Chapter Thirty-Two
The days crept on as pure-bloods and some half-blood students eagerly awaited for the upcoming Christmas break. Heavy snow had began to fall as the Hogwarts grounds was covered in a thick white blanket. Students were outside in their winter cloaks and black pointed hats on this early December weekend, they were throwing snowballs at one another. Sounds of children's laughter and the sound of a frequent thudding of snowballs could be heard in the snow. Argus Filch being able to join with the other children for the first time. As he helped Lucy fling a few snowballs at her other friends in innocent fun. The Riddle gang were of cause making sure they hit the muggle-borns the hardest but in a way in which none of them could get in trouble for it. Even Tom Riddle joined in as he stood there in his black winter cloak and his black pointed hat, chucking many snowballs at the nearest muggle-born he could see. Olive Hornby was targeting Myrtle Warren of cause (who chucked snowballs back just as much). Lucy giggling as she chucked a snowball at her running friend's back. Argus felt included for the first time as he joined in with this fight as he flung more snowballs at passing students. Some of the girls were laid in the snow as they made snow angels.
"It's a shame we don't have any sledges" Lucy remarked to Argus as she wistfully looked up at the now snowy hill.
"Who needs sledges? Come on" Argus demanded.
Lucy giving a nervous smile as she followed him. What idea did he have this time? Her other friends followed behind as they too were curious. He led them back inside the castle and all the way towards the bridge. Ruth, Victoria and Poppy looking at each other with a puzzled expression. Though they reluctantly carried on, he opened the nearest door which was on the right side of the first hallway outside of the bridge.
"This is how we die" Victoria muttered under her breath.
As they were led down long dark steps. Lucy's attempted to ask him what his idea was but he just hushed her down. The girls followed him deeper until they reached a familiar spot. The boathouse. He looked back with a knowing grin on his face as he began to undock one of the boats.
"Argus. I said a sledge, not a boat" Lucy spoke in confusion.
"I know. Let's all grab it then...We can use this as a sledge, can't we?" Argus asked.
His young mind came to the conclusion that a boat can go down a hill. If a sledge can, why not a small rowing boat? The four girls looked at one another with nervous laughs. They really didn't think this was going to go down well, besides; only four people can fit in one boat.
"So the plan is to sail out to the lake?" Lucy questioned back.
"No silly. We grab this together. All five of us lift it and carry it back upstairs and outside to the top of the hill. Then you have your sledge" Argus answered back.
The adult version of him would have been disgusted at such foolishness. Though the child him still wasn't beaten down by the world. Lucy thought it did sound fun as she gave a nod. About to help him out however her three friends were still thinking about it.
"This is stupid and we won't be rewarded for it" Ruth spoke up with her arms crossed.
"I bet it will be fun. I'm going to do it. I don't care if we lose house points, going down in a boat on a hill sounds fun" Poppy admitted.
As she stood besides Lucy and Argus, ready to help. Victoria had to agree as she went over. The four of them began to help Argus lift the boat, it was heavier than expected. Ruth tutting in the background as she refused to have any part in this tomfoolery. They put it back down with groans as they knew they couldn't lift it all the way over.
"I've got an idea...let's see if it works or not. Let me concentrate" Poppy said as she got out her wand.
Her friends and Argus watching with interest as they moved back. She seemed very focused as she pointed her wand at the boat and shouted...
"Diminuendo!"
The five of them standing back as they watched the boat begin to shrink in size. It soon looked like a mere toy boat floating on the river. Poppy with a smug grin on her face as she had perfected that spell. Argus bent down as he picked up the boat (it could now fit in his hand). Ruth couldn't deny she was impressed as she followed them back up the stairs. Argus carrying the small boat as they went back the way they came. Though they passed Galatea Merrythought on the bridge, the stern witch barely reacting as she just gave them a brief glare. The five of them made their way back outside. Ruth however refused to go any further as she didn't want to get in trouble over a stupid boat.
"Ruth. Don't be a bore" Poppy whined though this was met with frosty silence.
Knowing they weren't going to convince her to come. The four of them made their way towards the hill. Argus getting out the boat again from his pocket as he placed it at the top of the hill. Poppy telling everyone to move back again as she took out her wand. She briefly looked around for any members of staff before saying...
"Engorgio"
The boat began to grow as quickly as it shrunk. The children moved back slightly to avoid getting smacked by the boat on it's way back to it's original size. Some students down below stopped their snowball fighting as they looked towards the hill to see the boat. Argus told the girls to get in first as he needed to be the one to shove it down. Lucy was forced into the front while Victoria and Poppy took their places at the back. Argus gave the boat one quick shove before forcing himself besides an excited Lucy. The sound of four whooping children was heard as the boat began to slide down the snowy and icy hill. Students down below having to move out of the way as the incoming boat got closer. It came to a halt as it hit the castle wall. This soon resulted in dozens of students begging to be allowed a go as the normal sized boat was carried back up the hill by many hands. Nott, Rosier, Lestrange and Avery climbed into the boat next. Walburga giving them a huge shove as they too went down the hill.
"I think we just invented a new sport" Victoria muttered to Lucy and Poppy.
Making them smile in response.
...
"I'm sad to leave you here" Argus spoke to Lucy as he was going home to Yorkshire for the Christmas break.
The pure-bloods and some half-bloods were going home today. With the muggle-borns (and some half-bloods who lived in major cities) having to stay behind. Though all of the pure-bloods were going as they were all safely away from the muggle bombs. Argus being included however his squib status made his pure-blood status not mean anything.
"I'll be alright. Hope you have a nice time at home" Lucy replied as they stood in the hallway.
"I likely won't. Christmas is worse because the rest of my family come. They enjoy mocking me you see...I can't use a wand, a broomstick or even make a potion. So to them I'm useless" Argus spoke with a sigh.
"It's really not fair. I mean, it's not your fault you're a squib"
"Well that how it goes. I wish you come come...Maybe I'll ask father again. He said no last time but time have passed. Maybe he might do now he knows we are still friends"
"Hopefully" Lucy paused as she spotted Archibald getting more restless in the background as he waited for his brother to come with him so they could go home..."Well see you next year" Lucy added.
Giving him a goodbye hug. He always cherished her hugs as besides his brother, he got no affection from anyone else. He gave her a wave before walking towards his brother (who was dreading getting a lecture from his father about his broken broomstick). The students going home walked behind one another as they were on their way to Hogsmeade to side-along apparition with their parents or use floo powder. There was no point in using the train when all the students going home had magical parents. Eileen Prince was walking besides Druella and Walburga, the girls were quite nervous as they knew Severus Prince would be soon be nearby. The Riddle gang suddenly felt less emboldened as they didn't have their leader in their ear. Ogg led the students towards the village as some parents were already waiting. Severus Prince was seen talking to Pollux Black (father of Walburga) by the 'Three Broomsticks'.
"Say nothing about anything" Walburga hissed quietly in Eileen's ear.
The girls walked towards the two men. Though the two men were deep in conversation. Severus gave his daughter a quick glance to acknowledge her presence. Walburga standing besides her father Pollux as she crossed her arms, suddenly feeling much better. Severus pointed towards Mr Fisk (father of Ruth and Betty) as he uttered something about distrust. Argus and Archibald walked inside the pub meanwhile as they were getting home by floo powder. Avoiding the gaze of Severus and Pollux.
"We will speak another time, Pollux. Don't want anyone to mishear, do we?" Severus asked rhetorically.
"No. Grab onto my arm Walburga, it's time" Pollux instructed.
That was the last bit of the conversation the Filch boys overheard. Archibald pushed Argus towards the fireplace first. Argus actually enjoyed using the floo powder as it was the one tiny bit of magic he could use without any help. He dropped the powder and said his address. He felt very dizzy as he landed inside his home's fireplace. His parents briefly glanced at him, disappointed that it wasn't their eldest son. Argus was greeted with silence as he stood a bit to the side, waiting for his brother to arrive next. Archibald himself was soon there, his mother warmly embraced him. Though his father wasn't quite as happy as the first thing he said was...
"The Nott family have refused to pay for the damage on your broomstick. Can you believe the cheek? Apparently Geoffrey didn't mean to do it and a broken broomstick is just part of the risk of quidditch"
"He did mean it. I saw him" Argus spoke up, trying to involve himself in the family discussion.
Though his father barely acted as if he heard him. Archibald always felt very uncomfortable when all four of them were in the same room. He hated this situation. He didn't agree with his parents and how they treated Argus over being a squib. He thought they were wrong in letting him go to Hogwarts as a caretaker assistant instead of just sending him to a muggle school (where he would at least have a chance of making something of himself, albeit in the muggle world).
"He meant to do it. I'm certain" Archibald said firmly.
"Nasty family. Don't worry though...When I get my wages, I'm going to buy you the upcoming Tinderblast" Mr Filch assured him.
"No need father, honestly. Why don't you buy something for Argus instead? He wants a bicycle" Archibald replied.
This made Mr Filch give a chortle as if it was a ridiculous idea. He just told them to sit at the dining table for lunch. Mrs Filch quickly walking to the kitchen as they avoided talking about Argus and everything to do with him. Unless it was to lecture him in some way.
...
Eileen meanwhile was side-along apparated by her father Severus to 'Malfoy Manor'. Due to them living in London and Severus refusing point-blank to share bomb shelters with muggles. He asked Irving Malfoy if he and his family could temporarily move in with them until the muggle war was over. This was quickly agreed to as room was made for them all. Irving awaited at the gates as he allowed them in. Eileen has been here many times before, Abraxas had been her playmate before Hogwarts (and afterwards). Severus and Irving walked on together past the peacocks and into the manor's main entrance. A now heavily pregnant Agnes Prince stood with Mrs Malfoy near the entrance with Abraxas. Eileen had never been so happy to see him as the children greeted each other with a smile. A nervous looking female house-elf bowed as she lifted up a bowl of chocolates, Eileen taking one of them without so much of a nod.
"Go and get the goblet" Irving instructed to the house-elf.
The house-elf just nodding as she said..."Yes, Master" before walking backwards. Turning around when she reached one of the smaller rooms as she let herself in to collect this goblet. Abraxas and Eileen meanwhile made their way upstairs towards the huge dining room in which three house-elves were setting up the table for the upcoming dinner. Sitting down on the carpet besides the fireplace as the children could finally talk without adults present. Of cause, the house-elves didn't count to them.
"Tell me everything. What is Tom up to now?" Abraxas asked quietly.
"He's getting worse...they all are. He's got the likes of Lestrange and Nott eating out of the palm of his hand. I'm only tolerated because they are scared of my father" Eileen explained.
"And you?"
"I hate him. Just because you may agree with some of his ideas, it doesn't mean you should stand with him. He doesn't care about anyone but himself...He's a savage in nice clothing, you do understand?"
"Yes. Of cause! I hate how he's treating our friends. Even Slughorn acts like he's perfect. My father has been getting a lot of letters from Hogwarts since my removal, begging for me to brought back. Funny that...I don't recall getting heaps of attention when I was there"
"There's no point. You're lucky to be out of it"
He gave a shrug before looking into the fireplace. The adults were soon heard coming up the stairs. The children getting up as the table was now set as they all sat around the table together. Agnes feeling her stomach as she sat besides Severus. Mrs Malfoy giving a small glance at her. The house-elves placing the glasses on the table. Irving snapping his fingers which made them quickly hurry up as they poured wine into the glasses.
"I shouldn't drink really" Agnes spoke up, still holding onto her stomach.
"No harm comes from it in small doses. I drank a bit of wine when I was carrying Abraxas" Mrs Malfoy responded.
"I'll think I'll just stick to water but thank you" Agnes spoke.
Passing the wine over to the twelve year old Eileen. The girl taking a few sips of the wine. Which didn't seem to bother her father in the slightest, she could drink a little bit if she wanted. Irving clicked his fingers again before shouting...
"Hurry up with that food, Pearl!"
Pearl being the youngest house-elf. They had five in all and they all had different jobs to do. Eileen jumped slightly at his loud voice as she put the wine back down, the sound of running small footsteps could soon be heard from down below as Pearl came out from the kitchen with two silver platters. Abraxas barely reacted as he was use to this. She bowed down before placing the silver platters in the middle of the table. Running away to collect the final silver platter as she went back down below to the kitchen.
"Sorry about the slow service. I'm hoping for Pearl to give me a younger and quicker house-elf at some point" Irving told Severus.
"Good luck with that one. Her choice of mates don't give me any hope" Severus replied.
Making Irving give a small chuckle. The comment going right over the children's heads as the older and slower male house-elves began to dish out the food. Mrs Malfoy and Agnes Prince giving the men a look anyway as they didn't want to discuss that over the dinner table. Duck with carrots and peas was served and it did look delicious. Eileen getting stuck in as the girl was the first to begin eating, Abraxas soon followed her lead.
"This is lovely. I'm really thankful you let us stay. Especially in my conditon" Agnes spoke up.
"Don't be silly. You are always welcome...You, Severus and Eileen. We are delighted to have the newest Prince born in our home" Mrs Malfoy assured her.
Eileen muttered something under her breath. She wasn't delighted about this new Prince sibling. She was content with being an only child for the last twelve years but Agnes wanted a child of her own, didn't she? Severus went along with it as he was keen to have a son this time around. Abraxas muttered something back to her which made her gently shove him away.
"Yes of cause we are. So tell me, how is Hogwarts these days?" Irving asked as he looked at Eileen.
She looked between her father and step-mother. Wondering if she should be honest or lie about how it wasn't too bad.
"Dull" Eileen answered; getting some laughter from the Malfoy couple.
"Dull? Well that's the best answer Hogswarts can expect from a pure-blood these days. I'm glad I took Abraxas out, getting there by muggle transport was bad enough but then they only went and added muggle studies. Ridiculous" Irving spoke while sipping some wine.
Severus keeping quiet as always during this. He very much agreed with Irving but he didn't bother admitting it as his silence was enough to confirm it. Abraxas giving a smile as he spoke up...
"I've been offered a placement at Durmstrang, isn't that right father?"
"Oh yes. My boy's going to Durmstrang in September. They know about his education here and he's going to join them. The school of Grindelwald of cause" Irving answered.
"Very far away. Aren't you going to miss him dreadfully?" Agnes asked.
"We are but it's for his own good" Mrs Malfoy said.
"We want him to be able to mix with other people his own age. At Durmstrang, they allow for such a great mind as his to do what he pleases and unlike at dear old Hogwarts, he won't be mistreated by scum like Tom Riddle" Irving explained.
Eileen giving Abraxas a look as if to say told you. Severus was thinking about this too but no, his daughter was settled in Hogwarts. He just deemed Tom as too big for his boots, some strange half-blood above his station.
"Tom Riddle won't amount to anything" Severus insisted.
"He thinks he will. He thinks he's the heir of Slytherin" Eileen admitted.
Laughter came from around the table at this. Irving banging his hand on the table as he let out his last gasp of laughter. Severus smiling, he had a better sense of humour than his future grandson. The women giggling to themselves, no adult believed that in 1939. They really had no idea of what he's been feeding the children and professors. The wizarding world was too concerned over Grindelwald to worry about some second-year with illusions of grandeur.
"That boy is going places...And of cause when I say places, I mean Azkaban" Irving said.
Which resulted in more laughter. As they sat around the table, no idea that the boy in question would use this table in the future as his meeting place. Irving would have been beyond disgusted at his future grandson Lucius for even suggesting it.
...
TBC