Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

The Dark Circle	By : SisterGryffindor Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > General Views: 4815 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: We do not own any part of the Harry Potter series/charachters/movies/books and we do not profit from our writings regarding them.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
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Alerick slipped on his tie, sliding it up in place and then staring a long moment at his reflection in the mirror. Gryffindor. It was still sinking in; he was not in Slytherin he was in Gryffindor and he did not understand why it had happened.

He heard the others moving about but he did not say anything to them. None of them had spoken to him yet; last night had been a quiet affair and this morning even quieter. He’d heard them muttering about him, about how he had tried to refuse his assignment to Gryffindor. Was Lord Father Malfoy going to be upset that he had become a Gryffindor? Mallek… great Merlin, what was he going to tell his Prince?

He sighed and ran his hand through his hair one more time; it fell back into place as if spelled to lie perfectly upon his head. He gathered his courage and turned, exiting the bathroom to return to the bedroom. His roommates were gone already, to his relief. He walked to his bed and picked up his bag from his footlocker and headed out. There was nothing he could do except to do his absolute best; he had to prepare the way so that the others would be comfortable when they arrived. In three more years his Prince would be here as well and that would be the best ever…

“There you are lazybones.” Angel said teasingly as he came down the stairs.

He gave a soft smile. “Good morning, Angel.”

“Wow, you’re looking sharp, Alerick.” Rose Weasley smiled, moving to join her best friend.

“Thanks… so what do we do first today?”

“Breakfast in the Great Hall, and then we go to our first classes. What do you have first?”

He checked his list, hesitating. “Um… looks like potions.”

“That will be Professor Bones.” She said. “She’s very particular…”

“I bet she’s not as bad as Professor Warrington…” Alerick managed to grin.

“Close.” Rose giggled softly.

“Most of the first years will have the same class together; you’ll probably have it with that girl you met last night. What was her name, Tanya…?” Alyssa asked, reaching to take his hand.

“Yes, she’s very nice.” He agreed, feeling himself relax somewhat.

“Come on, cousin; it’s time to eat something. You must be starved; I noticed that you hardly ate a bite last night…”

“I wasn’t hungry, to be honest.” Alerick, Rose and Angel moved through the common room and the fat lady’s portrait. Even though he was with his cousin and friend, it still seemed very lonely to him as they moved down the stairs surrounded by other students. He couldn’t help but wonder what Mallek was doing right now; if he had gotten his letter yet, and if he was going to get a letter from him today.

The Great Hall had its four long tables lined up, and the tables were already half full by the time the three of them got their seats. The dishes on the table did indeed look inviting, but Alerick once more did not really feel like eating. To make Angel feel happy, though, he did put some eggs and a bit of fruit on his plate.

He watched the others a few minutes, sighing softly. He really missed Mallek, Alyssa and the others. It was really hard sitting here alone, knowing that he was the only one apart from the others. He picked at his meal, hoping that it would soon be time to move on and not be forced to continue to try to eat. He just wasn’t hungry…

The cry of a bird pulled his attention to the magically enchanted ceiling. He looked up to see owls sweeping in to the Great Hall, gliding through the rafters. Each of them held a box or letter or scroll, and they began to sweep down, dropping their packages.

“Oh I hope Dad remembered to send my cauldron and my potion-preparation set…” Rose said, looking up.

Alerick took another small bite, watching the birds as they delivered their packages. One caught his attention, an owl with feathers as black as night. It flew off and turned, a package clutched in its talons. It turned its head and its eyes met Alerick’s; it then banked and flew back toward him, gliding low over the table. The black owl back winged and settled silently to the table in front of him then, hooting softly.

“For me…?” he asked softly. The owl hooted again and leapt off into the air, leaving the package behind.

“I bet that’s from Mallek.”   Rose smiled.

“No, it isn’t.” he said, pulling the box closer. “It’s from your father, Angel.” He said softly, looking more than a bit confused.

“Well, open it, silly.” She smiled, watching an owl swoop in and drop a box in front of Rose. Another owl dropped several letters in front of Angel as well.

Alerick slipped the letter off the top of the box, opening it carefully. Why would Harry send him something…? The writing in the letter was not Harry’s, it was Mallek’s. Relief flooded through him at that realization and he immediately began to read.

Alerick;

Lord Harry is sending you a gift in this box. It may seem a simple gift but he assures me that it will be something that you need. Please put it in your room this morning and if you can, wait with it there. I will send you another letter tonight.

I miss you, but the others are helping me get through. I hope you are all right.

Your Mallek.

“Did he send you something?” Angel asked, glancing up from her letter from her little brother.

“Yes.” He answered. “But I think it’s really from Mallek.” He said, pulling the strings open on the box and pulling it open. Inside, wrapped up in silk, was a silver mirror with a frame of gold. He gazed at it a moment, confused. A mirror…?

“Oh, that’s very pretty.” Rosie said, smiling at him.

“Yes… I had better put it away before class.” He said, rising to his feet.

“All right… can you find the way?”

“Not a problem.” He smiled reassuringly. “I’ll find my way, thanks Angel.” He smiled at her as he picked up his things. He found himself glancing at the mirror often as he headed out of the Great Hall. He slipped it into his bag and turned to mount the stairs.

“Good morning, Gryffindor.” The last two people he wanted to see were standing on the stairs, more or less blocking his way; Crissy and Jordi Rookwood seemed to be standing there waiting for him. He found he was very glad that he had put the mirror away; he tucked the box up under his arm.

“Good morning.” He answered out of sheer habit and politeness, though he did make the tone dismissive.

It didn’t work; either these two were too thick to catch the dismissal or they simply had no manners at all. He was more apt to believe the second. He could not help but notice that the boy sported scrapes and a black eye he had not had the night before.

“Your name; its Alerick Malfoy, right?” Chrissy went on.

“I really don’t have time for this.” Alerick frowned at her.

“We got off to a bad start; you took my little joke all wrong.” She smiled at him. “It was all a misunderstanding last night.” She said in a perfectly reasonable tone.

“By being cruel to my new friend, you mean?”

“Friend…? Oh come on; she’s not even worth knowing, she’s just a mudblood! She’s certainly nothing special tha needs to come between real wizards. You and I, we’re Old Wizarding blood families. Purebloods; we need to stick together.”

“Your heritage does not grant you special status, Cryseis.” He answered, shaking his head. “True status is gained on your own, through hard work and proving one’s abilities and skills.”

“And who taught you that, a muggle-born?” she asked, her tone disdainful. “Or maybe it was that little mudblood girl?” she smiled wickedly. “It seems she really isn’t as graceful as she seemed…” She said in an innocent and slightly concerned tone.

“What are you talking about?” he frowned.

“Oh, Jordi, he doesn’t know!” she said melodramatically, raising one hand to cover her mouth in a false expression of horror. “It was awful; she tripped this morning on the stairs. I heard she had to go to the medical wing for treatment this morning; very clumsy of her, isn’t it? Such a shame...”

“Yeah, a shame.” Jordi repeated with a smirk.

Alerick only narrowed his eyes slightly; he was a Malfoy; he had no intention of giving this cruel which the satisfaction of knowing she had gotten to him. “I’ll have to check on her later. As for myself, I will be sure that I don’t ‘slip’ on the stairs when I come back down.” He answered, keeping his eye on Jordi, who seemed to be trying to slip off to the side and out of view. “My family has been coming here for generations, and I know a few ways to get around that Miss Culliver may not know.”

“Really, now?” she asked smiling sweetly. “My brother Reginald is the Prince of Slytherin, and I bet he can tell me where to find all of those little ways of yours…”

“And my uncles are the Weasleys.” He returned aloofly. “Uncle Fred and Uncle George are legendary around here for what they were able to do. They run Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes in Diagon Alley. Surely a witch as well-connected as yourself has heard of them…”

“Of course I’ve heard of them, every witch or wizard has. It’s Jordi’s favorite store. I knew there was something I liked about you the moment I saw you…”

“So you express that by being cruel to someone I’m talking to?”

“I was only teasing her. You took it all wrong. Really, we need to start off all over again…” she suggested, her smile becoming almost seductive. Of course, this had no effect whatsoever on Alerick.

“You cannot undo the past, but to ignore it is foolish.” Alerick said, slipping past her but Jordi again blocked his way. It was clear that he would not let him pass.

“You need to take the time to talk to me, Malfoy.” She said, clearly growing angry. “You don’t know what an advantage I could give to you. We’re both from old wizarding families and we could form an alliance….”

“I’m not interested.” He said immediately, clearing his face of all expression. “I really don’t have time for this.” Alerick said. “Excuse me. I have things to do…” he said, starting to go past them on the stairs. “I don’t have time to waste on the likes of you.”

“Now don’t be so mean, Alerick…! We have our first class together; why don’t I just walk with you to drop that package off with the house elves, then we’ll walk down to class together?” she suggested, remaining at his side.

“I don’t need an escort.”

“Don’t be a silly ass…” she began.

He frowned at her; he had certainly been taught better manners than that. “You have a very dirty mouth.” Alerick said, pulling his wand. With a flick of his wrist he used a cleaning charm on her mouth.

Instantly foam and soap came spilling out of her mouth. She screamed, gagging and choking, stumbling back a step. Coughing and spitting in outrage, she pointed at him with a hand that looked more like a hooked claw and demanded of her brother. “Jordi!” was all she managed to get out.

Her brother’s wand was out and he shot a stunning spell before she even managed to get the words out. Alerick had been expecting some sort of response and immediately spat “Protego!” to fend off the attack, knowing full well it was probably too late to prevent himself from being bowled down the stairs he had already climbed. This was really going to hurt…

The spell did not hit him at all; it glanced aside and barely even impacted him at all, hitting the railing instead. “Leave him alone, Crissy.” The three of them turned to see Lazlo standing at the base of the stairs, eye blackened, dried blood showing the scrape he had been given on his cheek the night before.

Jordi immediately took a step back, staring at his year-mate with clear suspicion. Alerick only now realized that Jordi’s face was more bruised than Lazlo’s. Alerick was truly surprised to see his half brother standing up for him, not expecting anything from him at all.

“This is none of your concern, so butt out.” Crissy sneered at him. “What do you care about him anyway? You said he was a puffed-up prat, remember?” she shot back.

Lazlo narrowed his eyes. “I said nothing of the sort.” He answered. “He’s family. I told the two of you last night that if you mess with my family I will get involved. I’ll take it personally. Leave them be and I leave you be.” He growled, his eyes meeting Jordi’s. “Back. Off. Now.” He growled, one hand closing into a fist around his wand. “I ain’t warning you again.”

Jordi hesitated a moment, then took half a step back, his wand lowering.

“You’re going to let him assault me like that?! You just wait until I tell father and our brother!” she snarled at her brother.

That was all it took to get him galvanized back into action. He snarled another spell at Alerick, but this time it was so poorly aimed that the blonde simply moved aside for it to miss him.

Lazlo started up the steps; he wasn’t about to let them do anything to his family.

“ENOUGH!” A voice thundered and all of them found themselves unable to move. Two prefects from Gryffindor house and from Hufflepuff had frozen them all to the spot with charms. “You four are all first years; what the bloody hell has gotten into you? We don’t condone fighting here at Hogwarts!” the male prefect from Hufflepuff said disapprovingly.

“I only defended myself.” Alerick said truthfully. “Check my wand if you wish.”

“Crissy? Jordi?”   A calm, very smooth voice broke into the conversation. A sixth-year Slytherin with an entire entourage of nearly eight people approached from the direction of the dungeons. It was Reginald, the older brother of the two who were harassing the others. He shared the same elegant features but held himself with a regal air as if nothing could or would touch him. He undoubtedly was the Prince of Slytherin, even if you only judged that on the clear reverence the others accorded him.

“He attacked me!” Crissy said, suddenly all tears and looking every bit the helpless victim. “He has to be sent to the Headmaster, he shouldn’t be allowed to do things like that! Make them let me go, please…”

He sighed and turned his gaze to the prefects. “You’ll have to forgive my siblings; they haven’t learned the rules here yet. I will handle them myself, if you don’t mind. This really is a house and family matter, after all…You can handle the Gryffindor, I’ll take care of these three. All right?”

The Gryffindor prefect frowned. “No, its not all right, you see that one…” she pointed at Lazlo. “Was going after those two, and they’re all Slytherin.”

“We always have a few squabbles in Slytherin house, but usually they’re kept private.” He scowled at Crissy and she seemed to wilt; Alerick was sure she was really crying now. He eyed the other Slytherin boy now. “Your name is Lazlo, am I correct? Lazlo Malfoy-Potter.”

“Yes.” He answered, then as an afterthought he added, “…sir.” He didn’t like having to treat anyone like a prince but he wasn’t going to piss this guy off.

He smiled. “Then you’re family with Mr. Malfoy there. All right, you two go about your business. As I said, I will handle these two. And I can assure you it won’t be happening again.”

The prefects glanced at each other, then shrugged. “Just this once, Rookwood.” The Gryffindor female Prefect agreed. “But I will be informing the heads of houses. Next time they’ll all be going directly to the headmaster.” She said as the others released the freezing charms.

“Agreed.” He bowed his head to her in a very formal manner and then held out his hand to his sister. “Come along, Crissy. You and I need to have a little chat.”

Alerick watched in great relief as Crissy moved along with her older brother like a submissive little kitten. He then turned his attention to his half-brother, whom he had expected nothing from. “Lazlo… um… thanks.” He said softly, “I really didn’t expect…”

“Forget it. I have a personal beef with those two, and I ain’t letting them screw with any of my family.” He grumbled, watching them as they moved off.

“I should go to the medical wing and see if Tonya is all right…” he said softly, starting up the stairs again at a quick pace.

“Who’s that?” Lazlo asked, following beside.

“She’s in Ravenclaw.”

“Oh, the pretty one with the black hair you were talkin’ to?”

Alerick shrugged a little. “I suppose she’s pretty enough. I think Erik liked her.”

“Yeah? How could you tell that Erik likes anyone?”

“He kind of froze when he saw her. He’s never done that before. If he likes her it makes sense, since he’s never really liked anyone before anyway…” Alerick chuckled softly.

“Someone told me she’s a mudblood. Think that’s true?”

“I don’t like that term, Lazlo.” He grumbled, frowning.

“Okay, okay. Muggle-born, then. Think she is?”

Alerick couldn’t help a small smile. Lazlo was really putting some effort into getting along; that alone was astounding. “Yes, she is. Both parents are muggle, and I’m afraid those two fools have done something to her…”

“I saw her at her table with some dark-haired boy, not even ten minutes ago. She had her arm in a sling, but she was using her hand so I don’t think she’s too bad off.…”

Alerick was clearly greatly relieved. “Outstanding. Thank you, that takes a lot off my mind…”

“So why are you going back to your room anyway? Got something from the little freak in the mail…?”

“Mallek is NOT a freak, Lazlo.” He growled, halting to glare at him.

“You and Alyssa are the only normal ones. I don’ t understand how you five are so damned close all the time, and he’s like the king or something. It seems pretty freaky to me. Sorry, didn’t mean to piss ya off…” he sighed, looking at his boots a moment. “Look, I’m trying here. I don’t know how to talk to you or any of the others, only Alyssa. But she talks to me a lot and I… well I don’t know why I talk to her. But I say dumb stuff.” He ran one hand through his hair. “I’m tryin’…   We’re family and we need to stick together.”

Alerick took a deep, calming breath. Lazlo was right; they needed to stick together. “Just don’t call him that anymore, all right?”

“I can’t give my oath that I won’t or anything, but I will try.” Lazlo said honestly.

“Why don’t you head back down and get your breakfast before class? I’m going to go put my box away and I will be to the classroom before class starts. I don’t believe I’ll be having trouble with those two again today.”

“Yeah, okay.” Lazlo managed a grin for his half-brother. “Be careful, okay? And I’m not intruding on your little club thing, I’m just your brother. Right?”

“Sure.” Alerick manage a smile back. “And thanks again.”

Each went their way; Lazlo back down the moving staircases to the Great Hall to catch a bite to eat, and Alerick back up to the fat lady’ portrait.

Mallek hesitated, thinking to himself that this was the last place he wanted to be. Harry may have offered him a chance to be with Alerick but how could he even offer him any such hope? Lucius and Narcissa had both had forbidden him from contact with his closest friend and future life-mate and it was painful even to get through one whole day without him. Although he had been around Harry little during his life so far by his own choices, any chance he had to contact Alerick was worth putting a bit of trust in this man who was for all intents and purposes his older brother.

He took a deep breath, gathering himself and his courage. He wasn’t afraid, but he was at the same time. If Harry really had nothing to offer him, he knew he would be even more depressed than he had been last night. He pushed that thought away and knocked on the door. He almost hoped that Harry would not answer, and thus he would not be any worse off than before…

The door opened. “Mallek; excellent. Come in, I’m almost ready for you.” Harry said, stepping back to allow him in.

“Is Lord Draco here?” he asked softly.

“No, he’s taken James off to the store to do some shopping.” He answered, closing the door behind Mallek. “It’s best that this be just between the two of us, anyway.” He answered with a wink. “Go ahead, have a seat…”

The boy glanced around the room; he had spent very little time in this room due to his innate jealousy of Alerick’s attraction to Harry. True, he himself had found that he was attracted to Draco… he shook himself back to the present. The room was clean, organized and spacious. The windows facing south allowed sunlight into the room regardless of the season, and the furnishings of warm wood and rich fabrics made it feel warm and comfortable. The rooms Harry and Draco had were more than a simple bedroom; there was an entry room with a large table with legs that looked like dragon claws holding silver balls, the chairs were large and plush and matched as well. There were two doors leading to the left and one to the right; the one on the right was open and it was clear to see it was Harry’s bedroom. One of the doors on the left was open, and Mallek was sure it must be James’ room. Mallek moved to the table, taking a seat, sitting up on his knees with his feet tucked under him.

Harry went to the bookshelf and pulled off a very large tome. “Here’s what we want…” he said, cradling the book and carrying it over.

Mallek took a moment to examine the title of the book. “Hogwarts, a History…?” he asked in a tone that reflected his doubt and his irritation. Harry was offering him a stupid book he’d read already? He felt suddenly like Alerick had been taken from him again. “How is that going to do anything for me?”

“Never judge a book by its cover.” Harry answered with a smirk, setting the book on the table. He took a moment to compose himself; he needed to be completely serious about what he would say next. “Now, Mallek. I must extract from you a promise. Your most sacred promise, based upon what you value most in this world.”

The boy stared at the book, feeling his doubt rise. “I’m not making any promises until I know what you have to offer.” He said quietly.

“First your word. I swear upon my bond to Draco Malfoy that what I am about to offer you will help you.” Harry said softly.

Mallek raised his eyes to Harry’s, searching his face for several long moments. Finally he nodded infinitesimally. “All right. I give my word upon my bond to Alerick that I will tell no one.” He said quietly.

Harry tapped the cover of the book with his wand and it opened to reveal it was not a book at all; it was a case that held something wrapped in silk inside. “I had one of these when I was a kid; it helped me out of a tight spot even when it was broken.” He lifted the thing out of the box and unwrapped it.

The boy frowned, seeing what it was. “A mirror?” he asked.

“Yes, and no.” he said, looking into it a moment. He smiled then and moved to Mallek’s side. “You might want to use this mirror… I’ll give you a few minutes, all right?”

“A few minutes with a mirror?” he frowned, taking it from Harry. The moment his eyes fell on the mirror he lost his voice for a moment. Alerick was in the mirror, sitting in a bed surrounded by red curtains. “I… Alerick...” he whispered, one hand touching the glass. Was it a wizarding picture…? How could he see Alerick…? Was that where he really was? It didn’t look like what he had been told Slytherin beds looked like…

“Mallek…” he heard Alerick speaking as well. “Is… is that really you…?”

“You’re not a picture.” Mallek murmured.

“Neither are you… how…?”

“Lord Harry made this possible…” He said softly. “How are you? Is everything all right? Why are your curtains red? I thought they were green…”

Alerick smiled and Mallek felt his heart warm. He felt so much better, must seeing him. Everything was going to be just fine. A month wasn’t so long if he could speak to him every day like this… “There aren’t any problems, nothing I didn’t expect…”

“Oh don’t tell me it’s Lazlo; I’ll have Erik and Erin taking turns hexing him all winter break if he’s…”

“No, he’s actually all right.” He interrupted with a chuckle. “I’m not worried about him at all.” He assured, then changed the subject. He wasn’t so secure with his relationship with Lazlo yet and he really wanted to give it a chance and see if his half brother could manage to be dependable. “Of course you know I wrote you a letter last night…”

Mallek smiled back at him. “How could I know that? The post hasn’t run yet.”

“Was Lord Father Malfoy terribly angry over the plan…?”

“Yes, and so is Lady Mother Narcissa.” He sighed softly. “I wasn’t to be allowed to see you for an entire month, and we’re all grounded to the house. Erik is all but despondent; he’s sure it’s entirely his fault that it failed.”

“The hat, that’s what made the choice. It was on his head and everything then told the headmaster that he had to go home.”

“Erik told me. He’s simply beside himself… Alerick, is that a red and gold tie you’re wearing…?”

“I was placed in Gryffindor by that manky old hat…”

Harry slipped off into his office; he’d let them have privacy for ten minutes this morning. He knew that Alerick didn’t have too much time this morning before his first class of the day or he would give them longer. Their future visits would be longer; he already had ideas of how to deal with Lucius to keep him from suspecting anything.

Harry sat down at the table outside with his son and his bonded for lunch; it was a fine afternoon and they wouldn’t have too many more before it began to change over to winter.

“Did you have fun this morning, son?” Harry smiled at his youngest.

The boy nodded and smiled. “Yes, but we really didn’t buy much. Papa wasn’t happy with the fabric selections or the colors they had; he said they all made me look…” he hesitated, unsure of the exact word.

“They made you look pretentious, James.” Draco provided the word with a grin.

Harry laughed and Draco gave him a smirk. “I know I was a puffed up peacock in school, but that just doesn’t suit James. Good fabrics are one thing, but our son is not going to look like a flamboyant lounge singer.”

“The styles were that bad?”

“Worse. I’m going to have to hire a tailor if styles continue to go the way they are. Our son will not be wearing things that reveal his hipbones and arse to the world at his age.”

“I didn’t like them either dad.” James chuckled. “They were weird.”

“Muggle fashions have been going that direction for a long time.” Harry laughed. “I never went for that stuff, though.”

“No, you had a definite style of your own, even if half of it that first year looked like it had been shucked off a sick elephant…”

“I only wore those a few weeks.” Harry chuckled.

“Elephant skin, dad…?”

“Aunt Petunia gave me some of Uncle Dudley’s castoffs, dyed grey, to wear to school.” Harry explained.

“Ew… I mean, Uncle Dudley is okay and all, but in all your photos he’s so much bigger than you were…”

“They were huge. And absolutely awful.” Draco said calmly, sipping his tea.

Harry chuckled. “Yes, they were at least hideous. I never wore what she gave me to wear after that first year.”

“Only you could have made it look good, Harry.” Draco said.

Alyssa walked to their table, hesitating several feet away. Harry looked at her, curious. “Is something wrong, Alyssa…?”

She rushed to him and flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

He hugged her back. “Here now, what is it…?”

“Are you all right love?” Draco asked softly.

She put her lips to Harry’s ear, whispering so softly she would not be overheard by the others at the table. “Thank you Mister Harry Potter sir; you made my Prince so happy…” she hugged him even tighter, then spoke louder so the others could hear as she slowly let go. “I love you, Lord Uncle Harry.” She said, tears faint in her eyes.

“Alyssa, are you okay?” James asked, concerned as well.

“Yes, I… I just miss Alerick.” She said with complete honesty, wiping at her eyes. “I just really needed to give you a hug, that’s all.”

Harry gave the girl a wink. “All right, sweetie. You run along now.” He told her. He knew that Mallek must have told the others what he had done for him and she was expressing her gratitude for his actions.

“Odd.” Draco commented, watching her hurry away. “But then they’ve all been acting odd since father put down his new rules…”

“They’ll adjust; they always do.”

Alyssa peered into her father’s potions lab to see that he was seated at the table, and beside him on the table was a huge pile of flowers that were very pretty, though the entire room smelled of rotted garbage. She grimaced at the stench, but inched into the room anyway. “Ew… Daddy…? Papa George said you needed to talk to me…”

He looked up at her. His head was enclosed in a bubblehead charm, a clear attempt to escape the stink. “Oh… Lady Alyssa I was going to come and talk to you after I finished all of this, I didn’t expect you to come in here with all of these nasty blossoms in here…”

She plugged her nose. “I’m sorry daddy they just smell so bad…”

“They’re known as stinkblossom.” He tried to rise but had to sit back down. He muttered a curse under his breath and pushed himself back to his feet.   “Come along, off in the storage room here…” he limped to the small side room, opening the door. Alyssa followed and the moment she crossed the doorframe the stench was done. She took a breath gratefully.

“Oh daddy it smells so much cleaner in here…”

“If I had known you were coming, my daughter, I would have cleared the room first…” He said, sitting on a stool there in the storage room.

“Sorry, I will let you know next time…” she said sheepishly.

“No harm done, my dear.” He said softly, giving her a slight smile. “I have something that… that I wish to ask your permission for, my Lady Alyssa.” He said softly.

She sat on the second stool and set her hands in her lap, gazing up at him. “My permission, daddy…?” she asked curiously.

“Yes.” He said softly, sighing, looking down a moment. “I have been given an assignment to carry out, and I wish to know if you are… if it will be acceptable to you, my Lady. If it is not, I will not carry it out…”

Alyssa looked worried now. “But what is it, daddy?”

“Lord Malfoy wishes me… and George Weasley… He says we must…”

Her eye grew wide, hope clear in her eyes, almost bouncing in her seat. “You and papa? Really, daddy? Are you really going to get bonded??” she asked, voice rising with excitement, barley contained.

“Only if you find it acceptable, my Lady; if you don’t I will simply…”

“Oh daddy, yes yes yes yes yes!” she squealed, jumping down and flinging her arms around him. “I want you and papa George to always be around, to always be with me, to always be my daddy and papa oh yes! Can I plan it, daddy? Can I please?” She asked, her eyes sparkling with happiness and excitement.

Jerrod put his arms around the girl as well. “George has gone to plan it; you will have to catch him to get involved. I don’t mind at all if you plan things. I know you more me better than George does in many ways. Just… not too much, all right my lady?” he asked in an unsure tone. He knew he would do anything she wished, but he would have a lot of trouble with a big ceremony and a huge display. Bonding ceremony or not, he did not like to be involved in pomp and circumstance. He only hoped that Lucius Malfoy would stay the bloody hell out of it all.

“Of course not daddy, I want you to be happy and know you like things simple. I won’t let him get all crazy with the ceremony, I promise.” she said, gazing up at him.

He brushed her bangs out of her eyes, finally relaxing a little and smiling at her. “Thank you my Lady Alyssa.”
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The Dark Circle