A Cord of Three Strands

A Cord of Three Strands

By Cindale

Chapter 21

"Summertime"

Friday, 20 June

Potter,

It seems really strange writing to you, since I don't know for sure if you're dead or alive. The attack on the train has, of course, been reported in the Daily Prophet, but the article didn't include a list of the dead and injured. However, I'm sure that if you had been killed it would have made the front page, so I'll assume you're alive.

As you've probably heard by now, my mother Apparated onto the train and portkeyed me home just before the attack, so I really don't know much about what happened. I hope you can tell me more since I know the Daily Prophet's version of events will be biased.

I'm just going to assume my owl will find you. I hope you get this letter, and write back soon.

Malfoy

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Sunday, 22 June

Dear Malfoy,

I'm fine - glad to know you were so worried about me. Remus portkeyed us here as soon as Voldemort left the train. Ginny, Ron, and Hermione are here with me, and they're all fine (not that you cared to ask, but now you know).

I can't tell you where I am - sorry. I can only tell you I'm well protected, even though I'm really bored. We're stuck in this place for the holiday - we aren't allowed to leave for any reason. At least I'm with my friends instead of my relatives. I'm glad to be with Ginny, but there's only so much snogging we can do with so many adults around.

As for what happened on the train, I can tell you a little. However, I have to be careful what I put in a letter since mail can be intercepted.

One thing that was rather sad - Nymphadora Tonks was killed. Of course, you've probably heard about that by now, since she's your cousin. But I wondered if you really knew her - Sirius told me that the Black family considered Andromeda a blood traitor and pretended her and her daughter didn't exist. I got to know her a little because she's one of the Aurors who helped protect me sometimes, and I really liked her.

A couple of other Aurors were killed that I didn't know, but no students. I think Voldemort was after something in particular, and when he realized he couldn't get it, he left and took his Death Eaters with him. I think you know what I'm talking about.

I know she's your aunt, but I can't help being glad that Sirius' killer is dead. I heard that Neville was found standing over her with his wand, but that he's not sure exactly what happened. She wasn't killed with the Killing Curse, so it's possible she was hit with a combination of curses from several different people. To be honest, I would have liked to have killed her myself, but I guess Neville had good reason to want her dead, too.

As for what happened to me, well, I can't say much, but Voldemort himself attacked me. I got lucky again.

Let me know what you're doing this summer!

Potter

P.S. Doesn't your mother wonder why I'm writing to you?

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Wednesday 25 June

Potter,

Don't flatter yourself - I was not worried about you - you prat! In fact, I'm going to kill you myself for not warning me that your letter would burst into flames the moment I finished reading it. Are you trying to kill me? You're going to pay for my singed fingers the next time I see you!

You're so paranoid - as if anyone would care about our boring letters. Please.

I have to admit I almost feel sorry for you being cooped up with the "treacle couple" this summer. How can you stand to be around Weasley and Granger? I'm just hoping that you and Weaslette don't start acting like them when we get back to school - if you do, I'll have to hex you into oblivion. And please no more comments about snogging - I don't need the mental images.

I'm not going to say much about Aunt Bella in a letter since our views about her will never be compatible. I never really saw much of her since she was in Azkaban during my childhood, but she was part of my family, and my mother is mourning her loss.

As for Nymphadora - yes, I did meet her once. She approached me in Diagon Alley, said she'd immediately recognized me, and asked about my mother. I'm afraid I was rather rude to her once I figured out who she was. I think I would like it if you would tell me what you knew about her - she was my own flesh and blood, after all.

I'm rather bored, myself. We have a Quidditch pitch, a swimming pool, and a vast library, but there's only so much time you can spend reading, swimming, and flying around. I can't really practice Quidditch by myself, and it's not likely I'll have any visits this summer. Mum's talking about taking me to our villa in Italy next month. Great, I can be bored in another country!

By the way, Mother doesn't know we're writing to each other - do you think I'm stupid? When I get an owl, I just tell her it's from one of my friends, and she respects my privacy. Not that you're one of my friends, of course.

Write back soon - at least one of your burning letters will give me something new to look at for ten seconds.

Malfoy

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Monday, 30 June

Dear Malfoy,

I'm sorry I forgot to warn you about the letter, but I'm not sorry I put that charm on it. It would have burst into flames if anyone besides you had tried to read it, too.

As for being paranoid, one time during fifth year Hedwig was hurt really bad while trying to deliver a letter to me from Sirius. It was obvious to Grubbly-Plank that she was attacked by something, or someone. Has your owl ever been attacked? If it had, then maybe you'd be paranoid too!

Boo hoo - I feel so sorry for you! Huge mansion with all the finest stuff and you're bored! Please! If you're just going to whine then don't write at all - I'm sure I don't want to hear it!

Your cousin Nymphadora was ... it's hard to sum her up in a few words. She was one of the most unusual people I've ever met. She was an Auror, but she was very clumsy - it made me wonder how on earth she was ever accepted in the Auror program! She was very nice and friendly, and always made me laugh. Did you know she was a Metamorphmagus? She used to entertain us by changing one bit of her face over and over, like her nose. Every time I saw her she looked different, so I never really knew what she looked like until after she died. It was almost creepy how much she looked like you. I've met Andromeda before, and I realized she looked a bit like your mum, but Nymphadora had the same colour eyes and hair as you. She hated her name - she insisted on being called "Tonks." I wish you could have really known her.

Potter

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Wednesday, 2 July

Potter,

This is for the singed fingers.

Malfoy

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Friday, 4 July

Malfoy,

You are such a baby! I don't believe your fingers were even burned. You're a Slytherin - you wouldn't hold the letter long enough to get singed. You're a whiner and a faker!

I can't believe you thought a letter with a security feature justified turning me into a ferret for thirty minutes! I will be getting you back - consider yourself warned!

Potter

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Tuesday, 8 July

Potter,

A Security Feature? You've got to be joking! That, or you're completely insane.

Please tell me someone took photographs of you as a ferret!

I got the fake letter at Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes. Did you like it? The Weasley clones were rude until they found out I intended to be a paying customer. I guess Galleons talk with Weasleys. I think the Extendable Ears might come in especially handy.

Zabini came to visit me this week. It was a pleasant relief to the monotony. I was a little surprised his parents let him come, but he said he had turned seventeen and could do what he pleased. I doubt a Malfoy would be welcome at his house, but I think he might visit here again, if he can tear himself away from Daphne (or whomever he's currently shagging).

I'm waiting in terror for your revenge!

Malfoy

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Friday, 18 July

Malfoy,

Sorry I haven't written in awhile. I need to hurry, but I wanted to let you know what's going on. I'm sure by now you've heard about the Death Eater attack on Diagon Alley. Well, Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes was hit, and Fred was almost killed. We're still not sure if he's going to live. Ron and Ginny are both very upset, but I've never seen anyone as upset as George is. He's even more upset than Mrs. Weasley. He won't leave Fred's side. It's hard for me to understand the bond between brothers since I've never had a brother or sister. I guess you and I have that in common. But I've heard that the bond between twins is even stronger than regular siblings, and Remus has told me that identical twins have a magical bond too, and that it is probably physically painful for George.

Right now, it doesn't look like Fred will make it. I sure hope he does - he's always been nice to me, and I consider him a friend. The Weasleys have had enough grief in this war with the loss of Percy and their home - they don't need any more.

Potter

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Monday, 21 July

Potter,

I have to say that I'm truly sorry to hear about Fred. I hope he lives through this. I actually thought he and George were very amusing when I went into their shop (once they got over my name being Malfoy). Having never had a sibling, much less an identical twin, it is difficult to imagine George's distress. Please pass my well wishes on to your friends.

Malfoy

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Saturday, 26 July

Malfoy,

Fred is going to be alright. The healers told us last night. It was weird - George actually knew it before they did. I guess they do have a bond.

I'll write more later.

Potter

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Monday, 28 August

Potter,

I'm glad to hear Fred will be alright. We are preparing to leave the country. I'll write a longer letter when I arrive.

Malfoy

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Wednesday, 30 July

Potter,

I'm writing this from the balcony of our villa in Florence. The sun is setting over the red roofs of the city, and the scent of pasta is drifting on the feeble breeze. That's horrible! It sounded almost poetic! I've been hanging around you sentimental Gryffindors too much. Disgusting! Maybe Zabini will come and visit me again.

If you're thinking of feeling jealous that I'm in Italy - don't. It's hot. Mother doesn't seem to understand the concept of staying north in the summer and going south in the winter. We should be spending Christmas here, not bloody July!

Tomorrow is your birthday, isn't it? Of course it is - the entire wizarding world knows when you were born. You'll just have to wait until I see you to get your gift.

I went to the wizarding district in Rome yesterday. Guess what? Magic carpets are not illegal in Italy. Guess what I bought? I'm trying to figure out how to smuggle it into Britain. Mother will not be pleased if we are stopped at customs.

Maybe I could figure out a way to send it to you, and then you could send it back to me when I get home. What do you think?

Malfoy

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Friday, 1 August

Malfoy,

Oh yeah - like I need to have the Ministry on my back about having an illegal magical item. Forget it, Malfoy.

Potter

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Sunday, 3 August

Potter,

You're turning into Granger! What happened to your utter disregard for rules, as Snape is so fond of saying? Ponce!

Malfoy

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Tuesday, 5 August

Malfoy,

I told you before - I only break rules for a good cause. Helping you smuggle something illegal into Britain isn't a good cause, you prat!

If you manage to get it into Britain, can I try it?

Potter

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Thursday, 7 August

Potter,

You absolutely may not try it since you won't help me. Besides, you would have to come to the mansion, and under the circumstances that's unlikely.

Malfoy

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Saturday, 9 August

Malfoy,

If you can smuggle it into Britain, Hogwarts should be easy.

Potter

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Monday, 11 August

Potter,

Yes, and Dumbledore would allow us to use it on the Quidditch pitch, I'm sure. In case you can't hear the sarcasm, I'll tell you it's there.

If you're only going to write me letters with one sentence, don't bother.

Malfoy

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Friday, 15 August

Malfoy,

You said not to bother you with one sentence letters, but it's so boring around here it's hard to think of something to write about. Are you still in Italy? I've never really travelled. I'd like to do that after I leave Hogwarts. If I live that long, of course.

We actually had a party a couple of weeks ago for my birthday and Ginny's. Hers is the day after mine. Mrs. Weasley made it really nice even though it was mostly adults. I'd never had a birthday party before. When is your birthday?

Ginny's great, of course, but I don't suppose you want to hear about my love life. Or Ron and Hermione, for that matter. But you might be interested to know that Hermione's been doing some research this summer and has actually found something - interesting. I can't tell you about it in a letter, though.

Fred's getting better. He's been home for about a week now - well, actually, he's staying here - I guess so his mother can fuss over him. George is staying here, too, and he's finally starting to smile again.

We aren't going to be allowed to go to Diagon Alley to get our stuff for school. I'll have to have Remus or Mrs. Weasley get it for me. I hate being cooped up. At least at Hogwarts I'll be able to get outside some.

I can't think of anything else to tell you. Is this letter long enough? Prat.

Potter

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Friday, 22 August

Potter,

Your life does sound extremely boring, but at least you have someone to talk to. Zabini came to visit me this week, which temporarily relieved my own boredom.

Mother is taking me to Diagon Alley on Tuesday, and I think Zabini is going to try to meet us there. I'm looking forward to looking at the brooms - Cleansweep is supposed to have a model that's faster than the Firebolt, but I have my doubts. I wish you could come and give me your opinion.

I suppose there's not much point in further owls since we'll see each other in a matter of days.

Malfoy

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Wednesday, 27 August

Malfoy,

So did you buy a new broom? You still won't be able to beat me, you know.

I won't be riding the train to Hogwarts, for obvious reasons. Maybe we can meet for a few minutes after the feast? I've got some things to tell you.

Potter

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Draco couldn't disguise his surprise when he went down to breakfast the day before he was to leave for Hogwarts. His father was sitting at the table, calmly eating blood pudding and sausages. He quickly arranged his expression so it was beaming with pleasure, and exclaimed, "Father! You're home!"

"A little less jubilance at the breakfast table, if you please," Lucius said in a quiet, but commanding voice, as if he had been there every morning for the past year.

"I'm sorry, sir," Draco said, making his voice submissive. "I'm just - pleased." Draco helped himself to toast and sausages from the sideboard, and took his place at the table. His head whirled with questions, but sensed they would not be welcome; his father would tell him what he wanted him to know when he was ready. He settled his face into an impassive expression and began to eat.

When Lucius finished eating, he banished his plate and silver to the sideboard with a wave of his wand and folded his hands elegantly on the table. "Draco."

Draco put down his silver and gave his father his full attention. "Yes, Father?"

"I have heard some disturbing things about your activities at school. My Lord is not pleased. He is concerned that your loyalties may be divided."

Draco inclined his head arrogantly and said, "I am a Malfoy. My loyalties are to my family first."

Lucius murmured something, and Draco's head was forced into a position in which his father could look him straight in the eye. "And what of the Dark Lord?"

Draco tried to twist his head away, but couldn't. He finally said, "My loyalties lie with my family. If the Malfoy Family supports the Dark Lord, then I, as a Malfoy, can do no less."

It seemed Draco saw relief in his father's eyes as he felt his head released. He resisted the urge to rub the soreness in his neck, and continued to meet his father's gaze.

"What of this friendship you seem to have formed with Potter?"

Draco took a deep breath, and schooled his features to be expressionless. "I thought it might be useful," he said with a shrug. "Potter is beginning to trust me. I thought I might be able to pass along some useful information if I was in the right circles at school. Potter seems to be a direct link to Dumbledore."

"And have you learned anything ... useful?"

Draco sighed, and rolled his eyes slightly to feign frustration. "Not really. He's only just starting to trust me, and Dumbledore seems to think he's too young to know what's going on in his Order." He spat the last word, as if in disgust.

Lucius nodded slowly, without breaking his gaze. "The Dark Lord thinks your relationship with Potter could be useful, but not to gather information. You will continue to earn his trust, and when the Dark Lord commands it, you will bring Potter to him. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Father."

His father stared into his eyes for a long moment before finally looking away. "Yes," he said, picking a bit of fluff from his sleeve. "I believe you will obey. However, my life is at stake, as well as the life of my only heir. I cannot afford to take any chances." He stood suddenly, knocking his chair to the floor and brandishing his wand. "Imperio!"