A/N:Hello again everyone. You guys are amazing. 98 favorites 169 follows 54 reviews and over 12000 views; Thank you all for your continued support. In regards to my little challenge about guessing the animagus; their were a few close ones, both from PMs and reviews, but no cigar, so no cyber cookie for any one lol (which would've been the opportunity to decide what animagus Hermione would become). Before I begin my first mini-rant: I tried that patronus test thing pottermore at the request of a reader. There I was answering various questions,becoming filled with excitement as the music became more and more dramatic, and I travelled deeper into this nicely done Forbidden forest, imagining an epic animal. I watch as the light coalesced and become...a mole...a figging MOLE. I call bs on that completely on that. My guardian is definately something better than some...mole...
Lol, with that over, as usual; I apologize for any grammatical errors, that I may have missed. A reminder, please vote for the girl(s) you want in the pairing. I'll keep it up for...another three chapters or so, so please vote; that being said, thank you all to those who have, I appreciate it. Also, could someone PM me how to make those fancy line breaks. you know those unassuming lines that everyone seems to know how to make except for me?
TRIGGER WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS RAPE,TORTURE, AND KIDNAPPING. For those with delicate sensibilities or past experiences with such events, the scene has been mark by the follwing in the brackets: (****). It is due to this that this story is now rated as MA.
Please Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Harry Potter or anything dealing with its franchise.
New Instincts, Summer Days, and Something Wicked This Way Comes
William came from the vision panting. His breath sounded different to him as his ears flicked at the sound. He opened his eyes and noticed his vision had changed; He could see much better than he did before as he focused on the various boxes in the room, but his peripheral vision was slightly blurred. He took a deep breath, and he took in the mossy smell of the basement that was unnoticed before; he could smell himself; the forest, freshly wet grass, and mist. 'The ritual was a success' William thought to himself, as he heard the sound of purring that he normal heard from his wand issuing from within his new throat. While he wanted to explore this new side of himself, he needed to identify what creature he was. With that thought, he followed the grimoire's instructions, and focused on the image of his human form and felt himself change. As William stood, he stretched his body from the awkward, yet natural position it was in before. He noticed that his sight was improved, and he didn't have the blurring like he did before; his tongue felt dryer, no…rougher would describe it better. And while the mossy scent was still there, it wasn't nearly as strong as it was before, but it was more pronounced than it was before he did the ritual. He turned to collect his wand and paused at what he saw.
There, at the table that held both his wand and his chained Head of House ring, was a phantasm of a tiger sitting on its haunches as it stared at him with a bored, but quizzical look in its hazel eyes. His ancestors said there would be 'bleeding over', but he assumed they were speaking about traits and the like; was this a normal addition due to the ritual or something else. As he approached his wand while keeping his eye on the tiger, he got the feeling of amusement rush through him as the hazel eyes of the tiger held the same expression as it continued to sit there watching him. William placed the ring around his neck, and the holster back on his right forearm, and felt the hum of his magic and the content purr from the tiger, as the focal was back where it belonged. 'Could that be it?' William thought, 'Could it be possible that my magic is manifesting itself through my animagus form?' The theory sounded outlandish to him, but it was the only thing he could think of at the moment until he could research on it…though given the circumstances, he doubted he would find anything substantial on this subject.
Wanting to confirm his form, he transfigured the table into a full-body mirror, and then used his occlumency to focus on the feeling and form he was in before. His entire world changed before him as he did that; the mirror came into sharper relief, while everything else around it blurred. There, in the mirror, was the tiger that he had seen before by the wand. He had long white whiskers, and the traditional striped coat of a tiger. He moved about while facing the mirror, both to get a feel of his new body, and to see if he could spot the typical identifier that was said to carry over into the animal form of all animagi. He spent the next five minutes doing that, however, nothing stood out to him except his coat was the same shade as his dark brunette hair, and he still retained his hazel eyes. Feeling pleased in having such a lethal form, he transformed back to his human form and started out of the basement towards the upper levels where Remus and Nymeria would be waiting to hear the results; he noticed as he walked that the phantasm of his animagus had once again appeared, and was walking lazily beside him.
William found the two waiting just outside the door for him; he noticed that Nymeria's eyes widened slightly and she took a slight step back, while Remus looked guarded and wary of him; he felt himself become wary as he was now in the man's presence, but he couldn't understand why. Nymeria was the first to speak upon seeing her son.
"Well dear, how did it go; what did you become?" she asked with her ever present graceful smile. "you're giving off a very different…Vibe? Aura?...I'm not sure what to call it"
William didn't answer her though as he was busy making sense of what was happening to him. As soon as the door had opened he was met with new smells; from Nymeria, he could smell her perfume, but what he was really focus on was that he could smell that she was excited, worried, and curious. How could he smell that?
His expression must have given him away as Remus spoke next, "Some animals have the ability to interpret pheromones due to their acute sense of smell. Perhaps whatever animal you are has that trait?" William could hear the unasked question in his voice and spoke as he tried to process this new information.
"It's a tiger." Said William.
"That's wonderful, my dear." Nymeria said as she brought him into a hug. She was surprised when she felt more than heard him purring against her as he rubbed his faced against her cheek. It didn't last long, before he seemed to collect himself and stepped back, with a visible shocked expression on his face.
She watched as he narrowed his eyes and looked at both Remus' amused expression, and then at her teasing smile before speaking, "We speak nothing of what just happened." He deadpanned.
She couldn't stop herself as she spoke next, "What are you talking about?" she took up a fake thinking posed, and then looked at him with a smile gracing her face, "Could you be talking about how you're a happy little kitten in my arms?" she said as she opened her arms to him and approached him teasingly.
William ducked under her arms and walked away while ignoring the sound of Nymeria giggling behind him as he made his way towards the day room. As he sat in his usual armchair, he watched as Nymeria and Remus did the same with the other furniture in the room and then spoke, "Until I leave to join Su and continue my training; I've done what I've set for myself for this summer and I've found myself slightly idle. Do you have anything to report? Remus, what's happening with the werewolves? I thought I would be possibly meeting them by now?"
The addressed werewolf sighed and spoke, "While many are indeed in need of help, many are not very trusting in regards to the source, and I've been having opposition against a meeting in the form of Fenrir Greyback."
"Isn't that the werewolf wanted by the ministry?" Nymeria asked.
"The very same" he answered back grimly.
"Come again?" William asked, this was the first he was hearing this.
"Greyback is a notorious criminal, and is a known for setting himself near his targets, so when he changes he during the full moon, he attacks them. He's also known for targeting young children in order to change them with the disease. If you ever wanted a poster boy for all things bad about werewolves, he's your guy" Nymeria supplied.
"So an advocate for lycanthropy is fighting for continued segregation. Fine." William said plainly, causing Remus to look at him shocked. "What?" he continued, "How can I help those who do not wish to help themselves? I will not waste my time or my resources. Continue speaking to them if you wish and get those who are interested; leave those who chose to follow the criminal or want to remain on their own." He finished pragmatically, while he thought about whether or not he should get rid of the werewolf, especially if it meant him being a potential ally when Voldemort returned.
Seeing him nod his reply, he looked at his adopted mother, "How's things overall on your side?" he asked as one of the maids brought in a tray laden with a tea pot, cup and biscuits; he took one up and drank it.
Nymeria leaned back with her own cup and relaxed as she spoke," Well, business has been good as you know. My C.O.O has been doing a marvelous job with Cunningham Pharmaceuticals; plans are in the works to expand into France, hopefully we can get a strong foot hold in that market. The legion has been highly motivated, especially with that riveting speech dear" she said toasting her tea cup towards her son as she continued, "They are starting to placed into teams now that basic training is dealt with and they shall each begin specialization, and I'm pleased to inform you that you can get off my case in regards to me joining that three-ring circus we call politics; Cunningham Inc. is now endorsing John Major for Prime Minister."
"That's good to know we have a piece in that particular game; His chances of winning?" William asked.
"He's well liked and experienced, so we don't need to utilize too much leverage for him to win; just our endorsement and 'persuading' a couple people here and there should do the trick." Nymeria replied, and William thought deeply about her answer. With that in the works, he had a potential powerful political asset in his cards to play when and if he needed it. With things on the muggle side handled, he could focus completely on the wizarding world; not that he could do much with his growing, but limited resources…perhaps it was time to get his seat and benefits as a Lord?…he could complete many thi-
"When do you many to leave?" Nymeria asked him, interrupting his thoughts.
"The first of July, so three days time." He answered plainly. He had been invited by Su to spend his summer with her in order to train. It was a good opportunity to improve himself, especially since he had yet gotten the time to do so as of yet. There were new spells that had been unlocked in the grimoire, but they were focused on dealing with creatures of the menageries his ancestors used to run, so he could use the time to focus on his wandless abilities and try to replicate what the possessed Quirrell was capable of or even use other spells.
"Off to spend time at your girlfriends house, while you leave your poor lonely mother by herself" Nymeria replied while wiping away an imaginary tear.
"You have Remus and a house whole of employees." He deadpanned, not even looking up at her as he drank.
"You know Nymeria…William has reached that age where he needs to be informed about the birds and the bees." Remus said with an amused expression as he watched William freeze briefly.
Nymeria brighten visibly as she smiled teasingly at her son and spoke, "You're right Remus; can't have my little heart throb caught unawares." William got up abruptly; he was not having any to do with that conversation with his mother; he knew what went where and what does what, thank you very much. Besides, he had a letter to write that he had put off long enough.
Nymeria laughed at the retreating form of her son and spoke aloud to him, "Come back, I didn't get my chance to scar you yet; it's a rite of passage." she finished chuckling along with Remus.
Hermione was currently sitting on her bed, reading the book William had given to her for the second time, after just finishing her packing for the trip to France she had with her parents in a few days time. She had spent the first few days of her summer completing her assignments that were given to her and writing to both Ron and Harry. Because she had no owl, she had to wait till Ron remember to write in order to attach any letters she had for Harry along with his; not that Harry replied, which was worrying her greatly.
He had shared with her a bit of his home life with her, and the little that he did she was able to tell that his relatives must be terrible; not to mention the events that happened at the end of school, that still gave her the occasional nightmare as it got through her barriers, and his thoughts about William and the stone. Harry had gotten it into his head that William had stolen the Philosopher's stone…which was completely preposterous! He came there to help them…to help her. Not because he's a Slytherin does it automatically mean he should be suspect number one anytime something went wrong…they had done the same with Professor Snape…and look how well that turned out. Besides, he was just as smart as she was; they tied for first of their year after all, and she couldn't think of a way he could've gotten the stone out of Hogwarts without being spotted by someone or the wards, let alone getting by Headmaster Dumbledore.
As she sat there deep in thought, reading her book and biting her lower lip, she failed to notice the owl in the room until it hooted loudly; startling her. As she noticed the owl, she saw that it was carrying an envelope in it beak. Taking it from the owl, she was opened it and read what was inside:
Hello Hermione,
I hope this letter finds you well and you've been enjoying your holiday thus far. Mine has been particularly busy; with what, I'll tell you the next time I see you in person. You asked me the question of why I cared so much that I, a Slytherin, would willingly place myself in situations that were quite hazardous for my health. There…is no easy way to do this, so please bear with me and follow my next instructions. Decide whether or not you like your parents to accompany you, and go to Gringotts. Once there, ask for Account Manager Blacktooth. He will ask you to perform a ritual that will reveal if you have any potential inheritance. It will make things much clearer to you. The conversation about what is revealed is too personal for a letter, so I ask you to please hold any questions you have until we next meet.
Until then,
William
Hermione finished reading the letter, and her mind was working rapidly to figure out why she would need to go to Gringotts. She had a theory, but she would wait and see. With that, she walked out her room and went downstairs into kitchen to where her parents were getting ready to head out for work. Upon seeing her, she saw her mom stop what he was doing and approached her, as her dad addressed her, "Hey there princess, what are you doing out of bed already? Normally you'd stay in and read for awhile."
She handed the letter to her mom and replied to her dad, "I don't think so, but we need to head to Gringotts to really know, it's not any sort of emergency…but I really would like to go now."
She watched as her dad gained a confused expression on his face and she heard her mom speak, "It has to do with this letter, hun. Apparently, there was more happening at that school than Hermione has let on; 'Hazardous to my health', what could that possibly mean Hermione?"
Hermione ducked her head, she forgot in her rush that William had alluded to things that she did not want her parents to know; they would through a fit…or worse. "Just a couple accidents that he helped prevent from happening to me." While her mom looked skeptical, she turned away from her, and looked towards her father and spoke again to him.
"Her boyfriend, William, instructed that she go to Gringotts for answers as to why he cares for her; it has something to do with a possibility of her having an inheritance."
"Well, that sounds like quite the story, but we having packing to do." He answered. Hermione, with curiosity getting the better of her, spoke up.
"Please daddy, it shan't take more than an hour or so…Mom and I can go while you continue to pack up. Please, this is important to me." She finished with the look she'd seen her mother use a few times, and she watched as he crumbled.
"Alright, I'll stay and pack. God I feel sorry for the lad you use that on when you start dating at forty" he mumbled the last part, but it was loud enough to cause her to blush and her mum to chuckle in amusement. He continued on to asking her mother, "You don't mind, do you love?"
"No, it'll also give us some time to browse around if anything. Go get ready dear" her mother said, finishing with waving her off, to which Hermione ran turned, and walked briskly up the stairs.
It was an hour or so before Hermione and her mum found themselves walking down the street of Diagon Alley. Hermione absent mindedly took in the colored signs and ads, along with the various strange items and potions that could be seen through the shops that they pasted, as she bit her lip in an attempt to hold the feeling that was steadying growing in her chest. Was it excitement? Anxiety? Fear? She couldn't tell, but as they approached the large white bank, it kept growing until she found some difficulty breathing; that was until she felt her mum's hand placed gently on her shoulder, and she looked up to give her an reassuring smile…well, she hoped it was reassuring; her tummy felt like it did the first time she saw that horrid serpentine face of Voldemort.
They waited in line within the bank, until it was their turn with one of the goblin tellers. "State your business" the goblin said in a monotone voice as it continued to write in a ledger present before it.
"Good day. I was told to ask for the Account Manager Blacktooth?" said Hermione.
The goblin looked down at her and then spoke, "Name."
"Hermione Jean Granger." She stated. The goblin looked at her, and then her mother for a few seconds, before he turned slightly and ran a bell that rested unnoticed on his desk. It was long until another goblin approached them quickly and he spoke again, "Follow the goblin. He will take you to your appointment."
"Thank you." Hermione said politely to the teller, and then followed the goblin along with her mother. They went through various corridors, until they were presented with a door, and ushered inside, to find a goblin setting behind a desk, seemingly reviewing a contract or something of the sorts, with a large smile on its face that Hermione found slightly intimidating. When it noticed them, its smile became more reserved as it spoke, "Ah, the guest of honor has arrived. Please, have a seat the both of you, would you like some to eat or a drink perhaps?"
Hermione found the currently goblin's behavior peculiar, but decided to ignore it for the reason they were here. "No, thank you, we're quiet alright. But I was wondering, why is it that I am here, why is that William told me to come to you?" she asked.
The goblin chuckled, "Of course. You must forgive me; I'm in a particular good mood at the moment. Business has been…very lucrative, with my current account. Now, we will be performing a simple ritual that will show if you have any possible inheritance. It will answer all your current questions, and I will be available to answer those that will arise." The goblin, Blacktooth Hermione recalled, then went on to explaining how it was carried out and the significance of each result.
She cut her palm and watched as the blood spread rapidly in a barrage of red until it turned grey. She noticed at the last of the reds was a 'Hektor Ademus Dagworth-Granger; Son of Ademus Dagworth-Granger and Belladonna Dagworth-Granger (nee Slytherin). That name surprised her greatly; she was a distant relative to Slytherin? The scroll continued down the line with twelve generations of squibs that had dropped the name 'Dagworth', but kept 'Granger', with each generation having a single male child that continued the grey with a muggle based on the black of the names. The scroll came to a stop, showing different colors at the end. In the centre as the last grey as a 'Daniel Richard Granger', on either side of him were two blacks. On the left was his mother's name, Samantha Foster, which caused her mother who was reading the scroll with her to let out a loud gasp; the right had an Emma Granger (nee Smith). However what really got her attention was a name in a bright blue with a coat of arms beside his name:
William Edmund Dagworth-Cunningham
She stared at the name in shock, as various thoughts crossed her mind. Many of them causing her to blush; He was her brother. She felt embarrassed, happy, excited and various other emotions…but that all slowly started changing as she thought about everything that he did, didn't do, said and didn't say; and she felt anger rising in her. His was her brother…AND HE KNEW FOR A BLOODY YEAR!
As that thought crossed her mind, she turned and saw her mum was tearfully, yet furiously staring at the scroll that see clutched in her hands, staring at the names at the bottom while her hands seemed to shake at her contained rage. Something told Hermione that they wouldn't be going anywhere this summer…
They were lying down together; William on top of her, playing with her hair as he kissed her hungrily, while his other hand was teasing one of her breast. She could feel him pressed against her sex, and she wanted to feel that hardness in her. He leaned backed so that she could see his hazel eyes that spoke of love and want for her and his mouth began speaking words of his declaration of love for her as he striped them both. They next were completely naked, with William going on to rapidly entering her, making her moan as he went faster…and faster…and deeper…
Su Li screamed out loud as she reached her climax on the soft bed in her room. She was very thankful for the silencing wards and other privacy wards both she and William had taught themselves during their months at Hogwarts. As she laid down relaxing, after using her wand on herself to clean up the small mess she was making, she noticed the early morning sun breaking through her curtains; Today was the day that William would be arriving, and she was both excited and apprehensive about that…
The excitement came from the prospect of enjoying an entire month and a half with her best friend and crush. She could use this time to progress their relationship and get to know William better, especially when he wasn't distracted with his plots, schemes or looking out for his sister. She also wanted to know where he stood with Daphne…where he stood with her…
The apprehension…came from having him around her older sister, Juniper Li. She was what could be classified as the 'Typical Asian Beauty'. Her hair was darker and longer than hers, she had narrower eyes than her, her skin tone was lighter than hers and she was far more feminine than her, which was expected since she was six years older than her. Juniper was a prodigy in dueling and martial arts, and the shining star of the Li family and she created a bar that she just couldn't reach…no matter how hard she tried; she was just…better…at everything, and left nothing but giant footprints that not only their father, but the rest of the family expected her to fill, if not outright surpass. She was the sole reason why she talked William into the circuit; she planned on showing everyone that she could do all that, and more by beating her sister on the international stage. The only good thing about her being here was that her father had returned to the rest of the family in China, leaving Juniper in charge. Su casted a quick charm to see the time; realizing that William would be arriving soon, she got up and head into the shower connected to her room.
Su Li worked her way down to the fireplace in a small room near the entrance that her father and installed for guest to arrive from. She was wearing casual clothes, however she picked something that while casual, would show off her growing figure to hopefully catch William's eyes, and keep them off her sister. As she walked, she could hear voices coming from the room she was heading towards.
"-the pleasure is all mine, Mr. Cunningham. Father has spoken highly of your skills; and the name of Cunningham is known well in the mundane side of the People's Republic of China. I hope my assistance during your stay here will greatly improve upon your skills." Said the silky and angelic voice of her sister, Juniper. She walked a bit faster than she had before; he was one of the few things she had to herself that wasn't tainted by her sister.
She came in the room before William gave his reply. Her sister was standing there in a blood red Chinese summer dress that stopped at her mid-thigh, and had their clan symbol, an eastern dragon circling itself until it was about to eat its own tail, emblazoned in gold on her back. While she personally liked to keep her hair long and flowing; Juniper kept hers in a tight bun, kept up by a pair of ordinate hairsticks, and as she turned to look at her, Su could see her predatory narrow black eyes were filled with mirth and a small predatory smirk on her pursed red lips. She went to speak, but she inhaled a breath instead as she took in William. Not much had changed except he had grown an inch or so, but his eyes and presence did. His eyes had wildness to them now, and he seemed to be struggling with something as he stared at her…could her sister have sunken her claws into him already? No, her William was much stronger than that to be suaded by a pretty face. His presence used to be like a fine mist when he wasn't focused on projecting it; there wasn't much there, but you could feel the coldness and moisture against your skin if you're near enough. And when he did actively unleash it, it was like entering a very cold room. But now, it was like a river; it looked calm at the surface, but just below that was a powerful current, waiting to swept you away. She was brought back to the present when her sister spoke in her silky voice, "Ah, little Sukie. I was wondering when you would arrive and greet our humble guest."
She fought a blush as she noticed William raising an eyebrow at the name behind her sister's turned back, "I told you not to call me that." Su replied in a soft, but annoyed voiced.
"It is your name, is it not little Sukie?" Juniper asked with a smile on her face as she continued, "Anyways, I was just about to lead, Mr. Cunningham here on a small tour of our household."
"No!" Su said loudly and sharply with her soft voice. "I'll do it. He is my guest after all."
Juniper nodded at her, and smiled sweetly as she spoke, "Very well then." She watched as she turned to William and continued, "When you're both done, come outside and join me for a light demonstration in order for me to assess your current skills and techniques; and how I may best help you improve."
"Please, Ms. Li, we'll be living in the same space, call me William." Came his reply and Su could see his 'public smile' present on his face.
Her sister raised a manicured hand up to her mouth and giggled before she spoke, "Oh my, then I suppose you will have to call me Juniper, but I'd prefer if you called me Juni." Becoming slight tired of her sister; Su approached William, took one of his hands in hers, and led him away for her sister.
As they walked hand in hand with Su leading, she heard William speak, "Your sister seemed…friendly."
"Don't make her fool you." She answered.
"Where are you taking me…Sukie?" he asked.
"My room." She stated softly as while blushing at how she liked how he said her name. She continued leading William towards her room; it felt like the only safe haven she had when her sister came.
"That's quite forward of you. Should I be worried about my innocence? I've heard stories about you Ravenclaws." He said teasingly.
"Good things I hope." She replied, enjoying their usual back and forth.
"Let's just say, that you all fit the muggle saying of, 'It's always the quiet ones'" he said with a chuckle.
As she entered her room with him and closed the door behind them and spoke to his back and he moved further into the room. She spoke what had been on her mind when she first saw him, "You feel different…and your eyes…they're different as well."
Su Li watched him as he took in her room, and she became a bit self-conscious as she realized that she was alone in her room with her crush. She quickly scanned it to see if there was anything particularly embarrassing to be seen. Her room wasn't too large, but it was large enough to contain her queen size bed, three bookcases, a wardrobe, a dresser with a full-body mirror and a small study area. It was clean, except for her bed that she had recently vacated, and that seemed to be drawing William's attention as he stood in the middle of the room, his eyes seemed to have a glazed quality to them that she hadn't seen in him before and his nostrils flared occasionally as she approached him. She realized what had caught his attention; there, visible from where he stood, was a small but noticeable damp spot in her sheets. She blushed heavily in embarrassment, and moved to clean it with her wand, but her sudden movement seemed to trigger something in William. He…growled at her, and she suddenly found his lips pressed against hers. She mewled softly as he worked his tongue into her mouth, and she felt the roughness of it against hers. Her head was spinning as she felt his hands move around her developing hips, and the feel of his magic caressing her body entirely like it always did when they duel alongside each other. She didn't know what to do with her hands as they hung limp at her side, and she found it difficult to breath, but she didn't want to end the kiss just yet…she just didn't.
It end suddenly as William pulled back and spoke panting as she did the same, "So-sorry. I didn't do that…I mean I did, but it wasn't 'Me' me, but the other me…and I'm not making any sense." He finished as he closed his eyes, most likely to focus is occlumency barriers.
It seemed that he had come to his senses, much to her disappointment, but she decide to ignore the fluttering she was feeling and speak, "What happened?" not that she minded it at all.
It was a testament to how far she had came with him when he answered readily, "I recently became an animagus and seemed to have some difficult controlling certain impulses now." He answered.
Su eyes became wide at that statement. Becoming an animagus was notorious for its level of difficulty, and the time it took for the transformation to occur. For William to become one in a month…"How?" she asked, looking up at him, savoring the feeling of him unconsciously holding her in his arms. She felt that she belonged there.
"That…is something I cannot share." He answered with his eyes still closed. She didn't press him, but asked another question.
"Can you tell me what it is?" she asked softly.
"A Tiger; A Bengal Tiger from what I've researched." He replied as he looked down at her. His eyes seemed to have that glazed look in them, but it was contained. She continued to try decipher the new look as he continued, "I don't know what it was, but I smelled…well…you…I became lost in its instincts and desire…well my instincts and desires I suppose…and just acted. This was a lot more complex than I first thought it would be, but I've have some ideas on what maybe happening, but I still need to research it."
"I'll help you figure it out, but for now we need to head now to my sister." She said softly as she blushed at the implications of what he said about smelling her.
"Doesn't look like you want to." He stated as she pulled away from him and took his hand in hers and started to lead him out the room. She had always enjoyed when he took her hand; it showed his willingness to trust her and open up, and marked her growing progress with the guarded boy.
"I don't. But we have an entire month for you to hold me again like that and snog me" she said softly and with a boldness that she had no idea where it came from, and a growing blush on her cheeks.
She felt him give her hand a gently squeeze as he spoke, "I think I'd like that."
It didn't take long for them to find her sister on the surrounding grounds on one of the many moors that made up Ireland that her home was located on, and Su Li spent the next fifteen minutes sitting on a marble bench watching as William casted his 'public repertoire' of combat and transfiguration spells. She always found his Slytherin need to hide his wandless abilities both amusing and cute, but she could see the sense in his decision; an enemy you knew nothing about was more dangerous than one that you did. As he finished, she heard her sister, who was standing a few feet from him speak, "Impressive for one your age William, however I fail to see how that could've impressed my father enough for him to sponsor you."
"Perhaps if we dueled I'd be willing to use the rest of my abilities." William replied, causing her sister to raise her hand up to her mouth and giggle before she gave her reply.
"I'm afraid I must decline your offer; perhaps another time when I'm positive you'll last long enough for me to finish." Su couldn't see her face, but she was sure her sister was wearing her usual serene smile she saved for her opponents when she teased them. "Now, with what you've since so far, you have a good grasp of transfiguration; you can multitask, and enough power and creativity for the branch. We will be working on your ability to transfigure and conjure larger objects, and increase the amount of complex transfigurations you can control at a given moment."
Su watched as her sister gave William instructions for his task, and then came and sit beside her as they watched him continue his training. It wasn't long before her sister spoke while she continued to watch her best friend, "You found quite the catch in that backwards school you attend little Sukie; almost enough to make it seem worth you receiving a subpar education if it holds such good stock."
"Hogwarts isn't that bad, and do not speak of William like that." Su answered softly.
"Why, I just stating how pleased I am that you found such a worthy companion. Strong, ambitious and daring if he's willing to aim for such a goal as the Circuit; has such an…intriguing presence, and he's cute too. Though he's a bit on the young side…but his height compared to me should make up for it." Juniper said, seemingly thinking out loud to herself as she tapped her finger against her bottom lip.
Su Li looked sharply towards her sister wide-eyed. 'She couldn't possibly be thinking of taking William away like everything else, could she!?' she thought. If she set her eyes out for him, how could she compete? How could she beat someone who was always better at everything that she tried? As if reading her thoughts, Juniper turned to look at her, with that predatory smile that no one seem to able to see except her and spoke, "I'd hurry up if I was you. We dragons take what we deem as ours and we are strong enough to keep it no matter what or who tries to take it. Li Sukie, are you strong enough to take and keep what you deem as yours?"
Without waiting for an answer, she watched as Juniper got up and moved towards William. She watched as she instructed him on something she couldn't hear, move behind him, and pressed herself against him as she adjusted his wand hand; then turned to her…and smiled. As she gripped her wand, that had somehow found its way into her hand, Su Li added another reason to her long list of why she wanted to become strong enough to beat her sister
It was mid-July, and in an ancestral manor located in Wiltshire, in one of its many day rooms, one could find an elegantly dressed, beautiful middle aged woman nursing a glass of Elder-Oak wine as she stared in to the dancing flame of the fire place before her. Narcissa Malfoy…or Black, as her son so loved to address her as; sat contemplating the evitable end of the house she used to represent. She had spent the past few months using the limited control she possessed and her own reputation she had developed over the years since her son's ascension to Lordship securing Malfoy ventures from the vultures and vipers that had tried to use the death of her late husband as a means to further themselves. Speak what you will about Lucius, he might have been a sick, deprived human being, and neglected many of his duties as a husband to her, but he was a good businessman that knew when and where to spend his money, and to an extent, a good politician. But her son…sigh…her son took the title, but none of the responsibilities seriously. During his school year, she had forwarded him the business deals and correspondents that came to the house along with a letter of suggestions on how to handle them or advise on which to take. However, not only did he ignore her, he went against many of her suggestions; upon seeing that, she had stopped offering her advice, as it was doing more harm to the Household than anything else, so she limited her to keeping the vipers from sinking their fangs into her son. However, she had failed on one occasion, and that snake made itself known as the flames see was staring at turned green before her, and a man walked out of it, and stood brushing off his fine robes of the soothe present.
"Miss Malfoy…a pleasure to see you. You look wonderful as always." Spoke the man.
"Where are you planning on taking my son, Lord Parkinson." Narcissa said bluntly. She was in no mood for politicking at the moment with her husband's old 'running partner'.
"So Draco informed you then." Lord Parkinson said smoothly. "Well, his birthday passed and I hadn't given him a present. Knowing what Lucius had in mind for his son, I decided it would be an ideal way to bond with my future son-in-law."
She gripped her glass tightly. She may not know what his plans might be, but she was well aware the things her husband did whenever he went out with this man. "My son is a BOY, I will not allow you to make him a MONSTER." She spoke with as much determination as possible and watched as the Lord Parkinson's eyes narrowed at her.
"Draco is a LORD, and he will learn how to act as such. And you MISS Malfoy, have no say in what a Lord does or doesn't do; Draco has spoken to me about his irritation of how you keep trying to usurp him with your little suggestions, and had spoken to me about exiling you from the family." He watched as her eyes widened slightly at that and he continued, "Now, I believe doing such a thing is rash and childish, so I've managed to persuade him against such action, but continue to forget your place…" he left the threat out in the air.
Narcissa ignored the man as he walked past her, and head out in search of her son. When he was gone, she felt small droplets fall from her eyes as she lamented the thought of what her son would soon become.
The holiday had not been going good so far for her just started for her; she had absolutely nothing to do. School had been crazy; though the school she attended with her siblings had a requirement to wear uniforms; her parents could only afford a single pair for each of them, and they had to share books for classes. While her siblings and her made do with it, they had to face all the gits in school, especially the girls in her class that were all a bunch of snobby bints, but it had been alright overall. She sat around the dinner table with her family as they all ate dinner together; she watched as her mum continued to bring in the dishes as her dad sat with them around the table as her siblings talked amongst themselves
She was one of three triplets; the middle child, with an older and a younger sister. Robyn, her older sister, was the smart and popular one; always socializing with the rest of the bints, always the center of attention. Claire took after their father and had his gift for sports and was a real tomboy; because of that, she had no trouble making friends with all those bloody arsehole boys. She…she was the average, plain, untalented, middle child…Her mum always said that she'd find her calling, but couldn't that calling come sooner? She was tired of being the last one picked; the one that wasn't noticed, even when she dyed her hair blonde that stand out against the black of her sisters, she was still the one that had nothing to say as she listened to her girly older sister prattle on about her day and her bratty younger sister talk about her teams, while her mum and dad listened on, eyes shining proudly at the two.
As she sat there quietly, playing with her food and then they all heard at the same time the front door opening with a loud bang. She watched as her dad stood up sharply and went to door; she heard him speaking with someone with a raised voice, only to heard laughter as his answer, a voice speaking in a language she didn't understand and a bright green light, and then the sound a something collapsing. Now frightened, she stood up along with her sisters at the quiet urging of her mum, and stood behind her, as she stood in front of them all with a kitchen knife in her shaky hand.
She watched as the kitchen door slowly opened…and revealed four cloaked and masked people, with one being much shorter than the others. Three of them were pointing sticks at her mum, while the fourth and shortest stood at the back, watching what was happening.
"W-where i-is my h-husband" she heard her mum say with a shaky voice. One of them answered her question with a single strange word while pointing the stick at her mum; and she watched her crumbled down to the ground screaming at the loudest voice she had ever heard her. She and her sisters huddled together, tears in her eyes, as she watch them laugh at her mum's pain. She wanted to do something…but she was scared. It lasted a few more seconds, and then the one pointing the stick turned it away from her mum and spoke.
"Now that you understand that you don't speak unless spoken too, you filthy muggle, we're going to play a game; bring them." The voice from the mask sounded male, but what caught her attention were the two approaching her and her sisters. Robyn tried to run, but they point that stick at them, and she watched as she became still, and toppled over straight on her face, while she herself felt her body stiffening. She stayed like that until the masked man that spoke before grabbed her tightly around her throat, waved his stick at her, causing her body to relax once more, and lifted her up by his firm grip; choking her. She struggled for breathe until he let up on his grip when she stood before her downed mum, with her sisters on either side of her in the same tight grip that she was in. "Tell me muggle filfth, what are the names of these disgusting spawns and how old are they." She heard the man say as his large hand remained tightly round her neck.
"R-Rob-byn,Eva-Evageline, and Cla-aire. They are all nine…please…please down hurt my babies. Ta-take me instead; I'll do anything you want." Evangeline watched as her mom begged and pleaded with these people.
"I'll do what I want muggle…but I'm a fair Lord, and that is why you have a choice whether you want to play my game or not." Came the reply.
"I'll play, I'll play, I'll play." Her mum said rapidly.
The men around them laughed, and the man spoke again, "Good little muggle. Now, say the first name of the child that comes to mind."
"Robyn." Her mother said quickly while pointing at the sister to her right. The man holding her nodded towards the man holding Robyn, and she was take away to the side near the dinner table.
"Good…now the game begins. You, filthy muggle, have a choice. One of these girls is going to be killed." As he said that, she felt a shock go through her body as fear raced through it, her mother gasped as he continued," You get to choose who lives; if you don't, not only will they both died, my friends and I will have a little fun with your favorite over there" she heard a gasp, and turned to see her sister completely naked on the table, tears rolling down her face as the masked man was poised behind her opened legs.
"Pl-pleases, do-don't…I-I-I ca-can't choose between my girls…please…please" Her mother begged, tears flooding her face.
"Alright then, I'll decide for you…Crabbe you ca-" he was saying, but was interrupted by her mother screaming her answer.
"CLAIRE!"
Evangeline's felt like something dropped within her chest…and just continue to fall. "Mu-mum…" she said quietly as the tears began to fall once more. Her mum…wanted her to died?...she chose her sisters over her? Why?...Why? That question continued to go over and over in her head as she just looked at the woman crying on the floor. She felt the man leaning down to her, and whispering in her ear.
"You heard that you filthy spawn…even your own mother knows you're nothing…not even worth living. She could've let all of you died as a family…but she chose to sacrifice you…because you are nothing." He said to her.
'Was that why…because she was nothing to her mother…' Evangeline thought rapidly, trying to make sense of everything. With her head looking down at the ground, she didn't notice the man pointing his stick at her mum and whispering something as he did.
"It's true…you are nothing. You were always nothing, and will always be nothing. How could I ever choose you over your sister" Evangeline looked up and saw the smirking face of her mother as she spoke those words, and she felt as if the world was taken from under her. She felt lost…hurt…empty…
She stared blankly as the man said more strange words, and watched as a green light hit her mother, causing her to become completely still. "Well, that was fun. Crabbe, bring that filth over here; Draco, it's time to pick your birthday present." Said the man still hold her neck, and keeping her from collapsing to her knees. Robyn was brought back over to them, and she vague realized that both her sisters were crying while she wasn't…she couldn't, her tears just wouldn't come anymore.
In her blank stare, she noticed the shortest of the masked men come in front of her and her sisters, and she heard the man speak, "Well, which one do you want as a toy to practice on. I can't have my future son-in-law unable to please my princess."
She vaguely watched as the short man walked in front of Claire, then Robyn, and finally her and spoke, "I want her."
"The man squeezed her neck sharply and spoke, "Good choice. She'll need breaking in, but I can help you with that. Crabbe, Goyle, the other girls are yours." He finished and said a strange word. She then felt a strange sensation go through her that made her feel like all her worries were gone and the voice of the man in her head, "Now I want you to watch; keep your eyes open and a smile on your face, and watch." And she did watch. Evangeline watched as the other two masked men entered her sisters, took turns with them, beat them, made them scream with those sticks and finally killed them. She had watched them do all that with a smile on her face…as tears slowly streamed from her grey eyes…never noticing the various pots and utensils that were shaking violently around her.
It was late at night as twelve year old Draco Malfoy followed his future father-in-law, Lord Parkinson, as he dragged his recently acquired and magically silenced present by her long blonde hair through a corridor of his manor that was once out of bound to both him and his mother by the wards set up by his father during his time as Head of House. Now though, as the Head, he was allowed entrance, and the opportunity to see what his father had hidden. They came up to a dead end in the form of a blank wall, and the Lord Parkinson turned towards him, ignoring the struggling and silently crying girl, and spoke, " Approach the wall with your ring facing it."
As Draco followed the instructions he watched as the wall seemed to become transparent, and disappear before his eyes, revealing a door. Lord Parkinson passed him with the girl still in hand, and entered ahead of him. Draco walked in through the door, and saw that the room was filled with various items on tables and book cases lining the far left wall, while the right played host to strange devices and items, and sets of chained cuffs that were bound to it, which the Lord Parkinson was currently chaining the magically frozen girl. He came to realize that from the way the Lord Parkinson was moving around the room, this wasn't the first time he had been this room, and had likely done the same things he was doing now with his father. The thought of him following his father's footsteps filled him with unbridled pride, and he approached the man as he finished cuffing the girl. He watched as the Lord waved his wand at the girl, and then asked him, "So, Lord Malfoy. What are you going to name your new pet?"
Lord Malfoy. The name still filled him with joy and pride; he had commanded respect at school, and watched as many followed in line; the few how didn't would eventually learn their place. And he now had the perfect tool to practice his skills. As he looked at the girl he took in her naked appearance; she was shorter than him, probably due to her age and didn't have any feminine features to speak of, except the few sparse hairs he could see growing between her legs just above her sex. She had long blonde hair, her face was round and marred with tear stains going down her cheeks, and she had grey eyes that was staring blankly at him. As he looked at her, he saw the face of the person he wanted to really break and see beneath him, and he decided to give the girl that named, "Daphne…her new name is Daphne."
"M-my name i-isn't Da-Daphne…I-it's Evangeline…" He heard the girl say to him quietly, and he saw the defiant look in 'Daphne's eyes' as she tried to look him in the eye before her courage failed her; it was the same look she always gave him at school, even when he came a Lord; he acted now that he could.
'SMACK' came the sound of him backhanding her in the face, causing a red spot to form on the white tone of her cheek and he spoke as he voice cracked at the strain of him raising his voice, "I am Lord Malfoy, your Lord! And you will treat me as such and not disobey me!"
He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at the smile Lord Parkinson as he spoke to him, "That you are my Lord. Now, watch how wizards discipline those below them…son." He looked at the girl and continued, "Your Lord and Master gave you a name mudblood filth…what is it."
"Eva-Evangeline" The girl said softly.
"Crucio" came the Lord Parkinson's reply, making the girl's screams fill the room. He continued the curse for a few more seconds and then let up and stated to the girl again, "What is your name."
"Eva-AAAAAAHH!" she couldn't finish what she was saying as she was put under the curse once more. Draco started to feel a bit unsettled as he watched the girl. With her family it was different, but watching as she fought against them, made him turn away, and head to his father's old desk at the back of the room. He ignored the repetition of the question, the girl once more defiance, and then screams of said girl, in favor of exploring the desk. There was nothing resting on it, so he decided to sit in the chair and search the draws. Some contain documents and notes, while others contained various letters; however, it was the leather bound book that caught his attention. As he opened it and saw that it contained nothing but blank pages, and as he closed it, he saw a name on the back:
Tom Marvolo Riddle
'Why would father keep an empty book?' Draco thought as he looked at the book curiously, and felt the urge to write in it. As he was about to pick up a quill and write, he heard the girl give out a sharp scream that caused him to look and shouted.
"DAPHNE!...my name is…Daphne" she had shouted the name, and then trailed off the rest quietly as she gave in.
"Good little mudblood…the faster you learn, the less pain you'll feel. Now let's begin with teaching you how to please your Lord. You saw how your sisters seemed to enjoy it. I'm sure you will too." Lord Parkinson said to the girl as he caressed her cheek as he turned to face him. "Draco, my boy, why don't you come over here and let me teach you a couple things your father showed me."
That caught Draco's attention, and he placed the book on the desk as he got up and approached the two. 'Pansy's birthday was approaching, and the book would make an excellent dairy' were his final thoughts as he watched the Lord Parkinson begin to disrobe and followed suit; eagar to follow the footsteps of his father.
There you have it. Relatively happy with this one I suppose.
-Animagus: I've planned for him to have one from the beginning, but wasn't entirely sure which animal, but I chose that one because from what I've looked up, it matches his personality to a great extent.
-The letter: I felt that the character I created with William would have difficulties expressing something like that face to face; he waited a year after all, so I decide that would be the best method to...break the ice I suppose.
-Su and her sister: Just wanted to flesh her out some more, and give her motive to her methods and insecurities, along with giving her perspective on things.
- The last scene: Sigh...it was...uncomfortable explore that particular section of my mind, and writing that scene. But it was necessary for the story I plan on writing; to show that it will not be a light novel and will have it dark moments, along with instructing this character, and showing the effects of Draco's early rise, and Lucius' death.
Please review and let me know what you think and how I can improve if you see anything that you think does.
Till next time.