A Traveller's Tale
by Greta Jameson
5: Of Plots and Honey Pots
The sun blazed on in the early September sky as if it were trying to burn a hole in the roof of Hogwarts castle. Summer was having a final fling before the long, damp Highland winter set in. In the distance, the bustle of upperclassmen arriving and moving in could be heard, but close-at-hand, a tense silence filled Dumbledore's office. He sat at his desk like an eagle in his aerie above the din and ran his spindly fingers down the cover of a large leather-bound book. He unlocked the clasp and carefully turned the pages of the old manuscript. He carefully considered each page and even though he was unable to read the words, he understood the importance of Snape's gift.
"So you think that these volumes represent a library of Voldemort's magical knowledge?"
"Yes, Headmaster. I am certain that at least some of the volumes are just that. My father undertook such a project when he became counsellor, and one night preceding the fall of Druben I helped him move these volumes to my family's home. To the best of my knowledge they have remained untouched to this day."
Dumbledore stared at Snape over the rims of his glasses and began, "I am personally grateful for your gift of these volumes, Severus. But you know that they will probably cause a great deal of controversy if they are revealed to our colleagues at the Ministry.
"Yes sir, and that's why I urge you to allow only a few people to know of them. . ."
"Even the few will wonder why you waited until now to surrender them. It may create problems for you, you know."
"I retrieved these books because Voldemort has risen," Snape began, barely able to control his anger. "These pages may contain information that will assist us in defeating Voldemort once and for all!" Then he continued more calmly, "Besides, I am used to the cloud of suspicion that the Ministry casts over my every action. I've come to expect that none of my good deeds will go unpunished by them."
"Then I will inform the Ministry and ask for the cryptologic assistance that will be needed to break these codes. The sooner we get started on the project the . . ."
The sharp rapping of metal on wood stopped Albus cold. He turned quickly to the trunks of manuscripts behind him, waved his wand and they vanished from his office. "In your office," he whispered to Severus before calling in full voice to his visitor, "Enter!"
"Ah Lucius! To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"Just escorting my son to school," he said walking towards the desk and placing his hand on Snape's shoulder. "So I thought I'd stop in to see how things were going. To see if you have any issues you would like me to address with the other Governors."
"No concerns. We're off to a perfectly normal term, all except for one thing."
"And what may that be?" Lucius inquired, feigning concern
"Nothing really. It's just that Madame Hooch's parents have taken ill, and she has taken temporary leave of absence to assist in their care. Leland Miller has generously offered to take over her duties supervising quidditch practice and refereeing games, and other faculty have stepped in to teach flying."
"Sounds like you have it under control."
"Quite."
"Speaking of Miller. How is he doing? And how is the new Defense instructor - what is her name?"
"Traveller. Miranda Traveller."
"Right. You know, I remember interviewing Miller, but I didn't get a chance to speak with Traveller personally. Might I speak with her today?"
"Certainly. Severus will be happy to help you find her, unless, of course, you prefer I come along?"
"That won't be necessary, I'm sure Professor Snape is up to the job. Besides, he and I have a few issues of our own to discuss, don't we Professor?" Lucius smiled menacingly.
"If you mean to discuss your son's poor progress in my class, Mr. Malfoy," Snape began loudly as he ushered Lucius out of the office, "then yes, you and I have a great deal to discuss."
"You might try Miranda's classroom," Dumbledore called after them. "She told me she would be working in there most of the day," As they disappeared down the hallway, Albus focused his mind and silently warned Miranda of their approach.
"Lucius Malfoy: Voldemort teamed him with Severus Snape. Snape's brains coupled with Malfoy's cunning made them a ferocious pair," her father's voice echoed in her mind as she walked from her classroom and towards Albus's summons. Phillip had also taught her that he could be dangerous and vicious, so she would be on her guard during the interview.
She rounded the corner, and had to stop to catch her breath. He was magnificent! Tall, broad shouldered and strong. A powerful wizard at the peak of his abilities. He had blonde, almost white flowing hair pulled back away from his face and intelligent, ice blue eyes. If her mother had lived long enough, she would have warned Miranda about his looks and his ability to charm.
'There she is now," Snape began. "Professor Traveller, this is Lucius Malfoy, one of our Governors. Mr. Malfoy would like to have a few words with you."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Malfoy," Miranda said bowing her head respectfully.
"Likewise," he said kissing her hand without taking his eyes off of her.
"Severus, you have been remiss," admonished Malfoy, still holding Miranda's hand. "You told me she was brilliant, but you neglected to mention she was so beautiful!"
"I never said any such thing," Snape replied disdainfully.
"No, you wouldn't say something like that, would you?" Lucius replied dreamily as he smiled at Miranda. "Someone else must have told me then." Unexpectedly, at least to Snape, Miranda blushed as she withdrew her hand.
"Professor Traveller, I was very busy at the time of your appointment and neglected to interview you. Do you have time to speak with me now?"
"Yes sir, certainly."
"Excellent. Why don't we go for a walk out of doors? It was a lovely, warm day when I arrived an hour or two ago. And if we're lucky, it hasn't rained yet," he said as he guided her away from Snape, and towards the cloister doors. "Severus, you and I will have to finish our business later, I'll find you after my meeting with Profess . . . Miranda is through."
Snape watched them as they walked through the garden bursting with chrysanthemums and remembered a scene from long ago. A young Lucius Malfoy kicked the lifeless body of a female auror in the stomach and called loudly to his men and was met with their raucous laughter, "We should thank the Ministry for sending us this whore! We didn't even have to pay her!" Snape leaned hard against the wall as he tried to silently project, "Miranda . . . Please beware."
Lucius glanced up at the sky as the clouds rolled in and asked, "So how do you like Hogwarts so far, Professor?"
"Very well, thank you."
"And when did you arrive?"
"As soon as I could - a few days ago."
"And prior to that, you were working as an auror, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"Planning on returning to that after some teaching experience, or would you like to stay at Hogwarts?"
"I'm not sure if I'd like to stay," she said shivering from the unexpectedly cool breeze, but I'm fairly certain that I won't return to work as an auror."
"Why's that," he asked still holding her arm.
"Because I want to find a husband and have a child. Still work, but doing something less dangerous. I just don't want to spend the rest of my life risking my life."
Lucius smiled, pleased with her answer, "Please forgive my lack of manners. You are cold. Warm yourself with my cloak." He placed the cloak around her and felt her tremble slightly, as he brushed the edge of her shoulders with his hands.
Lucius smiled to himself to see that she was unused to the attention of men. "Tell me about your family," he asked.
"Well, my mother died when I was young, and my father manages the Ministry's Office of Transformations."
"Of course! Your father is Phillip Traveller. I know him," Lucius smiled. "Powerful wizard with an important job. No wonder you are so strong. I was quite impressed when Dumbledore told me about you - transformation and telepathy - remarkable combination."
Miranda just smiled and looked away.
"Oh, and modest too?" he said touching her chin to turn her face back towards him.
She trembled again, and became angry with herself. She was used to fending off all manner of attack. Yet she could not control her reaction to his touch.
His eyes swept down the length of her azure dress and back up again as he thought, "Oh, sweet lady! What I wouldn't like to do to you."
"Mr. Malfoy, please!" she said taking a step back.
"Oh, how rude of me!" he said feigning embarrassment. He was, in truth, pleased that she had heard him. For she now knew that he was in pursuit.
"Well, you've demonstrated telepathy in regards to current thoughts," he said clearing his throat. "My humble apologies. Is that the extent of your ability?"
"No, I can receive images from the past, present, memories, intentions, and I can project as well."
"Alright, show me something."
"Your son Draco."
"Yes."
"A pretty blonde lady - I don't know who she is."
"My wife," he said, but she sensed it was a lie.
As she performed these parlor tricks for him, the light mist began and turned steadily to rain, causing them to head back to the castle.
As they walked, she continued to probe his memories. First she encountered family scenes: Draco as a young child and his wife on some sort of outing. Wait, that's not the same woman - similar, but not the same. Who then, was the other, and why did he lie? A bit deeper: The blonde woman as a young girl Deeper still, fragmented, bloody scenes. Killing in Voldemort's name. How could this man, who seemed so civilized, have done such things?
"You know, I'm getting a bit hungry. Why don't we order up a little supper in a quiet place? Somewhere we can continue our conversation."
More than anything, Miranda wanted her meeting with Malfoy to end, but his interest gave her an opportunity to get to know him better. If she knew him better, she could identify his strengths and his vulnerabilities - the latter of which could be used against him if deemed necessary by Albus. So with only a slight hesitation, she answered, "My classroom - we can go there."
As they walked, she sent special instructions to the house elves on how to prepare the room.
"So how are you getting on with the other faculty?"
"Oh, Albus and Minerva have made me feel right at home."
"I see. And you spend most of your time with them?"
"Yes."
"I see," Lucius said as he opened the classroom door for Miranda and followed her inside the dark room. She snapped her fingers the room sprang to life.
The desks were gone, and in their place was a roughly hewn wooden table laden with food. In the mixed light of torches and candles, the olive trees cast lacy shadows as they towered over the table. There was a warm breeze and the sound of birds ushering in the summer evening, as there had been when he had met Madeline in Pontevès years ago.
Miranda had captured every detail of his memory correctly!
"Miranda dear, this is a remarkable display of your skills. You have really outdone yourself! There's only one thing missing."
"What's that?" she asked defensively
"Wine of course."
"But you didn't . . . and I don't . . ."
"Oh, never mind what happened then. There is a local vintage that you really must sample," He said conjuring a couple of bottles.
"Lucius, I really don't think it's a good idea. Most telepaths don't handle drugs well - they cause us to do unpredictable things."
He smiled inwardly at that thought and said, "One little sip, won't hurt now, will it?" he asked as he poured out two glasses. "Here's to the lovely and talented Miranda and her first year at our fine school."
She hesitantly tasted the wine - it was delicious, and it began immediately to warm and relax her.
"You know, I'm curious about telepathy," he said smiling. "Tell me more about it. I know the schoolbook definition, but what is it to you, dear?"
"To me . . . telepathy is contact between minds in a community. And thus, it is intimately bound to concepts of self and world. It's about breaking down other's barriers - that's the easy part. But also about identifying and smashing those barriers we put in place for ourselves."
"Such as?"
"Oh, the usual culprits: Sex, age, social class, position, education, intelligence, species. Anything that separates us into distinct groups also limits us." The combination of the wine and his attention seemed to make her lightheaded and she spoke faster than usual.
"Other limitations include our conceptual barriers. Take for example wands. Most wizards and witches would be nearly powerless without them. But what are they really? Just a piece of wood with a supposed magical object inside: a bit of unicorn hair or the feather of a phoenix. Those substances and that wood have no more magic in them than . . . this knife and fork. We are the ones who have given them efficacy - with our minds.
"Hmm . . . Some dark wizards in the past had abandoned wands, but I had always assumed that it was something inherent in that philosophy that allowed them to," he added, thinking that he liked her even more when she addressed the esoteric.
"And you were taught that you needed one. You never questioned that assumption. I assure you, we don't need wands to work magic - I for one haven't used one in years."
He gave her a long, calculating look. He had underestimated her, and reminded himself not to do so in the future.
She smiled, flattered, and then continued: "Brooms for flying - again unnecessary, except for long distances. Spells - mostly mumbo jumbo. We are slaves to these things. If you want to learn telepathy, you've first got to free your mind."
"Then you and I have more in common than meets the eye," he began with a smile.
"How so?"
"Well I'm very interested in transcending boundaries as well," his eyes now burrowing into her. "That's what we do in the East."
She smiled weakly as she tried to determine her best response. Albus hadn't given her any guidance on discussion of the Dark Arts. "You mean that's what you DID, Mr. Malfoy. The community hasn't engaged in that sort of work in years - a pity really."
"That's because we've been fighting for our lives," he bluntly replied.
Miranda decided cut that thread of conversation and grabbed an orange from the ceramic bowl on the table and peeled it in silence. He watched her and thought that the way she held her lips in an angry little pucker looked sweet even if the kisses he imagined from them would be stolen and bitter. He needed to take control of the conversation and turn it toward more pleasant things if he was to get anywhere at all with her. She looked up sharply at him when she heard that thought and he startled. He was skilled at the art of seduction, but had never plied his trade on a telepath before and felt woefully unprepared for the challenge. When she had peeled the fruit, she divided it with her thumbs causing the juice to drip on the table and the sharp, sweet fragrance to perfume the room. She offered him a slice, which he gratefully accepted and asked pleasantly, "I assume you also do physical transformation as well? What can you become?"
"Anything."
"Anything? That's unusual. Those wizards and witches that are gifted with transformation usually have an affinity for a single animal. Then there are those rare multiple animagi, but even they work with closely related groups. You'll have to prove it. Show me something."
"What would you like me to become?"
"You choose," he said sitting back to enjoy the show.
She ran through a series of creatures, from simple to complex in only a matter of seconds. First she became an iridescent scarab beetle that scurried across the table, then a large golden eagle that glanced at him as it preened, and then a black spotted cheetah that engaged in a staring contest with him. And then Miranda reappeared at the side of the table.
"Amazing!" He cried, clapping loudly.
She smiled, flushed with her success and grabbed the edge of the table in an apparent attempt to steady herself.
Lucius walked behind her to steady her. "Easy now. Just relax."
"I'm, terribly sorry. It's the wine. I'm not used to it. I shouldn't have . . ."
"Never you mind. It's all my fault for insisting. Let me make it up to you," he said wrapping his arms around her and kissing her neck.
At first she seemed to revel in his touch and lay back in his arms. Then he squeezed her tight and she reflexively sank deep into his mind. "2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 18, 22 . . ." he was repeating a sequence of numbers to himself in an effort to keep her out of his thoughts. It was a simple but effective method used to deny telepaths. If she was going to fully assess his weaknesses, she had to get him to stop. She turned round in his arms, pulled the ribbon that bound his hair, and smiled as it fell freely round his shoulders. She drew him closer and ran her hands through it forcing a shiver from him. She kissed him and to distract him as she turned her telepathy on him. At first the voices and images pleasure and love dripped bit-by-bit into his consciousness, and then the discrete drops slipped into a stream of sighs. Her kiss became more intense and the river flowed into a torrent and out into a raging sea. She stopped kissing him, stepped away and narrowed the scope of the sound until he began to hear individual voices whispering to each other and eventually, the sounds just ebbed away.
He reached for her as he said breathlessly, "Oh! Do that again . . ."
She shook her head no. "I really shouldn't have done that in the first place," she said pretending to be flustered. "I really ought to be going."
"Please, Miranda, don't go."
"No . . . I really ought to . . ."
"Miranda. I could help you. As a Governor of the school, I can do a great deal to help your career."
He winced when her open palm fell full force against his face. "How dare you say such a thing to me!
"Miranda, wait!" he called as she slammed the door behind her.
"Apologies for being so late, but I had to take my time with Professor Traveller," Lucius said with a lascivious grin. He stepped into the room and looked around, disapproving of the spare decoration. "Lovely girl! You should have heard her sing!"
Snape's jaw tightened as he went back to his desk and motioned to Malfoy to have a seat nearby.
"What? She's gorgeous and talented, why shouldn't I take a little bit of that for myself?"
"Does the name Narcissa Malfoy mean nothing to you anymore?" Snape asked bitterly
"You mean my wife?" he said with a chuckle. "Well, we all have to be married to someone, don't we?"
Lucius sat across from his former partner and slapped his leg, "You know, you're turning into an old monk, you know that! When you were younger, you used to enjoy the ladies every bit as much as I still do."
Snape smiled and looked around his room, "To some degree, you're right. The older I get, the less I like to leave the monastery."
"Is that your excuse for not heeding the Master's call? Malfoy asked sharply. "He's quite upset with you for that - issued a warrant for your capture and everything."
Snape startled, "No, I . . . It was impossible for me to get away at that time. I am still faithful."
Malfoy smiled, "Good. Had I not intervened, he might have sent a special activities man to come and bring you back - piece by piece if necessary."
"Thank you, Lucius. I am in your debt."
He shrugged and said, "You saved my skin plenty of times. But you really ought to do something to get back in his good graces. And besides, your time is nearly at hand. You have been here all these years, doing Dumbledore's bidding and gaining his trust. Now that the Master has returned, our man in place will assist us, won't he?"
"Did you have something in mind that would please Him?" Severus asked with a slight grin.
"You could deliver the boy."
"No. I'll not do that."
"Choosing what you will and will not do?" Malfoy asked raising his brow.
"Yes. I always have, and you know that. I would bring an adult, but never a child. Potter is not yet fledged, and until he is, I'll not harm him."
"The telepath then?"
Severus thought for a moment, and solemnly said, "Yes."
"You would deliver her to the Master?"
"Yes."
"Even if it would mean her death?"
"Her disappearance or death would free up her job. That would work to my advantage," Snape answered coldly.
Lucius smiled and laughed, "Spoken like a true Snape. Your father would be very proud, you know."
Snape merely nodded to acknowledge the truth in Lucius's words.
Lucius stared at Snape for a few moments before continuing, "Severus, the Master has offered me the position that usually has been held by one of the Snapes. Will you contest me?"
"He has asked you to be his counsellor?" Snape asked disbelieveingly
"Yes. I haven't accepted yet, but I am strongly considering it. It would be a big change, that's why I'm taking my time to think it over."
"If you accept, you have my full support. Of course I cannot speak for Salazar."
"Thank you, old friend. Speaking of your brother, how is he?"
"Fine. I visited him only last week. The whole family is well."
"Good. That's what we like to hear. Well it's painfully late, and dining with Traveller has really exhausted me. I ought to be getting back.
Later that evening, Lucius sat at home and leaned over the palantir, waiting for Voldemort to respond to his call. After several minutes, Voldemort's visage emerged from the glowing, swirling smoke that seemed to fill the glass ball. In the few days since Lucius had last spoken with him, Voldemort's hair continued to grow back, his skin had become clearer, and his eyes were less bloody. "Master your appearance improves each time I see you," Lucius remarked in wonder. "You are looking very well, indeed."
"Thank you, Lucius. Nagini's milk works its wonders," Voldemort rasped. "Now, what have you to report?"
"I met with the telepath. She is a remarkably powerful witch, but I do not think that he is a threat," he said attempting to conceal his failure to compromise Miranda from his Master.
Voldemort scanned Lucius's face and asked pointedly, "She may not be a threat, but can she assist us - can she be turned? That is what I asked you to assess."
"I'm not sure, but I think it unlikely, Master," Lucius began haltingly. "You see, she said that she left work as an auror because she wanted a more traditional life - a home, children."
Voldemort cackled hoarsely, "Miller and Salazar were right, then. She must also be very beautiful! I see you already have a strong attachment to her! But I see you did fail to gain a personal advantage over her. Oh my dear Lucius, that is your greatest flaw, you know. You give too much attention and deference to the witches. If you're not careful, they will be your undoing one day."
"Forgive me, Master. In future, I will try harder to be more like you," Lucius said as he turned his eyes respectfully away.
"Forgiven. But given the nature of this assignment, you will need to harden you heart to her wiles."
"Yes, and I will do so. I will make amends and ask to see her again. If she continues to refuse, there is always Snape."
"Yes. And what did you find out about our prodigal son?"
"He still claims loyalty to you, but says that as he gets older he doesn't like to leave the Hogwarts' 'monastery'."
"A tragic end for Sebastian's son," Voldemort said shaking his head sadly. "He could have been so much more."
"Yes, but he is still willing to undertake missions on your behalf."
"Good. I will give that some thought, and see if I have any assignments for him. And what of his relationship with the telepath?"
"I tested those waters by claiming to have had her. He had no response. Furthermore, he is consumed by enough professional rivalry to deliver her to you."
"Excellent," Voldemort replied laughing quietly to himself
"But, keeping in mind Samantha Snape's words, I have asked Draco to keep an eye on them and report any unusual personal contact."
Good. And speaking of your son, the time is drawing near for him to join us. I would like to speak with him soon."
"As you wish."
"And Sebastian's possessions?"
"I was unable to clarify. But I'll be paying a visit to Salazar soon - just a nice social call - I'll see if I can get any information about them then."
"Excellent as usual, Lucius. Keep me apprised."
"I always do, Master."
"I know."
Malfoy covered the palantir and went back downstairs to his room. When he pulled back the blankets and slid into bed next to Narcissa, she sleepily asked, "Lucius, is that you?"
"You were expecting someone else?" he asked, wrapping his strong arms around her. "No," she laughed. "I just. . . Oh!"
For the first time in a long while, he made passionate love to his wife. And for the first time ever, he thought of Miranda instead of Madeline as he did.