Icarus Syndrome

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Warnings: Auror Varian is an OC. The Mirror scene is highly symbolic but only in the basest sense. Don't read too much into it. I tried to be as general as possible to avoid hours of research. Not that it helped any as this story alone has had WAY too much research done, more than most of my college papers. The mysterious painting woman has been named! The introduction of the Golden Apples! The wyvern piece is inspired by the myth of the Golden Fleece!
Thank you, dear readers, for the hits, reviews, alerts and favorites. An author loves to know their work is appreciated. I am impressed so far by the amount of attention this has garnered so far. Please keep it up. Seriously, keep it! I love to read reviews!
-X-

Severus poured the memories he'd gathered from Lucius into the Pensieve. Hopefully, he would find the truth of Lucius' actions. He bowed his head into the memory, wishing he were certain he had made the correct choice.

“Lord Malfoy, a moment of your time please.”

Lucius turned to face the Auror and raised his eyebrow.

“Yes, Auror? I had believed that no further testimony was required from myself or my family.”

“None is, sir. The Minister has requested that you are to visit his office.”

“An owl summons would not have sufficed?”

“No. You are required to be there. Now.”

“Very well.” Lucius scowled and snapped his fingers. “Filpy, tell Mistress Malfoy that I have been summoned to the Minister's Office. Ask her to commence with dinner if I am still absent.”

“Of course, Master.” The elf disappeared with a whip-like crack and Lucius drew his wand to Apparate.

“No, sir. I have been ordered to take you directly to his office. Your wand, please?”

“Of course, Auror.” Lucius said through a cold stare. He handed it over and took the Auror's offered arm. Severus watched Lucius lightly sneer before they vanished. He knew that the Patriarch hated Side-Along Apparation. The pair of them reappeared in front of the Minister's door and the Auror knocked. He opened the door and Lucius went inside, eyes narrowing on Scrimgeour and sitting delicately in the single chair before the desk.

The Auror left the office and the door shut, leaving only Lucius and Scrimgeour in the room.

“I have answered your summons, Minister. May I ask why I have been summoned if not concerning further testimonial?” Severus smiled at Lucius' ploy. He loved to state the obvious and have his opponent believe they have the upper-hand. It was a very well-used tactic.

“I have stumbled upon some very interesting paperwork recently and wished to bring it to your attention.” Scrimgeour said, drawing out some yellowed documents and sliding them across the desk. Lucius kept a bored look on his face as he read them and Severus moved forward to read them over his shoulder. Marriage contracts. Very old contracts between a Scrimgeour bride and a Malfoy lord.

“I see. Perhaps, Minister, you were unaware, but this marriage is in fact documented on the Malfoy Lineage Tree.”

“As it is documented in mine. What I would like for you to notice, Lord Malfoy,” Scrimgeour said the title with faint humor and superiority. “Would be the fact that, on the marriage contract, Brutus Malfoy is listed under taking his wife's name after being exiled from the Malfoys. I have pondered this oddity and have conducted research of my own. Is it or is it not Malfoy tradition to exile heirs in name alone, but not in magic, so the family heritage magic and monies cannot be lost to those outside the blood?”

Both Lucius and Severus looked up sharply. Severus sneered at the lion-haired wizard behind the desk. The Malfoys wouldn't have been that stupid...

“Yes, it is tradition. Brutus Malfoy, however, was truly exiled from the family. He was cut out of the tree as soon as he married the Scrimgeour bride. I, too, have done research.”

“Not as efficiently as I have.” Scrimgeour said with a smile that was only ugly on his face. “The Malfoys would have been wise to exile an heir from the magic when they created and deemed another heir. This oversight has allowed my family the honor of being named a Malfoy heir.”

Lucius stiffened and then his lips twitched into a sneer. Severus narrowed his eyes on the Minister, and the man only continued to smile like a beast.

“I do not believe that. It would be inconsequential regardless. Draco has been named heir on his birth sixteen years ago. It will be his seventeenth birthday soon and he will come into the position of formal heir. The title will pass to him upon my death or if I step aside. Your family,” Lucius spat, “cannot claim any portion of the Malfoy heritage.”

“Not if your heir is incapable of taking the title.” Scrimgeour said with a quiet tone that only served to remind Severus of a hunting cat making a kill strike.

“You would threaten my heir?”

The pieces were suddenly starting to fall into place. This entire thing was...Scrimgeour's fault. Severus saw red and it was only the fact that he was inside a memory that kept him from killing the Minister.

“I am saying that if you do not want your heir to rot in Azkaban for the crimes he has committed being both a Death Eater and a user of illegal and Dark magic then you will exile him from the Malfoy Heritage magic and you will name me as your heir, discretely of course.”

Lucius snarled.

“My son was acquitted of any crime in the War through testimony from Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore. There is documented evidence of my son under Vertiserum that states he was a Death Eater under duress and he has never taken the Mark. What proof have you that supports your claim?”

“I have Vertiserum supported testimonies from your son's victims that he preform the Critacius Curse willingly and illegally. I have memories gathered from many other verified sources that shows your son as a loyal supporter and agitator. The testimonies from Potter and Dumbledore can easily be undermined by this evidence. I do not need to publicly announce your son's retrial and certain parties need not be notified.”

Severus couldn't believe it. This man was threatening Draco. He had threatened Draco. And there wasn't anything he could do about it. He could try to take these memories forward to the Ministry, but the result, while exposing Scrimgeour it would also bring up the case against Draco again. The Malfoys were still hated as they were excused so easily when Lucius and Draco had done so many people wrong. It hadn't mattered that they repented through house arrest and other constraints.

Lucius bared his teeth, eyes promising death.

“Well, Lucius? Will you...submit?”

Severus turned to the man in disbelief. He was so certain that Lucius would do nothing as long as Draco's neck was beneath the Ministry's blade that he taunted the man. Lucius' growl had all the makings of a Horntail's trumpet.

“I wish to have three days to decide.”

“Granted. You will find that my choice is the only one keeping your son from Azkaban.”

“I wish to retire home.”

“Of course, Lord Malfoy. Auror Varian, please return Lord Malfoy his wand and escort him to the nearest apparition point.”

Severus watched as the memory faded and then he found himself standing in Malfoy Library with Lucius and Narcissa.

“There is the book passed from Malfoy Heir to Malfoy Heir. I am certain my father mentioned something about a curse to prevent the hereditary magic from leaving the family.”

“We do not have enough time to be raiding bookshelves, Lucius!”

“Narcissa!” Lucius snarled, eyes flashing. “My son and my heir is facing death, my family is facing disgrace, and all we have is being threatened from us. I am not hunting for a first year Potions book! I am trying to find the book that will save Draco from the Ministry's guillotine.”

Narcissa had paled and backed away, but she nodded when he finished and began to pull through the books on the shelves. She pulled down a thick tome, and a slim, leather-bound journal fell to the ground.

“Scieran? It was Scieran Malfoy, wasn't it Lucius?”

“Yes, Narcissa. Have you discovered something?”

“A journal. Perhaps it is recorded inside?”

“We will find out. It must be soon. Read it Narcissa, I will keep hunting. We cannot afford to waste any time if that is not the correct book.”

“Of course, Lucius.”

The scene faded again and he was in Lucius' study. Lucius had the same journal Narcissa had found in his hands and was staring at the far wall.

“Deadulus' Sacrifice.” Lucius whispered. “Where the father trades his life for his son.”

Severus moved closer. Lucius had the book open in his hands and he leaned over the man's shoulder to read it.

June 14, 1519

Bronson's Curse has become more rampant. It is destroying family lines as easily as the plague. So many sons and fathers are cursed to die. I will not allow this to happen to my family. Already, my father is looking into my past misconducts and my son's. He is trying to pressure me into disowning my heir with Bronson's Curse. He is blind and stupid, ignorant of what that curse does. It will destroy the Malfoy name, not keep it clean and pure. I have been frantically trying to find some other way. I believe that I may have finally found it. Bronson calls his Curse the Curse of Icarus. I will call mine the Sacrifice of Daedulus. I have reworded Bronson's Spell. It will not be noticed.

It will have all the same symptom's of Bronson's Curse, except that it will also cut the marks into my back. Ezio will never know of this. He cannot. If he were to learn, he would never lead this family properly. My son will suffer under this curse, and he will want as every wronged-son will want. He will despise me and hate me. He will strive to reclaim what he has lost. He will be reborn under this Curse and he will flourish, as a forest touch by fire will grow plentiful and strong. I will trade my life for his, as my father has promised worse if I do not comply and cast him out.

It will serve that old fool well when my son reclaims his rightful title. I will worry about my son once the magic has passed to him, as my father will strive to find other ways of of trying to renounce Ezio. He will have the entirety of the Malfoy hereditary magic at his disposal. He is resourceful, clever and strong. He will not fall to the old man. It is a simple thing to exchange my life for his. Anything, for the family. My life for Ezio's. It is a simple choice.

The Sacrifice of Deadulus can be preformed as such...

Severus didn't quite know what to do now. Narcissa's actions were no longer a surprise. Lucius had sacrificed himself for Draco. The Minister would be hard pressed to discredit Draco after he gained the entirety of the Malfoy magic. Scrimgoeur would find it difficult to usurp the Malfoy Patriarch. It was part of the reason Lucius had gone free, even though he had committed many horrible acts and the testimonies of both Dumbledore and Potter were not as strong for him as they were for his son. The Malfoys may not be as strong in the public, but they absolutely towered over everyone in the privacy outside publicity.

Draco would have no trouble taking care of Scrimgeour. The Minister would be removed from his position faster than it took to summon a house elf. Where Lucius would hesitate to act, with Draco's throat and not his own under the blade, Draco would have support from War Heroes who would not let the Minister usher him into Azkaban without an extensive trial.

Lucius was wise in entrusting Draco's life with Potter, no matter how much they personally despised the boy. Potter would not let anyone bully him and he didn't understand politics. Draco would only prevail under Potter's protection. Lucius should have found another way, some way that didn't involve this ridiculous curse, but he hadn't. Now, Draco would have to suffer under it, but Lucius' main aim would now be fulfilled. The magic wouldn't leave Draco, not even if it was drained out of him. It wouldn't budge an inch.

-X-

Harry leaned over the pool, watching himself in the water. For all that it claimed to be the Mirror of Truth, he wasn't seeing any differences yet. There were probably activation words. He frowned and looked back. Draco was holding the pillow in his hands as the ferret sat on his shoulder. Harry raised a brow and shook his head. The lion met his gaze and began to move toward him.

“You need to know how to operate the mirror.” It said as soon as it approached him.

“Yes, are there activation words?” He asked, not even surprised the lion knew what he needed.

“Ask the mirror to show you the truth of yourself. Do not ask it questions. Some questions are worth the cost of your life. It will not hesitate to rip it away in exchange. Be cautious. Be clever.”

“Right.” He frowned, and leaned forward. “Mirror, show me the truth of myself.”

The mirror rippled, and then suddenly he was looking at himself as he truly was. His hair was darker and swept around like a lion's mane. The glasses were gone and the eyes were brighter green than usual. The scar on his forehead was more pronounced, a warm red color that pulsated with cold purple magic. His body was framed in a rich green light, dancing merrily around himself. It swept back like wings and the tips extended far beyond his sight and turned crimson red. He stood up and moved around the pool, until he could see Draco in the farthest corner of the mirror. Draco's magic, the brilliant red he was so familiar with, was knotted around his own green, tying them together.

“Mirror, show me the truth about my bond with Draco.” He said, watching as the water rippled again. Suddenly the magics around them were silver and gold and instead of being twined around one another, the magic was connected straight inside both of them. “Show me how I am tied to him, show me what the bond considers my position.”

The water rippled yet again and the scene changed. Draco stood tall, red magic swept back like wings, yet far more solid than light. He couldn't tell what it was exactly. Lucius stood behind him, holding a bright sword of light. Draco stepped aside and Harry saw himself appear before Lucius. He knelt and Lucius touched the sword to his shoulder. The light spilled around him, framing him. Lucius gestured Draco toward him and pulled the sword from Harry's shoulder. He handed it to Draco and Harry watched as the light swelled inside him. Lucius placed his hands on Draco's shoulders and slowly he vanished too. Harry stood and took his place at Draco's right shoulder, a half-pace behind Draco. The light only glowed brighter when he approached Draco and fell to a dim if he moved way.

The water rippled the image away and Harry was staring at himself again, eyes shielded by glasses. Harry found it hard to breathe. What had that meant? What?

-X-

Draco closed his eyes and envisioned his magic like the ferret had instructed. Carefully, he pushed just enough magic into his intent. The pillow shook alarmingly in his hands, but a few seconds later it changed into a simple book. He opened his eyes and studied the book in his hands. It was exactly as he had wanted it. He flipped through a few pages, all conspicuously blank. It wouldn't matter but he hoped it wouldn't make his father paranoid that someone had raided the library.

“Alright. I've got the book. Tell me how to use the Traveling Mirror.”

“Very well. That it is the farthest mirror.” The ferret pointed, indicating the tall mirror on the far side of the circle. Draco nodded and approached the mirror. It was a very simple frame, Celtic knots engraved in the circles on the four corners of the frame and two more on both edges half-way down.

“How do I use it?”

“The circle on the right. It's the trigger. Think of where you wish to go, and grasp the edge of the circle. It will slide aside and the mirror will show your desired location.”

Draco thought about the Manor's library, focusing on the rug, the chairs, the desks, the lamps, everything. He fingered the edge of the circle and slid it aside. The mirror instantly bubbled, like the water base in a cauldron. He could see it gradually re-focus on Malfoy Manor, flashing through room after room until he was looking at the Library. Draco stared at the familiar room, barely noticing the ferret leap from his shoulder. He grabbed the book and held it to his chest. He spared a single glance at Potter, eyes widening as he saw Potter scramble up and jogging over. He stepped through the Mirror just as Potter was about to grab his arm.

-X-

Severus strode quickly up the stairs and down the hallway. He couldn't wait any longer for the Headmaster to find a way inside. If what he had read was correct, the second exchange between Lucius and Draco would happen at sundown. There were three exchanges, one at dawn, one at sunset and one at the exact moment between night and midnight, in that brief moment when there wasn't a day at all. The first exchange would have to be when the “Curse” activated, and now, a full day since the magic was exchanged and with time allowed for it to settle, the second exchange would begin. Suffice it to say, that this one would be painful. Blood would be shed.

The Headmaster had placed a barrier over the corridor he needed, discouraging students from stumbling upon Draco and Potter if he managed to get them out of the room. He stopped in front of the portrait of Alcyone, waiting for her lover to return from the sea.

“Have the boys exited the room yet? Has the Headmaster made any progress?”

“No, they are both still inside.”

“Very well.”

He pulled out his wand and summoned his Patronus. He gave it the message to relay and could only hope that Draco would listen to him.

-X-

Narcissa smiled as she apparated into Diagon Alley. The afternoon traffic was much lighter than the days before the War and Voldemort's first fall seventeen years ago. Then, it was hard to find any open space in the Alley walkway. Now, it was far too common to be scarce and bordering on empty. Today though there was enough traffic to keep this little hunt interesting. She fingered her little kit and slipped it out of the folds of her cloak.

She carefully planted one of the little gold apples beside the grungy walls of the Apothecary. She pulled out a small vial and carefully tipped it over until a single drop of potion splashed onto the apple. She tucked the kit away and apparated to the next site.

St. Mungo's was as busy and clean as usual. She smiled at the woman behind the desk and began to carefully chat her up as she dropped another golden apple and covered it in two drops of potion. She hidden it inside the nearest ficus pot and smiled kindly as she ended their discussion. She exited the building and apparated to her next spot.

Her contact in the Ministry met her with a genial smile and led her down to the deepest level in the Ministry that wasn't completely off access to the inquiring public. Her contact stepped away and kept watch at the door as she placed an apple down carefully and spilled three drops of potion over the apple. She nodded and let her contact escort her back upstairs.

She apparated to the Blacks seaside cottage and immediately moved to her circle. The runes etched around the edge glowed softly as she stepped inside. She carefully pulled out the potion she had used earlier and tipped it out into the glass bowl. She smiled down at the sea green potion and picked up the stirring rod. She swished the liquid around clockwise three times and then a quarter-turn counter-clockwise. It hissed at her and began to spit green sparks. She picked out the last ingredients from her kit and set them in star-points around the bowl.

She picked up the crushed wyvern teeth, sprinkled them in and reached for the Opaleye's scale. She slipped it in and reached for the next. Nindu whiskers turned the potion black. She grabbed the fleece next, carefully separating out nine golden hairs. The potion bubbled softly and the black liquid spat gold sparks. She grabbed the final ingredient and waited until it stopped bubbling. She drew out the vial of freely given, innocently procured unicorn tears. They glistened as she dropped them in, and the black liquid instantly turned clear. She gave it three turns clockwise and another quarter-turn counter-clockwise and it was complete.

She lifted the bowl of potion carefully and began to tip it over the small tree she had planted in the center of the circle. As the bowl emptied, the tree began to glow green. She quickly hopped out of the circle as the tree grew and expanded until it crashed through the roof to meet sunlight and the girth was constrained by her rune circle.

“Who summons me?”

She turned up to meet the hissing voice and met its eyes bravely. The mother wyvern emerged from the branches of the tree and its green-gold head leveled with hers. It's eyes were amazingly clear blue and held her gaze.

“My son is being threatened. I will not allow him to come to any harm. I have planted the golden apples, given to Hippomenes by Aphrodite. Given to my family's ancestors and passed through blood. I have spilled the activation potion on the apples and I have completed the ritual required to summon you, great keeper. I wish in turn that you cause the apples to sprout and grow, bringing the spawn of the golden trees to my enemies.”

“It will be as you say. The apples will grow into mighty trees and my spawn will go forth into the world to cause havoc. The apples will return to their original form when the time spell has ended, my spawn will wither away and you may never summon me again.” The wyvern crawled out of the tree and coiled around the trunk, gouging deep marks into the trunk. It let out a mighty cry and the wind picked up. Sunlight streamed through the hole in the ceiling.

Narcissa smiled at the destruction she had caused that the world was still innocently unaware of. This would be a glorious return for the threats the Ministry had leveled against her son. The wyverns had no venom, but they were vicious and immune to spells. They would be hard pressed to keep them at bay. One hour of trouble at the Alley, two at the hospital, and three at the Ministry. She apparated back to the Manor, intensely pleased at the mischief she had caused so far.