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.

A/N: OK, now about this chapter, it’s pretty much dedicated to Lucius in all his badass glory - shiver. Plus can’t forget Draco, in all his bad-boy, reformed, (sort of) glory - bigger shiver.

(Leaning in and whispering to you) I think I’m developing quite a little crush on Lucius the more I write him…GROAN. JUST WHAT I NEED, a crush on TWO MALFOY MEN. OY VEY! So, off you go then, and be sure to play nice with Lucius. He’s in quite bad humor this chappie…


Ch 35 - AN HEIR, A FATHER & A FORTUNE – Part 2

Date began chapter - December 14, 2004
HOLIDAY BREAK - December 16 – January 14, 2005
Date finished chapter - January 24, 2005

_____________________________

Previously from Ch 34:

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.

“Therefore, I, Draconous Lucius Malfoy am invoking The Heir’s Privilege.”

Goblin Ezra spoke just as formally, “I accept your Invocation, Draconous Lucius Malfoy. Let the Heir’s Privilege begin.”

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.

_____________________________________________

Lucius Malfoy stood in the hallway of Malfoy Manor exhausted, the frail wisps of his good mood fading away with ice numbing swiftness upon reading the three letters crushed tightly in his fist.

He had returned to the Manor feeling relatively pleased with himself at managing to get out of this past evening with his life and his position within the Dark Lord’s empire intact, at least for now...

He knew his life had been spared completely due to his quick thinking at executing the fragile plan that had been devised on the seat of his pants, and was unquestionably brilliant. Of course his life wouldn’t even BE presently compromised if it weren’t for Draco. Yes his disloyal son would have to pay whether his treachery be discovered or not, Lucius would see to it. He was, Lucius Cornelius Malfoy after all. He was always victorious.

However confident Lucius was in his ultimate victory, at the moment he was busy nursing a bruised ego and doing EVERYTHING humanly possible to fight off the absolute surge of disgust and humiliation that were threatening to devour him whole since Voldemort desecrated him in front of his fellow Quorum Death Eaters.

Although Voldemort allowed Lucius to operate on his behalf with a certain amount of liberty, he was by no means pleased to discover that the younger Malfoy, one of his most promising up and coming Death Eaters, had defected to Dumbledore…

Surprisingly, he had been even less pleased to find out from his ‘trusted’ servant that it had all been an elaborate subterfuge designed and executed by the Malfoy boy and approved by Malfoy senior.

Lucius effortlessly explained the uneasy questions away by saying that Draco had approached him with his plot the same day as the attack was planned, and Lucius had agreed to let Draco prove himself worthy as he so wanted to please their Master by presenting Potter to him personally…

Draco’s – accident…had been just that, an unfortunate accident. But he was inside now, and accepted wholeheartedly, according to his informants, so all was proceeding remarkably as intended.

Voldemort – the conceited prick looked in Lucius’ opinion to have bought the outright lie.

But as we all know, looks can be deceiving…

Voldemort had no leniency for failure and now that the young Malfoy was in with Potter he wanted to keep him there until he needed Draco. These new turn of events resulted in Lucius being provided two of the Dark Lord’s most loyal supporters to ‘assist’ him in keeping Draco safe and thereby assure that his plans would proceed without any further complications.

After all it certainly would be a shame if Draco went to all the trouble of getting cozy with Dumbledore, ‘Saint’ Potter and the girl without Voldemort being able to utilize this most advantageous opportunity.

Whether the younger Malfoy liked it or not, he was now even more valuable to Voldemort exactly where he was.

Yes, things were working out quite well for the Dark Lord.

----- -----

Things were NOT working out well for Lucius.

As a matter of fact he was way beyond needing vengeance from Draco for this unforgivable dishonor toward him. No one disgraces Lucius Malfoy and jeopardizes his life without the penalty of forfeiting their own. Unfortunately, Draco would have to learn this lesson first hand.

A cool determination settled over Lucius as he looked up to see ‘the hired help’ sauntering toward him, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he stood taller, squaring broad shoulders and readying to rage the inevitable battle of wits that was certain to ensue with the shrewd bastard before him.

With clenched jaw and a forced smile, Lucius appeared calm and composed as he greeted Leonardo Zabini, knowing that Leo would sense his turbulent emotions in an instant if he didn’t get them under control IMMEDIATELY.

Leonardo strolled casually into the foyer where Lucius stood rigidly with his hands clasped formally behind his back, eyeing Leo coolly.

“Everything all right, Lucius?” Leonardo drawled. He was an intelligent, calculating man and could easily see through Lucius’ facade that he was perturbed. Leo smirked, he should damn well be. Oh yes, he was going to have great fun tormenting the fastidious Malfoy.

Lucius’ eyes flickered, almost betraying his annoyance at Leonardo’s question. He was incensed once again, but he had to remain calm, as his life was still hanging perilously in his Master’s hands.

“Of course, Leonardo.” Lucius replied instantly, his gracious manner not betraying his hatred for this egotistical maniac who had been sent so brazenly here to spy on him. Lucius grinned, flashing a set of brilliantly white teeth and smoothly clapped a hand on Leonardo’s back, guiding him toward the parlor where he had just exited. “I have just received a few correspondences that require my immediate attention and then we may begin our meeting.”

Zabini’s eyes narrowed as he gracefully flicked at a piece of non-existent lint on his sleeve. “The Dark Lord’s plans require our utmost consideration and should take precedence over any matter that you may consider important, Lucius. Malfoy business does not supersede anything having to do with our Master and his desires.”

Lucius gritted his teeth, his jaw twitching slightly in anger, but his voice was light and pleasant. “Leo,” he began, a slightly amused chuckle evident as he spoke, “you need not remind me of what is required to run our Master’s empire. As you are well aware, I am, as always, one of his most devoted servants.” Lucius added easily, with a hint of mockery in his voice and a slight a bow to his head, “As are you, of course.” Lucius waived a hand at a passing house elf and commanded refreshments be brought at once and turned back to Leonardo. “Now, I must give my staff some orders and I will join you in moments.”

With a dismissive wave of his hand toward the parlor, Lucius turned on his heel, not bothering to wait for a reply and strode into his study shutting the doors with a crisp snap.

Breathing deeply he went to his desk, flung himself into the large leather chair and leaned back low into it, trying to regain control over the emotions simmering and swirling around his insides. Lucius wasn’t one to lose his temper and show it with such outward displays. However, these were extreme circumstances and he was finding it difficult to exact the control he usually held over his person.

Lucius’ grey eyes, blazing with the fire of hatred and fury kept flicking over and over again at the crushed parchment gripped so tight within his palm. He winced slightly feeling a sting on his hand and looked down indifferently to see the letters were now stained red with his own blood, the razor fine edges of the paper had sliced his palm neatly across its center.

“How poetically appropriate,” he sneered, not missing the comparison between the letters and how with the very words written on them, his family had sliced his heart and soul until they bled silently, despair and loneliness seeping out from him like an unseen river.

Lucius snarled and dropped the foul parchments in a crumpled heap atop his desk to retrieve a snowy white handkerchief from his jacket and wrapped it with quick precision around his hand. He could easily heal the wound himself, but why bother? He would leave this small sliver of discomfort to remind him (as if he could forget) of the annoyance that needed to be dealt with post-haste.

As he began to organize his thoughts an angry scowl marred the chiseled perfection of his face, his eyes settling now with icy determination to the letters before him.

Picking up the first, he read it again, although he already knew what it said. He knew what they all said, yet he still somehow needed to see the confirmation once more, written there in ink and now anointed in his own blood, rubbing salt into his already raw wounds.

The first one was of no consequence, it was from one of his informants advising him Draco had survived the attack from last night and was alive.

This Lucius already knew, for he and Narcissa both had what were loosely termed “Life” pendants. Of course, Lucius had confiscated Narcissa’s long ago, but Lucius’ own pendant never left him. It was divided down the center, one side representing Narcissa’s life force and the other Draco’s.

If either of them were to become gravely ill or die, the pendant, which normally shone brightly on both sides indicating his family was alive and well, would grow cloudy on the side of the ill person and eventually flicker out and extinguish completely upon their demise.

Lucius had watched his pendant intently during the night as Draco’s life force flickered and dimmed several times. Once it was so faint that Lucius was certain Draco had died; but it eventually became a steady dull glow and by morning was back to its usual bright shine.

Draco had survived.

Lucius dropped the vile note as if it burned to the touch and focused on the second and undoubtedly the most unsettling and cryptic letter. It was from his wife.

His wife. His Narcissa.

Just thinking about her and the outlandish stunt she had pulled made his blood boil to a frightening level. “Oh, Narcissa, what have you done…” Lucius murmured, as his finger traced her signature at the bottom of the paper.

His eyes, darkened and narrowed to pewter grey slits were drawn against their will again to the simple letter open before him, now crumpled from his anger and dotted with his blood. Lucius’ eyes trailed over and over the delicate handwriting, as rage, jealousy and hurt spilled from him, dousing his spirit and leaving him trembling with fury and with a dark, hollow spot in his heart.

Lucius had no idea why Narcissa would chose this crucial time to assert her head-strong will, but he would find out…His scowl grew deeper as he reread the letter:

’19, July

Lucius,

By the time you read this I will be gone. Don’t bother at any attempts to find me, you and I both know you will fail. I don’t wish to be found, and until I do you will not hear from me again.

Lucius, heed my warning and be very clear about this, Draco has no idea I’ve left. I have not seen him or told him where I plan to go. If I find out you’ve hurt him in ANY way, you will pay dearly.

This has nothing to do with Draco, only with me.

I’ve been patient and subservient to you for far to long, it is time for me to be free.

Fate and I have been warring for years and it has finally won the battle between us and captured my soul.

I am now powerless to fight what lay ahead; therefore I will embrace it wholly. It is what I was meant to do. I understand that now.

I am honor bound and I embrace my honor at last.

I will return to you, Lucius, never fear, for our destinies are intertwined.

And know this – every day that I wander in the sunlight and every night that I gaze upon the stars, I will be thinking only of you.

I love you, Lucius.

Narcissa’

Lucius felt a cold tremor run down his spine and quickly pushed his soul’s warnings aside, for the only thing he wanted to do at the moment was to give into his unrestrained rage and scream from the rooftops at Narcissa for leaving him.

But, of course he was unable to.

He wanted to KILL in his thirst to satisfy the sudden need for revenge at Narcissa and Draco for their disobedience and betrayal to him.

But yet, he could not.

Lucius was not a man to be denied any of his wantings, and he would get his wants and his desires fulfilled, however now was not the time. For as impatient as Lucius was by nature, he had learned that patience was a virtue that heeded him well, no matter how much he disliked exercising it.

Snatching up the letter Lucius gripped it so fiercely yet again, that his erratic mind was actually hoping to somehow transfer from the tightly clenched fist, his hatred and disgust for his family into the very fibers of the paper. Wishing desperately that that hatred would reach across the vastness out to where they were and send them…send her a titillating message….’I’m coming for you. And when I find you, there will be only one of us returning...’

Lucius leapt from his chair and with two long strides was standing before the cold stone hearth of the fireplace and with a quick flick of his wand sent a jet of crimson sparks out and immediately a roaring fire lit in the grate. He flung the letter from Narcissa into it and watched with little satisfaction as the paper curled in upon itself turning to little wisps of blackened ash as it melted into the fire.

Narcissa’s warning and words of love lost forever upon the flames.

He turned and retrieved the other two letters and flung the first into the fire as well and was just about to toss the third when his hand stilled. Turning it over slowly and reading it once more, Lucius realized, as a cruel smirk settled upon his face that this would serve his purpose well.

As he began quickly formulating a plan, his thoughts once again turned dark and anger momentarily seeped to the surface, flushing his pale skin and tingeing it a deep crimson, making the angelic hue of Lucius’ hair and complexion stand out even more prominently. For Lucius did in fact look every bit the angel, with his ethereal hair, brilliant, sparkling grey eyes and tall, well-muscled frame. Nothing betraying the surge of raw, dangerous emotions churning within him except for the murderous glint flashing for a moment in his stormy eyes.

Lucius quickly scanned again the missive sent from the Malfoy personal banker at Gringotts, notifying him that at this very moment, Draco was there, claiming he needed to conduct urgent family business.

Lucius sniffed, arching his brow, he suspected as much. After all, Draco was a Malfoy and he had leaned his ways from Lucius; and this little coup he was attempting is exactly what Lucius would have done if he were in Draco’s shoes. He smirked, well, let Draco try and do what he could. Lucius would stop him long before he even stepped foot outside of Gringotts.

Finally regaining his composure he smiled, for Lucius prided himself on, and indeed was a master at manipulating his body into the façade of cool, aristocratic composure. He never wavered in the face of often terrifying situations to portray anything outwardly other than complete, total confidence and absolute control.

And this situation would be no different.

Lucius Malfoy if he had it his way, would bow to NO ONE, would succumb to NO ONE, would allow NO ONE to enforce their will into his life…But he didn’t have it his way, at least, that is not yet.

This thought and this thought alone was what sustained him through the torture that was his life.

If he could hold on, just manage to keep his grasp held tightly to his golden ring of opportunity; he knew it would present itself eventually, in all its gleaming glory. Eventually, that opportunity would HAVE to come and he would be waiting. Lucius was never one to pass up the occasion to increase his power, to situate himself in an even more prominent position for domination. Yes, all he had to was wait.

Lucius didn’t get this far in his life; in all his carefully calculated plans to have them dashed to ruins by his power hungry son and wayward wife.

As much as he wanted to tear out into the streets and search for Narcissa until his legs would carry him not a step further, she was just going to have to be dealt with later. For at the moment Lucius had a more urgent matter to be handled – his heir.

Draco - the ONLY heir to the Malfoy fortune, his only child, his son, his very flesh and blood and now the one person other than his Master that had managed to briefly put himself in the a very real position to do Lucius serious harm…

And Lucius couldn’t have THAT.

His eyes flickered briefly, showing something akin to pride, if he was prone to such trite, tiresome emotions. Lucius had to give Draco credit, he did have mettle, but no matter how much bravado Draco had, Lucius was completely confident in his own capabilities of not being played the patsy by his mutinous son.

‘Did Draco actually think I wouldn’t know what he was trying to do?’ Lucius wondered, as a malicious smirk played upon his lips.

Well, Draco would soon learn that he was still young and his foolhardy, youthful outlook would undeniably get him into trouble when he started playing rough with the big boys, namely – him.

With that Lucius stood tall and with an arrogant swagger, swept from the study. He knew he had to get to Gringotts NOW and he also knew that he wasn’t going to be able to lose his ‘watchdogs’ at present, so they would just have to come along…whether they liked it or not.

Because Lucius had a date with his son and he wasn’t going to miss it for ANYTHING OR ANYONE.

----- -----

“Are you ready, Mr. Malfoy?” Goblin Ezra said as he settled back in his chair wondering if this boy had the fortitude to stand up against the fierce elder Malfoy and survive to tell about it. The goblin’s usually gravelly voice was hushed and his eyes narrowed as he openly contemplated the young wizard before him. “We have come to the final stages of the Invocation.” he continued, raising wiry, bushy brows at Draco and awaiting his consent to proceed.

“Absolutely.” came the immediate response. Draco’s face was a mask of calm, although his eyes betrayed him, they had turned deep grey from worry as he fought back a tremor that ran down his spine. He was so close to getting what he wanted he could literally taste it, the sweet nectar of victory. No, this was not a victory over the war, not in the least. But it was a win over a very large battle. Now, only time would tell if he would be the victor over the war…

Yet as close as he was, even now he could feel the sands of time slipping away from him with every minute that passed. He needed to wrap things up and quickly before Lucius got there, for he knew he would.

Lucius would come for Draco.

Of this he was certain, for Draco knew his father very well.

A cold smile played over Draco’s face, his eyes alight with malevolent satisfaction. Once he signed the final documents it wouldn’t matter whether Lucius killed him today or next year or never because Draco had seen to it that Lucius would not get his inheritance back no matter what he did.

The Malfoy fortune was lost to one Lucius Cornelius Malfoy forever…As soon as Draco signed those papers.

Lucius would be, for all intents and purposes, no longer a Malfoy. He held the name to be sure and to some extent the clout that it held, but that would have to suffice, for the monetary influence would be gone.

Since Lucius was a wanted, escaped criminal and a person responsible for heinous crimes against society, Goblin Ezra, as manager of Gringotts Bank, had it within his abilities to move the Invocation ritual along at a much quicker pace, or as was in this case, to waive the customary transition period all together.

The Heir’s Privilege was a complicated and lengthy process, sometimes taking weeks or if several heirs were involved, months to finalize. But since Draco was the sole heir and there were extenuating circumstances, Ezra made an exception.

Once Draco finished signing these documents he would legally be in charge of the Malfoy fortune, until such time as his heirs were to assume control or his demise.

Goblin Ezra had not been the least bit shocked to find that Draco had placed very specific guidelines set forth expressly to keep any potentially mutinous family members from gaining access to the fortune. No one other than his own future wife and children and of course his ‘Seconds’ or executors of his will, would have availability to any assets. No other member of the Malfoy clan would be able to garner any funds. Not his mother (Draco would always provide for her, but keeping Narcissa out of the power play left her protected from any nefarious tricks Lucius may try.) or any distant Malfoy relatives – NO ONE except his immediate family – once he was married and had children of his own, would be able to get a hold of that money.

Ezra was surprised however, to add an explicitly detailed clause stating that should Draco have any children that were not of a pureblooded wizarding family that no other Malfoy could step up to contest his child’s claim to the fortune. ANY children of Draco’s would be the true Malfoy heirs, pureblood or not and that was FINAL.

Ezra had reassured him that would not be an issue, as any progeny of Draco’s would be the heirs apparent, without exception.

“Have you considered who will be your Seconds?” Ezra asked, as his quill scratched away, documenting, initialing and gathering papers for Draco’s signature. Not hearing an immediate response Ezra looked up and met Draco’s eyes.

He arched a golden brow at Ezra. Oh yes, he knew very well who would be his Seconds, should something happen to him or any children he would have in the future. Provided of course, he actually lived long enough to HAVE children.

Draco just didn’t know how THEY would respond to the…enviable…privilege.

“I have.” Draco replied.

Goblin Ezra raised his own brows at Draco, “They are?” he asked, his quill poised to pen the names.

Draco grimaced slightly, “I have three.” he said as his stomach did a lazy flip-flop. He didn’t even HAVE the money yet and already he was arranging for it to be given away…

Talking about people overseeing his money after his death was NOT a pleasant task to deal with he thought grimly, especially when you’re only 17.

Taking a deep breath he continued, “The first will be, Blaise Zabini. He will have control over the Malfoy businesses and will be responsible for overseeing the upkeep of Malfoy Manor and any of its inhabitants.”

Goblin Ezra nodded and began writing, “Has he been informed he is a Second?” he asked.

Draco shook his head, “No.”

Ezra’s eyes narrowed; “Seconds don’t usually take kindly to being informed of their duties when they are upon them, Mr. Malfoy.” he scolded gruffly.

“I’ll take that into consideration, Ezra.” Draco replied coolly. “The second is, Severus Snape. He will be responsible for making sure that Narcissa Malfoy continues to be provided for in the manner that is fit for a lady of her stature. Her lifestyle will not waver from what she has been accustomed to and she will never want for anything as long as she lives. This is very important to me, Goblin Ezra.” Draco leaned in close to Ezra, his voice becoming cold and hard, “Lucius is NOT to have access to any monies provided to my Mother, ever. Do you understand this? Any loop hole could put her life in danger, and I’ll not have that, not while I have breath in my body and not after I’m gone.” Draco reached over and placed a strong hand on Ezra’s arm, squeezing firmly, “Are we understood?”

Ezra gulped nervously and nodded, “Yes, you need have no concerns. I will handle this entire transaction personally. There will be no mistakes.”

Draco searched his face with resolute eyes and finally nodded releasing Ezra’s arm and leaned back in his chair again. “Good.” he said, his face becoming stoic once more.

“Your final executor, Mr. Malfoy?”

When Draco was again silent the goblin turned to watch him closely, he appeared to be battling with his thoughts. Draco’s eyes were narrowed almost to slits and his face was slightly flushed. Finally after long moments he took a deep breath and raked a hand through his hair – his face had settled into a decidedly stubborn expression. He had made up his mind.

This decision did not come lightly and was a painful one...VERY painful. Draco after all, was not a man to go back on his word once promised however hard his choice was. He had gone and opened his big mouth and pledged this and now he would see it through. Besides, he wasn’t really making this choice for anything other than purely spiteful reasons…

Draco’s eyes were snapping rebelliously at his next words, “Harry Potter will be the third Executor over the Malfoy fortune.”

Draco scowled, he found himself unable to keep the bitter taste from his mouth.

Did he REALLY want Potter to have his money? HIS MONEY? HIS INHERITANCE?

It was the only good thing that Draco could claim was legitimately his, a fortune that had quite literally been built upon over the ages by scores of Malfoy men.

Well that answer was easy…HELL NO.

But, sullenly he admitted that if he had a choice between Potter and Lucius, Potter won…narrowly.

Draco paused and watched with cynical amusement as the grey complexion of Ezra dropped a shade or two lighter. Draco wasn’t quite finished though he had one more surprise to add, “His portion of the estate will be dedicated solely to the Order of the Phoenix.”

Draco sat back and waited for Ezra’s reaction, he wasn’t long in waiting.

Ezra prided himself on remaining by and large expressionless at the often unique demands of his customers. But even this request took his breath away. He gasped and his huge, bug eyes grew wide with shock. He knew Dumbledore very well, they went way back and he was also aware of his Order. Gringotts’ was Hogwarts’ wizarding bank after all. And of course, EVERYONE knew of Harry Potter and the infamous connection that he had with Lucius Malfoy, he was the one that put him in Azkaban after all. Besides, Mr. Potter held his substantial accounts there as well.

But to actually bear witness to a Malfoy WILLINGLY leaving their money to a Potter, in support of the very organization that was determined to see an end to ‘He–Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’; well – it was just simply UNHEARD OF.

At the look on Ezra’s face Draco’s gaze became challenging. “Are you taking issue with my choices, Goblin Ezra?” Draco asked, his voice and eyes turning icy and dark.

Draco may question his own decisions, but no damn way was anyone else going to.

“No.” Ezra chocked out, “No, no. ” he repeated shaking his great head vigorously, “I only wanted to ascertain if you were aware of what a – SIZEABLE figure 1/3 of the Malfoy monies are. ”

Draco’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “Yes, Goblin Ezra” he said smoothly, his tone warning and low, “I am very aware of my considerable funds. Don’t underestimate me again, sir.” Ezra opened his mouth to apologize but Draco waved him off, “Regardless, I know what I am doing and Potter will undoubtedly be a very happy man.”

“I have no doubts, Mr. Malfoy.” Goblin Ezra agreed dryly.

Draco let out a little huff and leaned back in his chair once more, suddenly feeling old and tired beyond his years. Draco’s mind was beginning to work overtime fretting, for try as he might to remain positive, the oppressive dark side of his psyche was creeping over the edges of his hope and getting to him.

Perceived or real, he could very much feel Lucius closing in on him.

Draco just couldn’t help but torture himself thinking if Lucius got his way and actually killed him, that at the very least he prayed Potter or Snape or whoever sought retribution for his death would let Lucius live long enough to see Potter and the Order receive the Malfoy riches - riches that Draco had made certain would be enough to keep Dumbledore funded well into the next millennia.

That in and of itself was well worth giving money to Dumbledore, hell even to Potter, which is precisely why he was doing it, to spite Lucius - pure and simple.

The fact that it was a noble and good thing to do was just an added bonus that he could have lived without. Then again, Draco didn’t mind looking or playing the part of a saint, even if he was anything but.

Draco was pulled from his morbid thoughts as he watched Goblin Ezra stand and walk to an elaborately carved metal box sitting at the end of the table where they were seated. Ezra made a great show of retrieving an oversized key from his pocket and casting eyes on Draco, unlocked and opened the box. He removed another smaller box covered in a deep, crimson colored velvet and walked to Draco setting it before him.

Draco looked up into the black eyes of Ezra with anticipation and apprehension written on his face. He wished desperately at that moment that he wasn’t alone and realized he was tired of facing difficulty and uncertainty in his life without someone by his side he could trust.

Draco fleetingly wondered if he had asked Laurel to come with him this morning if she would have? He already knew the answer though; it was a resounding ‘yes’. He felt certain that he could count on her to stand beside him in the face of danger and difficulty – hell she’d done that the very night she met him, but did he want to put her in the line of fire again so soon?

NO.

He knew keeping Laurel in his life was going to automatically situate her in a certain amount of danger, probably always, but why expose her unnecessarily? Funny how he knew her so well after just such a short time in actually knowing her, but he did. And that knowledge made him want – no need to protect her from all the bad things in his life that he’d never want her to suffer from. Things he never wanted ANYONE to suffer from.

Draco had learned the hard way that there are pains and sadness in one’s life that he’d not wish on his worst enemy…WAIT, that’s Lucius. Maybe he would, as he was the glad giver of said pain and suffering.

Draco was suddenly resentful as to why he ALWAYS seemed to be struggling and lonely when going through such life changing experiences. Especially now that he’d found someone who he desperately wanted to keep near him, someone he could treasure. Someone he could trust.

Draco glowered; his answer was simple and came in a lightning quick reply – Lucius.

ALWAYS FUCKING, LUCIUS.

Well, not after today…or so he hoped.

“Draconous Lucius Malfoy,” Ezra began, “please open the box.” Draco opened it with slightly shaking hands. “Before you is the Binding Quill, please remove it.”

Draco took a noticeably deep breath, fighting back a pang of fear and picked up the large feather quill, feeling a jolt run through his hand upon touching it. He looked up questioningly at Ezra then.

“You felt the Quill activate?” Ezra asked.

“I felt a jolt run through my arm, if that’s it?” Draco replied, now more than a bit worried.

“Good.” Ezra answered, nodding, “You may begin signing the papers now.” Ezra paused, “I must warn you, the signing process will be a bit…painful.”

Draco grunted, “Naturally.” He looked up at Ezra questioningly, “Is there no ink bottle?”

Ezra shook his head, “Your documents are singed in something more permanent than ink, Mr. Malfoy. They are signed, bound and sealed by your blood.”

The color drained out of Draco’s face but he nodded and turned silently, eyeing with trepidation the very large stack of documents sitting before him. Straightening his shoulders, Draco put pen to paper and began signing his name. With each page signed he never gave an outward expression of discomfort as the sharp pain, very much like a razor scratching across the palm of his hand, dug in time and again. He became almost hypnotized by the bright red letters of his name written in his very life’s blood as they appeared upon paper after paper.

His name. His blood. His future. All tied together and sprawling before him with blinding clarity and the promise of freedom, just moments away.

Finally, thankfully, the last page was signed and Draco put the quill down, forcing his hand to remain steady as it rested on the smooth surface of the table. His left hand was throbbing and aching agonizingly. Draco refused to look at his palm though, he was sure it would be bloodied and raw and he’d be damned if he would show any weakness in front of this shrewd goblin. Instead he turned cold, challenging eyes to Ezra.

“Do we need to sign anything more?” he asked, in what he hoped was an even tone. Draco ignored the fact that his hand was getting more painful by the minute. He could feel the blood oozing out of the torn skin with the tempo of his heartbeats.

Ezra smiled, his gravelly voice holding a tone of respect, “No, Mr. Malfoy, all the documents are signed.” Draco nodded, a flicker of relief flashing across his face. “I think you’ll find this helps to relieve the pain; just drink it.” Ezra said quietly, handing Draco a small vile, which Draco opened and drank directly. The goblin raised his brows, “Better?”

Draco nodded, and chanced a quick glance at his hand, which was indeed red and raw looking but began healing as soon as he drank the potion.

If he had known about Harry’s detention with Dolores Umbridge back in their fifth year, Draco would have noted the similarities between the two quills. In fact they were exacting similarities, as Umbridge had requested one of the very same pens for the Ministry of Magic, from Gringotts after discovering their distinctive capabilities.

Ezra collected the pen again, making a big show of placing it back in its box and closing the lid carefully. He then gathered up all the papers and headed to the door, heaving it open and stepping aside for his newest customer to exit.

----- -----

Laurel and Ginny who had been on edge the entire time Draco had been in the chamber, jumped to attention as the doors opened. Laurel’s heart began pounding fiercely as a noticeably paler and weaker looking Draco entered the cavernous hallway and moved to stand, seemingly instinctively, next to Laurel as if his spirit was seeking hers out.

The girls shared a significant glance; Draco looked drained and exhausted - time to get him out of here.

Goblin Ezra held out a long, hairy hand to Draco who took it and gave a strong handshake. Goblin and wizard exchanging a deep, understanding look before Ezra spoke.

“I will take my leave from you now.” Ezra said, pausing to watch as two fearsome looking goblin sentries turned
a corner and headed their way. They marched in unison toward Ezra and stopped on either side of him holding formidable looking bayonets at the ready.

Draco quirked a brow, “Interesting choice of weaponry.” he quipped.

Ezra smiled, “They’re most anxious to use them, rest assured.” he said brightly, patting the papers protectively, “Nothing is going to get in the way of me filing these papers. I will bid you farewell,” the goblin paused, bowing formally to Draco “Lord Malfoy.”

Draco grinned, ‘Lord Malfoy…has a VERY nice ring to it.’ he thought and inclined his head, “I knew it would be a pleasure doing business with you, Goblin Ezra. I’m pleased to say I was correct.”

Ezra smiled, “The paperwork is complete, the Heir’s Privilege has been invoked. Your work here today is finished.” He pointed over Draco’s shoulder, “This corridor leads to the trolley car and will take you back to the lobby, if there is nothing more, I will await to hear from you.”

Draco nodded, “I will be contacting you shortly.”

With that the three goblins turned and left in the opposite direction, disappearing down another dark passageway. As soon as they were gone Draco immediately sagged against the nearest wall and dropped his head back letting the wall support his full weight for a moment.

“I’m exhausted,” he mumbled weakly, “and hungry…”

Laurel looked to Draco, concerned for the extreme exhaustion that suddenly seemed to pour out of him and then to Ginny and opened her mouth to speak; but her words got caught in her throat, her heart stopped, breath leaving her lungs, for at that same moment she heard THEM...The heavy sound of booted feet with their smooth, confident strides echoing from the dim passageway before them. Loud and threatening, the menacing sound filled the vast space…whoever it was, they were fast approaching.

Both girls twisted around, wands poised toward the hall where the unseen intruders were coming from. “I knew it!” Laurel hissed in Ginny’s ear.

“Me too.” Ginny whispered resignedly, narrowing her eyes and standing taller, her wand at the ready. Ginny felt her back tighten in preparation for the battle she was sure was to come.

She had no idea how very right she was.

“FUCK!” Draco growled, bolting off the wall and snapping his head toward the corridor. “Lucius, its Lucius.” he groaned, pulling himself to his full height, his wand held tightly in the palm of his still sore hand. ‘Bring it on, father.’

----- -----

Lucius Malfoy walked with brusque, sure strides leading Goyle and Zabini toward the Malfoy family chamber. He only hoped he was in time...Because if he wasn’t Draco was going to learn the TRUE meaning of the word suffering.

Rounding the corner Lucius stopped abruptly, holding a languid hand up to halt the men behind him, a cold smile turning his lips up, “Draco…”

Draco’s eyes narrowed, turning deep grey as he assessed Lucius and two – ‘FUCK’ – two Quorum Death Eaters flanking his sides.

At that moment, Draco Malfoy, now unquestionably one of the most wealthy and powerful wizards in the known world had never felt so acutely alone and vulnerable in his entire life.

“Hello, Father.” Draco drawled lazily, “What kept you?”

___________________________________________________


A/N: (Snicker) Don’t you JUST LOVE Draco and his ballsieness? That’s my boy, flaunting a brave façade even though he’s shakin’ in his designer boxers.

Well kiddies, we’re here, next up a brand new chapter for those of you long suffering patrons of mine who followed me over from FF. For others, it’s business as usual. HOWEVER, now I will be back on my normal posting schedule. This is typically a chapter every 3 weeks or so. Sorry but these things take time to write and do it to the best of my abilities.

So, the drama continues to unfold and the action begins anew. What will happen, you ask? Will Draco get his tight, little butt kicked by big, bad Daddy Death and his goons? Will Lucius’ gorgeous, blond locks turn grey and fall out when he discovers he’s broke? Will Draco LIVE long enough to finally get something to eat? Will the girls reveal themselves? All will be answered – soon!

SPELLWORKS:
The 'LIFE' Pendant is adapted from Cassie Claire's 'Epicyclical Charm' from the Draco Dormien series. So, if that looks familiar, that's cuz it is. Always give credit where credit is due, is my motto!

Dear Friends/Readers:

I apologize for not doing A/N Shoutouts this chapter. I'm forfeiting them this round to devote more time to writing. I will be back with my usual shoutouts next chappie. I'm excited to bring it to you and I'll see you then!

Hey, but that doesn't mean you can't drop a line anyway. I do so love to hear from you! Thanks, Lorett