Chapter 14
Face claims:
Laura Vandervoort as Narcissa Malfoy
Otto Seppalainen as Draco Malfoy
Domhnall Gleeson as Bill Weasley
Sam Heughan as Charlie Weasley
James and Oliver Phelps as Fred and George Weasley
Diary Entry and Moonrise
Just like any other day, Damon sat at Stefan’s desk reading his latest diary entry just for kicks. The constant invasion of Stefan’s privacy seemed to always bring a crooked smile to Damon’s face. Although reading this latest entry, Damon’s smile slowly fades into a concerned frown. It was dated for today, and some of the ink was still fresh. Stefan had stepped out to wherever he goes to feed on the local wildlife so Damon had some time to read. He could hear Stefan’s voice in his head reading the entry…
“Today felt strange. Waking up knowing Katherine is gone for good. I only wished it was by my hand. Katherine had ruined so many lives, hurt so many people, it was inevitable that her actions would cause her permanent death. Her final victim was not someone she should have attacked. The young woman, Hermione, is a powerful witch who was caught off guard. Hermione survived due to Caroline quickly intervening and getting Hermione to safety.
It was when Hermione’s sister learned of the attack that sealed Katherine’s doom.” Damon rolled his eyes at Stefan’s recount of Katherine’s death. He skimmed through the entry until he started reading about Stefan’s and Caroline’s visit to Leilani the day before. Again, the cocky vampire’s expression seemed to be attuned to the emotions of this latest diary entry. The further he read, the more concerned he felt for his best friend.
“Caroline and I went to visit Leilani. We were worried about her in the aftermath of Katherine’s death. Knowing what we know about what happens when a witch or wizard kills someone. It changes them and not for the better. Hermione had escorted the two of us to Lei’s art studio, advising us to keep quiet. Surprisingly, Caroline wasn’t the first to break the silence after we entered. I realized Leilani had painted a portrait of her Godfather. Of course, she doesn’t refer to him as her Godfather but her Dogfather, which I find funny.
Lei practically jumped out of her skin when I asked her about the portrait. She claimed she was trying to find the courage to “wake him”. Of course, both Caroline and I were confused until Lei whispered an incantation. Shockingly, Sirius’ portrait did “wake up”. He could move, talk, and recognize what was going on. Caroline and I stayed where we were sitting against the wall and watched Leilani recap everything that had happened since Sirius’ death.
She went into detail about the injuries she, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Luna, Neville, and a few others received. I was shocked to learn Voldemort and Lei were connected through her scar and he used it to invade her mind then possessed her body for a brief moment. Leilani was able to overcome the possession and throw him out. Towards the end of the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, as it was later called, several of their law enforcement showed up and realized Lei was telling the truth about Voldemort’s resurrection. Their ministry had been declaring Leilani a liar and attention seeker before the truth finally came to light.
Leilani went on to describe how she had to be moved from her home to a safe house once she came of age. During which they found a mole amongst them. The way she described this man, I know if I was there, I would have gone ripper. He caused the death of a good man, injured several others, and caused the death of Lei’s familiar and friend.
Lei had to take a brief moment to gather herself when she thought of her friend, the Snowy white owl named Hedwig. She had flown beside Lei and had intercepted the killing curse aimed for Leilani. Since she was traveling by way of a flying motorcycle (That was unbelievable to hear.), she couldn’t retrieve Hedwig for a proper burial. I didn’t have to look at Caroline to know she was crying, I could hear her sniffling beside me. But we stayed quiet and listened to Leilani tell her story.
There was a point where the four of us were laughing when Lei told Sirius about having to dawn a disguise for Bill and Fleur's wedding as a balding, overweight man in his late forties. Then three of us sat open-mouthed when Lei, Hermione, and Ron had to go on the run. Leilani, Hermione, and Ron had bounties on their heads, so they couldn’t show their faces in public. Leilani had laughed at herself saying she will never go camping again.”
Damon kept reading about Leilani and the things they went through. Breaking into the Ministry…Again. Ron leaving the two witches in the middle of nowhere. Horcrux hunting and how the Locket affected them, then finally destroying it. Getting captured because Lei said his name, which was a taboo.
Damon had to stop reading for a moment when Stefan went into detail about Hermione’s torture at the hands of Sirius’ cousin. Stefan described Sirius’ behavior towards his psychotic family and it was scary. Afterward, Sirius apologized for his mannerisms, blaming it on the “Black Family Madness.”
The details of their escape were vague since Stefan said Lei had shut down emotionally for a moment then went on to describe how they broke into the most secure Wizarding bank in their world and escaped on the back of a nearly blind dragon after retrieving another Horcrux from the LeStrange vault. Damon read how Lei and Hermione still suffer the effects of the Cruciatus, otherwise known as the torture curse, as well as nightmares and scars that will never fully heal.
Stefan’s description of the final battle almost felt like a firsthand account. It was so vivid and extreme. At one point Damon stopped reading to pour himself a drink, leaving the bottle sitting next to his half-full tumbler. He didn’t even acknowledge Stefan when he came back. Stefan shook his head at Damon for invading his privacy but left his brother undisturbed knowing what he was reading. Stefan knew Damon had developed a strange friendship with the witch and knew Damon wouldn’t want to be left in the dark about said friend.
“I think the most shocking thing Caroline and I learned about Leilani was that she had died…”
Damon had choked on his drink when he read that. He was coughing so hard trying to clear the Bourbon from his airway, he thought he was going to vomit.
“The final battle was held at Hogwarts. The one place in their world you would think was safe turned into a battleground. During the battle, there was a short cease-fire. At that time, Lei was to face Voldemort by herself or the Death Eaters would continue to slaughter everyone no matter their age. Lei had no choice but to meet the monster that had destroyed her life as well as everyone else’s she ever cared about.
Hearing Lei tell Sirius about her death was heartbreaking. The way she held her head up high as she spread her arms, welcoming the killing curse sent her way, was inspiring but also saddening. She had sacrificed herself in hopes to save everyone else. Lei went into detail about her conversation with her former headmaster Dumbledore in Limbo and the decision to finish the fight instead of moving on into the afterlife.”
Damon was fully invested in what he was reading, not even bothering to pay attention to the small but loud argument between Stefan and Elena, who was throwing a tantrum about not having the brothers' full attention. Elena kept glancing over at Damon, waiting for him to pay attention to her while also keeping Stefan’s attention on her by arguing about his time spent with Caroline. Stefan kept calm knowing he did nothing wrong, however, Elena made it seem like he was cheating. Her voice was grating on both of the brothers' nerves. Their arguing was cut short when Damon told them, “Either leave or shut up.”
Damon turn the page in Stefan’s diary, wanting to finish reading before he went to check on his best friend. He smiled at the written account of Lei’s verbal assault on Voldemort before the two had their final face-off. His smile faded when Lei recounted how many were lost once the battle was over, and Damon became angry when he learned Leilani was kept alive just to die at the proper moment. He internally cheered when Stefan wrote about Hermione and Lei deciding to screw over the Wizarding world before leaving it. And he laughed when Stefan described Sirius’ anger and shock at the outcome of several trials including Fenrir’s.
Stefan’s diary entry covered how the wand-wielders left their dimension and their new life and Sirius’ reaction to their new lives. Damon stood up after reading the final paragraph letting him know Leilani had spent some time conversing with Sirius’ portrait, as well as finding a location to hang it. Damon was confused when Sirius joked about being placed near the foyer as the new Walburga Black, whatever that meant. Damon closed the diary, grabbed his leather jacket, and looked up to see Stefan and Elena staring at him. He gave his signature smirk knowing he’d been caught but not really caring, “I’ll be home late. Don’t wait up brother.”
After Stefan had left the day before, Lei hung Sirius’ portrait in the sitting room near the fireplace. Sirius seemed happy about the location, it felt like home to him with the subtle tones of his Hogwarts house colors decorating the room. Caroline had introduced herself to Sirius and the two fell into an easy, light-hearted conversation about one another. Lei had stepped back and let the two of them talk. It was then she felt the wards shift and heard several groans and an infant crying.
Lei and Caroline walked into the foyer to see what was going on. Caroline gasped, “Oh my god, are you guys alright?” She helped Narcissa stand up straight since she was closest. The reaper, Jess, was holding a crying Scorpius so she handed the infant back to his father. Draco recovered fairly quickly when he heard his son crying. He had agreed to let Jess hold him just in case of a harsh landing. The twins were sprawled out on the cold floor waiting for their stomachs to settle. Charlie and Bill bushed off their clothes and stood up straight, taking in their surroundings. Caroline’s voice had brought them all out of their heads.
Leilani was smooshed between the twins, “Little Lei!” They both chorused while squeezing the breath out of her, “Can’t…breathe…” The twins loosened their grip so Lei could breathe. She laughed at their antics, “I missed you guys too.” Fred and George stepped away to make room for Bill and Charlie to greet her. A throat clearing pulled their attention, “Potter.” Draco held his son in his arms and came closer to Lei. “Draco? Narcissa?” Lei looked over the two Malfoys and noticed something amiss, “Where’s Lucius?”
Bill was standing closest to Lei, leaned in, and whispered, “Given the Kiss.” Lei was shocked, “I thought the charges were cleared?” Narcissa removed herself from Caroline’s grip, “There were framed for murder. Draco and I ran before Draco was to be arrested. We had just lost Astoria to childbirth and Lucius received the Kiss when the reaper approached the Weasleys’ with the offer to leave our world. The offer was extended to us by Death. A new life with a fresh start, how could we refuse?” Lei gave a watery smile, “Well, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need.”
Jess had stood off to the side and waited to speak with Leilani, “Mistress?” Lei turned to the reaper, “Yes?” Jess gestured to speak with her privately so Lei called for, “Pip.” The small creature ‘popped’ in front of the group, “Yes, Lady Evans?” Lei smiled at the house elf, “Please escort our guests to their rooms so they may freshen up.” Pip was wide-eyed in shock, “Master Malfoy.” Draco smiled, “Hello, Pip.” Pip puffed his chest in pride, happy to serve the friend of his former master’s son, “Please follow me, everyone.” The group followed Pip. Most of the group. Caroline turned to Lei, “I’m going to head out. Mrs. Lockwood is expecting me. The annual Masquerade is coming up and I’m heading the decorating committee.”
Once the front door was closed, Lei turned her full attention to the reaper, “How can I help you?” Jess blew out a nervous breath, “Death wanted to inform you about some disturbances. He feels the witches of this world may cause problems for your family. Before he took any kind of action he wanted to know your opinion about what to do?” Death wanted to make the remainder of Lei’s somewhat human existence as comfortable as he could. He knew he couldn’t get rid of all the drama but he could deal with certain aspects of it.
Lei thought about what Jess said, “I have only dealt with two witches. Bonnie Bennett is new to her abilities, but she is also judgemental when it comes to the supernatural. The other witch told me the ancestors think we don’t belong here. That was before I dealt with her and her companions.” Lei’s expression grew dark at the memory of killing Katherine. Lei knew Katherine was not an innocent soul, no where near it, but Lei killed her nonetheless.
Jess could feel the change in her Mistress’ demeanor. “Yes, well, Death was Katherine’s reaper. He personally destroyed any remnants of her presence. It is also how he learned of the Other Side’s witches' plotting which is why he wanted your opinion before he “Cleaned house”. His words, not mine.” Jess air quoted then laughed at the words Death used. A small laugh left Lei’s lips, “If Thanatos feels it is the right thing to do, who am I to stop him?” Jess nodded her head, “I will inform him of your opinion. Good luck with everyone, and farewell my Mistress.” Jess vanished before Lei could say anything else.
Lei joined Fenrir and Mason in the study. The two werewolves seemed to be getting along for the moment. Lei coughed to get their attention, “I’m sure you felt the wards shift.” Fenrir nodded his head. Lei continued, “Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George Weasley have arrived, as well as Narcissa and Draco Malfoy and his infant son. Lucius received the Kiss, and Draco’s wife died in childbirth. It’s going to be a packed house for a bit.” She sat in one of the vacant armchairs facing the werewolves, she spoke with Mason, “Fenrir knows this. When you meet Bill, you will probably sense his wolf. Just know he doesn’t shift like you two, he is not a threat.”
Fenrir took over for a moment, “During my dark years, I had attacked him and infected him with Lycanthropy but I was not in wolf form.” Fenrir smiled as he remembered the day Bill revealed all of the broken curses. He knew the Weasley boy wanted his revenge for attacking him and he expected to not leave the holding cell in one piece. So when Bill performed his diagnostic charms and revealed everything, Bill backed down. As a form of closure, Bill had been the curse breaker for many of the captured Death Eaters and found the results were almost the same as Fenrir.
Mason felt overwhelmed with all the new information he learned. It didn’t help that the full moon was later that night. Fenrir had them relaxing in the study away from everyone else, reading about Lycanthropy and meditation techniques to help with the shift. “How do you do it? How do you handle the pain?” Mason was anxious thinking about the pain from his bones breaking and resetting during his shift. “I was bitten by my father, he wanted me to be a part of his pack even though I was his son. He valued his pack more than family. One of the wolves in the pack was an animagus before he was bitten. It’s the ability some witches and wizards learn to shift into an animal. Leilani can do it, her form is a Grimm, which is a large black wolf. Anyways, this wizard taught those who would listen how to meditate to get in touch with our wolf as you would your animagus. In doing so, it made the transition faster. It was still painful but it was tolerable.”
Lei left the two to resume their meditation. She wanted to check on everyone before nightfall. Hermione was not happy to see the Malfoys but she did not voice it. She spent the day in their potions lab in the basement making sure they had all the ingredients needed for the Wolfsbane potion. Hermione was going to work on brewing it for the next full moon and onward. She would leave the potions lab to care for the twins with the help of Wink and Pip. She was surprised to see Draco caring for his son, Scorpius, in the nursery. Pip had extended the room and added a crib for Scorpius and an additional door into Draco’s adjoining room parallel to Hermione and Fenrir’s room. Hermione could see a change in the Malfoys now that they are away from their old world. She did not feel like they were a threat and she relaxed in their company.
Mason was pacing the room. He was scared to shift so close to this many people. He wanted to go to the Lockwood cellars and chain himself up but Fenrir and Lei reassured him that they will be safe. Fenrir, Lei, Bill, and Mason ventured outside as the moon rose. As Fenrir and Mason positioned themselves away from everyone, Bill and Lei warded the area. Lei crossed into the wards before they finally settled into place and shifted into Shadow and waited for Greyback and Mason. Shadow kept her distance until she knew it was safe.
It didn’t take long for his screams of pain could be heard from Mason. However, it didn’t last as long as it normally did. Instead of hours of bone-breaking pain, it was cut down to just over an hour. With further meditation throughout the months, the time should shorten even more. Mason stood on all fours, threw his head back, and howled. A louder, more beast-like roar was heard. The newly shifted Mason shrunk back a little before rushing toward the roar’s origin. He was met with a massive eight-foot-tall Lycan. The sheer size of Greyback was intimidating. The Lycan could very easily kill Mason, however, the werewolf still sought to set his position as top dog some time in the night.
The three wolves spent the next few hours running through the wilderness surrounding the Evan’s property. Greyback and Mason did try to establish who was the Alpha but Greyback won before things could get too out of hand. They finished off the night hunting wildlife and playing like pups. Lei was the first to head back to the wards near the house as the sun rose. Fenrir and finally Mason shifted back and tiredly dragged themselves inside where Winky made them both eat a large breakfast then usher them to bed. Mason had never been so grateful in his life. His new pack was a vast improvement from the one he left in Florida. He just hopes the old pack will not try to find him. Mason knew Jules and her pack were not the best of people and even worst wolves.
The next day was hectic in the Evan’s household. The house was magically extended to add several more bedrooms and ensuites for the new arrivals. Bill, Charlie, and the twins had taken over the newly added third floor, while Narcissa and Draco resided on the second floor near the nursery. It was a tight fit, but it was only temporary since Draco and Narcissa will be acquiring their own manor once they were settled in the new world. Narcissa had managed to pack everything they owned into a few magically extended bags, only the manor itself was left behind.
Damon had visited his best friend’s home so much he didn’t even bother knocking anymore, just strutted in like he owned the place. He went into the main sitting room and headed straight for the small bar to pour himself some Firewhiskey, “Much better.” He looked up from his tumbler as footsteps approached the room. He was expecting Lei but the steps were too heavy. Damon came face to face with Draco, “Who are you?” Before Draco could answer the rude man, Lei walked into the room. “Don’t be rude, Damon. This is Draco.” Damon smirked and moved to stand in front of Draco and extended his hand, “Damon Salvatore, resident asshole.” Lei rolled her eyes, “Be nice Damon.” Draco slightly relaxed, and shook Damon’s hand, “Draco Malfoy.”
Feeling an awkward tension building in the sitting room, Damon brought to light why he was there, “I came over to see how you were doing.” Lei smiled at Damon, “I’m doing as to be expected.” She pointed to Sirius’ portrait, “I finally finished my Dogfather’s portrait.” A loud, barking laugh coming from Sirius made Damon jump slightly. Draco hadn’t noticed his cousin’s portrait until now, “Hello cousin.” Sirius nodded, “Draco. How’s your mother?” None of them heard Narcissa enter the room, “I am well, Sirius.” “What is with everyone sneaking up on me?” Damon tried to calm his undead racing heart. Lei laughed at him, “You would think your senses would be sharper being a vampire and all.” Damon rolled his eyes, “Oh, ha-ha. Laugh it up. Anyway, I was wondering if I could speak with Mason on why he’s in town.”
Lei and Damon went next door to find Mason. The Lockwood manor was filled with volunteers to help set up for the upcoming Masquerade Ball. Mason had busied himself carrying boxes of champagne flutes into the kitchen to be sorted and washed. Damon and Lei stopped him before he could grab a few more boxes. “Mason, a word please?” Damon stood in front of the werewolf with Lei next to him. Mason sighed, “What do you want?” Lei stepped closer to stop the two men from posturing, “Excuse Damon, he seems to have forgotten the meaning of politeness. When you were talking to Fenrir about everything, it came to our attention that there were ulterior motives for you being here. We, and I mean my family and me, would like to know where you stand now?”
Mason was a little hurt by Lei’s tone. He thought she trusted him, but they hardly knew each other. He ran a hand through his hair, “Katherine wanted me to retrieve something for her. After her death and being free of her clutches, I have no desire to continue with anything she asked of me.” Damon crossed his arms, “And what is it that manipulative bitch asks of you?” Mason smirked at the lovely endearments spoken of his former lover, “Katherine gave George Lockwood something in exchange for her freedom in 1864. It has been in my family’s possession since. She wanted me to get it back for her. Instead, I hid it so she couldn’t have it either unless I wanted her to.”
Damon grabbed a couple of the boxes, “How about we walk and talk?” Mason picked up a couple of boxes and they made their way to the kitchen while Mason told Lei and Damon what he did with the artifact Katherine wanted so badly. “So, this Moonstone was important enough to use as a bargaining chip? Can we see it?” Lei looked down as she thought out loud, “Maybe Bill can run some diagnostics on it?” She wasn’t paying attention to the other two as they stared at her while she rambled. Damon turned to Mason, “So, we’re not going to have any problems?” Mason shook his head, “Not as long as you don’t start anything, I won’t. I just want to spend some time with Tyler before possibly moving on. All I know is I’m not going back to Florida.” Damon was a little disappointed, he was hoping for a fight but at the same time, he was glad things turned out this way.
Lei asked Mason where he stashed the Moonstone. He lead her and Damon to the old Lockwood well, “I put it inside a small box at the bottom surrounded by Vervain.” Damon rolled his eyes, “Great.” Lei whacked his arm, “Stop that. It’s actually pretty smart. Vampires wouldn’t be able to get to it.” Mason lifted the heavy grate with ease. Lei thanked him as he walked back to the Lockwood manor. She pulled her wand from her thigh holster, “Accio Moonstone.” The small box levitated out of the water slowly. Lei could see a heavy mass had wrapped itself around the box as it came to the top.
When the box reached her, a black Ratsnake unraveled itself. Damon jumped back from the well, “Jesus! Put it back!” Lei rolled her eyes as she held the small serpent, “Relax.” Then she started hissing at it. Thinking his friend had gone crazy, Damon inched closer, “What are you doing?” Lei looked over her shoulder at Damon, “His name Jeff.” Damon closed his mouth for a moment, “You can talk to it?” She nodded her head, “Uh-huh.” Damon face palmed, “Is that normal for your kind?” “No. It’s something left behind from him. He could speak to snakes. I learned that I could too my second year on accident.” They grabbed the box and made their way back to the house with Jeff coiled around Lei’s neck.
AN: This chapter was kind of a filler. The bad pack, John’s reign of terror ends, and Masquerade Ball is next. Soon the Originals will be making their appearance. I’m thinking of pairing Narcissa with Elijah.