Disclaimer: JKR owns everything and I do not.

Chapter 24: Beware of What You Speak

Draco,

I trust your studies and other responsibilities progress smoothly. One's duties should always be of the highest priority and treated with a delicate but firm hand. You must always follow through with what you have begun.

Your Mother has finished piecing together the astrological charts for June and July. It seems the summer solstice will fall on June 20th this year. This year's festivities will be held at a special location.

A delicate matter that has matured faster than expected prohibits me from meeting you for dinner in Hogsmeade on June 1st. Everything in my schedule has been pushed back due to this. I will instead arrive at Hogwarts on June 18th to escort you home. Professor Snape has assured me your OWLs will be finished by then. I will then expect you to meet me at the gates at 7:30 pm. Do not be late and remember all of your belongings.

Study hard,

Lucius

Draco studied the letter intently. After reading through it for the third time, Draco sighed deeply. It's been pushed back…thank god. It felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders and for the first time in months, hope bloomed in his chest. This gives me more time to find a solution. There has got to be a way.

"Dray, you coming to breakfast?" Blaise asked with a yawn as he poked his head out of the bathroom.

"Hm."

"Is that a yes or a no?" Blaise took one last look in the mirror, gave it a cheeky grin, and then reentered the bedroom. Grabbing his satchel from the floor, he glanced over at Draco and noticed the parchment in his hand. "Letter from Lucius?"

"Yes," Draco answered distractedly.

"Well…what does he say?"

Draco furrowed his brow. "It's been pushed back."

"Pushed back? What? Are you serious?" Blaise plucked the letter from between Draco's fingertips and scanned it quickly. "Hm…that's interesting. Summer Solstice…I wonder how that's going to play into this?" he muttered.

"Don't know," Draco replied. He smoothed his hair back from his face and then fixed his tie. "All I know is it gives me more time."

Blaise glanced back at Draco, his eyes narrowing. "More time? For what?"

Draco noticed the angry and accusatory nature of Blaise's look. What in Hades is up with Blaise? He schooled his expression, and shrugged his shoulders. "Don't look at me like that, Blaise. So I'm looking forward to little more shagging time with the Weaselette. What of it? She may be a blood traitor, but she's a hellcat in bed," he laughed.

Blaise chuckled, shaking his head. That had better be the reason Dray, but somehow I doubt it is.

hr

"I'm so glad your back. We have so much to do before the 23rd." Lucretia nodded, her eyes still glued to the book in front of her. Aurelia moved the eggs around on her plate with her fork. "Hello? Luc?"

Lucretia glanced away from the text, seemingly annoyed. "What? I heard you. Something about the 23rd," she supplied lamely.

"You could sound a little excited," Aurelia replied dryly, as she prepared to butter another piece of toast.

"For what?"

Aurelia sighed, pushing a stray strand of hair back from her face. "My wedding…you know June 23rd."

"You should choose a different date."

"What? Why?" Aurelia asked incredulously.

"According to arithmantic calculations, that date is a five, which bodes instability and imbalance," she answered matter of factly. "Say, do you think a person's aura could be manipulated?"

"What? Don't change the subject! Do you think I should really change the date?"

Lucretia shrugged. "If you want. I'll never understand why you're in such a rush to get married. Now then, do you think auras can be manipulated? See, I'm inclined to say that they can. If an aura is a projection of your…"

"Thank you for waiting for me, darling," Alexander sneered as he dropped his bag next to Lucretia and took the unoccupied seat next to her.

"You were taking too long. Besides, I told you I needed to go to the library before breakfast," Lucretia answered pointedly.

"Lover's spat already? You two just got back last night," Cassius quipped as he joined the group.

"Cassius, Lucretia said we should change the date of the wedding."

"I didn't say that Aurelia. I merely told you that using arithmancy, the date showed to forecast instability."

Cassius grabbed a handful of bacon off the nearest tray. "I've never been inclined to take much heed of arithmancy. My father says it's an unreliable art. There are too many ways to perceive the numbers. For example, our wedding date when calculated may be a 5, but you could also look at it from the angle that the 23rd is made up of 2 and 3. When deriving our personal arithmantic numbers, we have a 3 in common. The date is therefore favorable for us and will remain the same." He shot Aurelia a determined look before downing a glass of pumpkin juice.

"I believe it has value when applied appropriately, Cassius," Alexander interjected. "However, if the user has the mental capacity of say…Trelawney, then I wouldn't stake its integrity."

"This coming from a man who is a 999."

Alexander smiled smugly at Lucretia's comment. "I can't help that I am the perfect embodiment of determination, luv."

Cassius chuckled before turning his attention back to his fiancée. "Besides, Aurelia my character number happens to be a 5. Do you think me unstable? Perhaps, you're having second thoughts?"

Aurelia nearly choked on her mouthful of eggs. She noticed the dark gleam in Cassius' swirling aqua eyes and shook her head no. Unstable…not normally. However, I think you're completely deranged when it comes to your obsession with Montague!

"Alexander, do you think auras can be manipulated?" Lucretia asked, her eyes once again scanning the open book and ignoring the conversation around her.

"Auras? Not sure…I've never quite thought about it." Alex scratched his head thoughtfully. "Why? What are you reading?"

"Advanced Magical Theory."

"Well, it's rude to eat at the breakfast table."

"You read the paper and the post while you're eating."

"That's different."

"I don't see how."

"Lucretia."

Aurelia noted the warning in Alexander's tone. I guess they haven't changed too much. Here comes a blowout. Much to Aurelia's surprise though, Lucretia obediently closed the book and once again took up her fork. Alexander merely nodded at her and then turned his attention to Cassius. What the hell was that? The Lucretia I know wouldn't have listened. She would have railed at Montague for ordering her around, slammed her book shut, and stormed off.

"You never answered my question, Aurelia," Lucretia said.

"Pardon?"

"About the auras. See if an aura does in fact reflect the thoughts or moods of the person it surrounds than I believe it can be manipulated. We all know that a skilled Occlumens can influence and to some extent modify a person's thoughts. Why then would it not be possible to do the same to their aura?"

Aurelia cocked her head to the side, her brow furrowed. "Ah, but your assuming that an aura is a reflection of their thoughts. What if in fact it is composed of the soul's vibrations? Can souls be manipulated?"

"Of course, well, to an extent. Otherwise creating a horcrux would be impossible."

"What's a…." but Aurelia was cut off as Cassius clapped a hand over her mouth. Eyes narrowed, Alexander rose and grabbed both Lucretia and his school bags. "Up, now," he hissed menacingly at Lucretia. With a shrug, she stood and followed Alexander quickly out of the Great Hall.

"Oy, what's the rush?" she asked, trying to keep up with his long strides.

Turning, Alexander glared at her. Grabbing her forcefully by the upper arm he dragged her into a secluded alcove and cast a silencing spell. "What the devil is wrong with you, Lucretia?"

"Pardon?"

"Discussing horcuxes and soul manipulation at the breakfast table? What has gotten into you? We're talking about the darkest of the dark arts and you're discussing them over breakfast like a new pair of dress robes! Anyone could have heard you! Are you daft woman?" Alexander tightened his grip on her arm and shook her hard.

"Ouch! You're hurting me, Alex. Let go!"

Alexander's eyes continued to bore into her own, his anger very apparent. He loosened his grip slightly and Lucretia snatched her arm away. Tenderly she ran her hand over the throbbing area. "I'm sorry Alexander, but you needn't get physical." Alexander issued a deep growl and Lucretia flinched. "I'm not saying you're not right. I should be more careful. I'm not quite used to being back at Hogwarts yet. I will watch what I say and to whom," she added in a serious voice.

"Make sure you do," he replied icily. "I have to get to class. Meet me in the Slytherin changing room at 11:30."

"Of course, Master."

"Lucretia."

Rolling her eyes, Lucretia leaned upwards and planted a quick kiss on Alexander's smooth cheek. "I'll be there."

Ducking out of the alcove, Lucretia inwardly groaned at the site of Professor Snape's sour face. What the hell does he want? Merlin, what way to start the day!

"Ms. Davenport, Mr. Montague, I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Of course not, sir."

Snape paused surveying the young couple. "Ms. Davenport, I need to speak with you about your makeup schedule. You will accompany me to my classroom, unless the Head Boy requires something else…"

Lucretia flushed. "Of course not, Professor. I will see you later, Alexander."

Alexander nodded. If he questions you, you were at Fortis House the entire time I was in St. Mungo's. Remember, we are to be particularly careful around him.

I know. Lucretia followed the billowing black robes of Professor Snape down to the dungeons and into the potions classroom. She stood before his desk, her expression blank and her thoughts guarded.

"You have six assignments and eight essays which require completion. I had hoped you would have done some of the work while you were away, but as I have not seen anything yet…"

"Excuse me, Professor, but I did do the essays. I have them here in my bag. I was going to turn them in during class today," Lucretia explained as she dug through the reams or parchment filling her school bag. Pulling out a thick packet wrapped in string, she handed them across to Professor Snape.

"And the potions?" he asked, one eyebrow raised quizzically.

"I did not think that they would keep the right consistency, seeing as I was unsure of how long I would be at Fortis House. I could come after dinner all this week and complete them if that would be amenable to you?"

Professor Snape scowled at her politeness. "Yes, yes, that will do. You'll begin tonight at 6:45pm."

"Thank you, Professor. Is that all, sir?"

"Yes, er…no. How did you find your stay at Fortis House, Ms. Davenport?"

"I would say it was mostly lovely, except for the fact that Alexander was in St. Mungo's."

"Were Antares and Lavinia around much?" he inquired, his beady eyes gazing at her.

"Not much. Most of the time they were at the hospital."

"I would think the mansion would be very lonely for a solitary girl."

Lucretia shrugged. "I am used to it. Until my father remarried, I was usually alone at our home."

"You have brothers though."

"Yes, but they all went to school." Lucretia cocked her head to the side. "You get used to the quiet in time."

"Yes, you do," he answered slowly. "And, how to you find young Alexander, now that he is recovered?"

Lucretia kept her face blank and replied simply, "Much the same as before, sir."

"The effects of a magical coma are unknown."

"Yes, sir."

"And you have noticed nothing different about him?"

"No, Professor." Lucretia continued to stare straight ahead even as she felt Professor Snape attempt to enter her mind. He tried to softly probe at her thoughts, but her guard kept him out. Unperturbed, he then tried a full scale frontal attack, his dark eyes boring into hers. He assaulted her with unrestrained force and Lucretia slammed her hands down against his desk angrily as she pushed him right back out.

They sat glaring at each other, both slightly panting from the exertion. "I really do not appreciate your forwardness, sir. The next time you attempt to break into my mind, I will not be so conciliatory," Lucretia hissed menacingly as she stood. Whirling around she stalked towards the exit, willing herself to hold her temper for a few minutes longer.

"Ms. Davenport!"

Lucretia turned, her face contorted with malice. "I'm not sure Professor Dumbledore would approve of your behavior, Professor Snape. It seems a little dark for his taste," she spat.

"And what would you know of the dark, Ms. Davenport?" Professor Snape inquired, his pale, sallow face alight with interest. "It is a fine line you walk, Lucretia. You best think about your choices carefully."

"Is that all, Professor?" she replied icily.

Professor Snape sat staring at her. He nodded slowly. "That will be all…for now."

hr

"So Alex, what's this meeting all about?" Adrian drawled in a bored voice as he leaned nonchalantly against a row of lockers.

"Yes, is this going to take long? I'm starving!" Terrence whined from where he lay sprawled on a nearby bench.

"You'll get your food soon enough, Ter." Alexander stood with his back to his friends, looking over the scores of the games he had missed. Lost to the bloody Gryffs again! And look at the game plan Cassius used! Damn shame!

"Oy, Earth to Alex…you going to fill us in?"

"Hmmm, oh yes." He turned and faced Adrian and Terry. "Listen, we need more detailed information on Potter's little secret defense society."

"And just how are we supposed to do that?"

"By getting inside information."

"Look mate, I don't think they'd let us join even if we ask nicely. It has something to do with us being Slytherins," Adrian joked.

"Funny, Adrian, very funny. No, I have a better idea and it involves allowing you two free access to the one thing I have made you both swear never to go near."

Terry sat up slowly, his eyes shining. "And that would be?"

"The Gryffindor Chasers." A slow smile spread across Alexander's face as he watched Adrian and Ter comprehend his last words.

"You're kidding, right? No? You mean you're actually going to let us after Johnson, Spinnett, and Bell?" Adrian asked, his face beginning to resemble that of a Cheshire cat.

"I would suggest, for your own safety, you steer clear of Bell."

"Why?" Terrence quipped, his eyes still glazed over at the prospect of pursuing the three most carefully guarded ladies of Gryffindor. Wood would have a conniption if he heard!

"Flint." Alexander and Adrian answered in unison.

"Oh yeah. Wow, this is bloody fantastic!" Terrence added as he thoughtfully rubbed his chin. "Now which one should I pick? Which one would you shag, Alex?"

"Probably Spinnett, seeing as he's already had Johnson's legs open," Lucretia offered in a snide voice as she strode into the changing room.

Alexander glanced at her through narrowed eyes. "How did you? Never mind. I don't care which one of you gets in whose knickers…just get more information. Understood? Use all the charm."

"Understood," they answered in unison. "We'll see you at lunch then," Adrian added as he and Terry gathered their bags and left.

Lucretia bent over to fix her drooping knee sock. Straightening up, she found herself face-to-face with Alexander's hard chest. She glanced up to see his dark eyes gazing down at her curiously. "Are you almost ready? I'm hungry as well," she asked.

"How did you know I shagged Johnson?"

"I don't know," she shrugged. "Just girl gossip, I suppose."

"Liar." His tone was ice cold and Lucretia shivered. "I never told anyone about her and I made sure Johnson kept her gob shut too. So I will ask you once again, how did you know Lucretia?" His said the words slowly, as if he was speaking to a child.

"I don't know. I guess I might have seen it in a dream," she stammered, slowly stepping back from him and his imposing figure.

"And what else have you seen in your dreams?" he asked menacingly.

"Nothing." Lucretia continued to move away from Alex, the light in his eyes beginning to scare her.

Alexander smiled and shook his head. "You lying again, Lucretia. You know how angry lying makes me. Are you trying to make me angry?"

"What? No! I didn't see much. I saw your Mother and your Father fighting…"

Alexander gazed at her predatorily as he began to move slowly towards her. "Yes, continue."

"Your Father was mad at your Mother for taking you out. He punished her." Lucretia's breath hitched as her back collided with a wall. She went to turn, but Alexander slammed an arm in her way, caging her against the wall with his body. His eyes glittered darkly as they stared down at her.

"Is that all you've seen?"

"Yes, I swear."

"And what other special talents have you been keeping from me, Lucretia?"

"Nothing. I haven't kept anything from you!"

"Nothing?"

"Uh, I can transpirate, but I thought your father told you about it! He knows! So does The Dark Lord!"

Alexander slapped her with such force that Lucretia was thrown down to the floor. She slumped to her side, her hand tenderly fingering her stinging cheek as hot tears slipped out of her eyes.

"I told you never to mention him at Hogwarts! Do you want to get us thrown in Azkaban? Sweet Salazar!" Alexander continued to mutter expletives under his breath as he paced back in forth across the changing room. Stopping, he drew his hand through his hair and then looked down to where Lucretia sat. "Here, get up," he said as he reached out to help her to her feet.

Lucretia batted away his hands as she slowly rose. "Don't touch me," she yelled, her face contorted in rage.

"Stop being dramatic," Alexander chided, as he moved to brush her hair away from her face.

"Don't fucking touch me!" Lucretia shoved Alexander hard in the chest. Unprepared, he stumbled backwards and lost his footing. Lucretia watched in horror as Alexander fell to the floor knocking his head against one of the wooden benches in the process. She stared down at him, her hand covering her mouth. "Oh my god, Alexander, I'm so sorry…I didn't mean, oh please don't be angry," she gushed.

Scrambling to his feet, Alexander gingerly touched the side of his head before turning his full attention on Lucretia's cowering figure. His eyes blazed with fury as he once again stalked towards her. Whipping his wand out, he wrenched the hem of Lucretia's skirt up and then touched the tip of his wand to the brand on her hip. Instantly, red-hot lightening bolts of pain coursed through Lucretia's body making her cry out in agony. Her scalp burned and it felt as if she was being flayed alive. Her eyeballs bulged in her head, blood pounding in her ears. Scream after scream issued from her throat until she went hoarse. The pain began to recede and Lucretia found herself laying on the changing room floor, sweat pouring down her forehead. Alexander towered over her, his obsidian eyes alight with malicious amusement. He remained gazing down at her, his wand now hanging at his side. Slowly he extended his hand and hauled her to her feet. Smoothing her hair back, he spoke quietly, "I will not be disrespected. I trust I made myself clear, Lucretia."

Lucretia shivered and nodded her head quickly. Her body ached in a million places and her knees were barely holding her up. She wiped some of the sweat from her brow and her stomach lurched. Whatever that was, it was way worse than the Cruciatus.

"Clean yourself up. We need to get to lunch."

"Yes, Alexander," she answered quietly.