AN: Sorry only a change not an update. I have made some minor adjustments to the plot
The Garden Party
The garden was one of the most splendid of its kind in Britain but of course the Black Family would not settle for anything less than perfection. Live oak fairy lanterns flattered about sprinkling luminous fairy dust like confetti over the grand tables laden with exotic dishes and rare delicacies.
Milling in the great asymmetric courtyard and fountains were around two hundred guests from the leading pureblood society. However the centre of attention, as always, was on the Black Family. Ignius Black, like the perfect host, casually strolled between social groups, making comments on nearly every topic he came across. His brother, Severus, on the other hand carefully grounded himself with several other enthusiastic young men around the drinks table.
Tom surveyed his surroundings with a casual glance, which served to obtain all pieces of relevant information. Before he could join in the party he needed to be introduced, most preferably by Ignius Black. He promenaded to the other side of the courtyard to where Ignius Black was discussing history with a wizened old man. He smiled nonchalantly in their direction and Severus nodding his head in greeting.
"Ah, Voldemort, welcome. This is Voldemort Salamir." There was a sharp in drawn breath from the old man and several of his stiff white hair flopped to one side. Tom watched with hidden amusement and a small amount of irritation, he did not want to be introduced to someone with one foot already in their grave.
His name often caused people some surprise, as the last heir of the line of Salamir; he was very welcome in high social circles. Salamir, he savoured the name, like the juice of the nether-berries it so useful and yet so lethal. As one of four bloodlines of Slytherin, Salamir was extremely fear and revered by all pure blood families. Although the house of Salamir did not have the same fearsome reputation as the Slazarmirs it was renowned for the many scholars and seers the line had turned out. The actual family name of Slytherin, ironically, was celebrated for its contribution to the ministry having churned out more ministers of magic than any other family. Last and very much least, the Sindar family line had lost nearly everything during the Goblin revolutions. Their greed, Tom thought with contempt, had proved to be their downfall.
The wizen old man was now carefully removing something from his breast pocket and Tom watched with detached amusement as his joints creaked. Really, the old man was probably over 200 by now and most likely going senile. Like Dumbledore. His eyes unconsciously narrowed but his features were schooled once more as the large grey eyes turned to meet his.
"Mr Salamir, I am so glad to have finally met you," a frail, wrinkled hand dotted with brown specks was forced under his nose. Tom took it and held it lightly as to do any unintentional damage. The sense of respect for the elderly from his childhood had not completely faded, yet.
"This is Mr Hartwright, chief librarian at the Scholaric Library," Ignius politely extended his hand towards Hartwright and slipped smoothly away.
"Mr Salamir, I know that we have not become very acquainted yet but there is something of the up most importance I have to tell you," Tom decided to humour the old man for know, after all the Scholaric Librarians were world famous for their knowledge on the history of magic. Not that I had ever been interested in that particular area. Such boredom for which I can only blame Binns for. The subject under a competent teacher might have aroused some curiosity. Hartwright was now smiling dimly up at him and holding out some parchment in the other trembling hand.
"I would be very grateful if you did Mr Hartwright, your wisdom is much sought after," just the correct amount of respect and politeness was injected into the business like tone. Tom smiled that the apparent effect he had on the man in question. Mr Hartwright seemed equally eager to get rid of whatever was in his hand as he was to meet Tom.
"Well, I'll get straight to the point than young man," Hartwright paused as if trying to decide what to say first. Tom continued the faint smile playing on his lips and the innocently curious expression. "Some time ago, oh it was perhaps a month before the Lamas-tide in April, I was delving into some new material we had just received from the Scottish Archives and I came across a most astounding prophecy perhaps even the find of the century."
Tom blinked in surprise, he had thought Hartwright was going to blabber on about his family line and perhaps divulge some useless yet interesting information on one of his obscure relatives. But this is so much more interesting, even if I am not a firm believer in prophecies. The old fool seemed to think they might be awfully important; perhaps he was right.
"Was it an ancient prophecy, Mr Hartwright, if so it must be extremely valuable,"
"Oh, it was old, not ancient as it were but old. Now the curious thing was that it was recorded as the last Prophecy of the Emerald Eye. You know who that is don't you?" the expectant note in Hartwright's voice nearly choked him.
"Yes, the famous Caledonian seer who was said to be the first genuine impenditurary." He had read that line in a divination textbook he had casually picked up in first year. Apart from the enlightening first line he did not know anything else about this so-called "famous impenditurary".
"Well, he was not just an impenditurary seer, you know. He mostly had visions of the future but occasionally he would have several visions of the past too. These books now a days seem to eliminate details," Hartwright looked set to rant, which Tom decided would not do wonders for the old man's already unstable physical condition.
"Yes, of course but I suppose all this is besides the point. This last prophecy you speak of, is it truly authentic. A primary source if you will?"
"What? No, unfortunately it was a copy made around three hundred years after his death in the twelfth century. I have reason to believe however that the writer most likely recorded it from a first hand witness of the prophecy. Or, more excitingly, there might actually be a recording, in text of course, of the original prophecy and the writer divulged his account from that, which would mean the copy is more accurate than anybody dares to think." His voice rose half an octave higher with excitement.
"So you are saying that there might be an actual physical copy of the original prophecy taken down on site?"
"Oh no, Mr Salamir, there was once an original copy, no doubt, but over a millennia of sorting and resorting records there is next to no chance that such a frail document would survive. Of course the last prophecy itself was never really publicized due to his death and the text actually concedes that Emerald Eye did not what his vision to get out of his coffin as it were.
'Well, the recording was most likely stored away in the nearest archive, which was in Crougren. Now this archive ceased to exist sometime in the late eleventh century when the giants raided the area. My theory is that most of the scriptures were transferred to Lundonae further south and new copies, well versions, were made based on the old scripture. I have actually found several records of this happening to many other texts from Crougren. The old texts I presume were disposed of as was the practise in those days," Hartwright pause as if to mourn the loss of such great pieces of historical knowledge.
"You mean to say that there is no way of proving whether the account is actually genuine?" The old curiosity well up inside of him, making Tom leave his most pressing question until later.
"Actually, I intent to acquire a list of all the documents moved from Crougren to Lundonae before the winter sets in," the statement had not hint of exaggeration in it and Tom was forced to reconsider his first impressions the wizen old man. "I have my ways, Mr Salamir. However what does this have to do with you?"
'Well, Mr Salamir, the prophecy, according to the account was about your family," Tom smiled cordially, of course why else would he be approached. Had Black known this all the time?
"I am most amazed at this revelation and honoured that you decided to share this with me,"
"Mr Salamir, I do wish for you to come visit the Library so you can read the actual prophecy. I have written the address and password to the archives on this parchment." At this Hartwright pressed the trembling piece of paper into Tom's hand and stood back to smile with triumph.
So, you have something to hide from these prying eyes. I see no reason not to visit you.
"Of course, Mr Hartwright, as I said I feel privileged to be bestowed such an honour. Farewell and do enjoy the party," Tom carefully pocketed the parchment. Mr Hartwright nodded and departed for the food tables with surprising speed for such a frail man.
"So, I see the revelations have had some impact, Voldemort," Ignius was back again breathing down his neck. Tom smiled cordially,
"I suppose they have. Was that your main intention to invite me to this party?"
"Oh definitely not, I simply aspire for your personal company" never quite lost your humour, Ignius. "Although there may just be one more person you need to meet, in person,"
"Only one more? Ignius, I was hoping to be introduced to more than two people," the light joking tone drew an atmosphere of near friendship.
"What for? Everyone knows who you are anyway. I have had to keep the ladies from suffocating you during your delightful conversation. No doubt you realised, considering how long you took," they had now reached the second highest level of the terraced garden.
"I assure you my intentions were not malicious in anyway,"
"I suppose I can forgive you for the slight,"
"I would not have desired your forgiveness anyway," they had now reached the top most terrace, which seemed to be the centre of activity.
"Well, then I shall not introduce you to the object of your future affections,"
"So, you wish me to meet my fiancée, Ignius. Why I would be delighted," the faintly sarcastic tone did not mask in genuine excitement, this was of course the highlight of the party and precisely why he was invited.
Many well to do young ladies from the best families were congregated near the giant glass doors charmed to act like mirrors. He recognised several members of the leading families including Crassanda Malfoy and Livia Black. Cassius waved in greeting and beckon for the pair to take a drink with him.
"Cassius, fine taste as always and how is my darling little sister, Melissa?" at this Ignius turned to a beautiful woman dressed in ivory coloured robes. Her dark hair, characteristic of the Black family, was held up in an elaborate bun by several complicated pieces of diamond jewellery. She smiled warmly at Tom and unconsciously readjusted one of the black pearls dangling from her ears.
"Good afternoon, Voldemort, I'm very glad to finally meet you. Cassius has told me so much about you." She extended her hand, Tom took it and bowed, "Oh, Ignius, I was trying to find you before, Severus said you were down by the fountains so I didn't look for you," she smiled at her brother and allowed him to kiss her hand while Cassius pretended to be outraged,
"Once you decided to let go of my wife, perhaps you would like to take a drink with me?"
"Oh don't mind Cassius," Melissa erupted into a little fit of dignified giggles, "he hasn't stopped saying that after the wedding. Oh and here comes Paulinus. Why, if Livia and Severus join us, we could have a nice little family reunion."
Tom turned once again to see the figure of Paulinus Black, the second son and fourth child. Physically he had much to be desired, stout and shorter than his other present siblings, his limbs seemed disproportioned and gave him a sort of ambling walk. Up close, his face was clean-shaven and the rough, greasy texture of his skin was all too apparent. Small pockmarks were just visible under his chin when he tilted it to the side. His eyes were as black as Melissa's pearls but held none of the glamorous beauty. Shuffling slightly, he eyed Tom,
"Voldemort Salamir, I am very pleased to meet you again. I trust you have been well," the voice was low and the words churned out slowly suggesting some denseness of mind but Tom knew better.
"And you too Paulinus," Tom nodded seriously and shook his hand. While Paulinus was intelligent, he was certainly lacking in the charisma department.
"Severus are Livia are coming with Rovera Slytherin, she said she wanted someone to meet you," with his message delivered he stepped aside courteously for the entrance of the third son and youngest child, Severus.
Surprisingly, Tom noted, all of the remaining rations of talent left after three children, Ignius, Melissa and Livia, promptly skipped Paulinus and landed on Severus. He was no doubt the most talented son of a talented family. Severus Black, the most eligible bachelor today (although Cassius seemed to think it was Tom).
While Ignius would be described as charmingly handsome, Severus could steal the limelight in seconds just by appearing. His charismatic talents could charm a viper into submission, but his greatest talent must have been his intelligent mind. It would be nearly impossible to find a more cunning and resourceful man, save of course for Tom. Many, including Cassius, believed that Severus would make a better Head of the Household than his other brothers. Ignius, gifted though he was, simply could not compare to such a specimen of pureblood perfection.
Predictably Severus had a girl on his arm…and another one by his side. Upon closer inspection she was his elder sister Livia. Livia, very much like Ignius in physical appearance, seemed to have a stronger attachment to her youngest brother than the other two.
"Why, we are going to have a family reunion," with that both Melissa and Livia burst out laughing, though Livia was more reserved. She seemed very timid only uttering a quite greeting before withdrawing next to Paulinus, but not before making sure that Severus followed her, which he seemed very happy in doing.
"This, is Rovera Slytherin, a relative of yours I believe, Voldemort," Severus indicated to the girl on his arm. Unlike Melissa and Livia, she did not have the same warm, open expressions. Rather, she face was contorted into a permanently serious look. Although, not unpleasant, Tom wondered why Severus chose Rovera of all people.
"Yes, Rovera, I have heard of you. It is good to finally meet a relative," Tom took her hand and bowed. For a moment the serious expression faded and she looked almost as if she was going to simper.
"You know, the Blacks do claim heritage from Salazar too," said Severus lightly and Tom smiled,
"No doubt, you are fine people," Before any more bantering could occur, Ignius took charge, with some resistance as most eyes were trained on the too most breath taking wizards in the vicinity.
"Voldemort, I said there was someone I would like you to meet. This is Evanlyna Slytherin,"
Tom turned to find his fiancée sauntering up the steps.
AN: Please review so I can have some feedback… PUPPY DOG EYES
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