The three uninvited Guests
The double attack on Justin and Nearly Headless Nick turned what had been nervousness into a real panic. Curiously, it was Nearly Headless Nick's fate that seemed to worry people most. What could possibly do that to a ghost? people asked each other; what terrible power could harm someone who was already dead? There was almost a stampede to book seats on the Hogwarts Express so that students could go home for Yule this year. Much more than any of the Professors had seen over the past decade.
Celestia, the twins, and Theo left Hogwarts the very first day of the break with most of the student body, while Regulus and Blaise remained in the castle.
Even though it was a dangerous endeavour they wanted to be able to report any strange happenings that could bring them closer to finding out what exactly lurked around the Chamber to Celestia.....
Not to mention that Harry and his two little minions were behaving much more suspicious lately... Even more so than usual.
At last, the term ended, and a silence deep as the snow on the grounds descended upon the castle. It was actually quite peaceful, especially with only Blaise, Regulus, Draco, Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle being left in the Slytherin Dungeon.
Blaise and the Heir of the Black family often times could be found playing a round of chess in the Common room, while they quietly talked with one another, comparing results of that day's happenings at Hogwarts.
There wasn't too much to do, which is why they were glad that their friends Owled them often.
The twins were having the time of their lives if the pictures of them, Theo and Celestia on a Muggle Christmas flair, were anything to go by.
Regulus was often left amused, Blaise having found it hilarious when Celestia had sent them a picture of the twins and Theo standing next to a very annoyed looking white cat that suspiciously looked a lot like a certain Dark Wizard who shared blood with the half-Veela.
Gellert Grindelwald, in his cat form, may have been a lot less frightening than what most people thought him to be, but it did not change the fact that he was one of the most powerful and murderous Wizards on the planet, with a deeply rooted sense for vengeance and more hatred for the world and its people running through his veins than actual blood.
Theo knew this, and on each picture that was sent it was made clear that the Slytherin was probably going to faint in the following minutes if he didn't get away from their friend's great-great-grandfather.
Christmas morning dawned, cold and white....
This meant the start of the fourth day of Yule, to which Blaise and Regulus woke up in their Dormitory alone, Draco having most likely spent his morning digging through his presents already.
They left their Dorm room, walking to the common room where Jasper already dutifully waited, many presents beneath his sharp talons as the Owl glared at Draco, who no doubt had eyed them a little too long for his liking.
,, Good job, Jasper...." Regulus praised, the Owl pridefully puffing its chest out.
,, Have any of you seen where Crabbe and Goyle went? Parkinson's also missing." Draco suddenly asked them, making them turn to him.
,, Not anywhere that we would know of..." Blaise answered as Regulus shook his head.
Draco huffed, standing up and walking towards the entrance to the common room.
,, Where are you going ?" Blaise asked, fearing the blond would do something stupid.
,, Looking for them!" Draco called back, quickly leaving the Slytherin Dungeon, at which Regulus and Blaise sighed.
,, Let's forget about him...." Blaise said, clapping his hands as he looked at the presents. ,, It's time to open up presents!"
He quickly dived for one wrapped with Orange wrapping paper, a glittering Violet Bow on top of it.
Regulus took the one in his pile that looked identical to Blaise's, though the colors were reversed and his was wrapped in Violet wrapping Paper with a glittering Orange Bow on top.
,, Obviously the twins..." Blaise muttered looking at the card attached to it, to see who it was from.
Happy Yule, hope you're still alive over there.
- Gred
Yep, definitely from the twins.
,, Mine's from Fred." Blaise said, sweat dropping at the message.
,, Then this must be from George.." Regulus said, also looking at the card attached to his present.
Happy late Yule, Lord Lestrange now likes us more than you by the way.
- Forge
Regulus sweat dropped as well.....Now very much afraid of what would happen when Rodolphus and Rabastan learned of his relationship with Celestia, if the eldest Lestrange was obviously not very keen on him at the moment.
They opened them together, surprised to find something very unlike the twins inside.
Carefully lifting it out they were met by two vials made out of glass, a clear liquid swimming in it.
,, There's another card." Blaise said, lifting it up.
These are two very special potions, we can't say the name, but you could say that whoever drinks them will have no choice but to tell you exactly what you want to know about them. Use it well they cost us a lot!
- Forge and Gred
Regulus and Blaise almost couldn't believe it.
,, Those two sent us vials of Veritaserum." Was the only thing Regulus managed to get out, still baffled.
,, Merlin's beard...... Theo is definitely influencing them." Blaise said, knowing that their fellow Slytherin must have had something to do with it.
Theodore Nott was much more scheming than people gave him credit for.
,, A-Anyway, let's continue with the next ones..." Next up were Theo's presents, both wrapped in Silver and Green.
Opening it they were met with a box of Muggle nail polish, for Blaise, and a very old Book, for Regulus, with a title that made the Slytherin immediately hide it from view, in them.
,, Oh! It glows in the Dark!" exclaimed Blaise, excitedly turning to Regulus who nodded at his friend, both knowing that the other saw him hide the book.
Blaise understood though and didn't pry.
,, Why did you want nail polish again ?" Regulus asked, watching as Blaise inspected the many colors and tools Theo had sent him.
,, Doing your nails isn't what it used to be anymore, Reg. The Muggles match them with everything, may it be their Outfits or their holidays. I love some of the designs and want to try them out, maybe ask 'Tia and the girls, after this whole argument thing is over, if they want me to do theirs as well." was Blaise's answer, looking pleased with the colors presented.
Celestia and Perenelle had obviously picked them since most of the colors went well with what Blaise had in mind, something that Theo was probably unable to understand since the boy often questioned what he was even talking about.
,, That's nice." was Regulus's only reply to that..
Not that he found it disinteresting or something amongst the likes of it, he merely wasn't experienced in fashion like Blaise and Aiden were...
And while he had nothing against listening to him talk about his passions, and was always there to lend an ear, he couldn't offer much else.
Suddenly the Portrait to the common room opened and in came Draco with Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle following after him.
,, Welcome back." Blaise greeted.
,, Where were you ?" Regulus asked, immediately suspicious of the trio.
It was very unlike Pansy to come in the common room as quiet as she currently was, not to mention Crabbe and Goyle.
,, Oh-Ehm-In the kitchens." Pansy stuttered out, which made Regulus raise an eyebrow at her.
Did she just stutter.....?....
And was that a blush he just saw...?
The Pansy Parkinson he grew up with certainly did not blush in the presence of boys, nor would she ever dare to stutter.
Hells, she had elbowed him and Theo twice in the face upon their first meeting for doing so in front of her father.
,, Wait here," said Draco to all of them, motioning his three minions to the empty chairs set back from the fire. "I'll go and get it my father's just sent it to me--"
And with that he disappeared into their Dorm, making Regulus shake his head as Blaise sighed. ,, Honestly.... Lucius is going to Hex him one of these days."
,, What are you two doing..?" Goyle asked and Regulus' suspicion rose even further as he spotted him wearing a pair of glasses...
,, Unwrapping our presents, what does it look like ?" Blaise sassily replied, lifting the next one up, grinning excitedly as he read the card.
Happy Yule, may mother Magic watch over you even in the years to come.
- Celestia
,, It's from 'Tia!" He exclaimed, at which Regulus's focus was immediately swayed to him.
The italian opened it and immediately smirked, showing them the expensive chocolate and a beautiful ring with the Zabini Crest on it, two doves flying above a field of roses that bloomed with a singular pearl in the middle.
,, Whoa....." The other three uttered out, in awe over the expensive pieces, while Regulus's look turned dark.
Blaise, of course, noticed this and started wiggling his eyebrows playfully. ,, Looks like 'Tia likes me more than you, Lover boy."
Regulus rose an eyebrow, his gaze calculating. ,, Do you want to challenge me, Zabini? I might as well remind you that she and I will be betrothed from this Summer on."
,, What !?" Pansy shrieked, at which they turned to her, both surprised by her outburst.
Pansy turned crimson, glancing away with a slightly hurt expression. ,, S-Sorry..........."
,, Okay......." Blaise said, turning back to Regulus, slightly weirded out. ,, Anyways, open up yours."
Regulus did without much hesitation, unwrapping his gift.......
He opened it up and was surprised to find a Letter instead of his gift in the box.....
Gently lifting it up he looked it over, noting that it was very old Parchment and that the Wax-Seal held the Pendragon Crest.............
Dear Regulus,
I know you might wonder where your present lays, but I promise you it will show itself to you as soon as you have finished this Letter. I have written you to let you know that Theodore, the twins, and myself have found something very interesting in Salazar Slytherin's books. He likes to speak of someone named Manasa, who he fondly calls one of his dearest companions... We now have a suspicion about what the Creature might be but will keep it to ourselves until we can be sure that it's confirmed. But enough of that, I wish you a happy Yule and hope you will like the present I picked up for you. Lord Black and your House Elf Kreacher helped me pick it.
With Love,
Celestia
A smile made itself on his face, Blaise chuckling as he watched his friend..
Sometimes he couldn't help but compare Regulus to a puppy that was seeking attention from his owner in the way his fellow Slytherin was so desperatly yearning for the little Ravenclaw he loved oh so dearly.
The boy put the Letter aside and put his hand in the box again, this time feeling something....
Lifting it up he froze, looking at it with wide eyes.
This.........
,, Reg-....!!!!!!" Blaise watched, completely gobsmacked as Regulus looked at the locket in his hand....
It wasn't just any locket after all.......
This looked like an exact replica of Salazar Slytherin's locket!!!!
,, Dear Salazar and Morgan....... Is it the real one or just a replica ?" The Italian asked, not entirely sure himself, since Celestia always had her ways to get what she wanted.
The locket of one of the founders was easy to get when one had an unlimited supply of gold and other riches behind their name, after all.
Regulus inspected it closely, comparing it to the one he saw in the books about Salazar Slytherin......
And he came to the conclusion that it was only a replica........
Well....
That was until he noticed something rather peculiar.
The frames were made out of black metal, which glistened almost ominously when you held it near the light of the fireplace .........and unlike Salazar's locket, there wasn't a Snake, but a Dragon with bright Amethyst eyes and black scales.
He opened it, finding it cushioned with maroon satin and a single folded paper neatly placed in the middle.........
, It's......' He smiled the tiniest bit, closing it again and putting it on.
,, You're gonna wear it now ?" Blaise asked, slightly disappointed since the locket would be more suited to wear with an elegant Outfit.
,, Yes." Was Regulus's only reply, and Blaise didn't have the heart to argue with him over it, the boy looking happier than he'd ever seen.
,, *Sigh* Fine.....you better hope Celestia likes the present you picked for her as much as you do that locket, or else I'm going to make you buy her another one." The Italian threatened, making Regulus roll his eyes.
As if he didn't know what Celestia preferred....
,, Crabbe, Goyle, what did you two get ?" Blaise asked, turning to the three awfully quiet Slytherins.......
,, ....Sweets." Crabbe replied, sounding very unconvincing.
,, Yeah... me too." Goyle answered, which made Regulus and Blaise only more suspicious......
Before they could ask more Draco came back in, holding what looked like a newspaper clipping. He thrust it under Crabbe's nose.
"That'll give you a laugh," he said.
INQUIRY AT THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC
Arthur Weasley, Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, was today fined fifty Galleons for bewitching a Muggle car.
Mr. Lucius Malfoy, a governor of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where the enchanted car crashed earlier this year, called today for Mr. Weasley's resignation. "Weasley has brought the Ministry into disrepute," Mr. Malfoy told our reporter. "He is clearly unfit to draw up our laws and his ridiculous Muggle Protection Act should be scrapped immediately."
Mr. Weasley was unavailable for comment, although his wife told reporters to clear off or she'd set the family ghoul on them.
"Well?" said Draco impatiently as Crabbe handed the clipping back to him. "Don't you think it's funny?"
The three laughed, though it was clear that it was forced.
"Arthur Weasley loves Muggles so much he should snap his wand in half and go and join them," said Draco scornfully. "You'd never know the Weasleys were pure-bloods, the way they behave."
,, I wouldn't say that." Blaise said, making everyone turn to him, the trio looking shocked while Draco looked confused..
Blaise's expression turned almost sinister, the smirk on his face nothing less than sadistic. ,, I mean come on Draco, that family loves to pride itself on being so welcoming to Muggles and Muggleborn and everything they do, yet not even a single one of them married anything but Purebloods or in rare cases Half-bloods, it's a bit funny don't you think ?"
Regulus nodded. ,, The twins and maybe their older brothers could be exceptions, but from what I've seen and heard about the Weasleys it looks like they treat Muggles more like pets than fellow humans. It's quite concerning."
Draco laughed, nodding. ,, They aren't as different from us as they'd like to make themselves out to be! It's hilarious!"
Crabbe's face was contorted with fury...
"What's up with you, Crabbe?" snapped Draco.
"Stomachache," Crabbe grunted.
"Well, go up to the hospital wing and give all those Mudbloods a kick from me," said Draco, snickering. "You know, I'm surprised the Daily Prophet hasn't reported all these attacks yet," he went on thoughtfully. "I suppose Dumbledore's trying to hush it all up. He'll be sacked if it doesn't stop soon. Fathers always said old Dumbledore's the worst thing that's ever happened to this place. He loves Muggle-borns. A decent headmaster would never let slime like that Creevey in."
Draco started taking pictures with an imaginary camera and did a cruel but accurate impression of Colin: "'Potter, can I have your picture, Potter? Can I have your autograph? Can I lick your shoes, please, Potter?"
He dropped his hands and looked at the three.
"What's the matter with you three?"
Far too late, the three forced themselves to laugh, but Draco seemed satisfied, while Regulus and Blaise quietly watched them.
"Saint Potter, the Mudbloods'friend," said Draco slowly. "He's another one with no proper wizard feeling, or he wouldn't go around with that jumped-up Granger Mudblood. And people think he's Slytherin's heir!"
"I wish I knew who it is," said Draco petulantly. "I could help them."
Regulus and Blaise sweat dropped, knowing fully well that Celestia was the actual Heiress and had nothing to do with the Beast in the Chamber of Secrets.
They wondered how Draco would react if he knew, the actual power his younger cousin held remaining a secret to him, on his mother's request.
,, He does not need to get involved with the darker parts of our families just yet..... Let him remain in the dark for a little while longer......" she had asked, her gaze saddened as she held both Regulus and Celestia to herself on the platform.
She was worried about her son, espacially since the Malfoys were a Vassal House to the Pendragons and many members of the family were hunted down and killed after the passing of Theseus Grindelwald, for their support of the King's Heir instead of the two bafoons fighting a sensless war....
Her Goddaughter had seen more horrors than anyone could comprehend, even if she kept mostly silent about her past, and her her sweet nephew had turned from a sweet and shy boy into a closed off individual filled with hatred after the deaths of his mother and grandparents, and the betrayal of his father.....
It was war and loss that had turned them into who they were now... and while she loved them either way, she wanted to protect her son from the brutality that awaited him only a little bit longer, which they understood.
Crabbe's jaw dropped so he looked even more clueless than usual. Draco didn't notice, and Goyle, said, "You must have some idea who's behind it all..."
"You know I haven't, Goyle, how many times do I have to tell you?" snapped Draco. "And Father won't tell me anything about the last time the Chamber was opened either. Of course, it was over fifty years ago, so it was before his time, but he knows all about it, and he says that it was all kept quiet and it'll look suspicious if I know too much about it. But I know one thing - the last time the Chamber of Secrets was opened, a Mudblood died. So I bet it's a matter of time before one of them's killed this time... I hope it's Granger," he said with relish.
,, Draco." Regulus lowly warned, not wanting the boy to talk about this kind of thing with people who were obviously pretending to be their three childhood friends.
Crabbe then asked. "D'you know if the person who opened the Chamber last time was caught?"
"Oh, yeah... whoever it was was expelled," said Draco. "They're probably still in Azkaban."
"Azkaban?" asked Pansy, puzzled.
"Azkaban - the wizard prison, Parkinson," said Draco, looking at her in disbelief "Honestly, if you were any slower today, you'd be going backward."
He shifted restlessly in his chair and said, "Father says to keep my head down and let the Heir of Slytherin get on with it. Though he says not to get mixed up in it. Of course, he's got a lot on his plate at the moment. You know the Ministry of Magic raided our manor last week?"
"Yeah..." said Draco. "Luckily, they didn't find much. Father's got some very valuable Dark Arts stuff. But luckily, we've got our own secret chamber under the drawing-room floor--"
,, Draco!" Regulus finally snapped, at which the blond shut up.
,, I don't know why you're always trying to spout nonsense..... That secret chamber has last been opened in the last War, Uncle Lucius sealed it shortly after the Imperius Curse was lifted from him and the Ministry is well aware of that.. So shut your mouth before I do it for you, cousin." Draco shrank in his seat, while Blaise merely continued on as if nothing happened.
He knew that nobody would ever want to cross an angry Regulus, the boy having definitely gotten his anger management from his grandfather Orion, who was known as a sadist and cold hearted individual even on his best days.....
They were lucky he hadn't taken after Walburga....
Suddenly the three others stood up, bolting out of the Common room, which made Regulus sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. ,, Blaise, can you please inform Professor Snape that we need a new Password? Tell him we had three uninvited guests."
,, Will do." He replied, already standing up to make his way towards Professor Snape's Chambers.
While on the way he wondered how long it would take until Regulus tried strangling a certain nosy Gryffindor, who had obviously bitten off more than he could chew.