OK, thanks to Lataradk's very supportive review (hugs and kisses to her) I
now present chapter 2 of the Bastard Malfoy. A little bit more plot is
revealed.
Disclaimer - Harry Potter and everything else in his world all belong to JKR. I own Luc, Snape's father and all the other stuff you don't recognize.
CHAPTER 2 - DIAGON ALLEY
1971
To a child raised in the remote heart of Wales, London was an overwhelming wealth of new sights, sounds and experiences. Diagon Alley, with its bustling crowd of wizards and witches of all kinds and classes was something far beyond the imagination.
Luc and his brother Lucius were enchanted.
Following along behind their father they struggled to keep the proper dignity and impassivity due to their stations, but were too fascinated by the exotic and rare merchandise offered to do anything more than look like solemn owls, their eyes wide and bright with excitement.
It was the first time they had ever set foot beyond the Veil, the barrier that separated the Malfoy domain from the rest of the world - and the world outside, as they were finding, was a fascinating place. But dangerous, so their father had told them - the Malfoy were not supreme here, and not all wizards were well disposed towards the Clan - it would be well to remember to be on guard at all times. At home, not a soul would dare to lift a hand against them...but Diagon Alley was neutral ground, and here the Malfoy had the same status as any other customers - they were judged by their money alone, no more and no less.
It was perhaps the only place in wizarding England, other than Hogwarts, where wizards of all classes, families and abilities mixed together and received the same treatment. Even Muggle-borns were welcome, if they had the money.
Without noticing it, their steps had slowed, and their father had walked on ahead of them. The uncaring crowd had closed around them, cutting off any sight of his elegant, blonde figure - so they stood still for a while, waiting for him to notice their absence and return for them.
They leaned against a wall on the side of the street, out of the way of the shoppers, and in companionable silence watched the crowd go past. It was the first time they had seen any wizards other than their father's guests, who were all High Clan aristocrats - here, there were people with rich, elegant robes, others with everyday sturdy garb, and some even walked abroad in patched, ragged clothes, their hair uncombed and their general demeanour ragged. Some even wore Muggle clothing - men and boys in blue breeches of some sort, and women and in flowing, billowy skirts and blouses.
Lucius nudged his brother. That woman was wearing pants - and her daughter was wearing a skirt that showed off her entire legs below her knees...in public! In broad daylight...well, father had said Muggles were different, with lax standards and values - he had been right.
It was all very strange.
*********************************
They had come to buy their supplies for Hogwarts - they had received their owls earlier in the year, and even though Lucius was six months older than Luc, they would be starting first year together.
Their father had been pleased when he heard of their acceptance. They had been sent offers from Durmstrang earlier, but Marcus preferred that they should attend Hogwarts. Laetitia had pouted and asked what was wrong with Durmstrang - after all, her father had attended there - Marcus had merely looked at her, silver eyes coldly amused, and had said "Just so."
Only the very highest and most aristocratic of families attended Durmstrang - they didn't allow anyone with middle class or lower blood in, and Muggle- borns were unequivocally, absolutely forbidden. The students had no contact with anyone outside their class and immediate circles - some even went so far as to say it promoted the complete xenophobia of the northern and eastern European wizards.
He had explained later to his sons over breakfast, as Laetitia flounced off in a huff.
"Hogwarts is one of the very rare places in this land where class, money, blood or strength make no difference to how one is treated. All students, theoretically, are treated equally - mudbloods mingle with High Clan, Weasleys with the Malfoy. And, as much as you may bemoan the fact, I believe it is necessary to gain a perspective of how other people live and think - no matter what you may think now, the circles of the High Clan are not the whole world, but only a small part of it. One should see and experience everything one can, and not just remain in a safe area of familiarity."
The boys had exchanged glances at this speech, vaguely uncomfortable to hear their father express views so contrary to what they knew to be true. The Pure Blood ruled, the others served, and the Muggles were animals. It was a fact - what did their father think he was saying?
Catching the look, Marcus had chuckled softly, but only said "You will understand, one day." Then he went back to his paper, and the boys back to their eggs.
*********************************
A voice dragged them out of their introspection. "What are you two doing here?" It was a man, tall and gaunt, but with black, black eyes filled with intelligence and dark knowledge. They recognized him immediately as one of their father's more infrequent guests.
Straightening up, they bowed, Luc lower than Lucius, because he was a bastard son.
"Lord Snape," said Lucius, face serious and tone respectful. Augustus Antoninus Snape, Lord of Clan Snape, who ruled vast tracts of land up near the Border, was not as rich or influential as his ancestors before the '45* had been, but he still wielded a great deal of influence. And besides, he was one of the most respected Potions Masters in the world - it was best not to get on his bad side.
He regarded them with cold, detached amusement. "Messieurs Malfoy. I assume you are here to buy your Hogwarts supplies, and not on your own either."
Luc was glad he was not the focus of those eyes, or the ruthless, cool intelligence behind them. However, he reminded himself that he was a Malfoy - and as such, he was superior to this man...or he would be, once he was grown. Lucius answered again, and Luc was happy to leave him to it.
"Yes, sir. We came with our father, but were separated by the crowd."
"Dear me," the older man mocked. "How careless of him. I assume he will be coming back?"
Neither of them answered.
A cruel smile curled the corner of Lord Snape's lips. "Very well, then," he murmured softly. "I will wait with you until he returns."
And ensure that Marcus knew who had protected his sons, they all thought, but nothing was said. The gratitude of the Malfoy was a very useful thing, and not easily incurred. Augustus Snape had stumbled across a very profitable windfall today.
He drew someone forward from behind him. "This is my son and heir," he said in a cool tone. "Severus Andronicus Snape." He was a small, thin boy with long, jet black hair and pale skin, and black eyes like his father, intelligent and insolent. "He will be starting at Hogwarts this year, too."
Severus Snape, eleven years old, assessed his new acquaintances, paying extra attention because his father had taken the trouble to personally introduce him to them. That meant that they were important, and it would be best if he cultivated them and their friendship. Of course, he had heard of the Malfoy - who hadn't? - but he had never met the Lord's sons before.
He hadn't known there were two of them, either. The blonde one was Lucius, the heir - he was the stereotypical Malfoy, with fair hair and silver eyes, aristocratic features and a willowy grace, and a very keen intelligence lurking in those eyes. He would be well taught, because Marcus Malfoy was one of the best players of the Game alive.
But the other son - was it Luc? Lucien? He was dark-haired, and his features were utterly perfect, and utterly cold. Like Lucius he showed every sign of intelligence, but there was an ambition burning white hot - of course there would be, he was a bastard. He would have no place unless he won it for himself. He wondered just what niche he would carve out for himself, in the times to come.
*******************************
They stood around exchanging small talk, the three children too rigorously trained to show any signs of awkwardness in social situations, and the adult too experienced in the Game to display anything more than the appropriate manner.
And then, after some five minutes, their father came back, the crowd miraculously parting for him, moving at slightly more than a dignified stroll. He stopped momentarily when he saw Snape standing with his children, and then resumed walking almost immediately. It would not do to display any more weakness than he already had by leaving them behind.
Augustus had discretion enough to be completely impassive when he moved forward to greet him. Ill-mannered displays of triumph and gloating were for Gryffindors, not for High Clan Lords.
"My Lord Malfoy. We were waiting for you." He couldn't resist a small barb, though.
"My Lord Snape. It appears as though you have not been too bored."
"No. I have just introduced my son to yours." He made an imperceptible gesture to Severus, who obediently came forward. "This is Severus. He is will enter his first year in September as well."
Marcus could take a hint. So that was the price for his son's safety? Acknowledgement of the Snape heir? Perhaps even his patronage. Well, looking into those black eyes, at least he will become a proper Slytherin. He could even be turned to his advantage, if that intelligence was firmly allied to the Malfoy...his mind plotting and planning, he nodded his head to the boy, who bowed correctly in return.
"I hope to see more of you in the future, Master Snape," he murmured automatically.
The boy returned, "Thank you, sir." His eyes, in turn, were filled with busily turning wheels and speculation. The patronage of Lord Malfoy was no small thing, and it could take him far, if he played it correctly.
The two brothers watched, Lucius calculating just how to make use of this new ally thrust upon him, and wondering just how to secure his complete loyalty, and Luc wondering what effect this would have on his ambitions and secret dreams.
And Augustus, the engineer of the situation, who had in fact cast a small charm to distract the two boys and slow them down, watched and calculated how this could be used to lead to the restoration of the fortune and influence stripped from his Clan more than two hundred years ago.
************************************
Coming home from Diagon Alley, the journey was very different from the one six hours before - then, Marcus had been indulgent and amused, willing to entertain them with stories of Diagon Alley. Now, he was silent - his very silence cold enough that the boys knew they were in serious trouble.
They had been warned to stay with him, that the crowds were huge and they could be easily separated. But in their fascination with the shops and new sights, they had allowed themselves to be distracted, and now their father was in debt to Lord Snape, a most undesirable and inconvenient position.
Augustus was neck deep in league with this Dark Arts guru Lord Voldemort, whose organization was steadily growing in support of his proposed crusade against impurity. The authorities regarded him as a crackpot, a madman whose ideas would never lead anywhere, but Marcus suspected that, if given enough support, he could be very dangerous.
Before now, he had taken pains to avoid any involvement with Voldemort, because he wanted no part in his crusade against the Ministry - really, what did he have to gain from overturning the establishment? He was already wealthy, and he already had most of the corrupted ministers in his pocket somehow or another. A revolution would only upset the status quo, and because the Malfoy were persistently seen as a "Dark" family, the Ministry would assume that he was involved - and that would be most inconvenient.
But now - now there was a direct link between House Snape and House Malfoy, and that would only draw him further into the shadows where he didn't want to venture. He suspected, somehow, that eventually he would be left with no choice in the matter, and he would find himself having to choose.
But not yet.
Not yet.
*************************************
* - the Jacobite rebellion of 1745
Read and review, please! Tell me what you think.
Disclaimer - Harry Potter and everything else in his world all belong to JKR. I own Luc, Snape's father and all the other stuff you don't recognize.
CHAPTER 2 - DIAGON ALLEY
1971
To a child raised in the remote heart of Wales, London was an overwhelming wealth of new sights, sounds and experiences. Diagon Alley, with its bustling crowd of wizards and witches of all kinds and classes was something far beyond the imagination.
Luc and his brother Lucius were enchanted.
Following along behind their father they struggled to keep the proper dignity and impassivity due to their stations, but were too fascinated by the exotic and rare merchandise offered to do anything more than look like solemn owls, their eyes wide and bright with excitement.
It was the first time they had ever set foot beyond the Veil, the barrier that separated the Malfoy domain from the rest of the world - and the world outside, as they were finding, was a fascinating place. But dangerous, so their father had told them - the Malfoy were not supreme here, and not all wizards were well disposed towards the Clan - it would be well to remember to be on guard at all times. At home, not a soul would dare to lift a hand against them...but Diagon Alley was neutral ground, and here the Malfoy had the same status as any other customers - they were judged by their money alone, no more and no less.
It was perhaps the only place in wizarding England, other than Hogwarts, where wizards of all classes, families and abilities mixed together and received the same treatment. Even Muggle-borns were welcome, if they had the money.
Without noticing it, their steps had slowed, and their father had walked on ahead of them. The uncaring crowd had closed around them, cutting off any sight of his elegant, blonde figure - so they stood still for a while, waiting for him to notice their absence and return for them.
They leaned against a wall on the side of the street, out of the way of the shoppers, and in companionable silence watched the crowd go past. It was the first time they had seen any wizards other than their father's guests, who were all High Clan aristocrats - here, there were people with rich, elegant robes, others with everyday sturdy garb, and some even walked abroad in patched, ragged clothes, their hair uncombed and their general demeanour ragged. Some even wore Muggle clothing - men and boys in blue breeches of some sort, and women and in flowing, billowy skirts and blouses.
Lucius nudged his brother. That woman was wearing pants - and her daughter was wearing a skirt that showed off her entire legs below her knees...in public! In broad daylight...well, father had said Muggles were different, with lax standards and values - he had been right.
It was all very strange.
*********************************
They had come to buy their supplies for Hogwarts - they had received their owls earlier in the year, and even though Lucius was six months older than Luc, they would be starting first year together.
Their father had been pleased when he heard of their acceptance. They had been sent offers from Durmstrang earlier, but Marcus preferred that they should attend Hogwarts. Laetitia had pouted and asked what was wrong with Durmstrang - after all, her father had attended there - Marcus had merely looked at her, silver eyes coldly amused, and had said "Just so."
Only the very highest and most aristocratic of families attended Durmstrang - they didn't allow anyone with middle class or lower blood in, and Muggle- borns were unequivocally, absolutely forbidden. The students had no contact with anyone outside their class and immediate circles - some even went so far as to say it promoted the complete xenophobia of the northern and eastern European wizards.
He had explained later to his sons over breakfast, as Laetitia flounced off in a huff.
"Hogwarts is one of the very rare places in this land where class, money, blood or strength make no difference to how one is treated. All students, theoretically, are treated equally - mudbloods mingle with High Clan, Weasleys with the Malfoy. And, as much as you may bemoan the fact, I believe it is necessary to gain a perspective of how other people live and think - no matter what you may think now, the circles of the High Clan are not the whole world, but only a small part of it. One should see and experience everything one can, and not just remain in a safe area of familiarity."
The boys had exchanged glances at this speech, vaguely uncomfortable to hear their father express views so contrary to what they knew to be true. The Pure Blood ruled, the others served, and the Muggles were animals. It was a fact - what did their father think he was saying?
Catching the look, Marcus had chuckled softly, but only said "You will understand, one day." Then he went back to his paper, and the boys back to their eggs.
*********************************
A voice dragged them out of their introspection. "What are you two doing here?" It was a man, tall and gaunt, but with black, black eyes filled with intelligence and dark knowledge. They recognized him immediately as one of their father's more infrequent guests.
Straightening up, they bowed, Luc lower than Lucius, because he was a bastard son.
"Lord Snape," said Lucius, face serious and tone respectful. Augustus Antoninus Snape, Lord of Clan Snape, who ruled vast tracts of land up near the Border, was not as rich or influential as his ancestors before the '45* had been, but he still wielded a great deal of influence. And besides, he was one of the most respected Potions Masters in the world - it was best not to get on his bad side.
He regarded them with cold, detached amusement. "Messieurs Malfoy. I assume you are here to buy your Hogwarts supplies, and not on your own either."
Luc was glad he was not the focus of those eyes, or the ruthless, cool intelligence behind them. However, he reminded himself that he was a Malfoy - and as such, he was superior to this man...or he would be, once he was grown. Lucius answered again, and Luc was happy to leave him to it.
"Yes, sir. We came with our father, but were separated by the crowd."
"Dear me," the older man mocked. "How careless of him. I assume he will be coming back?"
Neither of them answered.
A cruel smile curled the corner of Lord Snape's lips. "Very well, then," he murmured softly. "I will wait with you until he returns."
And ensure that Marcus knew who had protected his sons, they all thought, but nothing was said. The gratitude of the Malfoy was a very useful thing, and not easily incurred. Augustus Snape had stumbled across a very profitable windfall today.
He drew someone forward from behind him. "This is my son and heir," he said in a cool tone. "Severus Andronicus Snape." He was a small, thin boy with long, jet black hair and pale skin, and black eyes like his father, intelligent and insolent. "He will be starting at Hogwarts this year, too."
Severus Snape, eleven years old, assessed his new acquaintances, paying extra attention because his father had taken the trouble to personally introduce him to them. That meant that they were important, and it would be best if he cultivated them and their friendship. Of course, he had heard of the Malfoy - who hadn't? - but he had never met the Lord's sons before.
He hadn't known there were two of them, either. The blonde one was Lucius, the heir - he was the stereotypical Malfoy, with fair hair and silver eyes, aristocratic features and a willowy grace, and a very keen intelligence lurking in those eyes. He would be well taught, because Marcus Malfoy was one of the best players of the Game alive.
But the other son - was it Luc? Lucien? He was dark-haired, and his features were utterly perfect, and utterly cold. Like Lucius he showed every sign of intelligence, but there was an ambition burning white hot - of course there would be, he was a bastard. He would have no place unless he won it for himself. He wondered just what niche he would carve out for himself, in the times to come.
*******************************
They stood around exchanging small talk, the three children too rigorously trained to show any signs of awkwardness in social situations, and the adult too experienced in the Game to display anything more than the appropriate manner.
And then, after some five minutes, their father came back, the crowd miraculously parting for him, moving at slightly more than a dignified stroll. He stopped momentarily when he saw Snape standing with his children, and then resumed walking almost immediately. It would not do to display any more weakness than he already had by leaving them behind.
Augustus had discretion enough to be completely impassive when he moved forward to greet him. Ill-mannered displays of triumph and gloating were for Gryffindors, not for High Clan Lords.
"My Lord Malfoy. We were waiting for you." He couldn't resist a small barb, though.
"My Lord Snape. It appears as though you have not been too bored."
"No. I have just introduced my son to yours." He made an imperceptible gesture to Severus, who obediently came forward. "This is Severus. He is will enter his first year in September as well."
Marcus could take a hint. So that was the price for his son's safety? Acknowledgement of the Snape heir? Perhaps even his patronage. Well, looking into those black eyes, at least he will become a proper Slytherin. He could even be turned to his advantage, if that intelligence was firmly allied to the Malfoy...his mind plotting and planning, he nodded his head to the boy, who bowed correctly in return.
"I hope to see more of you in the future, Master Snape," he murmured automatically.
The boy returned, "Thank you, sir." His eyes, in turn, were filled with busily turning wheels and speculation. The patronage of Lord Malfoy was no small thing, and it could take him far, if he played it correctly.
The two brothers watched, Lucius calculating just how to make use of this new ally thrust upon him, and wondering just how to secure his complete loyalty, and Luc wondering what effect this would have on his ambitions and secret dreams.
And Augustus, the engineer of the situation, who had in fact cast a small charm to distract the two boys and slow them down, watched and calculated how this could be used to lead to the restoration of the fortune and influence stripped from his Clan more than two hundred years ago.
************************************
Coming home from Diagon Alley, the journey was very different from the one six hours before - then, Marcus had been indulgent and amused, willing to entertain them with stories of Diagon Alley. Now, he was silent - his very silence cold enough that the boys knew they were in serious trouble.
They had been warned to stay with him, that the crowds were huge and they could be easily separated. But in their fascination with the shops and new sights, they had allowed themselves to be distracted, and now their father was in debt to Lord Snape, a most undesirable and inconvenient position.
Augustus was neck deep in league with this Dark Arts guru Lord Voldemort, whose organization was steadily growing in support of his proposed crusade against impurity. The authorities regarded him as a crackpot, a madman whose ideas would never lead anywhere, but Marcus suspected that, if given enough support, he could be very dangerous.
Before now, he had taken pains to avoid any involvement with Voldemort, because he wanted no part in his crusade against the Ministry - really, what did he have to gain from overturning the establishment? He was already wealthy, and he already had most of the corrupted ministers in his pocket somehow or another. A revolution would only upset the status quo, and because the Malfoy were persistently seen as a "Dark" family, the Ministry would assume that he was involved - and that would be most inconvenient.
But now - now there was a direct link between House Snape and House Malfoy, and that would only draw him further into the shadows where he didn't want to venture. He suspected, somehow, that eventually he would be left with no choice in the matter, and he would find himself having to choose.
But not yet.
Not yet.
*************************************
* - the Jacobite rebellion of 1745
Read and review, please! Tell me what you think.