Chapter Nine: Howler
The fallout of Dumbledore's attempted 'infiltration' into Bulgaria has heavy consequences for Britain as a whole.
Lyuben Vasilev, the DMLE head of the Bulgarian Ministry was the one to do the interrogation personally, and had refused Dumbledore access to a lawyer, despite the latter's protests. As what Lyuben, and later on, the Bulgarian Minister have both explained—his actions in trying to enter Bulgaria illegally whilst under the identity of another is essentially terrorism.
And any individual suspected of terrorism will be denied access to a lawyer whilst under investigation.
"And while I have no idea how Britain works when it comes to illegal entry of one's country, here in Bulgaria, we do things differently. You might be used to people jumping at your every whim, Dumbledore, but you are not Merlin's gift to mankind." Lyuben had told Dumbledore in their interrogation room very sternly, with the latter being magically bound to the chair with magical manacles to prevent him being able to use wandless magic.
One of the junior Aurors who had been recording the interrogation with a Dicta-Quill was very amused with their head's sharp tongue. And within hours, it had spread all over the Ministry of Magic just what Lyuben had said to Dumbledore, which in turn, only made the embarrassed DMLE head even more popular.
More so after Dumbledore was deported back to Britain in chains, being escorted by two of Bulgaria's best hit-wizards, and being paraded through the entire British Ministry of Magic for all to see.
The long and short of it is that all British magicals would be barred entry into Bulgaria for at least three years, and there would be levies and embargoes implemented on them; hence stopping imports into their country for those three years. And with Bulgaria being one of the leading nations when it comes to businesses and finance, they have tremendous influence with the other countries, which in turn, have agreed to join Bulgaria to boycott Britain for three years.
The only British citizens still allowed to travel to Bulgaria at the moment could be counted on one hand; and amongst those is Andromeda Tonks nee Black. And that is mainly because of Sirius Black.
Needless to say that Dumbledore's stunt had caused no amount of headaches for Britain. And when the Hogwarts headmaster had defended himself from the fallout and the unhappy purebloods that followed because of their businesses being affected, it was then when all of Magical Britain had found out that their 'hero' had been brought to Bulgaria and is now effectively a Bulgarian citizen, along with nearly the entirety of the Black family that is not in Azkaban. The entirety of the Potter and Black fortunes as well were brought over to Bulgaria that had caused a mini panic—considering those two families are amongst the oldest and also the wealthiest families in the world.
One of the Daily Prophet's articles had written a rather scathing article about Sirius Black and even Hadrian Potter, with the reporter suggesting that Sirius Black had kidnapped their hero, and that Hadrian Potter had ran away from his 'responsibilities'.
A furious Andromeda Tonks had turned up the next day at the Daily Prophet office, threatening to sue the entire paper for defamation. The paper in turn was scrambling to make amends to the furious lawyer, and to the House of Black, and had printed an apology article. The reporter in question who had written the scathing article—one Rita Skeeter in turn, was delegated to writing small pieces for the gardening pages, much to her anger.
The new Editor-in-Chief was very unforgiving when Rita Skeeter had tried to complain, stating that she would be lucky that he didn't outright fire her; considering that the Blacks and Potters actually owned the paper, and not the Ministry as is common belief, which is also the reason why the previous Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Prophet was given the boot—and not just because of the numerous articles that is little more than lies that he had allowed to go to print.
Andromeda Tonks had even issued them an ultimatum: start printing the truth or else.
Bulgaria in turn, especially Minister Oblansk, had steadfastly refused to budge on their decision and their levies and embargoes on Britain, no matter what Fudge had brought to the table, and no matter how much he had apologised. Like what the very unforgiving ICW newly elected representative had later told Fudge; Bulgaria is already going easy on them by just issuing levies and embargoes for three years.
They are quite well within their rights to make it forever or even a hundred years. Or Merlin forbid, declare war on them, considering Dumbledore's position and standing within British magical society, and his actions in trying to enter Bulgaria illegally could be considered an act of terrorism. Especially since he was there to try to kidnap one of their citizens. And not just any citizen, but a small child that is no more than a little toddler.
Needless to say that the purebloods were all furious with Dumbledore. Several of the neutrals too were furious, considering how close that Bulgaria was to declaring war on Britain—a war that they can't win. Only the die-hard Dumbledore supporters have steadfastly supported their hero—coming up with every reason and more to excuse Dumbledore's actions.
All in all, it had been a very long month for Britain.
XXXXXX
"—located in the Residential District of Alinea, so it is away from the bustle and hustle of the marketplace and even the Commercial District. It is also one of the areas where the Aurors frequently did their patrols, so security here is top notch. Though I imagine that you likely will hire ward breakers to cast security wards anyway, if you decide to take it." The real estate agent that Marko and Anastasia have both recommended to Sirius was telling him, even as the agent took Sirius and Narcissa around the house located next door to the Krum residence, with little Hadrian and little Draco exploring the house the way little children do—with Remus keeping a sharp eye on them.
At first glance even from outside the house, Narcissa had liked it. It isn't too outrageously enormous like Malfoy Manor back in Britain, or even several of the pureblood manors that she is familiar with. It is more like a cottage, if anything. And even from the outside, it gives off a warm and homely atmosphere. It also helps that they're just next door to the Krums.
Even Draco who normally shied away from other children took to Viviane Krum a lot, and seems to like Viktor too. Though the little blonde absolutely adored Hadrian even from their first meeting, and took it upon himself to 'protect' the shy toddler, much to Narcissa and Sirius' amusement.
The garden is obviously overrun with weeds, thanks to how long this place had been left uninhabited. Agents from the real estate agency came by once every few months to check the place out, and to ensure that doxies and the like haven't taken residence in the place. Otherwise, they normally left the house alone.
Narcissa's critical eye could gauge what she can turn the garden into. It will even smell nice with honeysuckle bushes and even some fruit trees. Maybe even a little gazebo in the corner or even a white swing seat would do nicely for nice days.
The back garden doesn't have as much space as she is used to at Malfoy Manor, but it also takes less work to maintain it, and they could probably even start a greenhouse of some sort. Narcissa used to do it as a girl. But when she got married, Lucius absolutely forbid Narcissa 'mucking about in the mud like some commoner', so she had stopped. She was absolutely bored out of her mind after marriage, since the house elves do everything around the house. At least until Draco came along.
The last family to live in the house, as the real estate agent had explained, had moved out a little over two years ago, to live in one of the other magical communities in Bulgaria in order to be closer to their family. The house had laid vacant since. The family too isn't really asking for a lot for the house, which is a surprise, as houses in the Residential District of Alinea tends to be quite expensive.
Layout wise, it is remarkably similar to the Krum residence—as most of the homes in the Residential District are built around the same time when the Alinea community as well as the Bulgarian Ministry of Magic were founded—that was at least a thousand years ago.
It has two storeys, with at least six rooms on the second level, and at least four rooms on the first level, along with the kitchen area—one of the rooms could even be turned into a playroom for the kids, and a study as they grew older, and another room could even be turned into a painting studio for Narcissa if she wanted to. One of the rooms could even be turned into Sirius' study when he needs to do some Lord Black stuff. There is even an attic, though it isn't very big, and could be used as some sort of storage room.
Sunlight too was streaming in and bouncing off the wooden floor tiles of what could be the sitting room, even as the real estate agent showed them around. Narcissa's critical mind is already doing some mental calculations of what they could turn each room into, and how to design it.
With six rooms on the second level, each of them could get their own room. Remus too could even get his own bedroom. While Narcissa still isn't fully comfortable with a werewolf living with them, she too could agree that Remus had never hurt anyone, and is at least willing to give him a chance.
There too are enough spare rooms on the first level to turn one into a study room or even a play room for the kids, and even a studio for herself. Sirius too could choose to have his study either on the first level or the second level.
And with how large the sitting room area is, they could easily partition off one side and turn it into a tea room.
The real estate agent was nervous even as he watch Sirius and Narcissa wander about the house, examining the rooms, and hemming and hawing every now and then. The two Black cousins cut a striking and imposing image. He can understand why the House of Black is one of the oldest and most powerful wizarding families in the world.
The agent was nervous when Lord Krum had first introduced them, and was informed that Lord Black wish to purchase a house in Alinea. He wondered for a moment if he'll be lucky enough to be able to boast to his colleagues at work that he had sold Lord Black a house. Though due to the whole privacy laws surrounding his trade, no one would be revealing details to outside parties anyway.
Hearing delighted giggles from the pair of children upstairs in one of the rooms caused smiles to appear on the faces of the Black cousins.
"What do you both think?" The real estate agent asked nervously, even as the two cousins exchanged looks.
Sirius took a moment to think. He knew that look on Narcissa's face to know that she is already planning everything they could do to the house—right down to the design and what they can turn each house into. As a Black and one betrothed to the Malfoy heir at that time, Narcissa was trained in the duties of the Lady of the House; and designing a house and even arranging a party are just amongst those duties.
Thus, Sirius knows that he can leave the interior decor and design to his cousin and know that he is leaving it in safe and capable hands. If not for being married, Sirius wager that Narcissa could likely earn quite a lot as a famous interior designer, with how much of an eye she had for design.
Not to mention that it seems like the kids too love this place, judging from the giggles and laughter echoing from upstairs. The house too is bright and cheery; so unlike the house that Sirius had grown up in. And if anything, he wants Hadrian and Draco to have happy childhoods unlike the one he had.
Sirius eyed Narcissa contemplatively. Narcissa smiled, knowing what is on her cousin's mind, and she nodded.
They could definitely make it work with this house. Even from the outside, she already liked the look of it. All they have to do with the house is just the interior design. The entire structure of the house is still in very good shape, and Sirius obviously will have to hire a few ward breakers to layer some security wards.
"We'll take it."
XXXXXX
"Seriously, Sirius, this is too much! It's way bigger than my old shop space at Diagon!"
"Isn't it good, then? You can fit more customers in your shop! And have more room for products. There is even a room that you can use as your workshop in the back."
Liese Pearce was exasperated in the face of Sirius Black's very contagious enthusiasm. Honestly, if she knew that accepting Sirius' business proposal to move her business to Bulgaria will result in Sirius insisting on her having a larger shop space than she'd expected, she would have put up more of a fight.
She had made the move at around the same time when Dumbledore was in hot water with Bulgaria and even with Britain's pureblood community. But as Liese had no friends or family in Britain, no one had really noticed it when Liese packed up her stuff quietly.
She doesn't have many personal possessions to begin with; what she did have is enough to fill one box. It is the products that she had for her shop that had taken her some time to pack everything up and sent it off via the international courier service that Sirius had recommended.
Thus, before anyone had known what is going on, Liese Pearce was gone from Britain during the time when the magical community was in great turmoil thanks to Dumbledore's actions. So much so that no one had even noticed that she was gone until they saw her old shop space up for sale, no doubt.
Though with how low a standing that Liese had amongst Britain's magical community, she only hoped that Dumbledore and his people wouldn't think that she had gone to Bulgaria. And then again, she was never all that overly close with Sirius and his friends during their Hogwarts' days, and even after. She wasn't even part of the Order of the Phoenix, though she is friends with quite a few of their members.
So hopefully, her move wouldn't blimp on Dumbledore's radar; since as far as Liese knows, she isn't the only business that had decided to close in Britain and decided to move elsewhere, especially with the levies and embargoes that Bulgaria and half the world had placed on them.
It would be three long and hard years for Britain. And surprisingly, Liese found that she doesn't care all that much, considering what they'd put her through. And not just her either, but Sirius. And to a certain extent, even Remus and little Hadrian.
Liese sighed, eyeing the army of house elves that were placing the furniture and products just where she'd directed them to—with several more currently helping to unpack and move her stuff in the apartment upstairs and even in the attached workshop, she is sure.
"…I'm giving you more than what you're asking for, at this rate." Liese grumbled.
"Come on, a shop and business like yours would be racking in some serious business and profits anywhere else." Sirius pointed out. "Even without marketing. We know better than anyone else how much demand that omega and alpha products have."
Liese could agree.
"We're still moving into our current place, too." Sirius informed Liese who nodded. She was the one to assist Narcissa Black with securing several of the furniture pieces that she wanted. Liese can't deny that she was nervous when interacting with Narcissa Black, since from her memory, the girl was quite cold and standoffish when they were in school. But either that was just a front, or her marriage to Lucius Malfoy had changed her, as the current Narcissa Black—while not overly friendly and warm, is still polite to her. "Once we'd settled in, we would love to have you over. I would like for you to meet my little Bambi and Draco."
"Yeah, I would love to." Liese gave a wistful smile at the thought of meeting Lily's little boy. She is sure that he would be adorable, seeing as both James and Lily Potter are quite good looking. She tried to stifle a giggle at the thought of Sirius freaking out once the child is old enough to start dating.
The door to the shop swung opened just then, and both Sirius and Liese turned just in time to see a tall man entering, with a visible DMLE badge pinned on his front coat.
"Sorry, we're not open yet." Liese said hurriedly. "As you can see, we're still setting up."
"Oh no, I'm not here as a customer." The man reassured, though he is looking around with interest. "Though I definitely would return as a customer once you're opened for business." Considering that Sirius said that Bulgaria's magical communities at the moment has no shop specifically catered for omega and alpha products, Liese could understand why.
"I'll welcome you then." Liese gave a smile. "Though if you're not here as a customer…" She trailed off slowly, giving him questioning looks.
The man smiled, turning towards Sirius. "This might be the first time that we're meeting, but I'm sure Marko had at least mentioned me, Lord Black?" he enquired, holding his hand out for a handshake that Sirius took. "Lyuben Vasilev. I'm the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. It's a pleasure."
Sirius recognised that name immediately, from Marko's stories. And even from the newspapers in Bulgaria after Dumbledore had tried to pull that stunt. From what Marko and Anastasia could tell him, the current DMLE head was best friends with Drumstrang's current headmaster that is a distant cousin to Marko.
"Marko mentioned you." Sirius nodded. "Can I say that I definitely envy you for having the chance to go at it with Albus Dumbledore?" He was grinning. Liese couldn't help smiling too.
Lyuben laughed. "Oh, I definitely enjoyed the chance to cut down Albus Dumbledore from his high horse, I assure you," he said. "Though something that he said during his interrogation had me concerned." He looked around warily.
"This shop had silencing wards." Liese assured Lyuben. "It's a must have with shops that catered towards omegas and alphas."
After all, with the business plans that Sirius had made with Liese, there are future plans for an expansion in the future for a heat hotel of some sort once the business takes off—an establishment that will allow alphas and omegas to ride out their heats and ruts in safety. At the moment, heat hotels are only available on the mundane side of Bulgaria.
"What you wish to say to me could be said in front of Liese, too." Sirius assured.
"All right." Lyuben cleared his throat awkwardly; though he also waved a hand to put up silencing and privacy wards around them, just in case. He's the head of the DMLE, after all. He didn't get to his current position by being careless or stupid. "Lord Black, I understand from the Minister of Magic, and even Marko, that you and your family, and even Heir Potter have permanent citizenships here, and you even had recently purchased a property here?" Sirius nodded slowly. "If you want my advice, I'll suggest you add in an anti-Portkey ward around your property. Some of what Dumbledore had said during his interrogation had me concerned. He seems overly obsessed with Heir Potter, and seems almost convinced that he had some kind of 'duty' to the British magical community to vanquish this Dark Lord that they have problems with just a few years ago."
Sirius wanted to groan, but he is not surprised. That is pretty much what he had concluded with Remus, Marko, Anastasia, and even Lord Crow and Rean—the reason why Dumbledore was so obsessed with Hadrian. That, and that prophecy.
Though if Sirius had it his way, Hadrian would be going nowhere near the battlefield unless it's his own decision. And even then, only after he is an adult, and not without a whole lot of backup with him.
Wars and battles are fought by adults and soldiers, not children. And Albus Dumbledore really seems to like to use children as his chess pieces, Sirius realised. He did that too when he was a student, though not that Sirius realised it at that time.
What a naïve fool he is.
"Thanks for the warning." Sirius said at last, making a mental note to contact the local Gringotts branch to have protective wards up around his property as soon as he could.
"Well, now that my business had been concluded here… I am aware that you aren't open for business yet, but do you think it's okay if I look at some of what you would have for sale?" Lyuben asked a surprised Liese. "I have quite a few nephews and nieces that I like to spoil with presents. And what child doesn't like presents…?"
XXXXXX
"Hadrian, can I move yet?" Five-year-old Draco Malfoy almost whined, cuddling together with his new stuffed toy dragon that Uncle Sirius had bought for him when they have moved to Bulgaria, much to his delight. Father had never allowed Draco any toys, stating that it is 'unbecoming of the Malfoy heir'. But Uncle Sirius and Mama have said that it is okay for Draco to be a child. To play and to laugh.
Their entire move to Bulgaria, meeting Uncle Sirius and even Hadrian, and even moving into a new house after meeting the Krums is like an entire adventure for Draco who had never left the Malfoy Manor before.
And while Draco does love Hadrian like a little brother, there are times when he wished said 'little brother' would not always use him as his model when he wanted to draw. Couldn't he draw Crookshanks instead? Or maybe his stuffed stag? They would be more than happy to pose for Hadrian, he is sure.
"Just a moment." Hadrian muttered, with his tongue sticking out the way he always did when he is concentrating—holding a sketchbook almost half his size, and drawing on the paper. Crookshanks dozed on the windowsill, sunbathing—also Hadrian's favourite spot in his room to sit—as his window also overlooks Viktor's bedroom.
Both boys often sat on their windowsills in the mornings and even at night before bedtime, chatting, until it is time for them to go to breakfast, or go to bed.
"Can't you draw Shanky or Prongs, or something?" Draco was desperate. For an active child, he doesn't deal well with sitting still for long hours. "They would be more than happy to pose for you, I'm sure."
Considering that one is a cat who loved Hadrian to bits, and the other is Hadrian's stuffed stag, Draco is sure that neither would have objections to being Hadrian's model.
Hadrian was silent for several moments, and Draco only sighed, snuggling into his pet dragon that he had named 'Smaug' after the books that Uncle Sirius had bought for him, and that Mama read to him as bedtime stories.
The things he does for family, Draco bemoaned.
"And I'm done." Hadrian announced at last after what seemed like an eternity to Draco, much to the little blonde's relief; he felt as if his legs have gone to sleep under him. This is what he gets for choosing to sit on his legs when Hadrian wanted to draw him. "What do you think?"
Hadrian turned around his sketchbook to face Draco, with the little blonde seeing a pencil drawn drawing of himself staring back at him.
"My nose isn't that long." Draco complained, almost pouting. A meow from Crookshanks caught the attention of both children at the moment, and they turned towards the windowsill only to see the feline already awake and standing atop the windowsill, hissing. "What's wrong, Shanky?"
Draco was the first to see what seemed like an owl flying unsteadily, heading towards them.
"Is that an owl?" Hadrian was curious. "A letter?"
Draco only held Hadrian close to him; he had a bad feeling.
The owl came crashing through the opened window, landing with a dead faint atop of Hadrian's bed that is placed just under the window. The red envelope that the owl is holding in his talons then floated in front of them before it exploded.
"Well, that's done." Narcissa was at last satisfied with how the sitting room looks, even putting away the delicate tea set that she had received from Sirius for her graduation from Hogwarts. It was just one of the few things that she had taken with her when she had left Malfoy Manor for the last time. "What time is it now?" She looked at the grandfather clock in a corner that had the hour hand pointing at three. "Three in the afternoon. Should be a good time for an afternoon snack." She mused to herself. "Lina?"
A female house elf appeared with a pop just then, looking up at Narcissa adoringly.
Along with Dobby, Sirius had acquired three more house elves to help out around the house, and to also look after the children should they not be available. After all, Sirius had his Lord Black duties; and surprisingly, Remus didn't find problems with actually finding a job in Bulgaria, unlike Britain. Thanks to his qualifications, it is between the position of a historian in the Archives at the Ministry or as a researcher—both which just sings to Remus who is a bookworm at heart.
At the moment, Narcissa knew that Remus is at the Ministry of Magic, interviewing for one of the two positions that he is interested in.
Despite everything, Narcissa found that she liked Remus. He is kind and polite to her, and even good with the kids. He knew just how to handle Draco when he is having one of his tantrums, and could calm him down quickly. His intellect isn't anything to be sneezed at either, and Narcissa found herself having long intellectual conversations with Remus over books that they're interested in, much to Sirius' amusement.
Narcissa found that she enjoyed those conversations. Enjoyed having someone she could talk to about topics like this, instead of being expected to play the dutiful loving wife. Anastasia Krum too is someone whom Narcissa could call a friend.
Maybe as they remain longer in Bulgaria, she would be able to make more friends, as they are in Bulgaria for only about a month at this point. And majority of those four weeks are spent moving in and getting everything in order.
Narcissa too wanted to look into the magical primary school that Sirius and Anastasia Krum have mentioned, and see into the process to enrolling Draco and Hadrian. It too would be nice to be able to see her dream come true: to be an interior designer and even an event planner on the side.
"You called for Lina, Miss Cissy?" Lina, the house elf delegated to chef duties squeaked.
"Yes. Do prepare for some afternoon snacks for myself and the two children." Narcissa smiled at the elf who nodded eagerly, her bat-like ears waggling, before she disappeared again. "Now then, where are the boys—"
A loud voice then echoed around the house, startling Narcissa, before being followed by the familiar screams of her son.
"MAMA! UNCLE SIRIUS! HELP!"
"Draco?! Hadrian?!"
Narcissa could have Apparated up the stairs; she moved that fast—heading towards the direction where the screams are coming from only to realise that it's coming from Hadrian's bedroom.
She almost wrenched the door off it's hinges only to slam her hands over her ears as the full volume of a Howler at full blast blared into her face.
"—UNGRATEFUL AND AN INGRATE! YOUR PARENTS WOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOU FOR SHACKLING UP WITH THAT EVIL BLACK FAMILY! AND AFTER EVERYTHING THAT ALBUS HAD DONE FOR YOU! MAYBE IT WOULD BE BETTER IF YOU HAD JUST DIED ALONG WITH YOUR PARENTS SO THAT YOU DON'T DISGRACE THEIR MEMORY THE WAY YOU ARE DOING—"
Narcissa had heard enough the moment that Molly 'Howler' Weasley said something along the lines of it being better for Hadrian to die alongside his parents. She whipped out her wand quickly and murmured a quick spell, setting the Howler on fire and destroying it.
Finally, silence reigned.
"Boys, are you both okay?" Narcissa was quick to go to the two frightened children—huddled on Hadrian's bed, with Draco wrapping his arms around the terrified omega. Like this, it makes it hard to think that Hadrian is only a few months younger than Draco. He looks so much younger.
"Mama!
"Aunt Cissy!"
Simultaneous cries greeted Narcissa even as she received armfuls of two frightened boys. Hadrian in particular was trembling, with his arms around Crookshanks who is trying to comfort the terrified child by snuggling close to him.
"It's okay. It's okay." Narcissa murmured comfortingly, arms around the two small boys. "I'm here. That's just a Howler. It can't hurt you."
"Who was that?" Hadrian asked timidly, large frightened green eyes peering at her that it made Narcissa's heart hurt.
Sirius had gone into detail about the state Hadrian had been in when Lord Crow and Rean have rescued the child. If those two Muggles aren't arrested and in prison, Narcissa would have gone after them herself. To think that Hadrian might have a setback in his recovery no thanks to a delusional woman…
"It's okay, baby." Narcissa murmured, holding both boys close to her chest. "It's nothing for you to be frightened of. Aunt Cissy will take care of it, don't you worry."
Her grey eyes flashed with fury and protectiveness.
There is a saying even from the time when Narcissa's own grandparents were in school: never mess with a Black. Members of the Black family were well known to be vicious and powerful. Sirius and Regulus, and even Narcissa, Andromeda as well as Bellatrix too have lived up to that Black reputation when they were students.
Narcissa suspects it might be why the Dark Lord had tried to court the entire Black family into his service at the height of the war.
Molly Weasley's days are numbered, Narcissa swore to herself silently. To go after a child like this. And not just any child, but a very vulnerable child that is just rescued from an abusive household.
Narcissa didn't know what she'd do, but she swore that she'll definitely make Molly Weasley pay for it.