Chapter 4 – Of Quidditch and Manors
"Damien, wake up." The sound of Narcissa's voice resonated through the guest room he lay in. He heard Narcissa exit and he sat up, the sheet that covered him sliding down his body and falling to the bed. Dressed only in boxers one was able to see the muscles and definition that surrounded his entire body. His hair was trimmed and clean swept down his back at a perfect angle, and a bit of stubble had grown on his face, making him look older and much handsomer. Stretching, Damien finally stood and walked across the floor to the mirror, briefly studying himself. On his arm, bright and welcoming lay the dark mark.
Nearly all of summer had passed since his initiation process and he had just returned to the Malfoy mansion a few days ago. The process had been an ordeal, and he knew at moments he thought he would not make it through. For a moment he shivered as his eyes fell across the dark mark that graced his skin. His hand reached forward of its own accord to touch it, but as it did so he felt the mark begin to burn slightly. Damien quickly withdrew his hand, knowing he would be in a world of trouble for mistakenly contacting Voldemort.
It was the first of August, and only a week or two remained before the return to school. Damien moved away from the mirror and headed towards his shower, stripping himself as he entered the warm water that greeted him. His father would return today and apparently with a surprise in store. He quickly washed, allowing the warm water to soothe any past aches and pains, and in many ways cleanse him. When he finished and exited, he found new robes set out for him from his wardrobe, and these he put on.
Black with green trim, one of the summer robe designs he had chosen from the tailor his father had Narcissa call in for him. They fit smoothly over the black button down shirt and trousers. Combing his hair, he tied it back with a green tie and then pocketed his wand before he exited the room.
He was quiet as he made his way through Malfoy manor and to the dining hall. As he turned the corner, he stopped in surprise to see that Severus was already there, alond with Draco, Narcissa and Lucius. His face lit up as he saw Severus, excited that he looked healthy, despite having done missions for Voldemort past the time Damien and Draco were released from initiation. Narcissa beamed as she saw him and Severus stood, inclining his head. Damien returned the gesture and walked down the aisle of seats to greet him properly. Severus looked him up and down, assessing the child he had only recently had discovered was his lost child. And Damien, still not quite accustomed to Snape smiling in pleasure rather than crudeness, found his own smile growing at the sight. They laughed for a moment, clearing the air as Severus touched his shoulder briefly, and then sat, gesturing for Damien to do the same.
Damien took his proper seat at the table, and chatting immediately began as the house elves brought down breakfast.
"So Damien, will you be joining us in Diagon Alley today for a little fresh air?" Draco asked as he reachd for the jam. Damien opened his mouth to speak but Severus swiftly cut in.
"I'm afraid not Draco, but perhaps we can arrange some time for you two to traverse the streets and get out of the house. As for now, Narcissa has informed me that you still have studying to attend to if I am not incorrect." Draco nodded, bowing his head in acknowledgement. It was amusing to see how much they had changed over the summer months, mostly due to the initiation.
"So father, what will happen with school," Damien asked, his voice deep yet silky.
"As you two have been informed, Avery has been trained over the summer to pose as Harry Potter and is doing quite well. He is under the Dumbledore's Aurors careful watch now so we will hear little from him until school I believe. As for you, you know that you cannot attend school under your proper surname less Dumbledore take drastic measures then and there." Here Severus took a sip of his wine before continuing.
"The Blackwoods, another pureblood family as high as ours, and the cousins to your mothers family have been more than happy to accept you as their legal kin. You will attend school under the name Damien Blackwood, and must be sure to not let anyone know who you truly are, not even the Slytherins." Damien nodded and took another bite of his ham.
"So will I catch the train with the other students then?"
Snape nodded. "I think it's only right and less suspicious. The Blackwoods mailed out a letter to Dumbledore notifying him of your transfer from Durmstrang. Dumbledore has accepted with quite some happiness, hoping that you will be content at Hogwarts. The story is that your grandmother has raised you due to your parents business. She felt it was high time you attended the school of the highest caliber and your scores reflect perfect marks which made it suitable for you to attend Hogwarts." Perfect marks, Harry thought smiling slightly, wouldn't Granger be pissed once she discovered that.
"School supplies and robes..." Damien continued.
"Will all be attended to today, but not in Diagon Alley. I have had a house elf fetch your coursework, and we will have another tailor fit you for school robes today. But first, eat up, because we are leaving shortly after." Damien nodded, and Draco and he shared a look, wondering what the surprise was. Lucius intercepted the exchange and commented with an amused grin.
"You'll see soon enough Damien. And you Draco, mind your own business." Draco smirked a bit, but returned to his meal. Breakfast carried on as normal, as Damien and Draco chatted about quidditch tactics. They had just begun a conversation about which league players were better when Severus cleared his throat.
"Damien, if you are finished it is time to go. We will congregate later to discuss yours and Draco's mission at the school and what we shall do about the subject of quidditch. Until then, let us leave. Thank you Lucius, Narcissa for your welcome, and Draco, it was a pleasure." As Severus and Damien stood, Narcissa rose from her seat, walking briskly over to hug him tightly.
"I will see you soon dear. Don't be a stranger now like your father." Severus scowled, and Narcissa laughed before throwing him a slight kiss on the cheek. Draco nodded, motioning for them to work together later, and Damien nodded his agreement. He then followed his father and Lucius out to the front hall, where they briefly stopped to chat. As they reached the door, Lucius turned his attention to Damien.
"You take care now and I shall see you in a while." He nodded at Severus, and they clasped hands before the door was opened and Damien and Severus departed.
"I'd allow you to apparate alone, but seeing as how you have no clue where we are headed, well..."
Severus held out his arm and Damien placed his over it. Thankfully, Damien had been forced to practice apparation over the summer, and so it felt effortless as they spun away from the Malfoys home and landed on soft ground. Damien straightened and immediately began to take in his surroundings, his eyes landing on a towering mansion, which even put the Malfoy's home to shame. It was a mixture of black brick in the corners and a greyish tan mix for the rest depending on where the light hit the house. The front yard was surrounded in grey brick, and it stretched out, and away from the house down a winding path. On both ends of the house were rows of trees, and from where he stood he could see that green fields went past the front of the house.
"Is this..." Damien breathed.
"Snape manor," Severus finished with a sense of pride in his voice. "Come." Severus swept his cloak back as he walked up the steps, the front door opened by a house elf. Inside it was hard to not allow his jaw to drop. The entrance was at least two stories high and stretched down to a circle staircase and a large living room. It contained gothic like architecture, in which intricate paintings lined the ceiling. On either corner of the entrance stairs were more stairs that led up to doors.
"The libraries," Severus explained. He moved forward, Damien following in his wake as he observed in awe. At the stairs the wall suddenly turned and revealed long halls, which Severus exclaimed were the guest rooms. They continued on, pausing a moment to note one of the kitchens, which Damien learned was a personal touch of his mothers.
Damien's eyes remained riveted on the space, taking in every detail, attempting to gain some sense of his mother. Beside him Severus softly touched his arm, and led him away to view the rest of the house. They swept through the living areas and dining hall, only stopping to glance out the large windows that overlooked a grand patio and lawn that extended farther than the eye could see. Damien thought he glimpsed what looked like poles out in the yard, but before he had time to tell, Severus broke into his concentration.
"You have time to observe more later. Now, it is time for the upstairs rooms." Severus led them back out into the hall and up the stairs. On the second level Severus pointed out his rooms as well as the guest quarters, before leading him up another flight. At the top, a door opened up to reveal an open space that lead to a hall heading in both directions. Severus continued to take the lead, showing him to a potions lab and dark arts study, in which he firmly instructed Damien was to complete any such projects. Damien's lips twitched up as his father exclaimed, "there will be no foolish potion making in inappropriate areas of the house."
"Now," Severus said, leading him down the left hall. He stopped before the only door on that hall and pushed it slightly open. "This is your room." Damien pushed the door farther in and took a step inside. The room he entered into was huge. Rather, he observed that it was massive. Large windows overlooked the bedroom, and light fell across the fireplace and bookshelves in the room. The room opened into another room, where more bookcases lined the walls, along with sofas and a desk. The study connected out to a balcony, and Damien turned, his face alight.
"Thank you father." It was the first time Damien had allowed the words to easily leave his mouth, and for a moment a hint of surprise crossed Severus' face, before he replied with a small exclamation of you're welcome in return. As they left the rooms, Snape began to express his plans for the day.
"I was thinking we would have you fitted for school robes, and then I believe a tour of the grounds is in order. Perhaps a game of quidditch too." Severus smirked as he sauntered off, Damien gaping behind him.
"Quidditch?" Damien asked in slight shock.
"I think I can handle a broomstick Damien, the question is, can you keep up with me?" At this Damien snickered.
"We'll put that to the test in a moment shall we?" The two laughed as they headed back downstairs and to one of the first floor studies. Inside was a house elf, which bowed low as they entered.
"Master Snape, Master Damien, the tailor is here." Severus nodded.
"Very good Dolson, send him in." The house elf bowed again before apparating away, leaving the two alone. A moment later a stocky built man walked in, carrying a long tape measurer. He beamed when he saw Severus, and bowed low, his whiskers touching the floor. Damien's eye arched in skeptical mirth, but he said nothing to the odd scene before him.
"Severus, such a pleasure to see you again," the man swooned. Severus nodded dismissively.
"Aybair, this is the Blackwood's son, Damien. He needs measurements for school," Severus replied. At this, Aybair stood up straight, and rushed to greet Damien, grasping his hands in pleasure. Damien took a slight step back, his eyes wide.
"Damien, I'll be in the right parlor when you're through," Severus said with a smirk, quickly disappearing out the door. Aybair began to chat away aimlessly, and Damien struggled not to roll his eyes in annoyance. There was a brief moment when nothing was said between the two, as Aybair busied himself with taking in the correct measurements. But it was short lived, as Aybair continued his barrage of questions.
"So, Slytherin will be your house I presume, by the robes you just had on, or is green a favorite color of yours?" he chuckled loudly. Damien crooked his lips.
"I should hope that I get into Slytherin, although Ravenclaw would not be too bad I suppose." Damien recalled his first conversation with Draco when they were being fitted for their school robes as he said this. Aybair nodded his agreement.
"Yes oh yes that is true. At least in Ravenclaw it would prove you had smarts, although I know you must be brilliant, coming from a family such as the Blackwoods and all. And Severus would not give you the time of day if you didn't have a brain about you." Damien smirked at Aybair's knowledge, and Aybair took it as a sign that he had made a good joke and smiled himself.
"The Blackwoods are distant relatives of Severus' are they not?" Aybair asked, cutting some of the strings in the back, as he continued the conversation. Damien was happy he had not brought up Arina, and nodded in return.
"He is," Damien replied.
"I'm surprised I haven't met you before however, seeing as how I tend to wait on the Blackwoods family as well." Damien struggled to keep his composure, and hurriedly thought of an excuse.
"I was seldom in town during normal school fittings," he lied smoothly, and Aybair hurriedly agreed.
When they had finished, Aybair bowed low once again before Dolson managed to escort him out. Slightly exhausted, Damien placed his current robes on again and walked out to the right wing side in search of his father. In the first parlor Severus sat with a glass of brandy in one hand, a newspaper in the other. "All finished?" he asked without looking up.
"Yes father." Severus put down his paper then and finished draining the glass.
"Drink?" Severus asked. "Or quidditch?"
"Quidditch, drinks after." Severus nodded, then stood to exit the room and head out into the backyard. The porch-like patio with the piano was larger than Damien had thought, and stairs led down onto the lawn he had glimpsed from inside. From where he stood, he could see that the land did stretch past the pool and visible tree line. Severus led Damien down these steps and across the grounds to the woods.
It was a bit of a walk, but Damien enjoyed it, the sun having sunk down a little lower since he had arrived. When they made it to the woods, Damien noticed a path that he assumed led to the quidditch field, for there was no doubt his father had one. This they followed for a short time until they came upon it. The field was huge, the grass a deep green. On one side, there were flagpoles representing ravens and the other snakes. The blue versus the green was brilliant, and the poles were silver rather than gold.
"Over there are the changing room," Severus pointed, to the two-story villa. "The top floor is for food, guests and entertainment. The bottom level holds the changing rooms and storage for brooms and such." Damien nodded as they headed that way. They entered into a large lobby area, where seats surrounded a fireplace. To the left and right were signs pointing towards men and women changing rooms.
"Do you have competitions here?" Damien asked as they headed into the fits.
"Only amongst families. Usually the Blackwoods, the Malfoys, the Blacks and then our family of Snapes. Although the Black family has not been here for a while ever since Sirius proved to be such a disappointment." Damien swallowed, remembering how much of a father figure Sirius had been, and yet how much he had betrayed him as well. He wondered if he knew what Dumbledore had done. Did anyone know the lengths Dumbledore had gone through to protect his goal?
Severus passed him a pair of quidditch garments, and then headed off to change, Damien doing the same. When they finished, Severus led them back out and to the storage hall. Inside were several firebolts, and Severus handed each of them one.
"I presume you'll be taking one to school?" Damien smiled, a glint coming into his eye. He only nodded, looking forward to playing quidditch this year.
Severus grabbed a snitch and they walked out onto the fields. "First one to 20," he called, and tossed the snitch up. In a heartbeat he had hopped onto his broom, and had flown through the air. Damien, only a second behind shot up after him as they began to search for the snitch.
"Last one to twenty does push ups when we get back!" Damien yelled, as they cut through the air, after the snitch.
"Settle down, settle down," Narcissa chided the group with a smile. Severus and Lucius were going head to head with Draco and Damien on the matter of quidditch, in which they were debating who had won. Damien, slightly peeved had been forced to do twenty push ups when they had returned due to the snitch magically appearing in his father's hands.
"I still call foul play," Damien mumbled as everyone settled down. Draco nodded and Severus and Lucius beamed.
"There were no rules on how the snitch landed in one's hand," Snape replied.
"What a Slytherin," Damien muttered, and the table laughed.
"Now that we're all settled could we please begin this conversation?" Narcissa asked. The group shifted their focus, full from the meal and now attempting to discuss the matters of school.
"Well," began Severus turning serious, "we already know the basics of them heading to school and the surname, but everything else has been left untouched am I correct?" Lucius nodded, which Severus took as a sign to continue.
"Alright then, before we begin great matters of interest, I thought it would be good to discuss the situation of quidditch, seeing as how you two will presumably be in the same house." Draco and Damien grinned, high-fiving one another. Narcissa gave them a dark look for the display, but Lucius winked. "Then I think the only practical thing to do would be to leave Draco as seeker and place Damien as a chaser," Severus continued. "I think it best that he tries a different position to avoid Dumbledore's immediate watchful eye."
Lucius nodded, hands steepled, chin resting on them. Damien said nothing in reply, knowing Severus was not entirely wrong in his pronouncement. "I agree with Severus," Lucius added. "We must draw as little attention to Damien as is possible, and such trivial matters of quidditch I believe we will survive." Slowly, the boys nodded, accepting the situation.
"Besides," Damien said, attempting to draw light on the subject. "Draco is a great seeker and I'm sure I can learn the chaser position without too much trouble." Severus inclined his head in approval, pleased with how Damien was dealing with the situation.
"Very well then, that matter is settled," Narcissa said, attempting to keep things moving. "Now to the grave issues." As the words left her lips she suddenly doubled over, grasping her arm. Around her, each of the members in the room felt the dark mark suddenly flare up, and Damien gasped in pain.
"Everyone, wands out!" Severus roared. "We are being summoned!" Damien whipped out his wand, watching as everyone around him did the same. As one, they touched the tips of their wands to their arms where the mark resided, and in a flash, they had disappeared from the Malfoy home.