Author's Note: Yay! This chapter is finished. I was very surprised when i finished it a few minutes ago. Please leave a review and tell me what you think. (I will put someone in my story if they leave me a review..... so please, can i get more than one for this chapter?)

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Chapter Twenty-four: Familiar Strangers

Valora rolled over, the royal blue sheets twisting with her body. She just was about to fall into a deep sleep when she heard a faint noise close to the foot of her bed. Her emerald eyes opened slowly as she was still suffering the effects of her last vision, and let out a piercing scream.

"Calm down 'Lora. Damien get out of your sister's face." A voice called out from the doorway into her room.

Valora stopped screaming immediately, and opened her eyes again. Now that she was fully awake, Valora saw the emerald eyes of her brother staring back at her, inches from her face. Damien graced Valora with a sheepish smile before he floated away from her, and landed next to a smiling, wand welding Draco.

Valora sat up in bed, her white nightgown sticking to her sweat drenched body. Her whole family was standing in the middle of her bedroom. Narcissa smiled at her from the foot of her bed, Draco and Damien were standing side by side next to her bed, while Lucius in the doorway, a smile on his usually cold face.

"Why are all of you here?" Draco gave his sister a smile before he raised the wand he was borrowing from Narcissa and began to write in the air.

Happy 10th Birthday Valora!!!! Through the floating words Damien and Draco grinned at her, and Valora felt herself begin smiling in return. Today was her birthday!

The rest of the day progressed nicely. Valora told her parents that she just wanted to spend her birthday with her family, playing a nice game of quidditch. Surprised at his daughter's request but remembering it was her day to choose what the family did, Lucius agreed.

So the Malfoy family got their brooms and walked out to their back lawn. To the surprise of the siblings Lucius decided to play Keeper while Narcissa played Beater. Draco and Valora decided to be Chasers while Damien took up the position of Seeker.

Since there weren't enough people to make a second team the family simply played for fun. Several hours later the family landed on the ground and began walking back to the Manor. Valora smiled to everyone as she wiped the sweat from her brow. That had been the best time she'd had in a long time.

Weeks past by and Valora was in the best mood she'd been in in two years. Everything seemed to be sorting out, and even though she still suffered visions of the red-headed boy, she was determined not to think about the evil students at Beauxbatons.

July 19th found the Malfoy family enjoying time together in the parlor. Valora was laying on her stomach playing with Persephone, Draco and Damien were glaring at one another over their chess board, both trying to scare the other into making a wrong move, while Lucius and Narcissa sat in their preferred armchairs talking quietly.

The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by the arrival Toffee, Narcissa's house elf. Toffee bowed to everyone in the room before he spoke, not specifically addressing anyone.

"Toffee has brought two letters. They was dropped off by two owls, and Toffee knew to bring them to yous." The small elf said as he handed the letters over to Narcissa. She glanced down at the writing and smiled.

"Thank you Toffee." Toffee smiled back bashfully before he disappeared. Narcissa smiled as her family stopped what they were doing to look at her.

"Draco, Damien, I believe these are for you." Draco and Damien's eyes lit up as they stood from their chairs and accepted the letters their mother was holding out to them. As one they turned the letter over in their hands and smiled. They had finally received their Hogwarts letters.

On their letters, written in green ink, stood the words

Mr. Draco Malfoy
Second Largest Bedroom
Malfoy Manor
Wiltshire

Mr. Damien Malfoy
Fourth Largest Bedroom
Malfoy Manor
Wiltshire

Draco and Damien shared a smile before they turned the letters around and broke the seals. The insides were identical.

Hogwarts School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc. Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards. )

Dear Mr. Malfoy,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress

Once they finished reading, both boys turned to their parents. Draco smiled at his father before he asked in the nicest voice he could conjure up, "When can we get our supplies?"

Lucius raised an elegant eyebrow at his son. Draco's smile quickly faded. Lucius continued to stare at him before he too smiled. "If you promise not to act like raging hippogriffs, then we can leave immediately."

Draco and Damien broke into the largest smiles Lucius had ever seen. "Thank you Father." The brothers said in unison. Valora smiled to herself from her spot on the couch while Narcissa called for Toffee.

"Tell Severus and Sirius that we are heading to Diagon Alley to get the boys their school supplies. We will be back in time for dinner." Narcissa said to the house-elf at her feet while she smoothed out her caramel colored dress. Toffee nodded his head before he disappeared with a pop.

Once the message was sent to Severus and Sirius Lucius stood from his chair and waited patiently for Draco, Damien, and Valora to follow suit. The family walked down several corridors and down a large staircase before they came to the apparition room. Lucius pushed open the large doors and passed several white couches and armchairs as he led the way over to the fireplace.

Narcissa stepped forward first and, after giving Lucius a kiss, grabbed some of the silvery floo powder and tossed it into the hearth. "Leaky Cauldron." The flames turned a brilliant emerald as she disappeared.

Draco, Damien, and Valora followed their mother's led in quick session while Lucius followed shortly after the green flames disappeared from Valora's departure.

Once the entire family was at the Leaky Cauldron, and through the secret passageway into Diagon Alley, Draco and Damien whispered to one another before turning to Narcissa. "Mother, can we go to the Magical Menagerie first?"

Narcissa stared straight ahead as they walked down the cobble stone road. "Of course dears,"

Draco and Damien turned to each other and smiled, Valora smiled to herself as she walked between her brothers and her mother, Lucius walking behind her.

Valora was reminded of the first time she had visited Diagon Alley as she walked down the crowded street, passing Quality Quidditch Supplies, Flourish and Blotts, and Gringotts Bank.

Finally, they reached an empty looking Magical Menagerie. Draco and Damien looked up at Narcissa, who gave them the tiniest nods in reply. Draco and Damien nodded back and, after gently taking Valora's hand, they walked into the dimly lit store.

As the familiar smells of the store assaulted her nose she had to think that maybe, just maybe, Draco would find his familiar today. Draco led their way through the store, stopping periodically to gaze at one animal or another.

It seemed like they were going to have to leave empty handed for Draco when a back door opened and the owner of the store, the same old woman with graying black hair that had helped Valora, walked out carrying a small animal in her arms.

Draco tensed up beside Valora and, after glancing at her and Damien, he walked over to the woman. "Can I help you?"

Draco nodded his head as he pointed to the animal. "I believe that is my familiar." To credit, the woman didn't argue his statement, instead she held out her arms, offering the small animal to him.

Draco stepped forward and before his hand touched the animal's white and black coat, it lifted its head and jumped into his outstretched arms. From her spot across from Draco the woman smiled. "It seems you were right. He is free since he is your familiar, but he will need food, a cage, and some toys, so he will be 3 galleons."

During the woman's speech Lucius and Narcissa had walked up behind the siblings, and after she finished Lucius walked over to Draco and laid a hand on his shoulder. He didn't glance at his son's familiar yet, he just handed the woman the required galleons, before motioning for the family to exit the store.

Once out into the open, sun lit street, Damien and Valora turned to look at the animal their brother was carrying. "Hello my little Falcon." Draco whispered to the sleepy white and black Crup in his arms, its forked tail wagging lazily in reply.

Lucius and Narcissa shared a short smile before Narcissa gained her children's attention. "Time to get your robes."

Draco looked up and, without having to be asked, Lucius stepped forward and accepted the small Crup, who didn't even protest the sudden passing around. Draco then followed his mother and siblings across the street and into the smallish building that held Twilfit & Tattings.

This visit went much smoother than the one two years previous. Edgar measured Draco and Damien for their Hogwarts robes without even a second glance from Narcissa. Since it didn't take long to get measured, the family, minus Lucius and the newly named Falcon, walked back out to the crowded street.

Draco walked over to his father and happily took Falcon back into his arms. While his brother was petting the Crup Damien turned to his father, who was standing next to Narcissa, "Can we get our wands?"

Lucius inclined his head slightly, "Take Valora. Your mother and I will get your school books and other supplies." Damien nodded back in reply, noticing how his parents had done the same thing two years ago. Why didn't they want to enter Ollivanders? Did they have any idea of what the man had said years before?

Damien didn't voice his thoughts though; instead he touched Draco on the shoulder, effectively getting his older brother's attention. "Ollivanders." He said as way of explanation.

Draco nodded to show he understood, and then the three siblings were off on their own, walking down the street a few stores before stopping in front of the familiar looking wand shop. Damien looked back down the street to where Twilfit & Tattings stood, but his parents were nowhere to be seen.

With a shake of his head Damien turned back and stared up at the sign, its letters still peeling away. "Ollivander's: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC".

"Come on." Damien said to Draco and Valora before he turned the doorknob and entered the tiny shop, and jumped at the sound of the bell ringing. He cursed himself, how had he forgotten that that would happen in just two years? As he was shaking his head, a voice startled him.

"I wondered when I would be seeing you again Mister Potter." Damien's head snapped to the side while Draco seemed to growl from beside him. Mr. Ollivander walked into view, looking just as creepy as he had the last time they were in his shop.

"Excuse me Mr. Ollivander, but my name is Malfoy, not Potter." Damien said, taking a step forward. Draco stopped making that growling noise and just watched his younger brother, knowing that he was going to settle things between him and the Wand Maker.

Damien and the old man stared at each other for a long time, long enough that Draco was reconsidering his decision to not interfere. "Very well Mr. Malfoy. What can I do for you today?" Draco's eyes widen. How did Damien just do that?

Damien continued to gaze at Ollivander, a sneer evident in his voice although not present on his face, "We need wands, obviously."

Ollivander nodded, and in a matter of seconds a measuring tape appeared beside him. "Hold out your wand arm." Damien and Draco proceeded to hold out their right arms, and watched in amazement as the measuring tape began to measure from shoulders to finger, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, knee to armpit and around Damien's head, before it moved on to Draco and repeated the measurements.

While it was measuring the brothers Ollivander had disappeared into the many stacks and shelves of wands, talking to the siblings as he pulled out various boxes and carrying them to the front desk.

"As I stated to you three before every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance. No two Ollivander wands are the same, just as no two unicorns, dragons, phoenixes or demiguises are quite the same. And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand,"

Ollivander had apparently found enough wands for the time being, seeing as there was over a hundred pilled on the top of his desk, and motioned for Draco to step forward.

Draco handed Falcon over to Valora, who quickly began petting the smooth coat, and walked over to the creepy, wide eyed Wand Maker.

"Try this Mister Malfoy, Chestnut and Dragon heartstring, Nine and a quarter inches, brittle." Draco lightly grasped the offered wand, but it was quickly taken away. "No no, that won't work."

And the process continued for five minutes, with Draco barely touching the offered wand before it was taken away. When the twentieth wand was taken away, Damien silently prayed that it would be over soon. Draco was getting very upset and he knew if he didn't get a wand soon that he might explode.

"Hawthorn and Unicorn tail hair, Ten inches, reasonably springy." Draco knew it was the right wand for him, even before it touched his pale slender hand. Warmth flooded his body, much like when he first held Falcon, and he flicked his wrist and green sparks lit up the dim shop.

Ollivander clapped his hands together and graced Draco with a smile. "Well done. Mister Malfoy." He continued, motioning for Damien to take his brother's place.

"Right then Mister Malfoy try this. Beech-wood and dragon heartstring, Nine inches, nice and flexible." Damien felt the cold wood slid into his grip and he instantly handed it back, shaking his strawberry blonde hair.

Ollivander pursed his lips together. "Maple and phoenix feather, Seven inches, quite whippy." But it didn't work either. Damien had the sinking feeling that he would never find a wand as Mr. Ollivander placed the fiftieth one, Ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy, back on the front desk.

"Hmmm I wonder." The old wand maker said to himself before he darted to a shelf, disregarding all of the untried wands on the desk, and pulled out a dusty box. He turned and gazed at Damien before he walked slowly back over to him, pulling out the wand from its box.

"Try this. Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple." As Damien's hands grazed the smooth wood fireworks shot out of the end, a nice golden color. Mr. Ollivander clapped his hands together, but a dark look had taken over his face.

"Curious… how very curious." He muttered to himself as he placed the wand back in its box and handed it to Damien. "That will be sixteen galleons for both wands."

Draco stepped forward, his new wand clutched in his hand and handed the Wand Maker the necessary gold coins before he turned back to Damien. "Ready?" Slowly Damien nodded and the three began walking out of the shop, but just as Draco reached for the doorknob Damien turned back. "What's curious?"

Mr. Ollivander's head shot back up, surprise written on his face. "I remember every wand I've ever sold Mister Pot… Mister Malfoy. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather--- just one other. It is very curious that you should be destined for this wand when its brother--- gave you that scar."

Damien's eyes widened an inch as Mr. Ollivander pointed to his forehead, the lightning bolt scar hidden by his blonde locks. "Yes, thirteen-and-a-half inches, Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember… I think we must expect great things from you Mister Malfoy… After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things--- terrible, yes, but great."

Damien couldn't speak, couldn't even think of anything to say. Thankfully Draco grabbed his arm and pulled him from the dim wand shop, Valora following with shock on her face.

"How dare that old coot!" Draco raved as he slammed the shop door behind him. "He had no right to say such things to you Damien!" He continued turning back to his brother, who was still staring as if startled.

Valora walked over to Damien and tilted her head to the side. "Damien, mother and father are coming." Slowly Damien focused on her, emerald eyes seeking hers out before he nodded somewhat jerkily.

True to her word, Lucius and Narcissa were approaching the group, and as they neared Draco opened his mouth, no doubt to tell them about what Mr. Ollivander had said to Damien, but he was stopped by a look from Valora. "Not here."

Draco nodded somewhat grudgingly. "Did you get your wands?" Narcissa asked moments later, her caramel dress shining in the sunlight. Draco and Damien turned to face her and gave a slight smile in reply. "Very good. Your father and I have gotten the rest of your belongings, so if there is nothing else you three wanted I believe it is time to go."

Draco, Damien, and Valora shook their heads before they began following the parents back towards the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. As they passed Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions Valora felt someone bump into her, knocking her into her brothers.

Draco and Damien turned around immediately and helped her regain her balance; Lucius and Narcissa stopped a few ways down from the store at the sound of furious apologizes. "Please forgive my sons; they don't watch where they're going." Lucius' eyes narrowed as his eyes landed on the biggest bunch of blood traitors in the Wizarding World. The Weasleys.

A round woman was giving Valora a kind smile before she turned back to the group of children behind her, four boys and one girl that looked to be the same age as Valora.

Valora lightly shook off her brothers' hands as she stared at the family, "It's alright Madam. He didn't hurt me." The woman turned back to face her and gave her another kind smile.

"I'm glad Miss…" And as Valora opened her mouth Lucius stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hello Molly."

The woman, Molly, looked up sharply. "Lucius." Lucius raised a silent eyebrow at the colder tone she used towards him. "What seems to be the problem?" While Molly straightened her slightly worn and tattered robes, Draco and Damien took up protective stances on either side of Valora.

"My youngest son, Ronald, accidently bummed into… your daughter?" At Molly's hesitation Lucius narrowed his eyes. "Well, I was simply apologizing for his rude behavior."

"I thank you for that consideration." Lucius said, inclining his head towards the frazzled looking pureblood. Molly, who hid her shock extremely well, nodded back in reply. As Lucius said parting words with Mrs. Weasley Valora brushed her blonde hair out of her face and noticed one of the red-headed boys was staring at her, his brilliant blue eyes unwavering.

Valora felt a blush darkening her pale skin… why was he staring at her? From their spots beside her Draco and Damien tensed up, their protective sides coming out forcefully. Valora broke the stare, swinging her eyes away, only to land on another pair of blue eyes… a much more intense pair that caused shivers to crawl up her spine, staring back at her.

Unnerved now Valora turned around and looked up at her father, begging with her eyes for them to head back to the Manor. Lucius raised an eyebrow half an inch, but he gave in to his daughter's silent plea.

"Have a good day Mrs. Weasley." Molly looked up from scolding one of her sons, most likely the one named Ronald, and gave him a smile, not as kind as the one given to Valora, but a smile nonetheless. "You too Mr. Malfoy."

Without a backward glance Lucius turned and led his family through the crowded streets of Diagon Alley, his cold mask firmly in place. Narcissa, Draco, Damien, and Valora followed his lead, not showing any emotion on their pale faces as they passed Eeylops Owl Emporium and reached the brick wall that held the back entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.

Once the proud family reached their manor Lucius turned to the children with what resembled a smile on his face. "If you go up to Draco's room you will see a present waiting for each of you." This announcement caused the siblings' faces to grow excited, forgetting the previous incident moments earlier in Diagon Alley.

"May we be excused?" Valora asked politely, earning a nod from Narcissa. The brothers then drug Valora impatiently out of the apparation room and up the steep staircase, down several corridors, past the parlor, and up the main staircase to their bedrooms.

They continued to walk towards Draco's room at a much calmer pace, Valora haven shaken off her brothers' hands as they climbed the staircase. Draco laid a hand on his doorknob and turned it lightly, spilling light into the dark bedroom.

He raised his new Hawthorne wand and whispered "Incendio." Wall sconces around the room flared to life, casting the gray room in a soft light.

Blue eyes searched the room before a surprised gasp escaped his lips. Upon hearing their brother's intake of breath Damien and Valora squeezed into the open doorway, before repeating their older brother's reaction.

Sitting on Draco's king sized bed were three identical cages, holding three very different owls. Valora felt her eyes water as she gazed upon, what she considered to be, the most beautiful owl she had ever seen. Sitting between the other two owls, in the very center of Draco's bed, was a white and brown barn owl.

While Valora made her way over to her newly chosen owl Damien and Draco continued to stare in amazement… their father had gotten them owls and not told them? That's… that was awesome.

Slowly Damien began to walk over to a snowy owl on the right of the bed while Draco walked over to a black and brown eagle owl. As one the siblings opened the cages and let their owls climb onto their arms. Valora looked up to her brothers, smiling broadly as her owl nibbled affectionately on her ear.

"What are you going to name it Draco?" Damien asked a little while later, petting the snowy owl he named Hedwig. Valora lifted her head up, pausing the introductions between Persephone and Averna, to look at her brother.

Draco didn't meet his siblings' gazes; he tilted his head and stared at the eagle owl perched on his bed. "Erasmus." From behind him Damien and Valora nodded their heads in acceptance. Draco smiled at Erasmus before holding out his arm. The owl cocked its head before hopping onto the offered limb.

The siblings played with their new owls for several hours before they sent them to sleep in the owlery that was currently housing their parents' owls.

It wasn't until later that night when Valora, who was playing with Falcon in Draco's room, suddenly remember the encounter she had had with the Weasleys in Diagon Alley that day.

Emerald eyes widen as she realized why she had found one of the boys so familiar… why the sudden appearance of him made her blush. It was the red-head from her visions.

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Author's Note: That's the end of this chapter. I won't be able to write the next one anytime soon. I have a big research paper i need to start working on... and i really don't want to. I'd much rather write this story everyday but, alas, i can't.

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Next Chapter: Draco and Damien head to Hogwarts.