Little Wizards
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"Enter," Snape responded to the knock on his classroom door. Alex Kemps walked into the room with Max close behind.
"Welcome, Alex." The Potions Master quickly made his way to the boys. "Please introduce me to your friend." He offered his right hand to Max.
"Professor Snape, this is my friend, Max," Alex declared.
Snape shook Max's hand as he does, he notices a stray hair on the boy's cloak and extracts it.. "I'm pleased to meet you." Severus turned his attention back to Alex. "So, my young friend, what are you up for today? Should we have fun and make a Babbling Beverage, or should we make something useful like a Calming Draught?"
"Hmm…" Alex stammered. He had only made potions twice with Professor Snape, and neither time had the wizard given him a choice. Thuban, who had made potions many times with the Potions Master, informed Alex that Snape almost always picked the potion. This change caught Alex off guard. "Sir, I'd… well, you see… Thuban's been asking his dad to make a Babbling Beverage for a couple of weeks, but Mr. Malfoy said 'no' because it's hard to tell if you have it right. Would it be possible for you to invite us along with Thuban back next week to make the Babbling Beverage?"
"You would give up making a potion today so your friend can join us?" Snape wasn't bothered by the question, but delighted that his grandson and Lucius could form a strong friendship.
"Yes. Thuban lets me come over to Black Hall and the Manor all the time to make potions. It's the least I could do," Alex replied.
Severus nodded curtly. "I asked Thuban to join us today. However, he is not allowed to make potions for two weeks."
Alex tilted his head and pursed his lips. "I can wait two weeks for Thuban. May we make the potion in two weeks?"
"Calming Draught it is. Go to my stores and collect the needed ingredients."
Max pulled on Alex's shirt as they headed for the room. "I've never made a potion before. He'll send me home if he finds out."
"I'll help you get what you need. I think it's best we tell him when we return. That way he'll know you're clueless because you haven't done it before. Otherwise he'll think you're a dunderhead and send you home."
As the boys were collecting the needed items, Snape placed his hair and Max's into the potion. Lucius' guess was correct. Max was his grandson. Severus only had a moment to think before the little wizards returned with their items. He watched his two eldest grandsons set up their potion supplies. It was easy to see Max had not been exposed to potion making before. The Potions Master quickly searched his memories recalling the number of times he had watched Lucius train his grandsons in the art.
"Sir," Max softly spoke as he approached Severus. "I really want to make this potion, but I've never made a potion before. My father is a Muggle and…"
Snape stood slightly smiling at the boy. "My father was a Muggle also. He never understand the art that is potion making. Even after I had acquired the skill, he would not allow me to make potions at home." Severus softly placed his hand on Max's back, guiding the boy to his work area. "Alex and I will help. Your friend is a natural at potion making. Maybe you have that talent also?"
Max beamed. "Thank you, sir. It's wonderful finally being in the wizarding world. I felt so strange and different with the Muggles."
"You're still strange," Alex joked. After giggling for a moment, he gave his friend a questioning look. "I like you no matter the answer, but why was your English perfect last week, while now you have trouble with words at times?"
"They took the charm off," Max replied.
"What?"
"A Translating Charm was used. Maximus spoke his native language, and it was translated into English before anyone heard a word. It is a long term charm, lasting over a year. It cannot be removed; it has to wear off. Therefore, it is rarely used," Snape informed the boys.
"Oh, we're foreigners too. We have another thing in common." Alex smiled at his friend.
"Thuban's dad brought me from a Muggle Bulgarian orphanage to the wizarding one here. It's the only wizarding orphanage in the world. After Mr. Malfoy brought me, Mrs. Zabini started looking for wizards in other Muggle orphanages around the world. It's scary at first, being in a different country, but when you see so many people doing magic and no one gets upset, you feel… you feel all warm inside."
"Thuban says that feeling is the magic. He said he knew my family was wizards because he could feel the magic," Alex affirmed.
"I don't know about that. I think that feeling is happiness, because I felt it when Mr. Malfoy took me from the Muggles, but it went away for a time when he left me at the wizarding orphanage. I was mad he didn't take me to live will him at first, but I understand why he couldn't now."
"You got to know Thuban," Alex giggled. "Mr. Malfoy has his hands full."
"Do the Bondads treat you well?" Severus questioned.
"Yes, but…" Max paused. "I can't stop my magic sometimes. My father used to make me steal for our money, and even now at times things I want just jump into my pockets. Mrs. Bondad is starting not to believe that I can't control it. Add the thing with the snake at school, and I'm a lot to handle."
"Your magical problem is easy to solve. You only need training." Snape took a knife and showed Max how the stem needed to be cut. "Cut each one in five equal pieces lengthwise." He handed Max the knife.
After making the first cut, Max looked at Severus for confirmation, which the older wizard gave. Max continued with their conversion, "Mr. Bondad has tried to teach me to control my powers, but nothing has changed."
"I believe the problem is with the teacher, not the student. Would you like me to help you?"
"Yes, sir," Max replied happily.
"I will speak with the Bondads this evening." The Potions Master lit a fire under each boy's cauldron. "Place your stems and a liter of water in the cauldron."
"When to stir, the amount of pressure to apply, and the speed of your stir is more about natural ability. Thuban and I just seem to know, but his brother Cam has to make a potion a couple of times before it's perfect," Alex boasted.
"Cygnus' potions are acceptable on his first attempts. He is an excellent student for his age," Snape countered.
"But Thuban and I are better than most of your third year students, right?" Alex beamed.
"For now," Snape responded blankly. "However, those who think too highly of their abilities and do not work on improving the skills the deities endowed them with, often fall behind." He noticed Max mangling his root instead of chopping. Severus placed himself behind the boy, putting his hands on top of the child's, guiding his motions.
Alex put his knife down and giggled into his hand. Severus cleared his throat in hopes of stopping the boy's giggles. They increased instead. "Is there a problem?"
"No," Alex stammered through his giggles. "It's just… You're acting like Thuban's grandfather."
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Tears rolled down Thuban's eyes as he petted Pumpkin. "I'm so sorry I've been mean to you. I should have known that you were being so slow because you were sick." The pony pressed its head against the little wizard's cheek. "I won't make you go outside. I'll always put you in another stall while I clean yours."
Thuban paid no attention to the sound of the stable door opening; the boy continued to hug the pony until Draco caught his eye. "Daddy, I'm sorry." Thuban jumped into his father's arms, wrapping his legs around Draco's waist and his arms around Draco's neck and burying his head into Draco's shoulder. The little wizard's tears freely flowed once in his father's embrace, washing away his grief.
Draco had been holding the boy for some time before he realized the tables had turned. What had started with him comforting his son had changed to Thuban comforting him. "Pumpkin has had a good life because of you, Daddy. It's alright to cry for her." Incredible warmth filled the man's body each time the little hand patted his back. "Poor Daddy, Pumpkin is his pony. He's sadder than anyone about her being sick, but he has to comfort everyone else," Thuban stated as he patted Draco's back.
"Thank you, mate. I'm feeling a lot better now." The wizard kissed his son's cheek.
"I didn't mean what I said, Dad. I was mad because I came to the kitchen to get your help. When I heard you and Mum talking, I knew I wouldn't be getting your help. Then I figured out what you were talking about. My brain got all messed up. I was scared that something bad was happening to my friends. I was sad that Pumpkin was sick. I was upset because I thought you hadn't tried to help Pumpkin. I was really mad at myself because I've been mean to Pumpkin. Then I thought that I was the reason you gave up on Pumpkin. Yesterday I told Grandfather that Pumpkin was useless. I even told him you should get rid of her. I just needed to scream." Thuban kissed his father's cheek. "I'm sorry."
"Your conversion with your grandfather will play not part in my decision with regards to Pumpkin. Don't fret about that." Draco cupped his son's cheek in his hand lovingly. "As for your concern about your friends, you know better than to listened to Michael Flint."
The little wizard wiped his face, clearing it of tears. "It was just strange. Max has never gone anywhere but the Bondads'. I'd never seen that wizard that picked them up before, and I wasn't invited."
Draco removed his handkerchief and wiped both his and Thuban's faces dry. "Why would you expect an invitation, when you are not allowed to make potions for the next two weeks?"
"I forgot."
"But your grandfather had not." Draco set Thuban on his feet. "You did prove yourself as a good friend though."
Thuban smiled at his father. "I learned from the best. Is Uncle Blaise still coming for dinner?"
"Of course, he and your godmother are already here."
"Do you think it's safe to leave him with Mum? She thinks he's a poser after all," the boy joked.
The older wizard chuckled. "Maybe we should hurry back to the house." He paused. "Thank you for cleaning the stables without being reminded. I think I can overlook your infraction with the Prophet in light of that."
"Does that mean you're not going to punish me for reading the Prophet without permission?"
Draco messed the boy's hear. "That's exactly what I mean, mate."
The door opened once again as the pair headed for it. A house-elf walked in with a wizard right behind it.
"Master, Horse Medic be here," the elf bowed lowly.
Draco waved his hand, and the elf disappeared.
"Mr. Malfoy," the wizard said. "I had a free hour and thought I'd have a look at Pumpkin. I hope you don't mind."
"I'm glad you did." Draco turned to Thuban. "Thuban, please go clean up for supper. Let your mother know I will be in shortly."
"Yes, Dad." Thuban skipped out of the stables. He had given his father enough problems that day, so he decided it was best to do as he was told. The boy's skipping turned into a run when he spotted his Uncle Blaise.
The black wizard was pushing his nine month old daughter on the baby swing. Serpens was swinging next to the pair,
talking to them. Thuban approached them, making sure he was far enough away from Serpens that he wouldn't run into
his brother. The brothers made eye contract on
Serpens' next swing forward. The younger boy sneered at the older, causing the older boy to glare back. On
Serpens' next swing forward, he jumped off of the swing and landed on his older sibling. He quickly hit Thuban in
the nose with his elbow.
Before Thuban could react, Serpens started screaming. "I didn't see him! I didn't see him! Don't let him hurt me, Uncle Blaise."
Blaise pulled Serpens away and put himself between the two boys.
"Liar, you looked right at me," Thuban growled.
"Thuban, he's been jumping off the swing since I've been here. I'm sure it was an accident," Blaise added.
"HE LOOKED RIGHT AT ME AND GAVE ME A MEAN LOOK AND THEN HE JUMPED ON ME AND HIT MY NOSE," Thuban yelled.
"Shite," Blaise moaned. For the first time he noticed Thuban's nose was bleeding. He removed a handkerchief from his pocket and placed in under the boy's nose. "Hold your head forward, Thuban. Serpens, go get your mother."
"But it was an accident," Serpens protested.
"I understand. I need her to stop Thuban's nosebleed." Blaise replied. "I'll meet her inside."
Serpens ran off. Blaise removed Rosetta from the swing, placed her on his hip and headed for the house with Thuban in front of him.
"Let me see," Ginny calmly stated as she met Thuban on the patio and removed the handkerchief.
"Serpens did it on purpose, Mummy. He was looking right at me when he jumped," Thuban whimpered. "It really hurts, Mummy." The boy played it up. If he worked things out right, he might get an extra helping of pudding out of this.
"Let's get your nose fixed first." Ginny cast the spell. She kissed her son's nose when she was done. "All better, sweetie?"
The little wizard sighed dramatically, looked at the blood on his shirt, rubbed his back and allowed a fat tear to fall from his eye. "I still hurt all over from Serpens jumping on me. And this is my favorite shirt."
Ginny rubbed his back. "I'm sure the house-elves can get your shirt clean. And a couple of chocolate covered strawberries after you're cleaned up will make the rest of your aches go away."
Thuban nodded sadly and took Blaise's hand. "Come and help me please, Uncle Blaise." The two walked slowly through the hall and up the stairs. Once out of Ginny's earshot, Thuban spoke again. "Uncle Blaise, why do wizards think it's best to kill family pet's when they are sick?"
"You need to talk to your father about Pumpkin," Blaise replied.
"It would make him sad again. I'd ask Grandfather but he… Well, he doesn't believe in pets. If you look at them as just animals, it's easy to understand. They aren't useful anymore, and they couldn't make it in the wild, so you get rid of them."
"People don't put down pets that are just sick, Thuban. They do it when the animal is likely to die." Blaise stopped and knelt in front of his godson. "It's not a decision a wizard takes lightly. I found a kneazle when I was six. He took to me straight away and was a faithful friend for thirteen years. While you were growing in your Mummy's tummy, he became ill. I took him to the Medic and learned my kneazle would likely die within the year. I wanted to keep him alive as long as I could, but I had to decide what was best for him. Should I make him live a very painful life for the next year? Or should I put him down, ending his pain and helping him to the other side? You see, Thuban, what you have to ask yourself is what's best for your pet." Blaise paused. "You need to talk to your father about this."
"I'll talk to Dad later on. You helped me understand it better." Thuban turned into his chambers. He removed his shirt and called an elf. "Make sure you get the blood stain out." The house-elf took the item and disappeared. "Serpens hoodwinked you, Uncle Blaise. He looked right at me before he jumped. He has making attacks look like accidents down to an art."
"Why would Serpens risk being on the receiving end of your wrath?" Blaise questioned.
"Because there is no risk; if I did anything to him right now, I wouldn't be able to play Quidditch this summer. Serpens is smarter than he acts." Thuban stopped at the bathroom door. "I just cleaned the stables, I'll just shower. Thanks for the talk, Uncle Blaise."
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Erin Kemps sat on her porch, pretending to read a book. She was truly waiting for the return of her brother Alex; well it wasn't him she was waiting for, it was Professor Snape. Ten-year-old Erin wasn't a stupid witch; she knew they moved to England for reasons other than business. Her father had opened broom factories in South America and Africa, and they hadn't moved there. She was sure the move had to do with her mother's birthparents. Unlike her brothers, Erin knew her mother was adopted.
The witch set her book down at the pop that announced the arrival of a wizard or witch. Looking up, she saw Alex with Professor Snape. Smiling at them both, she spoke, "Alex, Mom said you need to wash up straight away. Professor, may I speak with you, please?" When Alex didn't move she hissed. "Move it, Alex, I'd like a private word."
Alex smirked. "She's awful at Potions. I bet she wants you to help her this summer. She starts at Hogwarts in the fall." He stuck his tongue out at his sister before walking inside, earning himself a stern look.
"My Potions skills are fine," Erin informed Snape. "I wanted to speak to you about a personal matter." She paused. "You've been around a lot. You've been very social and personable; very uncommon for you according to most people. Well…" Her eyebrows dropped as she tried to phrase her thoughts. "What am I doing," she said more to herself. "This isn't me." The young witch stared straight into Severus' eyes. "I'm the type of person who cuts to the chase and gets straight to the point." Erin exhaled. "Are you my grandfather?"
He was shocked for the briefest second, something that hadn't happened to him in years. Erin didn't miss it. She smiled brightly. "Mom's always talking about Alex's gift with Potions. We all know he doesn't get that from her or dad. I have a gift that no one can explain either. Since I was five, I could get a Gobstone to land wherever I want. Can you do that?"
"No, however my mother could," Snape softly answered. "We should go speak with your mother."
Erin smiled. "Yes. Don't be worried. She won't be upset. I figured out she was adopted on my own."
They walked through the house without a word, locating Scott and Maisie in the parlor. Before the adults could speak, Erin flatly stated. "I figured out how Professor Snape is related to us. Would you like me to get Alex so you can explain it to both of us?"
Scott turned to his wife. "I told you she was catching on."
"Erin, please go wash up for dinner. We need to speak with Professor Snape," Maisie instructed. The young witch left without question.
"She's the brightest of the bunch. She gets that from me, you know," Scott proudly stated.
"That's where her lack of tact comes from too," Maisie countered.
"No," Snape retorted. "I believe that comes from her grandmother's side of the family. Anna Mulciber always got straight to the point even if it cause others pain or discomfort." Severus took the drink that Scott had offered him. After a few sips he spoke, "I was going to recommend telling your children today. Maximus is Madeline's son. I spoke with the Bondads this evening. She is verifying my tests this evening. Tomorrow morning we will be telling Maximus. It will take a few days for the paperwork to be complete."
"What did you tell the Bondads?" Maisie questioned.
"Only that I had just learned Maximus is my grandson." He took a drink of his wine. "I hadn't planned on informing them. The boy has a problem controlling his magic at times. My intention was to offer my services in training him in total control. As I was doing so, I learned Mrs. Bondad is now the orphanage administrator. I have no link to Mrs. Bondad; no one will question her decision on the change of guardianship."
"You plan on taking him?" Maisie asked. "I want him. Scott and I have been planning it."
"The boy is my responsibility, not yours. I would not assume-" Severus started.
"Responsibility!" Maisie spat with annoyance. "Good God, don't take him on out of obligation! The boy needs to be loved. We want the child."
"I have told you before, I'm not sure I can love," Snape flatly stated.
Maisie smiled. "You do, Father. You merely don't realize that you're doing it. I think for now Max would be best with us. I have more time for the boy. In the summer, I assume your time will be freer."
"You can take both Max and Alex off our hands for a time," Scott added. "We'll all go to the Bondads tomorrow morning."
Alex ran into the room and jumped onto the sofa before sitting down. Scott looked at the boy. "Let's try that again, son."
The boy rolled his eyes before standing and leaving the room. On his return trip into the room, he walked and sat down softly on the sofa. "Erin said you wanted to see us."
At the doorway two-year-old Zachary broke free from his sister's hand. He screamed, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!" ran to Scott, and pulled on the wizard's trousers until he was lifted on to his father hip. Erin walked calmly into the room and sat on the opposite end of the sofa from Alex.
"Why does he get to run and scream?" Alex questioned.
"Because he's only two, you moron," Erin replied.
"Erin Kemps!" her mother scolded.
"Oh, I forgot, we're in England." Erin smirked. "Because he's only two, you git."
Scott shook his head. "Erin," he ordered.
"Sorry, Alex," Erin replied.
"It's Okay, you've called me worse," the boy replied. "What is it, Dad?"
Scott sat in between his oldest children and placed Zachary on his lap. "You know Grandma and Grandpa Johnson love you very much, and nothing is going to change that. What I'm going to tell you, you can't tell your cousins. That's for their parents to do, alright?"
"Yes, Dad," Alex replied.
"Good. Grandma and Grandpa Johnson wanted children very badly, but they couldn't have them, so they had to adopt."
Alex nodded, "That's why Mom's a witch and everyone else in her family are Muggles."
"Yes. We came to England hoping to learn about Mom's birth parents. Her birth mother passed away many years ago, but her birth father is still alive," Scott informed the children.
The older boy looked at Snape; Alex's eyes sparkled with delight. He bounced in his seat, "Is Mom's father Professor Snape?"
All the adults nodded. The little wizard jumped off the sofa, ran to Snape and hugged his legs. "This is great. It's the best. We're going to have so much fun! We can make potions like Thuban and his grandfather." The boy stepped back. "You are going to spend time with us, right? You're not going to give us away like you did Mom?"
"I didn't know about you mother. If I had, things would have been different. I would like to continue getting to know you and your siblings," Snape replied.
"Your mom's mother, Lis, believed he wouldn't be happy about her pregnancy. She decided to run away and give the babies up," Maisie added.
Alex nodded. "A girl at school back in the States had something like that happen. Her mom never told her dad she was pregnant. Her mom didn't give her up. Well, when he found out, her dad started coming to visit her." The little wizard turned to Snape, "What day of the week can we make potions? Thuban and his grandfather make them every Friday. I'm invited most of the time. We should pick a different day and invite Thuban!"
Scott chuckled, "That discussion can wait for a different time."
"You said babies, Mom," Erin stated.
"Yes, I did. I had a twin sister. She was adopted by a different family. We learned about her when Professor Snape and Mr. Malfoy went to Bulgaria. My sister died shortly after giving birth. Her little boy is living with a foster family now, because his father is very ill. I would like him to come live with us." Maisie looked at her children trying to read their reactions.
"He needs a real home," Erin affirmed. "We should make a home for him, but I'd like soundproofing and eavesdropping charms on my room. If I have to live with three little wizards, I'm going to need better privacy." She paused. "Come to think of it, may I have the guest room? It has its own bathroom."
"I think we should build a guest house for Erin. That way us wizards won't have to deal with a witch," Alex offered.
"We'll discuss the details later. He might not live with us for long. His father could-" Maisie started.
"He will not return to his father," Snape hissed at Maisie.
Scott stood up and went to his wife. "It is very unlikely that Thomas Petrova will ever recover enough to care for the boy."
"Max is my cousin?" Alex interrupted. "His dad was mean to him, Mom. Plus Max loves living in the wizarding world. Being in it is the only time he has been happy."
"Erin, Alex. Take Zachary and play outside for a few minutes," Scott requested. The children nodded and left the room. "There are a number of things we still need to discuss. Max also has another set of grandparents."
"He is a wizard and will be raised by wizards. The Muggle world has caused him great harm," Snape informed the group.
"It seems to me that wizards have caused Max more harm than the Muggles. Even if Mulciber is lying, it was a wizard who attacked Madeline, causing her death. It was a wizard who made his father mad. It was a wizard who used him to test out spells," Maisie spat. "I was raised by Muggles, and they loved and still love me unconditionally. According to the papers, the Petrovas have been looking for Max for a long time. I understand you do not like Muggles, so think of them as grandparents. How would you feel if you were denied the opportunity to get to know your grandchildren?"
"The boy needs to be protected. We do not know whether they truly want him. Many Muggles turned their backs on magical relatives," Snape argued.
Scott placed his arm around Maisie. "We do need to be careful with Max. I will have the Petrovas investigated. We'll learn all we can about them. They may already know that Max is a wizard. Again this is not something we need to decide tonight. Max needs to know that he has a stable and loving home before he meets the Muggle side of his family."
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Draco sat on the floor with Thuban and Cam on each side of him. Serpens sat next to Cam while Leo and Blaise sat on the other side of the large rail set. The father of five cast a spell, causing the large garden scale train and its cars to move around the tracks. Serpens continued to place the premade tunnel and trees in the villages around the track, while Draco helped his two oldest made houses and shops.
Rosetta sat in her daddy's lap watching the toy train engine go around the track. Leo sat next to Blaise, pointing out every detail of the track and village layout.
"Train goes, Choo choo," the two-year-old told the nine-month-old. Rosetta leaned forward to touch the train as it passed. Leo stopped her. "No. Just watch."
After ten or so passes of the train, Rosetta rubbed her sleepy eyes and placed her head on Blaise's shoulder.
"She a nice baby," Leo told Blaise. "She no cry."
Blaise chuckled. "You're wrong there, little man. Rosetta makes a lot of noise when she wants." He cuddled his daughter. "But I think I'll keep her."
Cam rolled his eyes. "That's an old one. Daddy used to say that about Leo. I think he said it about Serpens too."
"When he's not stealing Mum's words, he's stealing Dad's," Thuban jested.
Blaise put his hands over his heart. "Oh, Thuban, you hurt me so deeply."
Serpens leered at his eldest brother. "Thuban is a mean boy."
Thuban rolled his eyes. "I was joking, and so was Uncle Blaise. Right, Uncle Blaise?"
"Of course." Blaise reached over and tickled Serpens. "Thanks for sticking up for me, mate."
"Come here, little guy," Draco called to Serpens. The almost five year old climbed onto his father's lap. "It's been a rough day."
"Dad, you can't help if he's on your lap," Thuban protested.
"We've been working on this for over two hours. I think we've done enough for the night. It's time for you to get ready for bed anyway," Draco replied.
Cam reached back behind Draco and lightly hit Thuban. "Way to go."
"Behave," Draco ordered. "I don't want to be making trips to my study tonight." The blond wizard stood up. "Tipsy. Help the boys get ready for bed."
The adults watched as the boys left the room. Serpens and Leo left first with Tipsy. Thuban and Cam walked out more slowly, whispering to each other.
"I wouldn't have said anything if I knew," Thuban whispered. "But it isn't fair. All Serpens has to do is look upset and Dad stops everything to cuddle him."
"He's still a baby, Thuban." Cam giggled. "Besides, I saw you running over for your hugs before dinner."
"Serpens weighs a ton. His feet hit me in the chest really hard." Thuban started to lift up his shirt. "He didn't hug me long because Serpens came over saying he was hurt too."
Once the boys were up the stairs Ginny looked at Draco. "Thuban meant for you to hear that."
"I know. I've already explained to Thuban that it's his behavior that's impacted the time I spent with him." He walked over to the bar pouring non-alcoholic wine for the witches and Firewhisky for Blaise and himself.
"Blaise," Pansy softly said. "She's asleep. Lay her down on the blanket next to me." The wizard did as instructed while Draco handed the ladies their drinks.
"How is your pregnancy going, Pansy? It's not the reason you left the orphanage, is it?" Ginny inquired.
"No, I miss working with the children. I had to step down for them. The Prophet was questioning everything I was doing. They were making every one of my moves into a political statement." Pansy sighed. "If we tried to get Muggleborn orphans out of Muggle orphanages, we were doing it to turn them against Muggle. If we left them there, we didn't care about Muggleborns. I don't even want to get into adoptions."
"Those prats!" Ginny rolled her eyes. "It was likely Lawson and Whitby. They will do and say anything. Merlin help us if either one of those fools get elected."
"I'm sure their actions will cause them to lose." Blaise grinned. "The more they attack me, the higher my poll numbers go." His expression changed to concern. "I am worried about Selwynn and Meadowes. They haven't really opened up. Everything with them is so businesslike. And-"
The redheaded witch looked at him. "You've been talking to Thuban. He's continually telling me they are hiding something. My parents knew Meadowes' mother very well. But he has never forgiven anyone who was associated with the Dark Lord. I believe that is what Thuban feels. Meadowes isn't saying it, but I believe he wants everyone with the Dark Mark in Azkaban." Ginny took a drink of her wine. "I can't vote for him for that reason, even though I agree with many of his other positions."
"My father is sure that Selwynn was one of the many Death Eaters who didn't wear the Dark Mark because they were spies," Draco said.
"Unmarked Death Eater?" Ginny questioned.
"Many did not wear the mark," Pansy replied.
"Draco?" Ginny asked, concerned.
"Gin, it depends on how you want to define a Death Eater." The blond took a large drink of his Firewhiskey. "I did the Dark Lord's bidding. I let the Death Eaters into Hogwarts. I…"
Ginny hurried over to her husband. "You had to. He would have killed your parents. You were only sixteen."
"Many who wear the Mark, wore it to save their families," Blaise informed her.
"Enough of this depressing talk," Pansy interrupted. "Blaise and I have some very happy news to share."
"Yes, yes." Blaise filled the glasses. "I'd like to make a toast to my son."
"My midwitch informed us this morning that I'm carrying a very healthy boy," Pansy added.
Draco clapped his hand on Blaise's back. "Congratulations, mate."
Ginny hugged her friend. "I'm so happy for you. One of each."
"Thank you. I guess I can finally forgive you for being so careless, Draco," Pansy teased her old friend.
"Me!?" Draco exclaimed.
"Do we have to go over this again? You promised to watch Blaise for me at Greg's bucks' night," Pansy informed him.
The blond smirked, "Ah, I remember now. So, are you going to name him after me?"
"Fire Dragon Zabini," Blaise jested. "I like it."
Tipsy appeared at the doorway. "Master, Little Masters be ready for bed."
Pansy picked Rosetta up. "Come along, Blaise, it's time to put our daughter to bed."
The two couples walked to the foyer and started to say their goodbyes. "You can't go," Cam yelled at Blaise and Pansy. "You have to kiss us goodnight."
"Rosetta needs to get in her own bed," Ginny informed her son.
Cam turned his head to the hallway. "Mummy says everyone downstairs. We need to kiss Rosetta goodnight."
Before Ginny could reply, the four little wizards were loudly coming down the stairs, with Thuban helping Leo so the two-year-old wouldn't fall. The foyer of Black Hall echoed with laughter and hushing sounds as both tickles and kisses were exchanged. Only when Rosetta stirred did Draco put a stop to the boys' silliness, sending them upstairs.
Draco tried to get a quick snog in after the Zabinis Disapparated, but desperate cries from Thuban sent both of them in motion. They Apparated to Thuban's room, landing next to the boy's bed. Cam and Leo ran into the room. The four stared at Thuban. His pillow was stuck to the side of his face, along with most of the boy's hair and his hands.
"I'm sticky," Thuban hissed.
"What potion did you spill?" Draco asked, not wanting to chance a spell without knowing what was causing the problem.
"I didn't spill anything," Thuban snarled. "Someone put something-" He looked around and noticed Serpens wasn't in the room. "Ask Serpens what he did to my pillow," he screamed at Cam.
"Cammy, no," Ginny calmly said. "Tipsy." The house-elf appeared. "Take Cam and Leo back to their rooms.
"Thuban. OK?" Leo asked, teary eyed.
Ginny walked over to her two concerned sons. "He'll be fine. Go to your rooms while Mummy and Daddy help Thuban." The boys walked off without a question. Ginny went to Thuban. The pillow looked normal, but it had a sweet smell. Her lip began to twitch in anger. "Sugar Quill! Get Serpens, Draco."
"Gin?"
"This stickiness on Thuban's pillow is from Sugar Quills. There's no way this was an accident. It must have been Serpens," Ginny replied.
"No, Gin."
"Come on, sweetie." She helped Thuban out of his bed without moving the pillow away from Thuban. "We're going to have to soak you in a warm tub to get this off."
"Mummy," he whined. "It's really starting to hurt."
"You'll be fine. I'll charm waves in the water." Ginny looked at Draco. "Serpens, Draco. There's a reason he didn't come when Cam and Leo did." She placed her hands on her hips. "Don't let him pretend to be asleep. He was jumping around less than five minutes ago."
"Alright, I'll speak with him." Draco exited the room. His first thought was that Ginny was exaggerating. His sweet little Serpens was not to blame. By the time he was at the boy's door, he was seeing his wife's point of view.
Serpens' body slightly curled further into a ball as Draco stepped closer to the bed. "Mate, I know you're awake. Come on. Sit up and talk to Daddy."
The almost five-year-old cuddled up to his father. "Thuban was mean to you, so I was mean to Thuban. I'm not afraid of him."
Draco sighed. "What's on Thuban's pillow?"
"Melted Sugar Quills."
--------------*************--------------
"Gramfadder," Leo yelled as he ran into Lucius' study and into the wizard's arms.
Lucius kissed the boy and tossed him into the air a couple of times. "I'm happy to see you too." He put the boy on the floor and patted his bottom. "I need to speak with your parents. Please go with Tipsy. If you behave, I will take you to the office."
"May I go too? I know my ABC's. I can file," Serpens pleaded as he entered the room.
"Su-" Draco started.
"Draco," Ginny eyed him.
"Serpens, give your grandfather a hug, and then go with Tipsy."
The boy left the room downtrodden. Lucius noticed his wife carrying baby Lyra and made to take the babe. Narcissa walked away from the man with great propose. "Don't you even think about taking her. We're very happy." The blonde witch turned to her daughter-in-law. "Is there a reason you do not wish Serpens to go with Lucius and Draco?"
Ginny sighed. "He melted a number of Sugar Quills on Thuban's pillow last night because he was upset with his oldest brother. It was quite a mess. It took me over an hour to get the pillow unstuck from Thuban's hair. I couldn't get the entire sticky mess out of Thuban's hair, so I had to cut it."
"Oh dear," Narcissa breathed.
"Thuban was in need of a haircut," Lucius matter-of-factly stated. "Serpens is a young child, I'm sure he didn't mean-"
The redhead exhaled loudly. "I cannot believe you or your son. If Thuban or Cam had pulled this type of trick when they were almost five, you would have reddened their bottoms!"
"Thuban and Cygnus are the oldest, they would have been harming a younger sibling," Lucius calmly replied.
"It's not acceptable to harm any of your siblings. Serpens will not be going to the office today, and he is not allowed Sugar Quills for two weeks. Plus, like Drooble's, Sugar Quills are no longer allowed in Black Hall."
The senior Malfoy wizard inclined his head. Today was not a day to make his point. He would let the witch have her way for now.
"Father, I think we should get to the reason why you called us here this morning. I have a number of contracts to review. If I don't get to the office soon, I'll be delayed getting home this evening," Draco requested.
"Very well, Draco," Lucius stated. He sat across from his daughter-in-law looking into her face softly. "I am telling you this against Severus' wishes. He is concerned about your reaction. However, I feel it would be a mistake to hide any of our information from you. I will remind you that it was Severus who saved Draco from certain death. Our family owes him dearly."
Draco stared at his father. "Father, I have told Ginny about the Kemps and their relationship to Severus."
"I have not told you all I know." Lucius took Ginny's right hand into his left. "You need to hear me out, Ginevra, no matter how hard it becomes." He placed a photo of Max in Ginny's left hand. "Is this the boy of your dreams?"
She paled as she took in the photo. Draco looked at the photo and realized it was the boy he had brought back from Bulgaria. "He looks like a young Tom Riddle, the diary…"
"Why didn't you tell me, Father?" Draco hissed. "Is that why you and Severus didn't want me to bring him to England?"
"Calm yourself, Draco. He is not the Dark Lord. Besides, neither I nor Severus had seen the Dark Lord before the Dark Magic changed his appearance so. The Dark Lord magically removed all photographs of himself. It is our belief that only Ginevra knows what he looked like as a boy," Lucius firmly stated. "We merely didn't want to be bothered with the boy last year."
Draco nodded and returned his attention to Lucius, but Ginny pulled her hand away from Lucius'. "This is Max. Draco, Thuban has befriended him. We have to get to the school, now."
"There is no need," Lucius stood.
"Voldemort is with my eldest sons. I need-"
"The child is not the Dark Lord."
"You're lying. I can't trust you," Ginny yelled as she stood up. "You are helping the Dark Lord rise again."
Lucius stepped in front of the redhead. "Get control of your fear, Ginevra, and think rationally. I helped destroy the Dark Lord. The sick bastard planned the death of my only child. I do not wish for his return." The Malfoy patriarch turned to his son. "My grandchildren will not make our mistakes, Draco. I will not allow it. That is why you and Ginevra need to know everything."
"Let's hear him out, Ginny." Draco hugged her and brought her back to sit on the settee next to him.
"Thank you both," Lucius inclined his need. "First, I will tell you the facts. Then I will tell you my beliefs. Lis Mulciber and Severus had an affair which resulted in the birth of twin girls. Severus was never told of the pregnancy or the children. Lis didn't know she was having twins. A Muggle gave Lis a potion before she delivered in order to steal one of the children. The stolen unknown child is Maisie Kemps. The other girl, Madeline, was raised by Lis' aunt and uncle in Bulgaria.
"Madeline married a Muggle. She was attacked the day she gave birth to Maximus and died shortly after having the boy. Severus and I located Thomas Petrova, Madeline's Muggle husband in a mental institution. We brought him back to St. Mungo's, where we learned that his insanity is caused by a number of charms and hexes."
"I thought Maisie had tests proving she is not of the Mulciber blood line?" Ginny questioned.
"That is where theory and stories come into play. Lis was not of Mulciber blood. According to Kirley Mulciber, Lis is the Dark Lord's daughter. He told Severus that before the last battle the Dark Lord sent him and young Nott to find Madeline. They were to use Severus' enhanced Pervalidus potion along with a Pariopuer on Madeline, ensuring that a male child with only the Dark Lord's genes was conceived. Nott was to impregnate her. According to Kirley, they executed their plan, and Maximus was born. Nott says that Kirley is mad. Of course Severus wishes to believe Nott, but I believe Kirley.
"I got permission to view the items Nott had on him when he was captured. He had two books. One was a Hebology book with a number of pages earmarked. Each of these pages related to an ingredient in the enhanced Pervalidus or Pariopuer Potion. The other book appeared to be a Muggle book. But I had heard the author's name a few times from Death Eaters. The book contained hidden information on how to recreate a person. Not only did the potions need to be used, but the new child's upbringing had to be the same.
"I believe it was Nott who attacked Madeline, ensuring her death while giving birth to the boy, as the Dark Lord's mother had died, leaving the boy an orphan. He also placed hexes and charms on Thomas Petrova so the Muggle man would reject the boy, as the Dark Lord's father had rejected him."
"My confirmation that Maximus looks like Riddle makes Kirley's story more likely," Ginny added.
"That and the information Thuban provided me with about the Kemps and Maximus," Lucius replied.
"What information would that be, Father?"
"You'll have to ask Thuban yourself, Draco. I promised not to tell."
Ginny looked at Lucius. "So Maisie, her children and Max carry Riddle's blood. They are also of Snape's blood. You are telling me this because?"
"For many reasons. Mainly I hope to eliminate your nightmares, and I'd like your help. I believe you have seen Maximus in passing, and that encounter started your nightmares. Hopefully, this new piece of information will alleviate your fears and eliminate your dreams. As for your help, I need it in two ways. First, if you welcome the boy openly if rumors of his or the Kemps' bloodline get out, people are less likely to believe them. Second, you knew the young Riddle better than any living wizard. It will be easier for you to see negative traits if they appear or are currently present."
"What makes you think I will help?"
Lucius smiled broadly. "You married Draco and bore my five grandchildren. In order for you to do that, you must believe in nurture over nature."
"How you are raised determines who you will become." She took Draco's hand. "Of course I also knew my blood would run through my children. I see no danger from Maisie's family, however we don't know what the potion might have done to Maximus."
"That is why I will always have wizards watching the boy. However, he deserves a chance."
"Yes, Lucius, I believe the child does deserve a chance. I understand that many in our world would harm Maximus and the Kemps if they knew their bloodline. I will not tell anyone, but I can't endanger my children. I will not expose them to Maximus without supervision. I don't want them over at the Kemps' house anymore," Ginny ordered. "Riddle was excellent at controlling other wizards. I don't want Thuban-"
"Thuban's punishment has two more weeks to run. I implore you to think about how you want to handle his friendship with Maximus and Alex. If you try to pull them apart, you might merely push them together. Trust Thuban, Ginevra. He is an excellent Legilimens. I guarantee he examines their minds before he befriends anyone."
"Maximus could be a skilled Occlumens," Ginny replied.
"That's highly unlikely, Ginny," Draco interjected. "His mind was a mess when I searched it in Bulgaria. An Occlumens would have given me a clear picture of what he wanted me to see. It's also safe to say he isn't a Legilimens. He would have never gone with Rodolphus if he were one."
"I have no doubt that Thuban's magical abilities are stronger than Alex and Maximus' combined. He has powers he hasn't shown us," Lucius proudly stated.
Draco snorted to conceal a chuckle. "Let's make sure we don't get blinded by our pride, Father."
He paused. "I think the boys are safe playing at school. We'll think of some reason to have Alex and Max over
at the Manor or Black Hall the next few months. I don't want my sons at the Kemps until both Ginny and I are
certain Max is not a threat to the children."