A/N:Hello again everyone. Thank you once more for your continuing support of this story. 56 favorites 96 follows 31 reviews and over 5000 views; Because of this, I decided to show my appreciation by opening the poll for the pairing for William. I plan to have that available by 9/14/16, and keep it open until the end of the second year of this story, so keep an eye out for it on my profile...which I will get around to fleshly out with some info about me...eventually. I was kinda rushing this one due to school, work etc.; so I apologize for the drop in quality, I definitely wasn't happy with it sure a few grammatical errors got pass me, so I apologize for that. Once again, I'm looking for a beta; someone it can bounce ideas off and proofread. If you're interested, please PM me.
Please Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Harry Potter or anything dealing with its franchise.
Chapter 6
Aftermath and Mirror Mirror
It was three days after Christmas; William was sitting in his private study, going through the new additions available in the grimoire, while Sashet's head rested against his shoulder as he subconsciously stroked her, with her long thick body wrapped around him and his chair. There weren't any new spells, but it contained wards, more rituals, potions, and techniques for ward schemes and potion making. The wards were both offensive and defensive in nature, and while he had doubts in their effectiveness given they were centuries old, and there may be better wards created, he would use the scheme structure in the future and the wards themselves after he researched to see if there is any information on them that is available to the public. It wouldn't make sense using wards in which you could tear down by just looking it up in a book; however, given that 'modern' wizards labeled the magic that was a common occurrence to his family back in their time, the methods of dealing with them could be potentially lost; which would give his House a big advantage…maybe if he found the right wards in the tomes left for him, he could add that as a service for his security business. Plus it could give him a huge advantage against his competitors in the muggle world side of things. The rituals…were interesting; they were mainly to be used on one's self and his ancestors had painstakingly written detailed instructions with words of caution about errors that could be made and avoided in regards to a specific step. They would take time, something he did not have at the moment in the short break from school and monitoring his plans.
It was due to his deep musing that he didn't notice Nymeria enter his study until she sat on his table looking as elegant as ever, with a newspaper in her hand that she thrown down in front of the grimoire blocking it completely, and spoke," You killed him with a 'Jack-in-the-Box'" she deadpanned.
William glanced at the front of the newspaper and noticed it had a headline in regards to Lucius Malfoy's death." What makes you think I killed him, mother?"
"I've seen how you operate when you want to keep in the shadows; The younger Malfoy showed signs of your manipulation using your magic" she replied with her small smile present, before it was gone and she deadpanned again," you killed him with a 'Jack-in-the-Box'."
"I was feeling whimsical and thought it would be a form of poetic justice for him to be killed by an item that acted as a representation of the world he helped terrorize and was against." William answered plainly, moving the newspaper out of the way so he could continue reading.
" You killed him with a 'Jack-in-the-Box'", she said again.
"It was an analogy to how my House will come into the wizarding world." He replied, getting annoyed.
" You killed him with a 'Jack-in-the-Box'", came the reply.
"Alright! I killed him with a bloody toy. Deal with it." William raised his voice, before re-enforcing the his shields that had let out his irritation while muttering under his breath," Everyone's a bloody critic"
Nymeria just giggled musically at her son's antics. She was worried that he would be feel guilty at what he had done, but it seems that he had rationalized it like he had done so many times in the past. She had question herself several times about her ability to know about her son's ability to kill, but it didn't stop her from caring about her child; not when he did it for the protection of those around him…she saw no reason for it stop her from caring about him if he killed for his future and those after him. Although she was curious since she could see how this fell into the latter or former so she spoke," Why did you kill the Malfoy anyway dear? I mean, I knew you would do it eventually, but why now."
"I need my seat on the Wizengamot; most of my plans rely on my ability to move freely and the benefits would help my plans greatly. At first it was just so that when the time came, I could easily get my seat from the less experienced and more easily manipulable Malfoy; but now that I think about it, this will create a power vacuum in the dark faction; the light will capitalize on this, and try to press laws forward; and the neutrals will be busy holding the light at bay and capitalizing themselves. And while all this is happening, we both can move freely; more me than you."
"Oh? And why is that" Nymeria asked curiously.
"Dumbledore has been keeping tabs on me." He said, giving her his complete focus, before he continued while massaging Sashet," This lovely lady here managed to overhear him. He believes me to be a 'Dark Lord' on the rise."
"And he came to this conclusion, how?" She said with a delicate eyebrow raised.
"Apparently I act like Voldemort did when he was at school. I'm not sure whether I'm to take that as a compliment or an insult to be truthful…oh, and apparently Potter didn't kill him like the wizarding world believes; the Headmasters words" William said leaning back.
"Can they be trusted though?" she asked.
"He was speaking in confidence, so I have reason to believe so." he replied.
"So what are you going to do" Nymeria stated, she knew her son too well to not know he would not use this to his advantage.
"In regards to Dumbledore, I'll have to lay low; he is too politically and magically powerful for me to do anything, and I hardly know anything of the man besides his public accomplishments; something that I should prioritize in doing, especially if the man continues to see me as an enemy." Willaim said, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his eyes, and then continued saying," In regards to Voldemort; we already are doing something." He replied.
Nymeria thought about all his projects he brought forward since he came back, and replied," What does the settlement have to do with this?"
"The last time he was in power…he attacked whenever and wherever he liked; people feared they would be next on his list and cowered wherever possible to not draw his irk or attention. I plan on changing that; I will give them a haven, a reason to stand against this person who wants to take not only their way of life, but the lives of their family and love ones, and I will give them the means to do so." William stated, passion slipping into his voice.
Nymeria could help the bright smile that grew on her face, and the pride she felt in her son. However, she would continue to play the devil's advocate," The purebloods won't take kindly to you mobilizing 'mudbloods'" she said sarcastically.
"Of course not, but it's not against the law for a company to be hired by customers, and it's not against the law for the owner of said business to use it in protection of those on his hold; and as a Lord...I'd be practically obligated to protect my vassals with any means necessary." He said nonchalantly.
Nymeria laughed musically, before saying," And I'm sure the fact that your house would have people looking to it for safety and leadership or that it would benefit from the revenue and prestige in creating the second fully magical settlement hadn't crossed your mind."
"I may be a Cunningham, mother. But I was born a Dagworth, and must live up to their expectation: Duc populum"
Dumbledore was sitting in his office, with his hands crossed underneath his chin as he rested on it, contemplating the events that had take place over the holiday thus far. He had been one of the first to know what happened to Lucius Malfoy, by way of the Minister, Cornelius Fudge. He had Floo called him, speaking erratically and acting as the muggles would say, 'a chicken with its head cut off'. He had quickly arrived at the Ministry, just in time to hear the preliminary results of the investigation. It was the typical test used to get a magical signature; by the using the trace on the wands, the Ministry had an extensive list of signatures they could use to cross reference with the signature they would obtain from the test. Of course, the signatures of all purebloods are required by law to be wiped off the list once the individual reaches their majority.
~Flashback~
Dumbledore was sitting in a guest chair, in front of the desk of the Head of the DMLE, Amelia Bones, while Cornelius was wearing out her antique rug, as he continued to rave as they waited on the results.
"-and the audacity to target such a pinnacle family, and a pillar of society like that of Lucius, can't go unanswered! There will be a public outcry at this atrocity! They'll want answers Amelia! Answers!"
Dumbledore looked at the stern woman, her square jaw looked to be grinding her teeth, while her beautifully aging face showed nothing but tranquility as she removed her monocle to clean it with her wand. She spoke calmly, but it held a commanding undertone," And we will get them shortly, Minister. Now, please sit. My Aurors know how to carry out their job."
With the Minister temporarily pacified, it was a short wait until they heard a knock on the door, and with a short order from Amelia, an Auror stood before them at attention awaiting permission to speak.
"Do you have the results of the test" Amelia spoke in her usual stern voice.
"Yes Ma'am" the Auror answered.
"And!?" Fudge spoke up impatiently.
"They…they were inconclusive, Ma'am, Minister." The Auror said after a short pause.
"Inconclusive, you say?" Dumbledore spoke in his grandfatherly voice.
"Yes Headmas- I mean, Chief Warlock. The item in question registered several signatures…too many for the test to give a reliable answer." The Auror replied.
"How so?" Amelia spoke, annoyance clear in her voice.
"W-we consulted the Unspeakables Ma'am. They said it was due to the runes located at the top of the box. They were an 'Activation', 'Stasis' and 'Power' rune; due to the design of the item, it drew ambient magic around it to fuel the 'Stasis' rune. When the 'Activation' rune was…well. Activated; it took the magic that was held in the 'Stasis' rune to power the item within it. The complication occurred due to the…device being kept 'on'" The Auror tried to explain the results.
"Kept on?" Amelia asked.
"The unspeakable explained it that since the item, was open, that caused the runes to translate it to being 'active', so the 'Power' and 'Stasis' runes continued to supply it magic from its surroundings; and due to procedure, Ma'am, we did not affect the state of the evidence…the reason why the results are inconclusive, Ma'am, is because we've been getting the signatures of anyone and anything that produces magic. Some of the results are unidentifiable, and some are from our own people." The Auror explained.
"So eliminate those that are from the Aurors" Fudge reasoned.
Amelia sighed," That would be classified as tampering with the evidence, and make it inadmissible if we even found the right person."
"It would still be useful in identifying the individual who has done this," Dumbledore spoke in a grandfatherly tone, with his eyes twinkling.
"It would sir, but given the fact that the test shows several unknowns, which could be a result of the Aurors apparating, the item being travelled through the various wards or signatures of individuals who are no longer on the list…it still makes the results useless…sir." The Auror spoke dejectedly.
~Flashback end~
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. It was a mystery he wanted solve badly. Was Lucius death caused by an old grudge? Was this an organized assault on purebloods or death eaters? Did this mean that his spy in the form of Severus was also under threat, given the man's history of making enemies? These were the questions that he wanted answered; however he had more immediate things. With the death of Lucius, it opened up several options for him and his plans for the wizarding world. While there would still be opposition, it would take time for the dark to rally under a new banner, and he would use this time to push through some of his long thought of legislations. The Malfoys would still be in the political arena in the form of Narcissa Malfoy; the real brains behind Lucius' schemes and subtle plans. However, she was a woman, and did not have the reputation on the level of Regent Longbottom or Madame Bones, so there was hardly any possibility of her replacing her husband as the banner under which the dark gathers; that would go to either the Lords Parkinson or Nott, both of whom he could handle in the political landscape easily. Outside of all that, with Lucius gone, so was most of the influence on the young Malfoy, and if he played his cards right, he could use Severus to get the child to trust him in time, and get him to turn to the light. It would be an excellent addition to the light, and a huge step forward in his plans for the greater good of the wizarding world.
As he sucked on a lemon drop, he thought about his other plans in the works. Severus had reported on 'Quirrell's' movements thus far, and it seem as Tom was becoming restless in his wait; the young Mr. Weasley had told him about Harry's discovery of the 'Mirror of Erised', just as he planned. After learning about Harry's desire from the young Weasley's mind, he had praised the boy as the pinnacle of what a friend should be and a good example of a light wizard. He had watched as the boy seem to glow under his recognition, and with his 'recommendation' to join harry the next time when he went to the mirror and help him enjoy the holiday, he went to help his best friend; with this, Harry would develope a brotherly bond with the Weasley, and secure him fully to the Light. With the young Harry now exposed to the mirror, he had his plans to confront the young boy about it and get him away from it before it did more harm than good, but he still had one more use for it.
"You don't have to do this just yet, my dragon. You're still young; you don't need to worry about this, I can take care of everything until you're older." A beautiful woman spoke as the cold wind blew her platinum blond hair, as she followed a young boy as he marched up the street of Diagon Alley in the direction of the wizarding bank, Gringotts.
"It is my birthright mother. I'm Lord Malfoy-Black, and father wouldn't have waited to take up his title, no matter what." The boy said pompously as he walked with his head held high, as if he was looking down on all that passed him without giving him his deserved acknowledgement as a soon to be Lord. It had been a week since his father had been murdered,and a day since his funeral. Though he still felt guilt, confusion, and anger at the death of his father; he could not wait to become the Lord of his House like his father, and become a great wizard like him. He knew he would be a great Lord; leading his peers and the wizarding world to glory, getting the respect he deserved from everyone, and putting those mudbloods in their place once and for all. He couldn't wait to rub it in Potter's face about not choosing such a powerful like him to be friends with, and then become the 'Prince of Slytherin', a title that his father had also held when he was at Hogwarts. Oh how he couldn't wait to be a Lord!
As they walked into the bank, Draco walked up to one of the goblin gaurds, and spoke demandingly," Goblin. Take me to my Account Manager."
The goblin in question, who held a halberd in hand, slightly tighten his grip when the boy had spoken to him, but spoke calmly," And who might that be…My Lord" the disdain when he had said that was completely missed by Draco, as he swelled with pride and glee at being addressed as a Lord by the goblin; his father was right about how one should treat these disgusting creatures.
"Riphide, my dear goblin, we would be grateful of your assistants in escorting us to him" He heard an elegant voice said behind him, and turned to see his mother standing there. As the goblin nodded and began to walk in the direction of a corridor, Draco moved to follow the thing, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. "Draco, you should not be so disrespectful, especially to goblins. They're a warrior race, and do not take slights against them lightly. You may not hold them in high regard, but keep it to yourself when around them."
He shrugged his shoulder away and looked at his mother with narrow eyes," I am a Lord, and father always said that these creatures deserved no respect from their betters, why would I show them any." With that said, he turned and walked away, ignoring the sigh he heard behind him.
As they caught up to the goblin, he followed the thing until they reached a door. The goblin knocked twice on it, then allowed them to walk in, and closed the door behind them. Draco watched as the goblin in front of him looked up at them and sneered slightly before saying, " Ms. Malfoy, heir Malfoy…I take it you are here for the will reading of the late Lucius Malfoy?"
"Yes Riphide, though Ms. Malfoy? My husband may be gone, yes; but I was under the impression that I am still Lady Malfoy until the time my son takes up his Lordship" Draco heard his mother reply.
"That may be true under normal pretenses, Ms. Malfoy. But they late Lord Malfoy had put in place safeguards in his will that would take into effect based on how he died. Given that he was murdered, Lucius Malfoy and named his son, Draco Malfoy, as Head of the House Malfoy. By doing so, Lord Malfoy has sole control of the Malfoy estate." Riphide spoke abruptly.
"My husband didn't trust me to look after the House in the event he was murdered?" He heard his mother mutter to herself. But he didn't care about that; if father didn't trust her, then he wouldn't either. No, he was preoccupied with what the goblin was saying about him being the Lord now.
"Does that mean I'm Lord Malfoy-Black now!? Where are the House Rings?" He asked excitedly.
"Yes, my Lord, and once you put on your House ring, you will become officially Lord Malfoy, and by Wizarding Laws, you will become emancipated, along with the other benefits of being a Lord." Riphide replied blandly as he took out a small box, and opened it showing a sliver ring.
"Draco dear, think this through; if you become the Lord of the House, you will be responsible for everything. That is too much for you at the moment dear. You still have school to go too, and your childhood to look forward to." Narcissa said, slightly desperately. Her son was not ready, far from it; there was very little she would be able to do if she was no longer his guardian legal. Draco was just like his father; prideful, arrogant and weak. However, unlike his father whose traits were tempered by experience, caution, and subtlety; Draco had all the subtlety and caution of a hippogryff in a china shop.
While he had heard his mom, Draco ignored her completely and put the ring on; feeling the Family's magic accept him as Head. As he finished enjoying the feeling, what Riphide had said registered to him and spoke to the disgusting thing," What do you mean I'll only be Lord Malfoy? I should be Lord Black also. Mother, tell him!" he shouted as he slapped his hands on the desk and stood up in front of the goblin.
"Draco, calm yourself" his mom told him sharply, to which he ignored, then she spoke to Riphide," though he did it in the wrong way, my son is still right; He is the only legitimate heir for the House of Black. My cousin, Sirius is both a convicted criminal and has been disowned from the Family."
"I am not allowed or able to speak on the matters pertaining to House Black, Ms. Malfoy. But Lord Sirius Black holds his title as such by magic itself, and the lack of an official dismissal from the house strengthens his claim." Riphide spoke, and watched as both the woman and the child reel with shock. "Now, as the Lord of the House, there are the matters of contracts the previous Lord had written, which will now be in effect in regards to you."
"What kind of contracts" Narcissa said warily.
"Mostly business, in which the new Lord Malfoy must be aware of; but the one I'm referring to is the betrothal with House Parkinson". Riphide answered causing her to close her eyes and look significantly more stressed.
Draco didn't see the issue with that so he spoke," I already know about that, so there's no need to speak about it goblin."
"Yes of course, My Lord; I wasn't aware you knew it was now active" Riphide said, taking a pervert pleasuring in seeing the brats stunned expression.
"What? But it's only suppose to be active when I become-" Draco spoke, but was interrupted by his mother.
"-Lord Malfoy, Draco; as you are now." Narcissa said warily. Her son was now the Lord of a Noble House…and given the laws of their society, he would be married when both he and his bethrothed are both thirteen. She looked at her son's godsmacked expression, and the covert look of glee in the eyes of the goblin. Her son was inexperienced, rash, lacked cunning, and willingly made enemies; the worst of them being the goblins if the expression of their own Account Manager was telling her anything.' Congradulations, my son' she thought,' After all, you couldn't wait to be a Lord…'
He and Su were in there training room. They just finished training, and he had her pressed against the wall, feeling her small warm body pressed against him. He looked at her as the sweat glistened skin seemed to enhance both her beauty and her eyes that burned with desire. He started kissing her, and he felt her hands begin to massage and grab his hair as he kissed and nibbled lightly on her sweet lips. He heard her moan in his mouth as his questing hands found purchase on her small firm ass, and he squeezed both it and her closer to his burning groin. As she started to bite and lick his neck; his right hand started to caress her thigh and begun working its way slowly up her skirt, and he heard her breathing hitch slightly as he went under it and cupped her, feeling her wet panties against his hand. As his fingers began to play with her, he heard her moaning loud and lo-
William woke up with a start as he felt something erupt from his groin. As he looked around the room he noticed that it was still early in the morning, with sun yet to have risen. However, what caught his attention was the hovel-like state his room was in, with anything that was not rooted to the floor or walls, were upturned and pushed away from his bed. He could still feel his heart racing and the results in his boxers from the dream he just had. As he looked down at the growing stain he thought, 'I'm going to have to learn cleaning charms if this continues'.
As he got up to go shower to begin the day, he muttered to himself," Bloody puberty". As he showered he thought about the dreams he'd been having. While he expected things like this from his reading; he didn't think to would be this…explosive. His magic seemed to burst out of control whenever his dreams reached…a climax of sorts. It had been awkward when he could recall in vivid detail what he did to either Su or Daphne. It was to be expected given she was the one girl his age that he spent a majority of his time with and Daphne was a beautiful girl, so it came as no surprise when they became the object of his growing desires. However, what did surprise him was when he began to dream about random girls like Penny, Padma, Susan and…Nymeria and Hermione. That…had been an awkward morning for him, especially when he had breakfast with Nymeria and realized how much she truly was a woman.
He got out of his shower and put on clothes to begin his train session, and then he walked out his room and through the silent and still sleeping house until he was outside staring at the snow filled landscape that was the grounds of Cunningham Manor. As he stretched, he could see Sashet trail that she lelt behind on her path to the forest. It still surprised him how resilient the snake was and how active she was, but he attributed that to the ritual. She was already approaching the size of an adult in her species now being twelve feet, and was already thicker than any record he found so far, at a width of six inches. Their bond seemed to be evolving as he was starting to get real time visions of what she was seeing.
As he began his run, he extended his magic and started to manipulate it to grab the snow around him and make them into snow balls around him, and rotate around him. He had spent his holiday focused on improving his neglected wandless magic. While he had used them during his spars with Su; he had focused more on its utility in a fight, and also in improving his other skills. Now, however he spent his time on improving his skill, control and versatility. For instances, He was trying his idea of a separate entity to control his occlumency defenses and maintain his barriers. It…wasn't going well; anything he tried so far just acted like his other defenses and didn't operate unless he had instructed it, which was completely opposite of a free thinking and adaptive defense he had envisioned. And also, while he could manipulate water easily now and he could gather it out of the air by cooling it, he couldn't freeze it into ice, and his control of it in that form was sluggish or non-existent; and if he could cool it, and control it in its solid and liquid form, couldn't he do the same in heating it and control it as a gas? He would hold off his research into magic and focus on his abilities and the magic that he did know until he had them mastered or at least above adequate control…especially if his control was being affected due to his growing hormones.
He spent hours after his run standing near the forest, practicing his water manipulation with the snow, making them form large shapes, and trying to do that simultaneously. He was so focused on his training that he didn't realize he had an audience until he formed a pyramid, a shape he was having difficulty with, and heard clapping from behind him.
"Well down my dear. It's good to see your time at Hogwarts was not making your other talents rust" Nymeria said with her ever present smile on her face.
"It certainly amazes me at your ability to perform wandless magic, Mr. Cunningham. I'm certain Dumbledore could not boast about such control." Remus stated from beside her.
He had learned a lot about the werewolf during his holiday; such as his time at Hogwarts, some of the secrets it held, and about lycanthropy, but he learnt even more about Dumbledore. He created a vanguard of sorts to fight against Voldemort called, The Order of the Phoenix. And while Remus painted him as a saint fighting a war; William questioned the man's naivety of fighting a war without using lethal force against an enemy that had no hesitation in doing the same. He understood the desire to capture an enemy, but when Remus spoke about his handing over of those captured without questioning them, despite the protest of those around him, made him question his sanity. However, when he spoke about the power that radiated and how he fought during the few confrontations he had with Voldemort…William couldn't help but see how people followed him so blindly, especially in a world where the masses followed the one with the biggest stick. And this was the man that was viewing him as a potential dark wizard? He would have to ensure that both he and his House would be strong enough to hold if it meant a confrontation. The thought across his mind to simply dissuade the Headmaster that he was not a threat, but from everything Remus told him of the man, he was used to everyone following him; But both his whole philosophy and the idea of being subjected to the rule of someone else, so completely against his very nature and his plans for his House. So he would wait…he would wait and become strong in the shadow of the giant of a man, and strike when he was strong enough to protect what was his and those that were in his shadow.
"Thank for the high praise, Remus" William said, as he took the towel from Nymeria that she carried for him, and began to wipe himself off." Have you spoken to the others yet?"
"Not as yet, but I'm hopefully to visit soon as I can." Remus spoke in his usual calm voice.
"It's a pity you will be leaving tomorrow; we could've made a trip out of it or at least stayed to watch your people begin their seems you are creating a trend in leaving me with all the hard work, dear" Nymeria said teasingly while pouting.
It was true that he would miss the fruition of his plans in there early stage. He had hand pick the mercenaries and tutors, based on the profiles Blacktooth had provided that were on the payroll of the goblins. He had plans to repay the assistants he was receiving from them; one that would benefit his House in the long term, and help with the cost of building the Hold. He wasn't planning on joining the others on the train, but use Remus to apparate to Hogwarts; said ability he was going to learn over the summer, regardless of the werewolves protest on its illegality to teach a minor or to do so without a license. William looked at his mother and spoke," That's because I have complete faith in your abilities, mother"
She approached him and cupped his cheek, and act he had been allowing her to do more frequently, and spoke," You flatterer" then she narrower her eyes and spoke," what do you want."
William chuckled lightly as Remus laughed a bit more openly at the byplay, and he spoke becoming serious," See, you would do well in politics?"
She looked at him quizzically, then narrowed her eyes at him," No, no no no and no. I have done several things for you, but I will not do that." William sighed, while Remus looked curiously at them. He was of course talking about the coming elections that would be happening next year. He had hopes to convince her into using the impressive clout and blackmail material she had gained from her escort services to buy the election to become Prime Minister. He doubted it would be simple, but with the support of their chosen party, blackmailing the other party into electing a incompetent runner, and using the fact that the name Cunningham was turning into a household name due to the works of their affordable security company and medicines; he could almost guarantee it…if Nymeria wasn't so strongly against it. This was really the first time she was so against him in something, and the rarity was not lost on him, so he consented to her desires, though he did try to persuade her. But seeing she was still against it William sighed and spoke," Fine, I will have to delegate that then. Fine a politician we can use then?"
She nodded then pinched his cheek, causing him to swat her hand away, and manipulate snow to launch at her laughing form as she ran away laughing, much to the amusement of Remus.
It was around midday as the train speed along the tracks as it made its way to Hogwarts. It bustled with students in its various compartments, however there was one very disgruntled blond girl who was walking down its corridors with a bemused bespectacled girl walking beside her.
Daphne had just left her compartment which contained Blaise and the newly minted Lord Malfoy and his ilk, to go search for her target in hopes of better company and to put into practice her mother's advice. It had started out with her playing nice with the new Lord; while her father now cared little about the untested Lord, he still had eyes on the prestige of House, and had advised her of the still possible role in regards to a betrothal with him. While it had irked her at first, she had bathe in the victory over her father, as small as it may be. It had made her feel a sense of pride and power in her abilities that had sent a pleasant shiver down her body when she had translated his words into his agreement with her plan. With that over, she had talked with her mother in earnest for help with William; not that her advice was of any help, 'Be yourself' was her words…How was that suppose to help her! She couldn't act like that around William. When she's with her best friend, she could drop her mask and enjoy herself; she could laugh and act silly, talk freely about any and everything, even indulge briefly gossiping with her about which ever article was of interest in 'Witch Weekly'. To drop her mask around William could lead to him finding something to use against her or worse, thinking her weak. No…she would wait, and earn his trust; when she knew more, she would work him until he relied on her, needed her. She would not be seen as weak by anyone.
In regards to the new Lord, she had sat there with her friends as he prattled on and on, about the challenges and difficulty decisions one had to make as a Lord, and how they couldn't understand what he was truly saying, while his fiancée, a fact she couldn't wait to gush out to them, kept watching him with awe filled eyes. When she couldn't take it anymore, and after a point in time where it would no longer be disrespectful, she had excused her with Tracey following her; while Draco Malfoy was still Draco Malfoy, he was a Lord now, and she was raised to respect that, if even it was only respect shown to the position, and not the man holding it.
"Where are we going, Daffy?" Tracey said, had held a bemused smile, when she scowled at being called that.
"We're taking a walk" she answered.
"Really? Cause to me it looks like you're looking for something…or perhaps…someone?" Tracey said, with mirth riding in her voice as she watched Daphne stepping slightly to look inside each compartment as they passed them.
"Hush, you" Daphne replied,too focused on looking for her query to really banter with her friend. As she heard Tracey giggle, she looked into another compartment and saw both Ms. Li and Granger sitting alone. She knocked three times, and when she heard the reply, she opened the door and spoke to the two," Do you mind if we joined you?"
Granger looked at Li, who gave a subtle nod, and then answered her," Sure"
As both her and Tracey sat, she decided to pass the time while she waited for William to return, she spoke," I hope you both had a good holiday?"
"It was a good one yes Mum and Daddy had a great time and I especially enjoyed the gifts a got from my friends, again Thank you Su, I really can't wait to thank William when I see him, what about you? Was yours well?" Granger raced on nervously. She didn't know how she managed to breath between all that.
"William got you something as well? And you haven't seen him yet?" She said, both intrigued and fishing for information.
Seeming have caught herself, she watched as Granger took a calming breath, then seem to take on a neutral appearance. 'The girl knew occlumency? When? Was William still teaching her?' she thought as she heard Granger's reply," Yes, a book; and we haven't seen him yet, Su thinks his not on the train. Did he get you something too?"
She was intrigued at that, but she displayed her hand, showing a wand holster on its forearm," It's not something I would ask for, but he does seem the practical one. What about you Ms. Li, did you get anything?" she said in her usual voice, however she felt a stranger desire to one up the girl that was closest to her target. She watched as the quiet girl raise her hand, which also adorn a wand holster."Oh, so you did. I was beginning to think you were not as close as I thought." She said, feeling Tracey jab subtly at her side.
She watched as Ms Li's eyes narrower on her slightly, and spoke softly," We are."
"Oh? It's curious that he told you nothing about his being late then." Daphne spoke.
"It's curious that he doesn't tell you anything at all" came the soft reply, though the lithe girl's eyes stared firmly back at her.
As the two stared, Hermione spoke up suddenly," How was your Holiday, Ms. Davis?" she said, hoping to diffuse the situation.
"Call me Tracey, and yes it was a good one. Anything else of interest happened with yours?" Tracey replied giggling which caused the two staring girls to look away from each other, she couldn't help it given the situation she just witnessed. As Daphne listened as Granger and Tracey speak with each other, and Li looking out the window, she couldn't help but wonder where that boy was, and what he was doing to have him miss the train.
William sneezed as he walked through the gates of Hogwarts with his trunk floating behind him wandlessly, and his wand out in order to keep appearances. He had just been dropped off by Remus after the name apparated them to the school in a series of short jumps due to his inability to make the long journey in one go while doing it with someone else. It seemed to be around midday, so lunch would be in session, or just about finish. As he walked up the path up the school, he heard Sashet speak from his shadow.
§Pet, I'm going to hunt, and explore the forest§ she said.
He continued walking, not breaking his stride as his shadow seem to lengthen in an odd shape, §Be careful Sashet§, he spoke to her as he watched her leaving his shadow.
§You would think me a hatchling the way you worry, Pet§ Sashet replied, as she slithered into the treeline.
As he approached the entrance to the school, he decided to test out one of the many things Remus had told him about the school," I need a House elf?" he called/asked out loud.
There was a pop, and standing before him was a creature with elongated bat like ears, large owlish eyes and grayish-brown looking skin, and stood about three feet tall," Young masters' bes calling for any elf" it said in a squeaky voice.
"Yes…what is your name?" he asked.
"Masters' bes asking for elfies' name?" it said in an awestruck squeaky voice. Remus had said that they tended to be mistreated by magicals, but the amazement in the creatures eyes over something so simple was ridiculous…but it held potential for the future.
"Yes. Do you mind telling me?" He said calmly.
"Tabby's names bes' Tabby, young masters' sirs" the now named Tabby spoke.
"Ok Tabby, I need you to put my trunk in my dorm room, please. Can you do that?" he asked.
"Young masters' bes' saying please to Tabby, Tabby didn't nose young masters' bes' such a good wizard. Of course Tabby nose where young masters' room is." With that, the elf snapped it's fingers and William watched as his trunk disappeared before his eyes.
"You may call me William or Master William if that suits you better, Tabby." He watched as the elf's head bobbed rapidly up and done, at the rate it was going he thought it had a good possibility of rolling off. "Good. Thank you for the help Tabby, I hope you don't mind if I called you again sometime in the future?"
"Nots at talls master Willy, sirs. Tabby will be keeping hes ears out for master Willys' call" it replied, and with a pop, was gone. Though he was slightly irritated at hearing what the elf had called him, he turned burden free into the castle and notice the small crowd leaving the Great Hall, who where all wearing casual clothes.
As he headed to locate and explore the kitchen Remus had told him about, and hopefully get something to eat from the elves said to be there. As he headed towards a corridor on the right of the staircase that led to the grand staircase, he heard a voice behind him," William is that you?"
He turned to look at who called him, and noticed it was Potter, as he approached him, he gave him a small nod in recognition and spoke," Mr. Potter, the holiday at the castle was good a hope?"
"Yeah, it was for a change. How comes you're here, they say the train isn't to arrive until tonight?" Potter asked him.
"There are more ways than one way to travel, especially in this world Mr. Potter" he replied.
"Really? I haven't heard of any yet, I'll ask Ron, about that later" he watched as the bespectacled boy's eyes seem to be looking at something far away, before he came into sharp focus again and spoke again," There's something I need your help with…I-I planned on waiting for Hermione so she could probably explain it,but…but I think you could help too"
It was plausible given his standing position in terms of grades had him rivaling Hermione, but he seemed…off to him. He seemed haggard, and had bags under his eyes. However, he replied," Alright…lead the way Potter". And with that, he followed in the wake of Potter, a slight distance away with his hand ready to catch his wand at a moment's notice.
As they walked down an unused corridor on the fifth floor, with Potter leading and William glancing about while keeping an eye on him, they finally came to a door that was a jar. Walking in after Potter entered, he circled the room with his eyes, and his wand now drawn. There was nothing in it, except both him and Potter, and a large oddly decorated mirror.
"I found it a couple days ago, it showed me my parents, but when I showed Ron, he said it showed him being the Head Boy and getting an award from Dumbledore, what do you think it is?" Potter said as he stared into the mirror.
The way he seemed to focus so intently at the mirror had he wary of the object, so he stepped to the side so he wouldn't see his reflection or whatever Potter was looking at, and he observed the carvings along the mirror. Now that he was closer, he realized they were not decorations, but runes along the mirror that seem to double as his first assumption; as he followed the runes that he couldn't understand upwards, he came across some writing,' I show not your face but your heart's desire' he thought in his mind after he had worked out how to read it. He looked at Potter and recalled what he said, feeling slightly sorry for the small boy.
"Potter, do you mind if I had a look" he asked, as he placed his hand on his shoulder and gave him a slight push to encourage him to step aside. With Potter no longer, focused on the mirror and him now standing in front of it, he felt tendrils of legilimency probe caressing his mind, he felt a strange sensation to find out what his desire was wash over his mind; he dropped his barrier slightly and allowed it in as he looked at the mirror.
Shortly, an image came on its surface. He saw himself standing beside Hermione, they were both looking up at two adults who he didn't recognize, but the woman seemed to have a combination of his eyes and Hermione's hair. He looked quizzically at the image as they all smiled at him happily, and then he felt a surge of anger at what this memory was telling him. How dare it say his desire was this! He had a mother! He would get his sister in time! And he certainly didn't desire a man who wanted nothing to do with him or cared enough to find out about him. As his anger and desire to see the mirror increase as he watch the smiling and laughing faces, he failed to notice his mind and everything was becoming hazy. That was until he felt his wand send a painful shock up his hand, clearing his mind.
He turned around, with his wand at the ready as he recognized the sensation as someone entering his mind. They hadn't gotten far, but he was sure they at least saw what he was focused on during his anger. Not seeing anything and not willing to use his abilities with Potter and an unknown watching, he addressed Potter," you wanted me to tell you what it is Potter…it's a curse. It shows you what it perceives you to desire and traps you in front of it. Do not come back here." He said the last as a suggestion as he looked into Potter's eyes, and tied the mirror with a bad sensation to help enforce it. As he watched Potter nod in agreement, he let him walk out, and followed behind him, wary of whoever had tried to enter his minutes passed, when Dumbledore dissolved into existence, his eyes twinkling as he recalled the images he saw.
A/N: And there you have. I wasn't happy with this; felt rushed to get it done, but let me know what you think about it. I i feel they same about the next chapter I'll which to a bi-weekly update schedule.
-With Draco, I wanted to show how being a Lord will affect him, and the changes i plan on making with him in the future. Malfoy will still be Malfoy, but i wanted to add the increased arrogance for a reason.
-I know i rushed the investigation, but it wasn't really a plot point, but i didn't want to have it just floating in the air, so please don't hold me to any loopholes you find in it.
-The slight confrontation between Daphne and Su didn't turn out how i thought it would, but I hope it got the point across.
-I hope you saw what William's desire is, but I'm not going to spell it out, kinda defeats the purpose if I did don't you think?
Please review and let me know what you think about the chapter.
Till next time.