"Its almost time, the guests will be arriving any moment. Scorpius would you please select something appropriate to play? Something Muggle we might use at our penthouse in New York. Something loungy."
My head made an awkward jerking motion at the sound of the word 'loungy'. Hardly a word i'd ever think of him using. He's been so weird these last two years. If i'd been away at Hogwarts the entire time I might have assumed he'd had a stoke. That or maybe he'd been bewitched.
I stopped suddenly as a strange emotion seized me then. I turned back to look at him for a second time, seeing what my father had become. Nobody truly ever understands the sum of another persons existence, nor do i presume to propose even that we were meant to possess that capacity. Yet sometimes when look at father or Albus or Auroroa, I imagine if only for a brief flash that I can see into their souls. Sometimes a collection of images and impressions glimmer hazily in my mind. The feeling is incomplete and perceived through the tainted lense of my individual senses. Yet... These brief moments are so intensely powerful that I manage at times to be overwhelmed by their effect on me. Never do I feel more connected or more alone.
"Yes father of course, Itsy my Eye pod please." I asked, putting my strange thoughts aside and extending my hand for the orb shaped device that contained all of my songs. I stared down at the enchanted object. It had been a particularly crafty piece of magology based on a muggle device of a similar name... a christmas gift from Albus... The idiot really should market them...
I lifted my head up to stare vacantly around the beautiful entrance hall. I had grown up in this enchanted place... These marbled floors and sprawling rooms had housed my childhood fantasies and dark fears both. I ran my fingers across the Eye pod, looking up at a large portrait of Ella and I that hung masterfully across from the entryway. I squeezed the orb tightly in my hands... I had so desperately wanted to share this place with him, show him more of the secret places my sister and I had used to hide from the nannies and elves. Now it seems I will never get the chance.
While I continued my forlorn musings about Al, Father merely poured some of our finest wines into their respective decanters. It was a ritual he had always enjoyed performing exclusively by hand. There was something insultingly impersonal about handling a guests wine via magic he'd say, and on this unique occasion no rituals could be ignored or left to elvish magic.
I ran through a playlist of modern music and selected a song that the idiot had introduced me to, nodding satisfactorily at my choice. Markus had been raised a muggle and surely would enjoy it over a more stiff and formal classical song. Almost as soon as i'd hit play there came a distinct series of loud cracks that could only have come from magical apparition. I bolted explosively to the door, eager to greet the early guests as a welcome distraction from my personal drama.
It turned out that the first of the Maxus family to arrive was Markus's aunt Lucretzia de Medici née Maxus, accompanied by her husband and their three sons: Marco, Giovanni, and Ludovico.
Marco at twenty six was fully grown and now married with a baby on the way. Since we had always had very little in common, i tended to ignore him as politely as possible. The youngest, Ludovico, was eight, and a more well mannered child you'd never have seen anywhere. He was quiet and respectful which unfortunately made him just as equally boring. It was a forgivable offense since he was so young and because we all secretly hoped he might grow out of it one day.
It was the middle child, Giovanni who i had always liked the best of the three. He could be a completely pretentious snob at times but was so hilariously outrageous that you were too amused to be shocked or put off by his behavior. He was Markus's age and got along with our cousin so extraordinarily well that they were rarely seen apart. Giovanni in fact had a myriad of muggle friends and tended to fit in quite well with them all too. He would spend his vacations flying around to islands or partying on yachts but never let his wealth or magical ability corrupt him. He was perhaps the most humble person i knew.
According to his elder brother Giovanni was currently dating the model and painter Dominique Weasley. She was the first magical partner he'd ever met who so enjoyed the muggles way of life that he couldn't resist asking her out. They would often go to famous clubs or fashion shows in Paris, Milan and London together. That or they'd visit museums or galleries in New York. Either way they'd never take their wands.
"I'm telling you Scorpius, Dominique is remarkable."
"Yeah... until you do something stupid. I'd be really careful with this one Giovanni. Domi will destroy you if you do anything remotely suspect. Her temper is formidable."
"I've heard the stories too and I haven't seen anything frightening yet."
"I know the Weasley's from first hand experience. Its worse than the stories. Those two models are more volatile than their Veela grandmother. By the time you witness her wrath it will be too late." He gulped at that.
"Well...you really only live once... and I do like her. She pretends to be shallow for the ease of living... But man I tell you she has the soul and heart of an artist. Her paintings... Well they transport you."
I smiled at his honest evaluation of his new girlfriend. Always so canded and heartfelt.
Next to arrive had been a model himself. The youngest and most handsome of Markus's uncles, Luca Maxus along with his two daughters were announced then by a pair of armed praetori. I had never met this branch of the family so was shocked to behold Luca's two girls. Lilliana was seven and a sweeter child you'd never have imagined. She wore a wreath of flowers in her blond hair and made everyone she met bend down so she could peck them on the cheek.
From Liliana I looked over to the young woman at Luca's side and realized then that each girl must have had a different mother. The elder sister was at least eighteen given her height and ... Shape.
She wore a slim shimmering oriental dress the color of orange flame which draped and ruffled sumptuously to hug every beautiful curve of her body. Patterns of fiery flowers burned brightly along the glimmering fabric. Yellow gold thread was used where the Japanese characters rippled spell like across its surface. Her dress had been designed no doubt to match her unusual orange eyes. They burned with a remarkable intensity that seemed to roil in time with the patterns on her gown. I remembered suddenly that only members of the Muramasa clan had ever produced such fiery eyes, usually when mixed with other noble houses. If she was Sakura Muramasa's bastard then she could potentially play an enormous political role at court. A union between the Muramasa and Maxus clans however secretive was a powerful match.
She caught me staring and with a smile came over to introduce herself.
"I am Lucia Mizuki Maxus, it is very nice to finally meet you. I apologize that my mother was unable to join us, but matters of national import take precedence." I couldn't help blushing as she introduced herself to me. It was something i deeply resented still being capable of at this age. I blamed the idiot for infecting me with his humanity... Although... she was so outrageously attractive that I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her. We spoke briefly about ourselves, catching up on family drama, shifting international politics all while carefully avoiding the actual subject and reason for tonights gathering. Markus remainded saliently on the forefront of everyone's thoughts yet nobody could actually compel themselves to bring him up.
"I don't mean to be rude... I'm merely curious. I have very distant Muramasa heritage within me and am quite friendly with the twins... are you... By chance..."
"Legitimate?" She asked, surprised at my courage for daring to ask.
"I was going to say close."
"I am quite close with my younger siblings. They respect me dearly for the love my mother has shown me as well as for the fact that my father comes from a more noble house than theirs."
"Do you think that worries them? I have never heard them mention you before."
"You forget that the imperial family serves publicly in their role. The muggles would question why Sakura's half italian bastard would have a better claim than her husbands children. My siblings have nothing to fear from me in that capacity. However... who can ultimately say what my role will be within the magical community."
I considered her words carefully as we continued our discussion. She had a great understanding of the shifting politics. Which made her very dangerous or should she prove an ally, very powerful. I struggled to pay attention to all the discussions, Al's glowing emerald eyes kept flashing intrusively in the back of my mind.
I shook my head, taking a deep sip of a glass of red to dispel the image. The moment i had all attention swiveled to the fromt door. As was expected the next guests to arrive were the current and soon to be supplanted head of the Maxus family.
With four explosive thunderclaps arrived Marius Maxus, his sons Julius and Giuliano, alongside their mother Angeline Anjou of Paris. Julius was the intelligent and driven son while Giuliano tended to be more like Giovanni. The difference was that Giovanni was a kind and deeply loyal friend and was perhaps the only relative i knew who Markus thoroughly enjoyed seeing-aside from me of course. Giuliano was instead, simply what the americans liked to call, a douche. A deeply pretentious malignant narcissist, he had been completely spoiled by the obscene amount of money his mother gave him to spend. He passionately resented that Markus's father had inherited the bulk of the Maxus family fortune and even more resented that my Father as a Malfoy was richer still. He would go on endlessly about blood purity and supporting the Spanish wizarding revolt. The Valois would have approved of his hate filled rhetoric. There was even talk from him about the need to renew the muggle extermination, a sentiment that his parents had silenced violently.
Sometime amidst the conversation my eyes fell into the swirling burgundy of my wine. I could even feel myself blush as I accidentally unleashed a wandless charm. My spell of course had inadvertently converted the liquid into the same rich emerald that plagued me so often when I slept. His shade of emerald.
When my mind returned from its random wanderings, I noticed that a few other family friends and notables had arrived in the interim. The guests included to my surprise: Headmistress McGonagall, Aberforth Dumbledore, Ginevra and Lily Potter and to my even greater shock, both Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Warlocks, Hermeus Hecate as well as Supreme founder of wizarding France Augustin DeValois himself with his youngest son Cyrille in tow.
Without thinking I raced over to Cyrille to embrace my old friend in an uncharacteristically warm hug. After what had happened today I realized now more than ever how much I needed old friends. I didn't usually display my emotions publicly but It had been such a long time since last we'd seen one another. It was nice to discover he was just as equally pleased to see me.
"It never ceases to surprise my senses" Augustin began, interrupting my greeting. "To see you Scorpius, the very image of Cyrille reflected. It is an honor to be invited to your magnificent home, cousin."
"The honor is ours for hosting you. My sincerest apologies for not receiving you myself at the door, I was occupied with other guests and hadn't realized you'd arrived."
Both Augustin and I bowed in a more formal greeting, while I discreetly examined Cyrille. Just as Augustin had said, It was like looking into a mirror. We were so similar that you might have thought us twins. The only difference perhaps was that Cyrille looked slightly more feminine. More like Ella might have looked... That thought made me pause when it was time to welcome the next guests.
Lily Potter walked up to me politely with a fiendish smile, curtsying briefly before me. Her argent dress folding silkily as she descended. Whether her move had been out of actual respect or to mock me I couldn't tell. "Peverell, Prewett, Potter, Weasley, of course one of your clan would have to show up. Since they never let James out in public on occasions such as these it would have to be you."
"It certainly wasn't going to be Albus after what just happened. He didn't even have to ask. I was happy to come in his stead. I wanted a chance to see Cyrille again as well."
"Any chance you'll give your brother a message for me?"
"Not on your life" she returned flatly. "Although for the record, I think you are both idiots."
"Thanks... But I already know I'm an idiot." Her response had not surprised me. It had been more wishful thinking on my part than anything to hope she might speak to Al on my behalf.
"Oh good because here I thought you were ignorant of that fact. Whatever you have planned to win my brother back you should enact it sooner rather than later. We have a seemingly dangerous guest staying with us now and I can't help but feel Al could use your support and advice right about now."
I paused to consider her words before nodding silently in answer.
We parted ways then and I had trouble processing the sight of father whispering into Ginny Potters ear. I was so curiously taken aback that I hardly noticed when Giovanni snuck up on me from behind to surprise me. Everyone drank and made polite small talk for the next ten minutes or so until we suddenly heard the first of the fireworks explode.
I was in mid conversation with Julius, Giovanni, and Lucia when the front doors burst open to the ceremonious procession of twelve honor guards. Six were draped in Malfoy colors and six in the traditional ambery orange-gold of house Maxus. I watched tipsily as three Rolls Royces pulled up in the circular drive, all of their doors opening at once. I wondered then if Markus would ever get used to the rigid formality of our protocols. It could get terribly stuffy sometimes. Well... he had been very rich even by muggle standards so perhaps he was already used to it.
First out of the middle car was Clara Maxus nee Blackwell, Markus's squib mother, followed by the guest of honor himself. My head spun fogily then as the charms activated themselves. Fountains and enchanted lights erupted into vibrant life as the pair walked along the entrance path. Markus looked visibly perturbed by some of the enchantments but wildly entranced by others. It was a lot to take in for someone in his position.
MPOV
"The minute you walk through that door and your uncle bows before you, the Maxus seal will recognize you as its true heir. Are you ready for this Mark?"
"A little late now for that kind of talk don't you think mum?" I returned as we ascended the stairs towards the open double doors. I was in the strangest attire I'd ever worn and understood now why my uncle always seemed to be so oddly out of style. Everything Scorpius and I would talk about. All the myths and fairy tales had been real. How could any of this be happening I wondered as we stepped through the doorway and into the grand marbled lobby. There were guards, guests and creatures i'd only ever heard tell of in stories. Before I could even contemplate the oddities, my uncle Marius walked up to me with an honest smile and ceremoniously bowed in welcome.
The moment he rose the scene exploded into life. Both columns of guards stood at attention and the entire room erupted in an ring of explosive applause. It was as though I were in a dream. My younger cousins immediately dropped their frigid formality and raced over to congratulate me. Scorpius, Julius and Giovanni were the first to reach me followed by Ludovico and Lilliana. Everyone chirped and chattered excitedly, asking me what it was like to discover that there had been so much more to life. The adults then came single file to introduce themselves and wish me well. It wasn't until my mother approached that the room grew deathly silent. The crowd parted deferentially before her as she walked forward, a small rectangular box in hand. The item to my surprise had my family seal on it. She had tears in her eyes as she contemplated me. I watched curiously as every member of the Maxus family bowed then, some even closing their eyes. When she reached me she opened the box and withdrew an elegant metal instrument that looked like an orchestra conductors baton. The handle was molded in the shape of a golden Griffin, its wings raised perpendicular to the shaft.
"Aether. Thirteen inches, ironwood, Griffin talon core. This wand has been passed down through countless generations of the Maxus family, only a scion of our house can wield it. A wand with a griffin core is unique to our lineage. A wand, Markus, is the symbol of a wizards power. It is his life and his conduit for the expression of his gifts. Never lose it, never mistreat it and never let another attempt to take it from you. If aether chooses you, we will know who you really are and that you belong in this world."
I watched my mother curiously as she presented the item to me, thinking how sad and proud she must be. Both her parents had been noble wizards. This might have been her life too, had she not been born like me, a squib. My thoughts shifted wildly at that. The moment i took hold of the item, i felt a breath of life rush through me. I won't honestly pretend to possess the words to describe the experience of gripping a wand for the first time. There is an indescribable quality to the landmark that cannot be expressed. Even for somebody as new to this world as i was. I felt... alive... powerful... complete for the first time. Energy surged like a wave in my flesh as a gust of wind blew through the open doors, wrapping itself around me in a dancing spiral. So this was magic?
I stared over at Scorpius who had the strangest expression sewn onto his face. He made a discreet motion for me to follow before he vanished upstairs. What was so important now that he had to tell me in private? It took me a half an hour before I managed to dodge the rest of the guests. When I got up to his room he pulled me inside and waved a hand at the door. I watched it close itself as a bubble formed around us.
"Listen carefully because I won't repeat myself. You and I. The Malfoys and the Maxus family. We are part of a larger plot to destroy the muggle world. I'll try and explain as best I can but even i dont know the whole picture. All i know is that I'm going to need your help. Do you trust me?"
"What? I... Don't understand."
"Do you trust me?" he asked insistently.
"Yes of course."
"Good then do exactly as I say."
Thanks to Guest and Anon, Ami Uchiha and of course Attack of the Blue Penguins.
Also special thanks to Nita.
I'm plotting out the summer and events leading up to the Carnival of the Moon. Its packed full of stuff so brace yourselves. If you guys are worried that a) i'm dropping the story or b) that Al and Scor won't make up. Don't be. Lots more of the two on the way.
Sorry if the pacing is a bit weird in this chapter it needs serious revision and editing but I wanted to get the material posted considering how long ive taken to update since last time.
