Remaking Destiny | By : LadyLaran Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > General Views: 23079 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 6 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or make money from this story. |
Author’s Note – I apologize for the length of time between updates. Between health issues and other life problems, I haven’t had much time or motivation for writing lately. My muses have decided to perk up so I’m taking advantage of it while I can.
The last chapter got a few interesting reviews, and I can honestly say one of them took me by surprise regarding my decision about Lucius Malfoy. A lot of people were supportive, and some of them even requested I do something regarding another character that was painted as more insane and dark than whole. If I take the challenge on, it might upset others as well as make a few more of my readers happy.I just ask that all of you remember that this is an AU, and that gives me a bit more of an open playing field to see what characters do when things are changed up somewhat. Disclaimer – I do not own “Harry Potter” nor do I make any money from this story. I’m just enjoying the opportunity to work on killing off this rabid plot wombat!Chapter Five – Gathering the FamilyAfter Minister Bagnold’s words to dismiss the Wizengamot for the day, Callidora drew in a slow breath and centered herself for what she knew would follow. It had been an incredibly long day, and there was still more that had to be done before she could rest for the night.“Are you all right,” Sirius asked in a low tone of voice, watching her closely as he did so.“I’ll be fine,” she answered. “It’s been a long day, and there will be more like this one to come. I’m just glad to know that only one of our line betrayed our oath to our family, and we didn’t have to lose more.”“Agreed,” he said softly, noticing eyes watching them. “We’re being observed.”“The headmaster, I’m sure,” Callidora murmured. “I’m certain he’s worried about you moving to take guardianship of your godson. We will have to be very cautious in how we proceed from here. He can’t know the lad is not where he left him.”“I’m still waiting on your explanation for that,” he said to his cousin, who gave a tiny nod.“You will have it tonight,” she said to him. “We will need a family meeting tonight at the manor. I’ll explain everything then once everyone has given their magical oaths.”“I understand,” he replied, rising to his feet and offering her his hand to assist her in standing.Once Callidora was on her feet and steady, she took the arm he offered and they began to leave the box where the Wizengamot was seated during meetings and trials.“Ah, Callidora, Sirius,” an all too cheery voice called out.Neither individual stopped or looked at the man who was calling their names with a blatant lack of regard to society’s strictures. Sirius took his cues from his cousin, keeping his eyes forward and remaining in a graceful posture that looked rather regal. He wasn’t a fan of all of this formality, but Callidora had impressed upon him the need for this in order to keep his godson safe.The headmaster stepped into their path, eyes twinkling as he blocked their exit.“Callidora, Sirius,” he greeted, watching the two carefully.Both members of the Black family reinforced their occlumency walls, knowing the man was shameless in his use of legilimency. “I have not given you leave to address me so informally, headmaster,” the woman replied, sounding cold and formal. “My apologies, Dowager Countess,” Albus gritted out, giving a small bow. “I just wished to offer my condolences for the losses your family has suffered the past few days.”Gray eyes watched the man with an icy expression in them, not pleased with the condolences as the headmaster was guilty for the losses in her mind. Seeing that expression, he turned to look at Sirius, thinking he could get the answer he wanted from the young man.“We need to speak about your godson, Sirius. His safety is rather important, and I need to know what your plans are regarding the boy.”“As my esteemed cousin has stated, you have not been given leave to address me so informally, headmaster. All I will say about my intentions regarding my godson is that I have his best interests at heart. Now, if you will excuse us, we have an appointment that we need to attend. Good day,” he said coolly, sidestepping the man and escorting his cousin out of the courtroom.Once they were out of earshot, the dowager countess tapped his arm with her free hand and spoke softly. She knew of his aversion to all of this formality and was so proud of him for his actions so far.“You’re doing well,” Callidora praised him quietly. “I know you don’t like having to act the part of the noble, Sirius, but it’s necessary when in public. This is the best way to protect the family.”“I know,” he said to her. “I’ll do what’s necessary to make sure no one in the family is vulnerable to manipulation again. I just reserve the right to act normal behind closed doors when we don’t need to address family issues.”“I can accept that,” she reassured him. “I think everyone else can too. Now, I believe we have enough time to waylay Narcissa and her husband before we leave. We’ll have a small family meal at the manor and plot out what needs to happen next.”Sirius nodded, eyes alert as they entered into the hallway near the main lobby. He spotted the familiar heads of blond hair and guided Callidora to where they were waiting.“Narcissa,” the woman greeted, accepting the kiss to her cheek.“Cousin Callidora,” she murmured, looking tired but lovely as usual. The blond accepted a kiss from Sirius, giving him a soft smile. “I am glad to see you free, cousin,” she told him.“That would be thanks to Cousin Callidora,” he replied, looking to Lucius and accepting a handshake.“We are having a family meeting,” Callidora told the pair. “Arcturus and the others can’t make it due to health concerns and other issues, but Walburga will be there. We have things to discuss that require the privacy of Dóchas na Myrddin.”She had her own wing within the traditional family manor, and there were smaller manors attached to the vast estate. Callidora favored the oldest home due to the wards and protections. Augusta and Beauchamp lived in their own wing as well. Franklin and Alice had preferred one of the smaller homes during the early part of their marriage, and the weaker wards had been a problem. This was why they were using the family manse for the meeting as well as the location she would raise the boys.“It’s a safe place to meet,” Lucius said softly. “Do you wish for us to accompany you?”“I do,” she answered. “I can send a house elf for Draco so you won’t be parted from him for too long.”The Malfoys shared a look before agreeing, knowing that there was a good reason Callidora and Sirius were calling this meeting. The four of them headed to the atrium area where the floo connections were.Callidora and Sirius sent the Malfoys through first, keeping people away from them, and then stepped through. The dowager countess spelled the ashes off of her garments, handing her cloak to a house elf.“Has Walburga arrived,” she asked the elf, who bowed respectfully while taking the cloaks of the others.“Yes, Mistress,” he told her. “She is waiting in the green parlor, Mistress.”“Have tea sent to the parlor,” she informed the elf. “Also contact the nanny elf at Cadbury Hall to have Draco brought here. I know Narcissa would feel better with him close by.”“As you wish, Mistress,” the elf commented, disappearing to follow the instructions he had been given.She nodded, guiding the party to the parlor and going to her oldest cousin’s side to give her a small kiss on the cheek.“I am glad you were able to make it today and tonight, Walburga,” she told dowager viscountess.“Your message was what I needed to realize what was important,” Walburga commented, eyes turning to her son. “A lot of our confrontations over the years were public so I shall do this here,” she began. “Family is the most important thing, and I have forgotten that over the years. I am sorry for that, Sirius, and you have my allegiance, my lord.”“Apology accepted, Mother. We’ve lost too many of our family to hold onto old grudges,” he told her. “This is a time where the family has to band together to protect those who are left and ensure that our future is prosperous.”Callidora gestured for all of them to take a seat, doing the same for herself. The tea tray appeared, and she served her guests before taking a deep breath.“Sirius has questions, and there’s a lot of information I need to share. Before I do so, I need a magical oath from all of you. You must promise to never reveal what I have to tell you through any means – written, thought, or word.”Lucius and Narcissa shared a long look, and the baroness drew her wand before any of them and gave her oath. Walburga, Lucius, and Sirius were right behind her, swearing to keep everything secret, and once that was done, the dowager countess sipped her tea.There was a lot to be shared, and she hoped that the four with her would be able to help her with the tasks in front of her. The Blacks had allowed themselves to be manipulated for far too long, and she would see to it that things changed. Callidora had hopes that when the family finally emerged as strong as it once had been, the rest of the magical world would see and follow.That was a large goal to pursue, but she had time to see it happen. The people with her and the trio of children upstairs would make it happen.Author’s End Note - The plot is moving! I hope that everyone enjoyed the chapter. Please let me know what you think of it, and I’ll see everyone next chapter. LaranWhile AFF and its agents attempt to remove all illegal works from the site as quickly and thoroughly as possible, there is always the possibility that some submissions may be overlooked or dismissed in error. 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