She walked hesitantly up the steps leading to her mother's room. In recent years, she had traveled this path more than once, hoping to find an empty bed and a woman standing on the balcony. However, Meredith Granger was still too weak. Her magic only kept her alive. She needed contact with her soul mate, who had unfortunately been cut off from her body. It was a miracle that she managed to give birth to her daughter. An even greater miracle was the fact that she lived to see her granddaughter.
- Mom, how are you today? - she asked in a whisper.
- Jean, honey ... It's better. I don't know why but it's better. Have a look. - She pointed at her feet with her wrinkled hand.
Jean Granger didn't know what was going on. She understood only when she saw the slight movement of the toes. She gently touched her mother's right foot and withdrew her hand after she unexpectedly felt her reaction.
- When did it happen? - She asked with a trembling voice at the same time wiping the tears flowing from her eyes.
- How were you escorting our little Hermione to the Hogwarts Express. My feet just started tingling. I think the curse is subsiding. However, I have been confined to this bed for the last 30 years. I don't want to get my hopes up. - The old woman sighed resignedly. - You think she's met them yet?
- Not them. She met one of the boys. His name is Harry Potter. In fact, we were lucky in this case. Had it not been for our girl's reflexes, the boy would have followed the Weasleys. - Jean said, coming to the dressing table where she played in her childhood.
- That old fool sent Weasleys over there? - the senior woman was indignant.
- Did he send them? What do you mean? - the woman didn't immediately realize what her mother meant.
- What else could a wizarding family be doing on a Muggle platform? - Meredith snapped.
- No matter what they did. It is important that Hermione met one of the boys. - She added seeing the doubting expression on her mother's face. - Do not look at me like this. I felt it right away. Even though your magic was lost not only by you, but also by me, I can still sense the magic auras. Besides, it was you who suggested that she met one of them.
- It's okay. I will not argue. I don't have the strength for this. The most important thing is that I have a chance to stand on my own feet. - the senior lady corrected herself on the bed, letting her daughter know that her help with pillows would be useful. - I wonder what this old fool would do if he knew that pressing one prophecy would activate the other. One that will turn against him.
xxx
There was so much tension in Malfoy Manor that if it were possible, it could have been cut with a knife. Narcissa Malfoy missed her only child. Her husband did not share her fears and worries. She knew this was due more to Lucius's continued absences from their lives than to an actual lack of affection for her offspring, but she couldn't contain her anger.
- Do you not care at all? - she snapped at him as he tried to hug her.
- It does. However, I have known for a long time, we both knew this had to happen. - Lord Malfoy thoughtfully sliced the steak on the plate in front of him.
- I doubt it. - The woman could barely contain her tears. Hiding her face in her hands, she wondered if she would ever get used to the absence of her baby.
- Honey … - the man did not have time to finish the sentence, because the Draco owl, Hermes, landed on the table. - You see, he already sent us a letter.
Narcissa snatched the envelope from her husband's hands and opened it with a quick, firm movement. As she pulled out the letter and began to read it, Lucius heard a soft sigh from her lips.
- Cissa, how was the sorting? - he asked with interest. He knew that despite the many characteristics of the Slytherin, his son had such a big heart that he could land in a Hufflepuff.
- Slytherin, no surprises. Elsewhere there is a surprise. Or even two.
- What happened? - Lucius stared at his wife, waiting for her to say something.
- All our friends' children got to Slytherin without any surprises, but … - the woman took a breath and continued - Harry Potter also got. And a Muggle-born with whom young Nott is to befriend.
Narcissa watched as her normally calm husband began to laugh hysterically. She had never seen him like this and didn't know what to do. She decided that she would wait for this unusual situation and then ask what it was about.
- Honey, I'm sorry. - he said, the amusement in his voice still palpable - I just didn't expect it. I did not expect it to turn out this way.
- You could explain to me. Sweetheart? - Lucius knew Narcissa was on the border beyond which she would become more Black than Malfoy. And Black women are very dangerous.
- The Dark Lord at the end of the war began to understand that he had made a mistake. He wanted to change campaigns so as to include slimes in building a new world. However, he still cared about a strict division between the magical worlds and the Muggles. Tom wanted to discuss the matter with Lily Evans Potter. He wanted to know her opinion on what could be done to achieve greater integration. He wanted the opinion of muggle-borns from all walks of life to prepare a ceasefire agreement to end the war. Many know the prophecies about Harry Potter and Our Lord. However, not many know that there was another prophecy as well. I was at her registration and told the Lord about her. He tried to figure it out but failed. The day the prophecy appeared, the Lord received an owl from Mrs. Potter. He went there without his wand as a sign of goodwill. So I really don't know what happened there. However, I doubt he was the one who killed them. Someone intervened, and now the second prophecy was triggered. - The man said it in one breath.
Narcissa stared at her husband, wondering why he hadn't revealed anything to her before - What was that prophecy? Do you remember?
- Mixing with destiny, he drew upon himself something worse than death. The son of those whom he sacrificed for the greater good with the help of a daughter born of the love of shadow and darkness, and a son who returned from the dead, will show that the one who is a symbol of light should rot for his crimes on the bottom of Tartarus. And whoever was in Hades they will lead to redemption.
- Very vague. - Lady Malfoy replied.
- Yes. However, it seems to me that it is about young Potter, among other things. And I suspect Albus Dumbledore is "fumbling with destiny". After all, we know his methods. This was what made me laugh. The first prophecy heralded the death of our Lord and the second heralded the death of Dumbledore. And saving Tom Riddle. If I interpret it correctly, of course.
- What do you think about the case of that girl Nott got interested in? - she asked, trying to change the subject.
- I'll have to talk to him personally about that. If he aired something, something's up. He may not be the brightest, but he has a memory for faces. - He said with a firm voice looking his wife in the eyes.
- It would also be worth talking to Severus. Both about Potter and ... Miss Granger. - she replied - Lucius, who is the author of the prophecy?
- Pandora Lovegood. - he replied shortly.
xxx
It has been several hours since Meredith began to feel her toes. Unknowingly, she hoped the curse was really subsiding. Time and time again she wondered what her life would be like if she had decided to join the old man that September morning to protect her magic. She knew she would never choose the Order of the Phoenix. She was just wondering if she could still enjoy her motherhood or if she would have been lying in a nameless grave with Jean for a long time.
- What are you wondering about, mom? - she heard her daughter's voice.
- I'm wondering if Abraxas Malfoy is still alive. - The woman's voice trembled slightly as she spoke the name of her old friend.
- The blonde guy you told me about? That self-righteous heir who, whenever something went wrong, said "my father will find out about it"? What do you need it for, mama? - she snorted indignantly.
- Maybe he was unbearable, but he was loyal and took care of his people. If we sent him a message, maybe his son or grandson would take care of our girl.
- No, Mum. We already took the risk of sending her to Hogwarts instead of Durmstrang. We don't need the possibility that the wrong person finds out about Hermione's connections. It took too much work to get all the paperwork for false information. We'll tell him when my daughter befriends someone in his family. - Jean's voice was indignant.
- You're right. I'm just worried. - The woman felt tears in her eyes.
- Me too, mom, me too. - The daughter embraced her mother for consolation.
xxx
The man howled in pain. And this time it wasn't physical pain. Today was the first day of school for the son of one of his friends. He couldn't understand why the magic law was so heartless that because of it, he couldn't adopt Harry. He was a werewolf, but not a monster. He missed that boy, he missed Sirius, he missed James and Lily. Even behind that Dungeon Bat Severus Snape. He's had a lot of time. That's why he thought a lot. Therefore, he regretted his actions against him. Snape didn't hurt them. He loved Lily, but more like a brother loves his sister. James was too possessive. And Lily too shallow. They all had faults, but they could try to get along instead of fighting. Even in his youth, he could not understand why Lily had not missed the fact that Severus had almost died from Sirius' distasteful joke. I'll try to fix it. But how is she going to fix the fact that she has no right to take care of a boy? Petunia would be happy if she could get rid of him. For now, applying for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher will have to suffice. Officially. Not after the director's connections. He knew it would be a better solution to go back to the Board of Governors and discover the fact that he was suffering from lycanthropia. He would also offer that, for the sake of the students' safety, he would be allowed to live in his home and travel to Hogwarts for classes only. One year should be enough to complete all documents and permits. Maybe two.
xxx
Narcissa sighed in shock. - Pandora? So this prophecy, although unclear, is correct.
- I think I know what you are thinking. Her predictions were remarkably accurate. Do you have any idea who but Potter and Dumbledore might be hiding in this prophecy? - He took the beloved's hand in his hands and started making circles on it with his thumb.
- I don't have a complete idea. I just hope that when the Lord returns, he will be sane, not crazy. - embarrassed by the thought she said aloud.
- I know, honey. Things can take an unexpected turn with Crazy Voldemort. Changing the subject. What else our boy wrote?
- What a blatant change. However, I do not know if it will be more pleasant. Considering how many times in one letter he mentioned her name and the fact that, due to the fear of alienating the girl, he did not make the recommended attempt to befriend Potter, it seems to me that our boy has just become infatuated with a Muggle-born. - Excitedly, she said it in one breath.
- Muggle-born? Not a Mudblood? - Lucius raised his eyebrows in surprise at his wife's words.
- Oh ... If he chooses her then I wish he wasn't afraid to tell us about it. And I would not like to offend our future daughter-in-law.
- Ah, Cissa, I should forbid you to read Muggle romances. - The woman's eyes widened in surprise.
- You thought I didn't know? I have known about "secret parcels" from Andromeda for years. I didn't say anything because sometimes you get inspiration from them. - he growled staring at his wife. - Then you will sulk at the fact that our son has left or we will try to create a daughter?
- Lucius … - she sighed sadly.
- Sweetheart. We're not too old yet. The healers said we are both fertile. I think we were under too much pressure then. We have tried too often and your body has become weak. We already have an heir. Now let's take it easy. It will work. And if not, it's difficult to say. However, even without trying, I feel like making love with my wife, for whom I am crazy from our first meeting.
xxx
At Gringotts Bank, it's time for monthly summaries and reports. Since he became the head of the Heritage Transfer Department, the Dragon's Tusk has personally checked the work of his subordinates. Therefore, it quickly detected any irregularities. And that is why he called Griphook for the morning meeting.
- Good morning, do you know why you were called? - he asked the surprised employee.
- I do not know. I thought I was doing my job flawlessly. - he replied confidently.
- It's about young Lord Potter. Why wasn't an inheritance test performed so that he could collect all his assets? - Dragon's Tusk saw the surprise on Griphook's face. Did he really think he wouldn't pick up such a blatant error?
- Headmaster Dumbledore ordered … - all confidence left the young goblin.
- What? You broke the oath and sacred rules because the headmaster ordered you?
- As his Magical Guardian, he had the right to do so.
- He didn't, because he IS NOT his magical guardian, Griphook. There are NO documents to prove this fact. We both know it. Lord Potter does not even need a magical guardian to take over the property, because by law, on the day of receiving the Hogwarts letter, he was considered old enough to be able to claim his inheritance. When he came, you had a duty to tell him everything that was his. Everything. Vaults and estate. You are no longer the Keeper of these vaults. You will be suspended and you will be placed in custody while the audit is carried out and it is shown that the accounts have not been left with anything other than the amount necessary to ensure adequate upbringing given to the family caring for them. I'll personally hand over the information to this boy.
- The director quite intensely suggested that it was not worth opposing him. I don't think he wanted the boy to be independent of him.
- This is quite interesting. We will have to solve the mystery of what this wizard is playing. Wizards should not get involved in goblin affairs.
xxx
In the darkened room, the man lying in bed recovered his strength. A smile spread across his face. Thirty years later, he began to feel the magic of his soul mate again. Their bond began to heal. He only hoped that his Hyde, who had stuck to Quirinus Quirrell during the body retrieval ritual, would not be a problem.
- Professor Dumbledore, here I come.
xxx
How did you like the chapter? Severus and the new Slytherins will be in the next one.
