Before the Storm
Before the Storm
**
By the time Mandrake and Daphne reach age four, the family was awaiting its fifth member. Lord and Lady Greengrass had decided to organize a reception at Blackwood Manor to celebrate the news and formally introduce the twins.
Mandrake who had retracted into the drowsy confort of childhood had been more, let's say, present. The ability to ask for books, exception made of "restricted subject" Who needs restricted subjects ?, may have help. He had yet to bring up his more muggle interests. His focus being more turn toward languages dead or alive since he knew his brain would never be more open to those kinds of knowledge. For the rest, he was content with magic theory and history as side study. It was more often than not nose in a book but he was there, for dinner and family time.
Daphne, whose competitive side had pushed her to try and decipher the strange patterns his brother seemed to love so much, wasn't far from cracking the code. She ultimately intended to let her brother transmit, though unknowingly, was was of interest to her as it as always been; a month concentrate on the different varieties of parasites proper to the magical world (and, without her knowing, some of the muggle world) had her convince that some knowledge weren't to be known and some efforts were to be made. Better than months of paranoïa She would still let him do the hard work. Not by laziness mind you, she just had enough to do as it was and the sinister conviction the weight will only increased with the years.
Thus the two were often found in the middle of the library sitting back to back, book in hand, or lazily lie one atop the other chatting. When time came to eat, sleep or simply socialize Daphne would drag her brother to their destination. When free time came back, Mandrake would lead the way to the library. The blond heads were never far from each other and were identical if not for the eery contrast in their stares. The color wasn't the same, sure, but there was more. Mandrake never seems to look directly at anybody or would fixate unseen ghosts. His gaze was colder than a dead planet, when he wasn't brighter than a Lumos, hungry as Fiendfyre or darker than the Unforgivables. It would switch quickly and unpredictably. Daphne's was more profound and calm, like the sea. One would sail those waters unaware they had lost themself among the waves. Only to sink deeper and deeper as they travel through pleasant wind and occasional tempest, nearly forgetting how when they had looked, the abyss had looked back in return.
The day the event was announced, the children were running down the stairs to meet their Father. For even Mandrake had to admit the Lord and Lady Greengrass were his parents. He did not mind so much as he did not have memories of parents to compare them to and their attitude toward him, if way too affectionate, was satisfying. Their love for their family was evident but they also respected their children as individuals. Mother would always have wise remarks and fascinating know-how about the family business or magic, and this special care that assured security, peace of mind and a blanket to the illegally out of bed late readers. Father was more political and of a welcome contenance, full of knowledge about the magical fauna and exotic spells. He was also more prone to treat Mandrake as an adult in conversations, a welcomed addition.
Now that he thought about it he was fairly certain that it had been after one of their first discussions on spells...
They've been in the living room waiting for Tilly to change and wash his sister. Bored from the last news about the wizengamot, Mandrake had ask :
"I have finished with my reading on the Cheering charm and I'm happy to say it was a more interesting endeavor than it had seemed to be."
His father's interior turmoil, when faced with the unnatural speech he had still to make familiar, was in no way apparent. His traits had been as serene in his seriousness as ever.
"And what is it that you found of such interest ?" He asked, curious.
"It revealed a lot about the bias in magic, I heard you and mother argued about light and dark magic. What I mean is that not only is it more well known under an inoffensive sobriquet and its overpowered variant put on the pedestal of good character, it is intrusive mind magic at best, nefarious mind control at worst. First off what does making a person content or happy means ? Is everybody's happiness determined and shared under the same hat ? Does the feeling or its sources, thus the connection it implies, matter the most ? I don't especially want to feel happy when there's no reason to be, it would be violating and nonconsent. And I pray, father, you don't get me started on the matter of nefarious purposes. You can die of laughter of course. At a normal level of power, I would need to test the charm to confirm the target reaction, even if the use of magic is clear, the simple act of feeling so elated to some extent denies your own capacity to not be swayed. However the worst case, I thought, happen if you instead underpower it. There is a high probability that the change would be subtle enough to pass unnoticed and be mostly harmless. However let's imagine I secretly use the underpower spell on you when we interact, you wouldn't necessarily be constantly happy in my presence, what would bloom in your brain and root itself a bit deeper each time is the idea, then knowledge, that when I'm near you, you always feel a bit better. One should never underestimate the length a bit goes... And its part of the first year curriculum." Mandrake deadpan.
His father, for the man's greatest pride, had shown nothing of the conflicting emotions waring against one another in his guts. Instead he said with a soft smile.
"It is a frightening matter you brought up to my attention. I am proud of you son, you did well."
Ruffled Mandrake hairs with affection and called Zemmy, Tylli's right arm when directly serving the Lord and Lady. The smile was gone as he politely ordered, more indicating the importance of the situation than poor treatment; the Greengrass were on the gray side of elven considerations.
"Do watch over Mandrake during my absence. If my wife comes home before me, inform her that I had urgent matters to attend to at the Minister and must speak with her upon my return. Should both of us be detained by our obligations, you and Tylli will have the charge of the children. I trust in your judgment."
Then he promptly stomped in the floo's direction.
When he returned the Cheering Charm had been put under examination from the ministry and was, for the time being, taken out of the curriculum.
After the event, father would alternate between speaking with Mandrake as Crocus and as Lord Greengrass. Alas this had been partly due to the discussion the couple had the same night. Each had equally argued for and against ether, Expand the definition of restricted, or, diminish it... It's Tylli's report stating that among other rambles on the subject he was eager to drown Daphne into, Mandrake had mention "Needing to find a way to determined how the potency a surdose of the overpowered variant would fare against Dementors''. To Mandrake confusion and despair some were missing during the ritualistic morning book count.
Books which had been stored at Blackwood Manor.
As they both greeted their father, their mother had joined them from the adjacent room. The news of the pregnancy was recent and she didn't seem changed at the moment. Strange Mandrake thought as he saw the loving look his father gave his mother and biggest of small hugs his sister graced her with. He was part of them yet not truly. Not truly part of this world. But, as he looked at them again, he couldn't deny how those two made him feel safe. Nor could he deny the uncanny closeness he had with Daphne. It wasn't unpleasant. Nor could he ignore the worry he had had about his presence influencing the potential birth of Astoria. Even trying to reassure them by telling his parents they shouldn't be worried and that he was one of a kind. He wasn't sure it was what had done the trick and why he had received too much annoying loving attention for a time, the pregnancy had put his mind at ease. Probably because he didn't accidentally kill off a character.
He snapped out of his daze giddy without a clue as to why and realized he was staring at the curtains motifs. Shaking his head to put the inside back in place before smiling and greeting his mother and sister has been done since the news of the pregnancy. With a happy little wave toward his mother.
"Good morning to you mother."
And an excited little wave toward her belly.
"Good morning to you Astoria !"
He was so happy when they briefly explained what they had planned that, resting against his father's legs, he only barely registered the mention of Blackwood Manor. Now absolutely overjoyed by the marvelous day he was experiencing, he hadn't waited to take his sister ‘s hand run to the floo.
She was certain she had seen books twirl in the reflection of her brother's eyes. Crocus and Amaryllis were happy to laugh at their children's antics, all the while whispering about the new one's potential name.
*
Mandrake was miserable. Not only did Blackwood Manor hide in his core the treasure he, oh so, desired. The building was magnificent. Of equal beauty yet all the opposite of Greengrass Manor who was a wooden structure, of a fresh green as if just sport, atop a hill surrounded by forest and full of round towers spreading in chaotic harmony toward the sky. Blackwood manor had been built during the 14th century when castle war was the hype. It was facing a vast garden on the border of a cliff upon the ocean, made of dark gray stone and ivory marble; the aisles were cubes and rectangles intertwined on a large terrain, covered in sculptures and dark edges. It was eerie but breath-taking. And full of secret passages. It was even more than certain that some were to be rediscovered and multiple led to the library. Then why ? Oh why ? Was he in itchy robes, supposedly best behavior, confined to a damn party in the garden after wasting a day in preparation ! And...
What that Malfoys he was seeing getting closer ?!
Mandrake immediately tried to back track, still unsure as to how he had ended up in this situation. Which, no, Daphne wasn't and never will be so god damn funny.
His futile attempt was cut short by the iron grip and alarming smile of his mother. Was she secretly a sadist finding enjoyment in her son's private hell ? No more time to ponder about the new discovery, the Peacocks were upon them.
His magic was itchy.
** (Daphne) **
Narcissa, was a Black. This said enough, according to father. Malfoy oldest and Malfoy the youngest were as mother had described. Blond and arrogant. It unhinged her how similar they both were. The only evident disparity, hairs apart, was that Lucius Malfoy exuded power and prestige. Like her father, simply with different tools. Draco for his part could without shade of doubt accurately described as a peacock who just farted. Maybe was that due to their first and only meeting.
She didn't remembered the details. In essence she had been speaking with her brother under the intrigued and determined expression of a drooling minifoy. Probably wanting to participate, Draco had, for the joy of his parents, tried his luck with words. She though he tried to say : "Daddy say". She would never knew for sure. Her brother had send him across the dining in a bout of magic.
Satisfied with her quick review, Daphne took a step forward. She shivered. Her brother's panic had been funny; now she could feel his magic cornered like an animal inside her bones. She'll need to be careful. She was the half in charge during such times. A shame mother knew that too. Mandrake was a time bomb she would gladly let explode instead of snuff out. Time to apply mom's lesson.
She, as elegantly and delicately as her motoring function allowed, pinched the sides of her robe and curtsy. Then proceed with the basic salutations.
"We bless your presence, Lord of the most ancient and noble house Malfoy; Lady of the most ancient and noble house Malfoy; Heir of the most ancient and noble house Malfoy."
Narcissa chuckled, approbation evident in her eyes. A small reward for such an ordeal. Not that Daphne didn't take it. At least, only one of each side had to do it. Now was Malfoy's turn. The boy took a step. Fixing her in the eyes before performing a satisfying bow. Shame when he looked up again his gaze had fallen onto her brother. Malfoy salutations had been strangely twitchy. Earning him his father's side eye and an encouraging nod from her mother. She would lie if she said it didn't help her smile look more natural.
Anyhow the Malfoys were thankfully fast to let others advance to meet them. The merciful waiting time in-between was dedicated to groaning and tracing soothing thumb circles on her brother's back.
Greengrass was one of the most powerful families among the gray when it came to politic and economy. Thus it wasn't surprising to see families of all nuances and establish status meet business partners and talented minds of all kinds to their balls and party. Not much of the latter considering tonight's pretext. But nearly all the main families were present, those absent had sent a close relative to attend in their stead.
It would, after all, had been considered extremely rude to her family had mere political divergence been an excuse to not participate in the outing of the elder twins and announcement of Lady Greengrass' second pregnancy. Quite a miracle, though Daphne couldn't realize it, considering the current political climate of tempestuous grudges. Even lost in boredom she felt pride at what she understood of her family's influence and reputation.
Mandrake had only become paler and paler as guest past by forcing Daphne to add humming to rubbing. The worst being when one by one had advanced the Weasleys. Only three, bless be Merlin : it would have taken an eternity. The Father, a boy older than them, straight as a pike and a boy their age. The last one had her believe a moment Mandrake would somehow cut his restrained arm and run for it. Then, as was always the case when, she supposed, his brain reached the conclusion they were doomed for who knows what reason, he gave up.
Mother had thankfully seen the lonely thread of common sense in Mandrake's brain snap. Both girls had been as succinct as possible. The Weasleys being the last expected guests Daphne had asked permission to leave and guided a confused Ronald and unresponsive Mandrake far from any adults.
It revealed itself to be the right decision when Mandrake had brusquely asked where Scabbers was and if he was unwell. Weasley had answered without much thought, happy for any subject he could participate in. Scrabbers, apparently a rat, had simply stayed home. His mother, Molly, was convinced the boys wouldn't be able to monitor the pet. How her brother knew the name of the Weasley's pet was anyone guess.
The conversation had quickly died down on Mandrake side, now as uninterest as ever. Daphne taking control of the interrogation. She didn't know what was special about the rat but she did not believe in randomness either when it came to Mandrake. Ronald was happy to talk about his brother's rat.
"Wonderful, aren't they." Had sight Lady Greengrass looking over to the twin. Now in what seemed a pleasant conversation.
Lord Weasley had left an amused chuckle precede his answer.
"I can see that both of them bring you as much joy, and trouble, our seven bring to Molly and I."
"They do." Then she faced him with an apologetic smile. "I do apologize for the lack of decorum but I like to think you, Arthur, would find it refreshing."
"You're not wrong Lady Greengrass." Said the man, adding a jovial nod to further reassure her.
"Good. Now, would you mind escorting me back to others ? Crocus will be delighted to see you, he wanted to talk to you about the latest studies on muggle electronic reaction to magic."
She had gracefully interlocked their arm and started guiding him in the direction of her husband's chair.
"It'll be my pleasure. These last few papers are truly fascinating. I feel a potential breakthrough in our attempts to combine the two. I must add that it's always a pleasure for the MMAO to count on House Greengrass collaboration."
"I should have stayed with mom."
Conclut Percy.