I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

I'm doing a few extra updates this week. I managed to finish up chapter 29 today and with that much in the bank, I can do a couple extra updates here and there. I also have a lot going on right now and could use some positive energy to keep spirits up and bad thoughts away. Seeing you all read and enjoy the story really lifts my spirits and I'm grateful for your time. Thank you for reading and commenting, it means so much to me.

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A Taste of Magic

15th Course – Plans and Plans

Lucius Malfoy was many things. He was the head of a very old and important magical family, a Pureblooded one of course. He was arrogant, fully believing in his own superiority in all things. He was intelligent, well read and learned. Above all, he was very careful. One had to be to survive in the magical world.

So when he was made aware that someone had gotten into his study in his manor, without his express permission, he knew he had to tread carefully. Obviously the intruder was talented to get past his wards and defenses. Also the intruder must have been very stupid to dare trespass. And stupid people did things in unexpected ways that would lead to further problems.

Lucius opened the door to his study and frowned when he saw the shadowy figure sitting behind his desk. He looked around the room, seeing that everything seemed to still be in place. "You must be very brave and very stupid to break into my home," Lucius said coldly. When the figure did not react as he expected, shivering and nervously like most did when Lucius spoke that way, his interest grew. As did his ire.

The figure chuckled. "One cannot break in when one has been invited as a guest."

"I was not aware a robber could be invited," Lucius replied, closing the door behind him and pointing his wand at the man.

"You wound me," the man said dryly. "I thought your loyalty was beyond reproach."

"Precious few actually have my loyalty," Lucius said slowly. "Despite what many claim."

"I counted myself as one of them. Surely you have not forgotten me? I would call you old friend but we both know that would be a lie."

Lucius froze. No, it cannot be.

The man drew the cowl back and Lucius blinked when he saw the man. "I know you. You are Quirrell, the professor for Defense against the Dark Arts. How did you get into my home?"

Quirrell smiled and the expression felt very odd on his face. "I thought you would be better at seeing masks, Lucius, considering you wear one every day." His eyes flickered and his features crawled ever so slightly.

Lucius's heart stopped. "My Lord?" he asked quietly, almost disbelieving.

Voldemort's smile grew. "I knew you would figure it out eventually. You always were the cleverest of the ones that followed me."

Lucius did not put his wand away but pointed the tip down. "You cannot be…wholly…Voldemort. I remember meeting you when you accepted the post. You were completely different, felt completely different." He frowned. "But my wards would allow Voldemort to pass. What is this?"

Voldemort leaned back in the chair. "You are correct. I am not wholly here. My remnant was able to find solace in Quirrell, sharing his body so to speak. He wholly accepted me and I laid dormant within him. Matters came to a head however and I have been able to exert more control. My magic is mine and that is what your protections recognized. More or less."

Lucius sat in a chair that was a comfortable distance from Voldemort. "I see. So you did not die that night, not entirely."

"No, I did not. I told you all that I had found a way beyond death," Voldemort said. "And I am still here. Admittedly diminished in form and strength, but I still live."

"So is Quirrell…aware?"

Voldemort's face twisted. "He is and is not. When he is in command of the body, I do not know all his thoughts and actions. Before I was unable to assert control really. I could appear and speak but that was the limit. However, something changed recently where I have recovered a portion of strength, and now that I am stronger, I can be in control for moments at a time. At a cost of course, but one Quirrell will pay willingly and be rewarded handsomely for."

Lucius suppressed a shiver. "I see. I am honored that you came to me first, my Lord."

"You should be," Voldemort said arrogantly. "Because you are in the best position to benefit the most from my newest plan, one that would see your name be recognized not only in the United Kingdom, but the world."

Lucius' eyes lit up and he almost licked his lips in anticipation. "And what would your newest plan be?"

Voldemort steepled his fingers. "I have been thinking since the disastrous end of the last war. I realized something. While we outnumbered our enemies, one must admit that the quality of our quantity was lacking."

Lucius smiled thinly. "One could say that."

"Dumbledore was able to curate a smaller but more talented group of followers. Why do you think that was?" At Lucius' silence, he continued. "I believe it was due to his position."

"His position?" Lucius thought for a moment. "You mean, Headmaster of Hogwarts?"

"Precisely. He was able to see the talents of the students and draw the ones he wanted to him. To influence them."

"The idea has merit," Lucius admitted. "I do not think he will be leaving the position any time soon however, despite his age."

"No, and I am not patient enough to wait. Nor do I wish to challenge him as I am. Therefore, we will do something else." Voldemort leaned forward. "We will create our own school."

Lucius laughed. "Just like that?"

"Is it so difficult?" Voldemort asked. "You are a school governor. You understand the intricacies and the procedures. You understand how to run a school. With your connections, we can obtain the necessary permissions, find the right place, and build our ideal of a proper school. A school for Purebloods only, one to develop their talent, one to assert our dominance. One led by the Malfoys, made possible because of the Malfoys."

His voice faded into a honeyed whisper. "Think of it. A school, a paragon ideal of Pureblood supremacy. One recognized as the rising star, to eclipse the setting sun of Hogwarts. Students will flock to it, fight for the privilege of attending. We will mold their minds, let them see the possibilities, to seize the opportunities. To take the name of Wizarding Britain outside of the shores of our country to the shores of others. To be recognized by all the magicals around the world."

Lucius felt his heartbeat quicken. Voldemort's words were playing on his spine, sending shivers of pleasure up and down his body. "And from there, the right students will take the right occupations and positions, further cementing the ideal, the future."

"Precisely!" Voldemort hissed eagerly. "You see it? You see the glorious future?"

Lucius could see it; he could see it clearly. "Hogwarts has been an institution for ages," he said reluctantly.

"True," Voldemort conceded. "But we both know that it is mostly due to its prestige that it is the largest school in the United Kingdom and the oldest. Most want their children to go out of tradition. That said, we both know that there are some who go because there are no other good local options. If there was another good option however…"

"There would be ones that would take it, especially if we provide a more comprehensive and appropriate curriculum," Lucius finished smoothly. He thought for a few moments. "It will take some time, years at the minimum. Not to mention considerable resources."

"We can wait years," Voldemort said. "I know I ask much of you but again, remember the rewards. Remember the investment. I also have some access to valuables that I will give to you in compensation." He rubbed his hands. "In my years of shadow, I thought long and hard on where I failed. I tried to obtain things through force. This time, I will succeed through subtlety. We will take control of Wizarding Britain in such a way that it will be impossible to undo."

Lucius was no fool. He knew that when Voldemort said 'we', he truly meant 'I'. That being said, the plan had merit despite its infancy and if Lucius could cement his family name and legacy, on an international level, then he would do it. "And I would be the face of it?"

"Of course. I will one day make my debut once more, but until then and even past that, all will recognize the Malfoy name for ages to come, all over the world."

The smile on Lucius' lips was hungry, the kind a predator wore as it scented prey. "I will sacrifice much for that." He sobered, pulling back from images of that glorious future. "And what will you be doing, my Lord, until then?"

"I need to recover my strength; I am still a shadow of my former self. I will also be helping with the planning of course, and there is still something we must do to increase the draw of our soon to be academy."

"And what is that?"

"Like you said, Hogwarts has a reputation for being one of the finest magical schools. So we must do something about it." Voldemort's smile was cold and cruel. "We must tarnish the reputation. And I know just how to start. Tell me, do you still have the diary I gave you for safe-keeping?"

"Of course." Lucius rose and crossed to the wall beside the desk. Waving his wand in intricate patterns and muttering incantations, a portion of the wall shifted, revealing a safe. He tapped it a few times and it clanked and shuddered, slowly opening. Lucius removed a slim old book and gave it to Voldemort.

Voldemort took it eagerly, running his fingers over the cover. "Yes, come back to me." The book shuddered in his grasp and the cover tore. A thick viscous fluid that looked like blood-red ink oozed out and it seeped into Voldemort's hands. He howled in pain and victory, his skin physically crawling and the bones in his hands and face undulating.

Lucius looked on with horrid fascination and revulsion, unsure of what he was watching but unable to look away. When all of the liquid had been absorbed, the book fell from nerveless hands and Voldemort gasped, breathing heavily. "Are you well?" Lucius asked after a moment.

"Yes…and no," Voldemort wheezed. "The reclamation process is painful and taxing, but the benefits are undeniable." His features were even more different than they were a moment ago. His face was sharper, more familiar. His eyes were slanted slightly, his pupils a dull red. His voice changed, more deep and cold. "I cannot do this too swiftly. I let my want get away from my needs. I will need time to recover."

He looked at Lucius, his face twisting and shifting. "Quirrell knows the broad strokes of the plan. He knows to obey you as he would obey me. Use his expertise."

"I understand, my Lord," Lucius said.

"After I wake, I will start on our plan to ruin Hogwarts' reputation." Voldemort's voice grew tired and softer and he fell back, unconscious. After a few moments, Quirrell groaned and sat up. His face had changed once more, becoming what it was before. His brown eyes flickered and he looked about. "Oh, my head," he said, rubbing it. He looked at Lucius. "Lord Malfoy?"

A part of Lucius was appalled. The figure before him still looked vaguely like Voldemort, but there was a definite difference in the tone of voice, the color of the eyes, even how the man spoke and acted. On a base level, such magic disgusted him and frightened him. More so since he did not actually know what magic was involved.

The siren call of the future that Voldemort painted drowned out that small part of Lucius, easily and eagerly.

"Yes Quirrell," Lucius said calmly. "Come, we have much to discuss."

-0-

"You look less than pleased."

Dumbledore snorted softly. "That is because I am less than pleased." He handed the stack of parchment to McGonagall. "The final report from the Aurors."

"Am I going to be wasting my time reading this?" she asked as she took the stack, starting to flip the pages.

"Worse than any meandering essay I have ever read before," Dumbledore sighed. "Essentially it boils down to, 'we have no idea how the trolls got in and you are not in trouble for endangering the lives of others despite it looking like it'."

"Endangering the lives of others? What nonsense," McGonagall sniffed, tossing the stack aside. "Did they think you opened the door and waved a steak at them, enticing them within?"

"Some did," Dumbledore said dryly.

Flitwick snorted. "So basically, nothing learned and nothing solved."

"Essentially," Dumbledore agreed. "I will say I am pleased that nothing truly bad came from the incident and the year ended in a pleasant enough fashion. That said, I am still disturbed as to why the trolls came down here in the first place and how easily they broke in."

Hagrid shrugged his immense shoulders. "I'm sorry, I went to the mountains and hiked about. Nothing seemed out of sorts. There shouldn't have been any reason for three male mountain troll adults to come down like that."

"No need to be sorry, thank you for your effort," Dumbledore said. "I suppose we must be more vigilant in the coming days."

"And Quirinus is leaving?" Sprout asked. "I thought his injuries were not permanent?"

"He is leaving and they did not, clean bill of health from St Mungo's. If anything, they said he was even healthier compared to his previous physical," Dumbledore said, frowning slightly. "He said that after the fight, he wanted to go do some things he had been putting off for quite some time." He and Snape shared a small but meaningful look.

"I suppose fighting against three trolls would be a wake-up call to just about anyone," Sprout said diplomatically.

"I will not begrudge anyone desiring a change in career," Dumbledore said lightly. "That said, we are in a bit of a predicament. Once again, having to find a new Defense professor."

"In a way, it is good that the post is rotated so often," Flitwick said with a broad smile. "It means we have better job security. As long as we don't mess up just enough-" He burst out laughing when Dumbledore threw a piece of wadded up parchment at him and the others snorted and laughed with Snape smiling slightly.

"Thank you, Filius, for always providing entertainment and amusement," Dumbledore said wryly.

"Any hopes for a replacement? I remembered you had difficulty the last time," Sprout continued.

"I do and I wanted to speak with you all here before I continue with the process."

"Oh?" Flitwick looked intrigued. "As Headmaster, you do not need to ask us first."

"True, but I am always open to opinions. Especially when they can be somewhat divisive." He coughed awkwardly. "There is one that has applied and one I would like to ask to apply. The one who applied is Mister Lockhart."

"Lockhart, as in Gilderoy Lockhart? That popinjay?!" Pomfrey exploded, making everyone turn to stare at her.

"Please, make your opinion known," Dumbledore smiled.

"I think she already did," Hagrid laughed.

"I share her reservations," McGonagall said stiffly.

Flitwick hummed. "I would be remiss if I did not mention that Gilderoy had a bit of a problem with plagiarism when he was a student here."

"What is a 'bit of a problem with plagiarism'?" Pomfrey asked.

"He indulged too much in it, as in the one doing it and not a victim of it," Flitwick clarified to a chorus of snorts and noises of disgust.

"He appears to be a model prospect," Dumbledore said, "heavy emphasis with the word appears. I personally would not wish him here, but the unfortunate phrase that beggars cannot be choosers applies here."

"You said there was another?" Snape asked.

Dumbledore looked uncomfortable. "Yes, and I need your word before I continue with asking."

"Why Severus'?" Sprout asked.

Snape narrowed his eyes. "Surely not."

Dumbledore signed and stroked his beard. "I would ask Remus to take the role."

McGonagall's eyes lit up and the others nodded with sudden understanding. Snape's narrowed eyes became a full-fledged scowl.

Dumbledore coughed. "He has the credentials to teach and has demonstrated knowledge in the subject matter. I think it would benefit the students first and foremost, and him as well if I am being honest."

"Do you think so little of me that I would let our past history interfere with my professionalism?" Snape asked coldly.

"Not at all. That said, I would not wish to subject you to…sustained discomfort if I could spare it," Dumbledore said firmly. "I also wanted to ask you for another reason. I would be asking you to brew the Wolfsbane potion for him. You will be compensated for the materials of course and I would be happy to increase your pay for it as well. I know it is a difficult and fiddly potion to brew."

He leaned back in his chair. "It is asking much of you: personally and professionally. Therefore, it was only fair of me to ask you first."

Snape took a deep breath before letting it out through his nose. "As long as I am being compensated for brewing, then I will brew the potion. As far as treating him like a colleague, I suppose I can do that."

Dumbledore breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Severus. I appreciate it and I know the students will too."

"I also do not wish to be anywhere near Lockhart," Snape said snidely.

"Yes, thank you for sparing us that," McGonagall said. She looked at the Headmaster. "Now for the hard part, getting Remus to accept the post."

"I think that will be the easier part actually." Dumbledore rose to his feet. "Truthfully, I thought it would be harder to convince Severus. I had a list of concessions that I would have made to secure the posting." He winked at a sour-faced Severus. "You could have played it a bit harder, my friend."

"I will remember that for the future," Snape hissed while the others chortled and laughed.

-0-

"Ah Remus! Good to see you!"

Remus Lupin smiled at Dumbledore. Despite it having been many years since he left Hogwarts, he still felt like a child sometimes when he saw the venerable old man. Seeing him for the first time, before Hogwarts even, when the man had come to his family's home and assured them that he would be able to attend the school, had filled him with awe. Nothing had quite gotten rid of that feeling.

"Good to see you too," Remus said sincerely, sitting across from him. A few days ago, having returned to England for the first time in a long time, he had received a letter asking to meet. Intrigued, Remus had agreed, though he had a vague idea of why Dumbledore wanted his presence. He looked around the small eatery with interest. "A different place to meet than our usual."

"I was a bit peckish and thought you might be as well." Dumbledore looked at the menu with interest. "I find myself somewhat more interested in eating different things as of late."

Remus looked surprised. "A bit of variety is nice," he said. He gave the menu a look too.

"Steak and chips please," Dumbledore said. "Rare. Would you care for the same?" he asked Remus.

The surprise continued and after a moment's hesitation, Remus nodded. "Yes, please." When the waiter left his voice fell in volume. "You don't have to try and accommodate my…tastes."

"I do not mind in the slightest," Dumbledore said easily. "I have been craving a steak anyways. So, how was your latest trip? The States, yes?"

"Yes, helping someone with a jackalope problem," Remus said, sitting back.

"How were they being a problem?" Dumbledore asked, interested.

"Evidently, someone was experimenting on some and it turned into a problem," Remus said wryly. "They had a change in appetite. They craved flesh and blood instead of plants as per the norm."

"Now I can see what the problem was," Dumbledore said, shivering slightly.

The conversation meandered and they ate their steak and chips as they caught up. When the meal was finished, Dumbledore paid while ignoring a protesting Remus, the point of the meeting came up. "Have you any more pressing trips coming?" Dumbledore asked.

"No, I am in between jobs as it were," Remus said quietly.

"Splendid. Then you have little reason to refuse this offer." Dumbledore handed Remus a folded letter.

Remus took it and read it swiftly. "Little reason save for the usual reason," he said dryly.

"Which is no reason at all honestly," Dumbledore replied comfortably.

"It is a reason, a substantial one," Remus countered. "The same reason that makes gainful employment less than gainful and even less consistent."

"Which is why you should take this one," Dumbledore said. "I hesitate to phrase it quite this way, but precautions have been taken and risks have been diminished."

Remus smiled bitterly. "Have they really?"

"Oh yes. You will have ample Wolfsbane potion at your disposal, provided by and made by the school. Pomfrey will take care of your physical health as she always has and will. And I will be able to find substitutes for you during those moments when you are indisposed."

Remus blinked slowly. "I…well, that…that is rather generous."

"And if you have concerns over Severus' opinions on the matter, do not fret. He said, and I quote, 'I don't care if he drinks the potion or not, I am being paid to brew it. He can teach, he can't be any worse than any of the others that have come and gone'."

Remus snorted deeply. "That does sound like Severus and I was a bit worried I must admit." He looked down into his cup.

"The rest of the staff were more encouraging in their words. Minerva still has a soft spot for you as you know. Pomona liked you during your time at school, as does Filius. Poppy said she will have you assist her in cleaning the Infirmary for making her work more." They chuckled at that. "And the rest of the staff either do not know you well or like you."

Remus sipped his drink. "That does sound nice…" he said wistfully.

"And just so you know, I am fully prepared to guilt you into taking the post with one more potentially manipulative bit of information," Dumbledore said airily.

Remus smiled. "This I have to hear. Go on then."

Dumbledore sobered and looked at Remus directly. "Harry needs you."

Remus' smile disappeared. "Harry," he whispered. "Already at Hogwarts?"

"Just finished his first year."

"H-How is he?"

"In some ways, mature beyond his years. He lacks the temper of his mother and the pride of his father. He also lacks their self-confidence and their sense of self-worth. He is incredibly kind, in ways similar to his parents but even more so in his own way. He looks just like James but has Lily's eyes." Dumbledore's tone was soft and proud. "He is intelligent and diligent in his studies and has made friends."

"That's wonderful," Remus said wetly. "But, if he is like that, he doesn't need me-"

"He needs you," Dumbledore repeated firmly. "He knows too little of his parents and he could use someone that cares for him, someone that was close to his parents as well."

"You could fill that role," Remus said quietly.

"I can, and I try to, but it is still different. Besides, can someone have too much support?" Dumbledore asked mildly.

Remus could say nothing to that.

"So, is it working?" Dumbledore asked, eyes twinkling.

"Yes," Remus conceded. "Some."

"I thought so," Dumbledore said, looking a bit too smug for Remus' liking.

"I have not seen him in so long," Remus sighed.

"No time like the present then to make up for the past," Dumbledore said kindly.

"Do you have some mental repository for profound sayings to whip out at a moment's notice?" Remus asked, giving Dumbledore an irritated look.

"Certainly not," Dumbledore sniffed. He took out a book from an inner pocket. "I have a book of them and I read the section that I think will most apply before I have a meeting."

Remus laughed. "Very well," he said at last. "I will take the post."

"Splendid!" Dumbledore waved the waiter back over. "Something to toast with, if you please."

"It is the middle of the day," Remus snorted.

"We are not at the school nor are we working," Dumbledore returned. He waited for the waiter to bring a bottle of spirits and two small glasses. After pouring a measure into each glass, he held one up. "To new beginnings."

"To new beginnings," Remus said and tapped his glass against Dumbledore's.

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Zincat - When I was writing The Family that Chooses You, that was my second major fanfic series that I was committed to finishing. I had certain moments picked out, but had not quite decided how I wanted to approach a lot of the major points in the story. Consequently, the first three years were fairly close to canon, something a lot of people for some reason found upsetting. With this story, I knew that I wanted to challenge myself and try to branch more from canon and firmly into AU while keeping the elements of why we like Harry Potter alive. It's a narrow line to tread and I can only hope that by story's end, the steps made make sense and are satisfying.

I don't intend on anyone replacing anyone. Yes, Lavender is the closest friend he has now, but I don't envision her as Hermione's replacement. I want her to feel like Lavender and her friendship to be what it is, not what it is supposed to mimic. There eventually will be some romance, but it won't be for a while yet.

Jaysto - Thank you for reading. I'm glad you liked it.

odonnellzoo99 - It's good to have those little reminders about the overall setting. Thank you. I never liked romance to be that early, despite liking hints and general adorableness and cuteness. Like I said, eventually there will be romance and I will post the chapter where the ship happens when it happens, it won't be for a while yet. I don't want it to be the main focus of the story and I like it when it grows and feels good. Poppy teasing Harry will never not be funny to me, much like gremlin Hedwig.

Home of the Brave - Thank you, I'm glad you found it and hope you continue to enjoy it.

alix33 - Calling McGonagall Minnie is very funny. So does McGonaMum but I don't think she will feel like that in this setting.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - Cooked troll would still be very tough.

DarkRavie - Thank you.