The Three Keys

A/N: I do not own any Harry Potter Characters, just my Laurel, her family and any misc. people that you don’t already recognize.

Ch 34 - AN HEIR, A FATHER & A FORTUNE – Part 1

Date began chapter – November 30, 2004
Date finished chapter – December 14, 2004

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Previously from Ch 33:

Laurel nodded, “So we’re gonna have a go at friendship then?”

“I figure it’s worth a shot.”

They stood there grinning at each other and headed for the door.

“Ready?” Laurel inquired.

“Ready.”

“Let’s go bring Draco home.” Laurel said and off then went.

----- -----

Laurel was beside herself with fury and apprehension wondering WHAT IN THE HELL Draco thought was so damn important that he felt he had to leave the safety of the Embassy? That he had to leave HER?

Even though that little debacle with Harvey happened it was still much safer here than outside, out in the open where he was vulnerable. And Draco KNEW that. Her mind was reeling with the idea that he felt there was something out there important enough to risk his very life to go and get it.

Laurel’s breath was hitched as she raced up the stairs full speed, trying to keep up with her energetic co-conspirator and wondering what were they going up there for? They needed to get out of the house and fast. “Tell me AGAIN, why does Draco need to go to Diagon Alley?” She just couldn’t accept what she’d already learned.

“I TOLD YOU, he has to go to the bank. It has something to do with his father and not letting him get money to support Voldemort.”

“ARGH! Stupid, stupid, stupid, all this for money.” Laurel panted in an angry voice, as they rounded the corner and bounded down the hall. “I swear if he gets us all killed, I’m going to torture him in the afterlife FOREVER!”

“You and me both…But he said it was important. And it does make sense to cut off money to help Voldemort…”

“I suppose.” Laurel agreed half-heartedly.

Her neck muscles were literally twitching from anxiety. She was terrified her mom would come looking for her or any of them really, and she didn’t want to be here when Maggie discovered Draco was gone. She knew Maggie wouldn’t let her go after him. Of course she wouldn’t - but Laurel WAS going after him.

And, if luck was on their side, maybe, just maybe they could get him back before anyone discovered he had been missing.

Laurel snorted angrily at that thought. She couldn’t shake the feeling that getting out and back unnoticed was going to be damn near impossible and that there was a major punishment in her future.

Sighing in resignation she realized that it really didn’t matter however, what her parents did to her or how they punished her, because in Laurel’s eyes Draco Malfoy was well worth anything they could dish out. Even acting like a complete fool, which he was, she’d still put her life in front of his if the situation called for it.

Draco was worth risking whatever she had to, to ensure his safety. And like she had told him just minutes before, Laurel had no intention of letting Draco get away when she’d only just found him.

She knew that her parents along with Dumbledore and Professor Snape were planning on talking to Draco later that evening to explain to him the situation regarding Lucius.

She could only imagine how heart breaking it would be to tell him his own father had been the one who tried to kill both he and Harry. Laurel, herself wanted desperately to be by his side when they told him, but was unsure if he would want to be alone with his professors to hear such devastating news…

Laurel had been on her way to tell Draco about the professors staying for dinner when he cornered her alone. She was on the verge of telling him just that when he had to go and distract her with his intoxicating, drugging kisses.

Once those luscious lips of his met hers, she forgot everything. She had no excuses for her forgetfulness other than the fact that Laurel had been held tightly, possessively, passionately in the arms of the most handsome boy she’d ever seen and that he wanted her! Only her. And she wanted him just as fervently and completely.

Draco had told her he was hers and there was no going back now.

Laurel Cortez Winters had staked her claim on one Draco Malfoy and he was hers – PERIOD.

Laurel wondered briefly if she had managed to tell him Professors Dumbledore and Snape wanted to speak with him, if it would have ultimately made any difference in his decision to leave? She bet not.

Shaking her head clear from the memory of Draco’s kisses she focused on the fact that he already had quite a head start on them. With each minute that passed she could sense the danger growing. Laurel knew without a shadow of a doubt that Draco would need her today, and she was going to be there for him, whether he liked it or not.

Gasping from their sprint up the stairs Laurel’s eyes narrowed suspiciously as they stopped in front of Harry’s bedroom door. Her voice was brusque, “What are we doing here?”

“I need to get something, it’s going to help us get in and out of here very easily. Well come on then, let’s go in.”

Laurel balked, backing up a step, “I’m not going in there!”

Sigh, “Why not?”

“Well what if someone sees us?”...’And tells Draco.’

Laurel was not about to make any more mistakes where Draco and Harry were concerned. Uh-uh, she’d learned her lesson and quick, and going into Harry’s bedroom however innocent it was, was definitely NOT going to happen.

“Who exactly is going to see us?”

Laurel bit her lip, “Well Ron for one…”

Another sigh, “You’re right there, Ron is being a complete arse at the moment. He could be a problem. Hang on then, you stay out here and I’ll be back in a flash.”

Laurel nodded, immensely relieved.

Moments later they stood in the hall reunited, both sets of eyes staring at a shiny, metallic looking cloak.

“Did you see Ron?”

Laurel shook her head no, her eyes on the shimmery, gossamer looking material. “What in the…” Laurel gaped, “That’s not? Is that what I think it is?” she asked in an awed voice, reaching a tentative hand out to stroke the cloak. She’d never seen one before and it was utterly beautiful - it felt like what she imagined a cloud might - soft, silken, feather light.

“Well, if you think it’s an invisibility cloak, then you’re right.”

“Holy cow.” Laurel whispered as her eyes tore from the cloak just as the door to Ron’s room began to open. Both heads snapped toward his door and as one they thrust the cloak over their bodies and stood rammed up against the opposite wall, silent, as Ron came out.

Ron, having been under that cloak, many, many times sensed something off immediately and looked around the hallway alert and guarded.

Laurel’s pulse was pounding at the base of her throat as those penetrating blue eyes looked directly at her and through her. A shiver ran down her spine and her heart was thumping so loud and her breathing so ragged she was sure Ron would hear.

Laurel reached out a shaky hand and was relieved to find one seeking hers to grasp. They waited, the seconds ticking by, seeming like forever.

Ron’s brow was furrowed as he searched the hallway in both directions. He knew something wasn’t right, he could feel it, but he couldn’t put his finger what it was. Deciding not to ignore the hairs standing on end at the base of his neck he pulled his wand from his jeans pocket as he walked over to Harry’s door and banged on it.

“Oy, Harry! You in there?” After waiting a minute or so and getting no response he turned slowly, eyes still cautious and headed toward the stairs.

They both watched him depart with hearts pounding. Laurel’s hands were still shaking as they heaved a sigh of relief grinning at each other once Ron had left. “OK” she said expelling a deep, slow breath, “That went better than I thought.”

“I told you it would be useful.”

“I will never doubt you again.” she breathed reverently. “Imagine, an invisibility cloak!” Laurel couldn’t help her mind racing at all of the endless possibilities of using this little gem. “Oh” she sighed longingly, “The trouble I could get into with this.”

“It does have certain advantages…”

“I just bet.” Sighing again and straightening her shoulders Laurel returned to the seriousness at hand and asked, “Ron would be upset if he found out you were going to help Draco wouldn’t he?”

“That would be a yes. He HATES him.”

Laurel wanted to know why they all seemed to be barely able to hide their disgust for Draco, but she’d ask questions later.

Now she needed to be sure, absolutely certain, she shouldn’t take this trip alone. So Laurel searched clear, determined eyes for any sign of reluctance and asked in a calm voice, “You know you don’t have to go with me. I don’t know what’s going to happen out there and I don’t want to get you in trouble with him, or worse, possibly hurt.”

The response was immediate, “I can handle Ron. And I came to get you, remember? I want to go. Besides, you have no idea where you’re going, you need me and I’m not worried about getting hurt. So, let’s stop wasting time, Malfoy needs us. Can we apperate out of the house?”

Laurel shook her head ‘no’ and with a little frown said, “Nope, wards have been set up since last night. My mother’s worried about Death Eaters thinking they can drop in and pay us a little social visit whenever they please. But, can...”

Laurel was cut off with a dismissive hand waive, “Yup, that’s exactly what Draco thought too. That’s wise, because I think they just might be brash enough to try a stunt like that.”

Laurel nodded and stopped again, her brow furrowed, “How exactly did Draco say he was planning on getting out of here?”

“He said he was just going to walk right out the front door.”

Laurel’s eyes slid closed as she shook her head, flashing a wry smile, “Well, I’ve gotta hand it to him, he does take bold to a whole new level.”

“Like I said, arrogant.”

Laurel was thinking fast, “Obviously he made it out or we would have run into him by now….” Suddenly her eyes flew wide and she snapped her fingers, “I just thought of something we may need…Just in case…” she mumbled dashing away to her room. She was back in moments tugging the cloak over herself again.

“What did you get?”

Laurel grinned patting her jeans pocket, “Every secret agent has to have an insurance policy, a ‘Plan B’.”

“Secret agent…Right…So, you think our best bet is to follow Malfoy’s lead and waltz right out the front doors too?”

Laurel thought for a minute, “Well, I’ll bet he wandered out of the living quarters and into the Embassy itself. I’m sure that’s probably our best way out as well. We’ll need to use the cloak, because they all know me…”

“Of course.”

“Well, shall we?” Laurel glanced around the hall again.

“Absolutely.”

Following a similar path Draco had taken not long before, they crept as quiet as possible through the living quarters and into the business areas of the Embassy. Since it was a weekend day the office corridors were relatively empty and they found their departure made that much simpler by the use of the invisibility cloak.

--- ---

“Well, I have to admit, that was easier than I thought…”

Laurel looked nervous, “Yeah, a little too easy if you ask me.” With a heavy heart she resolved to tell her mom about this unexpected lack of security later, after she managed to talk her way out of being grounded for life.

That was of course, if they managed to actually make it back alive…Laurel cringed and firmly pushed that disturbing thought right out of her head. But now that they were outside the Embassy, she grumbled as if remembering something and frowned, “How do you propose we get there now?”

“Well we apperate of course.”

Laurel looked doubtful and began shaking her head, “Aren’t you too young? I only got my license just a few weeks ago.”

With an exaggerated sigh and rolling of her eyes, Ginny Weasley folded her arms across her chest and smiled broadly, “I have six older brothers, Laurel – you have NO IDEA what I can do.”

Laurel grinned again, her mood was still heavy but with Ginny by her side she felt comforted and surprisingly confident. “All right then.”

There was still one more VERY, big problem to be worried about, she suddenly realized - Harry.

Harry was going to be furious with them for leaving without him; she just knew it. And she suspected, more so with Laurel, herself for taking Ginny right along into the face of certain danger, chasing after Draco.

Well, that couldn’t be helped really, as Ginny had pointed out. She didn’t know where she was going and if Laurel was going to get to Draco fast and navigate around quicker, it was easier if she had someone along who actually knew where they were going…That meant Ginny was necessary and that she was going.

Laurel wondered how in the heck Ginny managed to get that cloak away from Harry…She had a sneaking suspicion that he had no clue it was gone, she just wasn’t sure how to pose the question. “Umm, Ginny, where exactly was Harry when you went into his room?”

Ginny’s smiled faded slightly as a low flush crept over her face, “He was taking a shower.”

Ginny’s gaze became challenging at once as she searched Laurel’s face unflinchingly, watching for any sign of jealousy.

Seeing none, she relaxed a bit but decided nonetheless, that perhaps it would be prudent not to mention just now that Harry’s bathroom door was wide open when she crept into his room… Her heart skipping a beat at the memory of just how much of Harry she had seen…

Tossing her flaming locks back and fighting off a torrent of lusty thoughts all involving a very wet Harry Potter and a steamy shower, she sighed, not sounding in the least bit displeased, “He’s going to be a touch upset with me for borrowing his cloak…” Ginny’s eyes danced with delight however at her next words – her thoughts brazenly clear, “But I’m sure I can figure out SOME WAY to get him to forgive me.”

At the look in Ginny’s eyes Laurel threw her head back and laughed, “Oh, you’ve got it bad!” she chuckled.

Ginny flushed an even deeper red, “I beg your pardon?”

Laurel held back another laugh barely, throwing her hands up in submission, “It’s all right, Ginny. He’s adorable. Now, don’t look at me like that, in case you haven’t guessed, I rather like Draco.”

Ginny bit back her jealousy at remembering what she heard the boys discussing in the library, concerning their feelings for Laurel and said coolly, “Yes, I gathered that already. And he fancies you as well.”

Laurel’s eyes widened, “How do you know that?”

“Because he told me. But I suspect if we want to get you two happily back together, we should be getting along.”

Laurel looked at Ginny and suddenly threw her arms out and grasped her in a tight embrace. Ginny was a little stunned by the action and patted Laurel’s back awkwardly in response. She was not used to very much female physical contact, it made her nervous. Ginny got along best with men; she understood how they thought and how they worked. It was, she supposed due to growing up with nothing but men…Still, Ginny thought it would be nice to have another female friend around other than Hermione…As Ginny had a very strong suspicion that fairly soon Hermione and she were going to be on opposite sides of the battle field where one Harry Potter was concerned.

Laurel suddenly felt the sting of tears in her eyes. It’d been such a long time since she thought of making any new friends. She had been so focused on healing and getting her life back in order that everything else had taken a back seat.

And oh, how she longed for her friends from back home. She missed them so very much her heart and chest constricted painfully at the thought. Laurel hadn’t realized how much she needed a good girlfriend to giggle and share secrets with, someone she could whisper to and talk about boys with…

Laurel took a shaky step back, “I – I’m sorry, Ginny,” she began, “It’s just that it’s been a while since I’ve met anyone that I think I could consider a friend.” Her lower lip trembled and Laurel fought to keep herself from breaking down. She cleared her throat, which had grown very tight and said quietly, “Anyway, I just want to thank you for helping me and I hope we, ah, I hope we can become friends.”

She groaned frustrated and brushed angrily away at a stray tear that ran down her cheek, taking a deep breath to regain her composure. ‘SO not the time to lose it, Laurel.’

Ginny surveyed her thoughtfully and gave a slow, warm smile, “You know, I think we’re going to be very good friends. That is, of course if we don’t get ourselves killed today.”

Laurel nodded, she knew now she had to keep it together not only for herself, but for Ginny as well. Laurel turned and looked her straight in the eyes, saying with much more confidence than she felt, “Don’t you fret, kiddo, just stick with me; it appears I’m on quite a roll when it comes to getting my butt out of tight spots.”

Ginny grinned at her and the new friends linked arm in arm, and with a soft swoosh and a pop they were gone.

Just a few short minutes later, two very determined teenage girls stood with backs straight and quaking limbs, safely shielded by the invisibility cloak from the sharp eyes of Draco Malfoy. They watched him seemingly lazing in a storefront across the street, and from their vantage point on the steps of Gringotts Wizarding Bank marveled at his audacity and wondered WHAT THE HELL HE WAS DOING…

----- -----

For someone who could cause an absolute raucous without the slightest bit of effort wherever he went, Draco Malfoy certainly knew how to be unobtrusive. He could turn the ‘spotlight’ as he called it, on and off at will. If Draco didn’t want to be seen, he wouldn’t be. But when he turned the ‘spotlight’ on, it truly was like a beacon shone on him…all eyes were obediently drawn to him, whenever and wherever he wanted them to be…

Presently this was one of the times he definitely did NOT want attention.

Draco couldn’t quite hide the self-satisfied smirk as he strolled along the busy main street of Diagon Alley in relative anonymity, marveling at how painfully easy it was to get out of the American Embassy.

On one hand that was great news for Draco, he’d been prepared to use whatever means he had to, to get out of there. But his only encounter was with a rather pretty girl who identified herself as some under-secretary - executive assistant to someone he could care less about, while he was wandering a hallway in hopes of finding a quick escape. He had flashed a broad smile and gave what he thought was a rather flimsy story about being lost and needing to find an exit. To his delight and amusement, Draco was immediately shown out personally by said pretty girl and left with a business card pressed firmly into his hand, and with a suggestive smile and wink was told to come back and visit her again any time.

Draco chuckled as he carelessly tossed the card away, and realized that the more time he spent with these audacious Americans the more he liked them (His mind on one particular brunette especially).

Grinning to himself, he had to admit too that sometimes it was in his favor to be devastatingly handsome….Oh, who was he kidding, it was in his favor ALL the time.

But on a serious note, one could also interpret that if it was so easy to get out of the Embassy, then it must be equally easy to get in. That fact was currently sitting at the back of his mind and left him frowning and worried. He knew Potter could handle himself in battle, he even knew Laurel could kick some serious arse, however, if they were completely outnumbered or taken by surprise…

Well, Draco would just have to get his business taken care of quickly and get back to them straight away. This was too important to abandon or put on hold.

Draco was currently standing in front of the Quidditch supply shop, leaning lazily against the window frame appearing to peruse the newest brooms out. In actuality, he was cautiously surveying the front entrance of Gringotts directly across the street from him, trying to ensure that he encountered no ‘close friends’ of Daddy Death before he could even step one foot inside.

He was just about to enter the shop to check out the opposite corner of the bank when a deep voice from directly behind him stopped him in his tracks.

“I’ve been keeping an eye out too. It appears to be all clear.”

Draco’s back stiffened, “We shouldn’t be talking out in the open.” he hissed. “It’s bloody risky enough for you to have even approached me.”

“You how much know I love to take risks.”

“Taking risks is one thing, strutting around like a flamboyant, bloody peacock and drawing attention to yourself is quite another.” Draco’s voice was steely as he turned to face his friend.

“I’ve never strutted a day in my life!” came the offended retort. “Besides, I needed to see for myself that you were really alive…and to say that…I’m sorry.”

Draco’s eyes flashed and changed in an instant, growing understanding and sympathetic at the sincerity etched into his friend’s face. He gave a quick nod, his tone solemn. ”I know, mate.”

The two stood stock still for a moment, grey eyes searching deep blue, both realizing the seriousness of the situation.

“I always knew you were damn lucky, Dre, I just had no idea the extent of your luck until till this morning.”

Draco barked out a laugh. “Oh yes, ‘Luck’ IS my middle name.” he said sarcastically, digging his hands into the front pockets of his jeans as he looked around seemingly casually, “How did you know I would be here?”

He was acutely aware of his state of dress in muggle clothes, but since he had no robes with him, there was nothing he could do about it. He thought it might even serve his purpose better; since who, in their right minds would expect Draco Malfoy to be strolling around wearing muggle jeans in public? The idea was preposterous. Still, he noticed several of the younger wizards and witches were also without robes. It was summer after all and quite a warm morning, so he felt a little less conspicuous.

A deep chuckle followed and as if reading his mind commented, “Nice clothes, Dre. I can’t recall ever seeing you looking so positively….MUGGLE.” At Draco’s death glare, he continued on breezily, “I went to our meeting place and you weren’t there, so I figured the next would be Gringotts and low and behold, whom do I find eyeing it longingly? Planning on doing some banking today, I see.”

“Were you followed?” Draco replied, avoiding the probing statement.

“You know better than that,” came the smug answer.

Yes, he did. Shrugging, Draco continued, unable to hide completely the edge of disapproval and hurt in his voice. “Since you didn’t show up last night, I figured it had to be bad. And, I was planning on owling you later, after I…take care of some URGENT matters.”

“I thought so!” his friend beamed. “And why would I sit around and wait for some sodding owl when it’s so much more fun to be in the thick of things?”

They shared a shrewd glance; yes they both preferred the front lines to straddling a fence post. Neither couldn’t help it, they were made to be men of action; it was in their blood. And now, whether they were ready or not they were going to get their chance at action.

“All kidding aside, Draco, you’re taking a big risk, you know? The old man won’t be very happy with you AT ALL.”

Draco rolled his eyes and took the opportunity to survey the opposite side of the bank and indeed agreed there appeared to be no one lurking about.

His reply was biting and instantaneous, “Like I give a fuck what my father thinks. Besides, after today, he won’t have a bloody say in my life! I’m in control now and it’s going to stay that way.” Draco’s eyes narrowed flashing a stormy grey, as he pressed harder for a reply, his voice becoming a faint, hard whisper, “You didn’t answer my question. Was it bad?”

He knew the answer already, though.

Draco lounged, arms crossed nonchalantly, eyebrows raised elegantly as he waited for an answer from his best mate and blood brother, Blaise Zabini. He knew nothing would have kept Blaise away from him after receiving a summons from the Promise Ring unless it was bad…very bad.

“Well, let’s put it this way,” Blaise began, flicking a cautious glance at an older looking wizard slouching by and then shifting eyes back to Draco, “I had just finished reading a very interesting note that I…er,...retrieved...from my father’s desk about a ‘FRIEND’ of mine suddenly appearing at a certain club where the ‘Boy Wonder’ was and was heading out the door when I had some…unexpected company…to entertain.” He sighed, folding well-defined arms across his chest, “I had no way out. Since we hadn’t spoken in weeks and we had nothing definite planned…I didn’t know what exactly was going on, but I had a pretty good idea. Regardless, I decided to sit tight.” He groaned ruefully, “Actually, I didn’t have much of a fucking choice to do anything other THAN sit tight.”

Draco said nothing. They had indeed agreed quite a while back that if either of them were discovered too early on in their plans it would do neither any good to go off half cocked and get them both foolishly killed.

Even though he knew this, Draco still found himself fighting off a strong rush of resentment and anger toward Blaise. He wasn’t sure what he would have done if he’d been the one to receive the summons, but he was almost certain that ‘sitting tight’ wouldn’t be it.

Heaving a frustrated sigh, Draco ground out finally, “I should have owled you, but it just happened so quickly. Plus, I didn’t want to involve you in this. Saving HIM was…A SPUR OF THE MOMENT decision.”

“Do you really believe he’s necessary?”

Draco’s eyes narrowed as he shot a quick glance around making sure again that no one was looking at them.

“Unfortunately, I do, Blaise. He’s an investment in our future. We both know it’s better to have him on our side than against us.” Draco’s voice lowered, “If the Dark Lord wants him dead that badly, then I need to keep him safe and sound.”

“Don’t you mean, we?”

“I couldn’t make that decision for you and I didn’t have time to discuss it.” he snapped. “If I hadn’t acted then and there, he’d be dead and we’d be in a lot deeper shit than we already are.”

Blaise looked at him quizzically. “If my informants tell me correctly…he almost landed you dead.” At the look on Draco’s face, Blaise put a hand up. “Okay, okay I won’t argue the point. And Draco, you already know what my decision is.”

He shot Blaise a pleased half-grin. “Good.” he said satisfied, “But, I couldn’t risk us both - you know that.”

“That’s supposed to be my choice, remember?”

Draco raked a nervous hand through his hair. “Right…Look, B, I don’t have time to discuss this and it’s DEFINITELY not the place to do it. I didn’t intend on showing my hand quite so early on, but at least you managed to make it through last night in one piece. And we may yet be able to salvage some of our early plans, but we’ll have to take greater care.”

“You think?” Blaise shot back.

Draco forced a taut grin and maneuvered back to his earlier question. “Did you have a pleasant evening with your house guests then?”

Blaise stiffened somewhat but continued on seemingly amused, “Well, 'pleasant' may be a slight exaggeration…But I was flattered to say the least.”

Draco wasn’t fooled by Blaise’ lighthearted tone, he was worried. “Really? How so?”

“Well, I can tell you one thing for certain, mate, we’re definitely in the big leagues now.” Blaise’ slight Italian lilt was evident, another sign he was nervous. Blaise’ accent only surfaced when he was anxious or preoccupied.

“I though as much. Were they Juniors?” Draco said quietly.

The quick, terse laugh that followed said it all.

“There were four of them.” Blaise answered, his face betraying an almost proud grin, his eyes scanning lazily around the street and storefronts, looking, searching.

Draco looked nonplussed. “You could easily handle four Juniors, Blaise.”

He grinned. “I thank you for your confidence in me...And you’re right of course, however these weren’t Juniors, Draco.”

Draco grimaced. “Who?” he asked quietly, hoping desperately not to hear Blaise’ next words.

“They were from the Quorum.”

“The QUORUM?” Draco echoed hollowly, his eyes sliding closed in a sickening acceptance. One of their biggest fears had just been realized. ‘Oh no. No, no, no, we’re fucked.’

The Quorum Members were Voldemort’s inner circle of Death Eaters. They were sadistic, vicious men who would kill anyone that crossed them without a second thought.

But what truly tore at his gut and set Draco’s blood running cold was the knowledge that Voldemort would never waste sending his elite protection squad out for such a menial chore as watching a fledgling Death Eater to see if he was behaving properly.

If they had been dispatched to baby sit Blaise, then Voldemort suspected him a traitor as well, since by then he would have already heard about Draco…

And that meant one thing and one thing only, that they were both TRULY in big fucking trouble.

“Oh SHIT.” Draco exhaled.

“Oh shit, indeed.” Blaise concurred as he sighed wistfully, “I wish it had just been Juniors.”

The fact was that they both could easily handle any Junior Death Eater. They were typically the youngest and lowest level members and were usually assigned tasks that were the least important and they were considered the most easily dispensable.

Blaise and Draco were children of Quorum members. They had grown up alongside the most brutal of men and knew how to navigate around them. Hell, they were slated to BE them…. And truth be told, you didn’t want to deal with a Quorum Death Eater at all if you could avoid it, because one of you was going to end up dead, and it usually was not one of the Quorum.

Picking off Juniors would have been a piece of cake for Blaise, which is why Voldemort had conveyed to him a glaring signal by sending his best men to keep him in check. He was stating, by a raw show of force that he was aware what Blaise was up to and to cease and desist.

Voldemort obviously had plans for Blaise otherwise he would, in all probability, be dead by now. Not many caught the Dark Lord’s attention at being fingered as a potential defector and lived to tell about it.

Now Draco completely understood. He didn’t like it, but wouldn’t have expected Blaise to do anything other than what he did -Which was to keep his ass alive.

If Blaise has challenged them, then he’d not be standing here at this moment and they both knew it.

Draco didn’t bother to ask who exactly had been assigned to Blaise because it just didn’t matter. What mattered was that they both had made it through this past night alive.

“When did they leave?” Draco asked curiously.

“Pettigrew showed up a little after two in the morning and then they were all gone in a flash.” Blaise shrugged. “Seemed I wasn’t quite so important after that.”

A shudder ran through him. “Ah yes,” Draco croaked, “Two AM, that was right around the time all us kids were having such fun, dancing, drinking, dodging Death Eaters, nearly being murdered. You know, a typical night out clubbing.”

“Stop teasing me,” Blaise said dryly, “You know how jealous I get when you go out and have such a good time without me.” Draco chuckled and Blaise shot him a nervous glance, his grin fading and his eyes becoming somber. “Dre,” he said quietly, “you know Lucius was there at the club last night, don’t you?”

He eyed Blaise for a moment and looked away fighting a sudden wave of nausea and wondered briefly when it was exactly that he ate last. He really couldn’t remember.

”I figured Lucius wouldn’t miss out on any of the evening’s entertainment. Bastard. It’s so like him to have a front row seat for all the carnage and wickedness. I wouldn’t be surprised if he watched the whole thing lounging at the bar with a drink in his hand.”

Blaise’ deep chuckle snapped him out of his revere and Draco looked around again, shifting slightly in his impatience.

Blaise sighed, standing tall and straight and said softly, “I should go.” His tone was deceptively light and his eyes twinkled, but Draco knew that façade all to well; they were both keenly aware of their surroundings and knew they’d been speaking too long already. “I’ll owl you later. I suspect there’s quite a bit we still need to discuss.”

They shared a meaningful glance before Draco answered, “There is. I assume you know where I’m staying?”

Blaise smirked and winked, “WE ALL KNOW WHERE YOU’RE STAYING. Do try and remember that.” He turned to leave and over his shoulder said softly, “Godspeed, mate.”

Draco nodded briefly and watched with raised eyebrows as Blaise Zabini’ tall, lithe body swaggered boldly down the street, his jet-black hair catching the morning sunshine and casting a deep blue gleam to the shiny locks. Blaise’ hips swayed tantalizingly, making many a ladies head snap to him in attention as they gazed riveted. He simply grinned and sauntered on, flashing a brilliant smile at every pretty, little witch he passed and gracing a few with a roguish wink leaving a decidedly large wake of blushing and giggling women of all ages sighing after him lustily.

Blaise, unbeknownst to him, also caught the eyes of two girls standing silently in front of him as he strolled by turning and grinning up at the steps of Gringotts as if he knew a delicious secret.

“Who’s that? Why was he talking to Draco? Can he be trusted? Maybe we should follow him and stun him until we know he’s not running to Lucius…”

Ginny chuckled quietly at Laurel’s frenzied gush of whispered questions. “That’s Blaise Zabini. He’s Malfoy’s best mate and another Slytherin. He’s a good-looking devil isn’t he? And he’s a bit of a prat, but overall I think he’s on the level. And, I don’t think we should stray far from Malfoy. If for some reason Zabini gives him up, that’s what we’re here for.”

Laurel looked after the handsome wizard with caution. “You’re right.” she agreed turning her eyes back to Draco. He too had begun to saunter toward them. “I just wish I knew if he’s truly trustworthy.”

Ginny was battling with herself. She didn’t know how much to tell Laurel of what she’d overheard in the library, not sure where to draw the line. Ginny was glad however that she’d heard it all, never imagining when she decided to wander into the library to get a book and do some reading, where the day’s events would take her. She’d only been seated for a few minutes in a cushy, leather high-back chair facing the fireplace when Harry and Draco came in.

They never saw her – and she never said a word to let them know she was there.

Ginny had listened enraptured. She couldn’t believe her good fortune at actually being in the right place at the right time to catch all of this unfolding before her! And after what she’d heard, Ginny now had an entirely newfound respect for Draco and his willingness to sacrifice himself for Harry and the Order.

Smiling, she realized that Draco Malfoy really did have a heart under all that ice and pureblood bullocks. It made her resolve to protect him that much stronger, but she didn’t know how Laurel would react to finding out that Harry and Draco had bonded. Hell, she wasn’t even sure what it meant, but in hearing everything, (for she couldn’t actually see any of what went on from her vantage point) she knew it was a big deal.

“Well,” Ginny said cautiously, careful not to let Laurel know too much, “I know Draco trusts Zabini with his life, so I think we shouldn’t worry.”

Laurel bit her lip and nodded again. She was glad Draco trusted him; she certainly hoped he was worthy of his trust.

Draco shook his head and groaned as he watched his friend depart, “Strutting, randy peacock.” he muttered glancing up at the morning sky, his eyes catching the light and glittering like molten blue diamonds. He was ready to do this. Draco pushed away from the window and set off at a casual gait across the street, confidently striding up the steps of Gringotts Wizarding Bank ready to claim his fortune, and as an added bonus ruin his father, hopefully for the rest of his penniless life.

As he mounted the steps Draco paused imperceptibly for a moment, catching a whisper of perfume in the air and his mind was drawn to Laurel; he already knew her scent. ‘I can smell her fragrance on the wind.’

At that thought his heart began to beat faster, knowing the next time he held her in his arms he would be able to offer her so much more than he ever could, even twenty four hours ago. Fuck pureblood rules, fuck a thousand years of tradition and fuck Lucius. Draco could do what he wanted after today.

He could offer Laurel a future. It wouldn’t be easy and probably not very fun at times, but he could offer it freely. And if all went according to plan he may just do that. He grinned, thinking about some old muggle song he heard once that described his life so simply and yet so precisely in this exact moment that he’d be hard pressed to find better words. ‘What a difference a day makes, twenty-four little hours…’

Unbeknownst to Draco, two girls sighed in relief, as he swept regally past, damn near colliding with them as he raced toward his destiny.

They shadowed him silently, following in his steps as two intimidating goblin sentries pulled the doors open wide. He entered the bank without so much as a sideways glance at the doormen and stopped at the nearest counter in the lofty foyer, looked around and imperiously announced, “Get me your bank manager immediately.”

Within seconds a decidedly shrewd looking goblin with spectacles riding on the very end of his long nose, wearing a rather sharp looking black business suit appeared next to Draco. “May I help you, Mr. Malfoy?” came his gravelly welcome.

Draco raised himself to his full height and towered over the formidable looking goblin. He looked down his nose at him and asked, “You know who I am?”

“Of course, Mr. Malfoy. Gringotts makes it a priority to know all of our most valued client’s children.”

Draco’s eyes narrowed dangerously and his jaw clenched at that retort. “Are you the bank manager?”

“I am. My name is Goblin Ezra. You may address me as Ezra. How may I help you today? Are you here perhaps to draw from your allowance? If that is the case, Mr. Malfoy, I will get your family’s personal banker and he can help you with whatever you need.” Ezra turned to leave and was stopped in his tracks by Draco’s frosty tone.

“Ezra, is it?” Draco addressed the goblin in a deceptively soft and quiet voice.

“Yes, Mr. Malfoy, it is.”

Draco was positively bristling with indignation, his eyes turning very grey, ‘CHILD INDEED!’

“Ezra, you would do well to make no assumptions as to my reasons for being here today or any time in the future, if we are to conduct business together. It is true I am the heir of Lucius Malfoy, but rest assured I am no child.” Draco waited with an arched brow for a response from the now angry looking goblin.

“Yes of course, Mr. Malfoy my sincerest apologies. How may I help you?” Ezra ground out, his annoyance clearly evident.

“That’s better.” Draco replied coolly, briefly wishing now that he’d brought Potter along for moral support. He really wanted to have Laurel by his side more, but this was dangerous business. He knew that just because he made it here easily didn’t mean he’d be able to leave just as simply…

Lucius was cunning and selfish and he wouldn’t let go of his money any easier than Draco would once he secured it. As a matter of fact, once he got his hands on that fortune he was NEVER relinquishing control.

“I am here on Malfoy family business. I think perhaps we should secure a private room before we proceed.”

Draco gave the tiniest flicker of a smile in response to Ezra’s sudden change in posture. He watched in detached amusement as the goblin’s eyes lit up at once with the possibility of securing yet another Malfoy family members business…Goblins are such greedy bastards.

“Immediately, Mr. Malfoy.” Ezra chimed even as he turned to bark out orders to several workers now scurrying about and grunting among themselves. “I think perhaps we should get your family’s personal banker as well before we go any further.”

Draco put a strong hand on Ezra’s narrow, bony shoulder, stopping him yet again. “Goblin Ezra, does my father trust this banker?”

Ezra eyed Draco thoughtfully for a moment before replying and decided that it would be best to answer young Malfoy honestly, “Completely.”

Draco leaned down close to Ezra’s huge, rather foul smelling ear and said calmly and quietly, “Then I suggest that you do not have him present. It would not bode well for you and for the future of our mutual business dealings if my father were to ‘suddenly’ drop in while we’re in the middle of conducting what could turn out for you, to be a very lucrative business partnership…Do we understand each other, Goblin Ezra?”

Ezra was not surprised at all to see that cunning and business savvy were Malfoy traits. “Perhaps, Mr. Malfoy, you would like to select a NEW personal accountant?” he replied suavely, leadingly.

“Perhaps, Goblin Ezra, YOU might be interested in this position?” Draco was no fool. If he secured the branch manager as the Malfoy’s personal banker than he didn’t have to worry about little indiscretions causing bigger problems…He didn’t want anyone else other than the person running this building to handle what he wanted done with his fortune…with his future.

Draco was going to make changes; significant changes and he needed someone with experience, someone that HE could trust along for the ride.

Ezra beamed. “I would consider it an honor, Mr. Malfoy.” he said as he led Draco away, still barking out orders to get files, boxes, documents and bring them to the Malfoy family chamber in the caverns…

At hearing the word ‘cavern’ Ginny perked up and grabbed a surprisingly subdued Laurel’s hand and began dragging her along as quickly as possible behind Draco.

“Laurel!” she whispered, sounding worried. Laurel tilted her ear toward Ginny never slowing her step and keeping a sharp eye on Draco and the crowd around him. “Stick close, we need to make sure we get into the same trolley with them and hope to Merlin they don’t have some sodding helper following along or we’re screwed.”

Laurel turned her eyes to Ginny and nodded, “No one else will get into the car with them don’t worry, I’ll see to it.”

Sure enough Draco and Ezra climbed into what looked to be an ancient and rather rickety looking mine-car contraption, which had two rows of seat.

Ginny watched horrified as a smaller goblin struggled with a box of files and started to climb in the back row of seats, when Laurel, with a simple flick of her hand sent the box flying with its contents spilling all around in a flutter. Ginny’s mouth dropped open as they rushed forward and seated themselves behind Draco, unheard in the commotion. Draco and Ezra didn’t bother to glance up even once, he and Ezra had their heads bent low and were speaking quietly as the car lurched and raced off at an alarming speed.

Laurel and Ginny could not hold onto the car, as they had to fight to keep the cloak covering themselves while the car whizzed and tilted at impossible angles, the wind forcing the material into their eyes and mouths.

Just as suddenly as the car had started, it stopped, sending the girls pitching forward and almost hitting the two occupants in front of them. They would have, if Draco and Ezra had not also pitched forward and landed back in their seats with a loud “UMPH” issuing from the both of them at the same moment the girls landed back in their own seat.

The girls waited until Draco and the goblin exited and then followed along silently to a set of double doors that had to be twenty feet tall and carved directly into the rough stone walls. Goblin Ezra opened the doors and ushered Draco in and Ginny made to enter behind Draco but Laurel put a hand to her arm to stop her.

The doors closed and they heard a lock clicking leaving them out in the dark, cavernous hallway.

“Why the hell did you do that?” Ginny hissed.

“If anyone tries to attack him from outside, we’ll be here.” Laurel replied reasonably.

“What if Lucius was waiting inside there?” Ginny countered, her face flushed with anger. ‘Stupid, trusting Americans.’ she thought.

“No one was in there.” Laurel replied automatically. She just realized that she knew the room was empty because she could not sense the presence of any souls in there…”Huh,” she wondered aloud, “I wonder when that started?”

“When what started?” Ginny asked, looking around. She didn’t see or hear anything out of the ordinary.

Laurel smiled, “Nothing. I think Draco needs to take care of this privately and we’re better served out here.”

Ginny agreed, but she was naturally curious by nature and wanted to see the rest of the process. But then something else she remembered hit her. “You did wandless magic back there…” she said it as more of a statement than a question.

“Yes.” Laurel replied eyeing her closely. “But don’t go spreading that around.”

Ginny was somewhat flustered, she was beginning to get it now when Draco told her Laurel was very powerful and she should keep on her good side. “Have you always been able to do it?”

Laurel chewed on her lip a moment and nodded. “Yes, since I first began showing signs of my magic.”

She saw no point in lying to Ginny about this, because if she needed to do wandless magic again she would, so better Ginny was prepared ahead of time. It’s why Laurel had chosen a busy, noisy area to do something small like tossing a box around, so if Ginny gasped it would most likely go unnoticed.

“You know I’m not sure if the Ministry can track wandless magic in underage wizards. Can they?” She knew she was already in trouble for apparating, so her using her wand at this point just wasn’t a big deal. Ginny was never one to conform anyway.

Laurel grinned. “Yes they can. Have no worries, I’m sure I’ll be in just as much trouble as you.” she shrugged almost indifferently.

The girls stopped speaking mid sentence when they saw the stodgy goblin from earlier approaching, along with another, both carrying three huge boxes, teetering precariously. One of them lumbered up, dropped the boxes unceremoniously unto the floor, opened the doors and then carried their payload in and disappeared inside. The two goblins exited shortly after and left down a darkened hallway.

The two girls watched all this indifferently and lapsed into silence. There was nothing now to do but wait and hope they’d get out of this mess as effortlessly as they’d gotten into it…

--- ---

Once safely inside the chamber Draco turned to Ezra, “Shall we begin?”

The goblin nodded solemnly and began in an official voice, “Mr. Malfoy, what is your business with Gringotts?”

Draco’s face was a calm, his air about him refined as he slid from his left had the Malfoy family crest ring and officially presented it to Ezra stating in a clear and formal voice, “Goblin Ezra, I am Draconous Lucius Malfoy, only son of Lucius Cornelius Malfoy and Narcissa Black Malfoy. It is within my rights, it is my duty and my responsibility as the sole heir of the Malfoy clan to claim ownership and control from my father, should he become unable to fulfill his stewardship as executor over the Malfoy fortune. That stewardship has become compromised.”

Draco stopped here and looked hard at the old goblin standing before him. Ezra nodded his agreement knowing full well once these next words were uttered from Draco they could not be taken back. Draco felt a shiver of excitement and apprehension run over him. His eyes became dark, determined and his voice when he spoke was more forceful than it had to be. “Therefore I, Draconous Lucius Malfoy am invoking The Heir’s Privilege.”

Goblin Ezra spoke just as formally. The invocation process was after all very old magic, steeped in tradition and ceremony. It had to be performed just so. “I accept your Invocation, Draconous Lucius Malfoy. The Heir’s Privilege is now in effect.”

And with that Draco became a very, very wealthy man.

Lucius Malfoy however would have his say yet, for at this very moment he was on his way to Gringotts.

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A/N:

SPELLWORKS:
HEIR'S PRIVILEGE - Allows an heir or heirs to assume control over the existing steward of the family fortune when the person is either incapacitated or incarcerated...etc.

AS AN FYI:
The QUORUM and JUNIOR Death Eaters are just made up. I liked the idea of Voldy having an elete inner circle of Death Eaters that are his personal protection squad...hence the Quorum.

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