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Chapter Eleven – Amities

Querencia (adjective) A place where one feels safe, A place where one feels at home

Without slowing down or looking at him I uttered just a word, my throat painfully raw. "Don't."

"You've been pretty harsh to her" Sirius said quietly, leaning in the doorway.

"Maybe. But she should've known better."

Alastor was sitting on a worn down armchair in the drawing room of Grimmauld Place. He had been there since Riga left the headquarters. The room looked old, haggard and dark, just like the rest of ancestral home of the Black family. It was depressing.

"You have to remember that the girl is only seventeen. The last few weeks must've been awful. She's done beautifully up until now. And because she's acting so clever all the time we tend to forget that she's so bloody young."

Sirius moved forward, sitting down on a sofa opposite from Moody. The ex-Auror looked tired and upset. The fight with Riga had left its marks. It seemed that Moody was quite fond of the girl.

"She could've died. And she endangered others as well. It just doesn't seem like her. Even if she does something reckless, usually it's all within reason." Alastor shook his head. "And just to gather some information. It's irresponsible."

Sirius shrugged his shoulders and the both men sat in silence, each of them thinking about how it could have gone so much worse.

"It's wasn't like that," a voice from the hallway announced.

Looking up they saw Harry, Ron and Hermione standing awkwardly in the corridor.

"What do you mean?" Sirius asked.

"It was our decision to leave at night, not Riga's", Harry said, wincing. "She took the blame, because we told her that we couldn't tell anyone. You see, we needed to get something…."

Moody and Sirius shared a frown. "And what exactly would that be?"

The three teens looked at each other. Sighing Harry turned towards the two adults.

"What do you know about Horcruxes?"

Gringotts, London

I strolled into Gringotts, unconcerned to be seen by anyone. I assumed I was save from Mulciber, Malfoy and the rest of their merry group, because of the invitation I had received. They wanted to make a political statement more, than to just snatch me. And as long as no one recognized me from the article a few weeks ago, I was as save as I hadn't been since Sara's death. And because of said invitation I found myself at Gringotts this afternoon.

Yesterday night, after I came home, I had a long and good cry. I allowed myself to feel all the pain that Sara's death has caused me, the desperation and fear and even hatred. The moment I let go, I couldn't stop crying. It was like a dam had broken and I was washed away with everything that I had ignored for weeks. A few hours later my face was puffy and I felt emotionally drained, but my resolve was strengthened. I had this bloody ball coming up and I had to attend, but I would do it on my terms. If I just handled everything clever enough, the whole situation would be advantageous for me. But that needed some preparations. Hence, why I was at Gringotts.

With little more than a polite greeting, I was waved right through to Goldsnipe's office.

"Riga, it's good to see you doing well", he greeted me casually.

"Well, it's good to do well", I joked in response. "Thank you again for your help with Skeeter. And Mulciber."

"Anytime", the goblin inclined his head in a generous gesture.

"I'm in need of Gringotts' service again. I'd like you to handle something for me."

The gobbling eyed me. "What would that be?"

"Mr Malfoy extended an invitation to me for a ball that'll be held in my honour. You could call it a debutant ball. To even out the political playground, I insisted that friends of mine were allowed to participate. I think you can understand that I'm a bit concerned for their safety. I'd like Gringotts to oversee the safety measures. Wards, restricted arrivals, guards and so on. I would even go as far as to persist on a wand oath from both Mr Malfoy and Mr Mulciber that they won't hurt me, nor my guests."

"Gringotts is certainly capable to safeguard such an event. The payment…?"

"From my account. I don't want to goad Malfoy any further", I laughed. "I'd also like you to handle the invitations for me. I have a list of people that I'd like to attend. If you could handle the correspondence?" I continued.

"Sure", the goblin reassured and started to scribble down on a parchment, making notes of all the tasks I thrusted upon him.

I knew that the next point would be critical and the most likely one that he would reject.

"I'd also like you to attend", I said carefully.

Goldsnipe nodded without looking up from his parchment. "Of course, I'll be available to be the representative of Gringotts."

I shook my head. "I meant as my friend, Goldsnipe."

His face froze into a neutral mask as he looked up. Folding his hands on top of the parchment, he leaned back in his chair, eyeing me with a piercing glance. "As your friend?"

I just nodded solemnly. I could tell him how much I cherished his help, or that I had learned to trust him. Or even that I liked the vicious streak he showed from time to time. But I stayed silent, there was no need to tell him that, as I was convinced that he knew already somehow. I wanted to change our purely business relationship to one that was based on friendship. Of course, we would still do business with each other, he was a goblin after all. But extending a hand in friendship in the goblin world was something with major consequences. Being my friend would mean, that he was my ally. Following the dark and violent history of the goblin race, it meant that he would stand by my side, if I ever went to war. And vice versa. Acknowledging a friendship would mean that we would pledge allegiance to each other. Considering my current situation it was riskier for him than for me.

Nodding slowly, he lifted his right hand to bestow me with the traditional goblin greeting, instead raising his hand to his chin however, the greeting started at his throat, signalling that we were closely acquainted with each other. "Friend Riga."

Smiling, I answered accordingly. "Friend Goldsnipe."

Holding my gaze for a while longer, he smirked. "You certainly made my life more interesting. I trust you will continue to do so?"

I laughed, surprised by his statement. "I'll do my very best."

Sighing I turned the conversation to business matters again. "I need to go down to my vault. I have to withdraw an item."

"Oh?" the curious goblin intoned.

Snorting, I rolled my eyes. He wanted to know, but didn't want to ask. Goblin pride.

"I'm going to pay a visit to some old allies of my family. I want to bring a hospitality gift."

Goldsnipe nodded thoughtfully. "Surrounding yourself with allies and sympathizers would be a wise decision. Old allies you say? Could I be so bold to inquire if I know of those allies?"

I grinned. "Of course you can. And yes, you know of them."

Goldsnipe waved impatiently with his hands, wanting to receive an answer.

"The centaurs."

Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, later that day

The fireplace roared and a small person stepped out. Eyeing his surroundings, the goblin brushed off some of the soot as he stepped into the impressive room. It was luxuriously furnished with armchairs and chesterfields out of brocade. A huge and glittery chandelier hang in the middle of the room, lightening it up. The parquet floor was partially hidden by an enormous carpet. Although the colours scheme was modest, the room still looked extravagant. It was a room to receive guests that should be impressed with the wealth of the Malfoy family. As Goldsnipe took the room in, he saw the other person that was already occupying it.

"Mr Malfoy, thank you for seeing me on such short notice", the goblin said business like.

"Well, one can hardly ignore a missive from Gringotts", the older Malfoy replied, looking down his nose.

Smirking to himself, Goldsnipe inclined his head in agreement.

"I'm here in the behest of a client of mine. She explained that there would be a ball and she'd like me to handle the planning and some other duties."

"Ah, yes. I believe I know who you're talking about. And what would that planning include?"

"The whole security for the event will be in the hands of Gringotts. You'll be fully informed about every steps we'll take, but the execution of the safety precautions will be in our hands."

Malfoy nodded. "The girl said that she would think about something like that. You should take great care to inform me about everything."

Inclining his head to the threat-like statement Goldsnipe conjured a piece of paper. "This is a list of the terms my client voiced before we can begin to plan the ball."

The goblin handed the piece of paper to the wizard, who read it attentive. He frowned.

"You want a wand oath?" He asked with a blank face.

"Yes, my client is concerned that your past encounters could overshadow the enjoyment of the festivity. To prevent that, she asked specifically for you and Mr Mulciber to make a wand oath. The exact wording is on the next page."

Goldsnipe paused for a short time.

"But of course my client is also aware that the Malfoy family is one that prides themselves in its word of honour. So if you'll give me, in the function of my clients' proxy, your word, additional to the wand oath, I'm convinced that my client will be more than satisfied."

Appealing to his honour was another additional way to ensure, that Malfoy would take care of his brethren. Just two of them would take wand oaths and the precautions could always be fooled, no matter how good they were, even more so because Malfoy needed to be informed about them beforehand. Addressing his honour would hopefully make Malfoy more willing to actively ensure the peace during the ball.

After the blond wizard read the prepared words for the oath, he nodded.

"I'll call for Mulciber later, so we can take the wand oath together. All of the girls' terms are accepted. They're surprisingly within reason."

"Perfect. Then we can truly start with planning the conditions of the ball. I can discuss the details with someone from you house staff. So, what date would be to your liking?"

Hogsmeade, Scotland, night-time

After I had left Gringotts, I had to take care of some more business in Diagon Alley. I had to restock some potions, and I also picked up some books that I thought I should read – if I ever had the time to do so. I even went to Twilfitt and Tatting's, to order a ball gown. I've never imagined that I would attend a ball, less than be the very reason for one. But as the ball was held in my honour and I even invited the press, I knew that I had to look spectacular. I had the whole Wizarding World to impress. That meant that I needed a unique gown that suited my personality to give a silent statement about my political affiliation. Tricky, but I already had something on my mind. The nice dressmaker took my measurements, noted some of my ideas and immediately started sketching a few designs. I left while she did so. She could sent me an owl if she needed more input from be, but I was just too busy to wait for her.

Stopping just shortly at my Safe House – which felt more and more like a home to me – I continued my way to Hogsmeade. From there I walked the short distance until I reached the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest. Here I was now, looking intensely into the woods, trying to see something. It was late in the evening and the sun already started to set, so I couldn't make out a lot.

I was here to revive the old alliance with the centaurs that my family had made centuries ago. One of my ancestors bonded with a centaur over their shared interest in the forest, where the centaur herd had lived. My family magic had always been strongest when surrounded by nature, as far as I knew that was true for all witches in my bloodline. Nature made my core magic calmer and easier to wield. That was the very reason why I always had such a tight hold on my magical core and my aura. The lacking nature in London didn't make my magic unstable per se, but more stubborn to handle. Usually that was no problem, but add strong emotions like the panic I felt in Umbridge's home? Letting go of my magic in a situation like that could have unpredictable consequences. It rarely happened though, because Sara taught me how to hold onto my core and conceal my aura from a young age on.

So, a witch of my blood line and a centaur formed a friendship hundreds of years ago. That friendship continued decades, including the herd of the centaur and the children and children's children of that witch. As the Wizarding society had changed and my family withdrew from it by covering up their roots, the friendship had faded into obscurity. Until I read the diary and decided to try to reawaken that friendship.

Taking one deep breath in, I let the forest air calm my nerves. This could either go very bad or very well. Closing my eyes I imagined the core of my magic, just like in the lessons with Sara. Letting go of my control consciously took some effort, because I was so used to hold onto it. Seeing the swirling whirlwind of my magic before my imaginary eyes, I marvelled at it. It displayed muted colours in green, blue, brown and red. From time to time you could see a glint of a lighter colour, goldish and glittering. It didn't matter how often I 'looked' at it in my head, I was always impressed. Magic was such a beautiful thing.

Seeing the ropes, that gently kept my magic under control, I let them disappear. Not restricted anymore my magic flared and I felt my skin tingle and my hair move in the soft wind that my whirling aura created. I opened my eyes. There was a soft glow around me that seemed to come from under my skin. A breeze emitted from me. A bit flashy, but I hoped it would scare away some of the more dangerous creatures of the forest. Taking another deep breath in and out I stepped into the forest, starting my journey.

The forest was so dense, that the light form the half moon and the stars barely lit it. Trying to see the way with my eyes was useless, so I decided to trust my gut feeling. I felt my way magically and placed my feet accordingly. The whole sensation was weird, but in a good way. Letting go of my core felt like I could finally breathe freely. I hadn't even noticed before that I felt somehow limited, but feeling the differences in a direct comparison made me realize, that I cut my senses when I constrained my magic. Maybe, when the war was over and I was still alive, I should move away from London to the countryside. There I wouldn't need to bind my magic.

I moved further into the forest, feeling creatures just outside the range of my perception. Being drawn to a clearing that was better lit by the night sky I considered my options. I felt the pull to step onto it, but I would be a sitting duck, standing there in plain sight, for everyone and everything to see. And attack. Trusting in my magic like I always did, I stepped forwards and moved through the waist-high grass, till I stood in the middle of the clearing. The creatures at the edge of my awareness skittered away, making room for another being that advanced me from behind. Turning around I looked at an arrowhead that was pointed right between my eyes, inches away from my skin.

"State your business, witch."

Although I was prepared to come face to face with an angry centaur, my heartrate accelerated and my aura whirled a bit faster around me. The centaur narrowed his eyes in suspicion and drew the bowstring a bit more back, in preparation to let the arrow fly.

I wet my lips and swallowed nervously. I needed to be careful to not anger the centaur further.

"I came here to reawaken an old alliance between the herd of centaurs residing in the so called Forbidden Forest and the Witches of The Old."

The centaur bared his teeth at me and growled. "Those are nothing more than tales of a bygone time."

I shook my head. "I come with a gift. One that your herd once bestowed to one of my ancestors. It is proof that there was a connection between our bloods, a long time ago."

Moving my hand ever so slowly towards one of the pockets of my robes, I reached in to take the item out that I had withdrawn from Gringotts earlier that day. The centaur followed every move I made with wary eyes, waiting for a reason to strike. Pulling my hand out of my pocket, I held the item on my flat hand, presenting it to the centaur.

"A dagger, gifted to my foremother. One of your forefathers gave it to my ancestor in a sign of friendship and trust. As far as I know she used it to perform rituals that benefitted this forest. It was a shared interest to protect these woods and its inhabitants."

The centaur lowered his bow, his gaze fixed on the old dagger. The dagger itself was nothing special. You could see that it was extremely old as it held many signs of use. The handle was made out of wood, transitioning seemingly without a break into the metal that formed the blade. The sheath was made out of the same wood as the handle, entwined with a leather band. The dagger held little adornment except a delicate carving that repeated itself on the handle and the sheath: a tree with widespread roots. The crest of my family. The diary stated that one of the centaurs made the dagger himself, carvings and all, as a gift for my ancestor. I unsheathed the dagger, holding the sheath in one hand, while presenting the still sharp dagger in my flat hand.

"There's a story passed on in our herd. It's about a family of witches that proved themselves worthy of our respect and trust. The stars tell us that we'll recognize when one of the witches will show herself to us again."

With that he locked his eyes to mine and I felt a force emanating from him, pushing vigorously against my aura, probing it. I didn't fight it, I just let it interlace our magical strands, pushing and pulling at each other. I felt like the air was pressed out of my lungs and my whole body was in a vice. But still, I just let it wash over me, showing the centaur that I didn't mean any harm and was just here to renew an allegiance. Showing him my trust first, I could maybe earn his in return. Withstanding his magical assault, I wondered why most wizards and witches thought centaurs, giants, unicorns and other magical creatures to be without magic. They had powerful core magic, wielding it just differently from us. Just because they waved no wand didn't mean that they had no control of their power.

The centaur took two steps closer, now looming directly over me. I had to tip my head back to hold eye contact. The close proximity made our auras swirl faster around us, making it feel like sandpaper was grating over my skin. It was powerful and frightening and it somehow felt right nonetheless.

Not knowing what to do otherwise I raised the dagger in front of me, presenting it to the centaur. Breaking our eye contact he looked at the dagger, contemplating it. Raising his hand, he closed his hand around mine, curling my fingers around the weapon, closing my hand around it.

"It was once bestowed to your foremother. It is yours to keep", he said reverently.

"If it means I'll be able to reawaken our old friendship, I would be ready to give it back to you, as a sign of my humbleness."

The centaur shook his head 'no', still holding my hand. "Are you really ready renew the friendship between our clans?"

I nodded my head. I was determined to do so, that's why I was here.

The centaur tightened his hold on my hand, forcing me to squeeze down on the blade. I felt it cutting my palm and my fingers, blood starting to flow. Clenching my teeth I did nothing, holding as still as possible. If that was necessary to gain his trust and friendship, I was willing to bear a bit of pain. Still clutching my hand in his bigger one, I realized that the centaur was cutting himself as well. Our blood intermingled and a tingling sensation travelled from my hand all through my body. It affected our auras that now were less offensive to each other and more complimentary. Our magic still swirled around us, but I didn't need to fight the urge to lash out. It somehow felt as if my aura recognized his.

Opening his hand the centaur let go of my hand. Blood was running over my arm, dropping down at the forest ground. The cuts were rather deep, but not too serious.

"You need to let the cuts heal naturally."

He had cuts on his hand as well, although they were less deep and altogether smaller. I nodded. Blood magic often needed natural healing to unfold its full power.

The centaur retreated a few steps back.

"This marks a bonding between you and me. I'll tell my herd about you. The final decision, if the old friendship will be renewed, lies with our eldest," he said, turning around, leaving me on the clearing

I nodded to myself. That was good enough for me. I came to the forest to start a friendship, but it could have gone so much worse than what just had happened.

"What is your name?" I asked the back of the departing centaur.

"Kodon" he voiced calmly over his shoulder, without stopping his steps, disappearing in the forest.

"I'm Riga", I yelled after him into the darkness.

Sighing I turned towards the direction where I had come from, letting my magic guide me back. Making my way back to Hogsmeade, I conjured bandages and wrapped them around my hand. I needed to clean the cut and dress them properly at home. Considering my intents, today hadn't gone half bad. Goldsnipe had accepted my hand in friendship and I was even able to approach the centaurs, voicing my desire for friendship as well. I was curious to see where this unique alliance between different species would take us. I was certain that we would be more successful together to achieve whatever we wanted, than separated.

With great pleasure
the Malfoy family
request the honour of your presence
at the debutante ball for their esteemed guest
on Saturday, the tenth of October, nineteen ninety-seven
at 7 o'clock in the evening
Malfoy Manor – Parlour
Refreshments and dancing to follow
Back tie required

P.S. Ms Skeeter, Riga expressed a personal desire
to invite you to her debutante ball.
She looks forward to make your acquaintance in person.

Rita Skeeter reminded herself to breathe. Confused thoughts ran through her mind. In Riga's letters it had always sounded more like she was siting with the Light Side. How come that the Malfoy's would host a ball for her? And Riga wanted her to attend? Surely as a proxy for the press, but Riga voiced the intention to meet her in person. Maybe she would be the only journalist at the event?

Rita jumped from her seat and began to pace her office. Checking her calendar she balked. There wasn't much time left to the ball! She needed to prepare questions, get a new dress, inform her assistant, and so on. There was so much to do and so little time!

Pivoting on the heels Rita grabbed her bag and hurried to the door.

"Valerie? Valerie!"