Make Your Mark
"Without further ado, I present to you your valedictorian, Lucius Severus Malfoy. This honor was bestowed upon him because he has achieved more in his seven years at Hogwarts than anyone who came before him. He will leave Hogwarts having received the highest N.E.W.T mark's ever, having been an exemplary Head Boy and having helped many younger classmates with their studies... so long as they had not ogled his younger sisters," joked the Headmaster as he moved down from the podium so that Lucius could take his place. As he stepped onto the podium, several of the girls in the audience made catcall's at him, making the handsome blonde blush. Once the students stopped laughing at the Headmaster's barb Lucius began his speech.
"You've got to be kidding me," huffed Ophelia, rolling her eyes at the thought of anyone finding her brother attractive.
"Shut up, Ophelia," chided Artemis, jokingly. "Your brother is very handsome."
"Just like his father," added Draco, the entire family, including both sets of Lucius' grandparents, rolled their eyes.
"First and foremost I feel it is necessary for us to say thanks to the staff of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and our friends and families, all of whom have made sacrifices and supported us so that we could be successful. It means more than you know to have you here today to share this rewarding milestone with us, as each of you have played a part in our arriving here. So I ask the graduating class to stand and join me in thanking the staff and our families for their undying support without which we would not be here today." The entire graduating class stood and loudly applauded hoping that their teachers and families understood just how much they were appreciated. For nearly a minute the applause continued before quieting as the students settled back down into their seats.
"Passion originates from the heart," Lucius began, instantly getting everyone's attention. "As each of us follows our heart and pursues our passion, we all play a collective role in keeping the world moving. I now challenge you, my fellow graduating class, to impact the world like never before as you walk across this stage and move ahead in life. The world will be bigger, faster, and stronger as the energy you create joins the synergy of the world.
For those of you who become healers, I ask you to transform the lives of your patients every single day. For those of you who go into education, I ask you to contribute to the excellence of your future students. For all of you entrepreneurs, pioneers, and innovators, make sure that your impact opens up doors for a dynamic and thriving economy. Each of our paths creates energy and motion that change's and influences the world. It all starts with listening to your heart and pursuing your passion. No one can tell you how to live your life, or at what pace, other than yourself. Not your parent's, your friends, nor society. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Take the time to find yourself, search within your heart for who you are and who you want to be. Whatever it is make sure it makes an impact.
The journey ahead will not be easy. You should expect to run into barriers and come across situations that might hinder or threaten the process. I have learned that we shouldn't let setbacks stop us from doing what we love.
If you remember anything from me tonight, please never forget to listen to your heart and pursue your passion, even when it seems like nothing is going your way. We are what keeps the world moving. Twenty three years ago our world was threatened by a Dark Lord, one who represented pure evil. Twenty-three hundred witches and wizards lost their lives fighting to destroy him so that you would have a world to change. So I ask you to make your mark on the world, my fellow graduates. Live meaningfully, live purposefully and strive for something greater than yourself all the while pursuing your passions. Live your life's legacy—beginning now. You owe them that much."
"Actually, there is one last thing I ask that you all remember," Lucius said, before stepping away from the podium, his hands grasping at the fastening of his robes. Just before removing his graduation robes, Lucius leaned over to the microphone and said, "Sorry Mum."
"Oh no, he's going to moon them, isn't he?" groaned Artemis, her hands shooting up and shielding her eyes. Suddenly the hall erupted in voracious applause and boos. When she heard her husband and Father-in-law whistling and hooting loudly she removed her hands from her eyes. The sight that greeted her was her son donning a white t-shirt that said 'SLYTHERIN'S DO IT BETTER!' in big black letters. Naturally, members of the other three houses objected which would account for the jeer's that accompanied the applause.
After Lucius' speech it took the staff several minutes to calm the students back down, as Lucius' fashion statement had started many loud debates. Once quieted, the Headmaster began handing out the student's graduation certificates as well as their medals of achievements. Nearly an hour later the ceremony was over and the families were able to reunite with the graduates.
"Oh, Luce!" Artemis exclaimed, rushing over to meet her son as soon as she caught sight of him. "Head Boy, the highest grades and six medals of achievements!'
"I know, I know, I'm good," enthused the proud young man, embracing his beaming mother before doing the same to his father and grandparents. After receiving congratulations from each of his family members, Lucius and his family journeyed to the gates of the school where they were supposed to meet Severus so that they could leave for Luce's graduation dinner.
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"So Luce, have you decided which offer you'll be accepting," Lucius asked his grandson, referring to the numerous offers from wizarding universities that the boy had received.
"Not yet, I've still got some time. I just don't feel like the right one's come along yet," he replied, pushing the food around on his plate with his fork.
"Actually, Lucius I'm glad to hear you have yet to decide on anything yet," interjected Severus, softly, his soft deep voice silencing everyone at the table. "I have decided to retire from my position as Potions Master at Hogwarts and Albus has requested that I ready my replacement. I have four years to pass on all of my knowledge of Potions and I would like nothing more than for you to be the one to receive it. I know that typically it takes no less than eight years to master the field but I did it less than four and I do not doubt that you can do the same."
"Yes, definitely," exclaimed Lucius, a huge smile on his handsome face.
"There's no need to rush your decision, you can think about it," Severus offered.
"I don't need to think about it. This is what I want. I want to be a Potions Master. I always have," he assured.
"Wonderful, I'll let Albus know," said Severus, smiling at the boy happily.
"I always knew you were doomed to be a nerd," scoffed Draco, pretending to pout. "It's because your Mum was a Ravenclaw."
"Shut up!" grumbled Artemis, elbowing him in the ribs. He was always blaming their son's love of all things intellectual on her, as if it were a bad thing. He should be proud, she thought. She certainly was. Deep down she knew he was, everyone knew he was.
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Summer had passed by quickly and with most of the children back at Hogwarts, including Lucius who had started his apprenticeship at the beginning of the summer, Artemis and Draco had finally been able to settle back into their usual daily routine. Since Malfoy Enterprises expansion into the western market had been completed several years back, Draco had been able to spend more time at home with his family, rather the portion that was still there. Artemis and little PJ were the only ones who were still around everyday and Draco made sure that he spent as much time with them as possible.
"What do you want for breakfast, PJ," asked Draco, as they settled into their seats at the breakfast table, their mother having not yet come out of her office. Artemis always got up before Draco and PJ so that she could work on her sketches in peace. After the boys had gotten up she would join them for breakfast.
"Pizza," said the nine year old, skeptically.
"I don't think so," replied the father, used to his son's odd meal requests. "How about waffles?"
"With strawberries?" asked the boy, excitedly. "And whipped cream?"
"Waffles with strawberries and whipped cream it is," agreed Draco, letting the house elves know what they would be having for breakfast.
"Dobby?" called Draco, wondering where the house elf had gone to. He hadn't seen him all morning which was unusual. When PJ had grown up and didn't really need Dobby all the time anymore, Draco had asked the tiny creature to stay at Malfoy Estates and take over for Bitsy who had asked her master if she could be set free, as she wanted to start a family. Draco immediately agreed. After rushing out and purchasing a small sweater for the elf he presented it to her, officially giving her the freedom she asked for. Luckily for their family, Dobby was all too happy to take the position.
"You called," said Dobby, popping up out of nowhere.
"Yes, Dobby, I was wondering if you could get the pitch ready for PJ and me. We're going to work on his maneuvering today."
"Will do," said Dobby, apparating out of the breakfast room. Just then Artemis entered the room bringing with her the Daily Prophet.
"Here you go, Love," she chirped, handing him his paper and kissing him good morning.
"Eww, get a room," groaned PJ, pulling a face at his parents display of affection. Smiling at him, Artemis rushed over to his side of the table, covering his face with kisses all the while PJ struggled to get away. "Mum come on, I'm not a kid anymore you can't do that."
"I'm your mother I can do whatever I want," she replied, as the boy viciously wiped away her kisses.
"PJ," interjected Draco, "real men like to kiss their women."
"Nuh uh," he disagreed, shaking his head in protest.
"Yes huh."
"I don't believe you but I think that Ophelia does," PJ said, staring at the Daily Prophet.
"Why do you say that?' asked Artemis, before Draco had the chance.
"Because that's her," he said, pointing at the paper. After turning over the Prophet so that he could see what the boy was pointing at, Draco squealed.
"What?" asked Artemis, standing and looking over her husbands shoulder. On the front page of the 'Out and About' section of the Prophet was a rather large picture of Ophelia whole heartedly kissing none other than James Potter. Underneath the photo was a tag line that read, 'What would Daddy say?' "Don't overreact," Artemis chided, trying to calm her stunned husband. Without a word, Draco stood and apparated from the breakfast room leaving his wife and son behind.
"You just had to show him that didn't you," laughed Artemis, jokingly glaring at her youngest child.
"Of course," replied PJ. "Anything to get Ophelia in trouble."
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"The properties of lace wing flies are as follows," drawled Severus, as he began his lecture for the day. Just as he was about to list the properties on the board the doors to his potions classroom burst open and his Godson, still clad in only his green silk pajama pants, came storming in.
"Ophelia Rose Malfoy, go wash your mouth out!" he boomed, looming over the desk that she shared with a friend.
"I'm Hero, Dad," said the young girl, rolling her eyes and pointing cross the room at her sister.
"Hi, Mr. Malfoy," cooed Hero's friend, staring at the half naked man as if her were a god or something.
"Sorry, Hero," Draco said, leaning over and kissing her of the forehead before rushing over to the correct twins desk.
"Care to explain yourself?" he said, tossing the Prophet down onto the desk so that she could see what he was talking about. Picking up the paper, Ophelia gazed at the photo, a bright smile on her face.
"Oh, I look so cute!" she exclaimed, showing her friend the paper. "Doesn't James look handsome? Quidditch practices are really starting to pay off."
"Yes they are," gushed the girl, leaning over and whispering in her friend's ear. "Your Dad is really hot."
"Shut up!" Ophelia shouted, annoyed by her friends fondness of her Dad.
"I'm waiting," Draco demanded.
"Well I thought it was pretty self explanatory," she replied, not quite sure what she was supposed to say. "Besides, I was sure that Luce had already told you."
"You knew?" Draco exclaimed, turning and addressing Lucius who sat at his desk next to Severus' where he observed the lessons'
"Well... I suppose I might have heard about them," Lucius offered, smiling weakly at his father.
"Heard about us?" squealed Ophelia. "You went around beating him up all the time during our first year because he was my boyfriend. That's why I punched him!"
"That's why you hit him?" Draco boomed, his face turning red. "You hit your brother of Potter's spawn?"
"No, I hit him because he was being an ass. James and I have been a couple since first year and so have Travis and Hero, though they keep breaking up but they always get back together. You're just going to have to accept it. Mum did," Ophelia said, handing the paper back to her father.
"Your mother knew?" he gasped, looking affronted.
"Of course, Hero and I talk to her about it all the time," the girl said, folding her hands neatly. "I don't see what the big deal is, we were just kissing."
"Just kissing..." Draco began, "I don't recall giving you permission to kiss people."
"Well it's my mouth so I'll do with it what I like," Ophelia argued, beginning to get annoyed with her father's over protective tendencies.
"Until you're seventeen that mouth belongs to me and if I say no kissing than there will be no kissing," her father countered, unable to believe she was actually arguing with him over this.
"I don't really see how you're going to enforce that but hey, whatever floats your boat." Ophelia rolled her eyes at her father a slight smile at the corner of her lips.
"Severus!" Draco shouted, turning to his Godfather. "Why didn't you tell me?
"Because I fully anticipated a rather amusing situation would come to pass if I didn't. I certainly didn't want to miss it," laughed the older wizard, who had settled himself at his desk for a perfect view of the argument. He loved Draco to death but he couldn't miss out on so entertaining a show.
"Potter!" shouted Draco, frantically looking around the room. He knew that Gryffindor and Slytherin had Potions together so the little brat had to be here somewhere. "Be a man Potter, I know you're in here." After realizing there were only two empty seats in the entire room he realized that they had to belong to Travis Weasley and James Potter. Peaking under the desk Draco found both boys kneeling on the ground.
"Found it!" exclaimed James, picking up his quill as if he had been looking for it.
"Didn't think we'd ever find it," said Travis, as they both popped up onto their feet.
"Mr. Malfoy?" asked James casually, "when did you get here?"
"Shut it, Potter!" ordered Draco, towering over both boys.
"Hero," whined Travis, staring at his girlfriends fathers body. "You never mentioned how big you Dad was... or how muscular he had gotten."
"Have you been lifting weights?" asked James, squeezing the older wizard's bicep playfully, an innocent smile on his face. Draco jerked his arm away. Just when Draco was getting ready to launch his verbal assault on the boys the door opened and Artemis and PJ walked in.
"Sorry Severus... girls... Luce," she said, trying to drag her half naked husband out of the classroom. "Come on, Love." Draco resisted her attempts at making him leave. Realizing his Mum needed help, PJ stood in front of his father and helped push him towards the door.
"You knew and you didn't tell me," he accused, refusing to allow them to get him out of the room.
"Gee, I can't possibly think of any reason why wouldn't want you to find out," Artemis replied, sarcastically. Thankfully Lucius had some pity on them and he came over and helped lead his father towards the exit.
"You're dead!" he shouted, just as he disappeared through the doorway, making a slicing motion with his finger against his neck. "Dead! The both of you!"
"Hero, your Dad is really hot," whispered a young witch, leaning across her desk so that the other witch could hear her. "Your brother too..."
"So I've heard," Hero replied, rolling her eyes. "anyway I think PJ is a little young for you."
"Not him... Lucius," the girl clarified. Hero simply rolled her eyes and turned and looked at her terrified boyfriend and James who still remained glued to their spot.
"As I was saying," laughed Severus, "the properties of lace wing flies..."
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"PJ dear, why don't you go on out to the pitch so I can talk to your Dad," Artemis said, shooing her son towards the door as they entered the sitting room.
"No way, I don't want to miss this," PJ argued rushing over to one of the chaise lounges.
"PJ... go," Artemis said, sternly, pointing towards the door.
"Man..." he whined, stomping out of the room and slamming the door and mumbling under his breath.
"Draco..." Artemis began, sitting down next to her husband. "I know this is a bit of a shock to you but don't you think storming into Hogwarts nearly naked was a bit much?"
"No... I don't think demanding to know why my thirteen year old daughter is alright with someone molesting her, is too much," Draco argued, looking over at his wife as if she had lost her mind.
"It was kiss, Draco..." she huffed, beginning to get annoyed with him. "They're growing up. You're going to have to accept that. I know you don't like it but it's inevitable. Travis and James are very nice boys and they would never do anything to harm either of the girls. This is more than I can say for some of the other boys at the school."
"What so I'm just supposed to be happy that they're with the lesser of two evils?" he asked.
"Yes..." she laughed. "Those boys treat them like they're queens."
"I should of had son's... only son's," he mumbled, a depressed look taking over his features. "Ohh, how I long for the days when all they wanted was Mrs. Butterbridge."
"Me too, that floppy hat and high pitched voice of yours really did it for me," she joked.
"Well in that case..." Draco said, perking up a bit. "Would you care for some tea and biscuits?" Draco switched his voice to the one he used when he would play tea party with the girls and answer to the name Mrs. Butterbridge.
"Stop it, Love," she laughed, pushing him away as he tried to get on top of her. "PJ is waiting for you."
"None sense," Draco continued, still using Mrs. Butterbridge's voice. "He'll occupy himself for a bit."
"So this is why you made me leave," huffed PJ, storming into the room. Draco turned suddenly, nearly falling off of his wife's lap.
"I thought we told you to go outside," Draco said, his voice returning to normal.
"I had to get my broom," said the annoyed boy, lifting up the apparatus so that they could see it. "Nice to know where your priorities are."
"Alright already, I'm coming," groaned Draco, walking over to his son and ruffling his hair. "Quidditch it is."
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