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Here We Go Again
🕑 Added 2023-02-27 18:41:55 +0000 UTCChapter 13- The Malfoy Scheme
Cygnus Black wondered why Lucius Malfoy had insisted on meeting him at Malfoy Manor as soon as possible. It had been some time since he had spoken to the man. He had received a letter from the Malfoy Lord, who invited him to dinner with his wife. Abraxus had kept the letter causal. Nothing official, so he knew that this was not some business transaction.
He was impressed with the grandeur on display. The Malfoys were a wealthy family. They took to rise into the higher society of Magical Britain. The Malfoys were moderate French families before leaving their homeland and settling in England one and a half centuries ago.
They were yet to attain the Nobility status of being the long-standing families of magical Britain. But they were climbing ahead with time. Today, they held considerable sway and pull over the Wizengamot and had gained the respect of many traditionalists, including himself.
“This way, Mr Black, sir.” An elf that had invited them inside the manor gestured as the Blacks were led to their destination. “They have a nice house,” Druella noted, looking around the Manor. “Of course they have.” She heard her husband mutter.
“Welcome, Cygnus.” The couple was greeted by Abraxus Malfoy and another person standing by his side as soon as they entered the sitting room—the lady of the Malfoy family. Druella could not say that she knew much about the woman. They didn’t belong in the same circles. What she knew, though, was that she was a wonderful woman. Soft-spoken and brilliant.
“And the beautiful Mrs Black.” The Malfoy Lord smiled at Druella and bowed in greeting.
“It is a pleasure to see you, Mrs Black.”
“Abraxus. Lady Malfoy.” Cygnus was curt in his greeting. “I must say I was surprised, Abraxus. I received a letter out of the blue, and as much as I hoped this was a friendly get-together, I don’t think it is.”
Druella was a bit put out by his words. Her husband, although a Slytherin, was a bold individual. He was not one to hold back, which was very different from his father, who, although a man with a vicious tongue, was as cunning as they come—a man who would look for a hundred possibilities before speaking.
All in good time, Cygnus. The first course was served, and they began to dig in.
“And how is Arcturus Black doing, Cygnus? It has been ages since I saw the man.” Cygnus nodded. “He is doing fine. Father is doing well now that he has passed on his responsibilities.”
Cygnus would have missed it, but Abraxus’s eyes took on a slightly curious expression.
“Ah, yes. The young Lord Black. I was surprised, Cygnus. That was not a move that anybody expected. Weren’t you supposed to be the first in line to the Black Lordship after your father?”
“Yes, I was.” He nodded. “And you didn’t oppose the appointment of a Potter as Lord Black?” Abraxus questioned incredulously. “He is a Black too, isn’t he?” Cygnus shrugged.
“True, but wouldn’t that usually be the last resort? When there is none to take over the family, Lordship?”
“It was Father’s decision. If he deems the young man good enough, he has to be. Arcturus Black does not make wrong decisions. Never has, never will.” There was not a single person that could refute that.
“I didn’t imply that he did.” Abraxus backtracked, knowing he was on shaky ground. “I was surprised that you refused to take up the Lordship. Your birthright.”
They continued in silence for a while before Abraxus spoke again. “Harry Potter. I never knew Potter and your Aunt had another kid, an adult.” Abraxus was prying the man for more information, and Cygnus knew what he was doing. But he found no harm in talking.
“The Potters are not very forthcoming about the details of their life. We cannot boast of knowing the Potters very well. My father might have known about him, but that’s it. He is the only one in touch with my Aunt for a long time. The rest of us, not so much.”
“I wonder why Lord Potter didn’t send his son to Hogwarts? Do you know anything about his education or whereabouts as a child?”
Cygnus narrowed his eyes. “Your unwarranted interest in Harry Potter does not seem to be a coincidence, Abraxus. Be straight. If it’s about him, I suggest you write to him personally or his parents.” He finished, his tone leaving no space for nonsense.
“My apologies.” Abraxus apologised quickly. “I just wanted to know about the young man. He is very young, and I was privy. I hope it was not disrespectful. I didn’t mean it to be disrespectful to anybody.”
“Nevermind. Let’s finish up here. We will talk later.” Abraxus’s words were met with a round of nods, and the couples finished their dinner in peace. Abraxus Malfoy didn’t speak again for the rest of the feast, and Cygnus was thankful for that.
The tables were cleared, and the four returned to the sitting room. Abraxus began after a moment of silence.
“I know you are not interested in small talk, Cygnus Black. I know you very well from Hogwarts. I had indeed written to you hoping to have a discussion.” Cygnus motioned for the man to continue.
“I am sure you have heard of the whispers by now.” Abraxus began. “The whispers of a man. A man with a vision, headlining an idea that every pureblood dreams of. An idea that is necessary for the changing Wizarding World.”
“I have.” Cygnus Black confirmed. Abraxus was slightly surprised, but not by much. The resources the Blacks had at their disposal were a worrying fact, and he should have known that they would know about this by now.
“He is right, Cygnus. Every word he says is right. The harsh truth.” He paused for a moment.
The mudbloods have multiplied with each passing day in wizarding Britain, Cygnus. Their numbers have been more than ever. The number of students in Hogwarts is majorly the mudbloods. They outnumber the purebloods considerably.”
“What fresh crap is this?” Cygnus interrupted. “Who provided that information? There is nothing of that sort, Abraxus. Check your facts before you speak.”
Abraxus smiled. He had the man exactly where he wanted. “But it is the truth, Cygnus. I found it hard to believe at the beginning. After Lucius confirmed it, I was shocked to my core.”
The Blacks, just like every other traditional pureblood family, didn’t stand the muggle-borns. The Blacks were known to despise them outright. The history of the Black family was gruesome when they interacted with muggle-borns. They have killed, tortured and maimed for just interactions, which is them being kind.
“We could have turned a blind eye if not for the fact that they are coming into our world and trying to usurp our positions eventually. How many of these mudbloods walked around the halls of Hogwarts when we were at the school, Cygnus? Very less. Countable in the entire school. One day, the position and roles would be reversed, Cygnus. And then, we would have to hide from them and ponder the missed chances to put them into their rightful places. Something that would be impossible once they gain the position of power that has always been our birthright.”
Abraxus ensured that he kept his words as passionate and powerful as possible. You need not teach a Malfoy to speak of all things.
Cygnus Black was quiet as he pondered everything he heard from Abraxus Malfoy. He was never denied anything in his life. Not power and not respect. Being born with a widely feared name and respected everywhere he went, he had privileges many families could not afford.
He was a man who respected and was proud of his traditions. He would not say that he was somebody who would outright hate muggles. He didn’t see the need to. But hearing that the muggles would one day unite and throw a coup to take down his family and identity struck him hard. He will be damned before he lets that happen.
Abraxus could literally hear the man thinking. He had sown the seeds of doubts as required to his plans, and they were working wonders. He gave it a few more seconds before speaking again.
“He has promised us that he would not allow that. He promised us that he would keep our traditions alive, our ideology active, and our bloodlines alive. He has the support of a number of our friends, Cygnus. He could not have gathered their support with words. He has the truth backing up his words, and his promises are for the tomorrow that we have always deserved. A tomorrow, that is our right.”
“Who is this man?” Cygnus questioned after a while. The blonde-haired man lit up considerably, his eyes positively glowing. “I will let you find out yourselves. You should because his identity would shock you. Once you know of the man, you will be pleased that you have made the right choice.” Cygnus Black frowned in confusion. Who was this person that would surprise him so much?
“The reason I wrote to you was not this, Cygnus. The topic escalated quickly. I had another essential matter to discuss.” Cygnus nodded for the man to continue.
“I wish to broker a marriage contract between my son Lucius and your daughter Narcissa.” Druella and Cygnus knew this would come up. Narcissa was at the age where she would be attracting a lot of interest from potential suitors. Add to the fact that she is the daughter of the Blacks; she would elevate the status of any family she would be marrying into.
Druella and Cygnus knew this day was not far away, and that day had arrived.
“My son Lucius is well acquainted with your daughter from Hogwarts, and in a few days, they would be stepping out of Hogwarts to the real world. I want to see them face the future together as husband and wife.”
Cygnus dropped all formalities as he sat straighter. Gone was the tone and face of familiarity as he addressed the man.
“I can’t say I am surprised by your words, Lord Malfoy. We had always expected the possibility of my daughter’s marriage issue to be right around the corner. But I would like to ask how your son deserves my daughter, Lord Malfoy?” Cygnus questioned.
“She hails from the Blacks. The most powerful family in Wizarding Britain and any family she marries into elevates their standings. Her name brings such power to the family she would marry. Why would I accept your proposal when several powerful families ask for her hand shortly? Surely you can’t fault me for getting the proposal from the Rosiers, the Crabbe, or the Rookwoods. They are powerful families of magical Britain with positions higher than the Malfoys.”
Abraxus had no answer to that question. The man was right. As rich as he is, he is not at the top of the pecking order regarding power. Several families were in better standing than his. He could not refute the man. All he could do was offer something that they couldn’t reject.
“True. I can’t offer the nobility that comes with the names of the families, but I can offer one thing that the other families would never offer.” Cygnus was intrigued.
“Your daughter will have the power to decide for the family as Lucius’s other half and the Lady of the family. Equal rights as much as the Lord possess.” Abraxus finished.
Cygnus and Druella were shocked when they heard what the Lord of the Malfoy family offered. Whatever they were expecting, this was not that. Abraxus was giving control of the family to his daughter as much as his son would have. This was never heard of. A Lady of the House making decisions when the Lord of the House was alive.
“Abraxus? Do you understand the implications of your words? Do you know what you are stating as your terms? Are you thinking straight?” Cygnus questioned.
Cygnus was not a fool. He knew what was going through the man’s head. There was only one reason that Abraxus was willing to go that far: to hand the reigns of the family to Narcissa. He was looking forward to exploiting the House of Black in the near future.
“I have my reasons, Cygnus. But the daughter of the House of Black deserves the respect that she deserves.” Abraxus finished.
“Very well,” Cygnus replied after a few moments of silence. “But I have no right to decide this matter, Abraxus. That decision is not mine to take.” He replied and continued before Abraxus could speak again.
“That decision solely rests in the hands of my daughter.” When the Malfoy patriarch made to interrupt, Druella spoke.
“It is of no use, Lord Malfoy. Whatever you offer, the answer to your question will always be a no from us. Narcissa is the only one that can decide what she wants. That is Lord Black’s order, and we are bound by it.” She explained.
“You should approach Lord Black and broker the contract if you wish to. He would be the one that can make this happen, and I sincerely doubt that he would interfere in my daughter’s matters.” Druella finished.
“We must be leaving, Lord Malfoy. It has been a wonderful evening. Thank you for inviting us to your home and for your hospitality.” Druella and Cygnus stood up and began to leave.
“I will see you around, Abraxus.” Cygnus nodded curtly as he shook hands with the man.
The two Blacks left through the floo of the Manor. Abraxus waited for the two of them to leave, then cursed as he fell back into his seat.
“Just my luck.” He tried all he could. He offered what nobody in the right mind would suggest, yet all that had come to nought.
All hope was not lost, though. He had to know approach Lord Black. Harry Potter. He didn’t know if that was the path he wanted to pursue. That girl's parents weren’t very keen on the match. The man showed no interest, and the woman followed suit. Sure, they belonged to the Black family, but his family was no slouch. The Malfoy name was rising through the echelons of the upper society of Magical Britain. Regarding financial ability, they were second to none, but when history, they didn’t have any.
He began penning a letter to this Harry Potter boy. This won’t be very difficult. Of course, he was a Potter, and he had to butt in and declare that the girl has independence in whom she chooses. What other purpose did women serve rather than being of use to their parent family to grow in power and status? He would have to offer the same incentive, but that won’t be an issue in the long run. Abraxus Malfoy would explain why his family has been making waves in the Wizarding Society.
BREAK-
“That was unexpected,” Druella whispered. “What was that?” Cygnus questioned curiously as he watched his wife smile slightly. “What was so funny, dear?” He prodded.
“Nothing. Just what we heard right now.” Cygnus hummed softly as his wife linked her arms to his. “I could see what he was doing there. Thought he would fool me, the bastard. Father was right. They can sell water to fish, these Malfoys.”
“I guessed this was the letter's purpose when it arrived.” She explained.
“I would never let that boy anywhere close to my Cissa.” Druella raged. “Narcissa loathes his presence, and she always complains about that boy. I would never allow my daughter to choose somebody she hates to spend the rest of her life.” Druella whispered fiercely.
Cygnus shrugged. “Bah! The boy isn’t deserving of my Narcissa anyway.” Druella smiled lovingly at her husband. He had his way of expressing his love for the family, his wife and his daughters. He wouldn’t display it but never shy away from it. He was like that, Cygnus. His quirks like these were what she found very attractive.
“Dru…” She was shaken from her thoughts when her husband surprised her. “Yes?”
The man’s face went red with embarrassment. “What is it, Cygnus?” She questioned, amused by his reaction. It was not always that she could get to see her husband squirm. She guessed that it was something relatively private.
“Uh…That evening…” He paused once again. “Yes?” Druella questioned gently.
“Uhm… that evening between Cissa and Harry?” She knew now what was embarrassing. She grinned.
“Oh, come on, Cygnus. You know that the two were having fun.” She laughed when her husband sputtered at her words. His eyes were wide, and he was incoherent enough to fail to form a word.
“Fun!?” He questioned, almost shouting. “That is fun? You call that fun?” He stuttered.
“I don’t remember you complaining when a sixth-year Slytherin did that and more to a Slytherin girl many years back in a broom cupboard. I remember his name being Black.” She teased, her eyes lighting up in victory when her husband flushed red in embarrassment.
“I thought so.” She led the man upstairs to their room. “But that is not what I meant,” Cygnus complained. She paused, allowing the man to continue. “Are they serious?” He questioned.
Druella understood where this was leading. “You will not interfere, Cygnus Black. Narcissa and Harry will figure this out by themselves. They are mature enough to decide their futures, and until then, I better not know that you are trying to do something.” She warned, and Cygnus nodded hastily.
“Good.” She leaned forward and kissed him softly. The man responded eagerly until he heard someone clear their throat. The two broke apart, and Cygnus Black burned red when he saw his father, mother, and Harry standing not far away.
“Horny bastard. Couldn’t wait till you were inside.” Arcturus grumbled, looking away, wishing that he was anywhere but here. Cygnus’s face could not be anymore redder than it was.
“What are you grumbling about?” Harry questioned the older man. “Just because you are a grumpy old man grumbling and complaining doesn’t mean your son should be so. It’s good that you are romantic enough, Mr Black. I thought that you were just like him.” He pointed at Arcturus, who growled and went for his wand.
“Bye!” Harry announced before exiting, kissing Druella’s cheek. “Your welcome, Arcturus.” They could hear him shout from the bottom of the stairs.
“That boy…” Druella sighed, shaking her head fondly. “What was he doing here?” She asked her mother-in-law.
“God knows what those two get into.” She replied exasperatedly. Knowing her husband, she was sure that it was not anything simple.
“I heard that you had dinner with Malfoy.” Arcturus cut in, ignoring his wife. “What did he want? Don’t bother trying to hide it. I know very well about him and his family to know that he didn’t want something.”
“He wanted to discuss Narcissa’s marriage with his heir,” Cygnus muttered. He heard his father snort derisively. “I would let hell freeze over rather than have my family unite with the Malfoys.” He spat angrily. “You can tell him to fuck off for all I care.” He snarled, taking the others by surprise.
“Arcturus!” Melania chastised, not approving of his choice of words. Arcturus never swore in front of Druella. Melania could see that the woman was slightly shaken by his anger.
Druella chose to speak up after a moment of tense silence. “We did make it clear that she is the decision maker, and none can tell her otherwise.” Arcturus nodded at the woman.
“We assume that he won’t give up just yet.” Arcturus nodded.
“He won’t be a Malfoy if he gives up just yet. He would have already written a letter to Harry by now.” Arcturus sighed. “Go on. It is late.” He nodded upstairs, and the couple followed his words and left.
“You should learn to curb your tongue, Arcturus. Speaking like that changes nothing.” Arcturus agreed. He should keep calm. He knew what to expect because Harry had given him a vague explanation regarding the supporters of this Riddle, and from what he knew, the Malfoys were his closest associate.
Apart from the Malfoys being Riddle’s supporters, Arcturus never liked the Malfoys. He would never make it easy for a Malfoy to exploit his family. He would never allow a Malfoy close to his family.
BREAK-
“Are you sure that you want to do this?” Harry questioned the young woman seated next to him. Daphne looked up from the paper she was filling out and smiled back at him.
“I have always wanted to be an Auror, Harry. You know that.”
“Just because your grandfather was an Auror, it does not mean that you should do it too. You don’t have to prove a point to anybody, Daphne. We are past that life now.” Harry reasoned out.
“That has nothing to do with my decision, Harry. I dreamt of being an Auror and would consider it a failure if I did not fulfil that dream. It’s sweet that you care, but you don’t think I can handle myself?” Harry backtracked quickly. He didn’t mean that. He was well aware of Daphne’s ability with a wand. She was excellent. She would make a fantastic auror, but the upcoming conflict was what troubled Harry.
The ministry was the playground of most of Voldemort’s followers. The many ministry employees and the Lords of the families in his support are the majority that hold the power in the ministry.
“You know I didn’t mean it that way,” Harry said as the girl smiled. “Of course I do.” She replied, going back to her paper.
“Look at the bigger picture, Harry. You will have your own set of eyes and ears inside the ministry. One that you can rely on and trust extensively.” Daphne reasoned.
“There is no need for that, Daphne. We can obtain information in one way or the other. We have sources. Or rather, Arcturus and Grandfather have heads that can give us everything necessary.”
“Father. He is your father now, Harry. Don’t slip up.” She chastised.
Harry sighed. She was distracting him from the topic at hand. He knew this version of Daphne very well, and this was the one that would not relent at any cost. She would stand by her decision.
“Very well. If that is what you want to do, do it. I would not like to oppose you doing what you like.” Her face broke out into a brilliant smile, one that was infectious. She nodded happily before getting up and hugging the young man tightly.
“Thank you.” She whispered before leaving the room with the paperwork in her hand.
Harry watched the girl walk away, a sense of sadness filling him as he sat back down. She would have been his wife by now. Daphne Potter, his lovely wife, but instead, she was not aware of their relationship. What pained him was the fact that he remembered it very well. It wouldn’t have mattered to him if he had lost the memory just like her, but knowing who she was to him and not being able to convey his true feelings was painful. She will regain her memory. His grandmother….no, mother had assured him of that, but he didn’t know when. It might be today, tomorrow, a month or a year from today.
He could never forget the days he spent with her. In her embrace, holding hands, those stolen kisses. It felt like a blissful dream, yet it was all real.
He remembered the evening with Narcissa a few days back. He would never have done that. But this was Narcissa. Even though she was not the Narcissa he knew, she was still the same Narcissa he had come to know after the war. He should have stopped the moment she kissed him, but he could not. He could never have stopped.
His past came crashing down on him and he could never reject Narcissa’s advances. No way. He loved Narcissa. As much as he loved Daphne, maybe even more. Such was the influence and support she provided when it was necessary. He should not judge a woman from the future with the present, but he could not help it. He loves the attention she showered on him. He loved that fact that she is fighting for him and his attraction, but at the same time, he feels that what he is doing is wrong. How can he lead on a girl like that and how can you not care about your fiancee. She might have lost her memories, but yours is perfectly intact. That does count to something doesn’t it?
Harry fought the urge the pull his hair out. Just what was he doing with his life? What should he be doing at all? Is there a solution to this dilemma that he had put himself into? He didn’t know, but he hoped that whatever the solution was, it would be simple and does not complicate anything for all he cared. It might be selfish of him to wish that he could have the two of them to himself, but he felt it was not. He could afford to be selfish and if it means that he can be happy, he will take it. Yes, he would take it.
TBC—------
Comments
FangRu
Great chapter. Daphne is great character!
Give me good fanfic
Love it update soon.
