Disclaimer: The Harry Potter Series (1997-2007) and any characters and original locations within the books belong to JK Rowling. I own my original characters and my plot twists. I am not trying to pass any of these characters or copyrighted ideas off as my own and therefore it isn't plagiarism or copyright infringement.

Chapter Five – The Manor

Leo had spent the rest of the school year trying to play his proper Death Eater role. However, he remained a bit of a loner. He was rarely seen by anyone with Theo or anyone else. It was decided that if he were to play Draco properly, he would have to be as lonely as he had been during sixth year. He distanced himself from Crabbe and Goyle, as the two boys seemed to know what was happening to his family's name within the Death Eater Ranks. He couldn't play the same arrogant character because the Malfoys had nothing left. The Dark Lord took all of it away from them.

He'd spent many hours in the library trying to research the symbol Draco had shown him in his dreams. Something about the vertical line, circle, and triangle symbol seemed familiar. He managed to stumble across an old ancient runes copy of the Tales of the Beetle Bard in the Library fiction section. He felt fortunate enough to have excelled in his Ancient Runes class and set about translating each story. He remembered growing up with the Wizarding tales of Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump, the Wizard and the Hopping Pot, the Warlock's Hairy Heart, and the Fountain of Fair Fortune, as Dora read them to him as a small child. However, he'd never heard of the Tale of the Three Brothers, which he found within the copy he was translating. After reading the story about the Deathly Hallows, he couldn't help but wonder if they could possibly exist: the elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility.

Growing up in France, Leo knew of the rumor that the Beetle Bard may have been inspired by a famous French Sorcerer, Lisette de Lapin, who was convicted of witchcraft back in 1422. Was it also possible that the Beetle Bard modeled his other stories after actual people? Wasn't it curious that Harry had a very unique invisibility cloak that seemed a little too perfect? Didn't Sirius share stories with him about how before they mastered turning into animals they'd explore the castle with the use of that cloak. It was given to James by his father like his father before him. The story stated that the youngest brother passed his invisibility cloak to his son before going willingly with death. With that thought, he sent Draco back to Godric's Hallow knowing the Potters originated from the area. His brother was able to quickly report back that he found the symbol on the grave of one Ignotus Perverell. Leo continue to research trough family lines wondering who descended from the Perverell's besides the Potters.

He wasn't able to find much more information regarding the three brothers at Hogwarts. He probably just didn't know where to look, however upon his return to the Manor during Easter Break, he found himself in the ancient Library. It was younger than that of Hogwarts, but it was likely to have information on Pure-blood family lines, as his ancestors cared so much about blood purity. His good old ancestor Brutus Malfoy wrote about how those wizards who socialized with muggles were performed weak magic back in his 1675 anti-muggle periodical Warlock at War. His family roots went back quite far in England but originated in France, hence the English translation of the name meaning "bad faith." He did manage to find out information regarding the Perverell brothers in a very old book, which had so much dust on it that it was likely to have been unopened for centuries. The Malfoys had so many books that it was unlikely a book on magical history would be opened when there were so many readily available on the Dark Arts and potions, which seemed to entertained his ancestors more than anything else.

He also found the Malfoy's copy of Nature's Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy, as he'd left the Black copy at Grimmauld Place. According to the book, the Perverell family was a medieval pure-blood name that was the first to become extinct in the male line. Meaning that the name died but decedents continued through the female line. Much like what happened to the Black Family name after the death of Sirius without him having a son. He found that the three brothers the Beetle Bard tail was based upon lived during the Thirteenth century. The eldest brother Antioch who was noted for the creation of the Elder Wand, according to Famous Witches and Wizards of the Thirteenth Century, disappeared without a trace. No one knew how he died, but since the Elder wand moved from person to person by being won in duels, there was no way to trace his death when the book was published at the beginning of the fourteenth century. Salazar Slytherin lived during the tenth century, and had a son with his second cousin. His son later had a daughter who married Cain Gaunt. It was a few more generations until Cadmus', the creator of the Resurrection Stone, daughter married John Gaunt. He was said to have died of heartbreak after his daughter died in childbirth and John left with his grandson and the Resurrection Stone, which was later fashioned into a ring. Last, the book spoke of Ignotus, the creator of the best Invisibility Cloak ever made. It stated that the cloak was passed down to his son right before he died in 1291 in Godric's Hallow where he was entombed in the Parish Church of St. Clementine.

Leo rubbed his eyes and shut the book. He quickly sent the book back to the shelf he'd retrieved it from. He couldn't help but piece everything together. He was able to find a little information regarding the Gaunts in the Nature's Nobility book, which was published in the middle of the 1950's. It spoke of how the name died out with the death of Marvolo, his son Morfin, and the disappearance of his daughter Merope. They were the last Slytherin line and if his knowledge was correct that made Tom Riddle the heir of Slytherin. Leo knew that he was a half blood and that his father was the muggle. His mother then had to have been Merope Gaunt and he quickly grabbed Hogwarts: a History. Tom Marvolo Riddle received a trophy for Special Services to the School in 1943. The fact that his middle name was the same as his grandfather gave it away. So, then the ring with the Resurrection stone was made into was probably made into a horcrux by Riddle. He quickly grabbed his copy of The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore, which he picked up at Flourish and Blotts at Diagon Alley before apparating home.

If Albus and the young Grindelwald were obsessed with the Deathly Hallows, then Albus would've been well studied in their appearance and recognized the symbol present on the Resurrection Stone. He knew enough to know that the blackened and mangled hand that Dumbledore possessed the fall of their Sixth year was more than likely caused by a curse that probably weakened him. Was it possible that his desire to see his sister and apologize for his part in her death that he didn't think before putting on the ring? Could trying to use the Resurrection Stone while it was filled with the worst kind of dark magic caused blackened the state of his left hand? He pulled out his copy of A Wizarding Recap of the Early 20th Century, which he picked up with the Dumbledore biography. He quickly located the information on Grindelwald's Army and his march through multiple European Nations for "the greater good." In 1945, even though Grindelwald never came to Brittan, as it was rumored that he feared Dumbledore, Albus met and dueled his former friend. According to eyewitnesses, it was the greatest duel every fought between two wizards. Was it possible that before creating his army and killing many wizards during the height of the war that Grindelwald found the location of the Elder Wand and won it's allegiance? And in defeating Grindelwald, Dumbledore became the owner of the wand. Would that mean that by disarming him on the Astronomy tower the night he died, I gained the allegiance of the wand even though I never took its possession? Leo couldn't stop the thought from forming and broadcasting to his brother.

Draco's voice boomed in response. Don't let the Dark Lord know that. From what I've witnessed around you, I've come to the conclusion that he's after a wand that will help him defeat Potter. He's afraid of the connection the two share and the fact that using Father's wand didn't work. Remember when you overheard him questioning Ollivander about the Elder Wand last summer?

Leo shook his head. He didn't remember that because he'd blocked it from his memory. He didn't want to remember the bloodcurdling screams of pain made as they tortured the best wand maker in Wizarding Brittan. I couldn't handle those sounds, so I blocked it all out. I refused to listen. It would've only forced me into doing something about it. I couldn't stop it because it would've blown my cover and put our family into a more precarious position than in which we currently exist.

Yes, it was hard to hear but you must remain observant if you're to survive being surrounded by those snakes. Don't forget that our beloved Aunt Bella is residing in that house with you. If she thinks at any point that you're not a good little Death Eater like you should be, then she'll teach you a lesson with the Cruciatus Curse. Believe me she's very talented with that curse, and you'll never want to be on a receiving end of it. I still have nightmares even over a year later. Father was only talented in the Imperious Curse. That power hungry fool, oh how the great have fallen at the hands of a Megalomaniac. Sorry, the point I'm trying to make is that the Dark Lord is after that wand. Draco's voice cautioned.

Leo rubbed his temple before placing his personal books into his pouch that had an undetectable extension charm on it. I understand that being here is very unsafe for all of us with the horrible snake infestation. Crap! I just thought of something. You can't just take the Elder Wand; you have to have its allegiance. No one but Snape and possible Potter know that I'm the one that disarmed Dumbledore and have the allegiance he seeks. He'll think that since Snape was the one that killed Dumbledore that he must die so that Riddle can gain full control over the wand. I think he might figure out at some point that Harry is out there destroying his Horcruxes. If that's the case, then he'll protect his snake because she's the last one and the one he keeps the closest to him. Think about it-

He wouldn't attempt to kill the person he believes to be the true owner of wand with it, so he'd use Nagini. Her venom is very powerful and causes a person to bleed out. Wasn't Arthur Weasley attacked by her in our fifth year? Draco's voice sounded rampant in his mind. Leo could sense his distress over losing his Godfather. Leo could only assume that he was closer to the Potions master than he showed the public.

Leo stood and proceeded to leave the Library and approached his room. Yes, he was treated with blood replenishment potion until they were able to discover or obtain the antidote. You must go to St. Mungo's and find the antidote. We must have some one hand. You want to save his life don't you? We know that he's a good guy and that he's only playing his part to bring down that snake face git. Leo reached his room and sat down on his bed. He took a calming breath. He knew that it was time for his brother to act. They had to make preparations for the final battle, which was fast approaching.

Leo stood in the family Drawing Room with his father. They sat in two chairs near the fireplace. He noticed how haggard his father looked. Yes the mighty had truly fallen. He was a prisoner in his own home. Leo couldn't help but wonder if the reason why they were kept alive was because of the fact that only someone of the Malfoy blood line was able to manipulate the wards. Even his darling Bellatrix was unable to make changes to the ancient Malfoy wards. Neither one of them spoke as they both stared into the fire deep in thought.

Stop feeling sorry for Father. Everything that's happening to our family is his fault. His decisions have blackened our name in the Wizarding world. If we all manage to survive this conflict, then we'll never have the influence we once had, as everyone will only see us as a family of Death Eaters. Even though, Mother never got the mark. Draco's voice was dripping with venom almost poisoning Leo's mind.

Leo continued to stare into the flames. That may be true but he's still our father, right? Sorry, forget that I even asked that question. I know that I would've died a long time ago if he were given the opportunity he wanted to take many years ago. So, did you manage to obtain the antidote for Nagini's venom?

Draco sighed. Yes, I obtained some blood replenishing potions from the hospital, but I had to locate the antidote in the Rainforest of South America. Boy did I enjoy stretching my Dragon Wings for that trip. After obtaining it I was easily able to apparate back to France. I've packed that little pouch you gave me last year, and I'm ready for travel whenever the time seems right.

Did you remember to pack a set of my Gryffindor robes? You know so you can impersonate me when you get to Hogwarts. It'd make more sense if I showed up. Leo's thoughts were interrupted when a commotion occurred behind them. Leo and Lucius arose quickly from their chairs and turned to the newly arrived crowd.

Lucius drawled, "What is this?"*

Leo recognized the three standing before them even though Potter's face was distorted and swollen. They had captured their only hope. What the hell was the resistance going to do if the three were handed over to the Dark Lord? Harry couldn't be ready to face him yet. He heard Draco's frustrated voice boom in his mind. What the hell were they thinking getting caught?

Their mother's detached voice sounded, "They say they've got Potter. Draco, come here."*

Leo hesitantly approached his mother. Harry seemed to refuse to look directly at him and perhaps if he had then he might've seen something different in his gray eyes. Perhaps he would've recognized his friend Leo and not the bully Draco; he'd dealt with for so many years. Greyback moved the prisoners so that Harry stood right underneath the glittering chandler. The werewolf rasped, "Well, boy?"*

Draco yelled in his head. Lie! Don't you dare give them away! They have to escape. Our lives depend on it. I will disown you if you mess this up brother.

Their father seemed excited, "Well, Draco? Is it? Is it Harry potter?"*

Leo kept his distance from Greyback. If anyone was to sense his and Draco's switch it'd be the keen nose of the werewolf. He refused to look Harry in the face because he was afraid in doing so he'd give up hope. He stumbled on his words as it was expected of a cowardly Slytherin, "I can't – I can't be sure."*

Their father had a life to him that he hadn't had since he failed the Dark Lord, "But look at him carefully, look! Come closer!"* Leo slowly moved toward his father as he continued to ramble, "Draco, if we are the ones who hand Potter over to the Dark Lord, everything will be forgiv-"*

Greyback's eyes narrowed and his voice was gravely, "Now, we won't be forgetting who actually caught him, I hope, Mr. Malfoy?"*

"Of course not, of course not!"* Their father impatiently approached Harry and stared at him. "What did you do to him? How did he get into this state?"*

"That wasn't us,"* the werewolf adamantly denied.

"Looks more like a Stinging Jinx to me,"* the Malfoy patriarch observed. His eyes moved over Harry's forehead and whispered to himself, "There's something there it could be the scar, stretched tight….Draco, come here, look properly! What do you think?"*

Leo felt his fear and reluctance fly past his cool exterior, as he stared at the face of Harry Potter. He stared for a moment before responding, "I don't know."* He quickly turned away from his father and approached his mother by the fireplace where she stood observing the situation.

He looked into his mother's blue eyes conveying a message in his. She cleared her throat and called to her husband, "We had better be certain, Lucius. Completely sure that it is Potter, before we summon the Dark Lord…They say this is his,"* she looked down at the blackthorn wand in her hand, "but it does not resemble Ollivander's description….If we are mistaken, if we call the Dark Lord here for nothing…Remember what he did to Rowle and Dolohov?"*

Leo suppressed a shudder at what the Dark Lord forced him to do to Rowle, as Greyback growled, "What about the Mudblood, then?"* Harry seemed to trip as the prisoners were shuffled again and Hermione was forced under the light.

Leo's heart dropped as his mother responded, "Wait, yes – yes, she was in Madam Malkin's with Potter! I saw her picture in the Prophet! Look, Draco, isn't it the Granger girl?"*

Leo felt his heart grow cold. He mumbled, "I…maybe…yeah."*

He turned to face the fire as his father shouted, "But then, that's the Weasley boy! It's them, Potter's friends – Draco, look at him, isn't it Arthur Weasley's son, what's his name-?"*

Leo refused to look back over at them as he conceded in an emotionless voice, "Yeah, it could be."*

Leo continued to stare into the fire as the drawing room door opened and the horrible voice of his Aunt Bellatrix sounded, "What is this? What's happened, Cissy?"* He heard her boots on the stone floors, "But surely, this is the Mudblood girl? This is Granger?"*

Leo felt like screaming when his father gloated, "Yes, yes, it's Granger! And beside her, we think, Potter! Potter and his friends, caught at last!"*

Leo, you've got to do something. They need to get out of here before the Dark Lord's called. Show your Gryffindor bravery and do something, you fool.

Leo continued to stare into the fire as Bellatrix shrieked, "Potter? Are you sure? Well then, the Dark Lord must be informed at once!"*

What am I supposed to do? Have you not told me to be careful of Bellatrix? Besides it sounds like father is trying to get the right to summon the dark lord on his authority. Leo refused to look back on the scene. It was as if he didn't watch, then the scene would disappear.

His ears felt like they were going to bleed as his aunt's voice went higher, "Your authority! You lost your authority when you lost your wand, Lucius! How dare you! Take your hands off of me!"*

"This has nothing to do with you, you did not capture the boy-"*

"Begging your pardon, Mr. Malfoy," Greyback interrupted, "but it's us that caught Potter, and it's us that'll be claiming the gold-"*

Bellatrix laughed, "Gold! Take your gold, filthy scavenger, what do I want with gold? I seek only the honor of his- of-"* She yelled, "Stop! Do not touch it, we shall all perish if the Dark Lord comes now!"*

At that noise Leo quickly turned to take in what was going on. His eyes fell on the sword of Gryffindor in one of the Snatcher's hands. Bellatrix demanded, "What is that?"*

"Sword,"* the Snatcher grunted.

"Give it to me."* She demanded.

"It's not youn, missus, it's mine, I reckon I found it."*

His Aunt Bella produced her wand and soon a red light was fired. A roar of anger sounded and Scabior quickly drew his wand and demanded, "What d'you think you're playing at, woman?"*

"Stupefy!" she screamed. "Stupefy!"*

She soon had the sword in her hand as she barreled toward Greyback and took his wand from his. She whispered, "Where did you get this sword?"*

He snarled at her, "How dare you?"* His mouth was the only thing that could move, as he bared his pointed teeth. "Release me, woman!"*

"Where did you find this sword?"* She repeated her question and threatened him with it. "Snape sent it to my vault in Gringotts!"*

Leo's heart quickened, as the reality of the situation hit him. His aunt was freaking out because Snape sent a fake sword of Gryffindor to her vault. He must've known there was a horcrux in there. He must've done it to tip off Harry and Hermione. If they get out of here alive, they'll be heading to Gringotts. Perhaps you should meet up with them there. Isn't the Lestrange vault guarded by an Ironbelly Dragon?

Draco's voice sounded in his mind. Yes, that is precisely what's guarding her vault. I will go there right away and free it. I shall take its place and be there to help them.

Leo's attention was brought back to reality when Ron bellowed, "HERMIONE!"*

Leo was forced to watch as Hermione was tortured before him. She wreathed in pain as Bellatrix hit her with the torture curse and demanded, "I'm going to ask you again! Where did you get this sword? Where?"*

Leo tried to hide his horror as Bella approached her with a blade and began to carve a word into her left forearm. Hermione bit out, "We found it – we found it – PLEASE!"*

"You are lying, filthy Mudblood, and I know it! You have been inside my vault at Gringotts! Tell the truth, tell the truth!"* Hermione let out another bone chilling scream before Bellatrix continued, "What else did you take? What else have you got? Tell me the truth or, I swear, I shall run you through with this knife!"*

Hermione's screams continued as she finished carving the word Mudblood in her left forearm. "What else did you take, what else? ANSWER ME! CRUCIO!"* Leo closed his eyes as he tried to block out the torture taking place in front of him. She was a girl he considered a friend. "How did you get into my vault? Did that dirty little goblin in the cellar help you?"*

"We only met him tonight!" Hermione sobbed. "We've never been inside your vault….It isn't the real sword! It's a copy, just a copy!"*

Leo's eyes opened. He was shocked that Hermione had the strength to lie to Bellatrix as she was tortured. Bellatrix screeched, "A copy? Oh, a likely story!"*

Leo wanted to shoot lasers out of his eyes when his father responded, "But we can find out easily! Draco, fetch the goblin, he can tell us whether the sword is real or not."*

He has no problem when his deranged sister-in-law tortures an innocent girl on our Drawing Room floor, so long as he can regain favor with the Dark Lord. He sure has his priorities straight. Leo was fuming when he reached the cell. He approached the door and threatened in a shaky voice, "Stand back. Line up against the back wall. Don't try anything, or I'll kill you!"*

Sure, make me sound like a heartless killer. Draco seethed in his mind, as Leo marched into the cell with his wand held out in front of him. He reached the goblin and backed out of the cell with him. He tried to hide any reaction when he noticed the familiar faces of Luna Lovegood and Dean Thomas. Leo marched the goblin straight to Bellatrix as his stomach flipped. He hated playing his part.

They all heard a loud crack coming from the cellar and Leo's heart swelled with hope as he remembered mirror in Aberforth's room. Perhaps he was able to see that they were in danger and sent them help. His father shouted, "What was that? Did you hear that? What was that noise in the cellar?"* Leo moved toward the door of the cellar where he planned on helping the other's escape until his father interrupted, "Draco – no, call Wormtail! Make him go check!"*

Leo stood and watch as Bellatrix demanded, "Well? Is it the true sword?"*

The goblin answered, "No, it is a fake."*

"Are you sure?"* Bellatrix panted. "Quite sure?"*

"Yes."*

Relief swam across Bellatrix's face, "Good."* She quickly slashed another deep cut into the goblin's face before kicking him aside. "And now we call the Dark Lord!"*

Leo's heart pounded, as he hoped that the others could escape before the Dark Lord returned. She pulled back her sleeve and pushed her forefinger to the Dark Mark. She then turned to look upon Hermione, "And I think we can dispose of the Mudblood. Greyback, take her if you want her."*

"Noooooooo!"* The youngest Weasley male burst into the drawing room and pointed Wormtail's wand at Bellatrix, "Expelliarmus!"* Her wand flew in the air and Harry caught it. Leo turned to face them with his wand drawn. He shot a silent stupefy at them, but aimed a little high as Potter dropped to the floor and rolled behind a sofa do avoid them.

Bellatrix grabbed an unconscious Hermione and held a knife to her throat, "STOP OR SHE DIES!"* Leo watched as Harry peered around the edge of the couch, as she whispered, "Drop your wands. Drop them, or we'll see exactly how filthy her blood is!"* The two boys stood from the other side of the couch still clutching their stolen wands. She screeched and pressed the knife to her throat, "I said, drop them!"*

"All right!"* Harry shouted and dropped her wand on the floor next to his feet and Ron did the same. They both raised their hands to shoulder height showing that they were disarmed.

"Good!"* She leered at them. "Draco, pick them up! The Dark Lord is coming, Harry Potter! Your death approaches!"* Leo picked up the wands and headed toward her with them in his hands as she continued, "Now, Cissy, I think we ought to tie these little heroes up again, while Greyback takes care of Miss Mudblood. I am sure the Dark Lord will not begrudge you the girl, Greyback, after what you have done tonight."*

A noise sounded directly above Bellatrix. Leo wasn't able to witness much before he was hunched over covering his bloodied face from the crystal shards. The chandelier fell on Hermione and the Goblin who was clutching the sword of Gryffindor. Leo wasn't exactly sure what happened when the three wands were wretched from his hands. He managed to open his eyes in time to see it was Harry, as he pointed all three wands at Greyback and yelled, "Stupefy!"*

Leo didn't fight as his mother pulled him from any more harm. Bellatrix bounded to her feet brandishing her knife, as his mother turned to the doorway appalled, "Dobby! You! You dropped the chandelier-?"*

The elf pointed his finger at his old mistress, "You must not hurt Harry Potter."*

"Kill him, Cissy!"* However, before she could react with another loud crack, her wand flew into the air and landed on the other side of the room. Bellatrix howled in disdained, "You dirty little monkey! How dare you take a witch's wand, how dare you defy your masters?"*

The former Malfoy house elf squeaked, "Dobby has no master! Dobby is a free elf, and Dobby has come to save Harry Potter and his friends!"*

"Ron, catch – and GO!" Harry yelled throwing a wand at him. He pulled the goblin from the mess who was still clutching the sword of Gryffindor and took Dobby's hand. Leo watched sickened as Bellatrix threw her knife at the group apparating with the elf and it disappeared with them.

Leo never thought he'd ever seen the Dark Lord so angry before. They had managed to survive without any member of their family being killed; however they did have to watch Lucius as the Dark Lord tortured him. Even though it was Bellatrix who'd called him and let them escape, their father was tortured because he lost all authority when he lost his wand. Leo ran fingers through his hair as he contemplated his next move. He knew that the Dark Lord wouldn't allow him to return to school after this failure. He was under house arrest with the rest of his family. However, he lost his wand to Potter and needed to obtain another one. Since the Dark Lord didn't have power over the wards and they were already set up to allow him to apparate in and out of his bedroom, the Dark Lord couldn't stop him from leaving. He was sure that apparition could be traced, so he waited for the early morning sunrise before he jumped off the balcony in his lion form. He'd managed to master enough wandless magic to Apparate and transform into his other form.

He ran through the grounds and as soon as he reached the forest past the wards he transformed back and Apparated to Wizarding Paris. The wand shop had just opened as he walked in. His hair was still short and he hoped he could pull it off properly since his hair was right to be Leo. The bespectacled man behind the counter looked at him and raised an eyebrow. Leo nodded and spoke in fluent French, "I'm not sure if you remember me. Leo Rosier? I've come because I fear I lost my other wand, and I wish to purchase a new one."

The man nodded, "Your magical aura has changed since you were last in here. I'm sensing feline and being drawn toward a sphinx core and the word has changed to vine. Here try this." He handed him a wand and Leo gave it a swish. A bright white light shown around him, and the other man nodded, "Yes that does seem to be the right wand."

Leo handed the man some Galleons and quickly made his way back to the Manor before his absence was noticed. He shook his head as after apparating twice, he was once again lying in his bed, and under the covers asleep.

A/N: I guess we'll see where it goes from here. I have a couple other chapters already written, but I'll probably wait to post the next one until someone reviews. I don't see the point in posting on this fiction if no one is reading or enjoying it.

*All dialog belongs to JK Rowling as it was quoted from Chapter Twenty-tree, Malfoy Manor from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007).