A/N : hopefully this works. My computer decided to stop working a couple hours after posting the first chapter. Luckily I save everything to the cloud, so I didn't lose what I have. With the lack of my computer (sent away for repair) I'm attempting to publish using my iPad. If this looks funky or anything seems not quite right, please let me know.
A little cursing, if anyone is sensitive, I can't remember if "bad language" (other than the occasional bloody) was used in the other stories. But I don't think it warrants an increase in rating.
So excited with how quickly people started to favorite and follow this one (along with the first two). You all are amazing and your notes make me smile. Let's get on with the show.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
After finishing lunch, Narcissa sent the children outside telling them to stay close. That made the four youngsters curious, "Wish I thought to bring some of the spying things the Weasley twins sent us, brilliant idea those extendable ears." The rest agreed as the boys continued to build their arsenals. It seemed with skiing off the table, the only acceptable alternative was a large scale snowball battle. Hermione, deciding to enjoy the scenery a bit more, made her way to the patio overlooking the valley.
While the children occupied themselves, the adults sat around the table waiting for Narcissa to explain what Rich and Lucius needed to know. To the surprise of two men, Regulus stood and pulled a large parchment from the corner of the room. With a flick of his wand, the parchment covered the table and the other men stood to look at it. Lucius quickly identified the purpose.
"Reg, I appreciate your sharing of Black wards, but what's going on?" Regulus rolled his eyes at Lucius and looked to Rich whose confused expression gave a starting point.
"Rich, as Lucius said, these are the protective enchantments established by every Head of the Black family since the beginning. They are used to protect our properties, our possessions from unauthorized individuals. Each head, while learning their future responsibilities, learn what those before them added. After learning the basics, the heir's first official act is to design and then add their own." Regulus pointed to certain areas on the map showing his additions.
"Warding is what Reg is talking about. Wards are a more recent term and if you ask any of the portraits or a charms master, they will say warding doesn't exist. What we call wards are technically protective enchantments. I use wards typically because the correct name is a mouthful and it's generally known what a ward is. However it seems whatever this is, Reg needs to use the more formal title. Which makes me wonder…"
Lucius added the additional information after realizing both terms were used, causing Rich to be a bit confused. At the clarification, Rich nodded in appreciation and retook his seat. Lucius also sat and waited as patiently as he could for Reg to get to the point.
Regulus looked up, not realizing his focus moved to the map instead of those in the room. "Yes, sorry, I'm a bit out of sorts. So to continue, as the Head adds new wards to the ancestral lands, they are immediately rolled out to all family properties including the vaults at Gringotts. It's a nice effect, means if you have multiple properties any strengthening done to one, is done to all. It also is why the goblins maintain the official documentation." Reg pointed to the Gringotts logo in the upper corner.
After sitting, Rich's attention remained on the map. His eyes moved over certain areas again and again before realizing Reg stopped speaking. Pointing to a specific area, Rich said, "This looks like what you did to our old home. I remember you drawing it for us." Regulus seemed pleasantly surprised at Rich's memory of something so intricate.
"Yes, Lucius and I placed our family wards over the home. In doing that your home became one of the most protected residencies in the world. That is magical or otherwise Rich. The wards laid the way we did is highly unusual. It allows for the protection of one family to be placed in the same manner as a new ward over the other family's enchantments. It's rare since it opens the knowledge of each family's wards to the other."
Jean's hiss interrupted the impromptu lesson, Regulus looked to Jean and nodded. "Yes, Jean, that is why it is so important for this to be addressed. It's why Cissy was so upset and it is why, when I tell Lucius, he is going to be incensed." This made Lucius sit up.
"What do you mean Reg? Let's stop the dance and tell me what is going on. If something is happening with the wards I need to know immediately." Regulus looked to the ceiling and his cousin before turning to Lucius. Narcissa settled herself beside her husband almost immediately.
"I was pulling the documents together for Hermione. Narcissa planned to introduce warding to the children before they returned to school. This year they start Ancient Runes and begin to hear more about the OWLs. The plan originally included to have them understand the importance of their Charms OWL." Lucius nodded slowly and motioned for Regulus to get on with telling him the bad news. He still didn't understand exactly what Reg wasn't saying.
"Father never removed what Sirius added before blasting him from the family. This loophole in the Black wards existed for almost thirteen years now. I asked both Father and Mother's portraits why they weren't removed. Neither knew anything about it. Father didn't remember removing or not removing them." When Lucius's fist hit the table everyone jumped.
"You've taken care of it haven't you Reg?" The other wizard nodded once but his expression didn't reassure Lucius. "What haven't you said?"
"When I went to update the documentation with the goblins they asked if I wanted to remove the Malfoy wards from the Black properties. When I asked about removing the Black wards from the Malfoy properties, the goblins refused to discuss it with me as I wasn't you. They also refused to give me information on if any Malfoy properties were accessed using the Black wards." Regulus stood firm and looked at his friend. Lucius sat still for only a moment before he stood and rushed to toward the master suite with long strides.
"Narcissa I need to return home for a few things. The children will need to start their education on this immediately. Until we add new enchantments to both sets of properties, we are at risk." Lucius's voice faded as he shut the door to change. Narcissa tried to mask her fear, but when she looked out the window, seeing the boys run among the trees laughing and Hermione comfortably settled with Crooks in her lap, Narcissa's composure broke.
"Narcissa, I'm so sorry. I should have noticed this years ago. It never even dawned on me." Regulus held his cousin as she shook in fear. "I need to visit the accessed properties to figure out what was done. But I also need to be here to teach Hermione these things. Until I know what happened there is no way I can figure out exactly what I need to teach her. It's a fucking circle of hell!"
Rich and Jean never witnessed their friends so shaken, even with all the craziness they experienced in the last two years. The pair of muggles remembered the time they felt so weak and insecure. "It's like the robbery at our flat. We didn't do everything we could have and blamed ourselves. We were lucky to not be home, but we thought about what if they broke in when we were home. Hermione was just a baby Its's why we moved as soon as we could. But in this case, they can't move, this is ripping their security from them."
Rich nodded, neither he nor Jean even wanted to offer suggestions as they had no idea how deeply this loophole impacted everything. Or just how much damage may have already been done. "I want to sit in on these lessons. We may not have magic, but I want to learn the theory. At least we can give Hermione some help, even if it is only abstract." The Granger's quiet whispers gave the pair a plan, something lacking from everyone else at the moment.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
When Lucius arrived at the Manor he immediately set up a family created tracer charm to document activity on all Malfoy properties. It was a subtle charm, it didn't impact any activity or access, just logged it. To get a full report the charm took hours to run. Which was why Lucius started it immediately. By the time he finished pulling all the documents he needed and dealt with the goblins, the charm should be finished.
"Usher." When the elf popped into the room he wasn't surprised to see Lucius standing there. "Kitmu or Aster already informed you didn't they?" The question wasn't asked in anger or spite, in fact it was almost said with a bit of humor, but Lucius was too worried to see humor in much at the moment.
"Yes. The documents I can gets are pulled, —" The loyal elf waved his gnarled hand toward the large desk covered with parchment, "— only the ones warded from all but the head of house remain." The little elf's ears flapped in pleasure for being able to help in this stressful time.
"Thank you Usher. I need to get to Gringotts now. Think if there are any protections you or the other elves can add to assist in securing the Manor and the property. I'm very worried Usher. Something is off." The blond wizard left immediately thereafter leaving Usher to think on the request.
"Wes figure something out. Protecting the Malfoy family is our jobs." The elf blinked from the room as the charm continued to document the attempts to break the wards occurring at that very moment.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
When Lucius stepped into Gringotts the bank seemed to be running as usual. The goblins glared at the humans and the humans, for the most part, reacted as the goblins desired. He stepped to the counter and requested the Malfoy goblin in the haughtiest manner possible. The goblin at the desk grunted and rang for Ragnok while Lucius refused to move until the goblin appeared. Given Lucius's mood, upsetting a goblin was the least of his concerns.
"Mr Malfoy, I expected you sooner after hearing of the meeting between Mr Black and Gornack. Mr Black was most unpleasant." The goblin, trying to get the first barb, scowled when the wizard didn't react.
"Yes, he had to pull some additional documentation to ensure what he learned was accurate since his attempts to confirm his suspicions went unanswered here. And discussing this in the open is not only unprofessional, but against the rules of Gringotts and the goblin nation." The goblin growled under his breath and led the wizard to a private room.
"Thank you Ragnok, as you know this has the potential to be quite disastrous. What information does the bank have on the activities at the Malfoy properties?" The goblin pulled a parcel from the desk and set it in front of the wizard.
"All activity for the last year regardless if the identity of the visitor was known." The goblin stood back as Lucius opened the parcel and began to read the documents.
"Thank you again Ragnok. Consider this my consent to remove the Black wards from the Malfoy properties. Also, I will need the documents to authenticate the addition of new enchantments on the Malfoy and Potter properties. Both Draco and Harry will be creating their first ones this summer and I want to have them officially added as soon as possible." The goblin expected the requests and already started the paperwork to fulfill them.
"I will get you what is needed before you leave. Do you need anything else now? If not, I have work to do." When Lucius shook his head the goblin left the room to allow the wizard to read the documents.
The documents confirmed what Lucius hoped to read. No one accessed any of the Malfoy properties, but he identified at least one attempt at the home outside of Lille. The only reason he discovered that one so quickly, Narcissa started to renovate then property five years prior and the family refrained from visiting until she finished. Lucius jotted a note on the blank parchment next to him and continued his review. He was pleased to see no attempts were made on the vaults.
After reading the documents and going over his notes, Lucius shut the book and a moment later Ragnok entered the room. "The documents needed for the boys are here. Once the new enchantments are laid on the map, they will update. The boys must review them and if they are correct, add their magical signature. You will need to add your signature to the Malfoy document to acknowledge your approval. Both you and Mr. Black will need to add your signatures to the Potter enchantment as Mr. Potter's guardians. Beben and I will ensure the Potter wards are updated once these are returned."
Lucius nodded with each instruction. The process was the same regardless if it's the first or hundredth new ward a head added to the family enchantments. "Please let Beben know if anything special needs to be done because Harry is a ward, to let us know. We can bring Harry in or have Beben come out if needed. I want to make sure the property is protected to the best of our ability."
The goblin gave the slightest of acknowledgement. He may hate humans, but this family seemed to understand their responsibility and honor what it took to keep those who rely on them safe. "He has not said anything special is required, but I will check and have him research to make sure nothing is overlooked. Beben was pleased to be working with a Potter again. The individuals who attempted to access the vaults before were not working in the best interests of the family."
Lucius agreed whole heartedly. The pair split at the door and each went their own ways.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
Lucius returned to the Manor in a slightly better mood than when he left it; however, it soured again when he glanced at the now completed log. Someone was trying to access the Manor's property at that exact moment. Instead of rushing off to confront this unknown attacker, he was a Slytherin after all, he called for his trusty elf.
"Usher, someone is attacking the wards as we speak." Aghast someone would even attempt such an act let alone be doing it at the moment, Usher blinked. "Instead of confronting them, I would like to know who it is. I want you to stay within the safety of the property and just tell me what you see. I think I know how they've gotten as far as they have, though I don't know who it is and I don't want anyone injured." The elf, filled with pride over the trust the lord and master put on him, went off to find the elves who would best handle the mission.
Lucius flooed to MG Industries to check on Matt and make sure nothing untoward occurred there. When the floo lit up, Matt jumped in surprise. Other than Matt, the only individuals authorized to use the floo were currently enjoy their holiday in the mountains. With his wand pointed at the floo, Matt protected himself behind a strong 'notice me not' charm and shield. Only after Lucius identified himself did Matt remove the protections.
"Lucius, what's wrong? You've not been gone a full week yet." Not that Matt minded his bosses, in fact he found himself missing their banter. But the look on the face of Lucius told Matt something bad happened.
"Someone found a weakness in the wards and is currently attempting to access the grounds around the Manor. I wanted to make sure you were ok and see if you noticed anything unusual since we left. I have Usher investigating the trespassers. Though I haven't decided how I want to deal with them yet." Matt released a shaky breath, at least this was something they could deal with easily.
"I haven't noticed anything, it's been quiet today. I expected it with the weather and our decision to pull back on the adverts until we built up a bit more inventory." Lucius smiled at the reminder. The idea about having a stall had been an excellent one. They sold the majority of their inventory at the stall in Hogsmeade and needed a bit of time to replenish their stock. Lucius wondered how much more they would sell if they opened a regular place in both Diagon and Hogsmeade. But, now was not the time to think about such things.
"Good, I'm glad whoever this is hasn't used you or the office as a point of entry. Keep your eyes open and if you see anything, call Usher. I'll have him be listening for you as well." Matt nodded in appreciation, it was good to know he was valued.
"Thanks Lucius, I'll keep an eye out and give Usher a holler if anything looks odd." Lucius left with a nod and returned home to wait for Usher's update. While he waited, Lucius reviewed the more relaxed wards over part the back of the property. Maybe there was something he could do for those.
He thought about asking Severus to add some Prince wards but with whoever already having access to the wards, laying anything new would only open those like the other two. "I can't do anything until we change the underlying wards. Hopefully Draco takes to this quickly." Lucius started to map out a new idea of his own knowing if both he and Draco added a new enchantment it would slam the access shut and leave whoever it was out in the cold.
Lucius worked for almost an hour until Usher appeared with a frustrated look on his face. "Wes completed the search and the three wizards hidden themselves behind strong magic. We didn't attack it in order to keep us knowing a secret from the bad wizard."
"That was a good idea Usher. Thank the elves who assisted you and have them keep an eye on the trespassers. I'm going to alter the wards, hopefully soon, but until then we are at risk. If they do anything to the wards, you should feel it. Come and find me immediately. The houses are all protected with something special, so we should all be safe, but I'm not relying on that right now. Also, watch over Matt. I told him to call you if anything odd happened over there."
The elf nodded and Lucius noticed a change to his elf's stance. "Wes swore to protect the Malfoy family as they protected us. These wizards will not access our land." Lucius never expected to see the warrior inside his elf appear. Regardless of his expectations, Lucius couldn't help but feel pleased.
"Thank you Usher, do what you feel is right to protect our property and land. You and your family have assisted and protected the Malfoy family for generations. I will not intercede on what is your birthright. Use whatever of the Malfoy estate is needed." The elf left the room to begin what would be seen as the first elf protective action in almost three hundred years.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
When Narcissa called the children into the house, Hermione noticed her eyes were a touch puffy and the absence of Lucius. Before any questions could be raised, Narcissa motioned for the four children to sit. "Hermione some of this may be a bit beyond what you've been taught so far and I'm sorry. I need for the boys to understand. If I explained to you first, they would get bored and lose interest. This is something too important for them to only half listen."
Given what Narcissa said and the serious expression of every adult in the room, the children gave her their undivided attention. Once the boys understood and were rightfully worried, Narcissa spent a bit of time explaining protective enchantments, rules on their usage and finally what occurred to bring this topic up for discussion. It didn't take Hermione long to realize there was something wrong with the Malfoy wards and when she discovered it was due the Malfoy family protecting her family, she became extremely upset.
The young witch didn't say anything, but she wondered how many more bad things would need to occur before the Malfoys cut her out. It was just too much. When realization dawned, Hermione looked down in an effort to not run away crying. Her mother noticed her daughter's reaction and wrapped her arms around Hermione.
"This is not your fault sweetheart. Both Lucius and Regulus are fixing the problem and working to make sure it cannot happen again. We are only telling you all now as we feel it is important for each of you to start your education on this topic. It's something we weren't going to introduce until we returned home and not start teaching until next summer."
Hermione didn't smile, she was too far into her head to understand what her mum told her. It wasn't until Harry popped in front of her that she snapped out of her thoughts. "Seriously Hermione, this is like your dream. We are doing stuff normally reserved for those in NEWT level Charms and Ancient Runes classes. If Draco and I are this excited about learning, I can't imagine what your head is doing. Think about it, you get to create complex magical things that will forever be part of your family. This is awesome."
Hermione slowly came back to herself. Harry saw the curiosity and desire sparkle in her now excited brown eyes. He patted her shoulder before returning to his seat. After Harry left, Hermione realized what Harry said, an opportunity to learn something completely new sat in front of her. In fact, she was learning something she never thought about learning. "You're right Harry. This is a great chance."
The pair of mothers watched the interaction and realized Draco wasn't the only one who knew how to get Hermione focused on the important things.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
While Hermione, Draco and Harry looked at the documents showing all enchantments for their respective houses, Blaise stared at the empty space in front of him. Draco noticed the look on the other boy's face first, "No worries Mate, Mum said Dad already contacted the solicitor in charge of your estate. I'm sure those documents are on their way." Blaise nodded and again wondered how different his life could have been if he had a different mother.
"I know, it's just I wished my dad could be here." The rest of the table stopped and realized the knowledge of protective enchantments were handed from parent to child or at least head of house to heir of the house. Harry understood a bit more than his friends, but at the same time he didn't. He had no memories of his parents.
"I think we all wish your dad could be here for this, but then we wouldn't know you. I'm so sorry about your dad. I hope we can help fill that void a little and help you in whatever way we can." Hermione's eyes held a definite wetness and she felt her heart breaking for her friend. She didn't like to think about how her friend didn't have a father. She loved her's so much.
"I know Hermione. I didn't mean to make you cry. I was just feeling a little sad. It will be ok. I know it will. The four of us are going to be unstoppable." The children, for they still were, laughed and allowed the maudlin feelings to blow away on the breeze.
"I'm glad to hear you say that Blaise. Luca just sent over the paperwork and some additional information you'll need to manage the wards. I haven't looked at them, as Narcissa stressed, a family's enchantments are one of the most important and secret topics a family has. Luca agreed to visit to discuss them with you tomorrow and spend as much time as you need. Other than you, he is the only individual with the authorization to review and manage them."
Blaise swallowed a bit, unsure what he wanted to do. He trusted Lucius but knew how sacred these documents were. He remembered his father talking about them and stressing how only the head of the family worked with them and it would be up to Blaise to carry on the tradition. His conflict, evident on his expressive face, made Lucius proud.
"It's ok Blaise, I understand completely. Had Sirius been removed from the wards none of you would know the other layouts. I don't take offense and will happily support you in whatever you need to do. Just like these three, you are the future of your family and the role of protector is not one to be entered into lightly. I wish I could have ensured this responsibility wasn't thrust on you all at such a tender age." Lucius appeared a bit defeated as he sat in the open chair.
"Thank you Lucius. I think I would like to have Luca help me, but I'm going to ask him to make sure you know the basics since he can't be around all the time. I trust you and am going to learn everything I can so my family and yours can forever be in accord." Lucius stood and bowed before grasping Blaise's hand. The pair felt a surge of magic.
"And so mote it be." Blaise blinked in surprise and opened his mouth to find words failed him, "Congratulations Blaise, you completed your first official act as the Head of the Zabini House. The Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy and the House of Zabini are now forever bound as allies in all things." Blaise didn't know what to say. Lucius took the silence to turn toward his son, "Draco did you feel it as well?"
The younger Malfoy nodded in surprise and rubbed his wrist. On the wrist of all three the magical rune ehwaz appeared. "This rune signifies the vow's acceptance by our House. Going forward our magic will work to aid and assist the Zabini House in times of trial. In the same way —" Lucius reached touched the silvery rune on Blaise's wrist, "— as you initiated the vow, House Zabini agrees to support and work with the Malfoy House."
The three bearing the new mark looked at each other with a pleased expression. "That's so cool." The wizards turned to Hermione who stared at the them with wide eyes, "Is that something we all will be able to do?" Lucius quickly interrupted Hermione before she started bonding with the other three boys and their houses.
"Hermione," Lucius stopped and waited until the witch looked at him. "Hermione, it is something that can be done, but cannot be gone into lightly. This vow is quite powerful; the main reason it took so quickly was because Blaise is the head of his house. For you or Draco to enter into one, you would need the head, Regulus and me, to be present and enact the vow."
Hermione seemed a bit deflated until she spun toward Harry. "But, Harry…" Lucius sighed and picked up Hermione's hand.
"Sweetheart, Regulus or I would still have to enact it. But I know what you want to do and while it's everything noble and honorable that is Gryffindor, it's unnecessary. The houses of Black, Malfoy and Potter are already bound legally through the guardianship of Harry. I suspect sometime in the future additional bonds will be forged between our families, but for now, we are good."
Hermione let out a frustrated sigh at not begin able to vow her allegiance to her friend's families making Lucius laugh. Draco, knowing his dad was only comforting Hermione, still didn't like the fact he was holding Hermione's hand. "Dad, I agree with her. I would like to bind our house with the Houses Black and Potter as we have with Zabini."
Hermione smiled and turned toward Draco, which pulled her hand from that of Lucius. Draco claimed the other hand and watched his father. Lucius rolled his eyes at his son but didn't otherwise comment on the bit of jealousy and surprisingly sly way he reclaimed the witch's attention.
"As I said, House Malfoy is already alined with the Black and Potter houses. Remember your mother is a Black by birth and therefore our marriage and you, by extension, are evidence of the allegiance between us. As for the Potter House, Regulus and I each took vows to treat Harry as our son, to protect and care for him while teaching him what is needed to lead House Potter in the future." Lucius, who never told Harry what the guardianship entailed, watched as Draco's pleas died on his tongue. Since everyone's attention was focused on Draco, none noticed Harry, at first.
In a blur, the dark haired boy threw himself at Lucius, sending the pair to the ground, hugging him tightly. "You really vowed all that for me?" The almost thirteen year old whispered in the robes of the blond wizard. "Really truly?" Lucius was surprised, but shouldn't have been, Harry reaction represented how much of a Gryffindor his heart was.
"Yes, Harry, Regulus and I swore. Narcissa, while not in the official vow with the Ministry, made her own vows about you. As far as she is concerned you are a second son and her vows ensure you are always treated as such." The young boy shook with sobs no one expected, especially the boy crying.
"Thank you Lucius. I don't know where I would have been if it hadn't been for you and Cissy."
Lucius chuckled, "You never had a chance to be anywhere but with us. You know how Cissy is about children. I think this discussion has gotten a bit off topic. Since it's almost dinner, why don't you all get cleaned up and we will figure out a schedule to make sure we have fun and not focus all summer on this."
The three children not clinging to Lucius quietly left the room. "Come on Harry, let's go find Cissy." Before the pair could move the elegant form of Narcissa ran into the room and dropped to her knees in front of the wizards. "It seems she found us. Come on now." Harry nodded merely releasing his left arm and reached toward where he thought Narcissa was.
"Oh Harry, my dear boy, I'm sorry I never told you. Yes, I made that vow long before Lucius and Regulus became your guardians. I've seen you as my son since the first day you visited the Manor." Harry's choked sob brought the witch to tears as she pulled Harry fully into her arms. As she murmured comforting sounds, Lucius wrapped himself around both of them.
It was almost fifteen minutes later before Harry began to calm. "Thank you both. I guess it never occurred to me, but I do see the pair of you as my parents. Regulus is the fun uncle, but you are more. I just didn't realize until this moment how much more." The trio sat on the floor of the library for a few more minutes until Harry calmed completely.
"Now, let's get ready for dinner. Severus, Aurora and Minerva arrived a short while ago and know what occurred. We will discuss our tentative plans after we eat. Go on and wash up Harry. We'll see you in the dining room shortly." The boy hugged Narcissa tightly once more before pulling himself free and hugging Lucius. As Harry left, Narcissa turned in Lucius's arms. "I feel as if I've let him down."
"No Cissy you haven't. He didn't realize it but deep down hew knew, he called us his parents. In some ways him finding out this way this is more important than him knowing earlier. He came to the conclusion himself and now knows we feel the same way." Narcissa brushed her lips across her husband's in appreciation.
"Yes, you're right Lucius. Come along, I need to clean my face and then we need to eat." Lucius merely released one arm while keeping the other around Narcissa, who remained tightly in his embrace. The pair exited the library feeling the love of family.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
No one mentioned Harry's breakdown or breakthrough at dinner, but all were aware. Aurora seemed very moved by the entire thing and then even more so after hearing the story from Lucius's perspective later in the evening. Severus noticed Aurora's reaction and held her hand in solidarity. A few comforting words murmured by the wizard helped the witch. Her thankful smile gave him all the thanks he needed.
After the meal, the large group of people, who found themselves thinking of the others around them as family, settled in the library to discuss how the summer would now progress. "This is a bit sooner than any of us planned to start your summer educations. We hoped to give you a needed break since the last two years have been so eventful." The children, aware of the concern tried to give Narcissa expressions that would not give her any additional worry. They failed. "I think we will hold off on the discussions until tomorrow morning. After breakfast we will go over everything you will need to know. For the rest of the night, let's just be together."
The evening, even with the concerning undercurrent, ended up being filled with laughter and happiness.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
The next morning dawned sooner than most expected considering how late they stayed awake the night before. After the elves cleared the table of the breakfast dishes, Narcissa smiled at the picture the four children made. They sat next to each other at the table and represented the spectrum. Hermione, totally focused on what was being said, had her notebook, two pens, a quill and ink well in order to take notes. Draco took a notebook from Hermione, the witch's backup, his favorite quill and used Hermione's ink well.
Blaise fiddled with a pen while the blank piece of parchment awaited him. Hermione started to slowly introduce muggle writing instruments and the children found them much easier than quills and ink. Harry's piece of parchment, already covered in doodles, evidenced his mindset. Knowing Hermione and Draco took better notes and anything of importance would be relayed to him, he opted to just listen. Harry's only special topic, his language study, would be something he could easily remember.
"We had planned to hold off until we returned home, but those plans have changed. Not much will be different, you'll have a bit longer to work but essentially our plans haven't been altered." Continuing, Narcissa focused on her sons.
"Draco and Harry, you will begin your NEWT level potions work this summer. While you will both take classes with the sixth years, we believe the extra time this summer will only benefit you both. Severus set up a summer course focusing on topics not studied in depth at Hogwarts. We will not start the practical lessons until we return to the Manor. Severus brought the books for you to review before starting the coursework." Severus handed each of the boys a bound set of papers and remained standing until the pair's attention returned to him.
"These are notes I took during my sixth year based on experiments and my theories. They will be the basis of your summer work. As with the courses at Hogwarts, the potions will include the variations I've found to be more effective instead of copying the procedure straight from the book. By the time we arrive at Hogwarts, I would like for each of you to find an alteration to a potion or a modification to a brewing process that positively impacts the potion." The boys seemed excited, but tempered their emotions to acknowledge what Severus said. This was something more than mere memorization, it was proving they understood the theory behind the potions.
Narcissa smiled at the boys who both started to write furiously. It seemed they already had ideas, a quick glance towards Severus confirmed her suspicion. The wizards dark eyes glinted with satisfaction. Knowing Draco and Harry were focused, Narcissa turned toward Hermione. "Now Hermione, you'll be taking potions with the fourth years. This is one area altered by our early start. Initially Severus planned a similar summer program and begin to introduce fourth year topics when we returned home. The original timing had you finishing the fourth year work shortly before the spring holiday this school year. However, Severus now plans to start the fourth year study immediately and believes by the end of summer you'll have completed about half of the curriculum. Maybe a bit more, but he will not press too quickly, you have the luxury of time."
Hermione, a bit nervous, heard the course got much more difficult and noticed how much more time the third year work took when compared to the second year. Narcissa paused only a moment until she knew Hermione's attention returned to her, "During the school year, you will continue to have a weekly session with Severus in order for you to complete the fourth year work by the Yule holiday. Your time in class will be a review of things you already know."
Severus watched Hermione and wondered how successful his more intensive plan would be, "After the new year, your weekly extra session will focus on fifth year topics. You will be expected to sit for the potion OWL early. We will work out timing on that as we get closer." Hermione quickly wrote down everything Narcissa said before turning her eyes to her potions professor.
Severus sighed at the look of delight, "This is only the fourth year curriculum and book. As with Harry and Draco, there will be no practicals until we return to the Manor. You may review the book; however, there will be no attempts to brew any of the potions unless and until I instruct it."
The witch nodded in total agreement and watched the book as it neared her. Her fingers twitched in anticipation. Before handing over the treasure, Severus pulled her attention back to him, "Fourth year curriculum is more complex. But, as with the boys, I believe you'll grasp it quickly and that should follow on with the fifth year work. As Cissy said, we decided to leave the timing of when you sit for your OWL up to you."
Hermione blinked and realized what Severus told her. If she worked hard enough, her thoughts paused when Severus cleared his throat. It seemed her mind's wandering was obvious to the man. He only continued when he knew Hermione's focus returned to him. "That said, I have been working with Minerva and Sophie on potentially having you take the OWL over Yule your fourth year. I can't imagine it taking until the end of our fourth year to finish the fifth year work."
Hermione blinked and her excited state seemed to grow even more. Her fingers, which never stopped the slight grabbing motion continued as her attention returned to the items in the potion master's hands. With a sigh Severus handed the book over and quickly retracted his hand. The witch was quick, he didn't want to get in-between her and learning.
Narcissa chuckled knowing she'd have to close the book when she needed to regain Hermione's attention. Narcissa's gaze turned to Blaise. "Blaise, Severus and I have been discussing how to handle potions with you. Initially we planned to have you remain in the third year course and begin extra classes with Severus this summer. He believes you will pick up the work very quickly and by the end of next summer be ready for fifth year work. That means we would jump you into the fifth year course during your fourth year."
Blaise held back his excitement and Narcissa gave him a smile, "We've discussed an alteration with Sophie and Minerva, who agreed. Starting now, you will start your third year work and if you successfully completed it by the time classes begin you, like Hermione, will be placed with the fourth years. We would expect you to sit for your OWL by the end of your fourth year." Blaise blinked, this was unexpected.
Narcissa smiled, "If you haven't completed the third year work to Severus's satisfaction, you'll continue with the other third years and are just that much further along. Your weekly meetings with Severus will focus on finishing third year work and then move into fourth year. We expect you to be placed in the fifth year course with Hermione."
Severus stood and handed Blaise the third year curriculum. "Since we are starting now and I intend to have you complete the instruction by the end of the summer, we will meet three times a week. I'm confident in your ability. Until we return to the Manor, our time will be spent on theory. This is a bit of a change as I typically like practicals to reinforce theory, but with it being vacation I don't believe it will negatively impact you. In fact, I suspect this manner of learning will be quite beneficial for you." Severus sat and watched the four children review what he'd given them.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
