CHAPTER 13: BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER
"Professor Quirrell," Artemis Fowl II was surprised to find the twitchy professor at the book store, although he would have admitted it was a likely scenario. "Shopping for the latest books in your subject, I presume." Quirrell whipped around, a copy of Vampires: A Bloodthirsty Guide clutched in his jittery hands.
"F-F-Fowl!" he exclaimed. Realizing his reaction, he cast his eyes down. "F-F-Forgive m-me," he mumbled, scurrying past. "I have to g-go. G-G-Good day."
Artemis rolled his eyes and let the man go. He hoped all Hogwarts professors weren't like that. Skimming the books on the shelf in front of him, he was fascinated by every single one of them. Even the bindings were peculiar—the young man could have sworn he heard a growl from a particularly mean-looking one!
"Hello, young man," he heard a man's voice behind him, "I believe you are blocking a book I need."
"My apologies," Artemis moved out of the way. The newcomer wore dark robes and had long, straight hair of pale blonde.
"You know how it is," the man said, examining a copy of The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection as if to make sure it was worth buying. "School supply shopping. My son is entering Hogwarts this year."
"Is that so?" So, this is a parent I might deal with.
"Only the best education will do for my offspring." He turned with the book in his hand, revealing a narrow face. "And what, pray tell, brings you here?"
"I happen to be the History of Magic professor at Hogwarts. I decided to browse the other material here while gathering the latest in my own subject."
"In that case, I am pleased to meet you," the parent smiled smoothly, corruption written all over his features. "My name is Lucius Malfoy. I'm certain my boy, Draco, will be a most excellent student. Excellence runs in our family, of course."
"In that case, I hope he is even more excellent by the year's end," Artemis remarked coolly, "as I never settle for less than significant improvement in my students." He wanted to make it clear he was a serious teacher. Besides, he judged, I doubt he will be the only "excellent" student this year.
"Of course," Lucius Malfoy nodded, "I would expect no less, Professor…?"
"Fowl," the young man extended a white hand. As Lucius took it, there was something in his eyes Artemis did not like.
"Would you be a relative of Artemis Fowl, by any chance?"
"Artemis!" Myles, to Artemis' surprise, made his way over to him from the store's entrance. "Beck 'n' I decided to have Mum alter our robes, so we get to spend more time lookin' at other stuff." The eleven year-old genius noticed the strange man and blushed a bit. "My apologies if I interrupted," he addressed both the adults.
"Myles," their father and Beckett caught up to him, "don't dash ahead like that aga—Lucius?" Artemis Senior raised an eyebrow. Apparently, he recognized the stranger.
"Artemis," Lucius had a similar reaction. "I wondered what happened to you."
"Many things," his peer replied. "As a matter of fact, my sons and I were just buying supplies today."
"What a coincidence. My son just set out for Madame Malkin's for a fitting, and my wife is searching for the perfect wand to get him," Though their outer behaviors seemed sociable enough, suspicion was clear on both ends of this new conversation. "Speaking of wives, is yours here? I would love to meet her."
"Perhaps some other time. For now, though, I must be going somewhere. Why don't you three boys shop together for a while?" That was a graceful way for Artemis Senior to leave before Mr. Malfoy continued asking questions.
"Of course, Father," Artemis agreed without complaint. Has trouble found us already? he wondered. It seemed every time he unlocked an interesting new frontier, some sort of mess always had to ensue. Commander Kelp should just give me his name. I deserve it more.
"I must be off, as well," Lucius sighed as if he really didn't want to let them go so easily. "This was the last item I needed." He nodded to the three boys, "It was my pleasure to meet you. If you find yourselves in need of anything, simply let me know." They returned the gesture, and both Lucius and Artemis Senior headed for the door, heading in opposite directions once they exited the bookshop.
"I don't like that guy," Beckett remarked plainly.
"He mentioned his son," Myles remembered. "Maybe we can pick on him, like we do Beau sometimes."
"Do that, and I will give you detention," Professor Fowl warned them.
"Retention?" Beckett tilted his head to the side.
"Detention, simple-toon," Myles corrected him, only to look up inquiringly at Atemis. "What's detention?"
"A very serious punishment only teachers can give out." Artemis wasn't too sure about the 'very serious' part, but it was enough for the twins to decide avoiding it. "In any case, all your books are on me this time," Artemis pulled a midnight blue pouch from his formal navy jacket's inner pocket.
How many times must I say it before Fanfiction believes me? I DO NOT OWN ARTEMIS FOWL OR HARRY POTTER. IF I DID, THESE STORIES WOULD NOT BE POSTED HERE. THEY WOULD BE CANON.