Yay! I try to make the chapters the same length, but in the end this one was a bit longer. And the funny thing is that I intended to write in the gala scene, but it would have made the chapter waayy too long. You'll know what I'm talking about once you read on…

Artemis easily apparated alongside Arthur to his home, but he hadn't expected what he saw. He'd forgotten that it was December, and the ground was completely covered in snow. His breath came out in big white puffs as he started to shiver. Casting a quick warming charm, he tried to ignore the snow that was getting into his shoes and making his socks wet. The house was… not what he had imagined. He knew the last name Weasley well, and from what he could remember, Faeron Weasley had quite a bit of money stashed away. In fact, there was talk that his new born son, Septimus, had burnt their kitchen to the floor with accidental magic, and the Weasleys were hardly worried about the damage cost.

"It's alright. So I'll be sleeping in an over-sized dog house. Be polite, be grateful." Artemis muttered under his breath. He tried to stifle back the thought that it was highly possible that everything he was wearing at the moment cost more than the house, but it rose to his mind none the less. After all, just the emerald and diamond Malfoy crest ring was well over nine hundred galleons. (about $10,000) Looking down at the sparkling ring, he modestly slipped it off and placed it in his front pocket. There was no need to make his host feel inferior… he let that sort of attitude stay in his office. All of the lights were off in the house as the Malfoy entered. At least it looked better from the inside… he was ashamed to say that he had been expecting hay beds at this point.

"It's not much, but it's home."

Artemis kindly ignored the blush that rose up on the Weasley's cheeks. Arthur obviously had not expected him to say yes to his offer, but there was no going back now… at least until the morning came again.

"It's fine. Do you mind if I take the couch?"

"Oh! Well you don't have to do that. We have many rooms here and…"

"I could tell… from the numerous floors of your home." Artemis groaned at how condescending he sounded, and tried his best to cover it up. "It's rather silly, but I have an odd habit of going to sleep by fireplaces."

Arthur smiled at him and nodded his head warmly; the very personalized comment seemingly covering up for his past faux pas. For a moment, as the room was once again engulfed by silence, it looked like the elder Weasley meant to say something else but only shook his head.

"Do you need anything else?"

"No, no I think I'll be fine. Thank you for your kindness."

Arthur hesitantly nodded before retreating to his room. Artemis watched him go and stood completely still until he heard the soft whoosh and click of a door. He let a frown fall on to his face. Why hadn't just gone home? Or tried to explain his problems to this Lucius person who was most likely his grandson? Well it was because that just wasn't how it was done. Confronting a Malfoy in such matters meant going to the paper and publishing such an 'extraordinary' event. He refused to be published on the front page as the confused time traveler or the long lost family member who needed refuge… it made him look weak and smeared his image like ink on clean parchment. He had to come out with a bang. How, well he had no idea. And at the moment, he was too mentally and physically taxed to even start a mock up plan.

Taking off his long green robes, he wondered over to a small bookcase situated by an old Prewett grandfather clock. The books were either second hand or passed down by families, but at least the spine and bindings weren't falling off. Taking a book from the shelf called Magical Gardens, Artemis shrugged his shoulders at the random topic of reading and sat down by the fire. Flipping the book open, he noticed that it had been written just about five years ago. Despite how tired he was, he felt bubbles of excitement explode within him. How much had the world changed? Would simply reading a book about something as ordinary as gardening give him access to hundreds of spells he would never have been able to experience back in his time?

For a moment, his hand hovered in the air while he read the book before it settled back down on to the chair again. He'd almost forgotten that Shea and Abraxas were no longer here. But his mind seemed to wonder less and less to his son and wife in the past as his curiosity grew. Had his son accomplished what he never had the chance to do? What about Lucius? And was he a great grandfather yet?

"What a bizarre thought. Me, a great grandfather at the age of twenty-seven…"

It wasn't until three hours later did he fall asleep on the chair by the dying fire; a finished gardening book resting on his lap.

Waking up to shrieks was not an uncommon thing for Artemis. Since Abraxas had been born, the young lad had been a real wailer. The little boy definitely loved to voice his complaints in the middle of the night. But he wasn't used to frightened shrieks of woman so early in the morning. Eyes shooting open in surprise, Artemis watched as a red haired woman stared at him wide eyed in surprise with a wand drawn and pointed at his seated form. She was holding her chest as she breathed heavily from the shock. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he only stared back at her silently while a set of footsteps thundered down the hallway and into the living room.

"Molly! What's wrong! I heard a… oh. Oh! Honey, I'd like you to meet Artemis. Found him at the ministry late in the night, and he needed lodgings."

This woman, Molly, looked extremely upset that there was someone in her house without her knowing, and that Arthur hadn't bothered to ask or tell her before bringing him. But with a straightening of her back and smile on her face, she soon let out a strong aura of welcome. Artemis was quite impressed to say the least.

"Oh you must forgive me Artemis, dear. You gave me a right scare. For a moment you almost looked like someone I know. But you're much too young. My name is Molly Weasley."

Getting up from the chair, Artemis set down the book on his lap, strode over to Molly and kissed the top of her hand delicately with a small smile.

"Charmed. And I am Artemis Malfoy. I'm sorry to have intruded in your lovely home so unexpectedly."

"Malfoy?" Molly breathed nervously. "I don't remember Lucius ever having any other living male relatives under the Malfoy name... well except for his son."

Mind whirling with a well spun lie, Artemis gave a stunning smile. "Mhhh. That is not surprising. Several decades ago, Artemis Maximus Malfoy the first had a brother that was raised outside of England. I was named after him. Artemis Malfoy II. We lived in France seeing as there was tension between the family on who was to inherit what. It seems as I am the last of the second branch. Though I'm not entirely sure that Lucius Malfoy is aware of it."

Artemis let the subject go at that. They didn't need to know that 'it' was referring to his existence, and not the fact that the other extended family had died.

He unconsciously touched the Malfoy crest medallion; still safely hanging from his neck, which drew the attention of both Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

"Of course, of course. Will you be staying for breakfast?"

"No, no. But thank you. I must be off. There is much to be done, and Malfoys always have much to do."

With that, he gave both the frozen wizards a polite bow and turned around to leave the house. Stopping mid-step, Artemis twisted slowly on his heels so that he was facing the two red heads again and looked both of them straight in the eye; sending a legitimacy command to not mention him to anyone. It was much harder than he thought, but their minds were not entirely impermeable to his 'suggestions'.

"I do hope we met again. Have a splendid day."

Not really hearing their farewells, Artemis walked out the front door. The air was much chillier than he remembered (partly because he had been numb and in major shock last night), and his thin silk robes did nothing to ward off the cold. Once again, he set up another warming charm while he walked a little farther away from the house before apparating. With a snap, he was gone. And for the next several months, he worked harder than he ever did in his life.

"Mr. Malfoy! Sir! We've got another letter from the Indian Ministry of Magic. They want to speak to us about the man we sent to prison last night."

Artemis wheeled his chair around to face his young assistant. He'd been working for the New Zealand Ministry of Magic for about seven months now, and while he would have liked to climb the ladder of success to the top, Artemis didn't need publicity swarming all over him…not just yet at least. He'd already transferred his money, which had been locked away in his private vault untouched since he'd disappeared, to another vault in New Zealand. In truth, he would have much rather worked in France, but Britain and France were huge on delegators coming and going in each other's countries, and he would have had to travel to the British Ministry more than he found comfortable. He'd already paid a man to get him IDs, birth certificates, and constructed family photo albums. The man was a genius and it was somewhat a shame that Artemis had to promptly obliviate him and send him to prison for selling fake identification papers.

Shaking his head at the obvious irony, Artemis took off his reading glasses and looked up at his overworked assistant, Ebry.

"Tell them I've already sent the documents to high council and if they have any more inquiries, they best place it with Jenison."

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy. Also Jenison called in earlier. He was wondering if you would like to join him for tea this afternoon. If you must know sir, I think he wants you to go to the summer gala."

Artemis' eyebrows rose in interest before noticing the excited flush on his assistant's face.

"Tell him that I most certainly will meet with him. Is that all Ebry?"

The young man nodded his head before picking up a stack of books Artemis had placed out for him to take back to the library. "Oh and Ebry? If I do happen to go, I expect you to be well prepared when I take you."

"Y-yes sir! Thank you! I won't disappoint you, Mr. Malfoy."

Shaking his head at how clumsy Ebry presented himself quite a bit of the time, Artemis turned back to what he was doing. He was currently reading an article on The-Boy-Who-Lived and his supposed allegations that a dark lord had returned. In the past several months, he had read many articles, newspapers and doctrines, so he was very much up to date with what had transpired the past century, but he had no desire to actually get involved. He had planned to say no to Grindelwald when confronted on his participation in the radical revolution, and he also planned to say no to Voldemort as well… if the accusations were actually true of course. At the moment, he had better things to do than get pulled into radical movements unless he was the one leading it. No, he was confident that his presence here in this time was firmly secured, so all he had to do now was make his way back home. Tapping his quill in a rhythmic motion, Artemis smirked at how the words shifted to 'Lies' instead of 'Lived' at the end. His eyes shifted down to the name, Rita Skeeter, below the article.

"Interesting. I'd like to meet this Ms. Skeeter. Now what was Ebry saying about a Gala?"

A few hours later, he was warmly greeted by Hamel Jenison who was head of Law Enforcement in New Zealand. He was a portly man who held his position a little too lightly in Artemis' opinion. He grimaced to himself as he remembered the first time he had seen Jenison. The middle aged man had been in quite a sensual tangle with his secretary and hadn't even heard nor seen the Malfoy crack open the door. Artemis was absolutely appalled, disgusted and embarrassed at what he had witnessed. Why, in his time, women hardly even showed their knees. To see another woman in just her knickers other than his wife… was definitely a new experience. The young Malfoy hadn't mentioned to Jenison of the encounter either. Artemis knew that Jenison didn't know that he'd seen him in a very scandalous and compromising position, and Artemis planned to keep it that way… unless he needed a little blackmail to get what he wanted when he needed it.

"Ah! Artemis, my boy! How are you? Work going swimmingly?"

Artemis resisted the urge to flinch away when Jenison patted him on the back. Who knows where those hands had been… completely improper.

"Successful, thank you Mr. Jenison. I was wondering if you had received that letter from the M.O.M. from India this afternoon."

"Yes, yes! It's sitting on my desk right now. But this is not the time for that. Please sit! There is something I'd like to talk to you about!"

Sitting down in a chair across from Jenison, Artemis reluctantly excepted the cup of tea that he was offered. He was sure to hold the cup in his right hand which held the Malfoy crest ring. It always seemed to intimidate people.

"How is your wife? I heard that she recently got into an accident with a infestation of Chizpurfle."

"Oh. She's fine. Tried to eat threw her wand, they did. But she was talented enough to ward them off. Though she did get stung a bit."

"I'm glad she's fine. Ebry, my assistant, caught several trying to eat through cauldrons on the fourth floor, but he called it in to the Department."

"Yes, he's a very responsible boy. I knew his parents back in school. Good people, too. And what about you, Artemis! You've done so well these past few months; which is why I wanted to show you off at the gala next week. I know it's a bit sudden, but you'll meet some of the most influential people in Western Europe and I'm absolutely sure you'll run into your family there, too. The Malfoys come every year!"

Artemis almost choked on his tea at the last part. He had suspected that his grandson would be there, but he had dearly hoped otherwise. Shrugging his shoulders lightly, he added another lump of sugar to his drink.

"I would be delighted to join you. I hope you don't mind me bringing Ebry with me?"

"Oh no! Of course not! Please, bring along the missus as well, too!"

Artemis laughed lightly at Jenison before shaking his head. "Actually, sir, I'm sorry to say that there is no missus… well at least not yet."

Jenison flushed in embarrassment at his mistake before pointing at his left hand which was placed idly on the arm rest of the plush chair.

"But what of the ring?"

Artemis glanced down at his hand, and finally noticed his wedding ring winking back at him mockingly. He'd forgotten that he'd still had it on. Artemis wore it so much, he hardly ever remembered that it was even there.

"It belonged to my great grandfather's brother, Artemis Maximus Malfoy I. It was his wedding ring. I'm sure you heard of him?"

Jenison nodded his head sagely. "Yes, I heard the stories when I used to work at the British Ministry. Poor, poor boy. Everyone said that he was meant for great things. Some even said that he'd make it on to a chocolate frog card."

Artemis slightly wrinkled his nose at the comment. He didn't want to be remembered as an unfortunate accident. It wasn't fair! He felt a wave of bitterness come over him, as he thought about it even more.

"Are you alright, lad?"

"Of course, sir. Just thinking. There is still much to do."

"Well of course! You are a Malfoy!"

How right he was…

Artemis had left New Zealand two days later to go to Britain. It was important that he set up his grand entrance far before anyone actually saw him. And that started with Rita Skeeter. She seemed to be a very popular writer, and Artemis could easily tell why. She just had a natural talent of writing down exactly what made the public drop jaws or give cheers. He himself had read many of her articles which showed Skeeter's huge involvement in the support or slander of more than half the politicians and celebrities in Britain, and many events such as the World Cup and the recent Junior Triwizard Tournament. It was an unbelievably good idea to have this woman on his side. In fact, Artemis was one hundred percent sure that this was the type of person who could win him good graces with a lot of people.

The day Artemis walked into Rita's office, he spared no expense on the newest clothes. Of course he wore his rings and medallion, but it would have looked bad if he were not 'immersed' in the modern fashion and style. Image was everything, even if it was only skin deep. It was something that many politicians lacked now a days. Image didn't come from just what you said or what you did. It was so much more!

Walking into the Daily Profit building, he felt pride well up in him as everyone turned to stare. He just loved it! It was exhilarating to see the envy, admiration and sometimes lust pouring into their gazes. For a moment he remembered a boy back at school once accusing him of being a camera whore. In this time period, that sort of comment wasn't as severe as it was back then, and he took great offensive to the accusation. But now that he had grown, he shamelessly admitted that it was true. He loved attention and he always had. Partly because there was so much to show and so much to share that he was proud of.

His shoes softly tapped on the polished wood floor as he made his way farther in to building. Looking at a lovely lady sitting at a nearby desk, he cleared his throat and gave her a smile as beautiful as a diamond.

"Excuse me Miss? Do you know where I can find Rita Skeeter?"

The woman looked up in surprise before her jaw dropped. For a moment she thought she was having another one of her daydreams where one of the princes from her childhood books came to save her from such a boring and mundane life. Artemis watched smugly as her mouth clicked shut and she gave him a saccharine smile along with fluttering eyelashes. Clicking his tongue quietly, Artemis thought 'harlot' as he peered down at her before remembering that these kind of interactions were more common than in the 1920's.

"Oh yes. She's in last room down B hall. Though I caution you, she's in a bit of a rotten mood. Rumor has it that her recent article on Harry Potter sparked some old blackmail material. Are you sure I can't help you with whatever you need?"

Artemis looked at her up and down before inclining his head. "I'm sorry to say that you cannot. I hope you have a very lovely day."

Without sparing her another glance, he made his way down the hall and to Rita Skeeter's office. Knocking politely on the door, he waited a moment before she called for him to come in. Closing the door behind him with a wave of his hand, Artemis was delighted to see that Rita Skeeter, despite her well hidden anger and desperation (no one would have seen it if they weren't looking for it) greeted him with a hello that would make most people feel awfully special.

"Good morning Ms. Skeeter. It's very kind of you to let me meet you what with your busy schedule. I've read many of your articles and greatly enjoyed the way you've written your art."

"Thank you! That's very kind of you. Um, I'm afraid you assistant never gave me your name."

"Artemis Malfoy II."

Rita's eyes bulged as she looked at him. Recognition crossed her face as her eyes darted from the top of his blonde head, down to his shiny black shoes and then rested on his necklace.

"It's an absolute pleasure. I admit, I've never had the satisfaction of meeting nor writing an article on a Malfoy before. They have a private reporter to take care of all that."

"I'm sure they do, but I've not really met my extended family quite yet, and my background right now is rather delicate. I'll cut straight to the chase, Ms. Skeeter. I need you to win me the favor of as many people as quickly as possible."

"And why should I do that for you Mr. Malfoy? Surely you know that money doesn't completely fill the belly of a writer."

"Right you are. I very well do know that. And I offer you three things. My first proposition comes with the package. You would become my private publisher, and therefore a constant flow of payment. In doing that, you'll have to work with me rather closely. The second benefits you more than me. I've heard you're having some trouble with blackmail. I can help you there. Money nowadays buys more than just items in a store, and I believe myself a very persuasive man when I want to be. The last one is something you'll be most interested in."

Rita Skeeter, at this point, was at the edge of her chair in anticipation. Eyes sparkling with excitement as she held her green feathered quill tightly in her hand, Skeeter could barely speak for him to continue. "Go on."

Artemis grinned to himself at how nicely this was all unfolding. "Well you see, I can not only offer you probably the greatest article you will ever write, but I promise that it won't be the last. This working relationship may even boost your way all the way to chief reporter in less than a year."

"This all seems too good to be true. How much are you getting out of this?"

"Ah, my dear. I've come to a realization. One that writers thrive on, and the public seem to not realize. It's that not everyone speaks politics or law, and the easiest and simplest ways to win the public's hearts are through pictures and words. I've seen what you've written of Mr. Potter. Just as I walked down the hall I heard a group of men sneering at the thought of him when mere months ago, young Harry's every move was cooed and awed at. It's as simple as that. If I'm seen with a dog on the street than I must love them. If there is an article written about a donation I make to a Quidditch team, I must care about the public's entertainment. If a shake the hand of a muggleborn and they catch it on camera, I must be an anti-blood status liberal. So do we have an understanding, Ms. Skeeter?"

"Yes! Yes, it would be an honor! And please call me Rita from now on!"

"Alright Rita. But before we can tie all the loose ends together, I need you to make an unbreakable vow."

Rita stood up. "An unbreakable vow! What exactly are you getting at?"

Artemis waved his wand to make a sound barrier as he stood up close to his fellow blonde. "Believe me, it's well worth the sacrifice. You'll want to hear this story… even if you'll never get to write it."

Surprising right? I just thought that it would be interesting that the first person Artemis tells is probably the last person anyone would WANT to tell. I think it puts a nice twist to the story... I'll update again in two or three days!