AN: It's going to get darker and darker from here on out. Just a warning. The rating may be bumped up in later chapters. Also, I own Hagawthe Malfoy, though he bothers me immensely. I also own a few of the characters mentioned in later chapters, and Malfoy's parents.
Chapter Seven- Terrific, Marvolous, Radiant
-Sunday Morning-
What is wrong with me?
I mean it!
Why am I going to Lucius Malfoy's house for break, when I could stay behind and read and study and use the library and be HAPPY? Why am I going to the Malfoy Manor, where there will be insanity and angst (which I have enough on my own) and loudness and no sleep? Do I really want to go?
Yes, kind of. It does get rather lonely, but dear Salazaar... Will I be able to take it?
Probably not, but I'll try to be strong.
"Come on, Severus!" screams Lucius eagerly. "I want to get a good seat on the train!"
Like being on time matters! You throw a fit either way. Arriving late would save us the trouble! But it doesn't matter, as I'm all packed up now. 'All packed up.' Listen to me! As though I've got a cartload of supplies. Really, all I need in life is my coat, my wand, and my chemistry set. (But don't fret- I did pack all the things in between.)
I grab my trunk, which used to be my sister's,and is written on, beat up and basically useless as its wheel is always flying off. I wheel it (pathetically) out of the common room. Lucius staggers behind me, holding an armload of silk shirts in protective coverings, and also dragging his dark emerald dragon hide travelling set (which matches his bookbag), complete with a little accessory case. He never ceases to amaze me.
Still debating in my mind wheter or not I should go, we stumble up the common room stairs and out into the hallway. There stand the Mafrauders, all talking enthusiastically, the usual peppy prats they always are. Fortunately, they are turned the other way and do not sense my presence.
"The bitch said she doesn't care if she ever sees me again," remarks Black, clad in a very cute little winter outfit, his hair shimmering healthily. "I'm so happy. This will be the best Christmas ever." His smile is a bit forced.
The bitch? Must be a girlfriend. Well, EX- girlfriend. Glad to see Sirius Crap has a few problems of his own.
"Sorry, Padfoot." Potter puts a hand on Black's shoulder. "I'm glad as well, though. We'll have a great time. We'll get to run free without many people around!"
"Like many people are out at night," scoffs Lupin. He seems to be in a very nice mood. And what the hell are they talking about?
"Sorry you can't stay, Worm," Potter says to Pettigrew, a little too politely, which indicates that he really doesn't care. Worm? I've heard them call him that before. It's not a very flattering nickname. Perhaps I should be happy I'm called Snivel, us.
"Yes, well... Gramps is coming up and all that," puts in the little Worm himself, shrugging.
I snort rudely, which is a mistake.
Potter whips around. "Eavesdropping, eh? Bet it's hard to hear with all of that mold plugging up your eardrums!"
"It seems you study my ears a bit too closely, Potter."
"It's isn't hard to miss," Siriusly Cracked tells me smugly.
"Just shut it," Lupin mutters quietly.
Potter takes a very daring step forward. "So, Snivellus. Tell us what your holiday plans are."
"He doesn't have any! He never has any!" squeaks Pettigrew, shaking in both fear and excitement. "He's always here for holiday!"
"Sorry," I begin darkly," but my Gramps isn't visiting me this year."
Peter goes pink and squeals," Why, you!" He points at my face in what seems to be an imitation of a threatening manner.
For once, Black says nothing. He's missed his cue!
"Yes, exactly what I was thinking. Why me?" I voice dramactically, and start to wheel my trunk away.
"Are you just pretending you're going somewhere? It doesn't matter, you know. We're staying here. We'll see you." James crosses his arms and grins.
THEY'RE STAYING HERE? Oh, Merlin, Lucius, I'M IN!
"Actually, boys," comes Lucius' sharp, drawling voice beside me," Severus is coming home with me to my manor. He's wanted somewhere, unlike some of you."
Sirius is woken from his stupor st this precise moment and barks," Don't believe her, Malfoy! SHE'S A BLOODY LIAR!"
It's a little frightening. He's panting and looking wild. I stare at Lucius, trying to make something of this.
"I apologise profusely, then, if I'm mistaken. Come along, Severus," Lucius smirks, and heads off down the corridor, pausing to hand me one of his suitcases.
I give the Mafrauders a last look, and follow Lucius.
"Wankers! Bleeding homos!" shouts Black.
Anything is better then spending holiday with that lot.
-On the Train-
"HOOI, SEVIIIEE!" greets Bellatrix loudly. "Luccciiie! Give me a kiss, dahling!" she commands, and they perform that repulsive ritual where people "kiss" eachothers' cheeks. "We got here early and kicked some firsties out. Well, sit down, then!"
They've reserved two compartments and filled them with Slytherins. It's a bit overwhelming. Bellatrix and Lestrange are draped over eachother in the corner, Narcissa and Rory Bulstrode are working on their Charms homework,
Lucius and I squeeze into the two open seats by the window. I instantly feel claustraphobic.
Madame Otto rolls by with the food cart. "Any breakfast, loves?"
It's not a good question to ask twelve teenagers. There's a five minute debate over what kinds of things she's offering, and then it takes everyone a longer time to order, and even longer time to count out change. I obviously don't buy anything, not having any money. I could sell my socks, but I'm not in a bargaining mood.
At least the food brings a bit of silence. It's especially nice to hear Lucius chewing a sticky bun instead of bantering on and on.
Other people begin to board the train, talking and screaming. Lily Evans, the Mudblood James fancies, walks past our compartment and smiles nicely. If I was that sweet, I'd drown myself in the bath.
"Did you see that Lily Evans? She'll be dead," whispers Lucius, sneering at all of us as though making some sort of joke.
Everyone gets it but me. My peers begin to laugh loudly. Some actually clap and cheer.
"This is going to be so rad," Lestrange comments.
Uh. Okay.
-At King's Cross-
"Oh, damn, there he is," murmers Lucius into my ear, as we stand, waiting on line to get out of the train. I follow his gaze through the window of the compartment next to us, and see his brother standing outside, waiting for us.
"He looks different than what I recall."
"Yes, well, he was only sixteen then, wasn't he? Now he's twenty years old. And lucky for me, it's quite a rarity that he comes up to visit anymore. He lives in Bulgaria now, studying the Dark Arts." Lucius rolls his eyes furiously, and steps off the train.
Hagawthe spots us immediately. "Lucius!" he calls, grinning in the goody-goody way I remember. He swaggers toward us, wearing a long navy blue cloak, his dark blond hair gleaming cleanly. He's a strong and healthy looking man- muscled arms, strong chin, dark blue eyes. He gives Lucius a quick hug, and I can't help but wonder what Lucius has against him. He seems loads different then when I last saw him. He's not chasing us, for one thing.
Lucius shoves him away and says," You do remember Severus Snape, do you not?"
"Of course. The Strange Child," Hagawthe smiles, using the name he dubbed me with the last time I saw him.
I make an effort to smile back. "That's the one."
"How are you, Severus? You definitely look old. Gah, the last time I saw you, you could barely hold eye contact or a decent conversation! Has that changed at all?"
"Erm-" I look down.
"Right. So, liking sixth year? My personal favourite year. Lovely Quidditch season. You play Quidditch at all? Nah, didn't think so. You're not much the athlete, are you Severus? That's too bad. Honestly, Quidditch was the most worthwhile subject at Hogwarts. Not that I didn't excell in everything else I did, but the absense of the Dark Arts is simply atrotious! Lucius told me you are still involved in the Dark Arts? Still do those stupid rituals you used to? Ha! Sure you do! Why, I recall finding you two out in the garden twittering and trying to raise the dead or what- hmm, Lucius? Oh, you were 'channeling spirits', then? Same thing, isn't it, Severus? That's all right, Lucius, we still love you, even though you're a bad teenager now! Look out for Lucius! Luce, you're not even sixteen, don't give me the eye! You are sixteen, now, right Severus? Not a late bloomer like my baby brother here? Aw, you wittle boys are gwowing up!" he gushes mockingly, finally drawing a breath.
All right, I can sort of see what Lucius has against him.
"Shut up and get my trunks," hisses Lucius. He leans into my ear,"He tries to be nice in public, but you've seen him. You know."
Hagawthe cups an hand over his ear and whispers loudly,"What, Lucius? I can't quite hear you!"
The rest of our party reach us, still talking loudly.
"And are these the others?" Hagawthe inquires, immediately sobering up, and eyeing them. "Nice to meet you, ladies." He looks at Rory and Rosetta. "Narci and Bella, nice to see you." He kisses their hands in turn. I'm guessing they've met before. "Gentlemen." He grins at me and then the rest. "I'm certain Lucius has told you all about me-"
"Really, are you?" Lucius snarls.
"and I'm certain that most of it wasn't true." He smiles, teeth gleaming. I suddenly remember the box Lucius found underneath his bed. Dirty mags used to freak us right out. "My name is Hagawthe Malfoy and I'm Lucie's brother. Nice to meet you all."
"LUCIE?" Lestrange bursts out, as Lucius gives Hagawthe an evil glare.
"Sorry, Luc, forgot I wasn't supposed to call you that anymore, though it kind of suits you."
Lucius narrows his eyes, and I prepare for eardrum damage.
"I WILL TELL MOTHER, AND YOU'LL HAVE TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF, HAGAWTHE MEPHSTOPH MALFOY!"
Hagawthe sighs. "Get over it. I'm simply having a bit of fun. Your friends understand, don't you?" He pats Lucius' shoulder, and Lucius smacks his hand away, colder than cold. Suddenly embarrassed, Hagawthe looks away and addresses us once more. "It's very good of all of you to assist us. We will make a difference, you know. After you settle in at our home, we will begin right away."
Looking happy and excited for the first time since seeing his brother, Lucius inquires,"Is Tom there yet?"
"He is. And he's very thrilled to meet all of you."
"That's my father's friend," Lucius tells me, walking ahead," you'll like him."
Bellatrix leans into Narcissa. "I wouldn't mind being put in the same room as Hagawthe. YUM, he gets even better every time we seem him!Can you just imagine the sex? Distract Lestrangie tonight, will you?"
"Yuck, Belle. You say that every time. Poor Rudie."
"Don't tell him!"
"I promise! Like Hag'd ever give you the time of day."
"Older men, Nar. Older men!"
So much for committment.
-The Manor-
We arrived at the Malfoy Manor at precisely nine AM, according to Hagawthe's very expensive-looking watch. We used a portkey, which, at this time, was an old and repulsive- looking handbag. (Repulsive because it was coloured chartruse green with lots of pink sequince.) We revoled a bit, and ended up just inside the gigantic iron gates, fashioned with a huge letter 'M'.
The Manor is about four floors high, and I say "about" because there are other floors that can only be found through magic. There are sculpted hedges- unicorns, hippogriffs, spinxes. The Manor is made of gray stone, is dark and unwelcoming- looking, and is very beautiful.
"Ooh," breathes Rory, and I get the impression that this is her first time at Malfoy Manor.
"Not bad, Malfoy," Lestrange says horsely, slapping Lucius on the back.
Hagawthe turns around and smiles at all of us. "Welcome to our home."
We all file inside, taking in the sight of the dark staricase winding down into the foyer and the very life-like statue of one of Lucius' late relations.
"Hullo, hullo, hullo, hullo!" squeaks a voice breathlessly, and a House Elf dashes down the stairs, sliding to a halt just in front of us. "So sorry we is late, we is. We misjudged time it would take you to get from the gates to the house, horrible Jobby, stupid Jobby, we is!" he clamors, giving a huge bow.
Ah, yes. I recall Jobby from the last time I spent here. Very apologetic, very strange, and very mistreated.
"Well," Hagawthe begins, giving us a little shrug as if to apologise for the incompetent service,"We won't do that again, now will we?" With that, he gives the poor thing a very sharp kick in the stomach.
"NO, Master Hagawthe, NO!" squeals the House Elf, doubling over in pain, Bellatrix howling with cruel laughter. "We isn't ever doing that again! We is so sorry!"
Hagawthe snaps his fingers, and our trunks appear. "You know where these things go, you stupid little wretch. Don't make another mistake. Later, you may show these guests to their rooms. Now, LEAVE," he snarls, pointing at the luggage.
Jobby then does a very pathetic thing: he bows to every one of us in turn, from Hagawthe to Rosetta, who is at the end. They're all cracking up, like it's the most hilarious thing they've ever laid eyes upon. After this, the House Elf grabs two of the bags, and desperately attempts to climb the stairs.
"I am so sorry about that!" Hagawthe breathes in, dramatic like Lucius.
"Don't worry. Ours are worse. They break the china at least once a week," Narcissa snorts. She and Bellatrix snigger. "Kind of mental, those ones."
"Which means I get to hang them from the ceiling upside down with spello-tape," Bellatrix adds. "Really, I like it when they make mistakes. Father lets us deal out the punishments."
"She's the most awful. Three of them were in charge of Christmas dinner last year, and-"
" I want to tell it!" Bellatrix grins. "What happened was that the ruddy things had chopped all of the sweet potatoes in cubed cuts, instead of the long way, like they're supposed to be served. After all of the directions we give them- can you believe it? So-"
Narcissa squeals.
" SO, I got to hack off one of each of their fingers. It was very hysterical!"
Rory laughs. "Cool!" The others seem to agree. All I can think is that I'm glad I don't have to cook at the Black house.
Narcissa tosses back her hair, hitting me in the face. "Of course, Andy thought it was unjust and cruel. She's got such a weak stomach. But we still have hope for her, as she's only a little girl."
"Where is Andromeda?" I inquire. "Why isn't she here?" It's the first time I've realised this. I mean, not to be rude or anything, but Andromeda isn't someone you notice. She's quiet and shy, always engrossed in a book.
The two sisters make eye contact.
"She's likely to tell," Bellatrix confides in a quiet voice, which is certainly a change. "She'd tell Sirius, and then he and his little Prep Squad would go to the Ministry. It's better she thinks we're on another Pureblood Marriage retreat. Though hardly believeable, as we've both got our blokes." She kisses Rudolphus instantly.
Narcissa looks wistfully at Lucius.
They've been arranged? But, I thought that Lucius asked her out and it was this whole, great mushy deal a few months ago. ! 'Aren't they cute?' 'Yes, apparently Lucius just showered her in roses!' Besides, how could they all ready have their husbands/wives picked out? All right, perhaps Bellatrix and Lestrange, since they're graduating this school year, but Narcissa is fifteen and Lucius is sixteen! How long have they been set up? Surely, Lucius would have at least let me in on a bit of this! Perhaps they set them up young so they're guarranteed to keep the Pureblood flowing. Damn, this is sick! I need to remember to ask Lucius if this is all true tonight. Lucius. Basically married? Let me try that again. LUCIUS. BASICALLY MARRIED? This is sick.
Before I can sort any of this out, I see a man at the top of the staircase.
He's got dark, dark hair that's short and wavy, and his eyes are hard and piercing. He can't be younger than forty, but he has a sort of boyish look to his face. His lips are twisted into a thin, thin smile. He's got his hand inside a pocket in his vest, most likely gripping a pocket watch. A long, ebony cloak cascades over his shoulders.
"I thought I was hearing voices. Good, I'm not completely mad yet." His mouth spreads out, showing handsome teeth.
Everyone shuts up right then, and their eyes switch onto this stranger. He comes down the stairs, holding the banister, almost regal.
"Finally, Tom. Avoiding us?" Hagawthe kids, but stands up straighter.
The effect this Tom person is having on everyone is a bit eerie. It's like we all suddenly want to act grown up- look attractive and intelligent.
"Never."
Lucius seems to have broken the trance, for he beams and waves to Tom. "I'm so glad you're here. I thought we'd have to wait."
"Look who it is!" Tom exclaims, but there's something odd about the lazy way he's coming toward us, as though his voice doesn't match his movement. "Lucius! It seems so long since the last time I saw you! August, was it?"
"Yes, but it seems an eternity!" Lucius declares, and Tom finally reaches us, wrapping an arm around Lucius' shoulder.
"These must be your friends. Delightful!" Tom says. "Really delightful," he mutters, but he's paying more attention to rubbing Lucius' shoulder.
"Allow me to introduce this genius," Hagawthe begins, gesturing to Tom like he's King. "This is Tom Marvolo Riddle."
A few of my peers gasp excitedly.
"I knew it was him!" Rosetta says loudly. Everyone claps, so I join in, wondering where I've heard the name before.
"Thank you, thank you," Mr. Riddle says smoothly. He has a very dignified voice. Finally, he removes his arm from Lucius' shoulder. "You may all call me Tom, for the present," he tells us, a small simper claiming his mouth. "My full name may be a bit to remember, but on the days when I forget who I am-" a few of us chuckle, me not included-"I just think Terrific, Marvolous, Radiant!"
Oh my... What is this guy? He's reminding me of Gilderoy Lockhart, a fifth year Slytherin who really, REALLY irritates me. But Mr. Riddle is worse, as he's an adult. He's also creepy. He's so phony, I think to myself, wondering what his story truly is.
Mr. Riddle turns around quickly, as though he's just been shocked, and stares at me.
Wha- did he hear that? I think stupidly.
He smiles, and goes back to his little talk, leaving me a bit more than unnerved.
"So, I'd like to welcome you to what I'm calling the Terrific Marvolous Retreat for PureBloods. Our first meeting will take place in the chapel, located just about a mile south of the back entrance to the manor, at noon."
Hagawthe chimes in with," Please follow me to the second great room, where there are refreshments. This will give you a chance to meet other Purebloods and also meet our Mother." He makes a face. "Oh, I'm just joking."
"No, you aren't," mumbles Lucius.
"Should I inform them of the rules just yet, Hagawthe?" Tom inquires primly.
"No. I think that can wait for the meeting, Tom."
I'm beginning to think that this seriously is a cult.