Chapter 8: turnarounds and unexpected events
Narcissa staggered as soon as they landed after apparating away from the manor. That didn't scare Draco that much – his mother might just be tired from casting so many spells... but the blood that had started pooling on the ground horrified him. He had never really seen blood before, so seeing so much blood (from his mum, no less) panicked him to no end.
"Mother! Are you alright? Where does it hurt? What's wrong?" Draco asked frantically. Narcissa answered shakily, "Just splinched myself, Draco. My right pinky finger got left behind." She gasped as a wave of pain from her wounds assaulted her.
"I'll get you to St. Mungo's-" Draco said but he was abruptly cut off.
"No... Get to... the Tonks' house... Lucius would know where we are if we went to St. Mungo's. HE would expect no less seeing as I am wounded... he won't expect... that I'd go to... my sister's." Narcissa managed. She passed out after giving the address and directions to the Tonks' house to Draco. That, of course, made Draco even more fearful than he already was, and that's when his magic decided to take over, and Draco found himself right in front of his destination.
"Aunt Andromeda! Aunt Andromeda! Please, help!" Draco shouted frantically as he knocked on the door with all he had. A few moments passed before Draco heard footsteps coming closer from inside the house. The door opened to show his aunt, who looked remarkably like Aunt Bellatrix (at least, according to his mother) only with gentler features. As she looked out from the door, Andromeda gasped at the condition of her sister, being lightly carried by Draco. She immediately hurried them into the house, and started casting healing spells.
"Ted, get Dora, and other healers if you can without causing any chaos. Don't tell them who is injured, though, I think something else is wrong here other than the physical injuries." Andromeda said in a sharp voice to her husband, who promptly went to the fireplace to firecall their daughter, and St. Mungo's.
OOO
Andromeda frowned. Draco's story about how they were injured was almost unbelievable. It would have been, if she didn't know Lucius. That man would do anything to achieve his goals, be it bribing people... or placing compulsions on them. For once, she pitied her sister for marrying Lucius. She had thought that Narcissa hated her for marrying a muggleborn, but now... now what? Did Narcissa actually hate her, or did she just appear to hate her because of the compulsion on her? Is Narcissa even a death eater in the first place? Pulling back her sleeves revealed no dark mark, but they would never really know... Did Narcissa and Draco purposefully insult Ted the last time, or was that just a reaction due to them being under compulsion? Dora had, of course, contacted Dumbledore to ask whether a Wizengamot meeting or questioning session can be held for Cissy and Draco without Lucius present, and Dumbledore had said that it could not be done, unless Lucius himself decided not to be present - which is very highly unlikely. He had consented, however, to question both Malfoys privately under Veritaserum to get to the truth. Draco agreed, and Narcissa did likewise a few hours later, after being healed and having come back to consciousness. Even remembering what Draco said to Ted when he was still young ("I despise having a mudblood uncle,"), Andromeda simply had no heart to hate him, or her sister for that matter.
-Friday morning, July 28-
New Minister of Magic elected!
By Adam Tristan
The results of the New Minister election held on the 27th of July 1995, following the vote of no confidence against Cornelius Fudge, is now out. The results are as follows: Lucius Malfoy, 75%. Amelia Bones, 23%. Dolores Jane Umbridge, 2%. Minister Malfoy gave a speech following the results announcements last night, stating, "I am, of course, very surprised and thankful for your confidence in me. I shall not let you down and will endeavour to be the best Minister of Magic that I can be."
When asked about the Minister's stance on You-Know-Who, Minister Malfoy replied, "The Ministry shall start preparing to face You-Know-Who and his followers. Ward masters shall also be trained, so the public has nothing to fear. Homes will be warded to the best of their abilities, and their services come at a reasonable price, so even poor witches and wizards will get protection if they are willing to pay."
Rumour has it that the Minister will provide more costs to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to increase their efficiency - from his own account. Madam Amelia Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, says that her department will work hard to recruit and train aurors to face the challenges ahead. (For more details, see pg6)
-The Tonks' House-
Narcissa and Draco were furious. How could Lucius become the Minister of Magic after all this? The fact that they were under compulsions (from their own family!) had completely been put aside. Their escape was not in the Daily Prophet (and they didn't really mind that - the public doesn't have the need to know that the Malfoy family had problems with their own), but the fact that Lucius still managed to become Minister of Magic after everything was just mind boggling, enraging, infuriating. Dumbledore's words of, "We can't do anything about it," didn't help matters at all. Narcissa knew, of course, that Lucius was influential, but instead of liking that fact like before (since they could literally do anything without much repercussions back then), she hated it now. Her wand warmed slightly, alerting her that an Order Meeting will be held soon, so she went to get Draco, and side-along-apparated him to Grimauld Place so he could spend time with the other kids there. 'I just hope that Potter and the others can forgive Draco for his obnoxious behaviour before the compulsion was removed...'
-#12, Grimauld Place-
The order members were grave. They had expected that Madam Bones might be Minister of Magic - her election campaign seemed good enough - but the Daily Prophet proved otherwise. Malfoy being Minister had made things much more difficult than they were supposed to be. Literally none of them (even the newest order member - Narcissa Malfoy) believed Lucius' claims of preparing for the dark times ahead. After all, upon questioning Narcissa under Veritaserum, his status as a death eater was revealed. It was also revealed that Lucius was never under the Imperious curse. So why would Lucius claim that they are preparing for the dark times if he was a death eater through and through, unless it was a direct order from the dark lord? Upon further investigations, it was noted that the compulsion on Narcissa was there since October 31, 1981 and the one on Draco was placed since he was 4. Narcissa had tried to reveal everything about death eaters that she knew about to Dumbledore back then, after Voldemort's temporary death, but Lucius got to her sooner and managed to stop her with the compulsion.
-Meanwhile, with the other teens-
They sat in awkward silence at the dining table, not knowing what to say to each other. The animosity between Draco, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione made them uncertain. They knew, of course, that Draco was under a compulsion charm the whole time, but that didn't make it easier for them to forgive him for what he've done. Draco was also feeling regret for being obnoxious earlier, almost causing Buckbeak's death, and other things that was simply too awful to think about. Even Orion was silent - he had remembered Cousin Draco, of course, and didn't particularly like him since he had called his father a mudblood when they were still young.
It was Draco who broke the silence, but not with words. A sob escaped before he could stop it, causing the others to stare at him in surprise. After a few moments, Draco managed to control himself, and said shakily, "Weasley... Ron, Ginny, I am really sorry for insulting your family during my first through fourth year. I realise that my remarks probably hurt more than I could understand... but I know now that your family is actually... much better than my own... at least... better than my father ever was. And Granger... I am sorry for ever calling you a mudblood and insulting you so badly. Potter... My insults on you probably hurt the most... I should've known better than you actually putting your name in the Goblet of Fire last year. And Tonks... I am sorry... and tell your father that I truly regret calling him a mudblood..."
The others just continued staring, making Draco uneasy. Finally, though, Harry extended his hand out to Draco for a shake. "I am sorry too, if I ever hurt you in any way during our school years. And... I accept your apology."
Hermione continued with, "I know that you didn't really mean to insult me in our second year, so I accept your apology too. And I'm sorry for... for slapping you in our third year." Her hand was also accepted, though with a little bit more hesitancy. The apologies continued then, with Orion, Ginny and finally Ron forgiving Draco and asking for apologies from him. All six of them then placed their hands atop each other's, and a bond of friendship was formed.
"So," Orion started, trying to lighten the mood. "You slapped Draco, Hermione?" he asked, a smirk on his face. Hermione just looked at him in surprise, before realising what she had said earlier when she asked Draco for forgiveness due to slapping him. Blushing, she told the young boy about what happened back then, and when she finished, Orion was actually gaping slightly.
"Never knew you were so brave," he chuckled. Hermione blushed again, but before anything else happened, owls flew in from the partially open window, landing on the dining table in front of them. The 3 owls were carrying two letters each - letters with a familiar seal on the envelopes. Ron, Harry and Hermione immediately untied the letters and gave them to the intended recipients. The owl carrying Ron's letter also carried Ginny's, the one carrying Hermione's letter had a letter to Draco, and the one carrying Harry's letter also carried a letter for Orion. The owls immediately flew out of the windows after being relieved of their burdens. They opened the letter and read together, 5 of them knowing what the letter was going to say (the reminder to get to platform 9 and 3 quarters on September 1st and the book list), but one of them did not, this being the first time he received a letter with a wax seal depicting a lion, badger, eagle and snake, with a H around it.
. . .
Dear Mr. Tonks,
We are delighted to tell you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enclosed is your train ticket for the Hogwarts Express, departing from Platform 9 and 3 quarters at Kings Cross station on September 1st at 11:00 AM. You will also find a list of materials and books required in the envelope. We hope to see you at Hogwarts.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress,
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Orion looked at the letter for a long time, before dropping it on the dining table and jumping up, joy clearly written on his face as he happily shouted, "I got my Hogwarts letter!"
The others there just smiled, clearly enjoying the happy look on their friend's face. Hermione smiled at Orion, then said, "Calm down. I know you are excited, but you shouldn't forget that we need to get our supplies at Diagon Alley."
Orion just nodded at her, still jumping around, though in a calmer manner than before. Draco grinned. "Good memories. Well, I guess we'll have to wait until the adults finish their business." The others agreed, but just as they decided to sit down and wait, the closed doors of the meeting room opened.
"So, I wager that you got your Hogwarts letters, then?" Sirius said, a mischievous grin on his face. "How did-" Harry was about to ask, but Sirius cut him off.
"Now now, Harry, I got my Hogwarts letter at about the same day last time, too. Orion's shout was heard even though the doors were charmed, you know. That gave it away mostly." That made Orion blush slightly, causing Sirius, Remus and the others there to laugh.
"To Diagon Alley it is." Molly said with a smile. The corners of Moody's lips twitched, then he said, "Aye. But ye lot would have more people escortin' ya round tah buy yer stuff. Jus' as a precaution, course."
Molly sighed, slightly exasperated. "Oh come on, Alastor, it's not like anything bad could happen much. Be a little more optimistic, won't you?"
Moody just grumbled, "Ye never know. Better safe than sorry, I say."
Molly just nodded, still exasperated. She couldn't disagree with Moody's cautious behaviour. After all, even the Great Alastor Moody had been attacked despite him being careful all the time.
OOO
They flooed to Diagon Alley (thankfully no one was lost at Nockturn Alley this time) before they separated to buy the needed things, with Ron and Ginny going with Molly, Fred and George with Arthur, Harry and Orion with Remus, Draco with his mother, and Hermione with Kingsley. The other aurors and order members that had come along had decided to patrol the alley (just for safety's sake) Moody in the lead.
Harry, Orion and Remus decided to go to Gringotts first thing, despite the fact that Remus had enough to pay for all of their things. "We can't just use your money to pay for our stuff, Remus," was Harry's insistent comment. Orion was silent, but judging by the nod, he was agreeing with his older friend.
And so they entered, but before they can go far, a goblin rushed up to them. He bowed, before speaking, his eyes directed at Harry.
"Mr. Potter. Our lead healer and curse breaker wishes to see you. In the meantime, your companions can help you conduct your business here."
Harry looked at the goblin curiously. He didn't ask any questions though - he knew that the lead goblin healer and curse breaker had a reason to meet him. He just thanked the goblin, and followed him... somewhere... leaving Remus and Orion behind.
OOO
After a few minutes of walking, Harry and his goblin companion reached a door, covered in strange symbols and pulsing with an unfamiliar kind of magic, at least, unfamiliar to Harry. The goblin raised his hand, his fingers pointing at one of the symbols, and the door silently opened.
"I shall leave you here. Our lead healer and curse breaker are inside, waiting for you. After they finish with their business, they shall lead you to your friends." The goblin said, before turning to leave.
"I don't know your name, but thanks, sir," Harry said and bowed slightly to the goblin, who looked... genuinely surprised? For some reason.
"You are welcome, Mr. Potter. And my name is Sharpclaw." He replied, before leaving him behind. Harry entered the door hesitantly, noticing that even the walls were covered in symbols. Runes, perhaps? The doors closed behind him, and glowed blue for a split second. Harry looked around the room, noticing the two goblins, gesturing him to sit next to them.
"Mr. Potter." One of them said softly, almost politely.
"Uhm, good morning, sirs," Harry answered, causing both of them to stare at him in surprise. 'Why are they staring at me like that?' Harry thought, but didn't ask.
"Allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Healer Lightcurer, and this is Curse Breaker Darkbane." The goblin wearing white robes and a crystal pendant around his neck, spoke. Before Harry could reply, the other goblin, wearing sapphire blue robes, continued.
"Curse Breaker Weasley seems to believe that you have a horcrux in you. We are here to see if it is true."
Harry just nodded, knowing that Bill had talked to the goblins about two weeks ago. He was still a little bit surprised that the goblins had agreed to investigate Bill's claims, but he was thankful nonetheless.
"Thanks... but what do I do?"
"You just sit there," Lightcurer said, "and we will do the rest."
Harry nodded. Lightcurer raised his hand, pointing a finger at Harry's forehead, then chanted in a language Harry did not recognise. The tingling sensation of diagnostic spells working spread through his whole body, starting from his forehead then branching out. The goblin's finger still pointed at Harry, even after he finished chanting, and his face still had a frown of concentration on it. After a while, the hand lowered, and the concentrated look changed into a contemplative one.
"Moderate mental damage. Malnutrition, but that hardly seems to be an effect of the horcrux. Physical injuries such as light bruising, but no broken bones. Again, that is hardly an effect from a horcrux. Mental connections between him and something else that I cannot accurately pinpoint, which is likely caused by the horcrux. Negative energies in his aura. Parasitic energies on his soul." The goblin said. Darkbane nodded contemplatively. Before he could raise his hand to start his own casting, Harry's scar exploded with pain. His world blurred, his vision going in and out of focus.
"Diagon Alley will-"
"-connection getting stronger-"
"-thoughts of Vold-"
"-yes, my lord-"
"-clear to me now that-"
"-crucio-"
"-preparation to destroy-"
Harry's vision abruptly refocused on the present when he felt Darkbane lightly but firmly squeeze his hand.
"Sorry, sir, I just-" Harry said but was cut off.
"We know, Mr. Potter. If you would let us finish to make sure?" Darkbane asked. Harry just nodded, though a sense of foreboding crept in. Did he just see Voldemort wanting to attack Diagon Alley? He decided to share the vision later with the others, as confusing as it might be.
Darkbane raised his hand, placing it on Harry's scar while chanting in the same, unfamiliar language Lightcurer used earlier. Harry winced as he felt something tugging hard at his scar and soul, and bit back a scream when pain assaulted him suddenly. The pain stopped just as abruptly as it came, but the tugging continued, until Darkbane stopped chanting and lowered his hand.
"Horcrux, indeed." He said, before looking directly at Harry. "An appointment with you will be made. We will start destroying the horcrux in you on December 28th this year. Arrive at the bank at 9 AM sharp that day." Darkbane said, before guiding Harry out the door, and back to Remus and Orion. Before leaving, Darkbane said, "I will tell Curse Breaker Weasley about this and your appointment, Mr. Potter. Do not forget."
As he disappeared around the corner, Remus asked, "What's all that about, Harry?" while handing him a sack of galleons.
"They are just checking if I had the... well you know..." Harry replied.
"I see. SO when's your next appointment with them?" he asked softly.
"December 28th at 9 AM sharp. And yes, I do have a horcrux in me." Harry said softly. Remus just nodded.
After a moment of silence, Remus spoke. "Well now, let's get Mr. Tonks here a wand."
Both Harry and Orion nodded, the latter looking excited. They moved towards Ollivander's, Remus having to ask Orion to slow down as the young boy was running towards his destination. Harry sighed silently. 'Maybe I'll tell them about my vision later. I don't want to let Orion's happiness be dampened like this. For all I know Voldemort's attack on Diagon Alley isn't happening today…'
OOO
A few hours later, they were at Flourish and Blots (their last stop for the day), buying new books for the school year. That proved to be slightly more difficult than Harry and Remus expected, seeing as Orion's eyes kept flicking towards other book titles with interest, unable to focus on what he needed to buy. Remus just sighed, and managed to snatch the supply list from Orion's hand before he went too far away, and he quickly gathered Orion's books while Harry gathered his.
As they were about to leave the book store after paying, however, Orion walked up to them, looking tensed.
"What's wrong?" Remus asked, seeing Orion's expression turn fearful.
"Death ea-" Orion didn't manage to finish the sentence, as curses suddenly started flying in all directions, the concussive sounds of spells firing drowning out his voice.
