[A/N: Thanks to those who like my story and those who subscribed to it~! I'm so happy that some many of you enjoy reading it. I'm currently writing another one shot, this time a Drarry one so please wait for that. As usual, the foreign languages in this story are translated from Google Translate so, please let me know if something seems off. And as always, please, comment, subscribe and favorite my story and stay tuned for the next chapter~!]
Chapter 7
"Tom?" (R) (Tom?) Valentina's voice called out from behind the double doors that lead into the main office as she knocked on the dark cherry wood door. She heard silence even though she knew the man had walked in here hours ago and she hadn't heard him leave either. Valentina decided to go in any way. At first, all she saw was the flickering fireplace in what looked like an unoccupied room. A light frown graced her light facial features as she took a step deeper into the room.
Her eyes fell on to a lump of mass laying on the couch once her eyes got used to the darkness. A light smile appeared on her lips once she realized what the mass was. Tom was laying on his back with Diana and Christopher tucked under each of his arms. The trio had fallen asleep after having another long talk about Merlin knows what. It was truly a sight to behold. The moment was interrupted when she heard footsteps enter the room from behind her. She quickly turned around to see Stepan and placed a finger on her lips, signaling him to be quiet before he let out a sound from his lips. She smiled as she pointed towards the couch. Stepan frowned slightly and stepped lightly towards the said couch.
Her husband held back a chuckle at the sight as they both had an identical smile. Valentina then reached out to grab ahold of his hand. "Priyekhat'. Prishlo vremya, kogda my vklyuchim i noch'." (R) (Come. It is about time we turn in for the night as well.) With a small flick of her wand, a blanket suddenly appeared out of nowhere and was gently draped over the sleeping trio. The couple silently left the room without waking them up, closing the office doors with a soft click.
July 31, Wednesday
"Minerva, have you gotten a hold of Quirinus?" Dumbledore asked, his voice strained. He was feeling a migraine forming as he massaged the bridge of his nose. "Unfortunately no, Albus."Minerva's head was floating in the Floo, the green flames under her head were casting weird shadows on her worried lined face. "Where could the blasted man have possibly gone off to?" Dumbledore snapped heatedly, slamming the side of his fist down on his desk in frustration. The missing Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was never the same after he came back from Albania. He was becoming more troublesome then he would like.
"I don't know, Albus, but I have gotten a hold with Shacklebolt and he has sent his men to help with the search," Minerva said, her face filled with worry for her colleague. "Very well," Dumbledore said with a sigh. "Keep me posted on the progression of the search." The old coot said. Minerva's floating head bowed and the Floo call was disconnected. Quirrell was a valuable asset to the cause with his knowledge but...his usefulness has run its course and it was a coincidence that he happened to go missing...
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
"Ah, you have arrived just in time, Severus. Come, have a seat. We are just about to eat." Tom said when his friend stepped out of the fireplace. The potions master had a stoic facial expression as he did as he was told, joining with Malfoy's, Ivanov's as well as some other Death Eaters and Diana's friends. "My apologies for my tardiness, Tom. Dumbledore has the other professor running around looking for our friend, Mr. Quirrell." He said with a drawl. This caused the dinner guests to laugh softly as their dinner was delivered to them by the house elves.
"Knowing the Board of Governors, they will force the old bastard to select another Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Has he told you who he will pick next?" Tom inquired as the sound of eating utensils clinked softly in the background. Severus had a sour look on his face as he paused cutting into his steak momentarily. "Do you remember a Gilderoy Lockhart? The arrogant Ravenclaw in our year?" He said as he continued cutting his piece of steak. All was silent before Tom burst out laughing, his booming laugh seemed to fill the room.
"Who is he?" Diana inquired once her father had calmed down. "He is a low-life, arrogant man who lives his life in the theatrics and lies," Tom said, not noticing that everyone at the table had stopped eating. "The old fool thinks that having Lockhart would cement once again the public's belief that he is an amazing wizard. However, Lockhart will just chip away at the public's faith in him."
August, Tuesday
Diana sat curled up in the armchair next to a window as she read one of the many books she had received for her birthday when a large owl swooped down to perch on the window ledge. The owl didn't look familiar to her. Soft hoots could be heard as Diana stood up and walked over to the window. The owl let out another cheerful hoot before sticking out the leg that had a small scroll tied to it. Diana untied the scroll and the owl remained in its position. "Interesting..." She said to herself when she recognized the Longbottom family crest imprinted on the red wax seal.
Dear Miss. Riddle,
Since the winter break, my grandmother and I have been contacting with Severus, but I'm sure you already know that. The reason why I am contacting you know is that Severus has informed me that there will be a Death Eater meeting. If what you said to me on the train back to Hogwarts is genuine and true, I will be expecting my chance to exact revenge. Leave your answer with Harold. I will be waiting for your response.
-Neville Longbottom
"Wait here," Diana said to the owl, leaving some owl treats for it before leaving the room with the letter. "And you don't have permission to eat him." She said towards Prometheus, who had a look like it was scowling and hissed moodily. She walked down at the many corridors until she finally made it to the door of the room that her father would usually be seen in at this time of day. She rapped her knuckle against the hardwood before hearing the muffled sound of her father's voice from the other side of the door. "Father," Diana said as she walked into the room. "Yes, Princess?" Tom said, turning his attention from the book he was reading. "I have a letter here that I want you to read." She simply stated as she walked over to her father.
Tom raised an eyebrow as he took the letter from her hand and unfolded the letter to read it. A smirk plastered on his lips once he reached the end of the letter. "Very interesting indeed..." He said as he folded the letter back up. "Send him a response that you will fulfill his demand and give him the time and location of our next meeting. To think that I will meet Alice and Frank's son so soon." He said the last part in a far-off look like he was reminiscing an event in the past. "Yes, Father," Diana said.
August, Friday
"Have any of you gone shopping for your books yet?" Hermione inquired. The gang has occupied the couches of the parlor room, waiting for their last guest to arrive. They scoffed and shook their head. "We still have time, Mione. Besides, I heard our 2nd year Defense Against the Dark Arts books is a joke and a complete waste of our money." Blaise said, rubbing the finely-manicured nail of his thumb against the side of his forefinger. Diana smirked as an idea popped into her head. "We should burn our books in front of him. I bet he's going to be a blubbering mess about his 'precious books'." The others grinned evilly at the thought and began placing bets on how their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher would react when a house elf popped into the room.
"Young Master Longbottom is here, young mistress." It said with a low bow, its giant ears barely caressing the carpeted floor in the process. "Thank you, Scab. You may go." She said and left the room alone while the others took the que and decided to wait for her by the door to the meeting hall. Diana walked down the hallway to a small room that was reserved for the Floo only to see Neville standing nervously next to his grandmother. "Ah, Mr. Longbottom. Madame Longbottom. I'm so glad that both of you have decided to come. All of the Death Eaters have arrived." She said as she motioned for the two to follow her.
"E-Everyone?" Neville squeaked, his face turned pale at the thought of some many evil eyes staring over at him. Diana looked back at him over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow. "Of course. If you want to seek revenge, you should have everyone attending so they would know not to mess with you in the future." She said in a matter-in-fact tone. Not soon after, they have arrived at the door where the gang was still standing, who was looking at Neville with a little look of respect in their eyes for his bravery, though crazy. "You ready?" Diana asked the frightened looking Gryffindor.
Neville gulped loudly before taking a few deep breaths, his eyes closing for a second before opening back up to reveal hard chocolate eyes. "I'm ready. Before we go in, Grandmother, you should go wait for me in the Floo room. I fear, if you were to come with me, I would lose my nerves." Neville said without looking over at the elderly lady. Augusta contemplated on this before giving a firm nod. "Very well, Neville. I will be waiting for you." She said as Diana mumbled something. Suddenly, the same house elf from before appeared. "Young mistress call Scab?" It squeaked out. "Take Madame Longbottom back to the Floo room and make sure she is well taken cared of," Diana said. "Yes, young mistress." The elderly lady gave her a slight bow of her head and followed the little house elf.
"Thanks," Neville said once his grandmother was out of earshot. Diana smirked as she made a hand motion to the door and it swung open by itself. "No need to thank me, Neville. I have a feeling we will close friends after tonight." She said as she stepped first into the room filled with Death Eater standing neatly in rows, the others smirked as they followed her, except for the Gryffindor. "Don't lag behind, Longbottom." Draco drawled out, snapping the Gryffindor out of his thoughts. Low murmurs filled the room, all inquiring the fact that an outsider, who clearly didn't belong, had entered their secret meeting.
"So good to finally receive you and your friends' presence, princess." Tom's voice echoed as the group stepped up the small group of granite stairs where the throne chair was situated in the middle of the platform. The Death Eaters snickered in delight despite the fact the Dark Lord's voice didn't sound menacing or mad "My apologies, Father. We were waiting for our remaining guest." Diana said as she placed a soft kiss on her father's cheek before moving stand next to the chair, Christopher standing on the other side as the gang moved to stand on the edge of the platform. Tom's eyes flickered over to the look at Neville who had remained on the bottom of the stairs who was looking nervous once again but his eyes remained hard.
"You must be Neville my daughter has told me about..." He said silkily, his red eyes seemingly scanning the boy. "Come here." He said, motioning the Gryffindor with two fingers. Neville walked up the stairs with shaky legs, much to the amusement of the other Death Eaters and annoyance of Nagini and Prometheus who were laying on the floor next to the lit fireplace. Neville stopped right in front of the Dark Lord, his eyes looking down at his feet. A pale hand reached to gripped his chin and he was forced to look into Tom's eyes. "Hm, strong eyes and strong intent...very much like your father and mother. Good." He said as he let go of Neville's chin. "So, Neville, I heard that you are here to seek revenge...on one of my Death Eaters."
"I-Its true." Neville managed to stammer out, causing the Death Eaters to cackle so much that some of them had lean on their neighbor to keep from falling down. A wimp like this kid wants to take one of them down? Pfft, in his dreams! "Silence." Tom hissed softly, sending immediate chills throughout the meeting room, his ruby eyes staring hard at his subordinates. "You should not be laughing. This boy has more courage and guts than any of you combined." No one laughed. They could tell he was dead serious.
"Bellatrix, come forward." He said after a little bit of silence. The Death Eaters looked over, watching as the crazed woman stepped out from the lines of the Death Eaters, stumbling a little in her shoes she walked towards the stairs. "My lord." She said in a voice that was attempted to sound like from a lover as she curtsied to him. "Bella, are you my most faithful servant?" Bellatrix looked up at the Dark Lord with wide eyes as if what he was asking her was outrageous, her dark eyes swimming with tears as she placed a hand on her left bosom right where her heart is. "My lord, I don't know what I have done to make you question my loyalty but rest assured, as the remaining member of the Black family, I will forever be your servant."
Tom's ruby eyes turned cold as he looked down at the woman. "Oh, I have not doubt of that, Bellatrix but, let me ask you this. Do you follow my instructions when I give them?" The crazed witch looked up at her master once again in confusion. What was he getting at? "Of course, my lord." The Death Eaters looked at each other in identical confusion. "Is that so? Then why did you attack the Longbottoms when I repeatedly told you they were not to be harmed?" Everyone visibly shuddered at how cold the Dark Lord's voice got, catching Bellatrix off guard especially. "W-What do you mean, my lord? I-I assumed you wanted them gone-"
"No, I didn't! Crucio!" Tom yelled as he got up from the throne chair and Bellatrix dropped on to her side, writhing in pain as pained screams filled the room. The curse only lasted for a few seconds, leaving the witch panting on the floor, her body twitching slightly as she tried to recover. "M-My lord..." She said breathlessly as she tried to get up on her wobbly feet. "My apologies, Neville," Tom said after giving Bellatrix a cold glare and turned to face the quiet Gryffindor who's attention was on Bellatrix. "I will ket you handle the rest." The Dark Lord said and sat back down in the throne chair.
Realizing that the Dark Lord just gave him the reigns to do whatever he wanted, Neville fidgeted on the spot, unsure of what to do and turned to look over his shoulder at Diana. Tom hid a smirk as his daughter went to stand behind the Gryffindor. Neville was caught off guard when a small hand went over his eyes, his vision incased with darkness. "Are you sure you want to go through with this, Longbottom? You're practically shaking like a leaf." He heard Diana mumble close to his ear. "Yes, I am. Now quit stalling and tell me what I need to do." Neville snapped in a soft voice. He heard Diana chuckle softly but the hand around his eyes didn't go away.
"I want you to relax take a deep breath." He heard her whisper and he did as she said. "Good. Now I want you to think of Bellatrix and what she did to your parents." Neville stiffened when she said that. Think of what that crazed bitch did to his parents? Anger flared up in his eyes as mental pictures of his parents writhing on the floor as repeated cruciatus curses hit their body. "Now, imagine Bellatrix screaming, writhing on the floor. Screaming in agony by your hands, begging for mercy just like your parents did." Diana said in a whisper. She saw Neville clench his teeth at the end of his wand that was down by his side shot mini sparks from the magic coursing through him.
Diana smirked as she moved her hand from his eyes, revealing dark chocolate eyes that was encased in so much hate, it almost looked black. The Death Eaters were taken back with the intense stares the Gryffindor was displaying as he took deliberate slow steps down the steps towards Bellatrix, who had just gotten back on her feet. It has been years since she had felt that crucio since the night her master was defeated. The crazed witch noticed the cold look on Neville's face but it seemed to not faze her because she started cackling. "Is itty bitty baby Neville going to hurt me? You won't be able to do anything me! Just like your worthless parents! I bet-"
"CRUCIO!" Neville yelled and a red light shot from his wand and slammed into Bellatrix, causing her to crumble to the floor and writhe violently on the floor. as her screams echoed in the meeting room. Suddenly the Death Eater scrambled away from the writhing woman as if she was contagious and they didn't want to catch whatever she had. Neville watched as the woman before him writhed in agony, just like his late parents did. He wanted to watch her suffer for hours like his parents did. He wanted to make her more insane than she already was and she would join his parents in the mental ward of St. Mungo's. The witch was under the curse for a few seconds before a hand from next to him reached out to gently touch his wand hand pushed it down to point on the granite floor.
Neville looked over at Diana standing next to him with an evil smirk on her lips. "It's better to torture them in intervals. It gets them hoping that would the last one every time you stop to have their wishes dashed." Neville stared at her for a bit with wide eyes, like he wasn't comprehending what she was saying before a rather Slytherin smirk appeared on his lips. "Good to know. Thank you, Diana." He said before shouting crucio at Bellatrix once again. The witch's screams almost masking the sound of Diana laughing softly before she disappeared.
"Il a l'air de s'amuser." (F) (He looks like he is enjoying himself.) Draco said when Diana moved to stand with the gang. "Bien sûr. Je t'ai dit que c'était une bonne idée de le laisser venir." (F) (Of course. I told you it was a good idea to let him come.) Diana said with a cocky grin as they continued to watch the Gryffindor torture Bellatrix. After a little bit, Tom stood up from the throne chair, his voice could be audible over the hoarse screams. "As much as I enjoy the show, Neville, I still have a use for Bellatrix." He said with an amused look on his face.
Neville immediately stopped the curse, his wand had falling limp on his side. The room was deathly silent except for the sound of the Gryffindor's heavy breathing and Bellatrix's ragged breathing. The curse required a lot of energy, plus the fact he was only a second year, the spell weighed heavily on his small young body. Before anybody else could say anything, Neville stumbled backward and fell on the stairs on his bum, sweat began forming on his forehead. Tom frowned slightly and silently motioned for Severus to go check on the Gryffindor.
The potion master knelt down in front of Neville and carefully inspected him. In outward appearance, he looked fine, minus the sweat but that was perfectly normal when a magical person performs a powerful spell that is usually meant to be performed by adults. His skin was slightly pale but, again, that was normal. Severus performed a simple diagnostic spell and everything else was fine. The only thing left was to check the eyes. The potion master tilt Neville's head back which was very easy since the boy was practically feeling like putty at the moment. Severus's eyes widen slightly at how dark Neville's eyes were. He produced a gentle light from the tip of his wand and used it to examine his eye better.
Severus silently ended the spell, stood up and walked back over to his master. He got to the side of the throne chair and whispered into Tom's ear. The Dark Lord smirked and nodded before waving Severus to get back in line. Tom then looked over at his daughter. "Printsessa, tvoy drug zdes' ispytyvayet ostryye oshchushcheniya ot pytok lyudey" (R) (Princess, your friend here is getting a thrill out of torturing people.) Diana grinned and turned to talk silently with the gang, surprising them that the usually docile Gryffindor had this hidden talent in him.
Neville fumbled onto his feet, feeling like his legs were jelly as he made his way over to the gang. "Take me back to my grandmother. I have to talk to her." He said with a tired voice. Draco hissed at the way he talked so disrespectfully towards her and was about to give the Gryffindor a piece of his mind but Diana stopped him with a hand. "Very well. We'll escort you back." She was about to turn around to leave, the gang splitting in half to let her walk through first when she remembered something. She turned back around to face Neville, a smirk on her lips. "Neville, where are your manners?" She said in a mocking chastising tone. "What do you say to Bellatrix who graciously lend her body for you to practice."
The gang laughed softly as Neville went along and turned back around to see Bellatrix being helped to her feet by two Death Eaters though they were having much difficulty. "Thank you, Bellatrix. You've been an excellent test dummy. Maybe I should come back to practice some more." He said coldly, giving her a mocking tilt of his head. The group laughed and left the meeting room, followed by the sound of Tom laughing as Bellatrix was sent off to the infirmary to get treated. "Diana, I performed one of the three Unforgivables. Oh, Gods, the aurors will know that I performed the cruciatus curse. Surely they will throw me in Azkaban." Neville said, his face quickly turning pale at what he did. Diana laughed as she looked back at him over her shoulder. "Don't worry. Ivanov Manor is protected with a non-detectable charm that prevents the outside from knowing that we perform illegal spells in here."
"Are you alright, Neville? Your hand is shaking." Pansy said with a look of concern the moment they arrived in the hallway that the door to the meeting room was, gently taking a hold of his shaking wand hand. Neville flushed bright red at being address by her as well as hold hands with the female. "Y-Yes, I'm fine. "My apologies but I must get back to my grandmother. She is anxiously waiting for me." He said as he gently removed his hand from hers before giving a short goodbye to the gang before quickly walking back to the Floo room. "Neville! Oh, you're alright." Neville was bombarded with a hug from his grandmother. He was shocked for a second because the elderly lady wasn't usually this affectionate but he gladly hugged her back. "Did everything go ok?" She asked once she pulled away, giving her grandson a quick look over for any marks.
Neville smiled as he gently grabbed her hands and held them in front of them. "I'm fine Grandmother. I took care of everything but we can't talk here. I'll give you the details when we get back home." Augusta smiled softly and gently patted her grandson on the cheek. "Very well. Let's get back home."
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
"Helping him was good and all that, but what happens now? He knows our secret hideout and he knows which one of us are going to follow in our parents' footsteps. He'll rat on us to the Light." Theo said apprehensively when all of them had the opportunity to comprehend what has just happened previously. "Oh, he'll be back," Diana said casually, staring out of the window to view the enormous lawn with flowers outlining it. "As the muggle say, once you have tasted a drug, there is no going back." She said."He'll be craving for the adrenaline." No one noticed Pansy smile slightly. She was beginning to like the shy Gryffindor.
August, Tuesday
"Scab," Tom called out. The house elf appeared with a loud pop. "Master Tom called Scab?" It squeaked out. "Where is my daughter? I haven't seen her or the snakes since lunch?" The Dark Lord inquired. "They must be out in the garden, Master." The house elf said, pointing its tiny bony finger towards the backyard. Tom nodded and walked towards that direction as the house elf disappeared with another loud pop. The sun was still high up in the air despite the fact it was getting close towards dinner, not a wisp of wind in the air as they garden displayed all its beautiful splendor. Tom knew Lily loved being out here. He shared the same feeling.
Tom spotted his daughter laying on her back on the grass, shaded by the giant willow tree with the two snakes lounging on top of her. As he stepped closer, he noticed that Diana had fallen asleep, causing him to chuckle at sight. Tom knelt down and gently shook Diana, not waking up the snakes in the process. "Princess, wake up. You should sleep out here." Diana's eyes furrowed as she let out a soft groan. "I don't want to wake up..." She said sleepily. Tom tutted softly and gently brushed away the strands of hair off of her eyes, a soft smile on his lips. "If you are tired, come sleep inside."
Diana groaned softly again before lifting both of her arms up with her eyes still closed, indicating for him to lift her up. "Carry me then..." Tom scoffed and did as she asked, causing the snakes to hiss in protest as they tumbled off of her onto the ground. Diana buried her face against his neck as he held her securely around his arms. He turned his head to place a gentle kiss on her temple before started walking towards the house. "Come, Nagini, Prometheus, I have a tasty treat for the both of you." The snakes let out a pleased hissed as they slithered behind the tall male. "Go down to the dungeon. Your treat is waiting down there." Tom instructed once they have arrived back into the manor. Nagini hissed and lead the way, Prometheus slithering behind her as they headed down to the dungeon.
Tom was about to carry Diana to the living room to lay her down on the couch when he saw the door to a room swing open and his son came out cursing in an annoyed voice. "What's wrong son? You're in a bad mood." Tom stated in a soft tone as he walked towards Christopher. His son had a slight pout on his face as he gripped his wand a little tighter. "I'm struggling to perform a curse that my professor will teach us the upcoming term. I tried different ways but it still isn't coming out right." Tom chuckled as he walked past to get to the living room. Christopher was so much like his mother. Always trying to learn the spells before everyone else did. "Perhaps you need to practice it on a living person. I'll help you, son. Let me put your sister on the couch."
He gently laid Diana on the couch in the living room, making sure her head was on the pillow. He drew out his wand and produced a blanket out of midair and draped it over her. He silently looked down at his sleeping daughter before leaving the living room. "Alright. Come, show me what this curse is." Tom said as he walked back to Christopher, placing a hand on his shoulder as they walked towards the door leading down just as they heard a distant male scream from the dungeons below.
August, Friday
"Come along now, children. We best get going or else everything will be sold out." Lucius said as they strolled through the busy street of Diagon Alley, Narcissa walking next to him elegantly as ever. The Malfoys agreed to escort the gang to purchase their required books this year. Their first stop was Madam Malkin's to get new robe sizes. Might as well get the most time-consuming part over with first. Madame Malkin had to temporarily close the shop to get through everyone before letting the public back in. The gang left the shop with several new robes for school and events.
Their next stop was going to be Flourish & Blotts but upon seeing the enormous crowd in the shop, had them passing for later. They hit Eeylops Owl Emporium, Scribbulus Writing Implements, and the Quality Quidditch Supplies before returning back to the bookstore. The store wasn't as crowded as earlier but still, there was still an unbelievable amount. The gang and the Malfoys sneered at the obnoxious poster hanging on the inside of the window, displaying a grinning male on there and the words 'Get your books signed by Gilderoy himself!' in bold letters on the bottom. "Dear Merlin..." Lucius said with a scowl.
The gang followed the adults into the shop and the sound of giddy conversations met their ears. The storekeeper had to fight his way through the throng of people to meet them. "Second years?" He said breathlessly as he got in confirmation, his facial expression haggard from the activity. "You'll find the books you need at the back. For Gilderoy's books, you'll need to stand in line." He said before lumbering away to attend to another customer. "You children stand in line for your books. The others can be ordered." The gang nodded, liking that idea since no one wanted to waste their energy fighting through the excited Gilderoy fans to get their other books.
The line was moving at a snail's pace, annoying the gang to the core. They had better things to do then waiting in line for a bumbling idiot to sign his books. Fortunately, the Minister who was standing next to Gilderoy for some unknown reason, noticed Lucius and Narcissa off to the side, looking more annoyed then the kids were. "Ah, Lucius! Good to see you, my good man." Fudge said with a jolly smile on his round face as he walked over to shake hands with Lucius. "Narcissa." He kindly said as he tipped his bowler hat towards the woman. "What brings you here, Cornelius? Why is a man like yourself standing next to a man like Gilderoy? Its an utter waste of your time." Lucius asked with a drawl, looking down at the Minister with his nose tilt up.
The Minister didn't seem to notice this and laughed heartedly. "Always the observant one, you are Lucius. I dare say, the man himself requested me to stand by his side. I also find this event utterly wasteful but, being the appointed Minister of this country, I must attend to my people's needs." He said with a sigh before he noticed the gang was standing in the incredibly long line. "Children, children don't stand in line. Give me a moment to get them." The minister walked back to Gilderoy and whispered something in his ear as the gang looked puzzled and stepped out of line per gesture from Lucius. The bumbling man came back with stacks of books floating next to him.
"Here you go, children. The required books for each of you. Signed as well. Share no expense." He said as he passed out Gadding with Ghouls, Breaking with the Banshee, Holidays with Hags, Travels with Trolls, Voyages with Vampires, Wanderings with Werewolves, and Year with the Yeti to each of them. Diana had to stop herself from cringing at the book titles. How inventive. She thought as the gang thanked the minister. Cornelius gave out another hearty laugh before excusing himself to head back to the table Gilderoy was standing behind.
"Come, children lets get you all back home. This trip has taken much longer then I would like." Lucius said and with a flick of his wand, all of their books were shrunk down to half their size, which was small enough to fit in their robe pocket before walking towards the door with his wife in hand. As they were leaving, another family was just coming in. "Good day Arthur." He drawled out as he stared down at the Weasley patriarch. Said man looked flustered as he stood taller, looking Lucius straight in the eyes. "Good day, Lucius." He gritted out.
Lucius gave a smug smirk. "Come, children, let us be off." He said as the gang made steps follow him out of the store, his cane thudding against the floor rhythmically. "Hey, Malfoy, you scared of a little crowd? I thought you thrive in a little attention." The gang stopped walking when they heard Ron's annoying words. Draco looked over at the redhead with a raised eyebrow. "Why Weasley, if I didn't know better, I would think you are stalking me by the way you describe me so well." The others snickered softly at his words. Diana was slightly distracted when she noticed the only girl of the large red-haired family, presumably the youngest by the supplies she was carrying was silently laughing at Draco's words. Something was different about this one.
"My companions and I already received our books, courtesy of Minister Fudge himself," Draco said smugly. This caused the redhead to turn red and was about to snap back to gain the family dignity back when the only Weasley girl stepped in. "Give it a rest, Ronald. No-" She said, her arms folded across her chest. "Shut up Gin!" Weasley snapped at the little girl. "You don't get to have a say in this, snake! I can't believe you were even born in this family-" Weasley's mother, a portly woman, gasped in horror and was about to reprimand her son when a flash of purple hit Weasley straight in the face.
They watched in surprise as he fell to the floor and large green bats flew from his nose, cursing as he tried to stop the bats from coming out of his nose with his hand. The Weasley girl tutted and shook her head like she wasn't sure what went wrong. "Oh Ron, you should have kept your mouth shut." She said in a matter-of-fact tone, her eyes gleaming with mischievousness. "Gin!" Weasley's mother finally said after snapping out of her haze at what has happened as she got to her son to inspect hiTheTHe Weasley girl didn't look the slightest bit sorry about what she did to her brother, just shrugging and placed her wand back into her pant pocket.
"Come along now children, we must lingering around these kinds of people," Narcissa said as she started ushering them out of the shop. Diana made eye contact with the Weasley girl and smirks. "I'm looking forward to seeing you next month. You'll be a good addition to the Slytherin house." She simply stated before following everyone out. Ginny smirked. Oh, the upcoming school year is going to be interesting.
August 27th, Friday
"Here Lucius, give this journal to the auction. I have no use for it." Tom said as he pasted the blonde male a worn leather notebook. He and the Ivanovs had an argument on who's side of the family he should change his features into. Valentina won the argument since no one in London knows that she had a brother and Tom was transformed to have a mix of her father and mother. The blonde male nodded and took without a blink of an eye. "Alright, is everyone all set?" Valentina said cheerfully as she walked into the room dressed elegantly and Diana following close behind her.
Diana was wearing a soft pink A-line sleeveless dress that ended just on her knees. Her hair was pulled up into a low bun and had added a flower pin. Valentina was wearing a greyish purple off the shoulder knee length dress with stitched purple flowers around the waist and thin sheer fabric over the purple skirt portion. Her hair was pulled up into a loose french twist, some of her hair towards the front hung loosely to finish the look. "You both look beautiful." Tom complimented as he, Lucius, Stepan, and Christopher stood up to greet them. Valentina tutted at their words but she smiled, still feeling grateful for the compliment.
"Come we best get going or else we will be late." Stepan chimed in. The adults agreed and moved towards the Floo. The floo ignited with green flames and they each walked through, feeling themselves get whisked away to the Ministry building for the event. The auction event was being held on the main floor of the building as they all walked together towards it. People greeted them as they walked by, many sets of eyes admiring them from afar. "Ah, Stepan!" Cornelius said jovially as he gave him a clap on the back and a firm handshake. "Oh, but I must say, Valentina, you get more beautiful by the day!" Cornelius said with a deep chuckle. Valentina laughed as she gave Cornelius air kisses on both cheeks. "Thank you, Cornelius, you are too kind."
Stepan places a hand on Diana's shoulder, bringing the minister's attention down to her. "And I believe you have met my daughter, Natalya?" Diana faked a shy look and curtsied to him. "Nice to meet you, Minister." Cornelius laughed heartedly, his stomach jiggling slightly in his stretched formal suit from the movement. "I don't believe we have had the formal introduction but I have seen your daughter with Lucius' son." He said with a smile as he shook hands with her. "Its pleasure to meet you, Natalya." Cornelius noticed Tom and motioned politely towards him. "And who might this be?" Stepan smiled as he moved to stand next to the Dark Lord and placed a hand on his shoulder. "This is Valentina's brother, Dimitri. He is visiting London from Russia."
The three then got into a conversation about the business happening in the Russian ministry and Valentina gently tapped her on the shoulder. "Pochemu by vam ne vstretit'sya s vashim drugom? YA uveren, chto oni zhdut vas po stolu sladostey." (R) (Why don't you meet up with your friend? I'm sure they are waiting for you at the sweets table.) Diana nodded and excused herself from the presence of the adults and walked around to find her friends. After a few minutes, she found Hermione, Daphne, and Draco talking together. "Glad you guys actually made it," Diana said as she made her presence known. Soon, more of the gang arrived and they started chatting about unparticular topics when Draco's eyes widen slightly when he looked over their heads.
"Oh, merde, le vieux foulque est là." (F) (Oh, crap, the old coot is here.) Before any of them could do anything, they all heard the familiar old voice addressing them. "Ah, hello children. How have your summers been so far?" He asked, a grandfatherly smile on his wrinkled face. No one wanted to answer him but they had to, to keep the facade that everything was alright to the outside. The old man smiled at their fabricated stories and placed his own ideas in there though no one wanted to hear it. Finally, everything came to an end when Stepan and Tom came walking over to them. "Children, there you are." He said, his voice calm but his eyes roaring with anger as he looked over at Dumbledore.
"You parents are looking for you. Run along." He said and the kids left the scene to find their parents except for Diana and Christopher. "What are you doing Dumbledore? Bugging your students again before the school year even starts?" He asked coldly as Diana and Christopher moved to stand next to Tom. Dumbledore laughed in an old man fashion and shook his head. "You're mistaken, my dear boy. I was merrily asking the kids a simple question. Plus I couldn't help but notice your son so I wanted to introduce myself to him." Tom gritted his teeth and squeezed Christopher's shoulder, grateful that the old man didn't notice. "I'm watching you, Dumbledore. Priyekhat'. Tvoya mat' zhdet nas." (R) (Come. Your mother is waiting for us.)
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A first-year half-blood Ravenclaw arrived back in her home holding a leather-bound notebook tightly in her hands. "Thank you, father." She said, grinning widely as she practically bounced on her toes. Her parents chuckled as her excitement. "Alright love, you better get going to bed. It is way past your bedtime." The first-year pouted. "Alright, but can't I stay up a little longer to write my first entry in my notebook?" She asked with a silent pleading look in her eyes. Her parents looked at each other, smiles playing with their lips before they finally relented. "Alright but not too late you hear? You are ok to tuck yourself to bed?" Her mother asked. The first-year nodded and she gave her a big fat kiss on the cheek. "Alright, love. Good night."
The first year said good night to her parents before practically running to her room. She quickly removed her dress and lounged it over the armchair before changing into her pajamas. She hopped onto the bed fully clothed for bed after turning on the lamp on the bedside table. She grabbed her new notebook and a inkwell pen before opening the book to the first clean page. The nip of her pen scratched against the page. She only managed to write 'Hello, New Journal, I'm Helena' when another set of ink writing appeared underneath her writing. "Hello Helena, I'm Tom."