Disclaimer: look chapter one
Chapter 6:
13. December – 16. December
„And who is this beautiful lady?" Nathaniel asked with a bright smile and let his eyes roam quickly over her body. She was dressed in fitting blue robes which complimented her petite form and brought out the colour of her eyes. She was a pretty thing. Not a beauty like some of the women he knew but nice enough to look at and her shy nature was nice for a change. Most witches, though not shamelessly forward possessed an unbecoming clingy nature. This one was different.
"Anabelle, Lord Fawkes." She was barely able to look him in the eyes without blushing which only widened his smile.
"Ah, my name is Nathaniel, little Belle. Lord Fawkes is my father and every time someone calls me that it makes me look over my shoulder to make sure they mean me and not father who's standing behind me."
Just like he hoped she smiled shyly at him which made him wonder if he hadn't fooled himself. She was beautiful. The tiny smile lid up her whole face in the most fascinating way and he asked himself what a full could do to her. Instantly he vowed to find out.
Normally it wouldn't be hard for him. Nathaniel was quite proud to say that he knew his way around a lady. In public and more so behind closed doors. But Anabelle's overly shy behaviour made things a little more complicated -or interesting as his father had put it.
Well he wasn't too keen at first, when his father had told him that he would have to entertain the daughter of one of his business partners. Mostly they were snotty little princesses with none existing humour and often enough the looks of a troll. But Miss Henderson was a pleasant surprise.
"Do you care for a dance?"
"I would love to!" she answered eagerly before her cheeks burned red again.
"You like to dance, little Belle?" he asked and saw her nod. "Don't be embarrassed, it would be my pleasure to be at your service."
With a loud gasped he woke.
"Shit!"
Hadn't he be been through enough? Was it really necessary to dream about the past?
Still breathing hard he pulled his bedsheets aside and walked over to the bathroom. Dumbledore had provided him with a little apartment, much like the ones the teachers lived in. But it was nothing like the grand house of his youth, with endless rooms and baths big enough to hide a ship in there. Maybe it was time to look after his manor. As far as he knew his line had died with his father who didn´t have more children after what happened to him. Albus told him that nobody else was able to claim the fortune and possessions of his family. He should probably make some arrangements with Gringott's and soon. Until now he had been so fixed on other things that he didn't even waste a thought about it.
Other things, he snorted and splashed some water into his face. The only thing that plagued his mind at the moment was a pretty little witch with a wicked temper.
Hermione Granger and she wouldn't even look at him, let alone talk to him at the moment, regardless how often he said he was sorry. And god he had countless time.
Gods damn it he was such a fool. One moment he was spending an amazing time with the witch in Hogsmeade and in the next she disappeared. And worst of all it was his fault. Nathaniel thought nothing of it when the four witches had approached them. Of course he had talked to them. More an act of courtesy than the wish to be in their presence, but...bloody hell, he didn't even notice that she left before one of the witches had smiled sweetly at him and told him now that the ugly mudblood cow realised where her place is, how about we have a drink together. He needed a moment to realise that she was talking about Hermione and spun around to look for her. But she was gone. Simply vanished and he had been too engrossed with the stupid flirting witches to notice.
"Don't worry the mudblood won't bother you again. Why she would think that she's more than a pity project is beyond me," the black haired witch added with a smile and probably thought she was helpful. His head had snapped towards her but instead of a smile an ugly expression contorted his face and all four of them carefully took a step away from him.
"Never call her that again!" His voice had been icy enough to put a spark of fear in their eyes but he hadn't cared. In fact he would have hexed her instantly would he have been in the possession of a wand. "And pity is the last thing on my mind when I spend time with Hermione!"
"But...but...that's what they- they.." one of them had stuttered.
"Who?"
The blonde had the audacity to shrug her shoulders as if it was just fine. "Rumour has it that you only spend time with Granger because she saved you and you pity her. She may be a war heroine but she's still a prude little know it all. Who in their right mind would want her?"
The sneer on her face slowly faded when she was confronted with the pure rage in his eyes.
"Me!"
"Well, for someone who is so interested in her, you don't give her much of your attention, now do you?" It was the first time the little black haired girl had opened her mouth and he wished she hadn't. Because unfortunately she had been right.
Frustrated about himself and the whole situation he gripped the brink of the basin and forced himself to take a few deep breaths. First things first.
His curse had been lifted over a month ago and he had done nothing to sort out his life. What witch would want a wizard who didn't even possess a wand? Sure she was the reason he was too distracted to go to Ollivander's and purchase a new one, but still.
Slowly he lifted his head and watched himself in the mirror. He looked exactly the same as the day he had the been cursed. Same chestnut coloured hair, same piercing green eyes and even the same toned skin although it hadn't seen the sun for quite some time. Nathaniel was good looking and honest enough to know that he was somewhat vain, too. In his time he was seen as quite a catch and not only because of his social standing. So if he wanted Hermione to see him the way he wanted her to see him, he had to change and organise a few things.
A new wand.
A meeting with the goblins in Gringott's to check on his vaults.
New robes and he should find some time to visit Fawkes Manor.
Yes, that was what he should do. And after he had put himself together he could start to pursue Hermione again. He would find a way to show her that he was sorry and then he wouldn't make the same mistake again. It had taken him so long to find her, he wouldn't allow anyone to ruin it, least of all himself. So with a last glance into the mirror he pushed himself away from the brink and started to undress himself.
A nice hot shower was always the best way to start a day and if he wanted to impress a special witch he couldn't start it early enough.
Diagon Alley hadn't changed much since his last visit. Sure there were new shops and others had closed up for good but all in all it was the same. The most famous locations like Gringott's, Ollivander's and The Leaky Cauldron looked like the moment Fawkes last stepped in. Madame Malkin's and Flourish & Bott's appeared bigger and a bit more colourful than in the past, while Knockturn Alley remained faithful to its name.
Some of the shops, like Weasley`s Wizard Wheezes were completely alien to him. Though the funny decorated entrance made him curious. Maybe after he was done with business he would find some time to explore this shop.
Where should he go first? He was a little torn between Gringott's and Ollivander's but in the end the bank won over. How should he purchase a wand without a single knut in his pocket? Though the Ollivander family had always been nice, he didn't doubt that he would leave the shop with empty hands.
So Gringott's it was.
Going through the high entrance hall he noticed with some satisfaction that nothing had changed here. Everyone was still in a rush to complete their business and with all the witches and wizards running around or following one of the goblins it appeared that chaos broke loose. Nathaniel smiled at the scenery before him and took a deep breath. Even the smell was like he remembered it.
Count on the goblins to handle things in a timeless way.
For a moment he remained in one of the corners and simply watched the going-ones around him before he finally decided to approach one of the goblins himself. As a child, when he had accompanied his father, the little creatures had given him the creeps. Mostly because of the way they looked down from their high desks and their sullen appearance. Somehow that feeling never left him completely. Even after three-hundred years.
"How may I help you today?"
"I wish to enter my vault," he answered the goblin who looked extremely old, not that he had ever been good in assessing their age.
"Name?" He drawled and Nathaniel could feel himself straiten at the question.
"Nathaniel Fawkes."
That surely got an reaction out of him, even if it was only his quill that stopped in its movement. "Headmaster Dumbledore informed us about your... recurrence."
That bit of information was new to him. Albus had made arrangements for him? Well he couldn't say that it didn't facilitate the whole process.
"Have you identification?"
For a moment he was at a loss, but then the most obvious solution hit him. "I presume that a drop of my blood will still open the vault?"
"Very well!" For some reasons the goblin didn't look happy with his answer, which Fawkes took as a good sign. It probably had something to do with the amount of money in his vault, which wouldn't remain untouched now that he was back.
The creature behind the desk clapped in his hands and another goblin approached him. "Bendridge will take you to your vaults." The older goblin whispered some instruction in his ear before the other one nodded and looked him in the eye.
"If you would follow me please, Mr. Fawkes."
With a nod he did as he was told and a few minutes later after a longer ride with the cart than he remembered and what confused him more, passed another dragon than he remembered, he stood in front of his family vault.
"If you would identify yourself, please," Bendridge drawled and pointed at a small dent at the side of the massive door. Without hesitating Fawkes put his fingers inside and tried not to contort his face as he pierced his finger on the sharp razor that was hidden inside. One of his forefathers had found it a splending idea to safeguard their vaults with blood magic. Something that wasn't allowed any longer but remained for those whose vaults already possessed this function. But he couldn't deny that it came in handy for him given the circumstances.
A moment later the door opened but before he had time to let out a relieved breath a new problem manifested itself in front of him. Merlin, how could he have forgotten it? Suppressing a groan he cursed his family´s paranoia inwardly and looked right into the eyes of the sphinx that guarded his vault in the inside. All his treasures were hidden by the creatures magic and would only been revealed when he answered a riddle correctly.
"Welcome home wizard. You deserted me for a while." It -she- spoke in a raspy voice and shook her lion's mane in displeasure.
"I'm sure you used the time well," he answered and watched with worry as her lips turned up into a smile while and she walked slowly towards him. As a child he had loved to visit the vaults because of this creature. Nathaniel liked riddles and no one was better in asking them, than a sphinx. Now he could only hope that he was still good at them.
"I remember you, you liked my riddles."
Bendridge who was standing beside him, was nervously eyeing the creature and took a step back. He couldn't blame him that he was afraid. Sphinxes were dangerous when angered and most annoying to those whose vaults they guarded if the witch or the wizard weren't able to solve their riddle. She would simply deny him access to his own vaults and he had really no plan whose ridiculous idea it was to put her in here. But things were as they were and he couldn't change them.
"Yes, I did. And I promise from now on you will get more chances to ask your riddles." His statement seemed to annoy the goblin and delight the sphinx likewise. That was if one could call the scraping sounds of claws over the ground a sign of anticipation.
"Very well, wizard are you ready to hear your riddle?" After a firm nod from him she continued. "What falls but doesn't break and what breaks but doesn't fall?"
She continued to walk around but seemed to notice that the sound of her claws bothered him so she sat down right in front of him. As if that would help him to think clearer, he thought and snorted inwardly. Instead he closed his eyes and repeated her words in his head. Normally their riddles were tricky but easy when you stopped thinking too complex. Maybe that was the reason he had been so good at this as a child.
Fall but doesn't break? Break but doesn't fall? It cost him a few minutes but finally he opened his eyes and grinned only to find the sphinx staring at him with her head crocked to the side.
"The night and the day. The answer is night and day."
She regarded him firmly for a few seconds more but finally bowed her head.
"Very well wizard. Until we meet again!"
And with that she vanished and the treasures of his family appeared. Sighing deeply he looked around and his eyes got bigger and bigger with with every second. Well at least there was a reason for all the trouble.
Half an hour later he was standing in front of Ollivander's and felt as if he was eleven again and purchasing his first wand. Nathaniel had really no idea what had happened to the one he had called his own during the time he was cursed.
Restraining his excitement he opened the door and walked into the faintly illuminated shop. The rich smell of wood and leather filled his nose and made him smile. Everywhere around him where boxes with wands piled up so high that they nearly reached the roof. The sales counter appeared somehow lost in the middle of the room. The door closed with a click behind him and not a second later a white haired wizard appeared from the back of the shop.
"How may I help you?" He had a friendly voice and though his looks seemed a bit inordinate his movements were confident and strong.
"I wish to purchase a new wand."
"Of course, of course!" The old man nodded with a smile and took something out of his pockets. "Well.. then I have to measure you, if that would be alright with you?"
"Of course," Nathaniel nodded and was reminded again how many years had passed, since he had last stepped into this shop. Mr. Ollivander was known to never forget a wand he had sold but it wasn't this Ollivander that had provided him with his first wand.
The old man instructed him to extend his hands and went to work.
"Hmm, mmm," he mumbled and focused his silver eyes on him. "May I ask what your former wand was made of?"
"Mahogany, 11¾ " veela hair." Some things one could never forget.
"I see," the wandmaker seemed not convinced. "Ah well, let's start with this..." And with that he walked over to one of the piles and took a box from the middle. Astonishingly without letting the rest crash to the floor.
"Oak, 12 ½", heartstring."
Eagerly he grasped the wand and tried a simple spell. "Lumos!"
The next moment both he and Mr. Ollivander were ducking their heads from the exploding glass of the lustre above them.
"No, no...defiantly not."
For the next forty minutes he was trying wand after wand.
Small ones and large ones.
Wands made from wood out of oak, mahogany, vine and holly and with a lot of different objects used for the magical core.
Dragon- and sphinxhearts. Hairs from Veela as well as from Unicorns and even Theastraes but not one of them even felt right in his hands. By now he was glad that his vaults were filled up to the roof after all the damage he had caused in the little shop.
He was one of the more difficult clients as Mr. Ollivander so kindly called it.
"Don't despair Mister," the old wandmaker started but interrupted himself as he noticed that he had no idea how his customer's name was. Fawkes smiled a little sheepishly.
"Excuse my bad manners, Mr. Ollivander. I was simply excited to get a new wand. My name is Nathaniel Fawkes."
The man's eyes became big as saucers. "Mr. Fawkes. You can't believe what an honour it is to have you in my shop. My good old friend Albus informed me of course about the circumstances of your," he faltered. "well of the curse."
Fawkes nodded. After the not so subtle curse breaking in the middle of the great hall under the eyes of all the chatty students there was probably no one who didn´t hear about it. The Daily Prophet had send him dozens of letters in which he was asked for an interview. Not that they needed his statement to write some rubbish about him. He had read one or two articles in which they speculated about the reason he was cursed but not one of the theories came even close to the truth.
"I had never had the chance to thank you for providing me with two of your feathers and I'm truly sorry that one of them was used for such dark proposes."
"It's alright, Mr. Ollivander. I think it's safe to say that the other one was used for the right intentions and helped a great deal in fighting the Dark Lord."
"Yes, that is true. But now, with all I know about your person I might have an idea. Yew," he muttered. "Yes, definitely yew. And...ah yes. Rare but fitting."
Nathaniel watched him flicking his own wand to summon a box from somewhere high above them. He had really no idea how he could remember the exact place for every wand he ever made.
"Here it is. Yew, 12" Abraxan hair."
"Abraxan?" He asked in awe and hesitantly reached for the wand, fearing that it would be another failure.
"Oh, yes, yes. It's not very common and most wands made out of it are surely still in the possession of their maker. The witch or wizard such a wand would choose would be much like the formidable horses itself. Hard to tame but with a good heart." Ollivander informed him. "One would need a strong will to use it."
"Well, lets see if this one will remain with is maker or choose to stay with me."
The instant he put his fingers around the wood he knew this one was different than the others. It felt somehow right, as if it was part of his body. Just the way a wand was supposed to feel. He flicked it in a soft movement and wanted to laugh out loudly as red and golden sparks flew out of it.
"Brilliant," the wandmaker commented and seemed almost as happy that his wand had found an owner as he himself was. With a flick of his new wand the broken lustre repaired itself and flew up to its former position and the rest of the chaos he entailed vanished with another movement.
"Perfect!" he sighed and stared in awe down on his new wand. "How much do I owe you, Mr. Ollivander for such a formidable work?"
"Nothing!"
"But-"
"No, no. It's rightfully yours and after your beautiful donation in the past, the least I can do is to provide you with a new wand."
Nathaniel hesitated for a moment but finally nodded. "Thank you."
Happy with a new wand he left the shop a few minutes later, thinking about his list and what was left to do. One look down his form answered his question.
Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
It took nearly two hours to purchase the things he found necessary which was surely a bit more than most people found necessary. But a wizard did never know what occasion may arise and he wanted to be prepared and most of all he wanted to impress a special witch. So why not start with his outfit. He had the money and didn't hesitate to thank Madame Malkin's with a fat bonus for her good work who graced him with a big smile and promised him to send his other things as fast as possible to his quarters in Hogwarts.
So two hours later he left the shop in a beautiful set of green and black robes which were dressy but not too formal. He felt like a new wizard and was just about to walk down the road when a shop to his right caught his eyes. Lacroix -beautiful handwork since 923 A.D.
His mother had loved this jeweller shop, much to the distress of his father who had never been able to refuse her request. The price of the cheapest things in there was still a little fortune but Nathaniel had to admit that it was always worth it. Be it because of the formidable work or the reaction it usually caused from the witch who was gifted with it.
With a sly grin he walked over and entered the shop. It was already the 16th of December and where to get a better present for the witch than here? Every witch loved jewels and he was sure that Hermione was no different deep down. Of course he knew for her love of books but so did every one else. His present was meant to stand out from all others and he wouldn't achieve that with a book.
The older gentleman behind the counter gave him a once-over before he graced him with an approving smile. "Good day Monsieur, how may I help you today?" His voice was like the man itself, ancient and a little bit stiff but it shouldn't matter. He wasn't here because of the staff.
"I'm looking for a present for a special lady."
"Of course. And may I ask if you've already an idea what it should be or are you undetermined in which direction it should go?"
"Oh, I'm open for everything," he assured and looked over the display in front of him, which showed a lot of different rings and amulets. "Though I think she's much too young for brooches and rings are for other occasions as my mother thought me." He added with a grin and the man nodded in understanding. "Other than that, I hope for something elegant and classic. Not too flashy." He doubted that Hermione would appreciate what most witches would go for. So the overly big stones and colliers wouldn't do. "Oh, and money is not an object."
That were definitely the right words to say as was his decision to buy the new robes cause it underlined his statement as true. Money was no object for him.
Monsieur Lacroix, Nathaniel was sure he was the owner of this shop, because he knew every piece of jewellery down to its components and where they came from was extremely helpful and showed him a great variety of necklaces, bracelets, medallions, chokers, earrings and tiaras. In the end he was torn between a delicate diamond necklace that possessed a tendril design and a silver medallion with a small but beautiful shaped sapphire, which was Hermione's birthstone as the gentleman assured him. He would have loved to gift her with something in his house colours but Ravenclaw blue was all right, too.
"If you would allow, Monsieur?" the clerk asked and he nodded not quite sure what to do. "If you want to give your lady a piece that she could wear every day you should go for the medallion. It would also allow you to engrave it with something special. The necklace on the other hand is a little more elegant and not necessary for every day occasions."
Nathaniel looked at the man and thought he had quite a point there. He wanted Hermione to wear something from him every day. And the thought of engraving it hadn't even crossed his mind but was to his appeal. But he would love to see the necklace around her neck sometime.
"I will take both. There's always a reason to give your witch some nice jewellery," he finally decided and Monsieur Lacroix had obviously served enough rich wizards to simply nod without battering an eye.
"Very well. May I ask if there is something you wish to engrave on the medallion?"
"Yes, there is and is it possible to enchant the medallion to play a special melody every time it's opened?" he asked as an idea suddenly stuck him. "And would a memory be enough for you to work with?" Obviously his wish wasn't quite as normal as a simple engraving but the man nodded nonetheless.
"Of course. I have a pensive in the back room that you could use."
"Wonderful!"
Ten minutes later he had given him the memory together with the lines he wished to be engraved on the medallion and made Monsieur Lacroix promise him to deliver both pieces of jewellery to Hogwarts in the next two days. His vault was shaken down for a scandalous sum but it was worth it. Nathaniel couldn't remember a time where he had given so much thought about a gift but he found that it was amusing and he reminded himself to do it more often.
So now there was only one point left on his to do list. Fawkes Manor.
There was a reason he had put it on the end of his list. It always possessed a great number of safety appliance, even when he was alive. His family tended to be a pit paranoid when it came to possessions and money. Not to forget they had been quite inventive in their ways to protect it. In his lifetime there had been several wards that only allowed registered persons or family members to enter the Manor. Nearly everything had been blood bounded and the ground was also guarded by creatures that only obeyed the master of the Manor and his blood relatives if he wasn't present.
He really hoped that it wasn't another sphinx, though he hoped to find the herd of Sleipnirs still there. The eight legged black horses that could glide through the air as easily as run over the ground had always been his favourite animal. His father had given his mother one of the last pairs as a bridal gift and under her care there soon arose a growing herd. The first born stallion-Nox was given to him and he had loved him above all others. If they were still on the grounds it was possible to find Nox there. Sleipnirs could get very old much like Unicorns and they could speak.
Well, communicate was the better word for it and usually it only happened if they had contact with humans from an early date. Merlin, he really hoped Nox was still there.
As for the guardians he guessed he would have to face one or two Hippogriffs, at least he hoped it would only be Hippogriffs. A line of other creatures passed his mind but not one of them awoke the wish in him to cross it.
He decided to take a short break in one of the new little cafeterias and was pleasantly surprised about the quality of the foot and enjoyed the rich aroma of tea and coffee that filled the air. It gave the shop a homey and comfortable flair and it was easy for him to relax for a while and arrange his thoughts.
The Fawkes family home was located on the Isle of Skye on the west coast of Scotland and although it was normally no problem to apparate there he wasn't sure if his magical skills weren't a little bit too rusty to try travel this way. It was no fun to be sliced in two halves or end in the middle of a solid wall because he landed on the wrong spot. He was sure of it.
Maybe he should ask Albus if he knew someone on the Isle, so he could travel by floo. He looked at the watch and made a face. It would cost him more time then he could afford but he wasn't overly keen to risk his life, so floo was the only other option.
Then an idea stuck him and he hurried to pay his bill. Maybe, just maybe, he was lucky enough to find the Leaky Cauldron connected with some other pubs. In his youth there had been an old pup The purple Pixie not too far away from his manor, located in the nearest town. Given how slow-going the magical world was, Nathaniel was sure the pub was still there and intact.
Today had to be his lucky day, given that everything he hoped for had happened so far. The Leaky Cauldron did not only possess an open floo channel to the Isle of Skye that he could use he had also found a friendly old witch who was willing to apparate him as near to his manor as she dared. Of course there had been questions but he shrugged them off as good as possible. Nathaniel knew sooner or later the truth would come out but for now he had other things on his mind.
The witch had told him that the manor was cursed, which was true depending from which angel on was looking at things. For him it should be safe and it wasn't fear that stopped him in his tracks as he was now standing in front of the gates of his family home. There were all sorts of emotions running through him at the moment. Excitement, happiness but also sadness, bitterness and anger. So many things had happened in these walls and although he longed to go back he wasn't so sure any longer if it had been a good idea to come here.
Sighing deeply he gripped his wand. No, he had come this far he wouldn't back off now. Nathaniel realised that he wouldn't come around apparating in, after he tried to open the gates a few fruitless times. Well, apparating to a point not so far away and one he could clearly see from where he was standing shouldn't be too difficult. Gritting his teeth and sending a short prayer to every god that was willing to hear him he flicked his wand and instantly felt the nauseous pull as well as the slight tingling feeling that was caused by the wards of the manor.
Carefully he opened his eyes and was pleasantly surprised to find himself whole and intact although not quite on the spot he had in mind when he moved his wand.
"At least I'm in," he muttered and vowed to train a little more after he was finished here. His skills were a little bit rusty which was no wonder after the amount of time he had to go without a wand. Looking around he noticed that he was standing on one of the giant lawns that surrounded his estate and he decided to walk towards the door instead of apparanting there. Safe was safe.
The main path to the front door was cleared of all weeds and as smooth as on the day he last walked over it. In fact it appeared to be in a perfect state, so did the whole estate. Obviously the elves had never left it and still cared for it with the same devotion and eagerness like ever before. He would have to mention that at one time. Though he found house-elves to be a bit over dramatic at times they sure knew who do their work.
Slowly strolling forward Nathaniel enjoyed the beauty around with a spark of happiness and wonder as he saw something that made him stop dead in his tracks.
"No!" he whispered. "That's impossible." There right behind one of the fountains he could see a golden haired woman. But it was not just any woman, it was the same that plagued his dreams since he was back in his human form. Without even thinking about it he started to run towards her, his wand was gripped tightly in his hand and his legs protested about the sudden action. All the while his mind was screaming at him that it was impossible. That she couldn't be here.
By now he was near enough to see the sad smile on her lips and he knew...he just knew that the look in her eyes would be reproachful and accusingly but he couldn't stop himself from running. It was like an invisible force pulled him towards her, regardless how much he cringed inside.
Only a few more steps and he would reach her but all of the sudden she turned around, apparently with the intention to run away but in the last minute he was able to grasp her. Or at least he thought so. In the end all his hand managed to catch was air.
"What...," Nathaniel stuttered bemused only to jump back as she -it turned around. Surprised he gasped but it seemed there wasn't enough air to fill his lunges.
"Nathaniel!" Her voice was the still how he remembered it. Soft and feminine but that wasn't what shocked him. It was her face. Her skin was much too pale, her eyes hollow and her lips no longer possessed their lush pink colour but showed an unhealthy blue dyeing.
Fawkes had no idea how he got into this situation or what this situation was exactly but it was all too much at once and he stumbled backwards. Unfortunately the fountain was in his way and he slipped rather ungallantly. He tried to get a hold on the stone but all it did was that he scraped his hand on the rough surface and spilled blood over it.
Like a reflex the fingers on his right hand took a firmer hold on his wand but before he could even think about the next best spell something odd happened.
The woman -she-it...Nathaniel wasn't sure what was the correct title vanished and in it's place another creature appeared and suddenly some things became quite clear.
The petite, fluffy animal in front of him was a white fox.
And where one is...there are always others.
As if to confirm his suspicions another one appeared in his field of vision and after it more and more till he was confronted with at least twenty of the magical creatures.
Merlin, he would rather deal with sphinxes and manticores than a pack of white foxes. His father had to be slightly retarded to bring them here to safeguard the grounds. Not that they were not efficient as he had learned the hard way just now. But there was a reason why these creatures were avoided.
Slightly cursing his family's obsession with guarding everything to an ridiculous extend he sat up and lifted himself on his feet again. The foxes didn't move an inch, every single of them was sitting dutifully in front of him and looked at him with a pair of red eyes.
They were known for their exceptional sense of smell and his blood must have told them who he was. Merlin, Mordred and Morganna be blessed for his cut! He didn't even want to think about what would have happened if they hadn't refrained from playing with his mind.
The little magical creatures were famous for her ability to play tricks with the minds of their victims. People would suddenly start to see things. Mostly horrible events from their past, their deepest fears or other rather disturbing things. An unusual high rate of suicides, aggressive attacks and mental insanity had been recorded in context with these animals and his still shaking hands reminded him that it was the bitter truth.
Shuddering he fixed his eyes on them and tried to compose himself without much success. His blood was still dipping from his fingers but he didn't dare to close the wound before he hadn't the chance to clarify a few things.
"I'm Lord Nathaniel Fawkes, son of Oberon Fawkes, heir of the Fawkes title and everything that belongs to that." He spoke with as much dignity as he could muster and tried not to feel like an complete idiot for talking like that to a pack of foxes. "Here is my blood to prove it!" With that he spilled some of the blood in their direction. All of their noses turned instantly to the point where it had landed and the air was suddenly filled with the sound of sniffing before each of them looked back at him without another movement. Obviously he had passed the test.
"I am your master and I forbid you to ever play your tricks on me again. Although you will answer to my wishes, therefore I will allow you to live on my grounds and hunt in the forest. To remind you of the finer details I will later speak to your packmaster," with that he looked at the white fox nearest to him. "For now you may leave!"
As if they had only waited to hear those words they jumped onto their legs again and stormed off.
"Merlin help me!" Groaning he leant himself against the fountain and looked over to the Main house. He could only hope that there wouldn't be more surprises of this kind.
Two and a half hours later he allowed himself to sink into the massive leather seat in his father's library. The elves had lightened a fire for him and he was just staring into the flames when he heard a familiar Plop beside him and ripped him out of his stupor.
"Tilly is bringing master his drink."
"Thank you, Tilly," he sighed and filled the glass on the little table in front of him with the golden colour liquid from the carafe. Four-hundred year old fire whisky, he really earned himself a glass of it. Maybe even two or three.
"Is there anything else, Tilly can do for her master?" The little elf asked eagerly but he shook his head.
"No, Tilly. That was all for now." And with another Plop she vanished. With deep satisfaction he took a big gulp out of the glass and enjoyed the tingling burn it left in his throat. Yes, that was exactly what he needed.
Much to his relief there had only been a few lesser problems he had to deal with. There was nothing a drop of his blood or a few firm words couldn't put in order. The house-elves had been euphoric to have him back and his ears were still tinkling from their high pitched squeals which only raised in high as he praised them for their good work in his absence.
There were about a dozen of them and he assured them that he wouldn't throw them out which seemed to be a great fear to them. As if he would! He had no idea how he would manage without them. Nathaniel wasn't even sure where the kitchen was. After their fears had been eased, they had been able to answer a lot of his questions. In the end he got a good idea about the state his manor was in and which things needed his attention.
The floo had to be reconnected to the network and the kitchen needed to be restocked. He needed to clear the finer things with the foxes and had to look out for the Sleipnirs. Which, to his great pleasure, were still there but hadn't seen a human soul since his father had died. Furthermore he was told that there was a growing pack of wolves in the forest that wasn't as easily tamed by the foxes as they once had been and one or two Sleipnirs had been lost to them.
Other than that there was not much to do. Maybe a new decoration in the main rooms, a few new paintings and a fresh colour. But there was no need to do that just now. He still hadn't strolled through every room and it wasn't his biggest concern at the moment.
Now that he had reclaimed what was his and was sitting in front of the same fireplace he had looked at nearly tree-hundred years ago his thoughts drifted towards Hermione again.
The day after tomorrow the Christmas holidays would start and he had yet no idea where she would spent her holiday. For a second he thought about to invite her over but he knew she would never say yes to that. Not after what had happened.
The nasty rumour the blond witch had told him about, popped back into his mind and it explained a lot of things. At first it was easy to spend time with Hermione, although she was very fixed on homework and studying for the coming NEWTS. She was a little stiff and stuck to the rules a bit more than was good for her, but she was also sweet and kind if one knew how to treat a woman. And unlike other witches he had met in his life she could hold a conversation about nearly everything. Her humour was dry, not non-existent like others surely thought and she possessed an inner fire that must be quite spectacular if unleashed.
But it was likewise clear that the witch was more than a little unsure about herself when it came to her worth as a woman and she obviously lacked experience with men. Not that he found that a bad thing. However it explained why she would listen to such nasty rumours.
He would have to change that, there was just one problem he thought bitterly.
I'm running out of time.
TBC
End notes
Wands:
Fawkes old wand:
Mahogany: The tropical wood is known to be quite expensive and is associated with live-giving powers. (forgive me my sense of humour but he lived longer then most)
Veela hair: I think most of you knew more about veelas then me but I think it's safe to say that they are somewhat vain. After all they need/use their beauty to attract their mates. (And as Nathaniel said himself...is is somewhat vain)
Fawkes new wand:
Yew: Is known to be poisonous but is although associated with death and rebirth. Voldemorts wand is made of yew and it is really fitting for him. But I think the death/rebirth suits Fawkes perfectly.
Abraxan horses: I've found not much about them so it gave me the chance to come up with something of my own. I associate the horses with energy and a wild spirit which are not easy to tame. But they posses a good heart and with a strong will and patience you can win them over.
Beasts: (I want to become a veterinarian so I guess it's no wonder I love animals and put some of them in this story^^)
Sphinx: Native to Egypt and known to everyone who had had at least read/watched Asterix&Obelix. They possess a lion-like body but a human head and are known for their love of puzzles and riddles of all kinds. In the HP universe they are also known to safe guard vaults at Gringott's and I wanted something other then the usual dragon.
Sleipnir(s): Is the eight-legged horse in the Norse Mythology. It's the child of Loki and Svaðilfari and belongs to Odin. He can glide through the air as easily as he can run on the ground. It's also said that on Ragnarök ( Judgement Day) Odin will ride on his back into battle.
The Abraxan horses are created after Pegasus the winged horse of the Greek Mythology so I thought it nice to put some Norse Mythology in there too.
.com/storagev12/853000/853201_bbae_ (Sleipnir)
White Foxes: Now we are in the Japanese Mythology. They are often describe as intelligent beings which posses magical abilities, among others the skill to assume human form. Sometimes they are associated with bad omens and are feared for the tricks they love to play with the human mind.
Of course there are also sources that portray them as faithful guardians, friends and lovers.
I used a mix of those two myths: They are faithful to those they accept as their masters and use their sly and sometimes cruel nature to protect them and their possessions.
Jewel
Here is a picture of the necklace. Sadly I've found nothing that match image of the medallion.
.org/media/images/collier_4125065_
A/N:
Hypnotized Angel,littlereid3.0, Cjwellm, Soubifan700, Time Rose, Junior-Einstein, The writing Quill, Mistra Rose & Preciousteddybear thank you so much for your reviews!
littlereid3.0: Thanks for the tip, I will check it and have hopefully successed in this chapter.
TimeRose: Harry will come around don't worry. But is only human after all^^. Oh and Blake is not forgotten...
Junior-Einstein: Vielen Dank. Es ist schön zu wissen, das auch jemand aus der Heimat mitliest^^. Und nur keine Scheu, probier's doch einfach mal selbst was zu schreiben. Ich kann dir aus Erfahrung sagen, es wird besser und es sind eine Menge Leute da draußen die gewillt sind einem zu helfen.
The writing Quill: I see Ron more as a nice guy who lost the ground under his feet but hasn't noticed it yet. I imagine it isn't easy to live with five older brothers and anybody want to be noticed form time to time. I'm not sure where he will go. As for Fawkes. I promise you there is more to him...
MistraRose: ha with that review you made me smile. And good to know my summary is able to raise interest. I hate summaries. I never know what to write. Specially when the story isn't even finished yet.
I hope all of you enjoyed this chapter. Hermione will be in the next one.