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Chapter 12

Mid December

Malfoy Manor. Wiltshire, England

Abraxas looked at all the papers that were scattered on his father's desk, well, it was his desk now. He still couldn't believe that his parents were dead. It had definitely taken it's toll on Alcina, she had closed herself off in her room, and he hadn't seen her much the last couple of days. He was happy that their house elf, Penny, had been able to get her to eat something. It was today that the will would be read out loud, and Abraxas sure hoped Alcina hadn't forgotten it.

Abraxas sighed and looked once again at the paper in front of him. It was a letter from Vlademir Nikolai Dolohov. It was a betrothal contract, involving his son Antonin Vlademir Dolohov and his sister Alcina Malfoy. Thankfully, his father hadn't signed it yet. Abraxas looked at it, before he crumbled it together, and threw it in the fire behind him. He would never let Alcina end up in a marriage with Antonin.

Abraxas started to write a letter to Vlademir to inform him that he had to reject his request for a betrothal contract on his father's behalf. Abraxas did not look forward to any of this. He was looking forward to his return to Hogwarts, to finish his education. Once that was done, then he would look at all of this. He knew all of the companies under the Malfoy name could run without his interference for a short while, there were good people in charge of them, he was confident that they would be alright in his absence.

Abraxas sighed again, and went to retrieve something to drink. He found his father's old firewhiskey and poured some in a small crystal tumbler for himself. He drowned it, enjoying the taste and burn as the amber liquid slid down his throat.

He suddenly felt a discomfort flow threw him, and knew that the officials from the Ministry had arrived. Ever since his father's death, he had been able to feel every single person who had come and gone on the manors grounds. He could feel the wards breach the moment they arrived, and he quickly went up to his sisters room. He stood outside, and knocked.

"Alcina? The officials from the Ministry have arrived, are you coming down?" Abraxas asked. She didn't answer, but Abraxas knew that she had heard him. He could hear her coming to the door, and opened it.

"I'm coming Abraxas," Alcina said and went out to join him in the hallway. She looked like hell. Her hair was shattered and she had dark circles under her red eyes. Abraxas sighed, and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.

"I know it's hard Alcina, but I promise, it'll all be over soon. Then we can have some peace." Abraxas whispered to her. He could feel her shaking in his arms, before she held him across his waist.

"I just want this over with, we haven't gotten a moment's peace since we got home." she said, hiccuping.

"I know, and it'll all be over by the end of tomorrow, let's just get through this day. Just one day at a tone, love." Abraxas said, when a small crack sounded behind them. Their little house elf Penny stood trembling with huge eyes looking up at them.

"Master Malfoy, Mistress Malfoy, the official from the Ministry is arrived, yes he has." Penny said with a tiny, high pitched voice.

"Thank you, tell him we'll be there shortly." Abraxas said, softly.

Alcina shook her head, and dried her eyes.

"Let's get this over with, I want to sleep." Alcina mumbled.

"Of course," Abraxas said and took her hand in his, as they walked down to the dining room to greet their visitors.

The ministry official was a short, aging wizard of questionable background and upbringing, it was clear that he was not taught proper grooming habits. He had a large protruding stomach, and short thin legs, it was a wonder he was able to stand at all given how round his midsection was. He had his long grey hair held back by a small pink ribbon tied at the nape of his thick neck, while his unruly beard was left ungroomed, a few crumbs and bits of food remained tangled in the unkept hairs. He had a very harried and rumpled appearance.

"Mr. Malfoy, Miss Malfoy, I am so terribly sorry for you're lost. Lord and Lady Malfoy were highly respected in the Ministry." the man said as he shook Abraxas's hand with his thick, sweaty hand.

"Thank you Mr. Bernárd, we are still adjusting to it." Abraxas said, and motioned for the man to sit as he discreetly wiped his hand on his robes.

"I've come to read their will aloud for you." Mr. Bernárd said and retrieved a document.

"Would you like some tea before we begin?" Abraxas asked.

"Yes, please, that would be nice." Mr. Bernárd said. Abraxas called for Penny which appeared with a tray with tea and some small cakes and pastries.

"Well, as I'm quite sure you already know, Malfoy Manor and all companies bearing the Malfoy name, are to be inherited by first born son, and that would be you, Mr. Malfoy. There are a couple of things here that are written by your father himself, additional instructions and wishes, if you will. You home in Sweden goes to Mr. Malfoy, of course, however, your home in France as well as the Beach House, are to go to you, Miss Malfoy. Everything else, is for you both to share according to this. You are now the Lord of the Manor, Mr. Malfoy." Mr. Bernárd said.

"Thank you Mr. Bernárd." Abraxas said.

"I am so very sorry for your loss, both of you. Your parents were my friends, and I'll miss them dearly. Don't worry dear girl." Mr. Bernárd said and patted Alcinas hand "It will get better with time. Now, I'm off, I have to get these documents to the Ministry. If there is anything I can do for you, then please don't hesitate in contacting me." Mr. Bernárd said and shook Abraxas hand and Alcinas.

When Mr. Bernárd had left, Abraxas pulled his sister with him to his father's study.

"I want you to know Alcina, that I don't plan on making any changes or going behind your back. We will share this responsibility, together, as a family should." Abraxas said.

"I love you Abraxas." Alcina said and hugged her brother.

"I love you too Alcina." Abraxas said. They stood in eachothers arms for a time until Abraxas finally broke the silence.

"I wrote a letter to Dolohov's father, apparently, he has asked for your hand in marriage." Abraxas said.

Alcina paled, and started to tremble.

"Please don't let him, please! I don't want to be with him." Alcina pleaded.

"Don't worry, I threw the contract in the fire alongside his letter. I wrote to him, and told him that my answer was no. I would never force you into anything like that." Abraxas said.

"Is it bad of me to say that I'm happy that you did it? I'm sure father would have accepted it." Alcina said and sat down.

"No, it's not bad of you. You are right though, had father gotten that letter I'm sure he would have accepted the offer." Abraxas said and smiled.

"When are people arriving?" Alcina asked.

"Tomorrow, then we'll have the funeral. I've given Lestrange, Avery and Tom permission to stay here for the night as well." Abraxas said.

"Okay, thank you for saying it. Is that all? I think I would like to go and lay down for a bit. All of this is quite exhausting." Alcina said.

"Please, come down and have dinner with me tonight?" Abraxas asked.

"Yes, I promise to come down and sit with you during dinner. Send Missy when it's time." Alcina sighed as she stood up to leave the office.

Abraxas stood and watched as Alcina went up towards her room, he was worried about her. She hadn't been herself since their parents had passed.

Abraxas went inside his father's study and sat down. Tomorrow their family and some of his father's most trusted colleagues would be in attendance at the funeral being held in the ancient Malfoy family cemetery. Then afterwards, the manor would be opened up and there would be a reception for all of those who wanted to come and pay their respect. Abraxas didn't look forward to it, but it was what everyone expected to happen, so they had to hold it. Abraxas didn't like the fact that there would be so many people at the Manor, it made him nervous having so many strangers wandering about. He had already asked all of the elves to make sure everything would have a sticking charm on it, to prevent greedy guests from helping themselves to his family's heirlooms and antiques. He had also sealed up several doors, and warded them to make sure no one besides himself or Alcina could enter them.

"Is there anything Master Malfoy want's?" Missy asked, Abraxas hadn't heard the little elf enter. She was Alcinas personal elf, where Penny was his.

"No, but go and check on Alcina for me? Then you can all take the rest of the day off. Is everything in order for tomorrow?" Abraxas asked.

"Yes Master Malfoy, Missy made sure to stick everything in place, yes, Missy did. No one is going to take anything from manor on Missy's watch!" the proud little elf said.

"That's good Missy, go check on Alcina, and then take the time off." Abraxas said and smiled when the little elf vanished. Abraxas went down to the kitchens and asked the elves to make a tray for him, before he gave them the time off as well. He took the tray, and went upstairs to Alcinas room. He knocked once on her door, and let himself in. Alcina was sitting on her bed, and Abraxas could see she had been crying again.

"I brought us some dinner, I thought we could eat here?" Abraxas said.

"Sure," Alcina answered and made room for him.

Abraxas handed her a bowl of soup, her favorite, mushroom soup.

"Thank you Abraxas, for handling everything. I'm not sure I could do it." Alcina sighed.

"Don't worry. We'll get through this together." Abraxas said and took her hand in his.

"Can you put this on mother's neck before tomorrow?" Alcina asked and took the phoenix tear necklace she had bought as her mother's christmas present.

"Of course, I'll see that it's done." Abraxas said.

"Thank you, I'm not hungry anymore, I think I'll just sleep now. I'm sorry, I'm just not up for this quite yet." Alcina said as she handed her twin her untouched bowl of soup and slipped under the quilt.

"I'll see you in the morning, sleep well Alcina." Abraxas said and kissed her forehead, before he vanished the tray of food and left the room.

Abraxas looked at the necklace, and knew his mother would have loved it. He sighed before going down to put it on his mother's neck.


Abraxas woke up the following morning absolutely exhausted. All he could think of was getting through the day. He quickly went to take a shower before he dressed in his finest robes, just as he was slipping his wand in its holster, he felt someone breaching the wards on the manor. He knew that some of his extended family would be arriving early, but he really didn't want to interact with anyone of them just yet, and he knew that Alcina wouldn't be willing to face their guests quite yet either.

"Master Malfoy, a Masters Riddle is outside, sirs, should Missy tells him to go?" the little elf asked and looked up with wide, innocent eyes at Abraxas.

"No, please escort him in, thank you, I'll be down in a minute." Abraxas said, dismissing the elf and turning to face the large ornate mirror once again.

He made sure that everything was in order before he took his father's cane. The silver snake handle had always been one of Abraxas favorites things. He remembered how he, as a child, had been allowed to play with it. He took the cane and went down the stairs.

"My Lord, I'm glad you could come." Abraxas said and went to shake hands with Tom.

"I'm sorry to hear about your parents passing. How are you handling things?" Tom asked.

"Alcina could do better, I'm glad you're here, your presence will be of great help. Do you mind going up and talking with her? She hasn't taken this well. I'm worried about her." Abraxas said, sighing.

"I'll go up straight away, if there is anything you need, please tell me. I'll help you in any way I can." Tom said before he went up the stairs to Alcinas room. He had been at the Manor so many times so he could find his way around this huge place in his sleep. He knocked three times at Alcinas door, and let himself inside.


Alcina had been heartbroken ever since she had learned that her parents were dead. She had been devastated and hadn't wanted to talk or be with anyone. She knew Abraxas meant well and was worried about her, but she didn't know how to tell him how she felt. All her life, she had been taught never to show weakness or show what you truly felt. A good pureblood witch was able to conceal her emotions. Alcina knew she had failed in that, she had never been strong enough to protect herself against Dolohov. She wasn't supposed to. She had been spending all morning trying to reign in her emotions, calm down and conceal her feelings. Today was her parents funeral, it wouldn't do to be anything but the perfect pureblood witch her parents had raised her to be. When she heard someone knocking on her door, she was just about to turn around and yell at the visitor to get the hell out of her room, she wasn't ready for company, when her eyes fell on Tom's form.

"Tom?"

"Hello Alcina." Tom gently said and gave her a small smile.

Alcina took a deep breath before she rushed to him, and hugged him tightly against her chest. He quickly wrapped his arms around her, rubbing soothing circles on her back.

"I miss them Tom. This wasn't how it was supposed to be." Alcina sobbed into his robes.

"I know, I know." Tom said soothingly.

"Why? Why did they have to die? It's Christmas! This wasn't supposed to happen." Alcina sobbed.

"I'm sorry Alcina, but I don't have the answer. I guess it was just their time. Please, I know you are hurt and upset, but you have to take a deep breath and get this day over with. Can you do that? It'll all be over with soon." Tom said and pushed her a bit away, so he could look into her eyes.

"I think so." Alcina said, nodding as she began to dry her cheeks.

"Good girl. Now, go in and get a shower while I go down and talk with your brother. I want you to come down as soon as you're done, do you understand?" Tom ordered.

Alcina took a deep shuddering breath and nodded.

"Good girl, I see you in a bit. Go on now." Tom said and pushed her gently towards the bathroom.

Just before Alcina went inside, she turned around.

"Thank you Tom."

Alcina heard Tom leave, and decided to do as he had instructed and shower. She just wanted this day to be over with as quickly as possible. She looked at the clock, and knew that their family and closest friends would arrive soon. She hurriedly took a shower and dressed in an elegant black dress made of silks and exquisite lace, it was one of her mothers, and it was gorgeous. She braided her long silky hair, finishing it off with a black lace ribbon, and quickly went downstairs to find Tom and Abraxas. She quickly found them both standing in the foyer, waiting for her.

"Are you ready?" Abraxas asked and gave her a small smile.

"Yes," Alcina said before she took her brothers hand in hers. Together, they went outside and across the gardens, to their families graveyard. It was set up quite beautifully, with white flowers everywhere you looked. Abraxas opened the large, heavy gate, and they both went inside. It didn't take long before people started to appear. Lestrange and Avery both went over and pulled Alcina into a hug, with their families right behind them. Soon the whole graveyard was filled with people, all of whom wanted to speak with Abraxas, expressing their deepest sympathies and speaking kind words of the departed. Alcina just stood beside her brother, trying to block the people out. She was surprised about how many people had arrived, but knew even more people would arrive later. She didn't look forward to it, she just wanted to be alone.

At last, the Minister of Magic arrived, he was the one who was to perform the funeral today.

"Minister Spencer-Moon, I'm so pleased that you could come and perform the service today. I know that my parents would be very pleased that you were able to do this." Abraxas said to the Minister. Leonard Spencer-Moon was a wizard around the same age as their parents, and his father had always talked about the minister and held the man in high esteem. Leonard graciously greeted the new Lord Malfoy.

"Of course, Lord Malfoy, I am so very sorry to hear about your parents passing. They were my very dear friends, and I will miss them greatly. If you or your sister need anything, anything at all, please don't hesitate in asking." Minister Leonard said to the new lord of the Malfoy family, before he went over to Alcina and kissed both her cheeks, expressing his sympathies. He then went to stand in front of the richly decorated caskets, and gazed upon the gathering crowd in front of him, placing the tip of his wand to his throat he whispered an incantation to increase the volume of his voice, ensuring that all who were gathered could hear him clearly.

"Lord and Lady Malfoy were both very highly respected in the Ministry, and the loss for all of us is monumental.

Not least to their two surviving children, Lord Abraxas and Lady Alcina Malfoy.

The late Lord and Lady Malfoy were my dear friends, and I will miss them both very much. Their work in the ministry and all of the different events they held, meant a great deal to the people that they supported and reached. It meant a lot to me personally that they were willing to help others and keep the charitable events successful year after year. I hope that the new Lord Malfoy will honor his parents' memory and be willing to step into his father's footsteps, it won't be an easy task.

Lord Malfoy was a respectable man who helped a great many, including myself. I will always be grateful to him for that.

Lady Malfoy was a glorious soul who was good and kind towards everyone that she met, especially those who needed her help.

I hope you join me and raise your wands to two wonderful people that we will all deeply miss." Minister Leonard said canceling out the incarceration to amplify his voice he said an enchantment, the caskets magically sealed, and in their place, and gray tombstone appeared. Alcina stood with tears in her eyes, and held on tightly to her brothers hand. Minister Leonard conjured a white rose which he placed upon each tombstone, and then everyone else went up and did the same. Alcina and Abraxas went last. As they went up Abraxas conjured a single blood red rose, while Alcina did the same. They put the roses down in front of all the white roses, one on each of their parents tombstones. Abraxas kissed his sister's forehead, and left the cemetery.

They went towards the dinning room, where everyone was gathered. Abraxas stood beside the large doors at the front of the manor, and accepted the condolences from every single witch and wizard that walked through the doors. Many people arrived for the lunch, people from the ministry, charity organizations, and old school mates. Alcina stood beside her brother for a time, but Abraxas knew she really didn't want to be there anymore than he did.

"Alcina, honey, why don't you go over and get something to eat? I can take care of this." Abraxas said, as he eyed the Dolohov family approaching. He wanted Alcina as far away from them as possible, so she didn't have to interact with the Russian family.

Alcina nodded and soon disappeared from his view.


Alcina hated this, she hated that all these strangers she didn't know, had the nerve to arrive and go around in their home, touching her family's heirlooms and paintings. She was glad that Abraxas was able to manage it all, because she really didn't have the energy to do it. She could finally feel how tired she was. She hadn't been able to eat much lately, and sleep was almost impossible. She couldn't stop thinking about her parents, and how they had died. She didn't even have a chance to say goodbye, that was the worst part. Alcina knew that Abraxas blamed Gellert, because he hadn't been invited. Alcina had ask if her brother would invite him, but he had told her no. He blamed it on him, because it was Gellert who convinced them both to stay longer at Hogsmeade. If they hadn't stayed there for so long, they might have been able to get back in time to say goodbye.

Alcina didn't blame Gellert for it, because she knew it wasn't his fault, he had no way of knowing what was happening. Alcina excused herself from the reception, and went to the library. It was her safe place, where she knew she could be alone. She quickly went there, and closed the door silently behind her and warded it against unwelcome guests. She quickly went over to the sofa in front of the crackling fire, and sat down. She looked around, almost wishing it all was a dream, and her father would come by anytime now, sitting and chatting with her about school. But he didn't come, and she knew he wouldn't. Alcina sighed, and then something across the room caught her eye. She went over to the closet, and saw how her father's black robe hang over the door. Apparently the house elves hadn't cleaned everything up in here. Alcina took the robe and inhaled deeply. It still smelled like him. She took it with her over to the fire, and pulled it around her body. The door to the library opened, and Alcina turned around and watched how Tom came over to her, with a tray flowing in front of him.

"I thought you might be hungry, you left before you had gotten the chance to eat." Tom said quietly, and sat down beside her. He placed the tray on the small table beside the couch, and looked at Alcina.

"Eat. I am under direct orders to ensure you eat." Tom said and smiled.

Alcina gave a small smile, but took one of the sandwiches and began nibbling at the crust.

"I hate this. All those people none of us know, snooping around in my home. I wish they would all just leave!" Alcina said silently.

"It's only for the day, they will soon be gone. I promise." Tom said and allowed Alcina to take his hand in hers.

"I know, but I still hate it. They haven't arrived because of my parents, they arrived because they now got a chance to see the great Malfoy Manor. Snoop around a bit, and steal something." Alcina hissed.

"I know. Abraxas had the house warded against theft, don't worry about that." Tom said and gave her a small smile.

"I know. Are you staying over for the rest of the christmas holiday?" Alcina asked after finishing her first sandwich. Tom quickly made sure she took another one before answering her questions.

"Don't you think it would be better if I went back to the orphanage? I don't want to be in the way. I would hate to be a bother." Tom said.

"You wouldn't be, please, please stay? I'm sure Abraxas is okay with it." Alcina said.

"Then I'll stay, but I won't get in your way. Just know that I'm here if you need me. I'm always here if you need me." Tom said and squeezed her hand, while he watched her gulp down a glass of water.

"I'm so tired." Alcina said all of the sudden, and yawned.

"Well, you should be, I did put a sleeping draught in the water after all." Tom said.

"You did what?" Alcina asked sleepy.

"You need rest, sleep Alcina, I'll be here when you wake." Tom said and watched how sleep overtook Alcina, and she turned around and fell asleep with her head in his lap.


Christmas Day

Abraxas and Alcina found themselve sitting in their parents old bedroom, with all of their presents piled up at the foot of the large bed. Alcina had asked Abraxas to take the bedroom for himself, but he had declined, telling her that she should take it. So now, it was hers, which made had made her very happy.

"It's weird opening presents without mother and father here." Alcina said and looked at the pile with presents.

"It sure is." Abraxas said.

"Tom didn't want to intrude. He said he would be in the library if we needed him." Alcina said.

"Then I'll find him later. I have a gift for him as well." Abraxas said.

"What gift?" Alcina asked.

"I'll tell you later." Abraxas smirked.

"Fine." Alcina groaned.

"Now, which one do you want to open first?" Abraxas asked.

"Which one is from mother and father? I think we should open those first." Alcina quietly said.

"This one is for you, and I think this one is for me." Abraxas said and handed her a flat small package wrapped in beautiful silver paper.

"What do you think it is?" Alcina asked, eyeing the present in her hands. Abraxas's gift was of the same size and shape.

"I have no idea, want to open them at the same time?" Abraxas asked.

"Sure, let's do that." Alcina said. The both opened the present, which contained a letter for them each.

My dearest Alcina

I know you want to go travel, and see the world, while becoming a healer, and therefor we have decided to grant you that wish.

Inside this packet, you will find a 8 year scholarship all around the world. You will be able to visit all of the places that have been described in the brochure.

We do hope you will love this gift.

You are always welcome back home at anytime.

We love you sweetheart.

Love Mum and Dad

At the end of the letter, Alcinas tears were falling freely from her eyes. She couldn't believe that her parents actually gave her this. In all her life, she had never expected to get this.

"Alcina? Are you okay? What is it?" Abraxas asked concerned.

"Read it." Alcina said shoving the letter into his hands as she dried her eyes. Abraxas took the letter and read it, with a huge smile on his face.

"Oh Alcina, I am so happy for you. This is just what you wanted!" Abraxas said.

"I can't believe they bought me this." Alcina said and sobbed again.

"Come here," Abraxas said and pulled her into his arms. The sat there for a while, before Alcina asked what he had gotten from their parents.

"A international portkey to Sweden." Abraxas grinned.

"Oh, are you going there to ask Svea to marry you?" Alcina grinned.

"I am definitely going to ask her." Abraxas grinned.

"Oh I'm so happy for you Abraxas!" Alcina smiled and gave her brother a huge hug.

"Let us hope she accepts." Abraxas suddenly said nervously.

"I'm sure she will. She really likes you, you know that." Alcina said and thought back on they young witch they met a couple of years ago. It was a coincidence that made them literally run into each other. Abraxas and fallen for the young witch as soon as they made eye contact. Svea was funny and extremely clever, which had Abraxas hooked right away, and she was even a pureblood, which was only a plus.

"When are you leaving?" Alcina asked.

"Well, I was actually hoping to leave before the new year starts, if it's alright with you?" Abraxas asked.

"Sure, you need to go and get her, before anyone else does." Alcina grinned.

"Are you sure you are okay with it?" Abraxas asked concerned.

"Yes, Tom is here, and Avery and Lestrange are coming here new year's eve, I'll be fine." Alcina said.

"I will be back before new year's eve, I promise." Abraxas said.

"Well then you better tell Missy to pack your things so you can get going!" Alcina smiled.

"I leave tomorrow, I think." Abraxas said.

Alcina looked at her brother and smiled. She really did hope Svea would accept, because Abraxas clearly was in love with her.

"I think I want to plan my travels, do you mind if we open the rest of our presents later?" Alcina asked.

"Not at all, I'll find Tom and talk with him." Abraxas said. He kissed her forehead before he went down to the library, he found Tom in front of the fire, sitting in an armchair with a huge book in his lap.

"I hope I'm not interrupting, my lord?" Abraxas said and went to sit beside him.

"No, not at all Abraxas. How's Alcina?" Tom asked and closed the large volume.

"She fine, more than fine actually. Our parents gave her an eight year scholarship all across the world." Abraxas said and smiled.

"Just what she wants. She must be thrilled." Tom said and smiled, he was happy for Alcina.

"Yes. I got a gift for you." Abraxas said and handed an envelope to Tom.

"What is it?" Tom asked.

"Open it." Abraxas said and eyed Tom.

Tom looked at Abraxas but opened it. He looked at the letter and quickly read it.

"Abraxas, I've no idea what to say, this is too much." Tom said and eyed the letter. Abraxas had given him the money he needed to travel around the world, learning new spells and magic. Everything would be paid for by the Malfoy family.

"We have more than enough money to support ourselves for many generations, you want to travel, to learn new things, and I want you to teach me everything when you get back. I will stand behind you in this, and this is a huge opportunity for you to get even stronger." Abraxas said.

"Thank you Abraxas." Tom said and went to shake hands with Abraxas.

"You welcome, My Lord!"