3/5/2017

This week's update. Enjoy!

Chapter 20: Pieces

The finances were in order. Evander, sitting on his stool, stretched his arms out, looking with satisfaction at a complicated looking parchment. The parchment was black in colouration (indestructible by most means) and a runic algorithm was written in Evander's hand with his red chalk (as powerful as a Muggle Excel spreadsheet). He had inserted numbers from the master logbook to calculate total profit, net profit, expenditures and any other relevant number necessary for the business. Finally, he had then calculated everyone's cut for the last week of term – Severus would divvy up the spoils later to everyone. He would earn the same amount as Felix and Severus – despite his continued protests that he wasn't a licensed Potions Master at any point of his life – while Hermione and Draco would earn depending on what they brewed. Neville was currently earning a regular salary for his work growing plants in both Severus' lab as well as a borrowed space in one of Professor Sprout's greenhouses.

It was Friday before the Yule Ball (also the last day of term). He could hear laughter as Felix, Hannah, Neville, Hermione and Draco decorated the lab with season appropriate decorations. Draco had been reluctant and sulky, but Felix had coerced him to join. There was a tree near the fireplace, colourful festive lights adorning the shelves of the bench spaces, red, green and white candles flickering in strategic places where they wouldn't be accidentally knocked over and tinsel draped casually over spaces where it would not pose as a fire hazard. There had been mistletoe, courtesy of Felix, but Severus had taken it down and said "Absolutely not" with the sneer that only he could manage. Evander snickered at the memory. They would all have lunch together the next day to celebrate their success.

He had another predicament too. He wasn't sure who he was going to bring to Yule, if anyone at all. He had managed to avoid being asked by Cho, Daphne and several other girls who he knew had wanted him to go with them. It's just too weird to go to balls with people almost fifteen years younger than him. He couldn't ask Tonks – he had told her way too many lies verbally and by omission. Everything would fall apart if she found out that he was still a Hogwarts student. It was funny, this life he led – if he tried hard enough, he could have any girl – but he's only had Ginny in any official capacity. There was Anastasia – Ana – too. Evander couldn't bear to think about her now – that train of thought usually led to the bottom of some potent Firewhiskey bottle back in 2013. There were too many regrets with that; she had died too young.

No, it's better to think about it in aromantic fashion. He would just have to find someone that wouldn't bore him for the evening. Heaving a sigh, Evander decided to join the group adding ornaments to the tree.

/(I)\

Late Saturday evening found Evander sitting in the Malfoy Manor drawing room. He mused that the dark purple walls of the room matched his dress shirt. He held a tumbler in his dominant hand, nursing a fine vintage of Firewhiskey. He was going to limit himself to just one tonight. It was weird, sitting here in Malfoy Manor for relaxation instead of business. Draco and Severus were playing billiards at a table at the far side of the room. It was a quiet game, punctuated by ejaculations of excitement or dismay depending on how well their shots were made. Draco was winning, Evander deduced.

From his peripheral vision, Evander could see Narcissa slyly stride up to the chair beside him and sit down. Her long blonde hair was done up in an elegant fashion, her dress robes grey (a similar shade to the robes that Evander had taken off after dinner) and her makeup lightly done. She took the seat beside him, but Evander kept his gaze fixed upon the portrait of some long-forgotten Malfoy hanging above the pool table. He had mixed feelings about Narcissa. That woman had saved his life at a critical point in the past, but she was definitely a Dark Arts sympathizer (tread with caution) and someone who believed strongly in blood purity. At the core, Evander knew that she would do anything for her family – and from his experiences, that made her a powerful ally or enemy. This was the type of stuff that Voldemort underestimated – sentiment.

Evander took a nonchalant sip, feeling the Firewhiskey burn down pleasantly.

"I hear you have managed quite an impression on my son." Narcissa stated, her own fingers toying with the stem of an elegant wineglass.

Evander didn't reply. His finger calmly traced the cool nooks and crannies of the intricate patterns at the sides of his tumbler. In his time on this planet, he had made many notable impressions on a plethora of various individuals. He heard a roar of delight from Draco as he sunk his last ball and he could almost hear Severus' scowl. Narcissa's expression remained blank – as cool and haughty as Evander remembered.

She continued, "But are they the right impressions – for the heir of a noble family such as ours?"

The latter half of her question was a decrescendo, words meant only for him. Evander could parse the nuances: disproval of attempting to undo the years of pureblood doctrine and an attempt to intimidate.

"Lucius would disapprove," Narcissa was still speaking. "All this fraternizing with blood traitors, half breeds…"

Evander tuned out the rest of her sentence. He had forgotten how tedious this all was. It was boring. Dull.

"And the whispers…" Evander started listening again to what Narcissa was saying, "Things go in cycles, Murphy, and it will soon be time for darkness to take reign once more. I want Draco to be ready for the new era."

Ah… more foreshadowing. Evander knew something was coming. It was inevitable since his meeting with Dawson. That man's appearance was never a good omen. Aware of Draco's future character, he and Severus would do much to protect Draco. He realized that Narcissa was staring at him. Without hesitation, he shifted his eyes sharply towards her. Her blue eyes were pale as she attempted to stare him down.

A classic pureblood tactic for dominance. Evander had been on many staring matches such as this one. This was low of Narcissa to attempt to cow a fourteen year old boy. He smirked. What was ridiculous about all these traditions was that it offered a perfect opportunity for people like Dumbledore, Voldemort and even himself to perform Legilimency – they could all do it wandlessly. No wonder Voldemort had been able to bend so many traditional families onto his side in the past.

He fought the urge to laugh. Casually he slipped into Narcissa's mind with the finesse of a Muggle neurosurgeon – one delicate slice with the stealth of a mosquito on a warm summer's night. He wasn't interested in breaching all her defenses, just enough to gain an edge in the duel. He could tell that she was actually disconcerted by his previous behaviour. With great care, he projected a snapping sound in her mind that made her immediately swivel her head towards the billiards table. It was a new technique he had picked up while inhabiting the Horntail's mind. Draco and Severus had left the room at this point. As delicately as he entered, Evander left.

Narcissa's eyes were as wide as saucers.

"Who are you?" She breathed.

"No one," Evander smiled dangerously. "Important." He added a strong emphasis on the last word. It almost sounded like a snarl.

It was the most cowed Evander had ever seen Narcissa in his life. Evander had learned long ago, that physicality was not necessary to dominate.

A silence fell. Not awkward, but contemplative. Evander stood up from his plush chair and picked up the bottle from the table in front. He poured himself another drink. He leaned back leisurely on the chair.

"I see." Narcissa started to speak again. There was nothing haughty or arrogant in her manner now. In fact it was cautious, tentative. "Draco is no fool."

"No," Evander said conversationally, "He is not."

"You will protect him from whatever fate has in store?" Narcissa asked.

"Certainly not on your behalf." Evander's voice was frigid. He inserted a dramatic pause. "For his own."

Narcissa nodded. "Lucius –"

"I can handle him." Evander looked at her again.

She immediately turned away.

/(I)\

Evander apparated himself to Diagon Alley. Draco had wanted to come with him, but this trip was for business. They had stayed the night over at Malfoy Manor and exchanged presents the following morning in front of a perfect large tree covered in silvery tinsel. After breakfast, Draco had dragged Evander outside and they had gone sledding on enchanted sledges over some enormous hills behind the Manor.

Now, he was heading for Gringotts.

Diagon was awfully busy today – full of wizards and witches desperate to get Christmas shopping done on the last weekend before the big day. With ease, Evander slipped through the crowds, stopping only to get a fresh treacle tart from his favourite bakery. Treat in hand, he soon found himself in the lobby of Gringotts. As he ate, he idly observed the throng of wizards, witches and goblins going about their business. There were other individuals standing around like Evander, presumably waiting for a friend or a relative to retrieve their money, or other bank business. His eyes caught sight of a Goblin walking casually towards him. One of Qwen's friends – Ancel.

Ancel was big for a goblin. He had curly black hair and his Gringotts attire was freshly pressed. He was also a financial consultant who had his own office.

"Murphy," He acknowledged. "I believe you have an appointment."

"I believe so." Evander nodded, "Lead away."

They left the reception area and the further they went, the ratio of goblins to humans increased. Ancel finally led Evander to a wooden door. Four knocks were given. The door swung open.

"Ah, Evander." Qwen was sitting at Ancel's desk. "I have what you were looking for."

"Do you?" Evander smiled as Ancel checked the hallway furtively before carefully closing the door.

"It was pretty straightforward really." Qwen grinned.

The goblin revealed a carefully wrapped box. There was a festive ribbon and bow festooned around it.

"You must tell us how you hypothetically planned to retrieve this at some point. I am sure it would bring a few laughs."

Evander quirked an eyebrow upwards – he knew Qwen was referring to his past attempt to retrieve the Hufflepuff Cup.

"Will you reveal your methods?" Evander looked at Qwen carefully. He knew Qwen had a much easier time robbing Gringotts than they did. There were no added security measures and not to mention Qwen knew how Gringotts worked inside and out.

It was Ancel who spoke. "Well, I can reassure you that I found the very best Goblin wrought reproduction I could get my hands on, and it currently sits where that used to sit." He gestured at the box.

That makes sense, Evander mused. Ancel loved antiques and would spend hours digging through auction houses, shops and wherever else hunters go for the perfect piece.

"Well, gentlemen, I am in deeply indebted to you." Evander bowed deeply.

Qwen waved a dismissive hand. "Nonsense, this was the most fun we've had in ages. Right, Ancel?"

Ancel nodded as Evander tucked the gift wrapped box in arm. Qwen disappeared off into the fireplace, while Ancel led Evander back outside to Diagon, chatting easily about politics, economics and other subjects.

/(I)\

Horcrux in hand, Evander apparated into the backyard of their house in Little Whinging. There was a small alcove framed by brick on the porch. Anti-apparition wards have been applied liberally to the entire property except for a metre-squared area within the alcove. Evander placed his free hand against the centre of the door. Familiar runes revealed themselves and he pushed the door open with his body weight. He walked into the kitchen and kicked the door closed. There was a kettle containing recently boiled water on the marble kitchen counter, and Evander made himself some tea. Cuppa in hand, Evander went down a shabby looking hallway and went down a series of stone steps to the basement – which had been converted into a makeshift Potions laboratory by Felix and Severus. Here, questionably legal and Felix's experimental Potions were kept.

The basement was dark. The floor was stone, like the stairs. The room was sparsely furnished – many things that they had ordered hadn't yet arrived such as a proper lab bench. Evander could make out Severus standing behind Felix. Severus was wearing a protective dark lab coat over his well-worn black robes. His arms were crossed, and his wand was held out. The familiar small gold cauldron was in service again as Felix – who donned a resistant lab coat, a face shield and thick dragonhide gloves – carefully stirred his mixture. He had handful of beans in the other hand and was carefully dropping them in every ten seconds or so.

Evander set the gift wrapped box on one of the rickety old tables that stood at the centre of the room. He pulled out a chair and proceeded to watch Felix brew a new variant of the Essence of Regret. He sipped his tea. He removed his cloak and draped it over the back of the chair. It took another hour before Felix was finished. The potion was carefully decanted, and both Felix and Severus cleared the space, carefully vanishing any toxic residue that had been left behind.

"I've got a present for us." Evander finally spoke.

Both Felix and Severus turned to look at him.

Evander pointed to the festively wrapped box. "Felix, I know you were wondering how you were going to test the potency of your new potion, so I brought something that could serve as a test. Now, before I open it," Evander reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a Basilisk fang that was carefully rolled up with a thick red cloth.

Felix stared at Evander. He had put the pieces together in a few seconds. "Are you giving us a horcrux for Christmas?"

Severus actually laughed. It was more of a guffaw.

Evander grabbed the flask containing the new batch of Essence of Regret. He grabbed a slender knife that Felix had used earlier for brewing. With great care, he sliced away the wrapping paper and ribbons. A rather plain wooden box was revealed. Evander made a face, realizing that his prize was encased in a traditional Goblin puzzle-box. He closed his eyes and used his fingers to carefully feel the well-sanded surfaces of the box. When he felt an imperfection of the smooth surface, Evander pushed and pulled at the wood. A wooden panel slid out, revealing the small golden cup. He placed a finger on the cup, and instantly felt a strange sensation overtake him. Something malevolent, something that seemed to want to bring out the worst in him – and yes – Evander can be destructive.

"You are such an idiot." Felix suddenly burst into action after reading the series of expressions that crossed Evander's face.

Evander felt his arm being pulled away, losing contact with the cup. He shivered. Evander knew that soul fragments when kept in non-living vessels liked to latch onto whatever living being it was in contact with. Felix put on his thick dragonhide gloves and removed the cup from the box. He dropped the cup into a large glass beaker. Thinking for a moment, Felix put back on the face shield that he had used for brewing earlier. With great caution he tipped the Essence of Regret into the beaker. A loud hissing noise issued. As the Potion worked at the horcrux, a terrifying scream – rather like the screams of someone being tortured by Cruciatus – increased in pitch and intensity, causing all three to wince.

The climax was an explosion. Bits and pieces of the cup rained down everywhere outside the beaker. The beaker – charmed supposedly indestructible – had a large crack in it.

Severus frowned at the beaker, "I am going to make some inquiries about the warranties that exist on unbreakable glassware. This is absolutely unacceptable."

"I don't think we can try this on living horcruxes yet," Evander commented to Felix.

"No, I don't think so." Felix agreed, "Not yet anyways. But I am sure we will get there."

/(I)\

"Are you going to Yule?" Evander asked Luna as he sat down beside her on the hearth of the fireplace in the Ravenclaw Common Room.

Luna, who had been deep in thought, turned to look at Evander. She unconsciously brushed her wavy blonde hair with a finger. "No – I mean no one has asked me to go – and I am –"

"Go with me then." Evander interrupted. "I know you really want to go, Luna."

Luna closed her eyes, puzzling over the sequence of events. As term was over, she was dressed in a dazzling set of purple robes. A purple narcissus with a creamy white inside was pinned in her hair. She was barefoot.

She opened her eyes again. "But why? The dragon does not go with the wallflowers."

Evander sighed. Luna was as always perceptive. "This dragon does not care much for social conventions. You want to go to Yule; I don't want to get sentimentally involved with anyone – I want to go with a friend. And whoever considers you a wallflower are dunderheads."

"I don't like dancing." Luna warned.

"That's fine." Evander smiled. He pulled out a stack of parchments from his robe pockets, and casually rifled through them. "We can go soak up the atmosphere and we can check out the Nargle infestations."

"Wait, Evander –" Luna's hand shot forward and gripped a parchment that Evander had passed by, "What is that?"

Evander examined the parchment that Luna had snatched. On it was an unfinished runic construct drawn in regular black ink. It was a hexagon with a runic character written on every other vertex. It was the construct he had started drawing in Severus' chambers after the night he possessed that bloody dragon. It was his derivation of time travel – or at least as far as he had gotten.

"Runic construct –" Evander started to explain.

"I've seen it before…" Luna seemed to have zoned out. She lightly traced the swirls that were inscribed within the hexagon. "Counter-clockwise…" She murmured. "But it's also different too."

Evander watched her stare at the construct for what seemed like ages. Luna's eyes suddenly brightened, "Oh, of course, the point here," Luna pointed to the vertex that was between the Runes 'time' and 'reversal', "Is tucked inside, so it looks like a pentagon."

He snatched back the parchment from Luna's grasp. Evander lightly fingered the vertex in question. There was a familiar tingling sensation in his dominant arm that usually accompanied him when he was getting close to figuring something out. Quickly, Evander pulled out a self-inking quill from a pocket and carefully drew lightly the folded vertex. He drew a line to transform his hexagram into a pentagram. He added some other features to the construct – it was looking more and more like a construct that he had found in Dawson's mind. How interesting… Evander mused. But there was no way Dawson did this on his own – there must be someone who is equal or greater than Evander when it came to a mastery of Runes. And there seriously were not many of those around. No, there must be a companion. And in his experience, nature had a predilection for symmetry. And this applied to magic as well – Xander's Law. It would make sense for the magic to send him and Felix back here as a counterbalance to Dawson and whoever his counterpart was. Why him and Felix? Evander had guesses, but they were more gut feelings more than anything.

Luna's voice broke him out of his thoughts. "That looks more like it now." There was a hesitation before she whispered to him, "My mum had it – that construct." There was another pause while Luna looked like she was lost in daydreams. "I remember – I was no more than four or five – I snuck into the basement – where I was not allowed to go. My mum – she was an Unspeakable – had a lab down there where she did all sorts of experiments in runes, potions – anything you can think of. I wandered around. I saw that runic construct on a parchment. I remember I grabbed it and looked at it. And that was when I got caught by mum – she was furious. Although, she was more furious because I managed to sneak in. It was one of my last most vivid memories of her – because her cauldron exploded a few months later."

Evander knew about that explosions incident. He listened as Luna continued, "My dad – he destroyed all of my mum's rune work and gave away everything in her lab to the Ministry."

"I am so sorry, Luna." Evander said sincerely. He placed his hand on Luna's shoulder sympathetically. He had never heard this story from Luna in the future.

"I am sorry too." Luna replied back. "Sorry that I won't have a life with her in the present. But I will see her again when I pass the Veil." She looked at Evander, "I am glad I told someone about this."

"I am glad you feel comfortable enough to."

Evander was grateful for these tidbits of information. There were still many puzzle pieces that he was missing, but at least now he could start thinking about collecting those missing pieces.

I am super busy this weekend so luckily I finished this before then.

Please review! And thank you for all the lovely follows/favourites and encouragements. Much appreciated :)