Lone Traveler: The Slytherin Chronicles

Lucius and his wife were in the drawing room. They were discussing the issue that Lucius was concerned about. Narcissa had agreed with his worry. They finally decided on a path. It wasn't the most pleasant idea, but desperate times …

Arthur Weasley sat within his office at the Ministry of Magic. He was very close to being promoted to the head of the office. It was considered, in years past, to be a somewhat unimportant posting with little consequence.

A number of incidents in recent years had changed that. The office had been renamed from the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts to the Muggle Artifact and Technology Office. The department was now in charge of ensuring Muggle items weren't improperly modified (nothing that would alert a Muggle who handled it) as well as recording every place within Britain where Muggles recorded the goings on.

The Apparition Office was supplied with known unsafe locations and wizards were required, as part of their apparition license, to check in once a year to ensure their normal apparition points were safe.

When a particular establishment or institution became so inundated with cameras that apparition anywhere nearby was made impossible, one of two things would happen. Either the entire area was marked as unsafe for apparition or, if the area was sufficiently traveled by wizards, an apparition station would be placed nearby – something which required the Muggle Relations Office to ensure that permission was obtained by those Muggle government offices that knew about the Magical world and could help expedite the issue.

Suddenly, the office was interrupted by a knock on the door. Arthur looked up from his Muggle Camera map and saw who was there. He was surprised by his visitor. "Mr. Malfoy. Do you need something?"

Lucius sat within the chair he was directed to by the man. In that moment, Lucius almost balked. But the future of his House required sacrifice …

"First I wanted to offer congratulations. I have heard word that you will soon likely be taking over this office."

Arthur was a bit hesitant in dealing with this man. Rumours about his actions during the troubles with you-know-who made his suspect. But, Arthur had also been witness to a number of changes which were championed by the man which were more in line with his beliefs. So …

"Yes. Thank you. The current head is looking to move into the Muggle Relations Office as he doesn't want to reeducate himself to take care of our new responsibilities – which I am told that you had something to do with."

Lucius nodded in acknowledgement. "It was brought to my attention by a friend that it was becoming an issue. Unfortunately, most wizards have stayed ignorant of the importance of what your office does. We need to prevent uneducated wizards from needlessly endangering out world. Muggles need to be protected from ill-conceived magic, whether malicious or not."

Arthur sat back and decided to be frank. "Mr. Malfoy, can I be direct? I do not want to give insult but …"

Lucius nodded. He preferred subtlety – but in some cases the direct approach prevented misunderstandings. "I promise not to be offended."

Arthur nodded. "Our families have a history. Our family has been pushing for generations for Muggle protection. Your family has been preventing it. We've been sidelined and looked down upon, prevented from financial advance – it hasn't all been done by Malfoys but much of it was backed by them."

Lucius sighed. The true issue. "Yes. Myself and my ancestors' political beliefs, and our dogged defense of same, have damaged your family's position. As has been pointed out to me by a trusted mind, in small words easily understood, we have been, in a word, wrong."

Arthur was astonished. He would never, in a thousand years – hell, even two thousand years – expected that response.

Lucius continued solemnly. "I still believe in the grace and culture of our society. I believe in reverence for those who came before being demonstrated by maintaining our customs and traditions, and preventing those traditions from being destroyed by those who are unfamiliar. I believe in value of having proven blood to pass on to the next generation. I also believe that the average Muggle is not educated enough or rational enough to be told about our world. I believe that magic should be celebrated and that knee-jerk reactions to the misuse of magic should not prevent those who respect it from using it. Much magic has been labeled Dark because someone without vision misused it and scared politicians banned it to relieve an uneducated populace. I have not changed my basic beliefs. I just recognize that we, in turn, have overreacted the other way."

Arthur sighed. "You know, if that had been the argument, our families wouldn't have been in contention for the last century and a half."

Lucius nodded in acknowledgement.

Arthur sat forward. "I believe in the value of each life. I believe that magic should not be improperly used to the detriment of those who cannot protect themselves. I believe that our culture is strong enough to not be endangered by those who follow other ways. I believe that magic is magic, regardless of blood. I believe that educating Muggles, when required, would prevent our way of life from being attacked. I believe that the public good should be maintained and that there IS magic which is Dark and for which there is no excuse for its use. I believe that we, as stewards of our society, should be able to label those things which damage it as wrong and prevent it from taking place. I believe that magic easily misused must be kept controlled so that it doesn't harm those who are unable to defend themselves from it. My beliefs are also deeply felt. You have a point that some magic labeled Dark is simply misunderstood."

Lucius, in turn, acknowledged the Weasley position. "I respect that. I have recently been confronted by the existence of such magic and have done my part to see it eradicated. Some magics are beyond what is acceptable in all cases."

Arthur nodded in agreement. "So. Why this discussion today? What do you need that you have come to me?"

Lucius looked at Arthur and said, "I would negotiate with you on family matters. As this is a personal matter and not a matter for the Ministry, I wish to invite your family to my home for dinner. After dinner, my wife and I will negotiate with you and your own wife."

Arthur nodded and stood up. He presented his hand. "Probably better. If your wife is anything like mine, she'd probably be offended if family matters were discussed without her input."

Lucius gave a small smile as he shook Arthur's hand. "Yes. Narcissa has no interest in business, but has every interest in keeping our family strong."

The Weasley family, for this first time in over a century, was hosted by the Malfoy family within their home. The children who were old enough to understand were on their best behaviour (the twins were shown the switch their mother would use if they got out of control). Those that were too young (Ron, Ginny, and Draco) were given more leeway.

As it was summer, all seven Weasley children were present. Bill kept a close eye on Fred and George.

After dinner, as was anticipated, the two couple left to talk within Lucius' study. The children were left playing together under Bill's watchful eyes, as well as three house elves.

Molly Weasley, nee Prewitt, was a driving force behind the Weasley position. In return, Narcissa Malfoy, nee Black, took the major part of negotiating the Malfoy position. At one point, Lucius and Arthur sat back, drinking wine, watching the two women haggle. The Blacks were well known as shrewd negotiators – but the Prewitts were no slouches in that department either.

The final agreement was closer to a treaty between factions than the betrothal agreement that the Malfoys were originally shooting for. With the loss of so many pureblood families, the number of girls that would be acceptable to ensure a healthy line was very small. The most distant available were the Weasleys – no Malfoy/Weasley marriages had occurred in over two centuries. Arthur's mother was a Black, but the two families had diverged five generations back on Narcissa's side and four generations back on Arthur's side. There was very little danger of negative effects from the union.

The document made no reference to the past dealings beyond acknowledging that any such contention was being acknowledged as ending. The Malfoys would fund the education for the children of this generation effectively making them Malfoy scholars. The betrothal could be ended by the mutual agreement of the parties when Ginny reached seventeen or one of the parties despite the other's desires when Ginny reached twenty-one. The children could disassociate themselves from the agreement by paying back, by using a portion of their future wages, the amount spent on their education. The Weasleys also received a house-elf to ensure that they were more acceptable to general Wizarding society.

Dobby absolutely loved his new family.

The contract was widely published. In the following years, it was cited by historians as the turning point in the end of the fighting between the Pureblood traditionalists and the Muggle-friendly liberal factions within the Wizarding world.

Arthur was very surprised when the two wizards entered Gringotts to arrange financial matters. The teller they approached was much friendlier than Arthur was used to seeing.

Lucius approached the teller. "Good afternoon. We wish to speak to the account managers for the Malfoy and Weasley accounts. If they are unavailable, we would arrange an appointment."

The teller looked up and saw who had approached, "For you, wizard, they shall make time."

Arthur looked at Lucius curiously. Lucius said quietly, "Gringotts was appreciative that I pushed to have McNair turned over to them."

Arthur nodded. The Dark wizard's trial had been widely published – another factor making his office more important.

The two wizards were shown into a conference room. The two wizards greeted the goblins cordially and sat down. "What can Gringotts do for you today?"

Lucius replied, "We are here to set up an account for the tuition and educational costs for the children of Arthur here. I will provide the initial deposit." He gave an amount.

The Weasley manager was curious. "That will not be sufficient for all expenses."

Arthur nodded. "I am aware. We have agreed that the tuition and educational costs will be paid once a year. The remaining amount will be used as investment capital to ensure the funding continues. When my youngest Ginny, the betrothed of Lucius' son Draco, begins her last year, the remaining amount will be designated as Ginny's dowry."

The goblins spoke to each other briefly. "What limits do we have on investment?"

Here was where Lucius was surprised. The Malfoys had a habit of investing in all-Pureblood ventures. Arthur replied, "Whatever you feel would be the most profitable. As long as it's legal, it's acceptable. You are far, far better than we at recognizing opportunity."

None of the Wizarding participants would ever learn that the Weasley Educational Fund would become a major backer of the Grunnings Drills and Saws venture which would expand Grunnings reach in the Muggle world and increase the market base for Gringotts' diamond mines. When Ginny, in years later, learned of exactly how much her dowry was she was completely flummoxed. No pureblood girl, not the main heir of an old family, had such a dowry in the history of the Wizarding world.

Finally the deal was done. It created quite the wave in Wizarding society.

Severus sat within Lucius' study, drinking firewhisky with the master of the house. "My seventh-years are in awe of your little deal."

Lucius nodded in acknowldgement. "I was just solving the issue that you brought to my attention earlier this year. Say what you will of the Weasleys, they are uncommonly strong magically."

Severus smirked. "You've upset Dumbledore."

Lucius was interested. "Oh?"

"Oh, yes. He had plans for the Weasley girl. He was looking to eventually pair her with the boy-who-lived. The Weasleys were major supporters of the Headmaster's views. That you have allied yourself with them has left him on his back foot so to speak."

Lucius and Severus clinked glasses together in a toast.

"Well, it is unfortunate that the Headmaster is so put out, but needs must. I've ensured the future of my family."

Severus nodded. "Yes. A bride for your son from a strong and fecund line. Support from both sides of the blood issue. It was well done. It has created waves in Hogwarts, the Headmaster's plans notwithstanding. My Slytherins have begun to ally themselves with the oldest Weasley boy, second year that he is."

Lucius nodded in acknowledgement. "Always good to hear that my allies are increasing their reach." Lucius paused. "By the way, speaking of allies, my wife and I have been receiving enquiries."

Severus cocked his head. "Oh?"

Lucius barely concealed his smirk as he replied, "Yes. A number of acquaintances are aware that you are our son's godfather. They've been asking about your marital status. Having a number of younger sisters or older daughters on hand, they are looking for a good match."

Severus' eyes grew wide. "Tell me you are joking."

Lucius shook his head, even as he watched Severus' reactions. "No. Word has reached out from Hogwarts as to your guidance of true Slytherin values. Suddenly, your name is much more attractive in a number of circles."

Severus face took on a look of horror. Suddenly, he began cursing all things Potter. Lucius watched in amusement as the Potions Master's ire ran its course. Finally, when Severus had calmed down, Lucius asked, "Why are you cursing the Potter family for generations to come?"

Severus sighed and looked at his friend. "Have you ever heard of the legend of the Lone Traveler?"

The tale that followed was astounding to the blonde Pureblood. He, as most wizards, had been fascinated by the story as a child. To find that its basis was also the boy-who-lived – original universe notwithstanding – was astounding to him. Lucius suddenly felt much more pleasant toward the name of Potter.

His family, after all, had averted disaster due to the intercession.

Finally, when Severus was finished explaining, Lucius thanked him for passing on the information. "It seems that we've been blessed by magic. Better to respect it and carry on. Anyway, to get back to the point that brought this out …"

Severus almost whispered, "Please. No."

Lucius did not sound very apologetic as he said, "Sorry. With Draco's future assured, my wife has decided that she needs a new project. Ensuring the happiness of such a close family friend has struck her as an appealing passtime. Expect shopping trips, visits to various witches dealing with personal appearance, and a whole host of dinner and party invitations."

Severus gave Lucius a look which was both fear and annoyance in equal measure. "Can't I just resign from Hogwarts and disappear? I'm sure Narcissa would be distracted if I absented myself."

Lucius had stopped trying to hide his amusement as he replied, "My wife is a Black. They don't know when to quit."

Severus face dropped in his hands.

Sirius was annoyed as he sat down in the Three Broomsticks across from Severus Snape. "Hello, Sevvie. How are things going?"

Severus looked at Sirius. The man was far less cheerful than was his normal. "Things are going fine. I'm getting married next summer. What's got you in a twist?"

Sirius pulled out a book from his inner pocket and dropped it on the table. "Have you seen this drivel?"

Severus looked at the book and his face took on a look of distaste as he read Harry Potter and the Nundu. "Yes. A book about your godson and his adventures in Africa. The Headmaster is a fan of the stories."

Sirius looked very annoyed. "Well, it's complete drivel. While I'm just as likely as anyone else to embellish my own adventures, this complete fabrication from the whole cloth will put completely unrealistic expectations on my godson. Harry's four! He's just learning to write the alphabet, not riding nundus and dragons in far off places."

Severus asked. "What would you have me do?"

Sirius sighed. "I don't know. I just want them gone. Or at least marked as the fantasy that they are. Sure, anyone with half a brain will know they're just stories but kids will believe this and expect him to be some heroic figure when he shows up to attend Hogwarts."

Severus paused and then asked, "Aren't you his godfather? I'm certain that you have some legal basis to stop it."

Sirius thought about it. "Yeah. Didn't think about that. I really could use some help on this though. I'll have to check with Ted."

Severus considered and then replied, "I can also ask Lucius for his backing. He's been much more reasonable since the final death of the Dark Lord."

Sirius nodded. "Yeah. He's much better than he was a few years ago. If you would have told me five years ago that Lucius Malfoy would be the biggest force behind Muggle protection in the Wizarding world I would have called you crazy. Yeah, sure. Go ahead." Sirius paused himself and then said, "Wait. You're getting married?"

Severus sighed. "Yes. Your cousin, Lucius' wife, has been pushing me to socialize. I am cursed by continuing inference by Blacks and Potters. Merlin help me. I am now in a contract with a woman who graduated two years after we left." Severus told Sirius her name.

Sirius nodded. "Yeah, was a good looking girl at Hogwarts. I never went after her – I didn't have a great reputation in Slytherin. But she's a real catch." He grinned as he continued, "So tell me about what you two do together."

Severus gave Sirius a withering look.