Dobby!
"So...this is the park."
"Nice." Harry looked around. "Do you come here often?"
"Yes. Well, I did. It was where I like to come to read."
It was just the two of them. When Harry came over she didn't really know where to spend the day, but she remembered her favorite spot to read and they made their way here.
"This is kinda like my cabin. Add a lake and I would feel right at home."
"Where do you live in the States?"
"Up past New York. Been living there almost all my life. We moved to Potter Manor when I got the Hogwarts letter. I'll show it to you someday."
"Do you use an international port key to get there and back?"
"Nope. Doc has a way faster and easier way to get back and forth. Good thing too. I hate port keys."
"Why?"
"They are uncomfortable. It's like someone ties you to a huge tire and rolls you down a mountain. Only you're tied by your naval."
Hermione raised her eyebrows at that. "That sounds very unpleasant."
"Yeah. Sirius says it gets better but I have yet to get used to it." He sat under a large tree.
Hermione sat next to him. It was a peaceful afternoon and pleasant weather.
Not far away from the two was Natasha out of sight. She agreed to take them to the park but was still a mother hen as they say. To be fair both herself and Harry had possible threats to those idiots loyal to the 'dark lord' or her past exploits.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why don't you call Sirius dad, but you call Natasha mum?"
"Oh...well. I kinda always called Nat mum since I was a baby. I thought she was my mum when I first saw her. Sirius said the hair confused me. Since then she's been one to me. Sirius on the other hand was always Padfoot or Pafoo." He explained. "I did call him dad a few times but it was uncomfortable for both of us."
"Why?"
"You know how I can read people right. Well, when I was still small and learning it I had no real filter so I get a lot from everyone. When I call Sirius's dad he was washed over with a wave of emotions. Some were good but they were buried under pain. He felt like he was replacing my dad. That hurt him and that transferred to me. He didn't mean it but it was what I felt. As I got older we talked about it. He is a father to me and I love him but we just agreed to settle on Sirius or Padfoot. Pafoo if I want to mess with him."
"Does your little brother do that too?"
"Reg never misses a chance to prank his dad. They are so alike it's scary." Harry grinned. "He tries to get me but I usually see it coming. He does get lucky sometimes."
"Your house sounds chaotic." She smirked.
"Controlled chaos. Mostly." He grinned back." Get it? Because I can control the chaos."
"Stick to flying and books. I don't think stand-up is for you."
"Haha."
Hermione lost her smile suddenly. "Let's go."
"What? What is it?"
"Hey, it's Bucktooth Granger."
Harry turned and saw three girls coming toward them.
"Old friends?"
"No." Hermione stood up. "Victoria. Elsa. Grace."
"I thought you were too 'special' now Granger? Too good for regular school. But it's not like you had any friends to miss you so you had that luxury. "
"Wow," Harry said in disbelief. "You know there is a word that describes you three perfectly? It rhymes with witches."
The three looked at the boy in anger.
"Who are you? Are you paying her to do your homework? Smart but she's useless after."
"Names are for friends so Hermione knows mine. You don't get the luxury." Harry smirked. Mean girls. This will be fun.
"Well look. Granger found a loser boyfriend."
"He's not my boyfriend." She didn't realize the slight blush at that word. "Don't you have a four-piece puzzle to solve? I'm sure the three of you will get it one day."
Harry laughed at that.
The larger of the girls stepped forward. "Watch it Granger or we'll..."
"What?" She shot back.
"Let all the others at school know you have to pay some boy to tolerate you. It won't come as that big of a surprise since you don't have any friends."
Hermione wished she could use her wand right now. Did they have to show up here?! Today?!
"Your flexibility amazes me. How do you get your foot in your mouth and your head up your arse all at the same time?" Harry stepped forward.
The girl glared harder. It was obvious that these three were not used to being on the receiving side of this sort of thing.
"Stay out of this."
"Is that some sort of threat? Not much of one." Harry grinned at the obvious leader. "I’m sure you will get a reasonable price if you sell that brain of yours, it seems virtually unused and new."
He then went for the more plump one. "I love what you’ve done with your hair. How do you get it to come out of your nostrils like that?"
That hit where it hurt because she went full fish face. Then he went for the last one.
"Mirrors can’t talk. Lucky for you, they can’t laugh, either." Her face gave him another shot. "Keep rolling your eyes, you might eventually find a brain."
Hermione watched in awe as Harry was verbally destroying these girls before they could even retort. Every time they tried he hit them back with something so cruel and funny she was laughing. She knew she shouldn't but these three were terrible to her and it was funny to see them get knocked down a peg.
"Who do you think you are?!" Victoria stepped forward but her shoes somehow were tied together and she fell face-first down.
"Graceful." He laughed. "Hermione may not be perfect, but she does have a massive advantage. She not you." Harry took Hermione's hand and pulled her away from the three as they were too infuriated to comprehend what just happened.
But their bad luck wasn't up as a small flock of birds landed on the branch above them and decided they would make perfect places to go.
Hermione turned back at the screaming and saw them covered in bird droppings.
"That...was brilliant!"
"It was nothing. I just saved them from the wrath of Granger." He smirked.
"I don't have a wrath!"
"They've not seen you almost be late to class."
"That was your fault!"
"See? Wrath."
"Ahh!" She growled and marched ahead. The grin that appeared on her face was not something she could get rid of. A friend who stood up for her.
Harry ran to catch up grinning to himself. I love magic. Wish it would have been bigger birds though. Maybe a few eagles. An ostrich would have been wicked...
"I didn't need any help there, but thank you." She said.
"I know you didn't, but how could I resist? I love knocking bullies down."
"I never would have guessed." Remembering his encounters with Professor Snape.
"Of course, you wouldn't. I'm the very virtue of restraint and understanding."
"You're full of it. If you believed that your head would never fit in Hogwarts."
"I could always make the castle bigger."
She stopped and looked at him. "Can you do that?"
"Maybe." He shrugged and walked ahead of her this time.
"Hey!" She rushed to catch up.
Sirius sat at the school board meeting. It was boring and time-consuming but after last year he was determined to make sure Dumbledore never did something so foolish as to bring a dangerous artifact here again.
In the back of his mind, he was still sulking at the fact Remus shut down any party plans. He's becoming a wet blanket the older he gets.
"Albus have you managed to find a replacement for the Defense Professor?" Augusta asked.
"Indeed I have." He smiled. "Gilderoy Lockhart has accepted the position."
"Really?" Sirius didn't need to try to hide his surprise. "That's good news. An Order of Merlin holder should be a big improvement over the last one."
"I hope it is true." Dumbledore knew it was unlikely, but perhaps he may be surprised. "He's already set material for the coming students."
"What book has he using?" Augusta asked.
"He set the list provided." Albus flicked his finger and copies of the book list were in front of the rest of the board.
Sirius read over it and realized something. "Wait what?" H sat up. "He wants to make all his books mandatory? Those aren't cheap Albus."
"He was insistent. It is his class and does have the right to set the material."
"Why should families spend all their money on these books? I'm happy we have a good professor, but I can't sit here and say it's acceptable for our families to fill his vault."
"This is unusual Ablus." One of the others agrees. "I'm sure there are books that are accessible for far less. Why should all the books that, while impressive, be on all the year's requirements?"
"It was one of his terms for taking the position."
"So he makes a lot of money from selling all his work along with his pay for the position?" Sirius asked. "I don't think families should go bankrupt to fill his vaults."
"I agree." Another spoke up. "I say we vote on it."
The board did and the majority agreed with Sirius.
"I fear this may cause Gilderoy to reconsider taking the job," Albus said.
"If this causes him to change his mind then we'll just have to find a replacement," Augusta said. She didn't want to because Lockhart is a very impressive wizard, but she agreed that people shouldn't go bankrupt over him.
"Unfortunately I don't have an alternative to place in the position."
"I'll do it." Sirius offers. "If Lockhart backs out then I'll take the job. Pro bono." It did sound fun and he would be around in case whatever that elf warned Harry about. Plus the look on Snape's face...
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. That was a mixed offer. One he didn't have to pay Sirius but did he want him that close?
"That is quite the offer. I will write to Gilderoy and tell him of the change."
"If it helps tell him the board overruled you."
Dumbledore did consider that. At least he won't be able to blame me for it, but I'm not a fan of being overruled or showing that other can do so.
Harry was getting annoyed at the lack of letters so he went directly to the Sanctum. Since it was a short trip Reg tagged along.
Neither of them expected the entire Sanctum to be filled with snow and ice!
"What happened here?" Harry asked in bewilderment.
"Someone left the Rotunda of Gateways opened up to Siberia during a blizzard." A jacket-wearing Wong portaled in.
"Wow, it's cold." Reg held his arms.
Harry snapped his finger and large winter jackets were over both of them. Like hell, he was going to let his brother freeze.
"Is Dr. Strange in today?" Reg looked around.
One of the new sorcerers, who was cleaning up the snow shook their head no.
"Strange is busy dealing with the Gateways," Wong said.
"Hey, Wong. Any word on the mail?"
"No," Wong answered. "It has been unusual. It's as if you have no mail being sent, but just to you. Sirius still gets his."
"Any idea what is doing it?"
"The direct is still in effect. So something is stopping your letters from somewhere. However, I can't figure out where or who."
"Why would anyone steal your mail?" Regulus asked.
"I have no idea."
"The source of the spell for the redirect is in the east wing if you wish to read anything. I wish I could be of more assistance but there is an issue in the east I need to attend to." Wong tossed a bag through the portal. "Don't touch anything." He warned as he left.
The boys didn't need the warning. Well, they felt they didn't need it but sometimes they're very determined to get into trouble.
In the room, Harry picked up the book and read over the spell. Nothing should be interfering with it so what was happening?
"Harry any chance you can make me a sword like this?" Reg asked as he eyed a black blade behind glass.
"The Ebony Blade? A sword made from a fallen meteorite and enchanted by Merlin?" He came over. "I'm not that good. Yet."
"So...that's not a no..."
Harry rolled his eyes but chuckled.
"What about this?" The younger brother asked for another case.
"The Bezerker Staff? the adrenaline rush and a burst of super-strength fueled by the wielder's inner rage and hatred, often accompanied by particularly hateful and unpleasant memories. In humans, it can cause trauma that could take decades to overcome? Yeah no."
"Where do you keep all this information?!"
"I read."
"So do I but you remember everything perfectly."
"Not always, sometimes I need a refresher."
"Still a walking encyclopedia." The boy mumbled. "What about..."
"Reg I'm not making you something this dangerous. Most of the things in here aren't made for humans."
"That's what makes it fun!"
"Alright let's get back to the house. It's only a few weeks from school and there's some...."
"Harry Potter must not go back to Hogwarts!"
Both turned to the shouting voice and were stunned to find a small house-elf in a pillowcase. His big eyes almost pleading.
"Who are you?" Harry asked.
"Dobby is sorry...Dobby must stop the great Harry Potter from going..."
"Great?" Regulus asked with a scuff.
"Dobby? What do you mean to stop me?"
"Dobby is sorry but Harry Potter is in danger! Terrible things are happening...bad..awful! Harry Potter is in danger if he goes back to Hogwarts!"
"Dobby are you the one stealing my mail?" Harry deduced. Why would the elf be here of all places otherwise?
Dobby lowered his ears. His big eyes looked saddened. "Dobby thought you wouldn't want to return of your friends never wrote..."
"Dobby please give me my mail."
Dobby snapped his finger and the pile appeared on the table.
"You do know Harry spent the summer with his friends right? He didn't need to get letters."
"Dobby had to do something! Harry Potter was hidden. Dobby couldn't find him!"
"How did you get in here anyway?"
"Strange magic here. Dobby had to sneak and crawl but found this room Dobby did. Sent mail to a hidden place." He seemed proud of his accomplishment.
"Dobby it's obvious you didn't do this on the orders of your family or you would have just gone to Sirius. I'm guessing your master is the one who is the danger." Harry reasoned.
Dobby looked afraid and started to hit himself with a random artifact but froze mid-strike.
Harry held the elf in his magic as the small creature looked around in terror.
"If I let you go do you promise not to hurt yourself?"
Dobby's eyes grew even wider at the magic that was being used. When he was put down he gasped. "Harry Potter...is so strong!!"
"Dobby what do you mean by dangerous?"
Dobby shook his head rapidly. "Terrible things...dark...Harry Potter will be in danger if he returns!"
"So a regular year?" The youngest asked sarcastically.
"Bad! Dark! Evil things!!!" Dobby shouted.
"Why is there a house-elf here?" The welcome voice of Stephen Strange was at the door.
Dobby immediately went even more nervous. "Mr. Strange...Dobby has heard of you...Terrible things." As he back away from the man.
"That is a matter of perspective and it's Dr. Strange." He looked the small elf over. The pillowcase and scars showed he was not well cared for. "Who is your master? And why are you here?"
"Dobby can't say! Dobby will be punished! Dobby will burn hands, but Harry Potter must not go back to Hogwarts!"
"Why?"
"Evil!"
"Dobby is it? You’re not helping me here." Strange raised his voice. "If there is a threat to that school you need to tell me everything you can."
"Dobby can't say! But Harry must stay away!"
Harry locked eyes with the strange elf and tried to see what he was saying. He was met with a shield that threw him back.
"Dobby is sorry!" Dobby bounced around the room hitting himself on random things. "Bad Dobby!!"
"Harry." The younger brother came over to him.
"That didn't go well." Harry groaned. "Bloody house-elf magic..."
"You got your butt kicked."
"Interesting," Stephen said. "I need to read up more on house-elf magic." If it could keep Harry out it was very powerful.
Harry sat up a little dazed. "Dobby I will go back. Please don't try to stop me."
"Dobby will protect the great Harry Potter!" And popped away.
"That elf is crazy!" Regulus gasped.
"You should see inside his head." Harry shook his own.
"Get back to your house. I'll go over the wards to stop this from happening again." And take the time to think about this elf warning.
"What about what he said?"
"Unfortunately it was too vague. I can't shut down the whole school on the warning of a house-elf. Especially one that seems unhinged."
"What if he is telling the truth?"
"He was," Harry said. "I didn't get in but I didn't feel any deception. He was afraid and worried, but he was trying to keep me away because he was trying to protect me."
"We need more information before I can do anything about this." Strange reasoned. "And we need to discuss this with your parents."
"So some random elf has been stealing your mail and warned about something dangerous happening at Hogwarts?" Natasha sat across from the two.
"Yeah, that sums it up," Harry said.
"Did he say who's elf he was?" Sirius asked this time.
"No. He kept trying to hurt himself and when I tried reading his mind he forced me out."
"And across the room," Regulus added.
"Are house-elves usually that powerful?"
"Only if they are defending the family they serve. If someone tried to force Kreacher to go against me then he would be forced to use as much magic as he needed to protect himself and the family."
"I didn't get anything from him," Harry said reluctantly. "It was a mess in there." That and if he tried too hard he could seriously hurt the little guy.
"He kept saying someone was planning something horrible at Hogwarts," Regulus said. "He also kept hitting himself."
"He must be punished a lot." Sirius reasoned. "The fact he went against his family to warn you is very odd."
"Odd? Odd is the fact your society keeps using slaves." Natasha said.
"I know." Sirius sighed. Once he didn't see the issue but now he had a much wider view of things. "Did you get anything that could be useful?"
"No." Both Strange and Harry said at the same time.
"I tried to read his mind but he forced me out. Well, I could have tried harder but I didn't want to hurt the little guy."
"Not surprising he stopped you," Sirius said. "House-elves magic is unpredictable. To protect their families there's very little that can stop them. If he fought back then he knew that his family was at risk if he saw who they were. Even if he hates the family he can't let harm come to them."
"What are we going to do?"
"What can we do?" Strange asked. "Even I can't shut down Hogwarts on an unusual threat."
"I'll go back and stop it." Harry declared.
"Harry..."
"No, listen please." He spoke. "If it's a threat to the whole school wouldn't it be better for me to be there? If I see it then I can get Wanda there in a flash and she can deal with it. Not me." He reassured. "I can even start picking through some of the likely suspects and give the intel to you." He said to Strange.
"I don't like it," Natasha said.
"The only other option is to pull Harry and hope we get lucky."
"If you pull me you have to pull Hermione and Neville. Oh and Blaise and Susan....and my teammates...my dorm mates...basically everyone."
"You just have to protect people don't you." The mum sighed.
"He gets that from you," Sirius said with some humor and pride.
She glared at him but looked back at Harry. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. I promise I won't go off half-cocked as I did with the stone. Any problems and I'll immediately call Wanda and Doc, but I can't let my friends be in danger."
"There is a possibility that this is all a scam," Sirius argued. "What would be the news be like if Harry Potter left for another school? Fudge would have moved the earth itself to get you back. Maybe even push to removed Dumbledore and the board."
"Too many unknowns. I'm afraid the only way to get the full picture is for Harry to go." Strange said. "Natasha I promise I will keep an even closer eye on Hogwarts."
"Grow another eye." She ordered.
That got a chuckle from the rest of them.
Diagon Alley was always a lively place but today seemed extra busy. After they were dropped off by the bus, Natasha still hated it, they were surprised by the crowd gathered around the book store.
"Mum, can we go to the pet store? I want to see if they have any ideas for Motto." Regulus asked.
"I'll take Harry to get his books if you want to take Reg." Sirius offered.
"Alright."
The family separated as Harry and Sirius went to Flourish and Blotts Bookseller and Natasha was practically dragged by the younger boy away.
"What's going on in there?"
"Harry!"
Harry saw Hermione and her parents coming toward them. "Hey, guys."
"Harry. Sirius." Richard greeted them.
"It looks like your favorite place is pretty busy today," Jean said.
"I know why too," Hermione said. "I heard there was a famous wizard inside doing a book signing! Come on!"
Harry was dragged by the girl in the store as Sirius and the Grangers chuckled.
Inside was the man. His smile was so bright Harry was sure he used some magic to get them that white.
The fangirls all around his spot in the store were like watching a nature documentary. The most boring one you can imagine. A bunch of mums fawning over one man. He saw a lot of his schoolmates were doing the same too.
I hope I don't have to deal with that when I get older. Starring is bad enough but I can't stand people like this.
He looked over and saw Hermione with an unusual look on her face. She looked like she had just been given a tome with all of life's secrets in the pages combined with Christmas morning.
Well, we are in a book store so that isn't out of place, but surely she isn't falling for...
"It can't be. Harry Potter!" The man exclaimed.
That was when Harry saw the name on the big sign.
Lockhart? He doesn't look that impressive. But then again neither does Dumbledore.
Before he knew it Harry found himself being pulled close to the man. It was an obvious photo option that he didn't want to pass up.
"Big smile Harry." Lockhart gave his award-winning smile. "Together we're sure to be on the front page."
Harry was about to force himself away from the way to eager man when he saw some movement and grinned himself.
As the cameras started to take pictures they suddenly stopped working.
"Release the boy. Now."
The whole store split like the Red Sea as the man with gray on his sides and a red cloak moved through them to Harry.
Lockhart froze but quickly regained his composure. "Dr. Strange what a surprise! Come I'm sure the people would love to see a picture of us together."
"I don't pose for pictures," Stephen said. "Did you even ask Harry?"
"No." Harry moved away from him and next to Strange. "Not that I would have agreed even if he did."
Lockhart looked perplexed. Why wouldn't the boy want to revel in the fame?
"I would appreciate it if you refrained from manhandling my godson." Sirius finally got threw the annoying crowd.
"Mr. Black. A pleasure." Lockhart said quickly. "Yes I may have been a little overzealous I admit but I always do when surrounded by such amazing individuals. The fact I get to help mold the minds of the future of our society." He smiled at Hermione.
The girl looked awestruck as Harry rolled his eyes.
"You're taking the Defense position?" Strange sized the man up and found nothing impressive. Then again Dumbledore does look like a frail senior so perhaps looks can be deceiving?
"That I am my good doctor." He didn't notice Stranges eyes narrow at that. "And personally seeing that the students are receiving the best material for it."
Lockhart was still upset his books were not added to the required material. Well, all of his books. He had been able to negotiate one of his most impressive ones on the list along with the book that the board insisted he uses. Arguing that the stories inside would be a good introduction for various creatures and how he best defeated them singlehandedly.
"Since this is such a monumental event here I am happy to supply Mr. Potter here a copy of my required book Magical Me. Free of charge." Lockhart let the admiration from the crowd full him at his generosity as he handed the book to Harry.
Harry held the book and then looked at Lockhart. This guy loves the sound of his voice. I can't believe he is as skilled as he makes out. "Thank you 'professor'." He strained. "But I think someone else would benefit from this." He handed it to the first one he met. "Here you are. I don't mind paying for mine."
The younger boy was supper excited and thanked Harry.
"Such a generous boy." Lockhart tried to get the attention back in him. "It inspired me to give all first years, in the store, for the next 10 minutes a 10% discount on my book."
That got the crowd thrilled. They didn’t know that Lockhart was already raising the prices on the other years to make up for it.
"What a tosser," Harry mumbled.
"Who?" Regulus asked as he popped up behind Harry.
"Ah! How did you do that?"
"Mums have been teaching me to be more stealthy."
"I may need to tie a bell around your neck." Natasha put her hands on his shoulders. "Who's that?"
"Our new professor."
"He's brilliant!" Hermione gushed. "Look at all the things he's done." She held up a stack of books.
Stephen grabbed one of the books and tossed a gallon to the shopkeeper. He had some reading to do.
"Beg pardon." Lockhart caught sight of the enchanting redhead. "And who is this lovely woman?"
Natasha immediately sensed creep from the man. His smile made her feel uneasy. "Natasha."
"Beautiful name to match a beautiful woman. I take it you already know of me."
"I have no idea who you are."
That took a lot of the sail out of the man. Sirius decided to intervene at this before Lockhart did something more foolish. "Gilderoy. This is my WIFE and our boys."
Lockhart went a little white at that. "And what an incredible looking family you have. I look forward to teaching these boys the years of my experience."
"That shouldn't take long," Harry said under his breath.
"It's getting a little crowded in here so we'll be stepping out. Best of luck with your job." Natasha steered her family out and away from that man. "Really? Him?"
"He's world-famous and an Order of Merlin holder, I can't fault him for being a bit full of himself."
"Hey, guys!" Neville came running over with his parents. "You met Lockhart?"
"Unfortunately," Harry growled.
"Where's Hermione?"
"Still inside. She may be developing a bit of a crush on the new professor." Sirius teased.
For some reason, Harry felt annoyed at that. It was short-lived because another annoyance was approaching.
"I bet you loved every part of that Potter."
"Great..." He groaned. "Hello, Bad Faith. How did you get even paler? Seriously get some sun. People will start to mistake you for one of the ghosts at this rate."
Draco glared at the name but it was the taller blonde that had Harry's attention.
"Lucius." Sirius moved between Harry and the man.
"Black." Lucius examined the group. His eyes did narrow at the sight of Strange. "Dr. Strange." He greeted formally.
"Lucius Malfoy." Stephen now stood in front of the rest. The way he was calm but had an aura of power around him had the 'former' Death Eater on edge. "Unfortunate this is the first time we have a chance to speak. It is a shame I was unable to get to the Death Eater that took your arm before he could. Who knows what I could have uncovered?"
"Yes, I too wish that would have been the case." He looked at his prosthetic arm. He had been forced to go to a Muggle to get it but he had to admit the man had talent. Of course, it had been fitted with proper spells to give him more range of movement and a few surprises inside.
Hermione and her parents came out, her hands full of all the Lockhart books.
"You didn't need to buy all of them at once," Jean said.
"Yes, I did." Was Hermione's only argument. Her goofy grin was still on her then her face turned sour at the sight of Malfoy.
"Miss. Granger I presume. Brightness witch of her generation." Lucius raised his nose to look down on the girl. "Your parents must be so proud."
Both Richard and Jean didn't like this man just from that. The way he looked at them like he was looking at filth.
"Indeed we are. Sorry, we didn't catch your name." Richard said.
"Lucius." He didn't offer to shake. "It must have been such a shock to see how narrow your world was. To be a part of all of this."
"Narrow?" Jean spoke. "It was a shock yes, mainly how...separated this world is. How much you have missed."
"Something Dr. Strange here has been very adamant about. I think it was purer before. There's a lot of 'non-magical' aspects that are not proportional to the way we have been, but perhaps I've just been too much of a traditionalist."
"The horse was a good form of transportation then the car was invented. Just because something works in the past doesn't mean things can't evolve." Strange spoke.
"Quite."Lucius was struggling to remain civil with them. As he scanned the small group his eyes bore into the youngest male. "This must be Regulus. Heir to the Black throne."
"Throne? Dad, you didn't say we got a throne!"
"Well, there goes the surprise." Sirius joked.
Regulus laughed back. Natasha watched closely to the blonde man. His superior attitude and demeanor said money. The way his face shifted slightly when she met his eyes told her he didn't believe he should have to engage in conversation with her.
"And Mr. Potter I have heard so much from Draco."
"Then you have probably been lied to." Harry countered.
Lucius ignored the shot at his son. "That scar is legendary. As is the man who gave it to you." He moved Harry's hair with his cane.
But it was ripped from his hand and Natasha held his arm in a tight grip.
"Point a wand at my son again and your good arm will be the fake one." She held him with on hand as she pulled the wand out of the cane.
"Let go of my father you filthy muggle!" Draco demanded.
Harry already had his wand out and aimed at Draco. Regulus did the same. All the kids had wands out and were directed at Malfoy.
"Enough." Strange spoke. "Natasha either break the arm or let him go."
The former assassin considered it but decided not to traumatize the blonde boy and released his father.
Lucius stood straight. His hate for the whole group was almost radiating off him. "Draco grab my cane."
Draco went to pick up the end and ran back.
"My wand please." Lucius held out his hand.
Natasha gave it back, facing toward Lucius while keeping her eye out for any movement.
"Thank you." The older Malfoy said with heavy sarcasm. "You're a very protective mother figure."
"You have no idea."
Lucius knew with all these eyes he would never be able to plant the book. However, the sight of a large group of redheads gave him another opportunity.
"Come Draco. I believe we have wasted enough time with these 'fine' people."
Harry felt how Malfoy was wanting desperately to curse them. He was not used to not getting his way. Or being shown up by a 'muggle.'
He's up to something. Is it mandatory for Death Eaters to have shields? I can't blame them when their master is insane.
What's going on Harry? Wanda asked through their bond.
A chat with a Death Eater. Well, one who was forced under the control of Voldemort. Or so he says.
Lucius?
The one and hopefully only. He's up to something but I can't get into his mind without it being obvious.
I'm on the other side of the world right now putting down a tyrant regime. I can be there in a few minutes.
Don't worry about it. He'll be gone by then.
Harry watched him walk towards the Weasleys. He then caught sight of the young redhead with them. Her eyes were locked on him.
It's him! Him! Her brain screamed so loud he didn't even need to try to read it.
Bloody hell. I'm getting out of here.
Don't want to hear from your biggest fangirl? Wanda teased.
Fangirl, fanboy, fananimal, they are all the same and I want to stay as far from them as I can. Insane mum telling stories about me...
He marched as far away from the young redhead as he could. The rest of the group followed. Missing the exchange between Lucius and Arthur.
And the one-armed man slipping a book into Ginny's cauldron...