Chapter 31: Let's play a game

Bad days have a rather unpleasant tendency. However bad you may think your day has been, the chances are, it's only likely to become worse. And a person who had been born with such ill luck as I have, is more than likely to suffer this malady.

As if his whores had not been enough to bother the living daylights out of me, Blaise decided that he too needed to grate on my every nerve.

I had managed to traverse most of the distance alone, wishing for the millionth time that Serpen was by my side, the hollow, echoing sounds of my footsteps, as my feet met the stone floor of the castle, my only companion.

I never had been the kind that frightens easily, but for some reason, the empty halls of the old castle unnerved me. Everything was so silent, as classes had already begun, and I could not but feel as if all life had been captured by some ice cold hand.

My anxiety assumed a corporal form, as small ants seemed to settle at the very foot of my stomach. They crawled from there in every direction, upwards and downwards, left and right, and I was practically shaking with adrenaline that suddenly appeared in my mind. Something was about to happen, and for some reason, I had to be ready to run.

I reached to my sleeve quickly, my fingers finding my wand in an instant, and my hand raising on its own, ready to tackle anything. But as I made another sharp right turn, nothing seemed to jump at me, there was no opponent to duel.

Another few steps.

Nothing.

I walked forward more, descending the stairs of the Grand Entrance slowly, my eyes focusing on every possible direction of approach, and aside from a very obese Ravenclaw third year, there was no one. And if said student had no intention to assault me with the plate of cupcakes he was carrying from the kitchen, it seemed to me that he posed no immediate threat.

It was an almost relaxing, comforting thought, and my steps were a bit more confident as I entered the dim corridor that led to the dungeons. I was safe, this was my area.

How foolish of me.

Another right turn that would lead me to my common room, and my steps faltered as a voice spoke up behind me.

"Hello Rosey" I heard, and spun on my heel, wand raised, only to see nothing.

This particular bit of the hallways was rather poorly lit, and shadows danced across the walls, each moving, each possessing a life of its own. I knew well whom this voice belonged to, and my eyes searched frantically for him, having no wish to be taken by surprise.

"You look lovely today as well." Blaise spoke, making a step forward to my right, and I spun accordingly, finding him all too close for my liking. He had a smirk pulling on his lips as he towered over me, the bloody brute.

I made a step backwards, putting away my wand simultaneously.

I met his eyes somewhat involuntarily, a sort of a pull governing my actions, demanding for me to look up. That was my first mistake. Once I had looked up, I found myself unable to look away, as if my eyes had been glued to his.

It was ten seconds later, but an eternity in my mind, that I finally managed to look away, noticing in my action how his smirk had slipped from his lips.

"I have no time for your stupidity Zabini" I spoke, stepping once more backwards, looking anywhere but in him. What in the bloody name of Merlin was wrong with me? Was there something in my pumpkin juice that morning? I better bloody be poisoned.

"Say Rose" spoke he, and I could see his bloody feet moving closer, making me mirror his movements with a step back. "you seem awfully anxious today. Any reason that should concern me?"

He had thankfully stopped in his approach and I had to do my best not to glance at him every five seconds. What was bloody happening?

"Indeed Zabini, there is a reason for my anxiety, and it does in fact concern you." I looked up at him at that, wanting to give emphasis to my words, "I have one advice for you. Keep you whores on a tighter chain, or I might be the one shortening their pretty little necks."

I relished in the surprise in his eyes, knowing that he had been thrown off topic.

"My, my… what?" Asked he, blinking down at me, his eyes widening almost imperceptibly, his eyebrows raising. "Rose I.. I… didn't…"

He brought his hand up, ruffling his hair, and I remembered that he had done so the night he wished to give up, to abandon his pursuit of me.

"If that is all Zabini, I am by far too tired to deal with brats today." I snapped, turning away from him, the need for a proper plan clear in my mind, all in hopes of achieving any sort of sense in my life.

"Why Rose" Spoke he, and I stopped, already turned away from him, against my will. "if I didn't know any better, I'd say that you were jealous."

There was a taunting note to his words, but I also sensed incredulity. I had to deny this. Now.

I turned around sharply, sneering at him. "Jealous? Me? Do come to the few senses you still poses Zabini. Whom shall I be jealous of? Them, or you? You, for having fun with such easy women, whom I frankly see no appeal in, or them, for winning, of all boys in this accursed school, you? I can hardly imagine a worse luck befalling someone."

I knew that this was cruel, and I did not wish to say it, but it was necessary. He could not be allowed to think there was but the slightest hint of affection for him in my heart.

But somehow, the bloody moron did not seem the least bit affected.

"Jealous, Rose, you are jealous." He laughed, and I moved forward, making a couple of steps and sighing.

"So what if I am?" I whispered, thinking that I had left him far enough behind so that my words were mere relief to my mind, and no real message to a listener.

I was only later to find out that this was my second mistake of that day.

Many believe that a war is won with wands. Many believe that a curse will save their life. I believe these people are naught but fools.

Your wand will get broken. Your curse will die on your lips as the opponent casts the curse first, and have no doubt, that moment will come.

Everyone dies, and everything ends.

So, how do you win a war?

I suppose everyone is wondering that, every one of us caught in a war we had no wish for, which we had not started, but which we simply must finish. Or the war will finish us.

There is a way, just one way, and I, a Kersey heir, had been trained in it my whole life.

You have been told, I am sure, as everyone has been, to think before you act. Yet, what my grandfather had taught me personally, is that you cannot afford to be one step ahead. You need to be, at the very least five steps ahead of your opponent.

My grandfather, never a man who would stop at words and act not on them, had trained me in this skill, in various ways, from a very young age. One of my favourite methods he had employed, was playing chess with me.

I enjoyed his company at that time, but now, as I grew older , I know that the knowledge taught to me then had more value than those few, brief moments of family time.

The first lesson I had been taught was that there are a couple of main figures, and that all the rest were expendable. There was no doubt in my mind that I was one of those few, main figures, and that I was not expendable, at least not until the very end. Yet war is not won with one figure alone, and for me to take down a King of the opposite party, a Queen was not enough. I needed a key, a figure that did not exist yet, and that, at least for the time being, stood opposite me on the board.

I needed a key, I needed a prince. And now, a week later, I had a clear plan as to how I would turn that little black pawn, into my white knight.

It was not long that I had to wait for my chance, and one cold Friday night, as January neared its end, I welcomed the return of the Malfoy heir to the warmth of the common room.

I had been waiting for him, sitting in an armchair positioned opposite my couch on which sat Astoria, her attention focused on the game of chess before her. Mine, however, was focused on a much bigger game waiting to be played, and as any good snake, I decided to move my figures first.

"Draco" I called as the boy neared the stairs to his common room, and he stopped in his tracks, turning to meet my gaze with his eyebrows raised. Unfortunately for me, he did not choose to return alone.

Blaise stood on his side, also turned towards me, his dark eyes firm in their gaze. I met them for the tiniest of seconds and had the sensation of being electrified. I almost jumped in my seat at the feeling , but thankfully, managed to keep my composure. My eyes were quick to leave his, but also quick in returning, doing so by far too often. This had to stop, as soon as bloody possible.

I opened my hand that had been curled in a fist, and dug my nails in the skin of my other hand, thus assuming some sense of what I had to do, and assuring that I did not bolt for the doors in the next moment.

I forced my lips to pull into a small, if not tight smile, wordlessly summoning the boy to me, and noticing from the corner of my eye that Astoria noticed the exchange, looking up from her seat on the couch. She glanced quickly to Draco and then back to me, a blush gracing her cheeks. I knew that she would be a collateral damage in this talk, but I was doing this for her as well. For all of them.

The boy approached us with a somewhat unsure step, quite possibly surprised at my invitation. And to my misfortune, Blaise followed him, sauntering over to us with a smirk pulling on his lips.

"I was wondering if you had any plans for this cold evening Draco. If not, I would much enjoy some company as I play with Astoria here. Would you mind joining me?" I asked, intently focused on him, making sure that my invitation extended to him only.

And Blaise understood that as well.

"Why Rose, who would ever decline such an offer?" asked he, and I dug my nails deeper into my skin, doing my best not to acknowledge the fact that he had spoken.

I focused my eyes on Draco instead, watching as he glanced from Blaise to me, and tilting my head lightly, the smile on my lips growing.

"Well," spoke Draco, once more glancing at his friend in his uncertainty "I suppose we could, we don't have any other plans."

I was not sure what his motivation was for including Blaise in this entire ordeal, perhaps he was some sort of an assurance for him, perhaps not, but I had no plans of addressing him. Getting to Draco was imperative, and Blaise was better off without me in any case.

"Excellent" I smiled up at him, waving my hand at my couch lightly, playing a good host. "Have a seat Draco."

He glanced at my couch once, surprised that I allowed him to have a seat, even offered it to him, but moved reluctantly, as manners dictated and took a seat beside Tori, who blushed positively red, hiding behind her midnight black strands.

Blaise moved as well, not taking his eyes off of me as he went, but his smirk no longer played on his lips.

I shifted in my seat, closing my eyes for a second longer than was necessary, tearing my own heart into pieces, and turning my back towards Blaise, effectively shutting him out of the conversation.

"May I offer you some pumpkin juice Draco?" I asked, waving my hand and having a jug of pumpkin juice and a goblet hover over to me.

"Thank you" spoke he, and I waved my hand, having the jug pour some juice in a goblet and having it hover over to Draco who accepted it from mid-air.
"Are you not going to offer some juice to me Rose? That is no way for a host to behave." Chided Blaise, and I betrayed no sign of recognition. Behaving like he was not there at all. Entirely too aware that he had not stopped staring at me.

"How are you doing Draco?" I asked, using every bit of charm I had been bestowed with, trying to get the boy to warm up to me. I found that people were by far more open to new ideas if they were presented by people they held favour for. "I trust you are in good health?"

"Well enough" responded he, returning my gaze in a confident manner, but with a hint of suspicion as well. "Shall I take it the same can be said for you?"

I smiled at that, seeing that he was trying to gain some sort of control over this conversation, fearing my ulterior motives, as it was clear that they were present. But I would not do well to disclose them immediately, no, that would not be favourable at all.

"And I trust your studies are progressing as could be expected?" I inquired, knowing that the situation was uncomfortable for all parties present, and that the tension present was only building up. Good.

"Indeed." Responded he, taking up a guarded approach. I noticed that Astoria had moved her rook and had taken my pawn, thus falling into a trap I had been weaving from the beginning of the game, and had given me a perfect opportunity to take her queen, cornering her king and thus once more winning the game.

"I am sorry Tori, " I spoke, "bishop to E9. Checkmate."

I watched with satisfaction as her Queen got turned to dust by my bishop and as she opened her large eyes wide, refusing to believe that she had fallen into my trap once more.

"But" uttered she, glancing from one part of the board to the other "but, I had a strategy this time!"

"I know you did love, " I spoke and gave her a smile, seeing that she had not noticed the two boys beside her were observing her with interest. "so did I."

"No fair." Pouted she, and I glanced at Draco once, before saying: " Worry not, it is simply a matter of experience. With time, I believe you to be capable of winning against me."

She gave a small hmph, her eyes still focused on the game before her.

"She was almost there." Spoke Blaise, and Astoria looked up at that, seemingly having forgotten that we were not alone. She met Draco's gaze for a moment, and then looked away quickly, as if she were burned, her eyes focusing on her feet.

He narrowed his eyes at her for a moment, and I was grateful that Blaise had continued talking, thus diverting Draco's attention from my younger cousin. Draco was a smart boy, and having him realize that my cousin held affection for him would not be a wise move.

I was playing with fire, allowing the embers to burn by far too freely. It was time to smother it.

"If you had been given a chance, your strategy would have endangered Rose's Queen quite seriously." Continued Blaise, for once looking away from me, and sending Astoria a small smile.

She looked up in just the right moment and responded with that beaming smile of hers, proud to have been acknowledged.

"Thank you Blaise" responded she, but looked downwards promptly, avoiding Draco's eyes.

"How is you mother Draco?" I asked, ignoring the conversation that had played out before me, and Draco seemed to tense up, ready to flee as it seemed to me. Good.

"Well." Responded he, sitting up a bit straighter in his chair, his shoulders tensing as I crossed the line, as I touched that one subject I knew he'd protect.

Game: start.

I furrowed my eyebrows at him briefly, pressing my lips tightly together in an expression of worry. I sighed once, closing my eyes and looking up at him with a small smile.

"This is not working very well is it?" I asked, and Astoria too looked up at me, surprised at this behaviour. Blaise focused on me once more, and I knew that he had narrowed his eyes at me, just as Draco widened his in surprise.

"I see that you have read well into my words, and have realized I have an ulterior motive. And tonight, I will make an exception, and I shall admit to it." I spoke, making a pause to allow the dramatic words I had spoken to take their toll.

"I believe, and correct me if I am wrong, that you are of the opinion that I hold a rather unfavourable opinion of your family." I spoke, looking at him intently and stopping in my speech to give him an opportunity to deny what I had stated.

He made no such pretence.

"That is wrong." I spoke, and as he opened his mouth to respond, I raised a hand, signalling for him to stop "Please. Allow me to say what I had intended and then judge the sincerity of my words. I hold but the highest opinion of both the Malfoy and the Black families."

He seemed suspicious of what I had said, but made no move to stop me from speaking. Good boy.

"While the Malfoy family is a bit more distant to me, the Black family is a relation I value highly. As you are well aware, my great grandmother was a Black, and my grandmother never renounced that heritage. The Black Family has been pure for centuries, and the influence, not to mention wealth, is rivalled but by few families. Mine" I spoke, and inclined my head in his direction with a smile, watching his ego rise with every moment more "and the Malfoy family."

I was interrupted from my train of thought by the approach of my familiar, who had slithered down from my dormitory, having woken up from his nap. He hissed at me in passing, and moved past me to where I knew that two dark eyes had settled.

I ignored this, or at least did my best to do so and continued "But the Malfoy family is quite old as well is it not?" I questioned, although I knew the answer. But there was value in having him answer me, a deceit of mind.

"From the time of William I" replied Draco, puffing his chest out proudly, sort of like a peacock, the kind his father owned. "one of the oldest pure blooded families."

"Indeed" I smiled "and as I understand it, your manor is on the piece of land whose ownership could be traced back to that time is it not?"

"Yes it is" replied he, smirking at me, "although the land has been expanded over time."

I laughed lightly at that, showing my acceptance "Quite right. As an heir to an heir, I have always held it to be our duty to build on such wonderful legacies."

I knew I had won. His ego had grown immensely, and his eyes were shinning with pride that I had acknowledged him as an equal. This fact alone meant that the vast majority of the wizarding world would do the same.

It was rather obvious, this round, I had won, and the boy was eating out of my hand. Time to finish the battle for today, adding a streak of white to my little black pawn.

"Naturally, being an heir to such two prominent families, you have a lot to live up to. For example, your many prominent ancestors, and I can understand that burden well. My family has quite a history, quite a legacy."

His eyes were glistening, he was ready to listen to me for hours, and that was the precise moment that I knew I'd have to end my little game.

"Yet I cannot talk of it today. " I spoke, glancing at the grand clock standing opposite me, at the far end of the common room. "I have many a duty to attend to tonight still, but if it is your wish" I spoke, standing up, seeing that Draco stood up as well, and noticing movement from the far corner of my eye. Blaise had stood up as well. "I shall tell you more of my family tomorrow, I shall be seated here as I was tonight. Perhaps I will see you then."

He smiled at me, and for the first time, there was no restraint in his smile, no tension.

"I shall think about it" he spoke, but I knew he'd take me up on that offer "I wish you a good night Rosalind." He then turned to Astoria, who blushed as he addressed her "And to you Astoria."

"Thank you " I smiled, inclining my head and stretching my hand to Astoria, offering it to her. She took it without a second of hesitation, murmuring a good night in return.

"Come Tori" I called, turning around and making a couple of steps, still holding the smile on my lips, although smiling was the furthest thing from my mind as I knew what I had to say.

I came to a stop, turning around , my eyes disobeying me and focusing on the boy opposite me, who was smiling no more. I addressed Draco, but could not look at him "And Draco, if you are to come, " I spoke, looking away from Blaise finally "come alone."

We continued on our way after that, and Tori whispered to me : "What was that Linda?"

I waited until I was sure no one could hear us and whispered to her: "That, Tori, was a strategy."

And as I lay to rest that night, and as I closed my eyes, I could not erase the expression on Blaise's face as I shut him out.

Up until that day, I could reasonably claim that I had done a considerable number of things that I was not proud of. But if asked, I would most certainly own up to them, admitting them readily. As it was only fit for such a twisted, monstrous creature.

But there were, however few they may have been, things of that other kind. Acts of generosity, of mercy… kindness. To them, I would not admit, for I knew what they implied well. A good person. A witch. Not a monster.

Yet, things we do our best to avoid have the unpleasant tendency of pursuing us, running in our footsteps as we stroll, and then, sooner or later, catching up.

The day after my little talk with the Slytherin Prince, one of those things caught up.

I had been making my way upwards, to the Astronomy tower at that time, and had been enjoying a rare moment of solitude with my familiar.

The soft sound of his belly being dragged on the floor accompanied the patting sound of my shoes as Serpen accompanied me on my way. I was relaxed, coming to a stop in front of a tall pillar with a lit fire dancing on top. My eyes focused on the fire and I slowly raised my left palm, pressing it against the warm stone.

"Soon love" I spoke, addressing Serpen, "and the warm weather shall return once more."

I remembered that he was very young, and I turned to him, crouching down beside him slowly, reaching that same hand to pet his scales, receiving a satisfied hiss in response.

He closed those brilliant emerald eyes and I allowed myself a small smile. We were alone, no need to be cold towards him.

"That is right, you're very young my friend." I spoke, my voice softening, "This is your first winter isn't it?"

He gave out another satisfied hiss, swaying his head lightly as I continued to stroke his head. "But after this winter, there will come a time when the meadows are green, just like your eyes, when flowers are in full bloom, when the sun warms your scales and the waters sing to your mind. I promise you a lush prey, a feast. You will live to see it my friend, at least once, you will see the flowers."

I smiled once more as he opened his eyes in curiosity and mirth.

I rose to my feet and inclined my head "Come love, let us continue on our way."

We walked a little way forward on our own, when I thought I heard movement from somewhere in front of me, and I let out a small hiss, stopping my familiar. If there was someone in front of us, I would not do well to keep my wand hidden.

"Be ready" I whispered, pulling out my wand and stepping in front of him. "Strike if necessary."

I made another cautious step onwards, listening for movement on the other side, tilting my head lightly in observance, raising my wand. This better be that filthy cat of Filches.

Another step, and a figure in red and gold stepped from behind one of the armours guarding the hallway.

She had pulled her hair up in a tight, high ponytail and her dark blue eyes were dancing with mirth, happy to have surprised me. But there was something else in them, some indiscernible emotion. I could not focus on it as I glanced quickly to the large panther that was observing me from the other side of the corridor, mirroring her mistress's sentiments and giving a playful meow.

"Hello Lindsy" grinned she and I rolled my eyes in response, putting my wand away in my sleeve, noticing that Serpen fell back to the floor, having risen in preparation to attack. "Hope I didn't scare ya!"

"You wish." I responded curtly, a smirk pulling on my lips: "To what do I owe this displeasure?"

"Always so charming" smiled she and I could see that she was building up her courage. There was something she had to say, but was afraid to utter.

"I know you too well feline." I smirked, "What is it that you want to say?"

"You caught up, huh snakeling?" asked she, giving me a grin. "But you know what, I knew you could be kind."

Kind? What in the name of Merlin was wrong with her?

"Do come to the few senses you are still in the possession of Arielle." I snapped, putting up my guard. What in the name of Merlin could she have found out? "When have you ever known me to be kind?"

Her smile slipped at that, and that only worried me more. What did I miss?

Serpen voiced his distress as well, giving out a soft hiss.

"Why did you do it?" she asked, her dark blue eyes boring into mine, trying to make me respond honestly. Nice try.

"I do a lot of things Arielle, and I generally do not have the custom of answering to someone for them. You may wish to be a bit more specific." I responded, raising my guard ever higher. I did a lot of things that I wished not for my friends to know, and I could only guess at this point as to which one of those things she had found out.

"Why did you save me?" she asked and I felt my heart skip a beat. That was the one thing I would have liked to keep to myself at all costs.

"I have no idea what you speak of." I responded curtly, raising my chin up in a sign of pride. I would not admit to doing as she claimed, for it meant that I showed her mercy. That she owed me.

She owed me nothing. She already gave me enough.

She furrowed her brows at me, and I waited.

"Neither Claudia nor Melody could have lifted a dark curse." She said and I could do little to deny her claim. It was true that neither girl could have done so, and that only left me.

I remained silent at the statement, waiting for her to speak more.

And she was waiting for a reply. One I had no intention of giving.

"Are you not going to say anything?" she asked after a couple of minutes. She seemed worried, afraid. What could she be afraid of?

"I already told you, I know nothing about your healing. Claudia was the one that helped you" I spoke, remembering how Claudia fell down in shock, seeing Arielle's face morph in agony, her screams ringing in my ears "I was not present."

"Then what saved me? I asked Salazar, it wasn't him." She was staring at me now, and I looked away, uncomfortable, feeling exposed.

"Luck. Pure luck. You always said you were born under some lucky stars, thank them." I responded and she simply kept on staring.

I heard her give out a sigh, apparently coming to terms with my lie. She could not get me to talk, and I would never admit to the act.

"Catch" She said, and I turned , just in time to reach forward reflexively, catching a small silver bracelet in mid-air. I let it lie in my open palm, examining the two trinkets. There was a big cat there, a jungle cat I guessed, and she leaped as I watched at a fox, who had time only to look up, before she was tackled by the cat, looking incredibly annoyed. I closed my fingers around it lightly and looked up at Arielle who had been observing me intently. It had another sign, two letters. BFF. I needn't ask what they stood for.

"I know you won't wear it, but at least keep it on your nightstand." She spoke and gave another sigh, before breaking out in a grin, winking at me and then looking down at her familiar "Come Shadow, we've got work to do, we thanked our lucky star."

She turned around at that, and I watched as she walked away, her shoulders slightly bent, as if she carried some invisible burden.

A minute after she left, after I was sure she was gone, I pulled my sleeve up and clasped the bracelet around my wrist.

I had three knights. Two rooks. And a bishop.

And lastly, I had a Queen. The mastermind, the puppet mistress.

As you play, you fear your Queen dying, for she is the most powerful piece of all. There are no restrictions to her power, unlike the rooks and the knights and the bishops, she is free. So you plan, and you scheme, and then, suddenly, in one reckless move, which you had not seen coming at all, you lose her, to the smallest of figures, a pawn. You feared the opponent's queen so much, that you paid little attention to the smallest, and weakest of figures, the pawn. Because their king will sacrifice a pawn, he won't so much as blink, he'll use his life, to take away that of your Queen.

This is a mistake many Kings make.

But, this war was weighed between a King, and a Queen.

And I made sure that I would not commit those two mistakes.

I knew well the value of each and every pawn, I knew how dangerous they were. For you could never truly control one's mind, there will always be that little bit of their mind, the tiniest bit, that will fight back.

And I knew that a Queen alone could win no war. Nor could such a feat be accomplished by a King alone. Yet my opponent, their King, was blind to this fact.

I would use this advantage to its fullest, it was likely to be the only one we are given. After all, my life alone was not worth much, or at the very least, it was worth much less than that of my peers, of my family.

And thus, I devised a plan. A plan so unlikely, so irrational, that he would never think of it. It was not the mind that led me, it was my heart, no matter how cold or empty it may be. It was still better than his, for his had no one in it but himself.

I knew that a Queen alone could win no war, and I knew that a queen dies from the opponent's wand. But what if she doesn't? What if the entire strategy is devised so that she was never meant to survive? What if I poisoned my own Queen?
That, precisely that, won you a war.

I watched the ember flames dancing in the fireplace, their life unburdened, careless, thoughtless. Free.

At times, I too wished to be free.

But the soft sound of Serpen's breathing, the small puffs of air that escaped his nostrils, making the pages of my book shiver like leaves carried by wind ,the weight of his head on my knee, all that reminded me why I still bore these chains on my wrists. For family.

It was ten o'clock already, yet there was no sign of Draco. But he would come, I was sure of it, and this little trick, this little attempt to shake me up was feeble at best.

I waited, as it was only right.

And at half past ten, I saw him walking casually towards me. I did not look at him directly, pretending to read, even turning a page in my book, but I strained my eyes to see as much as I could from their very corners, quite successfully.

I know it was my request, and that it was most likely a sign of good will from Draco, but I could not help but feel something sink in my chest as I saw him walking towards me. Alone.

I sighed lightly, coming to terms with the situation by force. It was best for him.

But not pleasant for me. Not pleasant at all.

I waited for him to reach my couch, counting in my mind. Ten, nine, eight…

"Good evening Rosalind." Spoke a voice to my left and I took a second, before slowly looking up, my glasses slipping down my nose at the movement.

Draco stood before me, still clad in his uniform , his eyes glistening with pride.

"Draco" I spoke, "good evening. Have a seat."

I looked away from him, focusing on my hands as they slowly closed the book. I set it aside to my left, taking off my glasses and folding them, and laying them on my book. Serpen moved lightly on my knee, before stilling, still sleeping.

"I take it you would like to hear more about my family?" I asked, looking up from my familiar, my right hand settling on my familiar's head, my fingers tracing the scales gently.

His eyes glistened with eagerness, but he made an effort to seem indifferent.

"Well, I have grown bored of chess, and since you have offered…." He said and then added, Lucius speaking through the mouth of his son "of course, if it is not much of a bother."

I am sorry Draco, but I must force you to play with me. One last game.

He loved his father, I knew that, and to change him, a great effort was needed. But it was possible. Because he was Narcissa's son as well. And if she understood something, Narcissa understood family.

"You are of no bother cousin." I spoke, and he seemed somewhat surprised at my use of the term. But he did not deny it.

I looked down at my familiar as he lay on my knee, and I spoke up, my voice low, as if I was speaking to Serpen and not to the boy opposite me.

"You know, we don't know much about the first Kersey on the grounds of Britain. Some say he was here as the Romans invaded, that he was a great wizard who fought on the side of the indigenous people, that he was one of them. Others claim that he was a Roman, a sorcerer who cast spells on Roman shields so that no weapon would pierce them. And then, there are others that claim that he was not in the fight at all, that he was only there to collect the prize…"

I stopped there, waiting for a moment or two, even seizing in my petting of Serpen, luring the boy in.

He made no sound, and I looked up, a smile on my face, seeing him observe me with his eyes wide. What a child, what a child he was still.

"But that is of little matter, now is it?" I smiled, and he smiled as well, prompting me to look down, resuming my tale and my tracing of Serpen's scales.

"What we do know is that he was a Parselmouth. It is said that snakes followed him into battle, that they bit and that they poisoned. That they died for their master. There was a witch in the lands, a powerful, dark witch, and they married, having children, two of them, both with magic in their blood. And those children married witches, them too bearing children with magic singing in their blood. But after some time, their kin rejected them, they started to fear them, and those who had no magic in their blood shunned those who could do such wonderful things. So they moved away, took a piece of land and built themselves a place to live, secluded, alone. The Kersey manor is still on that land, and I live there to this day. "

I smiled once more, looking up "Surely I am boring you Draco? Feel free to interrupt me."

He blinked once, regaining control of his facial expression, which had up until that point displayed his interest, and he fixed an expression of polite interest , practiced and learned when he was young.

"Of course not." Spoke he, giving me a polite, if not reserved smile. He must have realized that he was giving away too much. "By all means, continue."

"If that is so…" I spoke, stopping for a moment and then giving him a small smile before continuing "Many generations passed, and one of our blood, although by his mother so that he bore not our name, rose to greatness. He was even one of the wizards to have built this castle, this very old building in which we sit. And you know of course, that he inherited that gift, that special gift. "

I smirked as I spoke next "All of the history books will tell you so after all, since Salazar Slytherin was one the very best Parselmouths of all times."

Draco simply stared at me, shocked by my words. It was only natural, since not many knew, and Lucius was not one of them, that the Kersey family bore out one of the greatest wizards of all time.

"He had children… and I fear that his line of the family had become very sullied over the years. There is not one member of his line of family that is pure of blood and still amongst the living."

Draco fidgeted a bit at that, most likely knowing that the Dark Lord was a direct descendant of that line of the Slytherin family. And he assumed that I was not aware that that scum was amongst the living.

But he was the one ignorant out of the two of us. The Dark Lord was alive, but he was no pureblood.

"And my line of the family thinned out over time. My sister and I, well, we are the only pure blooded descendants remaining." Soon it will be only her. "We are the ones carrying the Kersey name onwards. My family was always rather wise, and we never took up positions of power, always choosing to work from the shadows, always choosing to be able to severe our ties…. Were such a thing to prove necessary. You see, I am the heir to this legacy, to this vast history. To so many lives, all they were, all they worked for, to…"

I knew well what the time was, but I chose to fake my surprise as I glanced to the old clock, seeing that midnight was fast approaching.

"But alas, this seems to be a story for another time." I spoke, nudging Serpen a bit so that he woke, giving me an annoyed hiss. "If you wish so, I can continue it tomorrow. "

I stood up, seeing admiration shine in Draco's eyes, knowing that I had won.

"Have a very good night Draco." I said, turning away, not giving him much time to put his thoughts in order, turning my back to him and walking away, sure that he would be coming back tomorrow night, wishing to hear more.

Now, my king, I believe you are in check.