Chapter Five: The Visitor
Two pairs of eyes came to rest on the unnerving calm that was Lucius Malfoy's face, two pairs of strikingly different eyes. One reflected sunlight in shots of piercing gray, and the other simply caught the light until deep amber streaks glinted in pools of dark brown. But they held the same curiosity, the same hungry desire to know what was to be said, although the blond haired boy masked his eagerness much more thoroughly.
Lucius smiled almost benevolently at the small figures flanking him on either side, for he was rather pleased that they cared about the future that was theirs to inherit. His Draco, of course, was required to know more and to accomplish more in a shorter period of time; as the heir of the Malfoy, all of the estates, the business, and most importantly of all, the prestige, the honors, the responsibilities would be his in due time. The girl Elaine showed a great deal of promise as well, though she seemed to refuse to accept the twist in her path and embrace the years ahead. She was an heiress, quite simply, and while they were uncommon, Lucius had often found them to be strong and powerful—as long as they held on to what was rightfully theirs from the start.
He rubbed his smooth chin thoughtfully and contemplated on where to start. Draco already knew the general meaning of his explanations, but it was likely that Elaine had never heard them before, not even in mentioning. Finally, he chose to begin at the beginning and nodded curtly, indicating that he was ready to start.
"The Gentis Apexis, of which Caius Malfoy was the leader, was a group of elite, powerful wizards determined to instill stability and peace for the common people and to increase their own fortitude simultaneously. Originally, they numbered twelve, in addition to the Caesar, and their names were?" he suddenly fired at Draco.
"Zabini, Montigne, Snape, Stuart, Parkinson, Bulstrode, Enwyon, Wellington, Black, McCallum, Raine, and Strathmor," replied Draco smoothly. It was a well-rehearsed answer, for which Lucius gave him barely a nod.
"That is correct; they established many of the institutions that influence today's day-to-day affairs…and the centuries between can be found in the Malfoy histories, which I am sure you will read, Elaine."
"They wanted the best for the world, but so long as they benefited most. The Game arose when their affairs came into contact with each other and quickly became the greatest struggle the wizarding community has ever seen. More important than the Dark Lord, for his reign will pass. More influential than that Muggle-loving fool Dumbledore, for he is a man. Indeed, the Game will live on," he smiled, "and it will live in the Malfoy Kin until eternity has passed."
Elaine widened her eyes, unable to imagine how something could be so old, yet so strong. "But what exactly is the Game?" she burst out uncontrollably, stiffening as glares of knives rested upon her.
"Patience, Elaine," said Lucius, a hint of a threat laced in his voice. "As I had stated before, the Game is not to be trifled with, and what you must understand is that the estates, the lands, the peoples will always come foremost. I myself as a man am unimportant; likewise, my son Draco is the same. But we preserve the honor of the Malfoy to our best efforts, and may we succeed in our attempts."
His eyes shone with quick passion for a brief moment before they cooled and narrowed once more. "For the ordinary Player, the Game is but a passing concern in their lives. But Malfoy is more—they are of the Gentis Apexis, the rulers of the elite whom most common wizards do not know of. We are bound to our fates, Elaine, though personally, I have never been one to believe in fate." Lucius leaned forward, driving his horse on just a bit faster until the trio was racing the breezes. Finally he drew to a halt and continued, but more carefully.
"The Players battle for power with silent, calculating moves, each of which holds a secret meaning to be deciphered. They are unafraid to utilize all forces necessary, though careful not to waste their power and influence, mentioning not fortunes as well. And while lives, names, and money is to be lost, that and more can be gained. Hence skill in the Game is the most important skill you will ever learn."
Cutting off Elaine's open mouth with a dismissive wave, Lucius glanced at his watch briefly before suddenly breaking into a low chuckle. "And you wish to know how this concerns you, am I not correct? You are an heiress, and you have become a Malfoy. What has not concerned your family before," his tone crackled with electricity, "is now of the utmost importance. Dear niece, you are a Player from this day forward…"
His mouth twisted into a sneer directed towards no one in particular, but Elaine and Draco both shrank back.
"And losing is simply not an option."
The smooth, powerful breathing of Solaris, Lucius' winged horse, fell into a steady rhythm as they continued on a circle around the Malfoy estates, Lucius interjecting a fact or two about the land, the people, and the Game occasionally. Forests and pastures passed beneath them, vitality and growth emanating from their tips. The Malfoy estates were tranquil like none other in the early morning, mostly because Lucius had taken great pains to ensure it.
Insistent beeping interrupted their ride, and the expensive silver watch encircling his wrist explained the inconvenient scenario quickly. Mentally, he growled a curse at the acquaintance that refused to allow a weekend to be spent in peace.
"There's a visitor waiting at the Arch, so Draco, Elaine, return to the manor and wait in the parlor."
They nodded and reined their horses in, Elaine following Draco since he recognized the landmarks that led them back to the house. Solaris tilted his great head at the retreating pair, deep brown eyes slightly anxious at allowing them to return alone. His rider tapped him lightly on the wither, reminding the horse to steady its mind and focus on its task. Horses were like children; they needed to be trained if they were to accomplish anything of use.
Once fog had engulfed their mounts, Lucius alighted onto a stone path and untangled his fingers from the bridle before ushering Solaris back to the stables. Then he too disappeared, to Apparate by the entrance to the Malfoy lands. The visitor could only bring news, and good news and bad news were undifferentiated by the impartial mind.
The Arch of the Malfoy was nothing less than its name implied, a towering stone miracle of what appeared to be Muggle engineering, but held upright by powerful enchantments. Inscribed upon the keystone were lines of silvery writing warning the would-be intruder that had not faded despite the centuries passed. Neither had the usefulness of its protection, for the Malfoy Kin needed its powers more than ever, rather than less.
It stood at the very edge of a cliff facing the east, only materializing for those who were worthy of its presence. That meant only for those who were joined with the Malfoy…and joined by blood. Others felt the hum of the very air but saw nothing except a clear blue sky and the ribbon of water snaking through the rift below. And this particular cliff had the same qualities as most, especially if any attempted to enter the Arch unguided and found himself with a foot off the ground.
A tall figure stood before the entrance, waiting for the appearance of Mr. Malfoy. He smiled, but not openly as commoners were wont, and nor did he extend a hand in greeting. Lucius returned his shadowed expression without any trace of awkwardness.
"Long times have passed since the Roucieux has visited Malfoy lands," he said carelessly, not bothering to face the man.
"Yes, and even longer since the Malfoy has journeyed to the Roucieux estates," replied André Jaures Roucieux. He folded his arms across his chest, allowing the expensive black robes to fall about them expertly. There was a faint glow emitting from the inside of the Arch and from the now visible runic symbols running through its edges, and Lucius stepped back.
"Guests first," he gestured with the faintest of smirks. André ignored him and strode through the entrance. What had previously been the other side of the Arch, when viewed from outside the estates, flashed a stunning metallic light before swallowing him up. Lucius followed but first placed a hand on the barely visible indentation on the darkest stone, sending tiny vibrations up and down the ground. He visualized the manor in all of its late summer glory, and he appeared with André on the front steps as quickly as if they had Apparated. Of course, it was impossible to Apparate on the Land after the Arch unless one had performed a spell with one of the family; even then, only select areas could be accessed.
Flicking an invisible speck of dust off his sleeves, André entered the Malfoy manor with the greeting of one of many resident house-elves and paused before walking farther inside. Lucius shut the ornate French doors behind them and led his guest into the parlor, where two children were lounging on the leather sofas. Upon his appearance, they immediately slid off the couches and stood, composed and focused, all that he expected whenever there were visitors.
"It's good to meet your son, Lucius," he said in a rich baritone. "And it's a pleasure to see you, Draco, after so many years."
"Thank you, but the pleasure's mine, Mr. Roucieux," greeted Draco. "Uncle," he added as an afterthought, remembering that his uncle appreciated a reminder that he was indeed connected to the Malfoys.
Mr. Roucieux offered a light smile to the blond boy. "Surely, I have not been at this wonderful house for six years. So much has changed…" He trailed off and gazed at Elaine, and Lucius recognized the look. But of course, he had considered this possibility; he had always considered all possibilities.
"Elaine Malfoy Kwan," he interjected smoothly, "the heiress of Anthony and Sophia Kwan, who has come into my custody by their will."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Roucieux."
He froze with a stunned expression on his face for a moment, which then broke into a thoughtful look. "The same, Elaine," was his only quiet reply.
Lucius tapped a booted foot on the polished oaken floors. "Draco, Elaine, please leave now. We have business matters to discuss." Elaine trotted off obediently upstairs, but Draco exchanged a flicker of the eyes before exiting the parlor. He is uncertain, interpreted the elder Malfoy, but that will have to be. Nothing is certain any more.
He led André into a private office shooting off from the parlor and motioned for him to take a seat before striding over to the antique chair opposite the table between them. Long, bold steps swallowed up the space between the door and the wall, a purposeful gait that gave a quick glimpse of what living in opulence and confronting the world alone had developed. It was the essence of the Gentis Apexis, and confidence and power were closely linked together.
"So wonderful to see you again," Lucius drawled, searching his brother-in-law's face for a trace of discontent. "How have Laelia and your children been?"
"Quite fine, thank you. Alec will be entering Hogwarts this year, along with Draco." He spoke stiffly, as if he wanted to say more but could not. Then he continued, "May I cut through the formalities now," a long, deliberate pause, "and simply ask why this girl has suddenly appeared?"
André Roucieux, though neither a true Malfoy nor a member of the Apexi Kin, stood at the same height as Lucius Malfoy; on his strong chin and straight nose was displayed the same power of mind and will, but less overt than Lucius. Light green eyes streaked with hazel were typically calm and thoughtful, rather than angry, but now, they radiated confusion. He clasped his hands together and placed them on the edge of the table, focusing all energies into obtaining the truth from his, could one believe it, his brother-in-law. Even though they rarely saw each other, the two men were related by law, and thus, he felt the right to know about such large happenings. Lucius would come out with a story eventually—he always had when they were younger and needed a confidante. Age did not always slice through bonds, and theirs was a tight one indeed. It involved more than friendship and more than years gone by, drawing both into a whirlpool of no escape.
The air fairly crackled with tension, and Lucius and his longtime friend faced each other grimly. Someone—a family friend, a business acquaintance—had once informed them that together, they cut down any opposition in their path. But today, if a debilitating argument erupted, proverbial castles would come crashing down as fire flew between them.