Shattering Silver
By: Lauthica Green Clinkenbeard
Chapter Ten: Walls Down
"I'm not sure how long this meeting will last," Lucius said as he and Samantha passed in front of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, "It's a philanthropy pitch from St. Mungo's. Several heads of staff will make presentations for donations. Last year it lasted over two hours."
"Forgive me," Samantha said, "But I didn't peg you as a philanthropist."
"I've made several donations over the years," Lucius said, "To various corporations, though I will admit that after the war I have been trying to broaden my horizons."
"I see," Samantha said rolling her eyes. Of course he would have to broaden his horizons after the war; he was on the losing side and had to find some miraculous way of saving face.
"I you can't find me walking about," Lucius said, "Let's meet up at Bard and Gilly's Pub around one o'clock."
"Sounds good to me," Samantha said smiling at him, "I've never been to Diagon Alley before. I'll probably indulge in a little shopping spree."
"I have arrangements with the shop keepers," Lucius said, "If you buy a plethora of items just tell them to send it to Malfoy Manor. They'll be in your chambers by the time we return."
"I'm not going to let you buy me anything, Lucius." Samantha said sternly, "I told you, all I want from you is your friendship."
"You can owe me on the shipping charges," Lucius said smirking to himself thinking back to the directions he gave to Lizzy in his study. He wondered if the little elf was following them right now. They arrived at the front of Gringotts and Lucius opened the door bowing his head slightly toward Samantha.
"Thank you," she said smiling again. Ok, she thought, maybe he really was a gentleman after all.
"Always for my lady," He said smiling back. He chuckled when she playful elbowed him in the chest.
"I have to let them know my account information from Washington's Pride Bank before the shops will accept my credit charm." Samantha said pointing to the line of witches and wizards who waiting for a teller.
"Very well," Lucius said taking her hand. Again he brought it to his lips placing a feather light kiss, lingering as he always did, "Until lunch."
"U…" Samantha said blushing, "Until lunch."
Lucius walked away toward a double staircase to the left of the building. Samantha took up a place in line behind an old wizard wearing a pointy, grey hat. She didn't have to wait in line long. Before she knew it, she reached the main desk and a goblin with a particularly snipe nose spoke down to her.
"How can I help you today, Miss?" he asked in a gravelly voice.
"I am from The United States and I need to register my account from Washington's Pride Bank in New York City," Samantha said smiling at the goblin. He did not smile back.
"Name and wand please," the Goblin said taking his quill out of the inkwell.
"Samantha Pierce-Weston Ezust Szerelem," she said as she reached into her cloak pocket, pulled out her wand, and set it down, "18 inches, mahogany, phoenix feather."
The Goblin picked up the wand and waved his hand over it making sure it was the correct one. He looked it over a couple of times and then handed it back to Sam.
"Everything seems to be in order," he said as he jotted down something on a piece of parchment. "You should be able to perform a credit charm within fifteen minutes. Thank you for visiting Gringotts."
"Thank you, sir," she said and headed back toward the door. She paused for a moment, glancing at the staircase to the left and wondered if Lucius's meeting had started yet. She remembered back to an article she saw in Wizarding Forbes that listed the ten most richest families in the world. Her own family was number eight, and she was sure that the Malfoy's were listed and far above her family. But she couldn't remember what number in which the Malfoy's ranked. It would be rude to come straight out and ask Lucius just how much money he had, but if he could make annual donations to St. Mungo's he must have buckets of Galleons to spare. She never considered wealth when she judged a man. Her mother's side of the family had always been obsessed with it, as was her aunt, but her father and Grandpa Pierce-Weston always taught her to be humble and respectful to any man whether he was a king or a highway man. Clearly Lucius considered his wealth as an accessory of his outward attraction appeal, but if he really was serious about impressing her that wasn't going to sway her. Her eyes went wide as she went back over that thought in her head and she inhaled sharply. Had she actually just considered thinking about Lucius in that way? No! Heaven's no, she thought. Never! Never…
Diagon Ally was pleasantly bustling with all manner of witches and wizards. Sam walked through the streets admiring the shop windows and smiling shop keeps at open peddler's stands. The cloaks and robes were a rainbow of different textured fabrics. She glanced down at her Mickey Mouse watch. Only about five minutes had passed since she left Gringotts. She had wanted to buy a few books at Flourish and Blotts and planned on stocking up on potion supplies at Slug and Jigger's Apothecary. She needed to kill some time, so she glanced around at the signs above the shops. Scribbulus Writing Instruments, Obscurus Books, Broomstix, Dwalin's Jewelers and Gem Appraisal, ah! There, she thought. No better shop to browse whilst one could not spend money.
There were only two other people in the shop, a couple that was probably looking at engagement rings. They were being helped by a dwarf who was wearing a funny hat that had the flaps flipped up. She glanced around reading the department signs and walked through the shop slowly admiring the jewels that were on display in the enchanted cases.
"Good day to ye, Lass," said an elderly dwarf as he walked up to her smiling. He had a bulbous nose, but a happy face and a long beard that was swoosh up to the left and right at the bottom.
"Good afternoon," Samantha said smiling down at him.
"Name's Balin, is there anything in particular I could help ye find?" he asked.
"Oh, no thank you," Sam said, "I am just trying to kill some time. I'm waiting for Gringotts to finish linking my bank account from The United States."
"Ah! A tourist, how lovely," Balin said, "What brings ye to London?"
"I'm here for the Ministry's Christmas Ball," she said.
"Oh aye," he said, "That's a fancy shindig. Be sure to come back to our shop if ye can. We make the most prestigious jewelry in all of Great Britain. Please feel free to look around and stay as long as ye like. If ye have any questions or concerns ye just give me a holler."
"I will," Sam said curtsying to him, "Thank you very much."
Balin walked over to another witch who had entered the store and Samantha continued to walk around. She stopped at a case that was full of intricate rings. One of them caught her eye in the far right, top corner. It had a thick, platinum band that was etched with the design of a Nordic wolf, and she really liked it. The wolf's eyes were emeralds that were so polished it looked like they had fires lit behind them. Another dwarf walked passed by behind the counter. He was taller than the others, and had a big beard, but had a tattooed, bald head.
"Excuse me, sir," Samantha said gesturing to him.
"What can I do fer ye, Lass?" he asked.
"That ring there," she said pointing, "The one with the Nordic wolf, may I please take a closer look at it?"
"Certainly," he said. He waved his hand over the case. The enchantments faded away and he reached his hand in and pulled out the ring box. He set it on the counter, "If it donne' come in yer size we can change it right here in the shop."
"Thank you, Mister?" she asked.
"Dwalin," he said and bowed his head, "At yer service."
"Thank you, Mr. Dwalin," she said as she picked up the ring. It was even more beautiful up close. The metal was expertly forged without a single flaw or scratch and the etching was so detailed she could make out the whisps of fur on the wolf's head and neck.
"We donne' get too many people in here that are interested in Nordic designs," Dwalin said, "That's been sittin' round here fer awhile. I'll cut ye a deal."
"That's kind of you, Mr. Dwalin, but I'm not sure if my bank account has been linked to Gringott's yet." Samantha put the ring back in the box and smiled at Dwalin, "I am interested though. I might be back."
"Very well," Dwalin said as he put the ring back into the case and re-casted the enchantments. "Have a nice day, Lass."
"And to you as well, I really do enjoy this little shop," Samantha said.
She left the jewelers and checked her watch. It was now eleven thirty. She hoped her credit charm was working by now and entered Flourish and Blotts. She found an assistant and quickly acquired all the books she had been meaning to buy.
"The total comes to one hundred forty-two Galleons, eleven Sickles, and twenty-three Knuts." The cashier said smiling up at Samantha sliding the bill toward her over the counter.
Sam pulled her wand out of her cloak pocket and touched the tip to the bottom of the bill, "Templara," she casted. The bill glowed for a few seconds and then her signature magically appeared on the bill.
"Thank you very much, Have a nice day!" the cashier said as he tucked the bill into the register.
"Excuse me, sir?" Samantha asked.
"Yes, Miss?" the cashier asked.
"I am a tourist here, and I am currently staying at Malfoy Manor. Lucius told me to tell…." She began but she was interrupted by the cashier.
"Say no more, Miss," he said quickly turning a shade paler, "We'll have your books delivered promptly.
Merlin, Sam thought, this poor man was petrified, "Thank you very much." She said smiling and quickly left the shop.
As she was walking toward Slug and Jiggers Apothecary something caught her eye in a window. She gently pressed her hand against the glass. It was the latest pair of Chaser's gloves. They shone supple, black leather gleaming in the afternoon sun.
"I can't believe they finally released the new pair!" she gasped. She had seen the gloves in Liberty Quidditch magazine. They were not supposed to be released in The United States for another six months. On an impulse, she almost entered the shop, but stopped. If she bought the gloves now she would have an unfair advantage when she returned to her recreational league back home. She was an honourable sportsman. Dammit, she thought, however.
Lucius stepped out into Diagon Alley. He nearly nodded off at the meeting, but he was pleased that it hadn't lasted as long as last year. He never even paid any attention to whatever they would prattle on about. At the end of the meeting he would instruct a Goblin to withdraw one million Galleons from his account and donate it to St. Mungo's. He glanced down at his watch, it was only twelve fifteen. He glanced around wondering where Samantha could be. He walked swiftly down the cobblestones. He reached a junction in-between two buildings and glanced over his shoulder. When he was sure no one was paying attentions to his person he slipped down into Knockturn Alley. He found a quiet, dark spot and looked in both directions making sure no one was walking about.
"Lizzy!" he called out. The female house elf appeared at his side.
"Yes, Master?" she asked.
"Have you been doing as I have commanded?" Lucius asked.
"Yes, Master," she said, "So far Lizzy has bought a ring and a pair of Quidditch gloves."
"Very good, Lizzy," he said, "Where is Miss Samantha now?"
"Miss Samantha was just in Slug and Jiggers Apothecary. She bought a great many potion supplies, and then Miss Samantha went into Twilfitt and Tatting's, that was where Lizzy heard the Master call."
"Very good, Lizzy," he said, "Carry on,"
Lizzy bowed to Lucius and disappeared. Lucius was impressed again. Twilfitt and Tatting's was a very high-end clothing shop. He pondered to himself for a moment and then decided that he could use a few dozen new shirts.
Samantha left Twilfitt and Tattings a little annoyed. She had only bought two dresses and insisted that she could carry them, but as soon as the assistants saw the Malfoy broaches on her cloak they quickly tore the bags from her hands and said they would be happy to deliver them to Malfoy Manor. She was more than capable of carrying two small shopping bags. There was another dress that caught her eye. It was a new Vivienne Westwood and she just fell in love with it as soon as her eyes passed it over. It was a knee length dress that had a foofy, bright red chiffon skirt and a tight black, leather bodice. The shoulders were almost like leather armour braces adorned with golden spikes and had chains that criss crossed between them. She checked the price tag and nearly shit. She had already spent over two thousand Galleons on her gown for the Christmas ball. She didn't need to be spending five thousand Galleons on some random dress in a shop.
Samantha glanced down at her watch, it was twelve forty-five. She looked around hoping to catch a glimpse of a streak of platinum hair, but saw nothing. She stopped a fellow witch on the street.
"Excuse me, Madam," she said, "But can you tell me which way I can find Bard and Gilly's Pub."
"Bard and Gilly's is just a few blocks down there," The witch said pointing.
"Thank you very much," Samantha said smiling.
"Twas, no trouble at all," the witch said smiling back.
Samantha hurried down the street. Diagon Alley seemed to be busier than it was before, but it was lunch hour, Sam noted. Samantha finally found the sign, "Bard and Gilly's Pub," and made her way over. There was a large crowd of people gathered at the front window. Sam pushed her way through the crowd and glanced in through the pane.
"You have got to be fucking shitting me!" she said out loud. A couple of witches and wizards turned to look at her, but didn't comment on her language. Inside of the pub sat a very, very annoyed and pissed off looking Lucius sitting next to none other than Billy Connolly himself. She hurried through the throngs of bystanders pausing at the door to the pub, which was now guarded by two Aurors. Samantha didn't know if they were there to protect Billy Connolly from his hundreds of fans, or to protect him from Lucius.
One of the Aurors looked at Sam and then whispered something into an ear piece.
"Come this way, Miss Samantha," the other Auror said as he put his hand behind her in a friendly manner to guide her into the pub. Samantha could hardly believe what was happening.
The pub was otherwise completely empty save for her chaperone and her idol of the comedic world. Lucius noticed at once when she entered and he seemed to relax slightly in his posture. Mr. Connolly, however, was keeping a close eye on the former Deatheater. Lucius cleared his throat and gestured to Mr. Connolly.
"What the bloody hell is wrong with ye?" Billy asked giving Lucius a strange look.
"Miss Samantha has arrived," Lucius said as he stood from the table. His eyes locked onto Samantha's walking over to her holding out his hand.
"Lucius," Sam said giving him a look, "What devilry is this?" she asked.
"Surprise," he said giving her another seductive smile.
"Asshole," she said under her breath as she took his hand and allowed him to guide her over to the table.
"Mr. Connolly," Lucius began, "May I present Miss Samantha Pierce-Weston."
"Oh, look at ye," Billy said holding out his hand for a handshake, "You are absolutely lovely. Me wife wanted to be here, but she found certain parts of the attending company intolerable. Forgive me, though. She is a big fan of your work."
"It is truly a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Connolly," Samantha said, her face was redder than a beet, "Your wife is lovely, and I am a huge fan of your comedy. You are also a brilliant actor. If only they knew you were a wizard."
"Thank you," Billy said, "Please sit," he said gesturing. A waiter came over and handed them each a menu. Samantha allowed herself a glance at Lucius. He was scowling down at the food choices. Samantha chuckled to herself. She thought he was a racist, no, she knew he was. It must have taken something incredibly powerful to sway his deep rooted, evil morals. Merlin forbid he had to force himself to eat a Shepard's Pie. She blushed and glanced down at her own menu.
"Aye! Boy!" Billy called out to the waiter. The young wizard hurried over, clearly flustered by the celebrity status of his customers.
"Yes, Mr. Billy Connolly sir?" the boy asked.
Lucius smirked to himself and thought, the boy sounded as frightened as a house elf.
"Everything is on me tonight," Billy said, "Whatever this lovely young woman wants, and then this bastard." He said pointing his thumb in Lucius's direction. Lucius remained silent but frowned.
They all placed their orders with the waiter, and Lucius relaxed in his chair. Samantha and Mr. Connolly chatted away in bliss. They talked about her books which he paid attention to, but he ignored them when they started to talk about his comedy. Mr. Connolly took a couple jabs at Lucius.
"And then this faithless, woodland sprite showed up at the Quidditch match with the most unbelievable hat on his head. It dinne' even cover his ears! It was like he had a triangle of pubes sitting on his hair! Fucking Jesus, I thought to meself. You have to be one arrogant, selfish bastard to think you look good in a hat like that. I appeal to ye here, don't buy a fucking hat if it donne' cover your ears. Ruins the whole purpose."
Lucius was ready to kill himself when the food finally arrived. He was thankful for the silence as the three of them munched away peacefully.
"I had no idea that Lucius had written to you," Samantha said as she finished her fish and chips, "I mentioned something about you when I arrived, but I was under the impression that you were not acquainted."
"ACQUAINTED?!" Billy said and he threw his head back giving a deep bellied laugh, "These are the fucking Malfoy's we are talking bout! Fucking Jesus, Miss Samantha, how much do ye even know about this bastard? He is the most prejudice man Barbie in the world" he asked.
"So far, in my stay at Malfoy Manor, I have had nothing but the best and most courteous welcome." Samantha said smiling at Mr. Connolly.
"Well, I am glad they are treating ye well," Billy said, "If Mr. Smellfoy, Oh! I mean Mr. Malfoy would allow it. I would love to extend you an invitation to come and dine with me and me wife."
"That would be lovely!" Sam said, "I would love to dine with you and your wife."
Lucius still remained silent listening to the conversation. He couldn't care less if Samantha wanted to dine with the Connolly's, so long as they did not come to his table. He had to draw the line somewhere. He watched the various expressions kaleidoscope across Samantha's face and he realized something. Watching the delight in Samantha's face and the way her completely un-reserved laughter reverberated through the pub made him see her in another light. She was in such bliss that for the first time since he met her, he felt like he was truly seeing her, the real her, for the first time. And also for the first time, it wasn't affecting his cock.
The conversation continued on for about half an hour, before Mr. Connolly finally stood from the table. He shook Sam's hand again.
"It was a pleasure to finally meet you. Please keep an eye on yer owl post for a dinner invitation."
"For sure!" Sam said, "It was beyond awesome to meet you in person. Please keep up the good work."
Billy Connolly apparated from the pub after he paid the bill. Lucius and Samantha waited for the crowd to die down, sipping at their pints, before they headed back onto the cobblestones of Diagon Alley.
"Did you find anything interes..." Lucius began to ask but his whole train of thought was derailed. Samantha threw her arms around his chest embracing him in a friendly hug. He was shocked for a few moments. This was the first time that she was the one who initiated any kind of intimate contact, albeit friendly, but he was none the less taken back. He slowly brought his own arms to wrap around her and buried his face in her hair. He deeply inhaled her perfume and cherished the warmth of her body against his. Surprisingly, it did nothing to his libido. His heart was filled with a very foreign emotion but it made his soul soar. It was as if something about seeing her so casual with her walls down had shattered something deep down inside of him.
"Thank you," was all she said.
"Your welcome,' was all he said back.