"J'adore, j'adore, j'adore toi femme
Elle est très belle
Et j'adore, j'adore tu
Nous sera notre soeur ouvrir
Madre, madre
Nous avons heureux"
_______________________________________________________________________________________
-"Yes, it is me, Malfoy. Do you have something against that?" – Said Ron.
-"Tell me Weasley, what store did you have to rob to get money for new robes?"
-"None. We aren't that poor Malfoy," - snarled Ron.
-"I wouldn't bet. So why are you buying new robes? You are buying one that are new, so your whole family can wear them?"
-"No Malfoy, it's for your Christmas Party. We, the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione are invited, too."
-"No way, Weasley. My mother is allergic to all the dirt that comes with Weasleys and my father would never invite you."
-"That's what YOU think Malfoy. But on the invitation you can clearly see your father's signature."
Malfoy didn't talk for rest of the time they spent standing on the stools, and being pinned by two witches. Finally, when their fathers came commotion begun. Mr Malfoy and Harry came in first, and they were paying Ron's robes. Then Arthur came in.
-"So who do we have here," - Mr Lucius Malfoy shook his hand with Mr Arthur Weasley. Draco, Harry, and Ron were positively confused. Usually, Lucius would tease Mr Weasley, who would flush. But now "Malfoy" didn't say anything, while "Weasley" talked all the time.
-"Weasley" – Arthur Weasley started – "would you like to join Draco and me for the lunch?"
-"Of course" – Harry and Ron looked blank at the man who they thought was Arthur Weasley. And Draco couldn't stop himself asking why would his "father" asked someone like a Weasley for a lunch. Well the main point was that Lucius Malfoy wanted to see his son, and Arthur wanted to see Ron, and Harry.
They settled in small restaurant in Diagon Alley with Italian food. Harry and Draco ordered lasagne; Ron had a pizza, Mr Malfoy aka. Arthur pasta, and Arthur aka. Mr Malfoy had panzerotti. They didn't talk at all. They were just eating together so they could be close to their sons. They both knew that Draco was disgusted of Arthur, and Ron thought that Lucius is a spoiled pig. After, when they were eating dessert, Mr Malfoy, the real one, took a copy of "The Daily Prophet" to read.
-"Lucius, would you mind if I would ask to see you in private." – Asked Lucius gravely.
-"Would you like to come over our house?" – Arthur asked. Draco gave him hateful look.
-"Sure. Would you like Ron to be there?" – Harry and Ron, well Draco, too, weren't fathoming a word of what they were saying.
When Arthur Weasley paid their lunch, of course he was now one with bigger wallet, they all travelled to Malfoy Manor with Floo Powder.
When they arrived, Arthur ordered Draco, which was followed by stern look on Lucius' pointed face – he didn't like when his son obeys other people, to go and show Harry and Ron his room and the big library. Lucius led Arthur to his study, cause this was still his house. They closed the door. Lucius changed the look on his face, from smirking to serious and gave Arthur the newspapers.
-"Oh my God, oh my God" – Arthur fell down on his knees – "not Bill, not him…"
The article in the newspaper said:
The Holocaust in Egypt
Yesterday, in Cairo, supporters of You-Know-Who, which call themselves the Death Eaters, attacked Muggle part of the city for no reason, as usual. It was mass-grave for Curse Breakers of the Gringotts bank who were trying to save the Muggles of Egypt. They were chosen cause they already knew how to deal with Dark Magic, which is widely known that Death Eaters are using. Twenty-five Muggles and two wizards, that were trying to save them (Dave Houghton and Bill Weasley) were killed, and that's awful lose...
There was big picture of a pyramid the Dark Mark conjured above it. Mr Weasley was kneeling in the middle of the room. 'Bill, our first descendant. How is Molly going to take this? She'll be torn apart when she hears about this. I must be there with her. If Lucius tells her that, I think it will kill her.' Thoughts were running inside his head. Mr Weasley somehow stood up, and staggered himself to the table with music boxes. He took one that he knew was enchanted by wizard named Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He opened it and it played "Lacrimosa" from Mozart's unfinished but majestic Requiem. The short and sad sounds of violins and colours of voices made Mr Weasley even more depressed.
Lucius wasn't happy about this, but something else was bothering him. Why is he kneeling here like a sissy? He got six sons and I got just one. He lost one, now he has five left, simple math. And I… Lucius didn't even want to think how would he fell if he would lose his only son, Draco. When Arthur was so sad about losing one out of five, how would he fell if he would lose his only Draco?
"Lacrimosa" ended then box started playing "Kyrie eleison".
-"Tear, what comes next? Lord have mercy upon us, Christ have mercy upon us, Lord have mercy upon us" – said Mr Weasley; he didn't even know that he was saying Latin libretto of the aria that was played, in English. He never spoke Latin, and it was very hard for him to understand even if he used it every day in charms, but this thing he translated the text with no difficulties.
-"That one refers on you" – said Mr Malfoy trying to be sarcastic, as less as he can, but he couldn't. – "dies irea, dies illa; solvet silko, un favilla; teste David cum Sybilla (Day of wrath and doom impending; David's word with Sibyl's blending).
-"I like that one." – Said Mr Weasley.
-"It is my song." – He answered.
-"Day of doom and destruction; Earth is shaking and moving; Test David with you Sybilla. I prefer that translation. It may be less beautiful than yours, but it's far more accurate."
-"Arthur," - asked Mr Malfoy – "how do you know Latin?"
-"I don't, I just know what that words that you are saying mean. I can feel their phonetics."
-"Listen" – started Mr Malfoy – "I have to go for a second, somewhere. Just stay here."
After ten minutes, he came back and found Mr Weasley comforted in his chair. He putted two goblets on the table in front of Mr Weasley. Arthur didn't see it at all. He had his face in his hands.
-"Arthur" – Lucius called and Mr Weasley raised his head. – "I brought some Polyjuice Potion. You will be yourself for next hour, while I return to my normal state, too."
-"Fine. Thank you. I wanted to inform my family myself." – He smiled little. Lucius didn't return him a smile, but at least he didn't wear his expression full of hatred. Lucius could act so sweet and caring sometimes. His horoscope sign was Virgo. Only few special people witnessed that side of him.
Lucius took a hair from his hair and placed it inside the goblet. The potion turned cold and pale grey. Lucius and Arthur changed just their look, not personality. They were still themselves. Even if Lucius had Arthur's look, he was still inhospitable and obnoxious.
Arthur did the same. His potion turned in warm green. They drunk it and then became themselves again.
First thing Mr Weasley did was grabbing Ron and Harry, and returning, by Floo Powder back to his own house. Lucius had some other business to finish. He was curious if it is right what he was suspecting. He apparated himself in front of a grand mansion. It was old and built in Romanesque style. He entered it, casually. Huge staircase was in front of him. He went right, straight to the living room. The huge double door of living room stood open. Inside, all servants were lined up, and Victoria was talking to them.
-"I shan't tolerate this anymore. Just one more time" – but she was unable to finish, because Lucius Malfoy came to her from her back, seized her arm, and kissed her in her mouth.
-"You are all dismissed" – Lucius muttered to the servants. They got out of the room as fast as they could, closing the door behind them. They found the scene disgusting. Lucius was already on top of Victoria, kissing her lustfully.
-"Lucius … oh stop it … don't do that here … Lucius I have to … we can't" – Victoria was muttering, while Lucius seemed like he does not care at all for what she was saying.
-"Shut up. When I finish with you, we will talk." – He said.
No one at the Burrow could suspect that anything bad had happened to Bill Adrian Weasley. Percy had a day off, so he stayed home all day. And Fred and George used "The Daily Prophet" to clean the windows, so no one knew anything about what happened.
When real Arthur Weasley arrived there, with Harry and Ron, everybody looked coldly at him. They were all sitting in the living room. Molly was angry on Mr "Weasley", so she didn't even want to look at him. Arthur beckoned Harry and Ron to sit down, and when they were all there and seated, Arthur started.
-"I don't really know how to say this, and I don't want to waste any time on making some silly introduction, but my oldest son, Bill, he is dead."
-"What?, Arthur that can't be true, it just can't" – Molly said, and he took her in her arms.
-"But Dad, I mean Father, how did he die?" – Asked George in voice of disbelief. Arthur explained them everything that he read in the newspapers, while Molly, Ginny, and even Ron occasionally sobbed.
Arthur couldn't even dream that person that killed his son, when he came face in face with her, was now being treated by real Lucius Malfoy in exciting manner.
-"So tell me more about that thing in Egypt?"
-"Why should I?" – Victoria answered sneering at him, and patted Lucius on his silver hair.
-"Well you know that Master gave me some sort of kind of vacation. You know that I don't have to participate any of his things for about two months" – he said, and hugged her.
She told him everything about how they killed, and how that Muggles were funny when they begged for mercy in foreign language. Lucius kept devilish smirk on his face, and occasionally gave few derisive laughs. He found this funny.
-"So, as far as I can tell by your story, you are the one that killed that Weasley boy" – Lucius finally asked her.
She just kissed him, and said nothing.
-"Do you want to play it that way, fine with me." – He took her in his arms, and placed her down on the floor, but not very tender. It was as tough he threw her on the floor. She just gave him one more smile, and drawled:
-"Lucius don't be so unkind. Now, what do you want to know?"
-"Did you kill that Weasley boy?"
-"What answer do you want to hear?"
-"Anything you say is fine."
-"Yes. Do you have anything against it? Did you want to kill him?"
-"You are plain evil," - Lucius said, and buried his face onto her neck.
-"Oh, that's right Lucius. How come you are acting normally now?"
Lucius said nothing. He just buried his head deeper.
-"I missed you," - he said, helped her stand up, and left with no goodbye.
After when she was sure that he left the house of her dead husband, she moved towards grand white piano. She gestured her hand in the air, and Macnair materialised from nowhere. He was all this time here, wearing invisibility cloak.
-"So he acted normally again. How long do you think that will last?"
-"I don't know, and I don't care" – said Macnair in I-don't-care voice, and closed open lid of the piano. He took Victoria's hand, and said:
-"Have you ever make love on the top of the piano?"
When his hour expired, Arthur just walked out of the room, leaving his family and Harry there. He apparated back to the Malfoy Manor, and when he was back there, he was already back to his normal looking (well in some case normal; he was still Lucius Malfoy). Mr Weasley let Lucius spent night at his own house. When Arthur went to bed, Mr Malfoy stayed in his study. Mr Weasley didn't suspect that Victoria killed his son at all.
Lucius Malfoy was just coming to the Burrow when he needed some sleep and something to eat. Mrs Weasley was in awful state. She and Ginny spent all their time inside Ginny's room, talking and sewing. Percy worked all day and night; he was in self-denial, trying outrun the problems. Fred and George weren't that cheerful anymore. They didn't find Quidditch fun anymore. Ron was sad. Harry was sad, too. He didn't know Bill that good, but still felt sorry for him. Next day they got a letter from Hermione.
Dear Ron and Harry,
I must say I am terribly sorry for what have happened to Bill. I never knew him good, but I just remember that he was very nice. I know you don't like talking about that so I won't write anything else about him.
That thing that Malfoys invited you, well if both of you go, I will go with you, too.
Bye.
Love,
Your true friend, Hermione
Harry and Ron answered her letter, saying nothing about Bill. They decided to go to Malfoy's for their Christmas Party.
Arthur was very depressed. Which was opposite to Narcissa and Draco. Narcissa spent all her time choosing the right robes for the party. Then finally, with Victoria's help, who was her best friend, she bought a pale pink and blue one. They were made out of finest silk and were awfully expensive. Draco talked all the time about how is he going to decorate the circular room. And he also hoped that his "father" let him conduct the Christmas Oratorio, which is going to be performed by live orchestra.
Arthur spent all his time working and he didn't have time for anyone or anything. Finally a day before the party he took a day off. He was alone in Malfoy Manor. Narcissa went to the hair-stylist and Draco went over to Crabbe's house.
He was in his library, when Walden Macnair and Victoria Berger came to his house, to get some papers signed. He was going through the transfiguration section of the library section, when an elf came in. Even the elves noticed that Mr Malfoy changed. He did not punish them that often anymore. Indeed, he didn't punish them anymore, at all.
-"Sir" – said a small creature, wrapped in bed cover, standing on the doorway – "Mr Macnair and Ms Berger comes to see thee. They are in your study."
-"Thank you." – Elf was puzzled for this "thank you". – "I'm going to see them in a second. You can go now."
-"Yes Master. Thou art very kinderly" – The ugly thing said and went outside, closing heavy wooden doors behind him.
At the same time, in the study, Macnair was sitting in the chair, while Victoria was pacing behind his back.
-"Sit down, now. You are making me nervous" – snapped Macnair, without turning around.
-"If you ask me, you are always nervous" – she said and started looking over music boxes. When she found a brown one, with amber border, a fresco of a nun, writing something, and with flames coming from her small had, and behind her a picture of convent named "Bingen", she opened it. On amber ribbon, black letters formed name "Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)". It started playing song called "Columba axpexit". It was just a capella, sang by female voices.
Macnair stood up, and snarled at her:
-"Would you stop with that music? It makes me even more nervous."
Victoria just laughed, and closed the box, placing it where she found it.
-"Is it better?" – She sneered.
-"Shut up" – he said, and sat back.
-"What's up with you?" – Victoria asked, leaning with her both hands on the handgrips of his chair.
-"Nothing that is your matter, bitch" – he said, and looked away from her cold and dark eyes.
-"Whatever" – she retorted resentfully and dropped herself in chair beside his. How girlish was she still. At that moment, Mr Weasley entered the study. He was trying his best to look cheerful, but when he saw Macnair, he gave Victoria a puzzled look. She just looked away. You could tell she was angry with Lucius, but she didn't want him to know that.
He sat down on his chair, and started looking through papers Macnair brought for him to sign.
-"If you two are going to keep your mouths shut all the time, that's fine with me." – She said, puffing up her chest.
-"You are again angry with me" – Arthur said, not even looking up from the papers. Macnair stayed silent.
-"Lucius… you could at least say goodbye to me, not just walk out, after I told you what you wanted to know" – she said slowly.
-"When did I do that?" – Asked Mr Weasley confused.
-"Oh stop doing that. Lucius, we both now when that happened." – She snapped at Mr Weasley.
Arthur suddenly remembered that it could happen that night when he and Lucius drunk the Polyjuice Potion. Lucius never told Arthur Weasley where did he go. But what he couldn't understand is why would Lucius go to his concubine (Lucius is like a gigolo... ). He thought that Lucius spent time with his wife and son.
-"Victoria, stop it. Just stop it" – suddenly said Macnair. – "Lucius, are going to sign that documents?"
-"Yes, I will" – he started signing. When he finished, he gave them to Macnair, who just said goodbye and left the room.
Now he was alone with Victoria. He looked at other documents. It seemed like she didn't bother that she didn't get any attention from Arthur. She stood up and dragged herself to the table with music boxes. She opened the same one, the one from Hildegard von Bingen. This time different song started playing. It was called "O virga ac diadema" (That means "Oh young teenage girl and the diadem), and it wasn't a capella. It was followed by music.
-"So Lucius, how are you?" – She said.
-"I'm fine." – He said shortly. Then Victoria came to him from behind, and started massaging his shoulders. This time he let her do it. As Lucius, he had awful pain in shoulders and back.
-"You saw Macnair."
-"Yes, I did. Why is he so nervous?" – Asked Mr Weasley curiously.
-"Master isn't happy with him" – she said putting a twisted smile her pale face.
-"I see…"
-"How's your son?" – She started teasing him in low voice.
-"He is fine."
-"How did you manage to take him off his idea to conduct the Oratorio this year?"
-"I didn't. He will conduct it."
-"What?" – She almost screamed.
-"What do you mean what?" – Arthur already lost his nerves and turned around to face her.
-"Are you telling me that you are letting a fifteen years old boy to deal with full size symphony orchestra, choir, and soloists? And that, in front of everybody?"
-"Yes." – Arthur finally said.
-"Lucius … he will … he will disgrace you … please..."
-"How dare you to say that he will disgrace me?" – Mr Weasley snarled at her. Even if Draco wasn't his son, he still felt that he is his father now, and that he should take care of him.
-"Then fine, embarrass your family" – Victoria said and slammed the door behind her so hard that windows were shaking.
Ron and Harry spent all the time in Ron's room. They were both reading. Hermione arrived at their house on December 26, and she was surprised when Harry and Ron told her about behaving of a man which they thought was Ron's father.
Mr Malfoy spent all the time in his secret cottage in Ireland, brewing some potions.
On December 27, everybody in Malfoy Manor got up early. Mr Weasley, even if he wanted, couldn't be sad. He just didn't have any time. Narcissa went to her hair-stylist, again asking to add discrete golden glow to her platinum blond hair; while Draco was rehearsing Oratorio with the orchestra, and the choir. Victoria, who was invited by Narcissa to come and help them, was standing on the entrance of big circular room, leaned on the door and watching Draco conducts the orchestra. She was smirking all the time.
When Arthur came in to see how is everything going, he pulled Victoria out of the room.
-"Why are you smiling?" – Mr Weasley asked her.
-"Draco is too young to do that what you want him to do. I'm laughing at all his mistakes." – Said Victoria. If she would tell that to real Mr Malfoy, she would be dead in less than three seconds. Fortunately Arthur Weasley didn't find that as an insult.
-"Victoria, could you help him?"
-"Why are you asking me? Of course I can help him…"
-"Then go." – He put his hand on her shoulder, and said – "Please."
Victoria hugged him and kissed on his mouth, then went inside to help Draco. After she came to help him, the Oratorio sounded much better. She told him not to wave with his hands that much or he'll get tired, and to use real baton, not his wand, etc.
The same morning, Mr Malfoy finally intended one of the meals in the Burrow. All the time he was sending piercing looks at Hermione, who went red. There was no conflict during the mealtime because nobody pronounced a single word. After the breakfast, Hermione and Ginny washed the dishes because Mrs Weasley went to take well-deserved rest. From when she heard that Bill died, she was very tired. She didn't want to go to the party which made Ginny doesn't want to go, too. George agreed to stay with them and take care of them. The only Weasley who was really looking forward to the party was Lucius Malfoy, who wasn't Weasley. Percy went because he knew that lots of important people will be there, Fred went just because he was sure his girlfriend, Angelina Johnson will be attending. Harry, Ron, and Hermione went just cause they didn't want Draco teasing them after how they don't go anywhere and how famous Harry Potter, isn't famous anymore.
Mr Malfoy sat for hundredth time at virginal harpsichord and started playing Pachelbel's Cannon. Hermione went upstairs and started getting ready, while Ron and Harry sat in the living room, listening to Mr Malfoy.
At five o'clock, they all started dressing up. Mr Malfoy wore totally black robes, which was strange for everyone. These ones were only black robes Arthur possessed. Mr Weasley didn't like black and he kept those black ones just because he had to. Harry wore his last year robes – black ones with green ham. Ron was wearing his new one, brown robes, while Hermione was dressed in lavender one.
When Arthur putted on Lucius' black robes, he looked handsome. He was looking at himself in the huge mirror in his private bathroom, when a person that he didn't really want to see came in. Victoria was wearing velvet blue robes with shades of black and white sewed flowers. Her hair was up and she looked beautiful. She came closer to Arthur, hugged his waist from behind, and leaned her head on his shoulder. So now they could see their reflection in the mirror.
Arthur could fell that she used at least one whole hair spray to get her hair done. She sniffed in his neck.
-"Lucius, why do you smell different?" – She broke the silence.
-"I smell as I always did" – he said. That was true.
Arthur could smell Victoria's heavy perfume around her. He didn't like it. It was too strong for him.
-"You look handsome" – she said, shuffling her hands around him.
-"I didn't ask you for an opinion."
-"Whatever" – she said and finally let go of him.
-"So how does Draco's conducting sound now?" – Asked Mr Weasley.
-"Better then it sounded before. But I still don't get it why don't you want to conduct it yourself?"
Mr Weasley thought about that. He did not even know how to hold a baton and did not know any rituals and rites of classical music concerts. Only thing he ever went was that French opera he took Narcissa to. But here he would have to deal with full size symphony orchestra, choir, and soloists. 'Draco will be able to handle it, shan't he?' he asked himself for hundredth time. He wanted to give Draco a chance that Lucius would never give. He thought he should give little effort on Draco's behaviour, so when Draco comes back to school from winter holidays, he would finally be a normal, polite kid. But thing that was bothering him was that he still wasn't Draco's real father. How would Lucius Malfoy like if someone would just ruin a character in his child that he spent fifteen years building? Lucius would neuter him. 'That wouldn't be right' Mr Weasley thought.
-'So do you want to hear how does it sound?' – Victoria pulled him up from his thinking.
-"Err… yes, sure." – He said. She linked her arm with his and they went downstairs, to a big circular room.
In the middle of the room was a stage where whole orchestra, choir and soloist were placed. Choir was wearing purple, white, and red cloaks. Purple for sopranos and tenors; white for baritones and mezzo-sopranos; and red for basses and altos. All four soloists wore black robes. On the round black platform stood Draco, with scores in front of him. Oratorio sounded much better now then it did few hours before.
When Draco finally finished rehearsing the Oratorio, like all real conductors, he turned around and bowed at Arthur and Victoria who were standing there. After that, Victoria made final check to see are all the instruments tuned. Arthur appointed her to be something like Kapellmeister. When they made sure all instruments were fine, Victoria went to get Narcissa, and Draco and Arthur went to greet their first guests.
When Lucius Malfoy made final check that all three Weasleys, Harry and Hermione are fine looking, they received a speech from him about code of behaviour and proper etiquette of the oligarchy. Lucius didn't like Harry's messy hair, so he used Hermione's gel and mousse to make it flat for him. After showing his hair-styling possibilities, Harry looked even worse than before. His hair was flat now, but it looked as tough it was covered in saliva.
After that, he took Hermione on side, and told her not to mention that she is Mudblood. It would bring Malfoys bad reputation. After his little monologue, he didn't even know that Hermione made expression on her face as tough Mr Weasley was crazy. He always loved Muggles. Now he cares for Malfoys? What's up with him?
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Fred used the Floo Powder, while Mr Malfoy and Percy – or Percivel, the way he was called by Mr Malfoy all the time, apparated. When they arrived, lots of people were there already. Mr Malfoy, the real one, just lost himself somewhere in all the commotion. Fred went into search for Angelina, while Percy talked to some Minister. Harry, Ron, and Hermione decided that is the best if they stick together.
Draco didn't have fun at all. He was trying to avoid that stalker – Pansy Parkinson. So he was praying that moment when it was his turn to conduct comes soon. The orchestra played first Mozart's 40th Symphony, then Händel's Concerti Grossi (Real Mr Malfoy would never let this be performed, he hated Händel, but he was somewhere inside the Malfoy Manor now, finishing some potion), and Haydn.
Lucius first went into his own room. He took comb that Arthur Weasley was using, took a hair out and carefully placed it inside a small jar he brought. Then he went towards the dungeons into his secret lab. He got into it and placed that hair into so that Polyjuice Potion that he had. He never mentioned Arthur that he had lots of Polyjuice Potion left. He drank the green liquid and became himself again. Than he went back to his room and changed into identical robes Arthur was wearing. 'No one will ever see the difference between our robes.' He headed downstairs and towards the circular room. He stood hidden behind the double door which was ajar, so no one could see him. Arthur Weasley was just five meters from him, talking to Macnair and his 'lovely' wife. He took out his wand and whispered 'Imperio'. Then he quietly spoke:
-"Arthur come out of the room."
The real Arthur Weasley apologised Macnair and his wife, and got out of the room. On his huge surprise, he saw the man that looked exactly like him. He didn't even have time to ask real the Lucius-looking-like guy: Are you real?, because real Lucius hit him hard on his head, and Arthur Weasley lay now unconsciousness. Mr Malfoy dragged Arthur to Malfoy's broom cupboard, placed him inside, muttering to himself:
-"You shan't ruin my party Weasley."
It felt wonderful to be himself again. He went into the crowd and talked to all those people. He almost forgot how is it being a person that everyone knows.
At the same time, Draco was trying to escape the buffer Pansy, who wanted to dance waltz with him. He went outside the room, on the rear door, and looking behind him he didn't even notice that he bumped into someone. It was Victoria. He didn't have to say anything. She knew what was bothering Draco.
-"It's Pansy, isn't it?"
He just nodded.
-"Well I can save you," - she said and motioned Draco to fallow her.
Victoria and Draco were never getting well, they were always fighting. Draco knew about her and his father. During the summer holidays he entered his father's study without knocking. He found his father and Victoria kissing. After that he ran outside the study, into his bedroom. His father followed him. When he came in, Draco just sat on his bed, and waiting for him.
-"Draco" – his real father started when he came in. Draco just shook his head.
-"I don't want to talk to you. You cheated on my mother."
-"Draco let me explain," - Lucius tried.
-"What? To explain me how could you and my mother's best friend make love in your study?"
-"We weren't making love Draco" – said Lucius slowly.
-"Well you did. I know what's making love and what isn't."
-"Draco do you know what do you do when you make love?"
-"Well you do…" - Draco didn't know what to say. He never actually received any sexual education from his father or anyone. And he was afraid to ask his mother. – "You kiss … and hug … and you make babies…"
-"Draco, it's little different. When you make love … well it's hard to explain … you … I mean" – Lucius was stuck there. Now he blamed himself because he never told Draco anything about sex. He was already travelled half of the Hogwarts in Draco's age.
-"How do you mean it's different?"
-"Well, making love is different…" - Lucius started explaining his son everything about sex and what do you do actually there. But I don't have to explain it to you cause you probably know already. And I am sure you know cause this story is rated PG-13, and everybody above 13 (well maybe except Draco) know that. Well what the heck if you are under 13. I always read stories that are rated NC17 (oops I said this).
His father started telling him everything he needed to know. Draco, for the first time in his life went redder then all Weasley can go together. Even Lucius was very pink.
-"…so that's all." – Said Mr Malfoy when he finally finished his story about sex.
-"I feel like a moron. Potter probably knew everything about it, and he probably already did it with that Mudblood Granger."
-"Draco … listen to me … you aren't a moron … you just didn't know that … it's my entire fault I didn't tell you before." – He hugged his son.
-"So if you and Victoria didn't make love … what did you do?"
-"Well it's hard to say. I guess we were just shagging."
-"So why do you shag with her when you can do same thing with a person that is legally your wife, and that is mother of your son?"
-"Draco, it's quite personal question, but you are my son. I can tell you. You see Draco, when you marry a person you are sort of attracted to her. After years pass you are less and less attracted to her. You see I was never ever attracted to your mother. I just married because she was rich, pretty, and what is most important, a Pureblood. I wasn't able to marry who I wanted... So I can say I never loved her. I met Victoria, who is much younger that I am. Thing that really attracted me to her is that she is young, of course Pureblood, she was willing to go over to the Dark side, and she was married. So now how can I say this? I wouldn't really like you to hear this, but I want to be honest with you. Victoria was married to Christopher von Karajan. You remember him Draco?"
-"Yes, father. He was the one that get you your job back when you were sacked as a Governor of Hogwarts."
-"Exactly. And I wanted her. If I'm not mistaken she wanted me, too. So that thing naturally came between us. One day, we were inside her husband's house, and we were making-out. Victoria thought he went to Barbados, but she was awfully wrong. When he saw us, he was very surprised, and he run away into his study to get his wand. He wanted to kill both of us. If Victoria didn't tell me what was Christopher's intention, I would never know. She was always able to know what he was going to do next. I ran behind him. And before he was able to get his wand, I putted Leg Locker curse on him. He was cursing himself that he helped me and what kind of man I am. I didn't really listen to him. Then Victoria came inside, he went silent when he saw her. She just said two words, 'Kill him'. I did so. After that, well not long after the Dark Lord returned, and she was willing to join him. I know she didn't do it just because of me, I know her well. So then I got her job, and that's all. Macnair got attracted to her, too. Of course it's easy for him now, cause I did all dirty job."
-"So you killed. You killed, father."
-"Draco listen." – Mr Malfoy slightly frowned. He wasn't really proud telling his son he killed someone. - "He isn't first person I killed, but isn't last either. He shan't be the last one."
He stayed silent.
-"So you shan't tell your mother about us."
-"I would never. It would get you into the trouble, and I don't want to do that to you."
-"Draco…" - he was unable to speak. He just hugged his son.
-"Draco, where are you? Minister asked how are you." – Snapped Victoria at him. Then he realised that he was standing in front of tall and handsome man.
-"Draco, this is Jonathan Harvey, American Minister of Magic."
-"Hello Draco" – he had American accent.
-"Hello sir." – Draco said.
-"Draco, this is Courtney, Minister's daughter." – Victoria showed him pretty girl with brown hair. – "Draco, she is about your age. I think you'll get well."
-"What do you want me to do with her?" – He whispered to Victoria.
-"Just show her around; when Pansy see you with her, she want bother you anymore."
-"She is very pretty. Thank you Victoria."
-"You are welcome."
Draco and Courtney were getting very. Pansy didn't even dare to come close to Draco, so Draco was grateful to Victoria. She saved him. They were talking. Courtney was telling him about schools for Wizards and Witches in USA, and Draco was telling her about Hogwarts. Then they spotted that Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing beside one table. Ron was eating, Hermione was behaving like she never went anywhere, and Harry, well he had his funny hairstyle, so he was hoping no one sees him. Courtney knew everything about famous Harry Potter. Draco told her how Potter isn't that kind of wunderkind everybody thinks he is,
-"Potter, duh. He is just a show off and Headmaster's pet. You know the Headmaster Dumblefartdore favours him just because his parents were that kind of brave people. But Father says that Harry wouldn't survive at all if his mother didn't sacrifice herself."
-"So you want to say that he is kissing headmaster's ass?"
-"Something like that. Do you know that he even defeated monster of the Chamber of Secrets. You heard for that didn't you?"
-"Yeah I did. Pity. Did any Mudblood (Courtney was a Pureblood) die?"
-"Unfortunately no. They were just petrified. But I would be happy if that Mudblood Granger would die."
-"Oh. Can you introduce them to me?"
-"Ok." – They went towards where Potter, Weasley, and Granger were. When Draco saw Harry's hair, he almost felled down on the floor, laughing."
-"Nice hair-style, Pot-head?" – sneered Draco, when they approached them. Harry gave a big sigh, Hermione gave Draco a look full of hatred, and Ron didn't hear his at all. He was too busy eating cake.
-"So you are "famous" Harry Potter." – Said Courtney with bit of sarcasm in her voice. She held up her hand, and Harry shook it. Then Ron turned around.
-"Oh, fats you (he was supposed to say 'that's', but his mouth were full) – said Ron with mouth full of cake, spitting everywhere.
-"Get away Weasley" – said Draco, moving away from Ron. – "You'll ruin my robes."
-"So you are Hermione" – said Courtney to Hermione who just nodded her head and went slightly pink. Courtney couldn't be much older that she was, but Courtney really gave effort in her look. Her hair and make up ware perfect, while Hermione's cheap wet'n'wild was already starting to spoil.
-"Oh, I forgot to introduce you my "Friends". This is "famous" Harry Potter, but no need to introduce him to you, he is already a – err – a celebrity; this is Ron Weasley, you know Weasleys, they are poor; and this Mudblood Granger." – Harry and Ron were so mad at Draco because of this, but they couldn't start beating up Draco in front of everybody. They would be sure that Lucius would kill them all.
-"To all of you, this is my girlfriend Courtney. She's a Pureblood and daughter of American Minister of Magic." – Draco smiled a pleasant smile. He knew that neither Ron nor Harry had girlfriends yet. Courtney wasn't actually girlfriend of Draco, but Draco used that phrase for girl that is your friend.
-"How nice" – said Harry. Even if he didn't like Draco, he couldn't say that he didn't like Courtney. She was very pretty.
-"I see that you two are getting along" – said a cold voice behind Draco. It was real Lucius Cassius Malfoy. He putted his cold hand on Draco's shoulder. Draco grinned broadly.
-"Father this is Courtney, she is…"
-"Draco, I know who she is, of course. Daughter of American Minister of Magic. How nice to meet you Courtney." – He shook her hand. –" And this is of course is "famous" Harry Potter, with his sidekick Ron Weasley (he almost called Ron a tall-boy), and that Muggle girl Granger." – Lucius still haven't learned how to pronounce Hermione's name.
-"Hello Mr Malfoy" – Harry tried to be little politer. But when Lucius looked at him, he realised that it wasn't necessary. Lucius was still highly embarrassed after Harry rescued Dobby and he had fallen down the stairs.
-"Hello Potter. Weasley, your father told me that he had to go somewhere. So you go back your home with that boy, Percivel, I mean that Percy. Understand?" – he said shortly.
-"Yes." – Answered Ron.
______________________________________________________________________________________
'Oh life is bigger, it's bigger and you and you are not me
The lengths that I will go to,
The distance in your eyes
Oh no, I've said too much, I sat it up
That's me in the corner,
that's me in the spotlight losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I could do it
Oh no, I said too much
I haven't said enough
I though that I heard you laughing
I though that I heard you sing
I think I though I saw you try'
REM, 'Losing My Religion' I bet you knew that already
Elle est très belle
Et j'adore, j'adore tu
Nous sera notre soeur ouvrir
Madre, madre
Nous avons heureux"
_______________________________________________________________________________________
-"Yes, it is me, Malfoy. Do you have something against that?" – Said Ron.
-"Tell me Weasley, what store did you have to rob to get money for new robes?"
-"None. We aren't that poor Malfoy," - snarled Ron.
-"I wouldn't bet. So why are you buying new robes? You are buying one that are new, so your whole family can wear them?"
-"No Malfoy, it's for your Christmas Party. We, the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione are invited, too."
-"No way, Weasley. My mother is allergic to all the dirt that comes with Weasleys and my father would never invite you."
-"That's what YOU think Malfoy. But on the invitation you can clearly see your father's signature."
Malfoy didn't talk for rest of the time they spent standing on the stools, and being pinned by two witches. Finally, when their fathers came commotion begun. Mr Malfoy and Harry came in first, and they were paying Ron's robes. Then Arthur came in.
-"So who do we have here," - Mr Lucius Malfoy shook his hand with Mr Arthur Weasley. Draco, Harry, and Ron were positively confused. Usually, Lucius would tease Mr Weasley, who would flush. But now "Malfoy" didn't say anything, while "Weasley" talked all the time.
-"Weasley" – Arthur Weasley started – "would you like to join Draco and me for the lunch?"
-"Of course" – Harry and Ron looked blank at the man who they thought was Arthur Weasley. And Draco couldn't stop himself asking why would his "father" asked someone like a Weasley for a lunch. Well the main point was that Lucius Malfoy wanted to see his son, and Arthur wanted to see Ron, and Harry.
They settled in small restaurant in Diagon Alley with Italian food. Harry and Draco ordered lasagne; Ron had a pizza, Mr Malfoy aka. Arthur pasta, and Arthur aka. Mr Malfoy had panzerotti. They didn't talk at all. They were just eating together so they could be close to their sons. They both knew that Draco was disgusted of Arthur, and Ron thought that Lucius is a spoiled pig. After, when they were eating dessert, Mr Malfoy, the real one, took a copy of "The Daily Prophet" to read.
-"Lucius, would you mind if I would ask to see you in private." – Asked Lucius gravely.
-"Would you like to come over our house?" – Arthur asked. Draco gave him hateful look.
-"Sure. Would you like Ron to be there?" – Harry and Ron, well Draco, too, weren't fathoming a word of what they were saying.
When Arthur Weasley paid their lunch, of course he was now one with bigger wallet, they all travelled to Malfoy Manor with Floo Powder.
When they arrived, Arthur ordered Draco, which was followed by stern look on Lucius' pointed face – he didn't like when his son obeys other people, to go and show Harry and Ron his room and the big library. Lucius led Arthur to his study, cause this was still his house. They closed the door. Lucius changed the look on his face, from smirking to serious and gave Arthur the newspapers.
-"Oh my God, oh my God" – Arthur fell down on his knees – "not Bill, not him…"
The article in the newspaper said:
The Holocaust in Egypt
Yesterday, in Cairo, supporters of You-Know-Who, which call themselves the Death Eaters, attacked Muggle part of the city for no reason, as usual. It was mass-grave for Curse Breakers of the Gringotts bank who were trying to save the Muggles of Egypt. They were chosen cause they already knew how to deal with Dark Magic, which is widely known that Death Eaters are using. Twenty-five Muggles and two wizards, that were trying to save them (Dave Houghton and Bill Weasley) were killed, and that's awful lose...
There was big picture of a pyramid the Dark Mark conjured above it. Mr Weasley was kneeling in the middle of the room. 'Bill, our first descendant. How is Molly going to take this? She'll be torn apart when she hears about this. I must be there with her. If Lucius tells her that, I think it will kill her.' Thoughts were running inside his head. Mr Weasley somehow stood up, and staggered himself to the table with music boxes. He took one that he knew was enchanted by wizard named Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He opened it and it played "Lacrimosa" from Mozart's unfinished but majestic Requiem. The short and sad sounds of violins and colours of voices made Mr Weasley even more depressed.
Lucius wasn't happy about this, but something else was bothering him. Why is he kneeling here like a sissy? He got six sons and I got just one. He lost one, now he has five left, simple math. And I… Lucius didn't even want to think how would he fell if he would lose his only son, Draco. When Arthur was so sad about losing one out of five, how would he fell if he would lose his only Draco?
"Lacrimosa" ended then box started playing "Kyrie eleison".
-"Tear, what comes next? Lord have mercy upon us, Christ have mercy upon us, Lord have mercy upon us" – said Mr Weasley; he didn't even know that he was saying Latin libretto of the aria that was played, in English. He never spoke Latin, and it was very hard for him to understand even if he used it every day in charms, but this thing he translated the text with no difficulties.
-"That one refers on you" – said Mr Malfoy trying to be sarcastic, as less as he can, but he couldn't. – "dies irea, dies illa; solvet silko, un favilla; teste David cum Sybilla (Day of wrath and doom impending; David's word with Sibyl's blending).
-"I like that one." – Said Mr Weasley.
-"It is my song." – He answered.
-"Day of doom and destruction; Earth is shaking and moving; Test David with you Sybilla. I prefer that translation. It may be less beautiful than yours, but it's far more accurate."
-"Arthur," - asked Mr Malfoy – "how do you know Latin?"
-"I don't, I just know what that words that you are saying mean. I can feel their phonetics."
-"Listen" – started Mr Malfoy – "I have to go for a second, somewhere. Just stay here."
After ten minutes, he came back and found Mr Weasley comforted in his chair. He putted two goblets on the table in front of Mr Weasley. Arthur didn't see it at all. He had his face in his hands.
-"Arthur" – Lucius called and Mr Weasley raised his head. – "I brought some Polyjuice Potion. You will be yourself for next hour, while I return to my normal state, too."
-"Fine. Thank you. I wanted to inform my family myself." – He smiled little. Lucius didn't return him a smile, but at least he didn't wear his expression full of hatred. Lucius could act so sweet and caring sometimes. His horoscope sign was Virgo. Only few special people witnessed that side of him.
Lucius took a hair from his hair and placed it inside the goblet. The potion turned cold and pale grey. Lucius and Arthur changed just their look, not personality. They were still themselves. Even if Lucius had Arthur's look, he was still inhospitable and obnoxious.
Arthur did the same. His potion turned in warm green. They drunk it and then became themselves again.
First thing Mr Weasley did was grabbing Ron and Harry, and returning, by Floo Powder back to his own house. Lucius had some other business to finish. He was curious if it is right what he was suspecting. He apparated himself in front of a grand mansion. It was old and built in Romanesque style. He entered it, casually. Huge staircase was in front of him. He went right, straight to the living room. The huge double door of living room stood open. Inside, all servants were lined up, and Victoria was talking to them.
-"I shan't tolerate this anymore. Just one more time" – but she was unable to finish, because Lucius Malfoy came to her from her back, seized her arm, and kissed her in her mouth.
-"You are all dismissed" – Lucius muttered to the servants. They got out of the room as fast as they could, closing the door behind them. They found the scene disgusting. Lucius was already on top of Victoria, kissing her lustfully.
-"Lucius … oh stop it … don't do that here … Lucius I have to … we can't" – Victoria was muttering, while Lucius seemed like he does not care at all for what she was saying.
-"Shut up. When I finish with you, we will talk." – He said.
No one at the Burrow could suspect that anything bad had happened to Bill Adrian Weasley. Percy had a day off, so he stayed home all day. And Fred and George used "The Daily Prophet" to clean the windows, so no one knew anything about what happened.
When real Arthur Weasley arrived there, with Harry and Ron, everybody looked coldly at him. They were all sitting in the living room. Molly was angry on Mr "Weasley", so she didn't even want to look at him. Arthur beckoned Harry and Ron to sit down, and when they were all there and seated, Arthur started.
-"I don't really know how to say this, and I don't want to waste any time on making some silly introduction, but my oldest son, Bill, he is dead."
-"What?, Arthur that can't be true, it just can't" – Molly said, and he took her in her arms.
-"But Dad, I mean Father, how did he die?" – Asked George in voice of disbelief. Arthur explained them everything that he read in the newspapers, while Molly, Ginny, and even Ron occasionally sobbed.
Arthur couldn't even dream that person that killed his son, when he came face in face with her, was now being treated by real Lucius Malfoy in exciting manner.
-"So tell me more about that thing in Egypt?"
-"Why should I?" – Victoria answered sneering at him, and patted Lucius on his silver hair.
-"Well you know that Master gave me some sort of kind of vacation. You know that I don't have to participate any of his things for about two months" – he said, and hugged her.
She told him everything about how they killed, and how that Muggles were funny when they begged for mercy in foreign language. Lucius kept devilish smirk on his face, and occasionally gave few derisive laughs. He found this funny.
-"So, as far as I can tell by your story, you are the one that killed that Weasley boy" – Lucius finally asked her.
She just kissed him, and said nothing.
-"Do you want to play it that way, fine with me." – He took her in his arms, and placed her down on the floor, but not very tender. It was as tough he threw her on the floor. She just gave him one more smile, and drawled:
-"Lucius don't be so unkind. Now, what do you want to know?"
-"Did you kill that Weasley boy?"
-"What answer do you want to hear?"
-"Anything you say is fine."
-"Yes. Do you have anything against it? Did you want to kill him?"
-"You are plain evil," - Lucius said, and buried his face onto her neck.
-"Oh, that's right Lucius. How come you are acting normally now?"
Lucius said nothing. He just buried his head deeper.
-"I missed you," - he said, helped her stand up, and left with no goodbye.
After when she was sure that he left the house of her dead husband, she moved towards grand white piano. She gestured her hand in the air, and Macnair materialised from nowhere. He was all this time here, wearing invisibility cloak.
-"So he acted normally again. How long do you think that will last?"
-"I don't know, and I don't care" – said Macnair in I-don't-care voice, and closed open lid of the piano. He took Victoria's hand, and said:
-"Have you ever make love on the top of the piano?"
When his hour expired, Arthur just walked out of the room, leaving his family and Harry there. He apparated back to the Malfoy Manor, and when he was back there, he was already back to his normal looking (well in some case normal; he was still Lucius Malfoy). Mr Weasley let Lucius spent night at his own house. When Arthur went to bed, Mr Malfoy stayed in his study. Mr Weasley didn't suspect that Victoria killed his son at all.
Lucius Malfoy was just coming to the Burrow when he needed some sleep and something to eat. Mrs Weasley was in awful state. She and Ginny spent all their time inside Ginny's room, talking and sewing. Percy worked all day and night; he was in self-denial, trying outrun the problems. Fred and George weren't that cheerful anymore. They didn't find Quidditch fun anymore. Ron was sad. Harry was sad, too. He didn't know Bill that good, but still felt sorry for him. Next day they got a letter from Hermione.
Dear Ron and Harry,
I must say I am terribly sorry for what have happened to Bill. I never knew him good, but I just remember that he was very nice. I know you don't like talking about that so I won't write anything else about him.
That thing that Malfoys invited you, well if both of you go, I will go with you, too.
Bye.
Love,
Your true friend, Hermione
Harry and Ron answered her letter, saying nothing about Bill. They decided to go to Malfoy's for their Christmas Party.
Arthur was very depressed. Which was opposite to Narcissa and Draco. Narcissa spent all her time choosing the right robes for the party. Then finally, with Victoria's help, who was her best friend, she bought a pale pink and blue one. They were made out of finest silk and were awfully expensive. Draco talked all the time about how is he going to decorate the circular room. And he also hoped that his "father" let him conduct the Christmas Oratorio, which is going to be performed by live orchestra.
Arthur spent all his time working and he didn't have time for anyone or anything. Finally a day before the party he took a day off. He was alone in Malfoy Manor. Narcissa went to the hair-stylist and Draco went over to Crabbe's house.
He was in his library, when Walden Macnair and Victoria Berger came to his house, to get some papers signed. He was going through the transfiguration section of the library section, when an elf came in. Even the elves noticed that Mr Malfoy changed. He did not punish them that often anymore. Indeed, he didn't punish them anymore, at all.
-"Sir" – said a small creature, wrapped in bed cover, standing on the doorway – "Mr Macnair and Ms Berger comes to see thee. They are in your study."
-"Thank you." – Elf was puzzled for this "thank you". – "I'm going to see them in a second. You can go now."
-"Yes Master. Thou art very kinderly" – The ugly thing said and went outside, closing heavy wooden doors behind him.
At the same time, in the study, Macnair was sitting in the chair, while Victoria was pacing behind his back.
-"Sit down, now. You are making me nervous" – snapped Macnair, without turning around.
-"If you ask me, you are always nervous" – she said and started looking over music boxes. When she found a brown one, with amber border, a fresco of a nun, writing something, and with flames coming from her small had, and behind her a picture of convent named "Bingen", she opened it. On amber ribbon, black letters formed name "Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)". It started playing song called "Columba axpexit". It was just a capella, sang by female voices.
Macnair stood up, and snarled at her:
-"Would you stop with that music? It makes me even more nervous."
Victoria just laughed, and closed the box, placing it where she found it.
-"Is it better?" – She sneered.
-"Shut up" – he said, and sat back.
-"What's up with you?" – Victoria asked, leaning with her both hands on the handgrips of his chair.
-"Nothing that is your matter, bitch" – he said, and looked away from her cold and dark eyes.
-"Whatever" – she retorted resentfully and dropped herself in chair beside his. How girlish was she still. At that moment, Mr Weasley entered the study. He was trying his best to look cheerful, but when he saw Macnair, he gave Victoria a puzzled look. She just looked away. You could tell she was angry with Lucius, but she didn't want him to know that.
He sat down on his chair, and started looking through papers Macnair brought for him to sign.
-"If you two are going to keep your mouths shut all the time, that's fine with me." – She said, puffing up her chest.
-"You are again angry with me" – Arthur said, not even looking up from the papers. Macnair stayed silent.
-"Lucius… you could at least say goodbye to me, not just walk out, after I told you what you wanted to know" – she said slowly.
-"When did I do that?" – Asked Mr Weasley confused.
-"Oh stop doing that. Lucius, we both now when that happened." – She snapped at Mr Weasley.
Arthur suddenly remembered that it could happen that night when he and Lucius drunk the Polyjuice Potion. Lucius never told Arthur Weasley where did he go. But what he couldn't understand is why would Lucius go to his concubine (Lucius is like a gigolo... ). He thought that Lucius spent time with his wife and son.
-"Victoria, stop it. Just stop it" – suddenly said Macnair. – "Lucius, are going to sign that documents?"
-"Yes, I will" – he started signing. When he finished, he gave them to Macnair, who just said goodbye and left the room.
Now he was alone with Victoria. He looked at other documents. It seemed like she didn't bother that she didn't get any attention from Arthur. She stood up and dragged herself to the table with music boxes. She opened the same one, the one from Hildegard von Bingen. This time different song started playing. It was called "O virga ac diadema" (That means "Oh young teenage girl and the diadem), and it wasn't a capella. It was followed by music.
-"So Lucius, how are you?" – She said.
-"I'm fine." – He said shortly. Then Victoria came to him from behind, and started massaging his shoulders. This time he let her do it. As Lucius, he had awful pain in shoulders and back.
-"You saw Macnair."
-"Yes, I did. Why is he so nervous?" – Asked Mr Weasley curiously.
-"Master isn't happy with him" – she said putting a twisted smile her pale face.
-"I see…"
-"How's your son?" – She started teasing him in low voice.
-"He is fine."
-"How did you manage to take him off his idea to conduct the Oratorio this year?"
-"I didn't. He will conduct it."
-"What?" – She almost screamed.
-"What do you mean what?" – Arthur already lost his nerves and turned around to face her.
-"Are you telling me that you are letting a fifteen years old boy to deal with full size symphony orchestra, choir, and soloists? And that, in front of everybody?"
-"Yes." – Arthur finally said.
-"Lucius … he will … he will disgrace you … please..."
-"How dare you to say that he will disgrace me?" – Mr Weasley snarled at her. Even if Draco wasn't his son, he still felt that he is his father now, and that he should take care of him.
-"Then fine, embarrass your family" – Victoria said and slammed the door behind her so hard that windows were shaking.
Ron and Harry spent all the time in Ron's room. They were both reading. Hermione arrived at their house on December 26, and she was surprised when Harry and Ron told her about behaving of a man which they thought was Ron's father.
Mr Malfoy spent all the time in his secret cottage in Ireland, brewing some potions.
On December 27, everybody in Malfoy Manor got up early. Mr Weasley, even if he wanted, couldn't be sad. He just didn't have any time. Narcissa went to her hair-stylist, again asking to add discrete golden glow to her platinum blond hair; while Draco was rehearsing Oratorio with the orchestra, and the choir. Victoria, who was invited by Narcissa to come and help them, was standing on the entrance of big circular room, leaned on the door and watching Draco conducts the orchestra. She was smirking all the time.
When Arthur came in to see how is everything going, he pulled Victoria out of the room.
-"Why are you smiling?" – Mr Weasley asked her.
-"Draco is too young to do that what you want him to do. I'm laughing at all his mistakes." – Said Victoria. If she would tell that to real Mr Malfoy, she would be dead in less than three seconds. Fortunately Arthur Weasley didn't find that as an insult.
-"Victoria, could you help him?"
-"Why are you asking me? Of course I can help him…"
-"Then go." – He put his hand on her shoulder, and said – "Please."
Victoria hugged him and kissed on his mouth, then went inside to help Draco. After she came to help him, the Oratorio sounded much better. She told him not to wave with his hands that much or he'll get tired, and to use real baton, not his wand, etc.
The same morning, Mr Malfoy finally intended one of the meals in the Burrow. All the time he was sending piercing looks at Hermione, who went red. There was no conflict during the mealtime because nobody pronounced a single word. After the breakfast, Hermione and Ginny washed the dishes because Mrs Weasley went to take well-deserved rest. From when she heard that Bill died, she was very tired. She didn't want to go to the party which made Ginny doesn't want to go, too. George agreed to stay with them and take care of them. The only Weasley who was really looking forward to the party was Lucius Malfoy, who wasn't Weasley. Percy went because he knew that lots of important people will be there, Fred went just because he was sure his girlfriend, Angelina Johnson will be attending. Harry, Ron, and Hermione went just cause they didn't want Draco teasing them after how they don't go anywhere and how famous Harry Potter, isn't famous anymore.
Mr Malfoy sat for hundredth time at virginal harpsichord and started playing Pachelbel's Cannon. Hermione went upstairs and started getting ready, while Ron and Harry sat in the living room, listening to Mr Malfoy.
At five o'clock, they all started dressing up. Mr Malfoy wore totally black robes, which was strange for everyone. These ones were only black robes Arthur possessed. Mr Weasley didn't like black and he kept those black ones just because he had to. Harry wore his last year robes – black ones with green ham. Ron was wearing his new one, brown robes, while Hermione was dressed in lavender one.
When Arthur putted on Lucius' black robes, he looked handsome. He was looking at himself in the huge mirror in his private bathroom, when a person that he didn't really want to see came in. Victoria was wearing velvet blue robes with shades of black and white sewed flowers. Her hair was up and she looked beautiful. She came closer to Arthur, hugged his waist from behind, and leaned her head on his shoulder. So now they could see their reflection in the mirror.
Arthur could fell that she used at least one whole hair spray to get her hair done. She sniffed in his neck.
-"Lucius, why do you smell different?" – She broke the silence.
-"I smell as I always did" – he said. That was true.
Arthur could smell Victoria's heavy perfume around her. He didn't like it. It was too strong for him.
-"You look handsome" – she said, shuffling her hands around him.
-"I didn't ask you for an opinion."
-"Whatever" – she said and finally let go of him.
-"So how does Draco's conducting sound now?" – Asked Mr Weasley.
-"Better then it sounded before. But I still don't get it why don't you want to conduct it yourself?"
Mr Weasley thought about that. He did not even know how to hold a baton and did not know any rituals and rites of classical music concerts. Only thing he ever went was that French opera he took Narcissa to. But here he would have to deal with full size symphony orchestra, choir, and soloists. 'Draco will be able to handle it, shan't he?' he asked himself for hundredth time. He wanted to give Draco a chance that Lucius would never give. He thought he should give little effort on Draco's behaviour, so when Draco comes back to school from winter holidays, he would finally be a normal, polite kid. But thing that was bothering him was that he still wasn't Draco's real father. How would Lucius Malfoy like if someone would just ruin a character in his child that he spent fifteen years building? Lucius would neuter him. 'That wouldn't be right' Mr Weasley thought.
-'So do you want to hear how does it sound?' – Victoria pulled him up from his thinking.
-"Err… yes, sure." – He said. She linked her arm with his and they went downstairs, to a big circular room.
In the middle of the room was a stage where whole orchestra, choir and soloist were placed. Choir was wearing purple, white, and red cloaks. Purple for sopranos and tenors; white for baritones and mezzo-sopranos; and red for basses and altos. All four soloists wore black robes. On the round black platform stood Draco, with scores in front of him. Oratorio sounded much better now then it did few hours before.
When Draco finally finished rehearsing the Oratorio, like all real conductors, he turned around and bowed at Arthur and Victoria who were standing there. After that, Victoria made final check to see are all the instruments tuned. Arthur appointed her to be something like Kapellmeister. When they made sure all instruments were fine, Victoria went to get Narcissa, and Draco and Arthur went to greet their first guests.
When Lucius Malfoy made final check that all three Weasleys, Harry and Hermione are fine looking, they received a speech from him about code of behaviour and proper etiquette of the oligarchy. Lucius didn't like Harry's messy hair, so he used Hermione's gel and mousse to make it flat for him. After showing his hair-styling possibilities, Harry looked even worse than before. His hair was flat now, but it looked as tough it was covered in saliva.
After that, he took Hermione on side, and told her not to mention that she is Mudblood. It would bring Malfoys bad reputation. After his little monologue, he didn't even know that Hermione made expression on her face as tough Mr Weasley was crazy. He always loved Muggles. Now he cares for Malfoys? What's up with him?
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Fred used the Floo Powder, while Mr Malfoy and Percy – or Percivel, the way he was called by Mr Malfoy all the time, apparated. When they arrived, lots of people were there already. Mr Malfoy, the real one, just lost himself somewhere in all the commotion. Fred went into search for Angelina, while Percy talked to some Minister. Harry, Ron, and Hermione decided that is the best if they stick together.
Draco didn't have fun at all. He was trying to avoid that stalker – Pansy Parkinson. So he was praying that moment when it was his turn to conduct comes soon. The orchestra played first Mozart's 40th Symphony, then Händel's Concerti Grossi (Real Mr Malfoy would never let this be performed, he hated Händel, but he was somewhere inside the Malfoy Manor now, finishing some potion), and Haydn.
Lucius first went into his own room. He took comb that Arthur Weasley was using, took a hair out and carefully placed it inside a small jar he brought. Then he went towards the dungeons into his secret lab. He got into it and placed that hair into so that Polyjuice Potion that he had. He never mentioned Arthur that he had lots of Polyjuice Potion left. He drank the green liquid and became himself again. Than he went back to his room and changed into identical robes Arthur was wearing. 'No one will ever see the difference between our robes.' He headed downstairs and towards the circular room. He stood hidden behind the double door which was ajar, so no one could see him. Arthur Weasley was just five meters from him, talking to Macnair and his 'lovely' wife. He took out his wand and whispered 'Imperio'. Then he quietly spoke:
-"Arthur come out of the room."
The real Arthur Weasley apologised Macnair and his wife, and got out of the room. On his huge surprise, he saw the man that looked exactly like him. He didn't even have time to ask real the Lucius-looking-like guy: Are you real?, because real Lucius hit him hard on his head, and Arthur Weasley lay now unconsciousness. Mr Malfoy dragged Arthur to Malfoy's broom cupboard, placed him inside, muttering to himself:
-"You shan't ruin my party Weasley."
It felt wonderful to be himself again. He went into the crowd and talked to all those people. He almost forgot how is it being a person that everyone knows.
At the same time, Draco was trying to escape the buffer Pansy, who wanted to dance waltz with him. He went outside the room, on the rear door, and looking behind him he didn't even notice that he bumped into someone. It was Victoria. He didn't have to say anything. She knew what was bothering Draco.
-"It's Pansy, isn't it?"
He just nodded.
-"Well I can save you," - she said and motioned Draco to fallow her.
Victoria and Draco were never getting well, they were always fighting. Draco knew about her and his father. During the summer holidays he entered his father's study without knocking. He found his father and Victoria kissing. After that he ran outside the study, into his bedroom. His father followed him. When he came in, Draco just sat on his bed, and waiting for him.
-"Draco" – his real father started when he came in. Draco just shook his head.
-"I don't want to talk to you. You cheated on my mother."
-"Draco let me explain," - Lucius tried.
-"What? To explain me how could you and my mother's best friend make love in your study?"
-"We weren't making love Draco" – said Lucius slowly.
-"Well you did. I know what's making love and what isn't."
-"Draco do you know what do you do when you make love?"
-"Well you do…" - Draco didn't know what to say. He never actually received any sexual education from his father or anyone. And he was afraid to ask his mother. – "You kiss … and hug … and you make babies…"
-"Draco, it's little different. When you make love … well it's hard to explain … you … I mean" – Lucius was stuck there. Now he blamed himself because he never told Draco anything about sex. He was already travelled half of the Hogwarts in Draco's age.
-"How do you mean it's different?"
-"Well, making love is different…" - Lucius started explaining his son everything about sex and what do you do actually there. But I don't have to explain it to you cause you probably know already. And I am sure you know cause this story is rated PG-13, and everybody above 13 (well maybe except Draco) know that. Well what the heck if you are under 13. I always read stories that are rated NC17 (oops I said this).
His father started telling him everything he needed to know. Draco, for the first time in his life went redder then all Weasley can go together. Even Lucius was very pink.
-"…so that's all." – Said Mr Malfoy when he finally finished his story about sex.
-"I feel like a moron. Potter probably knew everything about it, and he probably already did it with that Mudblood Granger."
-"Draco … listen to me … you aren't a moron … you just didn't know that … it's my entire fault I didn't tell you before." – He hugged his son.
-"So if you and Victoria didn't make love … what did you do?"
-"Well it's hard to say. I guess we were just shagging."
-"So why do you shag with her when you can do same thing with a person that is legally your wife, and that is mother of your son?"
-"Draco, it's quite personal question, but you are my son. I can tell you. You see Draco, when you marry a person you are sort of attracted to her. After years pass you are less and less attracted to her. You see I was never ever attracted to your mother. I just married because she was rich, pretty, and what is most important, a Pureblood. I wasn't able to marry who I wanted... So I can say I never loved her. I met Victoria, who is much younger that I am. Thing that really attracted me to her is that she is young, of course Pureblood, she was willing to go over to the Dark side, and she was married. So now how can I say this? I wouldn't really like you to hear this, but I want to be honest with you. Victoria was married to Christopher von Karajan. You remember him Draco?"
-"Yes, father. He was the one that get you your job back when you were sacked as a Governor of Hogwarts."
-"Exactly. And I wanted her. If I'm not mistaken she wanted me, too. So that thing naturally came between us. One day, we were inside her husband's house, and we were making-out. Victoria thought he went to Barbados, but she was awfully wrong. When he saw us, he was very surprised, and he run away into his study to get his wand. He wanted to kill both of us. If Victoria didn't tell me what was Christopher's intention, I would never know. She was always able to know what he was going to do next. I ran behind him. And before he was able to get his wand, I putted Leg Locker curse on him. He was cursing himself that he helped me and what kind of man I am. I didn't really listen to him. Then Victoria came inside, he went silent when he saw her. She just said two words, 'Kill him'. I did so. After that, well not long after the Dark Lord returned, and she was willing to join him. I know she didn't do it just because of me, I know her well. So then I got her job, and that's all. Macnair got attracted to her, too. Of course it's easy for him now, cause I did all dirty job."
-"So you killed. You killed, father."
-"Draco listen." – Mr Malfoy slightly frowned. He wasn't really proud telling his son he killed someone. - "He isn't first person I killed, but isn't last either. He shan't be the last one."
He stayed silent.
-"So you shan't tell your mother about us."
-"I would never. It would get you into the trouble, and I don't want to do that to you."
-"Draco…" - he was unable to speak. He just hugged his son.
-"Draco, where are you? Minister asked how are you." – Snapped Victoria at him. Then he realised that he was standing in front of tall and handsome man.
-"Draco, this is Jonathan Harvey, American Minister of Magic."
-"Hello Draco" – he had American accent.
-"Hello sir." – Draco said.
-"Draco, this is Courtney, Minister's daughter." – Victoria showed him pretty girl with brown hair. – "Draco, she is about your age. I think you'll get well."
-"What do you want me to do with her?" – He whispered to Victoria.
-"Just show her around; when Pansy see you with her, she want bother you anymore."
-"She is very pretty. Thank you Victoria."
-"You are welcome."
Draco and Courtney were getting very. Pansy didn't even dare to come close to Draco, so Draco was grateful to Victoria. She saved him. They were talking. Courtney was telling him about schools for Wizards and Witches in USA, and Draco was telling her about Hogwarts. Then they spotted that Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing beside one table. Ron was eating, Hermione was behaving like she never went anywhere, and Harry, well he had his funny hairstyle, so he was hoping no one sees him. Courtney knew everything about famous Harry Potter. Draco told her how Potter isn't that kind of wunderkind everybody thinks he is,
-"Potter, duh. He is just a show off and Headmaster's pet. You know the Headmaster Dumblefartdore favours him just because his parents were that kind of brave people. But Father says that Harry wouldn't survive at all if his mother didn't sacrifice herself."
-"So you want to say that he is kissing headmaster's ass?"
-"Something like that. Do you know that he even defeated monster of the Chamber of Secrets. You heard for that didn't you?"
-"Yeah I did. Pity. Did any Mudblood (Courtney was a Pureblood) die?"
-"Unfortunately no. They were just petrified. But I would be happy if that Mudblood Granger would die."
-"Oh. Can you introduce them to me?"
-"Ok." – They went towards where Potter, Weasley, and Granger were. When Draco saw Harry's hair, he almost felled down on the floor, laughing."
-"Nice hair-style, Pot-head?" – sneered Draco, when they approached them. Harry gave a big sigh, Hermione gave Draco a look full of hatred, and Ron didn't hear his at all. He was too busy eating cake.
-"So you are "famous" Harry Potter." – Said Courtney with bit of sarcasm in her voice. She held up her hand, and Harry shook it. Then Ron turned around.
-"Oh, fats you (he was supposed to say 'that's', but his mouth were full) – said Ron with mouth full of cake, spitting everywhere.
-"Get away Weasley" – said Draco, moving away from Ron. – "You'll ruin my robes."
-"So you are Hermione" – said Courtney to Hermione who just nodded her head and went slightly pink. Courtney couldn't be much older that she was, but Courtney really gave effort in her look. Her hair and make up ware perfect, while Hermione's cheap wet'n'wild was already starting to spoil.
-"Oh, I forgot to introduce you my "Friends". This is "famous" Harry Potter, but no need to introduce him to you, he is already a – err – a celebrity; this is Ron Weasley, you know Weasleys, they are poor; and this Mudblood Granger." – Harry and Ron were so mad at Draco because of this, but they couldn't start beating up Draco in front of everybody. They would be sure that Lucius would kill them all.
-"To all of you, this is my girlfriend Courtney. She's a Pureblood and daughter of American Minister of Magic." – Draco smiled a pleasant smile. He knew that neither Ron nor Harry had girlfriends yet. Courtney wasn't actually girlfriend of Draco, but Draco used that phrase for girl that is your friend.
-"How nice" – said Harry. Even if he didn't like Draco, he couldn't say that he didn't like Courtney. She was very pretty.
-"I see that you two are getting along" – said a cold voice behind Draco. It was real Lucius Cassius Malfoy. He putted his cold hand on Draco's shoulder. Draco grinned broadly.
-"Father this is Courtney, she is…"
-"Draco, I know who she is, of course. Daughter of American Minister of Magic. How nice to meet you Courtney." – He shook her hand. –" And this is of course is "famous" Harry Potter, with his sidekick Ron Weasley (he almost called Ron a tall-boy), and that Muggle girl Granger." – Lucius still haven't learned how to pronounce Hermione's name.
-"Hello Mr Malfoy" – Harry tried to be little politer. But when Lucius looked at him, he realised that it wasn't necessary. Lucius was still highly embarrassed after Harry rescued Dobby and he had fallen down the stairs.
-"Hello Potter. Weasley, your father told me that he had to go somewhere. So you go back your home with that boy, Percivel, I mean that Percy. Understand?" – he said shortly.
-"Yes." – Answered Ron.
______________________________________________________________________________________
'Oh life is bigger, it's bigger and you and you are not me
The lengths that I will go to,
The distance in your eyes
Oh no, I've said too much, I sat it up
That's me in the corner,
that's me in the spotlight losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I could do it
Oh no, I said too much
I haven't said enough
I though that I heard you laughing
I though that I heard you sing
I think I though I saw you try'
REM, 'Losing My Religion' I bet you knew that already