Full Summary: In order to protect their future, witches and wizards must follow the word of the Sacred-Twenty Eight. Over 300 years later and they still have total control of the Ministry of Magic and every citizen in the Wizarding World of Great Britain, forcing Halfbloods and Muggleborns to be lower class citizens. A new Minister shakes things up when a new term begins and the changing laws forces centuries worth of secrets to unfold.
Hermione Granger is one of the first Muggleborn students allowed to attend Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy is a young master who already has his life planned out for him. Will they be able to live in a world that's forced them to see the other as an enemy?
Projected Posting Schedule: Every 10th, 20th, and 30th of the month
~15 July 1685~
York, England
Voices talked over one another, yelling and ranting. Some in anger, others in fear. The Great Hall allowed voices to multiply so it sounded as if there were close to hundreds, even though it was just under eighty or so. And with this, none of the words came through to the Council.
Francis Fawley slammed the gavel down three times, attempting to gain their attention. "Order! Order! We must come to order!"
He stood at a long rectangle table in front of the congregation of his people. Heads turned toward him and the others to his left and right. A room once filled with chaos stilled before him.
"Please, take your seats so we may begin."
The sound of shuffling could be heard but no one said a word.
How was the silence so much worse for Francis than the commotion? Maybe because, at least with the noise their voices could drown the thoughts in his head.
"I know you all have concerns, but you mustn't fear. The Council-"
"To hell with the bloody Council!" yelled a voice from somewhere in the room. Francis looked towards the voice and a man stood to attention. "Your lot always thinks you know best. The next thing we know, another one of our own is strung up or thrown into the fire." The crowd murmured in agreement.
"We've been living in fear for far too long!" a woman stood as she called out. "What about our families? I've got a sister in Chester and two cousins in Dover that are scared to leave their homes. What is this council going to do about it?!" More voices joined her, echoing in the Great Hall.
Francis brought the gavel down again, barely able to hear it himself. He pressed his wand against his throat and cast the sonorous charm, amplifying his voice. "We will have order in this room!"
Silence greeted him. Those that were standing sat down, and he continued. "As I was saying, the Council and I have been in deep discussion on what the next best move is to save our people." Francis turned to the row of men behind him. "Counsellor Rowle, if you please?"
Alexander Rowle stood, nodding in thanks, "Thank you, Counsellor Fawley." Francis' eye tracked Alexander as he faced the crowd. "I and the other twenty-seven Counsellors have been in great deliberation on what to do next. There are five of us here today, speaking to you all as this is one of our larger communities, while the rest have gone out to give this news to the rest."
He adjusted his glasses slightly and continued. "When this hunt began, the Muggles attacked their own. We paid it no mind, as it is the way of such… people. They murdered other Muggle women and girls they claimed to have the powers of witchcraft." He paused, wiping the sides of his mouth with a handkerchief. "But they hit too close to home now and we lost the lives of good, Pureblood witches that did no wrong. Including my dear, dear Agatha."
Francis watched his friend take a moment to compose himself. The death of Agatha and the others was a hit to the community. Eight lives were taken in total, the youngest was just shy of 10 years old.
His hands still shook with anger as the memory passed through his mind; wizards gathered to retrieve the bodies of the fallen. Young girls, lives snatched before they could cast their first spell. Women with the potential of the world ahead of them. His wife, his Agatha- they were supposed to grow old together.
"Fawley?" a voice beside him spoke. "Should I-?"
Francis' attention was pulled away from the haunting memory over to his fellow council member Bartholomew Nott and shook his head. "No, but thank you, Nott. I think he's got it. "
The pair turned their attention back to Rowle. "-as I am not the only one who has lost someone – lest we not forget the Thomas family from three years ago. An entire generation! Gone!"
Rowle walked down from the post and into the congregation. "We should have done something sooner. I know this; we know this. And for that, there are no words. Nothing more than 'we will do better'. We must do better," he reached a woman, crying into her handkerchief. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he leaned in. "We will not lose anymore."
Walter Avery stood to address the people before him. "We, the Counsel of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, have all chosen to be here for the people. We stepped forward to help take care of our communities throughout the country. And you have given your trust in us to do so. We failed you but we won't again."
Avery pulled out his wand and cast it behind him. A large roll of parchment fell behind him showing a layout of the British Isles. Throughout it lay four sectors, one in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, highlighted in a shimmering purple. "It took some time, but we have been able to find lands that are vast and plentiful. We can rebuild without worry or care, we can live in peace." Avery looked across the hall at the wandering eyes gazing at the map. "You needn't worry about the Muggles anymore. Though we cannot separate from them completely without raising suspicion amongst new settlers, the Council has created the wards necessary to protect each and every one of you. To stay safe, we have to leave this twisted world and create our own. Our way of life has to be preserved; it cannot fail."
"Counsellor Avery is right; our way of life has to go on long after we are gone." Brutus Malfoy stood from his seat, cane in hand. "The Council has also developed a set of laws to not only help keep order but to make this transition go as smoothly as possible." With a smirk hidden from the witches and wizards that looked to him. "Counsellor Fawley, would you do the honours?"
Francis bit his cheek before he spoke out of turn and looked down to Council members that nodded at him to continue. "This means that the Muggles cannot be a part of our world in any way, shape, or form." A dozen or so people shot up from their seats, yelling out at the Council. "I know!" Francis shouted; his hands held up in defence. "I know that many of you have husbands and wives that are Muggles. But they are a weakness. They are the cracks that have let water into this ship."
The same people continued to yell.
Francis looked again, this time making eyes with Malfoy. He raised a brow at Francis then jerked his chin to the crowd. Francis inhaled a shaky breath.
"If you choose to stay with them, to live among them, we will not protect you. You will renounce your magic and that of your children. This is the only way to ensure that this new world is kept safe. For those that choose to leave, bring your children…," he paused only to stop himself from tripping over the next words. "…but only those that possess magic within. The others-" shouting interrupted him, but he continued, yelling over the voices. "The others will have all memories of you and our existence wiped clean."
Cries echoed in the halls. "No!" "You can't do this!" "That's my wife!" "What about the children?!"
"This is the only way!" Francis bellowed, silencing the crowd. "You can either stay here with the Muggles, unprotected. Or you come with us and survive."
He blinked rapidly, pushing the words out. "You come with us and you thrive."
Francis looked around at the crowd but was given no response. "This transition will be difficult for many. If you find yourself unable to complete the task, the Council are here to help you.
"Everything has been set so get your affairs in order. Those of you with Muggle partners, speak to Counsellors Nott and Avery for further assistance. And to the rest of you? Pack your things. We set off tomorrow, an hour after dawn."
He slammed the gavel down once more and began to collect his things. The crowd began to disperse while around twenty or thirty people stayed back to speak with Bartholomew and Walter.
Tucking his papers under his arm, Francis stormed out of the room and into his office. His chest grew heavy. He leaned against his desk, gripping the edge with both hands. Pain settled deep within him as his words echoed in his mind.
A slow clap pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Very good, Fawley. I couldn't have done it better myself."
Francis straightened, only slightly. "You could have done it yourself, Malfoy." Rolling his shoulders back, he turned and watched Malfoy saunter into his office, the sound of his cane hitting the ground with every other step.
"Now why would I do that?" he smirked at Francis.
"Because I don't want this, many of us didn't. You and the Elder members of the Council did this!"
"Oh, come now-"
"We're separating families! Do you not see how twisted that is?"
Malfoy shook his head. "You all were outvoted, just deal with it. I know I had to when war was completely taken off the table."
Francis scoffed at Malfoy's words. "Yes, your bloody war. The only alternative you could think of when the Council voted to go into hiding."
"And why should we hide?!" Malfoy yelled.
Francis shook his head at him. "You just want to rule over the Muggles, like kings. Like Gods."
Malfoy stood straighter. "We are Gods! You're just to blind to see it."
Francis began walking towards him. "You're mad. You're so used to threatening people - getting rid of people that don't suit your views - it doesn't mean the rest of us are."
Malfoy relaxed, placing both hands on his cane. "Let's not start this again, Fawley. I've told you once and I'll tell you again: Every family has its skeletons, even yours."
Francis looked at him in shock. "You don't think word will get out about what's been going on?"
Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. You've only known for about a year and you had to be told. Do you think those people will figure it out? And if word does get out, so what? All we have to do is change the narrative."
"You've got it all figured out, don't you? Do you think this is a game?!"
Malfoy shrugged, brushing the question off.
Francis advanced more, getting closer to Malfoy. As he was about to take his final step, Malfoy moved quickly, and Francis felt the tip of a wand pressed against the bottom of his chin.
"Tsk tsk tsk," Malfoy tutted. "You do not want to do that."
"What you've done - what you've all done - won't stay hidden forever," Francis whispered in anger.
"It will. For the Greater Good, it will."
"The Greater Good," Francis scoffed.
Malfoy sighed, rolling his eyes in annoyance. "Nothing is a surer sign of weak magic than a weakness for non-magical company," he muttered under his breath. Malfoy lowered his wand, placing it back into the inside of his jacket pocket. "Look, I know you've… lost your way, Counsellor Fawley. These are trying times and transitions can be so difficult. But do be mindful of your place and that of your family line."
He began to walk away before turning back. "You'd do well to get your affairs in order tonight, Fawley. There are too many families in this community that need you focused tomorrow night."
Francis stared daggers into Malfoy's back.
"Would be a shame if I have to do it for you!" Malfoy called back followed by a deep, menacing chuckle that echoed in the hall.
Francis slammed the door closed, his closed fists landed hard against the door and his haunting scream bellowed throughout the room. His frame shook as he slid to the floor and fell apart. He was unaware of how much time passed but his office glowed in a soft, orange light before he stood again. Pulling out his wand, Francis pulled out his wand, casting the packing charm quickly.
He watched as the items in his office began to pack themselves. He put his wand away and left.
The sound of his feet on the gravel is all he could hear as he walked. Thoughts raced through his mind so quickly that he almost didn't notice that he had made it to his destination. Lifting a hand, Francis knocked on the door twice. The door opened and a warm body wrapped around him.
"Francis!"
His arms tightened around her briefly before she stepped back. He looked down, seeing a pair of blue-green eyes sparkling back at him. "Katherine," he said with a smile.
"Where have you been? I feel like it's been ages!"
Francis laughed slightly as one finger caressed her cheek. "It's only been a few days."
"A few days without my fiancé is almost a lifetime."
Francis tucked a dark lock of hair behind her ear.
"Are you going to come in?"
"Why don't we sit in the garden for a bit?" he asked with an outstretched hand.
Katherine smiled, placing her hand in his and closing the door behind her. They had only taken a handful of steps before Francis felt a poke in his side. He turned and looked down at Katherine.
"You're so quiet today. What's wrong?"
"Why would something be wrong, love?"
She shrugged before answering. "You just seem a bit… off."
They arrived at the garden and sat down on the bench that overlooked it. He ran his hand softly across the wood, his memories taking him back to the day he made it for her. Their initials etched on the armrest. He added a simple spell on it to stop the bench from rotting away, not wanting Katherine to ever be without his first gift to her.
Francis reached out to Katherine. He slid his thumb across the back of her hand, the tip of it grazing across the cool metal of the engagement ring he had given her a month prior.
He looked up at her, giving a small smile. "Do you remember the first day we met?"
"Of course I do," she blushed and rested her head on his shoulder. "I was walking through town, doing the shopping for Papa. My bag ripped and you helped me pick up what I dropped. You fixed the bag while you walked me home. It was good as new and hasn't broken since." She finished the story with a giggle.
Francis kissed the top of her head before resting his cheek against it. "You've told me so many stories of your mother and father, I regret not going in to meet him that day."
Katherine sat up and placed her hand on Francis' cheek. "Meeting you when I did was the best thing that happened to me. Papa was so sick and I had already lost mum." Her eyes grew wet and a tear slid down her cheek, she took both her hands to wipe her eyes. "Meeting you was next to magic. I thank the Lord every day that I'm not alone and that I have you."
Francis' chest tightened at her words. He blinked rapidly when his vision began to blur. "Katherine, you have made my life brighter since meeting you. You've shown me that there is so much more to life than what I've known."
He didn't know what else to do at that moment other than to hug her. He felt her arms wrap around him and relaxed. She was home to him. All he ever wanted and something he never thought to ask for.
"I'm very much looking forward to being your wife."
Francis' body turned to stone at her words. He pulled out from her embrace and cupped her face.
It was time.
"I have something for you, my love."
"I want for nothing Francis, you know that."
"All the same... Will you close your eyes?"
Katherine giggled and covered her eyes with her hands.
Francis stood from the bench and walked around it until he stood behind Katherine. He looked around, making sure no one was there to see the two of them. He leaned over her shoulder and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before whispering in her ear.
"I love you, Katherine", his voice catching in the back of his throat.
"I love you, Francis."
He took his wand out quickly before he talked himself out of it. Placing the wand at her temple, Francis spoke.
"Obliviate."
As the spell removed every memory they shared from Katherine's mind, Francis slipped the ring from her finger and placed it in his pocket. While she was still in a haze, Francis took some money and a note from his pocket and left it on the bench next to her.
He could tell that she was almost coming out of it and with a pop, Francis apparated home. As soon as his feet touched the ground of his main hall, he let out a wail as tears stained his face. His cries were heard in every room of the empty manor.
This wasn't how it was supposed to be. He was alone again, in love with a woman that had no memory of him. How was he meant to go on in this world? How could he ever care for another? The questions raced through his mind before one solid question took the forefront. How was he supposed to help build and run a new world when he was like this?
Francis knew that his heartache would turn into resentment over the years. He felt deep within him that there was no way he could continue living without her. There was no life without Katherine. He walked to his home office and shut the door behind him. Francis sat at the desk in front of him and rummaged through the drawers before finding an empty journal.
And he wrote.
Every moment they shared. Every look they got lost in. Every cherished thought.
Francis wrote.
Her eyes in sunlight, the colour of the sky so bright and beautiful. But, oh, when she was filled with passion, the storm they could create. Her voice, sweet like honey, made him believe in the angels she once told him about.
Francis wrote as he was running out of time.
When his quill snapped from the tension of his hold, he grabbed another.
Their courting.
When his ink ran low, he filled it with more.
His proposal. The touch of her lips against his after she said yes.
And when Francis was done writing, when he had no other words to describe his everlasting love for Katherine, he shut the book. He wrote their names across the front of it so if they could not be together in this lifetime, they could forever be etched on this book.
Francis cut some twine, sliding the engagement ring through it before he finally tied the twine around the book. He muttered three incantations and waved his wand with each one. The book was sealed and he knew that his story would die with him. He knew that with the world he was helping create, there would never be another love story like his and Katherine's.
Francis picked up the journal and tucked it away with the other books he had stored away for the transition. If eyes were to set upon it, it would look like any other book a part of his collection.
He made his way to the parlour and lit a fire. "Incendio."
Francis reached the table beside the chair and poured himself a Firewhiskey. He walked to the fireplace and sat in front of it. He didn't know if this would work, he never heard about someone doing this to themselves.
Raising the glass to his mouth, he finished the drink in three gulps. The burning liquid helped calm his nerves. Taking a deep breath in, Francis pressed the wand to his temple and closed his eyes.
And he thought of Katherine. He thought of the words he wrote, of the time they shared. His hand shook as the memories turned to fantasies.
He thought of the wedding they'd never have, the home they'd never share and the children they'd never watch grow. The family he pictured - a perfect blend of the two of them - would no longer exist. And that was too much for Francis to bear.
For one last time Francis closed his eyes, leaned back into his chair and pictured Katherine in his mind. He took a deep breath in and melted into his exhale. He pressed the tip of his wand to his temple, praying to Katherine's God that this would work.
"I love you, Katherine," his voice catching in the back of his throat.
"I love you, Francis."
With a sad smile and a trembling lip, he spoke.
"Obliviate."
A/N: Starting off with thanking my alpha (anne_ammons) and my beta (lydia6643) for their support on this story and all the work they've put in getting this ready. There was a lot of overthinking and worry on my part getting this started/posted and they're both rockstars :D
Also, thank you to those that took the time to read. I wanted to set up a bit of the background for this AU before bringing you into the story's present day. You'll continue to find out more about the world as the story continues so stick around to find out more. But until then, I hope you enjoyed this little snippet. The next chapter is planned to be posted on 30th October.