thirteenth lotus leaf

Tick-tock, tick-tock.

Tick-tock, tick.

Tiiiick...tock.

"Draco!"

Draco blinked, looking around. His hand was empty in the air. Hermione stood opposite him, her wand pointed at him.

"This is the third time I've disarmed you, and you're not even trying."

Draco shook his head. His vision was still blurry. He remembered what had happened, more or less. It was as if he had been in a trance all this time.

Hermione looked at him with a rebellious expression. "And you haven't used anything but first-year spells. I know more or less what you're capable of. Or are you holding back against me because I'm a girl?"

Draco snapped out of it, hearing the disappointment in Hermione's voice.
No, he definitely didn't discriminate against women. Women were beautiful and delicate, but a witch? And a warrior? Draco had always recognized the powerful devil beneath that beauty. No, women didn't need protection. They needed respect. Draco had unknowingly disrespected Hermione.

He snatched his wand from the ground. "I'm sorry, Hermione, I was very distracted. The only thing I'm gentle with when it comes to women is my tongue. You're my equal in front of me, neither as a pureblood nor as a gender. Now I'll be serious. Don't hold back."

"You're the one who shouldn't dare to hold back. Or I'll turn your blonde hair into a doormat."

"I don't know what a doormat is, but I'll make broom bristles out of you."

Hermione laughed, adjusting her grip on her wand. "I'm sure they're very similar."

Draco also adopted his fighting stance. Mad Martinez had shown him a few fighting styles during the summer. His uncle had even convinced his mother to teach him Muggle fighting styles.

Hermione quickly flicked her wand, shouting, "Flipendo!" Draco gracefully deflected the spell and tried to snatch Hermione's wand away, shouting, "Expelliarmus!" Hermione nimbly sidestepped and sent a red beam towards Draco, shouting, "Stupefy!" Draco created a shield to block the spell, shouting, "Protego!"

"Not bad at all, Mione," Draco said with a mocking smile. "But you won't settle for this, will you?"

Hermione breathed angrily. "I'm not kidding around, Dreyy. I'll win this time, fair and square!"

Hermione quickly flicked her wand, creating a chain of complex spells. Draco moved quickly to avoid the spells. "Bombarda!" Hermione shouted, breaking a large piece of stone from the wall and sending it towards Draco. Draco shouted, "Reducto!" to shatter the stone. As the stone fragments scattered in the air, Draco quickly advanced towards Hermione.

"Stupefy!" Hermione shouted, sending a blue beam towards Draco. Draco jumped aside to avoid the beam and tried to freeze Hermione, shouting, "Petrificus Totalus!" Hermione narrowly dodged the spell by throwing herself to the side at the last moment.

"You're very fast, Draco," Hermione said breathlessly. "But I won't give up either."

Hermione quickly flicked her wand, creating a circle of fire around them. Draco was trapped inside the fire circle. "What's this?" Draco asked in surprise.

"I'll burn you!" Hermione shouted.

Draco moved quickly to escape the fire circle. However, the fire circle was constantly shrinking. Draco suddenly had an idea. He sprayed water into the fire circle, shouting, "Aquamenti!" As the flames died down, Draco quickly advanced towards Hermione.

"Now it's my turn, Mione," Draco said with a mocking smile. "I'll catch you this time."

Draco quickly flicked his wand, creating a chain of complex spells. Hermione moved quickly to avoid the spells. However, Draco was too fast. Eventually, he caught Hermione and took her wand.

"Game over, I win," Draco said with a triumphant smile.

Hermione glared at Draco angrily. "You... you cheated! We were supposed to fight with wands."

Draco shrugged. "Maybe. But in the end, I'm the winner, and anything goes in a duel."

Hermione looked at him amused. Draco looked into Hermione's eyes. In her eyes, there was anger as well as admiration alongside amusement. Draco liked how strong and determined Hermione was.

"Maybe," Draco said, looking into Hermione's eyes. "Maybe, one more round?"

"I won't say no to that."
Hermione snatched her wand from Draco's hand and jumped back two steps. She immediately adopted her wand stance. Draco grinned and stepped back. He bent his wand in a more threatening way. Hermione noticed his change and adopted a defensive stance. But Draco was sure she would attack.

Before Hermione could make a move, a blue-haired Hufflepuff girl appeared between them. She grabbed Hermione's arm and interrupted the duel.

"Sorry, cute blonde, but I want a duel with the girl called the smartest of our year. You know, girl to girl..." The blue-haired girl winked at him and dragged Hermione away.

Draco blinked in surprise. Just as he was about to lower his wand, someone called out to him.

"I hope you don't mind me being your partner." It was Arthur, casually twirling his wand in his hand. Draco smiled at him.

"I guess you're ready to be a doormat?" Draco tried to repeat what Hermione had said. Arthur laughed at his attempt and adopted a relaxed dueling stance.

"I don't know, I think I'd look better as a rug."

"Damn, if you're a rug, I can't argue with you," Draco said, adopting his stance. He didn't know how good Arthur was, but he didn't think he would be as aggressive as Hermione.

"Alright, blonde," Arthur said with a grin. "Let's start if you're ready."

Draco quickly flicked his wand, shouting, "Flipendo Maxima!" A powerful pushing spell sent Arthur flying backwards. Arthur staggered but didn't fall.

"Wow," Arthur said with a mocking smile. "This reminds me of Snape and Lockhart's duel. But I'm not Lockhart, blonde."

Arthur flicked his wand, creating a chain of complex spells. Draco moved quickly to avoid the spells. "Protego Horribilis!" Arthur shouted, creating a powerful shield around them. Draco shouted, "Bombarda Maxima!" to break through the shield. There was a big explosion, but the shield remained intact.

"Impressive," Draco said with a mocking smile. "But I can break through that shield. And I've come to like Lockhart for introducing this dueling business."

"Want to try? I didn't know you were interested in blondes," Arthur said challengingly.

Draco flicked his wand, creating a chain of complex curses. Arthur moved quickly to avoid the curses. "Riddikulus!" Arthur shouted, turning Draco's curses into funny shapes. Draco breathed angrily.

"What's that supposed to mean? And maybe I do prefer blondes," Draco asked.

"Just having a little fun, blonde," Arthur said with a grin. "I'm blonde too, you know."

Arthur flicked his wand, sending a series of playful spells. Draco had trouble avoiding the spells. "Stupefy!" Draco shouted. Arthur deflected the spell.

"I don't know, Lockhart looked good to me."

Arthur laughed. "Come on, blonde," Arthur said. "You need to be a little more creative."

Arthur flicked his wand, sending a series of flirtatious spells. Draco avoided the spells in surprise. "What's this?" Draco asked.

"Just flirting a little, blonde," Arthur said with a wink. "After all, a duel isn't just a fight, it's also a dance."

Draco breathed angrily. "You..." Then he stopped. He started to grin. "If you want to be a blonde, you have to duel properly."

"Do I have to impress you?" Arthur raised an eyebrow. Draco laughed at the deja vu.

"I guess?"

Arthur laughed too. "Weren't the heart-shaped cookies good?" he asked. Draco nimbly dodged a spell Arthur cast.

"They were definitely good. Plus points, Harbert, you're getting closer."

"It's an honor."

Just then, Harry shouted, "Draco, Arthur, stop!"

They both stopped. Draco was starting to get annoyed with these interruptions. He raised an eyebrow and turned to Harry.

Harry seemed unsure what to say. He kept running his hand through his hair, messing it up more. He shuffled his feet and played with his fingers.
Draco wanted to say something to relieve him of this awkwardness, but he felt like nothing he said would help.

Just then, Pansy came up to them loudly. "Sorry, dears, but I claimed this blonde first, when he was four, so both of you get lost. I won't leave my best friend alone with savages."

Harry looked both surprised and relieved. Arthur now looked at them with a tense, wrinkled face.

Pansy grabbed Draco and dragged him away, much like the blue-haired girl. Draco could be heard complaining about sharp nails in the distance.

Harry and Arthur now looked at each other sadly. They both wanted the blonde's friendship.

Ron came up to Harry, putting an arm around his shoulder.

"Arthuuuur, man. The cookies were great. I see you've found my lost dueling buddy. Thanks, mate." Ron started dragging Harry away, whispering "come on, mate" into Harry's ear.
.
..
....
.......
............
.......
....
..
.
Draco was floating in a pitch-black and misty void. There was no ground beneath his feet, as if he was suspended in the air. The mist around him emitted a grayish glow, as if illuminated by dim moonlight, limiting his vision. In the distance, two silhouettes appeared. Their bodies were not clearly defined, as if they were ghostly reflections. Their whispered conversation echoed in this silent and eerie void.

"Sulien."

"Yes?" Sulien's voice came like a distant echo. Her presence shone like a pale light in the darkness.

"You're not supposed to be here." Castor's voice was harsh and warning. His presence was like a sharp shadow in the darkness.

"I know." Sulien's voice was accepting but sad.

"Anatole is worried about you."

"Tell him to leave me alone."

"Believe me, I told him." Castor's voice echoed with an impatient tone.

"Castor, do you think this is necessary?" Sulien's voice turned into a desperate whisper.

"Are you on stable cleaning duty? I think Callisto would be very angry if you didn't." Castor laughed mockingly.

"No, not that. Do you... Do you really think we're doing the right thing? Will cursing these people really raise Nedret?" Sulien's voice was like a cry lost in the darkness.

"You should watch what you're saying, Sulien. You're talking very close to treason." Castor's voice turned into a threatening whisper.

"I just need your opinion, Castor."

"My... Well... Whatever you're doing is for Nedret." Castor's voice turned into a hesitant whisper.

"But is it really worth killing people?" Sulien's voice was like a hopeless plea.

"It's not killing. We're not guilty. We're taking revenge." Castor's voice was cold and determined.

Tick-tock.

"But is it up to us to take revenge for thousands of years ago from innocent people?" Sulien's voice turned into a questioning whisper.

Tick.

"Death or not. Nedret sees fit. You can't turn your back on those who have taken care of us for so long." Castor's voice was sharp and commanding.

Tock.

"I didn't have such an intention. And please don't repeat what you're told." Sulien's voice turned into a weary whisper.

"We need to leave here before Anatole finds us and overhears this conversation. Don't look at the curse any longer." Castor's voice turned into an anxious whisper.

"No one can know I'm here. Time...

Tick-tock...

"I know, time can't catch us, blah blah blah. But remember, there are forces stronger than time, and those forces can see us at any moment." Castor's voice turned into a warning whisper.

Tick-tock, tick...

"What are you basing this on?" Sulien's voice turned into a curious whisper.

"I just know. Now let's go." Castor's voice turned into a hurried whisper.

Tick-tock, tick-tock.

Just then, Castor's eyes fell on Draco's ghostly silhouette. His eyes were like two embers glowing in the darkness. Draco saw a moment of hesitation, a spark of doubt in Castor's gaze. Castor was looking at him... as if he could see him.

Tiiiiick.

Castor's gaze pierced Draco's soul. Draco froze for a moment. Was this a dream, or something else? That look in Castor's eyes seemed to be trying to tell him something. But what?

Tock.
.
.
..
..
.
.
"How wonderful to see you so relaxed here," Lucius said through gritted teeth.
Narcissa arrived from behind, her high heels clicking.

Sirius was sprawled on a silver armchair, clean and groomed, with a glass of red wine in his hand. He looked at Lucius with an ambiguous smirk.

Narcissa said something to the elf following her about the importance of the day. The elf quickly disappeared. Narcissa stood directly in front of Sirius with a gentle smile. Sirius put his wine on the table and faced his cousin.

"Sirius."
"Narcissa..."
"It's nice to see you here."

"As much as seeing this place is better than Azkaban, it's wonderful to see you, Cissy-Narcissa."

"Please, let's break the ice between us after all these years, Siri. Cissy is a completely free nickname."

"Oh, thank goodness. You know, I'm the one who came up with that nickname."
Narcissa giggled. She raised her hand and extended it. Sirius quickly took her hand and squeezed it.

"You can stay here as long as you want, even if the others aren't here. After Aunt Nico takes care of everything, she'll go check her vaults. You know her, you never know. After that, it's just a matter of getting your residency permit back from France. Lucius will take care of that."

Narcissa looked at Lucius dismissively. The man opened and closed his mouth like a fish. His eyes flickered slightly when he saw Narcissa's hand extended towards him in the air. Then he composed himself. He took his wife's hand and kissed it. He muttered something and left. Sirius pointed a finger at Lucius, who closed the door behind him, and asked Narcissa.

"What's his problem?"
Narcissa's blank eyes flickered for a few seconds.

"He's just frustrated. You know him, my poor husband, he likes to be in control of everything."

Sirius laughed mockingly, then became serious. "Narcissa, what's really going on? After all these years, how? Why?"

Narcissa's eyes now shone with affection. "Did I ever tell you about my one and only son, Draco, Sirius?"

"I didn't even know you had a son."

Narcissa smiled and sat in the armchair opposite Sirius. She gestured for him to sit too. Sirius sat down immediately.

"His name is Draco..."

Draco picked up the newspaper with a grin. He took his dessert fork and thin knife and started slicing the cake in front of him into small pieces.

"What's going on, mate?" Blaise looked at him warily.

"What, what's going on?" Pansy asked, glancing at the newspaper he had put down for the third time.

"He's talking about Draco's grin," Crabbe said through another bite of chocolate.

"That was my chocolate," Daphne whined.

The large boy shrugged. "Should've held on to it."

Blaise ignored them and continued, "I don't like that expression on your face."

Draco swallowed his bite and wiped the corners of his mouth with the napkin next to him, raising an eyebrow at him. Theo said without looking up from his book, "That grin is the one he always wears when he's done something cunning and succeeded."

Pansy gasped. "Oh no, what did you do again?"

"Eee... Nothing?"

"Was that a question or an answer?"

Draco's grin widened. "Maybe both." His eyes fell on the headline on the front page of the newspaper. "Maybe I'm just celebrating the reappearance of an old friend."

Pansy frowned. "Who are you talking about?"

Draco turned the newspaper towards them. The headline read in large letters, "SIRIUS BLACK EXONERATED! FREED AFTER YEARS!"

"Sirius Black?" Blaise exclaimed in surprise. "How is that possible? Didn't he escape from Azkaban?"

Draco shrugged. "Apparently, he was innocent. And I... helped a little in bringing that truth to light."

"You?" Pansy's voice was full of amazement.
"Why?"
Draco's eyes darkened. "Let's just say some... family matters. And a chance to correct some... old mistakes."

Theo closed his book and looked at Draco carefully. "This is... an unexpected move, Draco. Your father won't be very pleased."

Draco laughed mockingly. "I don't care what my father thinks. I can make my own decisions now."

Crabbe and Goyle looked at Draco in surprise. This wasn't the Draco Malfoy they knew. He was more mysterious, more determined, and more... dangerous.

"So what happens now?" Daphne asked. "Will Sirius Black be released?"

Draco paused for a moment. "I think... yes. But this is just the beginning." His eyes fell on a small news item at the bottom of the newspaper. "And it seems another old friend is returning."

"Who?" Blaise asked curiously.

Draco pushed the newspaper towards them. The small news item read, "MISSING BODY OF REGULUS BLACK FOUND!"

A silence fell over the room. The name Regulus Black sent a shiver down the spine even at the Slytherin table.

"This... this isn't possible," Pansy whispered. "Regulus Black is dead."

Draco's eyes gleamed. "He was. But not anymore."

"Mate, you scare me sometimes."

"You better." Draco stuffed another piece of cake into his mouth.

His dream from last night kept replaying in his mind. He had heard of Castor before. But Sulien, Anatole, and Callisto were new names. Draco thought Sulien was young. Callisto seemed like someone responsible. Anatole seemed like a worried friend, but Castor didn't seem to trust him. Castor had mentioned treason. The word Nedret didn't seem to be a person, but a community or even a city.
Draco started to shred the sliced cake. He mashed the chocolate with his fork and crumbled the cake.
They had mentioned a curse. It was like the one mentioned in his previous dream. Could these people be responsible for the curse that killed him and his mother?

"Draco?"

Draco raised his head. Green eyes were focused on him, looking like they were implying something.

"The headmaster is calling us?"
"Dumbledore?"
"Dumbledore."

Draco pushed his crumbled cake away and got up hurriedly. Pansy immediately smoothed out the wrinkles on his back. Draco started walking next to Harry as soon as he was done. They left the Great Hall. Draco gave Harry a small glance.

"What's that look?"

"What look?"

"That thing you're doing with your face." Draco pointed to his own face with his finger. Harry threw his head back and laughed.

"Nothing."

"Really?"

"Really, nothing." Harry started looking ahead.

"If you say so." Draco turned forward too.

Soon they were climbing the stairs to the headmaster's office.

"Young Draco and young Harry. Welcome."

"Headmaster." Draco bowed his head respectfully, taking the lead. Harry waved awkwardly.

"Young Malfoy, you've grown quite a bit since our last meeting."

Draco remembered the screams he had made during their last meeting. His cheeks flushed.

"I haven't changed much, sir."

The blue eyes shone brightly. The headmaster chuckled. "I had my doubts." Then he turned to Harry. "Mr. Potter, how are you?"

"I'm fine, sir. Thank you."

"Won't you sit down?" He gestured to the two armchairs in front of the desk. Draco and Harry exchanged glances and sat down.

"I heard you have something to talk to me about. I even heard you caused a bit of a fuss about it."

Draco raised an eyebrow and turned to Harry. Harry was blushing and clutching his neck with his right hand.

"I was wondering what was so important."

"Sir, well..."

Draco raised his hand, interrupting Harry. He smiled at him. "I think I can explain better, Harry. I dragged you into this too."

Harry's green eyes blazed like fire. "You didn't drag me into anything. I'm here of my own will."

Draco smiled in defeat, seeing the unwavering determination in the boy. "I would never dream of leaving you out of this."
Harry stopped frowning and smiled back at him.

Dumbledore scanned the two young men with his sharp blue eyes. He seemed pleased with what he saw and let out a small chuckle.

"Now, Mr. Headmaster, sir, Dumbledore..."
.
.
.
"Truly an impressive story, Mr. Malfoy,"
Dumbledore said, still pacing around the room as he finished hearing the story. His arms were clasped behind his back, and his blue eyes were wandering over the sleeping portraits.

"And how do you know the true owner of this diary? Tom now goes by the name Voldemort. I haven't heard anyone call him Tom in a long time."

Draco looked down at his lap, tapping the edge of Blaise's nail file, ruining it. "It wasn't that hard to understand, sir. Such a cursed energy couldn't be ignored. And as I said, I overheard a few people talking."

"You sound like Dobby," Harry said, turning to Draco.
"Do you know Dobby?"

"Yes, he tried to stop me from going to school, I almost died or got expelled," Harry shrugged casually.

Draco looked at him with a pale expression. "I'll talk to him." Draco nodded. He turned his attention back to the real issue.

"You said you could feel the diary's curse, young Draco. That's a very difficult thing. You must have a lot of experience with magic."

"I understand the question in your expression, sir. But that's a secret and belongs to another conversation," Draco said. Dumbledore nodded at him. Still, his piercing blue eyes didn't stop examining him.

"The main issue is how we're going to destroy this diary."

"Considering this diary is a part of Tom, he'll feel it when it's destroyed. And I can't entrust this task to little children like you. The diary will be safe with me in my vault, and if the time comes or if something happens, you powerful wizards will destroy it and the others," Dumbledore said.

"Are you sending us on a Horcrux hunt?" Draco asked.

Dumbledore studied them for a long time at this question and nodded. "No, no, there's a time for everything. Everything will have its day."

Dumbledore approached the desk. Draco attributed this to a few portraits pretending to sleep whispering something. Dumbledore offered them a few lemon drops. Harry and Draco each took one and put it in their mouths. Draco felt a warmth spread inside him. He felt more relaxed now.

"And to come to another matter," Dumbledore said, raising his eyebrows and adjusting his half-moon spectacles. He pulled a newspaper from under the desk. Draco recognized the newspaper immediately. It was the one he had read that morning.

"Is this the morning paper?" Harry asked curiously. The headline read in large letters, "SIRIUS BLACK EXONERATED!"

"Yes, it's the morning paper," Dumbledore said, spreading the newspaper on the desk. "And this news interests me quite a bit."

Harry's eyes widened. "Sirius Black? But he... wasn't he in Azkaban!"

"Yes, Harry," Dumbledore said calmly. "But it seems Sirius is innocent. And I've heard that young Malfoy had a hand in bringing this truth to light."

Draco looked at Dumbledore. "I only helped bring the truth to light, sir. I believe Sirius Black is innocent."

Harry turned to Draco in surprise. "You? Why?"

Draco's eyes darkened. "Let's just say family matters. And a chance to correct some... old mistakes."

Dumbledore interrupted. "Young Potter, do you know who Sirius Black is?"

Harry frowned. "No, sir. I've only heard he's a bad man."

Dumbledore smiled. "Sirius Black is your godfather, Harry."

Harry's eyes opened in shock. "My godfather? But... but he's a murderer!"

"No, Harry, Sirius is innocent. And he's been wrongly imprisoned in Azkaban for years."

Harry was confused. He was both happy, surprised, and angry. "Why didn't you tell me before?"

"It wasn't the right time, Harry. Now, Sirius's innocence has been proven, and he'll be released."

Harry stood up. "I want to see him. I want to know him."

"Of course, Harry. But first, we need to address the Regulus Black matter."

Draco interrupted. "You think Regulus Black is a Death Eater who's returned from the dead, don't you, sir?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, young Malfoy. And this could be a great threat to Voldemort's resurgence."

"We must find him," Harry said resolutely. "And stop him."

"You're right, Harry," Dumbledore said. "But this will be a dangerous journey. Regulus Black was involved in the dark arts and could be a dangerous enemy."

"We're ready," Harry said resolutely. "We'll stop Voldemort."

Dumbledore smiled. "We're lucky to have brave and talented wizards like you. But remember, you must be careful."

"What about Sirius?" Harry asked. "When will I see him?"

"Soon, Harry, soon. But first, we need to resolve this Regulus Black matter."

"Then let's not waste any time, sir. We must find Regulus Black."

Dumbledore nodded. "You're right, young ones. There's no time to waste. But be careful. This journey may be more dangerous than you think."

Draco wanted to laugh at their absurdity. They had no idea about Regulus and what he was.

Draco raised his hand. Dumbledore acknowledged him. Draco cleared his throat in a fake manner. "Sir, I don't think Uncle Regulus will do anything for now. He betrayed Voldemort at the cost of his death."

Two surprised eyes looked at him. The blue eyes narrowed for a few seconds. He seemed to be looking for a hint of a lie in him. Draco could feel something prodding at his mind.

"Aren't you very knowledgeable, young Draco? It's as if you've lived through these things before," Dumbledore said with a sincere sparkle in his blue eyes.

Draco narrowed his eyes and scrutinized the old man. Then he smiled in the same way. "Rest assured, sir, I don't know more than you might think."

"I see now?"

Harry interrupted again. "Uncle Regulus? Are you related to him?"

"Yes, Regulus and my mother are cousins. Which makes us cousins or something similar. Pureblood lore."

"This doesn't make us relatives, does it?" the boy asked with fear on his face.

"No, don't be ridiculous, that's absurd," Harry breathed out at his words.

"So, I guess on paper we might have some kind of connection?" Draco asked unsurely.

Harry looked at Dumbledore this time. The old man chuckled at them. "No, Harry, Draco and you are not related. You're free to do whatever you want."

Harry was relieved. Draco, however, raised an eyebrow at Dumbledore's words. Whatever he wanted?

"Now, I wouldn't want to keep you two young men from your lessons. Run along and catch up."

Draco quickly got up from the chair. He forcibly pulled Harry up as well. Harry seemed like he wanted to ask something more. Before they exited the door, Dumbledore stopped them once more.

"Candy?"

Draco and Harry looked at each other.
They ate a few lemon drops on the way as they ran to catch up with McGonagall's class.