Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters, etc.,
associated with the Harry Potter books! That honour belongs to Ms. JK
Rowling.(May we all worship the ground she walks upon. :P)
Amanda followed her father out the door and to a rather large bookstore by the name of Flourish and Blotts. They went inside and her father picked several books, including quite a few large potions volumes. Slightly surprising his daughter, he also picked out a few Latin texts. At her question, he explained it was a part of every child's education, to be taught basic and, in some cases, more advanced Latin. The two spent the rest of the afternoon picking up school supplies for Amanda and her siblings. At noon, they had lunch at The Three Broomsticks.
"Where are we going now, Father?" Amanda questioned.
"We are going to see Severus." Her father answered shortly.
Amanda smiled. It had been a while since she had seen her Uncle Severus. They went back to the pub in which they had first arrived and her father pulled out a bit of Conversational Floo powder. With a muttered charm, he lit the fireplace and threw in the powder. As the flames turned a bright green, he called into the fire, "Severus Snape!" A few moments later, Severus's head appeared in the fireplace.
"Yes?" It questioned, tone holding a hint of annoyance.
"Take down your wards, Severus, if you do not mind. We are going to floo in."
"Very well. Wait a few moments and it will be open to come through." His head disappeared and the flames went back to their normal blazing color. A little under five minutes later, Matthias instructed Amanda to go on through. She flooed to her uncle's home, followed directly by her father. Severus was waiting for them as they arrived in his foyer.
"Uncle Severus!" Amanda bounded across the room to him and embraced him tightly, ignoring her father's slight glare at her lack of decorum.
"Hello, Amanda Elisabeth." Severus gave the child a slight smile and returned her embrace.
"Hello, Matthias." Severus greeted his brother-in-law.
"Good afternoon, Severus."
"James is in the library. I assigned him a bit of research. He also has an essay that I would like to be finished by Wednesday." Severus informed Matthias.
Matthias nodded. "I shall see to it that he has it done. Did Ollivander contact you?"
"Yes. I received his owl a few minutes ago." He smirked at Amanda. "Potions, eh?"
Amanda smiled. "Yes, sir. Mr. Ollivander told Father that I will study something else also. I was a bit confused, though.." She cast a glance at Matthias, hoping he would hear the question in her voice.
"Why don't we move into the lounge to talk?" Severus suggested, gesturing down the hall.
At Matthias's nod, Severus led the way to the lounge and they all sat down. Amanda watched her father and her uncle silently, hoping things would be explained to her.
"Would you like me to explain, Matthias?" Severus questioned.
"That would be fine." Matthias replied and sat back in his chair, clasping his hands.
Severus turned to Amanda and began to speak, his tone immediately shifting into that of a long-time professor, "I am sure that your father has already explained some portion of this to you, Amanda Elisabeth. In most pureblood families, at the age of eleven every child enters into an apprenticeship in the area that is best suited to them. You have been given the special privilege of choosing your own and chose to become an apprentice in the field of Potions. You have met Mr. Ollivander. He is a very well respected member of our society and handles this aspect of your education. Upon meeting you, he performed a 'spell' that is performed on all children who come to see him. From what I have been told, he noticed a very special attribute in you and for that opted to give you a second course of study. He has deemed it necessary for you to enter into the study of the Dark Arts and the defenses against them, although the ultimate choice rests in your hands."
Amanda's head was spinning. Dark Arts? How could they even propose such a thing? From what she had heard of the Dark Arts, there was no possible way she was going to be studying them! "D-dark arts?" she stuttered, the barest trace of panicky fear in her voice, "I don't want to study the Dark Arts!"
"Calm down, Amanda Elisabeth," Matthias soothed gently, "As Severus said, the choice ultimately rests with you. I would advice you, however, to strongly consider it. Mr. Ollivander would not have suggested that you study the Arts if he did not believe you capable. You would also study defenses against them, and theories behind them. It would do you well."
His uncharacteristically gentle voice calmed her slowly as she took several deep breaths and considered her father's suggestions. On the one hand, if she thoroughly studied the Arts now, she may be able to develop defenses against them in the future. She'd be able to contribute greatly to the side of the Light, offering insight to the Dark magic. After a few moments of silence, she voiced her acceptance.
"Are you sure, Amanda Elisabeth? We do not want you to enter into something that you are not willing to do."
"Yes, Uncle Severus. I'm sure." Amanda replied with conviction.
Her father smiled. "Good. We can plan your schedule now. Severus?"
"Tuesdays and Thursdays would be best, considering that I do have other apprentices," Severus suggested. "When term begins, we can keep it the same or switch to Saturday and Sunday afternoons."
Matthias nodded and turned to Amanda, "Does that sound good, Amanda Elisabeth?"
"Yes, sir." Amanda smiled, already eager for her first lesson.
"Very well. We'll start tomorrow. Have her here by seven-thirty, Matthias. She will have lunch here and I will have her home at half past noon." Severus replied.
"All right, Severus. Has James finished for today?"
"He should have."
"Amanda Elisabeth, go tell your brother that we are ready to leave," he ordered.
"Yes, Father," she answered obediently and walked out of the lounge. As she made her way through the corridors leading to the library, she mulled over her first full day as an eleven-year-old, not noticing the thoughtful frown gracing her features. So, she was to study potions and, more interestingly, the Dark Arts. This could prove to be an adventure, she thought wryly, quickly hiding a small, rueful smirk. Arriving at her destination, she pushed open the large oak doors and entered her uncle's extensive library. Soaring cathedral ceilings and exposed gothic rafters alone would have created an intimidating atmosphere, but the long black velvet drapes stretching the length of the tall windows made the room downright menacing. Books were neatly piled high into towering shelves along the walls, the darker books filed far out of the reach of children, locked away behind strong protective wards. Shorter shelves were set up in neat rows in the middle of the room, with a few desks and chairs scattered about the sparse open space.
Amanda tried not to shudder as she weaved through the shelves, searching for her brother. She eventually followed the soft sound of turning pages and found him tucked away in a shadowy corner reading silently at a desk.
"James?" she called quietly, approaching him from between a long row of maps.
James started and wheeled around in surprise. "Amanda! What are you doing here?" he began quizzically, but understanding quickly took over, "Oh, wait. You received your Course of Study today, didn't you?"
"Yes," Amanda nodded. "Uncle Severus is to be my Master."
"He's mine as well," James grinned. "I've got to warn you, he's not much different during our lessons than he will be at school."
Amanda nodded again, not responding to his statement. "Father said to tell you that he's ready to leave. We'd better go - you know he doesn't like to be kept waiting."
"You're right. Let's go." James gathered his books and shooed his sister out the door before him as they walked back to the lounge. "Professor?" James asked as the entered the room.
"Yes, James?" Severus looked up at his nephew.
"May I borrow these books, sir?" James held up the three volumes in his hand and Severus quickly scanned their titles.
"You may," he permitted. "Bring them back with you when you come for your lesson on Wednesday."
"Yes, sir. Thank you." James put the books into a small bag he had slung over his shoulder. "Hello, Father."
"James." Matthias greeted his youngest son. "Are you ready to leave?" The question was addressed to both children.
"Yes, Father," Amanda and James replied in unison.
"Good. First, we must go by Malfoy Manor." He turned to his brother in law, "Amanda Elisabeth will be here promptly at seven-thirty tomorrow morning, Severus. We bought all of her supplies today, therefore she should be prepared. Please inform me if she requires anything more."
"I will, Matthias. Thank you. Goodbye, children."
"Goodbye, Uncle Severus." Came their replies. A moment later, Severus let down his wards and the children flooed to Malfoy Manor, followed directly by their father.
Their cousin, Draco, was in the lounge when they flooed in. He smirked at his cousins and cast a mild smirk to his uncle.
"Hello, sir," Draco greeted his Matthias, his tone deliberately respectful.
"Good afternoon, Draco. Where is your father?" Matthias fixed his stern gaze on the blonde fifteen-year-old.
"Father is in the study with Daniel. I believe Gregory is in the library working on an assignment," he added with a derisive curl of his lip as he mentioned his cousins.
Nodding briskly, Matthias then turned to his youngest children. "You two are to stay here. I will return shortly."
They both nodded their understanding and Matthias left with a swish of his robes.
"I assume you received your course of study, then?" Draco asked Amanda in his conceited drawling voice. When she nodded and offered up no further explanation, he snapped, "Well, what is it?"
Amanda hesitated, but at a discreet nod from her brother she answered quietly, "Potions."
"Ah, lucky. I wish I could have studied Potions. As it turned out, I was best suited for Ancient Runes." A hint of a scowl danced across Draco's face, but at that moment his father walked in and he quickly replaced it with a small smirk.
"Do not forget to practice, Daniel. It would be most unfortunate for you if you came unable to perform it properly on Friday," Lucius was saying to Daniel, who followed a few steps behind him.
"Yes, sir." Daniel said promptly, correctly interpreting the underlying threat in his uncle's words. Matthias and Gregory had followed the pair into the room and Lucius, finished with Daniel, turned to speak to Gregory.
"I will expect you here at seven-thirty on Wednesday, Gregory. Come prepared."
"Yes, Master Malfoy," Gregory responded.
"Ah, there you are, Draco," Lucius said softly, noticing his son.
"Did you need something, Father?" Draco questioned, turning from Amanda and James to face his father.
Lucius beckoned his son to him and spoke in a low voice so that the others couldn't hear, "Go to Andrew's and give him this. Wait for him to read it and write a response. You will then take it to Michael. Once he has written his reply, bring the scroll back here and place it on the desk in dungeon three."
"Yes, Father." Draco took the scroll and instantly flooed to Goyle's Manor, leaving the others behind.
"James. Amanda Elisabeth," Lucius curtly greeted his niece and nephew.
"Sir," said James.
"Uncle," Amanda replied with a small curtsy, keeping her eyes fixed on the ornate tapestry rug and trying not to show her unease.
"I hear you are to be studying Potions, Amanda Elisabeth?"
"Yes, sir. I start tomorrow." Amanda replied.
"Good, good," Lucius murmured. "You know, Daniel, that many of the curses you have learned increase in strength when used along with certain potions," He spoke over his shoulder to his eldest nephew.
"Yes, sir." Daniel responded, silently dreading where Lucius was heading with this topic.
"Good," he drawled maliciously, "You will research two and write three scrolls on each to be sent to me before your lesson on Friday."
Daniel openly scowled. As if he didn't have enough to do already!
"Yes, Master Malfoy." Distaste was evident in his tone. Lucius whipped around, grey eyes glittering dangerously. "You will not take that tone with me, boy!" He hissed, his face inches from Daniel's. After a brief moment's pause, during which Lucius regained control of his temper, he addressed his nephew again. "For your insolence, you shall now have six scrolls on each due to me before your lesson and you will be here at six o'clock tomorrow morning."
Daniel visibly paled at the gleam in his uncle's eyes. "Y-yes, sir," he said quietly.
"If you will excuse us, Lucius, we will be going now," Matthias spoke in a deceptively even tone as his eyes briefly flashed in anger.
"Of course, Matthias." Lucius inclined his head by means of a farewell. "Good luck with your studies, Amanda Elisabeth."
"Thank you, Uncle," Amanda replied, and with another bob, "Goodbye, sir."
The other children bid Lucius farewell and they and their father flooed home. It was clear once they all arrived that Matthias was angry.
"You three," Matthias said to his three youngest, "will go to your bedrooms now and stay there until it is time for your studies."
The three quickly nodded and made their escape - they knew better than to contradict their father, especially when his eyes sparked with anger. Quietly, they congregated in Gregory's bedroom.
"You know, that was rather foolish of Daniel. I wouldn't fancy having six scrolls to turn in either, but he could have hidden his obvious dislike of the assignment," Gregory said, shaking his head. "Uncle Lucius was already angry at him for not having practiced his curses from last week."
Amanda nodded in agreement. "Father seemed angry, too. I wonder why?"
"He was angry, for whatever reason. I'd say Dan's in for it." James stated.
"I think you're right," Gregory conceded in a small voice, "He's also got Uncle Lucius to deal with tomorrow, though." The three siblings fell silent, each wondering silently what their brother would have to endure at the hands of their uncle.
When they heard two sets of footsteps ascending the staircase, they froze. Amanda and James quickly scampered to their own bedrooms, not wishing to get in trouble for not having followed their father's orders.
"I want to see you downstairs at five o'clock tomorrow morning, Daniel." Amanda heard her father's icy tone and winced.
"Yes, F-father." Daniel's voice came out as hoarse whisper.
Amanda hesitantly cracked her door open and peeked out. She could see her brother's pale face, but not her father's. After a few moments of silence, Matthias abruptly turned on his heel and went back downstairs. Amanda, James, and Gregory came out from their rooms, wearing identical concerned looks.
"Danny?" Amanda asked quietly, "Are you all right?"
"Y-yes, Amanda." Daniel answered, although he did not look all right. "I'm fine." He walked to his bedroom, the slight limp in his step not ignored by his siblings.
"What did Father do to you?" James asked.
"Do you really want to know, Jamie?" Daniel raised a brow as he gingerly sat down.
"Ah.no. I suppose not," James muttered.
"Dan, you know-" Daniel cut Gregory off with a wave of his hand.
"Yes, Greg. I know that I shouldn't've pushed him. I don't need you to remind me of it."
"I'm sorry, Daniel. I just .well, you know how bad Uncle's temper is. Father's too."
He sighed, "I know." Daniel opened his mouth to say more but was interrupted as his door slammed open.
Patricia stood in the doorway. She clearly knew what had happened, judging by the concern on her face and the fire in her eyes.
"Are you all right, Daniel?" She instantly demanded.
"I think so."
"Not good enough, little bro. What did he do?" She demanded again, sounding almost stern.
Daniel sighed, "You already know, Tricia."
Patricia cursed under her breath. Next instant, her wand was in her hand and pointed at Daniel. She muttered a long stream of Latin words and a small jet of white light shot out of the tip of her wand at Daniel, enveloping him. It glowed brightly for a minute and then vanished.
"Hopefully, that helped. It's a rather weak healing charm, but it's the best I can do." Patricia told him.
"Yes, it did. Thank you." Smiled Daniel.
"Now, what the hell did you do?" Even Daniel winced at her tone as her dark brown eyes fixed their piercing glare on him.
"I pushed Uncle Lucius past his boiling point. He was already angry with me for not practicing over the weekend and when he gave me an additional assignment, I was less than happy. I was foolish enough to let my distaste show." Daniel answered honestly. His reward was to get promptly smacked across the back of the head.
"Daniel! Of all the things! - Of all the people!." Patricia went on for nearly five minutes and none of the other children dared interrupt her. Finally, she stopped. "I won't say that you deserved the punishment you received, but honestly, Daniel! You know better!" Daniel had the grace enough to look ashamed. "You're right, Patricia." He said quietly. Noting the time, he addressed the entire group. "You'd better go downstairs. It's nearly four now."
Patricia nodded. "Daniel's right. Come on." Patricia walked to the door. It was time for their study period.
"Why isn't Daniel coming?" Amanda questioned.
"He won't be allowed out of his bedroom, except for meals and his studies with Uncle Lucius, without permission for a few weeks." Gregory supplied. Daniel nodded his affirmation and the other four left the room for the library.
When they arrived at the library, Matthias was waiting for them. They paused at the door.
"What are you just standing there for? I do believe you have work to do?" At Matthias's words, the children entered the massive library.
"Father?" Amanda questioned, asking with that word what he was doing there.
"Amanda Elisabeth, come with me. Your siblings have work to do," Matthias commanded in a tone that encouraged neither question nor argument.
Amanda gave her father a curious glance but dutifully followed him from the library. Matthias swept down the corridor, his long strides forcing Amanda into a near jog in order to keep up. Obediently trotting along in his wake with her head bowed and her eyes on the backs of his shoes, she gave a start as he passed over a forbidden threshold into another part of their house. The torches lining this hallway were few and far between, their feeble light casting ominous shadows over the dark stone. Trying to repress a shudder, she allowed her eyes to wander over the intricate stone work and nearly walked into her father when he abruptly halted before a door of the darkest ebony. Her mouth very nearly dropped open in shock upon realization of where it was he had brought her. Why was he bringing her here? Ignoring the expression in her face for the moment, Matthias took his wand out and muttered a long stream of words in what sounded to Amanda like Greek. When he finished speaking, the door swung open and her father directed her into his private study.
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[A/N]: Well, there you have it. Chapter two!! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it!! :-D Once again, thanks is due my fantabulous beta!! I'm going to try to post about a chapter a week, but we'll just have to see. To my wonderful reviewers : Thank you!! :D Oh, yeah, I've decided to be all "cool" and respond to my reviewers, so here goes :P
Saotoshi: Yeah, it doesn't seem like they are very nice, does it? But the siblings are all very close and their father does care for them a lot.. which will become apparent in later chapters.
Freelancer: I'm glad you like it! I hope, if you read, that you liked this chapter! :D
Jestana: Thanks!! It was a rather odd idea that sort of just came to me..
The FanTABulous Grasshopper: My wonderful beta!!! Thank you!! :-D I promise I'll have the next installment sent to you soon!! :-)
Amanda followed her father out the door and to a rather large bookstore by the name of Flourish and Blotts. They went inside and her father picked several books, including quite a few large potions volumes. Slightly surprising his daughter, he also picked out a few Latin texts. At her question, he explained it was a part of every child's education, to be taught basic and, in some cases, more advanced Latin. The two spent the rest of the afternoon picking up school supplies for Amanda and her siblings. At noon, they had lunch at The Three Broomsticks.
"Where are we going now, Father?" Amanda questioned.
"We are going to see Severus." Her father answered shortly.
Amanda smiled. It had been a while since she had seen her Uncle Severus. They went back to the pub in which they had first arrived and her father pulled out a bit of Conversational Floo powder. With a muttered charm, he lit the fireplace and threw in the powder. As the flames turned a bright green, he called into the fire, "Severus Snape!" A few moments later, Severus's head appeared in the fireplace.
"Yes?" It questioned, tone holding a hint of annoyance.
"Take down your wards, Severus, if you do not mind. We are going to floo in."
"Very well. Wait a few moments and it will be open to come through." His head disappeared and the flames went back to their normal blazing color. A little under five minutes later, Matthias instructed Amanda to go on through. She flooed to her uncle's home, followed directly by her father. Severus was waiting for them as they arrived in his foyer.
"Uncle Severus!" Amanda bounded across the room to him and embraced him tightly, ignoring her father's slight glare at her lack of decorum.
"Hello, Amanda Elisabeth." Severus gave the child a slight smile and returned her embrace.
"Hello, Matthias." Severus greeted his brother-in-law.
"Good afternoon, Severus."
"James is in the library. I assigned him a bit of research. He also has an essay that I would like to be finished by Wednesday." Severus informed Matthias.
Matthias nodded. "I shall see to it that he has it done. Did Ollivander contact you?"
"Yes. I received his owl a few minutes ago." He smirked at Amanda. "Potions, eh?"
Amanda smiled. "Yes, sir. Mr. Ollivander told Father that I will study something else also. I was a bit confused, though.." She cast a glance at Matthias, hoping he would hear the question in her voice.
"Why don't we move into the lounge to talk?" Severus suggested, gesturing down the hall.
At Matthias's nod, Severus led the way to the lounge and they all sat down. Amanda watched her father and her uncle silently, hoping things would be explained to her.
"Would you like me to explain, Matthias?" Severus questioned.
"That would be fine." Matthias replied and sat back in his chair, clasping his hands.
Severus turned to Amanda and began to speak, his tone immediately shifting into that of a long-time professor, "I am sure that your father has already explained some portion of this to you, Amanda Elisabeth. In most pureblood families, at the age of eleven every child enters into an apprenticeship in the area that is best suited to them. You have been given the special privilege of choosing your own and chose to become an apprentice in the field of Potions. You have met Mr. Ollivander. He is a very well respected member of our society and handles this aspect of your education. Upon meeting you, he performed a 'spell' that is performed on all children who come to see him. From what I have been told, he noticed a very special attribute in you and for that opted to give you a second course of study. He has deemed it necessary for you to enter into the study of the Dark Arts and the defenses against them, although the ultimate choice rests in your hands."
Amanda's head was spinning. Dark Arts? How could they even propose such a thing? From what she had heard of the Dark Arts, there was no possible way she was going to be studying them! "D-dark arts?" she stuttered, the barest trace of panicky fear in her voice, "I don't want to study the Dark Arts!"
"Calm down, Amanda Elisabeth," Matthias soothed gently, "As Severus said, the choice ultimately rests with you. I would advice you, however, to strongly consider it. Mr. Ollivander would not have suggested that you study the Arts if he did not believe you capable. You would also study defenses against them, and theories behind them. It would do you well."
His uncharacteristically gentle voice calmed her slowly as she took several deep breaths and considered her father's suggestions. On the one hand, if she thoroughly studied the Arts now, she may be able to develop defenses against them in the future. She'd be able to contribute greatly to the side of the Light, offering insight to the Dark magic. After a few moments of silence, she voiced her acceptance.
"Are you sure, Amanda Elisabeth? We do not want you to enter into something that you are not willing to do."
"Yes, Uncle Severus. I'm sure." Amanda replied with conviction.
Her father smiled. "Good. We can plan your schedule now. Severus?"
"Tuesdays and Thursdays would be best, considering that I do have other apprentices," Severus suggested. "When term begins, we can keep it the same or switch to Saturday and Sunday afternoons."
Matthias nodded and turned to Amanda, "Does that sound good, Amanda Elisabeth?"
"Yes, sir." Amanda smiled, already eager for her first lesson.
"Very well. We'll start tomorrow. Have her here by seven-thirty, Matthias. She will have lunch here and I will have her home at half past noon." Severus replied.
"All right, Severus. Has James finished for today?"
"He should have."
"Amanda Elisabeth, go tell your brother that we are ready to leave," he ordered.
"Yes, Father," she answered obediently and walked out of the lounge. As she made her way through the corridors leading to the library, she mulled over her first full day as an eleven-year-old, not noticing the thoughtful frown gracing her features. So, she was to study potions and, more interestingly, the Dark Arts. This could prove to be an adventure, she thought wryly, quickly hiding a small, rueful smirk. Arriving at her destination, she pushed open the large oak doors and entered her uncle's extensive library. Soaring cathedral ceilings and exposed gothic rafters alone would have created an intimidating atmosphere, but the long black velvet drapes stretching the length of the tall windows made the room downright menacing. Books were neatly piled high into towering shelves along the walls, the darker books filed far out of the reach of children, locked away behind strong protective wards. Shorter shelves were set up in neat rows in the middle of the room, with a few desks and chairs scattered about the sparse open space.
Amanda tried not to shudder as she weaved through the shelves, searching for her brother. She eventually followed the soft sound of turning pages and found him tucked away in a shadowy corner reading silently at a desk.
"James?" she called quietly, approaching him from between a long row of maps.
James started and wheeled around in surprise. "Amanda! What are you doing here?" he began quizzically, but understanding quickly took over, "Oh, wait. You received your Course of Study today, didn't you?"
"Yes," Amanda nodded. "Uncle Severus is to be my Master."
"He's mine as well," James grinned. "I've got to warn you, he's not much different during our lessons than he will be at school."
Amanda nodded again, not responding to his statement. "Father said to tell you that he's ready to leave. We'd better go - you know he doesn't like to be kept waiting."
"You're right. Let's go." James gathered his books and shooed his sister out the door before him as they walked back to the lounge. "Professor?" James asked as the entered the room.
"Yes, James?" Severus looked up at his nephew.
"May I borrow these books, sir?" James held up the three volumes in his hand and Severus quickly scanned their titles.
"You may," he permitted. "Bring them back with you when you come for your lesson on Wednesday."
"Yes, sir. Thank you." James put the books into a small bag he had slung over his shoulder. "Hello, Father."
"James." Matthias greeted his youngest son. "Are you ready to leave?" The question was addressed to both children.
"Yes, Father," Amanda and James replied in unison.
"Good. First, we must go by Malfoy Manor." He turned to his brother in law, "Amanda Elisabeth will be here promptly at seven-thirty tomorrow morning, Severus. We bought all of her supplies today, therefore she should be prepared. Please inform me if she requires anything more."
"I will, Matthias. Thank you. Goodbye, children."
"Goodbye, Uncle Severus." Came their replies. A moment later, Severus let down his wards and the children flooed to Malfoy Manor, followed directly by their father.
Their cousin, Draco, was in the lounge when they flooed in. He smirked at his cousins and cast a mild smirk to his uncle.
"Hello, sir," Draco greeted his Matthias, his tone deliberately respectful.
"Good afternoon, Draco. Where is your father?" Matthias fixed his stern gaze on the blonde fifteen-year-old.
"Father is in the study with Daniel. I believe Gregory is in the library working on an assignment," he added with a derisive curl of his lip as he mentioned his cousins.
Nodding briskly, Matthias then turned to his youngest children. "You two are to stay here. I will return shortly."
They both nodded their understanding and Matthias left with a swish of his robes.
"I assume you received your course of study, then?" Draco asked Amanda in his conceited drawling voice. When she nodded and offered up no further explanation, he snapped, "Well, what is it?"
Amanda hesitated, but at a discreet nod from her brother she answered quietly, "Potions."
"Ah, lucky. I wish I could have studied Potions. As it turned out, I was best suited for Ancient Runes." A hint of a scowl danced across Draco's face, but at that moment his father walked in and he quickly replaced it with a small smirk.
"Do not forget to practice, Daniel. It would be most unfortunate for you if you came unable to perform it properly on Friday," Lucius was saying to Daniel, who followed a few steps behind him.
"Yes, sir." Daniel said promptly, correctly interpreting the underlying threat in his uncle's words. Matthias and Gregory had followed the pair into the room and Lucius, finished with Daniel, turned to speak to Gregory.
"I will expect you here at seven-thirty on Wednesday, Gregory. Come prepared."
"Yes, Master Malfoy," Gregory responded.
"Ah, there you are, Draco," Lucius said softly, noticing his son.
"Did you need something, Father?" Draco questioned, turning from Amanda and James to face his father.
Lucius beckoned his son to him and spoke in a low voice so that the others couldn't hear, "Go to Andrew's and give him this. Wait for him to read it and write a response. You will then take it to Michael. Once he has written his reply, bring the scroll back here and place it on the desk in dungeon three."
"Yes, Father." Draco took the scroll and instantly flooed to Goyle's Manor, leaving the others behind.
"James. Amanda Elisabeth," Lucius curtly greeted his niece and nephew.
"Sir," said James.
"Uncle," Amanda replied with a small curtsy, keeping her eyes fixed on the ornate tapestry rug and trying not to show her unease.
"I hear you are to be studying Potions, Amanda Elisabeth?"
"Yes, sir. I start tomorrow." Amanda replied.
"Good, good," Lucius murmured. "You know, Daniel, that many of the curses you have learned increase in strength when used along with certain potions," He spoke over his shoulder to his eldest nephew.
"Yes, sir." Daniel responded, silently dreading where Lucius was heading with this topic.
"Good," he drawled maliciously, "You will research two and write three scrolls on each to be sent to me before your lesson on Friday."
Daniel openly scowled. As if he didn't have enough to do already!
"Yes, Master Malfoy." Distaste was evident in his tone. Lucius whipped around, grey eyes glittering dangerously. "You will not take that tone with me, boy!" He hissed, his face inches from Daniel's. After a brief moment's pause, during which Lucius regained control of his temper, he addressed his nephew again. "For your insolence, you shall now have six scrolls on each due to me before your lesson and you will be here at six o'clock tomorrow morning."
Daniel visibly paled at the gleam in his uncle's eyes. "Y-yes, sir," he said quietly.
"If you will excuse us, Lucius, we will be going now," Matthias spoke in a deceptively even tone as his eyes briefly flashed in anger.
"Of course, Matthias." Lucius inclined his head by means of a farewell. "Good luck with your studies, Amanda Elisabeth."
"Thank you, Uncle," Amanda replied, and with another bob, "Goodbye, sir."
The other children bid Lucius farewell and they and their father flooed home. It was clear once they all arrived that Matthias was angry.
"You three," Matthias said to his three youngest, "will go to your bedrooms now and stay there until it is time for your studies."
The three quickly nodded and made their escape - they knew better than to contradict their father, especially when his eyes sparked with anger. Quietly, they congregated in Gregory's bedroom.
"You know, that was rather foolish of Daniel. I wouldn't fancy having six scrolls to turn in either, but he could have hidden his obvious dislike of the assignment," Gregory said, shaking his head. "Uncle Lucius was already angry at him for not having practiced his curses from last week."
Amanda nodded in agreement. "Father seemed angry, too. I wonder why?"
"He was angry, for whatever reason. I'd say Dan's in for it." James stated.
"I think you're right," Gregory conceded in a small voice, "He's also got Uncle Lucius to deal with tomorrow, though." The three siblings fell silent, each wondering silently what their brother would have to endure at the hands of their uncle.
When they heard two sets of footsteps ascending the staircase, they froze. Amanda and James quickly scampered to their own bedrooms, not wishing to get in trouble for not having followed their father's orders.
"I want to see you downstairs at five o'clock tomorrow morning, Daniel." Amanda heard her father's icy tone and winced.
"Yes, F-father." Daniel's voice came out as hoarse whisper.
Amanda hesitantly cracked her door open and peeked out. She could see her brother's pale face, but not her father's. After a few moments of silence, Matthias abruptly turned on his heel and went back downstairs. Amanda, James, and Gregory came out from their rooms, wearing identical concerned looks.
"Danny?" Amanda asked quietly, "Are you all right?"
"Y-yes, Amanda." Daniel answered, although he did not look all right. "I'm fine." He walked to his bedroom, the slight limp in his step not ignored by his siblings.
"What did Father do to you?" James asked.
"Do you really want to know, Jamie?" Daniel raised a brow as he gingerly sat down.
"Ah.no. I suppose not," James muttered.
"Dan, you know-" Daniel cut Gregory off with a wave of his hand.
"Yes, Greg. I know that I shouldn't've pushed him. I don't need you to remind me of it."
"I'm sorry, Daniel. I just .well, you know how bad Uncle's temper is. Father's too."
He sighed, "I know." Daniel opened his mouth to say more but was interrupted as his door slammed open.
Patricia stood in the doorway. She clearly knew what had happened, judging by the concern on her face and the fire in her eyes.
"Are you all right, Daniel?" She instantly demanded.
"I think so."
"Not good enough, little bro. What did he do?" She demanded again, sounding almost stern.
Daniel sighed, "You already know, Tricia."
Patricia cursed under her breath. Next instant, her wand was in her hand and pointed at Daniel. She muttered a long stream of Latin words and a small jet of white light shot out of the tip of her wand at Daniel, enveloping him. It glowed brightly for a minute and then vanished.
"Hopefully, that helped. It's a rather weak healing charm, but it's the best I can do." Patricia told him.
"Yes, it did. Thank you." Smiled Daniel.
"Now, what the hell did you do?" Even Daniel winced at her tone as her dark brown eyes fixed their piercing glare on him.
"I pushed Uncle Lucius past his boiling point. He was already angry with me for not practicing over the weekend and when he gave me an additional assignment, I was less than happy. I was foolish enough to let my distaste show." Daniel answered honestly. His reward was to get promptly smacked across the back of the head.
"Daniel! Of all the things! - Of all the people!." Patricia went on for nearly five minutes and none of the other children dared interrupt her. Finally, she stopped. "I won't say that you deserved the punishment you received, but honestly, Daniel! You know better!" Daniel had the grace enough to look ashamed. "You're right, Patricia." He said quietly. Noting the time, he addressed the entire group. "You'd better go downstairs. It's nearly four now."
Patricia nodded. "Daniel's right. Come on." Patricia walked to the door. It was time for their study period.
"Why isn't Daniel coming?" Amanda questioned.
"He won't be allowed out of his bedroom, except for meals and his studies with Uncle Lucius, without permission for a few weeks." Gregory supplied. Daniel nodded his affirmation and the other four left the room for the library.
When they arrived at the library, Matthias was waiting for them. They paused at the door.
"What are you just standing there for? I do believe you have work to do?" At Matthias's words, the children entered the massive library.
"Father?" Amanda questioned, asking with that word what he was doing there.
"Amanda Elisabeth, come with me. Your siblings have work to do," Matthias commanded in a tone that encouraged neither question nor argument.
Amanda gave her father a curious glance but dutifully followed him from the library. Matthias swept down the corridor, his long strides forcing Amanda into a near jog in order to keep up. Obediently trotting along in his wake with her head bowed and her eyes on the backs of his shoes, she gave a start as he passed over a forbidden threshold into another part of their house. The torches lining this hallway were few and far between, their feeble light casting ominous shadows over the dark stone. Trying to repress a shudder, she allowed her eyes to wander over the intricate stone work and nearly walked into her father when he abruptly halted before a door of the darkest ebony. Her mouth very nearly dropped open in shock upon realization of where it was he had brought her. Why was he bringing her here? Ignoring the expression in her face for the moment, Matthias took his wand out and muttered a long stream of words in what sounded to Amanda like Greek. When he finished speaking, the door swung open and her father directed her into his private study.
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[A/N]: Well, there you have it. Chapter two!! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it!! :-D Once again, thanks is due my fantabulous beta!! I'm going to try to post about a chapter a week, but we'll just have to see. To my wonderful reviewers : Thank you!! :D Oh, yeah, I've decided to be all "cool" and respond to my reviewers, so here goes :P
Saotoshi: Yeah, it doesn't seem like they are very nice, does it? But the siblings are all very close and their father does care for them a lot.. which will become apparent in later chapters.
Freelancer: I'm glad you like it! I hope, if you read, that you liked this chapter! :D
Jestana: Thanks!! It was a rather odd idea that sort of just came to me..
The FanTABulous Grasshopper: My wonderful beta!!! Thank you!! :-D I promise I'll have the next installment sent to you soon!! :-)