I must admit I was really surprised with the number of follows/favourites, although I really would have liked to see more reviews... *puppy eyes*
Thank you SoraMalfoySlythern for being my first reviewer! Can I safely assume that you are generally intrigued by the story then? *giggles* So here I am to give you more :D
Chapter 2: Unexpected Changes
Harry awoke to a tapping sound on his window pane the next morning. Blinking blearily, he turned towards the window, only to find two owls waiting impatiently outside. One of them was the eagle owl he had seen the night before, but the other was an unfamiliar owl.
He could feel all blood draining from his face – had the Ministry letter arrived to tell him that he was expelled from school?
Opening the window to allow both birds to fly into his room, he had to duck as the unfamiliar owl flew above his head across the room, causing some of his stuff perched on top of the tiny wardrobe to topple down.
"What is that noise, boy?! You better not be doing freakish things up there!" He flinched as he heard Uncle Vernon bellowing from downstairs.
Leaning against the door, he called back a reply with utmost effort to make it sound sincere, "I- I'm sorry, I fell over!"
"Come down and make breakfast in ten minutes, boy! And you better not wake Dudley up with any more ruckuses!"
He released a breath he wasn't aware of holding as Uncle Vernon decided not to come up and "discipline" him as he saw fit. Staring at the owl reproachfully, he protested lightly, "Couldn't you come in a little more quietly? I'll be in real danger if you make any more noise, you know… Not to mention what he'll do when he sees owls in my room…"
Relieving both owls of their load, he missed the swipe the eagle owl gave the other as he studied the seals on both letters. Realising that they were replies from Gringotts and Flourish and Blotts, Harry instantly relaxed. At least it wasn't the Ministry. Maybe they didn't realise that he used magic? After the incident in the Department of Mysteries, they might be still caught up with damage-control? Well, he could always hope.
Ripping open the seal on the Gringotts letter, he was glad to find that a portkey was provided.
Lord Harry James Potter-Black,
May your honour be upheld, and your enemies fall to your feet. The Goblin Nation is honoured to serve one that follows the Old ways. May we further our acquaintance on the day we meet.
In this letter we include a 2-way portkey that is set to activate on 9am, 4th August to Gringotts, and activated again by the keyword "remigro" to your point of departure.
We await your attendance in most delightful pleasure.
Gringotts Manager,
Overlord Ragnok Silvertooth.
Harry raised a brow as he pondered upon the tone of the letter. The Old ways? So the greeting that he had invoked unknowingly in the last letter was of the Old? He remembered one of the purebloods muttering about the Old ways in Hogwarts the year before, but he had no idea what it was. And now he had to figure out how he managed to write that out on the last letter, when the Goblins apparently expected something similar from him during the appointment to come.
Great, just great, Harry Potter, you've just managed to make things more complicated.
Sighing softly, he left the letter on the table and turned to open the other letter. Instead of a book list he expected, a round disk was placed within the rolled parchment, which he nearly dropped as he unrolled the letter to read.
Lord Harry James Potter,
I would be delighted to be of service, and truly appreciate your trust in our reputation. I have selected 8 books for your reference regarding wizarding etiquette and the roles of a Lord, and 2 books on wizarding politics, as I believe that the Potters hold seats in the Wizengamot.
The mentioned books are included in the portium attached to this letter. To retrieve the books, simply place the portium on a surface and tap it three times with your wand. If you are satisfied with the books, please sign your name below and it would transfer to our contract and allow us to retrieve the funds from Gringotts. It is a rare, but nonetheless standard procedure of owl-order.
If you require further assistance for any books, please do not hesitate to owl us.
May our gratitude shine upon you as Her blessings do.
Flourish and Blotts Supervisory Manager,
Malcolm Ivan Flopsav.
Harry placed the round disk on the desk, that seemed to be the portium mentioned, after keeping the Gringotts letter away, and tapped the disk lightly three times.
A stack of books appeared immediately beside the portium. He flipped through the first few books, and found them informative yet concise, without the flowery descriptive language that he had expected to read. Maybe his desperation was somehow detected from his letter sent? Well, he could speed read, but deciphering long and half-of-the-words-flowery-and-probably-meaningless sentences required so much more effort.
Realising that he had yet to offer the owls something to eat, he rummaged through his stash to pull out another few crackers before extending it apologetically, "I'm sorry, this is all I have now."
The eagle owl from before nibbled on the crackers immediately, while the other stared at the offered crackers disdainfully before taking a nip as the eagle owl nudged it forcefully.
Pulling the letter from Flourish and Blotts back towards him, Harry signed his name in the space below the parchment, only to see it shimmer brightly as a sign of acceptance. Grabbing a spare piece of parchment, he scribbled another note, deciding that he might as well just get the books on magical creatures and elves to read before his Gringotts trip.
Just in case it triggers some unknown reaction with the inheritance ritual… Knowing my luck, something's about to muck up then.
After attaching the portium to the short note, he tied the letter onto the owl's leg before watching it take off out from the window. Turning back, he found the eagle owl watching him intently from its perch on the chair.
"Hey there, are you going off soon? I could bring you something else later if you're not leaving now," Harry offered, planning to steal a few pieces of bacon off Dudley's breakfast.
Well, I'm the one who's doing the cooking, anyway.
The owl looked at him for a few moments, before bobbing its head twice and tucking its head under its wing, showing that it's not moving anytime soon.
Humming quietly as he made his way down to the kitchen, he sighed softly. At least he had a little companionship to look forward to now.
1st September, Hogwarts Start-of-Term Feast.
Potter looked different.
Draco Malfoy observed the Gryffindor table discreetly, allowing his gaze to follow Harry Potter's movements lazily. He had just came into his Veela inheritance over the summer, and he had been quite proficient at controlling his newfound powers, that no one else, save for a few close friends, or allies for that matter, had realised yet. His parents had filed a divorce after he came into inheritance since he is recognised as an adult and no longer required the protection of his parents.
He understood perfectly that his parents were close friends, but never lovers. They married in accordance to the betrothal contract drawn by their parents, and stayed together for his sake – well, at least until his majority. Narcissa still stayed at the Malfoy Manor, but they no longer needed to uphold the appearance of a loving couple. Lucius is a Veela as well, and he has yet to find a mate.
And all those people out there keep thinking that fate chooses a Veela's mate. Draco snorted softly, all those romanticised images of a Veela stumbling over his or her mate and falling heads over heels for someone they may not even know… Only idiots would buy into that.
Veelas choose their mates entirely out of personal preference. When they find a potential partner as their Chosen, they start the Courting and the Display, only after being accepted that they consider their partner as their Mate, their Beloved.
Turning his attention back to Potter, he narrowed his eyes in contemplation. Potter is definitely different, not mentioning the glamours on his face and back – wizarding glamours are less effective toward magical beings, while they are unable to see through it, they can sense its presence – although Draco wondered why in Merlin's beard would someone need to apply glamours on their backs; it was his behaviour that was most different.
The way he walked and held himself was different – he no longer had a slouch, and his movements were swift and silent, his expressions freely shown but the extent to which are well-controlled, and he ate with a grace (especially in contrast with his housemates – how could anyone stand the Weasel, Draco could never understand).
Pansy nudged him gently and whispered, "Potter's changed… he behaves almost like a pureblood now."
Draco nodded reluctantly. He didn't want to admit, but yes, Potter's behaviour was almost perfect for a pureblood. The changes weren't obvious, not even half of his housemates would notice the differences, but it was there; and the reason to which he was curious.
"What do you think happened?" Theodore had also observed the changes, and asked in a low murmur, "Did we miss something important?"
Draco narrowed his eyes, Slytherins were always well-informed of the happenings in the Wizarding world – to not know what caused the change was a blow to their reputation.
"He went back to his muggle family after the whole incident at the Department of Mysteries," Draco provided input.
"Maybe something happened back with his relatives?" Blaise offered.
Pansy shook her head, "Not likely. He's behaving like a pureblood, I doubt the muggles know a single thing about our customs or etiquette to begin with."
"Draco, did your father mention anything about the incident?" Theodore looked at him over his goblet of pumpkin juice.
Shaking his head lightly, Draco answered, "Father was most reluctant to share the details of the Dark Lord's plan for the Ministry raid."
"I wonder why…" Pansy frowned slightly in consideration.
Draco shrugged, his father had been rather distressed lately, especially after Death Eater meetings. He had frequent late-night discussions with his Godfather, Severus, although Draco was kept away from the contents of their discussions. He was hoping that the proximity of his Father would allow him to be learn of the source of his Father's distress, especially since he accepted the post of–
"Students, I would like to have your attention please." Dumbledore's voice travelled across the dining hall as he started to make his announcements.
"First Years should know that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to all students – although some of the older years may need a little reminder."
Draco smirked, at least the Weasley twin devils are gone now.
"Magic is not permitted along the corridors and a number of items are prohibited from the school grounds – the full list may be checked on Mr. Filch's office door. Prohibited items will be confiscated and detention served."
Smiling and turning towards the staff table, the Headmaster's eyes twinkled merrily, "And I am delighted to introduce Mr. Lucius Malfoy, who will be the new Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts. Students, let us all welcome Professor Malfoy to Hogwarts!"
Draco glanced over to the Gryffindor Table. As he expected, many of the Gryffindors looked bewildered and disgruntled. He knew that Father would not be entirely welcome when he accepted the Headmaster's offer to fill in the vacancy. Dumbledore had offered him the job as a gesture of trust when Lucius defected to the Light side, although the Headmaster had requested him to retain his guise as part of Voldemort's Inner Circle for intelligence purposes. That had infuriated Draco, he knew the dangerous position his Godfather was placed in, and now his own Father had to tread the fine line as well!
The Slytherins' response was largely neutral, not too assessing but not entirely supportive either. Pansy nudged him again roughly in the ribs, as he followed her gaze back to the Gryffindor Table, he quirked his brow in surprise. Potter had a ghost of smile flickering across his face after he heard the announcement before turning to respond quietly to whatever antics Weasel was rousing.
He had thought that the Golden Boy, of all people, should have the greatest objection towards his Father filling the post. But as the Slytherins continued to watch the Gryffindor Table, they realised that the Saviour of the Wizarding World seemed to be taking the news rather well, it was his housemates, especially Ronald Weasley, who were ranting and raving about it.
Interesting, the corners of his lips twitched in fascination. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to continue observing for the time being.
Blaise cocked his head as he looked over the table, "Potter wasn't especially close to Longbottom last year, was he?"
Pansy nodded but frowned as she saw Potter lean closer to Longbottom and the both of them shared a few words, "They seem awfully friendly now, though."
Theodore agreed. There seems to be a clear ranking of power within the Gryffindor House – Potter's bound to be the leader in the House now, if he hadn't been in that position before, the Seventh Years wouldn't even stand a chance against him. Then again, the Gryffindors being their extremely dense selves, probably wouldn't even sense anything different.
"I wonder why Potter wasn't chosen as prefect this year, though," Pansy pursed her lips, "I can't believe Weasley still has the badge."
Draco silently agreed. Weasley didn't even take his role as prefect seriously for the entire Fifth Year; although Draco himself admits to not living up to prefect standards the previous year, but he knew that he was acting little stupid and pompous last year, and he's not about to repeat that and allow that Granger to reprimand him about it, or to bring shame to his Father and family name either.
Blaise stretched his arms gracefully as he mused, "Since Umbridge is gone, Potter's probably reinstated onto the Quidditch team, isn't it? Who else would be captain, if not Potter?"
"Good to know that you have such confidence in Potter, then," Draco replied dryly.
"Seeker rivalry? Oh, Draco, I thought you were better than that," Pansy teased.
Draco glared at her half-heartedly as a roll of parchment appeared beside his plate. Picking it up gingerly, he stole a glance at the Teacher's Table before opening it below the table.
Draco,
Meet us in my quarters after the Feast. Remain discreet.
LM
Raising his brows as he looked at his Father and Godfather at the Table, he saw his Father nod stiffly at him, his expression solemn. Draco swallowed nervously, that expression always spelled disaster, either he did something wrong, or matters regarding the Dark Lord and Dumbledore went very badly.
"Problems, Draco?" Theodore inquired softly.
He gave an expression of indifference and shrugged slightly. He would know soon enough.
Draco slowly made his way up to the Third Floor. He had thought that the Headmaster would allocate quarters closer to the dungeons, seeing that his Father and Godfather frequently needed to exchange information on their dual status, but it ended being near to nowhere, not even the DADA classrooms.
"Yes? Password?" The man in the portrait on the door glanced briskly from his book to Draco.
Draco stared. His Father had apparently forgotten to give him the password in the hastiness of the message. "Father told me to meet him in his quarters, is he in there?"
"Yes," The man nodded, "He did mention his son coming to visit." The portrait eased open as he spoke. "Do remember to provide the password next time though."
Draco stepped inside only to observe grave silence in the room. His Father and Godfather were both sitting in chairs near the hearth, both solemnly silent.
"Father, Uncle Severus."
"Ah, Draco, you've come." Lucius nodded at him and snapped his fingers, ordering a house elf to bring another drink forward, "Do sit down. We may have… very serious issues to discuss."
Cautiously sitting down, Draco wondered what had made both men extremely serious.
"Draco, you do know about the Initiation?" Lucius started mildly.
Draco froze in his seat, panicking inwardly. The Initiation? "The ritual the Dark Lord marks new followers and measures them up to their ranks?"
Lucius nodded once, and continued heavily, "I have tried to stall your Initiation for as long as possible, but the Dark Lord had just issued an ultimatum to me. I'm sorry, son, I had intended to protect you from this fate but…"
Lucius may appear to be cold and distant in public, but Draco understands that his Father loves him dearly, it was just public appearances that he had to uphold to protect the Malfoy reputation, and emotions was seen as a sign of vulnerability between many pureblood families, especially the elitists – or rather, the Dark-inclined families.
"What did Professor Dumbledore say about it?" Draco tried to keep a cool demeanour but he knew that he was failing miserably.
Severus shook his head tiredly, "We have not told the Headmaster about this. Knowing Albus, there is a possibility he may ask you to take on the responsibility of yet another spy in the Dark Lord's ranks."
He couldn't stop himself from paling visibly. He definitely did not want to serve that- that insane self-proclaimed Dark Lord, he saw both his Father and Godfather after Death Eater raids and meetings, the torture and killings that they had to perform and endure… he had no intention of following that life!
"Until when?" his voice faltered.
"Before Yuletide," Lucius sighed heavily.
"Is there- is there anything we can do to prevent this?"
Lucius and Severus exchanged a look, "I'm really sorry, Draco. Maybe we can work to keep you from most of the raids, but-"
A smart rap at the windows stopped him in mid-sentence. A falcon was hovering at the windows, staring at the three of them expectantly.
Lucius raised a brow upon seeing the bird – a Gryfalcon? It was a bird of prey commonly associated to royalty and painfully expensive to own, not to mention that they were difficult to tame and train. Focusing his attention on the claws of the falcon, he narrowed his eyes. Sending a letter with a trained Gryfalcon, the message must be extremely important then.
Opening the windows to allow the Gryfalcon to fly into the room, it landed on the back of his seat and ruffled its feathers before stretching its leg to offer the letter.
Severus eyebrows furrowed as Lucius detached the letter from the falcon. As he broke the seal, he felt a light wash of magic flow through him, which alerted Severus to draw his wand and glare at the letter, "What was that?"
"Identity charms. If the letter wasn't intended to me, I wouldn't want to know what will happen," Lucius replied, feeling his curiosity peak at the security measures.
"Wha-?" Severus squawked somewhat indignantly as a Golden Eagle soared through the open window and headed straight for him, stretching its leg out towards him as it hovered in the air before him.
Even Draco raised a brow this time, both letters were probably from the same sender, and it was obvious that the sender is rather cautious about letters being intercepted to require an eagle and falcon to send forth – not to mention that both predatory birds were regarded of royal status in the art of falconry.
As Severus broke the seal, he too felt a wave a magic flow unobtrusively through him, confirming his identity as the intended recipient.
Even before reading the letters, they came to a similar conclusion: whoever the sender was, and whatever the missive was about, it must be of utmost importance.
And this chapter ends here! The idea of the Sanctuary will be introduced in the next chapter! Review, please? Pretty please?
YUU
