed softly, engrossed in her studies she had come to regard this as her home, she did not wish to go back. There was far too much pain and betrayal to face there. Her lips tightening as she regally swept into the audience chamber, she had to go it was her duty. She had given her word, her solemn promise to her dearest friend. Making a low curtsey to the figures on the twin thrones she waited for them to address her.
"Thank you for responding so quickly, Tara Rose." The elven queen said softly. Gesturing for Tara to rise she continued to speak. "We would not have requested you with such haste if the situation was not a grave one." The elf queen Tatiana looked to her husband Oberon.
"Lady Bard" he said, "We have received word from Dumbledore, and it is time for you to return to the wizard world. The evil one has returned and your skills will be needed in the upcoming conflict. He requests that you come to Hogwarts with all speed."
Tara nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. I understand my duty, and what is required of me."
The elf ruler nodded his approval at her answer, while his consort spoke. "My dear, We have no doubt of your dedication, however We are concerned with your feelings. You will be thrust back into a world that you left in great pain, both in body and spirit. Are you prepared to face those feelings? Are you prepared for the challenges and sacrifices that you will be asked to make?"
Tara sighed heavily. "Ma'am, I do not have answers to the questions you ask me. I can only say that I will have to deal with them as they present themselves, for good or ill." Tatiana pursed her lips and gazed at the bardic adept.
"You know that you only have need to call Us Lady, and My warriors will gate to you" Oberon promised. "You have My word it will be so." "Thank you, Your Majesty" Tara said while dropping into a low curtsey "Please forgive me but I should retire to my chamber to pack and make ready to depart" Oberon nods, and rose to take Tara's hands in his.
"May all the blessings of the gods be with you my dear" He kissed her cheeks as she murmured her thanks. The elven queen placed her hands along Tara's face.
"Take care, child. You have become very dear to all of Us. We will miss you." She kissed Tara's forehead and released her, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Thank you Ma'am, you and your husband have become like family to me and I will miss you as well." Tara said as one tear slowly began to run a track down her cheek. King Oberon took a leaf and caught the drop.
"You give Us a great gift Lady," he said reverently as he waved his hand to preserve the leaf and teardrop forever. "We thank you." He bowed his head to her. Tara backed away from the dais, and exited the chamber.
*************************
Albus Dumbledore sighed heavily and leaned back into his chair. Soon the new school term would start and he was worried. While Hogwarts was safe for the time being, it would all to soon become a target. Voldemort would not attack yet, however the school was far to tempting a target for the dark lord to leave for long. Dumbledore shook his head to clear his thoughts, worrying about the future was rather pointless, he felt, since the future would come whether he worried or not; besides he had taken steps to ensure the school's safety, he hoped. He turned his attention to tasks that needed completion before the school opened next week. He spoke to his beloved phoenix as he perused the list. "Well Fawkes, this new term will prove to be an interesting one. Mark my words. I only hope that it will be less of a burden for young Harry. The boy needs a break."
Fawkes spread his wings and landed on the arm of Dumbledore's chair and rubbed his head against Dumbledore's arm in comfort.
"Ah, thank you my dear friend." He said as she stroked the birds crest. He then cocked his head to the side, listening as he heard the sound of his staircase ascending. "It would seem that we are to have company. Ah Severus, how good of you to stop by, you are looking better after some time in the hospital wing." Welcoming the potions master into his office. "I apologize that your holiday has been such a painful one."
"It has been what it must be, Headmaster." Snape said as he limped to the chair in front of the desk and sunk wearily into it. " I asked Madam Pomfrey to leave a few of the more visible injuries for when the students arrive. As you know, some of them will be reporting to their parents." Dumbledore nodded. Since he had learned from experience not to push the Slytherin house-head for what was troubling him, he waited for the professor to state his reasons for his visit.
"Headmaster, I am worried about the school's security, the dark lord is manic in his desire to get at Potter, and he would stop at nothing to destroy the boy." Snape began.
"Yes Severus, I am well aware of Voldemort's desire to revenge himself on Harry and to do so he would go so far as to destroy the school, however I believe I have found a solution to that problem." Dumbledore said while peering over his half moon spectacles "I have sent for my granddaughter."
Snape looked at the school administrator in disbelief, "You can't be serious, what about her connections wi."
Dumbledore held up his hand to stop the Slytherin mid-sentence. "Yes, Yes Severus, I am well aware of my granddaughter's connections with those whom would serve Voldemort. However I know that she will stand against the Dark Lord, no matter where her feelings lie" He gave Snape a pointed look over the top of his spectacles. "Besides she is Harry's God-Mother, Lily had wanted it that way. You do remember that they were the best of friends."
"Humph!" Snape snorted. "An odd relationship, for the best seeker ever of Slytherin House, to be in; to say the least, especially with Potter playing for Gryffindor. I don't know how the two girls managed it and kept their loves lives straight. He and Lucius were not exactly civil to each other."
"Severus, please I have always tried not to think of Tara and Lucius Malfoy together, if I can help it." Dumbledore said with a pained expression.
Snape's lips curled. "You never liked him did you?"
Dumbledore regarded his potions master thoughtfully. Weighing his words carefully, "While he was at school, I had hoped that he would overcome his upbringing. He excelled in his school work, however he was a bully, often mistreating those of mixed blood with cruelty and disdain. I could never understand what my granddaughter saw in him, then again I often do not understand her at all."
"You keep expecting her to behave like a Gryffindor" Snape openly grinned at the older wizard. "She is a consummate Slytherin." Snape sat back in the chair, his eyes softening as he continued "Cunning, resourceful, ambitious, and highly competitive."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes she hates to lose, doesn't she?" He grew serious. "However she possesses many qualities of Gryffindor as well, bravery, fairness, loyal."
"Yes, Yes" Snape shifted in his seat, a hint of irritation coloring his voice. "When does she arrive? Has she completed her training?"
"According to my correspondence, she will be arriving the day before term starts." Dumbledore said as he held up a letter. "As for her training, while this note indicates she has completed her training, it does not say to what level. I can only hope she is strong enough for the task ahead."
Severus Snape's lips thinned as he gazed at Dumbledore. "Your playing a deadly game Albus."
Thank you for reading, feedback appreciated. Departures and Arrivals, Part 2 coming soon.
Bard's Tale
Departures and Arrivals, Part 1
She stepped from the shower, droplets of water clinging to her pale skin; wrapping a towel around herself she heard a knock on her chamber door. Walking to the door she opened it to see a tall warrior elf standing there.
"Yes, Bakai Leldorial?" she said, as the elf made a half bow.
"Lady, their majesties request your presence, they have received word from your grandfather. It is time."
"Thank you, Bakai." She said, addressing him by his title. " I will be along presently. I will need but a few moments to make myself presentable."
Even after 15 years of living Underhill she retained the formal address of the high court even when in her private suite. Warrior elves could be extremely touchy and unlike their diminutive cousins the house elves, whom existed to give service, they were likely to engage you in a duel for the slightest perceived insult. The warlord elf sketched a most elegant bow and nodded.
"Thank you, Bard." She noticed his eyes taking in her damp hair and the towel wrapped around her. "Pray, forgive me for disturbing your ablutions." She waved her hand.
"Think nothing of it, Leldorial. This news, while expected, is to great to wait upon." The elf bowed again and retreated up the corridor.
Shutting the door, she moved to her dressing area and began to look through her formal attire. Liselle, the elf assigned as her servitor began to move about the chamber getting things ready. She chose a gown of dark green velvet, cut in a renaissance style, it's hem embroidered with black roses and silver snakes, the enchanted embroidery making the snakes slither in and out from behind the roses. Sitting at her dressing table she gave the dress to the young elf.
"I will wear this Lise, please get me the black velvet slippers to go with it."
"And your hair, Lady?" she inquired while moving off to get the shoes.
"Leave it, there is not enough time for it to dry. I do not wish to keep their majesties waiting." She replied as she began to comb out the wet strands. She stood to allow the elf to draw the gown over her head. Shifting her shoulders she settled the dress into its proper position and slipped her feet in the soft slippers. Placing a headband in her hair to hold it back from her face she moved quickly out the door, her soft soled shoes making no sound on the polished floor.
Moving gracefully and swiftly through the forest complex to the audience chamber, she reflected on the news that has been brought to her. Through the blood bond she shared she had felt the change, just as she had felt it all those years ago. She shook her head and cursed softly, engrossed in her studies she had come to regard this as her home, she did not wish to go back. There was far too much pain and betrayal to face there. Her lips tightening as she regally swept into the audience chamber, she had to go it was her duty. She had given her word, her solemn promise to her dearest friend. Making a low curtsey to the figures on the twin thrones she waited for them to address her.
"Thank you for responding so quickly, Tara Rose." The elven queen said softly. Gesturing for Tara to rise she continued to speak. "We would not have requested you with such haste if the situation was not a grave one." The elf queen Tatiana looked to her husband Oberon.
"Lady Bard" he said, "We have received word from Dumbledore, and it is time for you to return to the wizard world. The evil one has returned and your skills will be needed in the upcoming conflict. He requests that you come to Hogwarts with all speed."
Tara nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. I understand my duty, and what is required of me."
The elf ruler nodded his approval at her answer, while his consort spoke. "My dear, We have no doubt of your dedication, however We are concerned with your feelings. You will be thrust back into a world that you left in great pain, both in body and spirit. Are you prepared to face those feelings? Are you prepared for the challenges and sacrifices that you will be asked to make?"
Tara sighed heavily. "Ma'am, I do not have answers to the questions you ask me. I can only say that I will have to deal with them as they present themselves, for good or ill." Tatiana pursed her lips and gazed at the bardic adept.
"You know that you only have need to call Us Lady, and My warriors will gate to you" Oberon promised. "You have My word it will be so." "Thank you, Your Majesty" Tara said while dropping into a low curtsey "Please forgive me but I should retire to my chamber to pack and make ready to depart" Oberon nods, and rose to take Tara's hands in his.
"May all the blessings of the gods be with you my dear" He kissed her cheeks as she murmured her thanks. The elven queen placed her hands along Tara's face.
"Take care, child. You have become very dear to all of Us. We will miss you." She kissed Tara's forehead and released her, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Thank you Ma'am, you and your husband have become like family to me and I will miss you as well." Tara said as one tear slowly began to run a track down her cheek. King Oberon took a leaf and caught the drop.
"You give Us a great gift Lady," he said reverently as he waved his hand to preserve the leaf and teardrop forever. "We thank you." He bowed his head to her. Tara backed away from the dais, and exited the chamber.
*************************
Albus Dumbledore sighed heavily and leaned back into his chair. Soon the new school term would start and he was worried. While Hogwarts was safe for the time being, it would all to soon become a target. Voldemort would not attack yet, however the school was far to tempting a target for the dark lord to leave for long. Dumbledore shook his head to clear his thoughts, worrying about the future was rather pointless, he felt, since the future would come whether he worried or not; besides he had taken steps to ensure the school's safety, he hoped. He turned his attention to tasks that needed completion before the school opened next week. He spoke to his beloved phoenix as he perused the list. "Well Fawkes, this new term will prove to be an interesting one. Mark my words. I only hope that it will be less of a burden for young Harry. The boy needs a break."
Fawkes spread his wings and landed on the arm of Dumbledore's chair and rubbed his head against Dumbledore's arm in comfort.
"Ah, thank you my dear friend." He said as she stroked the birds crest. He then cocked his head to the side, listening as he heard the sound of his staircase ascending. "It would seem that we are to have company. Ah Severus, how good of you to stop by, you are looking better after some time in the hospital wing." Welcoming the potions master into his office. "I apologize that your holiday has been such a painful one."
"It has been what it must be, Headmaster." Snape said as he limped to the chair in front of the desk and sunk wearily into it. " I asked Madam Pomfrey to leave a few of the more visible injuries for when the students arrive. As you know, some of them will be reporting to their parents." Dumbledore nodded. Since he had learned from experience not to push the Slytherin house-head for what was troubling him, he waited for the professor to state his reasons for his visit.
"Headmaster, I am worried about the school's security, the dark lord is manic in his desire to get at Potter, and he would stop at nothing to destroy the boy." Snape began.
"Yes Severus, I am well aware of Voldemort's desire to revenge himself on Harry and to do so he would go so far as to destroy the school, however I believe I have found a solution to that problem." Dumbledore said while peering over his half moon spectacles "I have sent for my granddaughter."
Snape looked at the school administrator in disbelief, "You can't be serious, what about her connections wi."
Dumbledore held up his hand to stop the Slytherin mid-sentence. "Yes, Yes Severus, I am well aware of my granddaughter's connections with those whom would serve Voldemort. However I know that she will stand against the Dark Lord, no matter where her feelings lie" He gave Snape a pointed look over the top of his spectacles. "Besides she is Harry's God-Mother, Lily had wanted it that way. You do remember that they were the best of friends."
"Humph!" Snape snorted. "An odd relationship, for the best seeker ever of Slytherin House, to be in; to say the least, especially with Potter playing for Gryffindor. I don't know how the two girls managed it and kept their loves lives straight. He and Lucius were not exactly civil to each other."
"Severus, please I have always tried not to think of Tara and Lucius Malfoy together, if I can help it." Dumbledore said with a pained expression.
Snape's lips curled. "You never liked him did you?"
Dumbledore regarded his potions master thoughtfully. Weighing his words carefully, "While he was at school, I had hoped that he would overcome his upbringing. He excelled in his school work, however he was a bully, often mistreating those of mixed blood with cruelty and disdain. I could never understand what my granddaughter saw in him, then again I often do not understand her at all."
"You keep expecting her to behave like a Gryffindor" Snape openly grinned at the older wizard. "She is a consummate Slytherin." Snape sat back in the chair, his eyes softening as he continued "Cunning, resourceful, ambitious, and highly competitive."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes she hates to lose, doesn't she?" He grew serious. "However she possesses many qualities of Gryffindor as well, bravery, fairness, loyal."
"Yes, Yes" Snape shifted in his seat, a hint of irritation coloring his voice. "When does she arrive? Has she completed her training?"
"According to my correspondence, she will be arriving the day before term starts." Dumbledore said as he held up a letter. "As for her training, while this note indicates she has completed her training, it does not say to what level. I can only hope she is strong enough for the task ahead."
Severus Snape's lips thinned as he gazed at Dumbledore. "Your playing a deadly game Albus."
Thank you for reading, feedback appreciated. Departures and Arrivals, Part 2 coming soon.
