Chapter Thirteen
"Welcome back, gentlemen. I hope all has been aired for it is time to return you home. And I shall conjure the doorway in a mere flick of the ash." The two visiting wizards watched in awe, though one tried hard to conceal such emotion, as the Priestess flicked ashes from a dying fire into mid-air. A slow tumble of strange words slipped past her lips as she tossed more dark ashes about.
A bright light flashed through the flying ashes, forcing them to swirl about into a doorway. "She's sending us immediately to Hogwarts. She feels it'sthe fastest way to return as well as the safest."
"And, pray tell, how will that method of traveling not alert Albus of our impending return to his school? Hogwarts has a unique connection to her Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress."
"And I was taught the ways of old. Ways of magic long lost since the death of the great sorceress Circe. There is more to magic than what we learn within stone halls of schools. There is more to magic than what one believes. You simply need to find the right source as well as the right spy to lead you in that direction. Even if it means allowing that spy to be elevated to such high ranks to preserve what little freedom one has."
Two mouths dropped in shock, forcing Severus to once again lose control of his emotions. He couldn't believe what he just heard. Lucius! How did you manage that? And live? "Malfoy."
A slow, devilish smirk crossed Harry's face. "Who else when one spy is already suspected by those he fooled? And now we must leave; simply step through." With that Harry gave a half-jump into the shimmering doorway, not waiting for an response. He knew the others would follow, just because of their curiosity to know more about young Draco and his father, Lucius. I'm back, gentlemen. Time to play the game once again. Hedwig should already be in position.
Indeed she was. Hedwig could prove she was a smart owl, especially when dealing with her master, her confidante, her friend, Harry Potter. She also knew when she was needed and when to leave him in peace. She had always served Harry faithfully, even if she rarely carriedletters. And now here she was with something very vital to her master's plans.
Gracefully, she soared high into the sky, searching. A single gentle hoot fell from her beak as tired wings bent into place, allowing her to suddenly spiral downwards. Downwards to a seemingly empty swampy marsh, a marsh with layered wards upon spells, a marsh welcoming one infamous influential family, the Malfoys.
One such Malfoy was lounging across his king size bed of dark blue silk, watching the enchanted canopy above him. Pale skin glided sensually across the silken bedding as the body turned to view the large bay window, hearing a soft tapping. Who could this be? Gray eyes widened as they spied a lovely, serene, white owl flapping outside thewindow. Back already, Potter. Hopefully, we have not failed. He is quite impatient.
"Finally arrived, my dear?" Hedwig hooted politely as she glided inside. She willingly waited for the young blond to untie the rolled parchment from her left leg, then vanished back out the window without so much as a goodbye or payment. "Must be for reading only."
Draco slid back into his warm bed, unrolling his letter. A slow smirk crossed his aristocratic features as he read:
Ferret,
Good to know you still live at home with Daddy. Although, Hedwig can find you anywhere.
I've returned to British soil. (Always wanted to say that since seeing one of Dudley's American movies.)
I believe I shall visit the stars again. It is time I place the dead back where they belong. In the shadows of the veil of Death's arms.
Give my regards to old Voldie. I'm sure he's felt the link reopen.
The weather was quite agreeable, though the people are strange. Much to do and much learned.
Potty.
"Draco?" Gray eyes turned to face steel blue. His smirk never left his face, allowing one to grow upon his father's. "What have we learned now?"
"He's home. Visiting the dead."
Lucius lowered his head in acknowledgement, leaving his son with his letter. He had what he needed. It was time to finish the game. I do believe checkmate has happened. But he also knew his Lord wouldn't realize it yet. Nor will Narcissa. He could only hope that aligning himself with the enemy his rewards would be richer. After all, I am a Malfoy.
Steel blue faced the roaring fire, "Hello, my Lord. I have wonderful news. Harry Potter has returned to England. And to the Ministry." My part is done, boy. The rest lieswith you.