Utopia

UTOPIA

By Gromit

CHAPTER ONE: Access Granted

"Okay, Cora, you just take this nice blue ball, and say 'Emeraldon' and then you can meet your dad and I at the Emeraldon Complex. It'll be a great vacation!"

Cora Tibbons rolled her eyes indignantly. She wasn't a kid any more. She realized that traveling thousands of miles using a magical sapphire sphere was not the easiest thing to understand, even if you were a witch. Cora shrugged and asked, "How long is this supposed to take?"

"Well, I'm not sure what the Council has put in it. It's not quite like a portkey. I think you'll feel a little weird, but you won't be zipping past your mother and I, that's for sure!" Cora's father had a fake smile on his face. She could see right through it, but she didn't care.

The Tibbons family was traveling to America for a vacation/business trip. Cora's father was an important wizard in the World Magic Council and had a convention in Emeraldon. The Council was much like the Ministry of Magic. The World Magic Council tackled issues on a global level. It was one of the most respected groups in the entire magic world.

Cora was excited to go to the Emeraldon Complex. It was a special place for the wealthier wizard families. There were many activities for her to do at the "resort." Her family had used a special World Magic Council transportation device that allowed them to travel long distances. It wasn't quite like a portkey. Those were becoming unreliable. Many wizards had decided to never use them again. It wouldn't have been such an issue if Cora knew how to Apparate, but she was only out of her second year at Hogwarts.

"Well, I guess I'll see you there," Cora smiled, but she was truly nervous about the following excursion. Sometimes there were risks you took with magic; the blue traveling orb was one of them. On the other hand, she was excited about the new place she was traveling to. She took the sphere and confidently said, "Emeraldon!" Her parents waved goodbye as Cora disappeared.

Suddenly, Cora was immersed into a dazzling array of blue light. Her short blond hair blew with a mysterious wind that had swept past her. The light stopped almost as soon as it started and Cora found herself on a dark, grassy plain. She turned around and was amazed as she gazed at a gigantic castle. The scale of it was brilliant. Tall towers rose above the rocky cliffs that overlooked a giant lake. Some were wide and short, while slimmer towers elevated even higher and leaned a bit. The castle wasn´t normal, as oblong towers jetted out of the main foundation at weird angles. Only magic could´ve made something like that possible. Cora realized that it was Hogwarts.

Cora had been through two years at Hogwarts already. In fact, those two years had been some of the most eventful years in her life. Within her first week as a first year, the Gryffindor tower was destroyed by Lord Voldemort´s evil attempts to capture Harry Potter. During her second year the famous Harry Potter had dueled against the dark wizard. Harry had prevailed but Cora learned that he was still recovering from the harsh battles. Overall, she was enjoying her Hogwarts years.

But, why was she at Hogwarts now?

It was summer and was time for a break from strenuous studies and exams. She was ready to play and enjoy a few months away from the great castle.

The sun was coming down and she felt a chilling breeze sneak up. Cora shivered as she headed toward Hogsmeade, which was just beyond the Hogwarts Express train station. She could send an owl to her family, telling her where she had ended up and that the sapphire sphere was faulty.

Cora became annoyed as she heaved a heavy sigh and crossed her arms. She was puzzled as to why she had appeared at Hogwarts. It wasn´t anywhere close to Emeraldon. She blew the wispy golden hair out of her line of sight. She looked down with her hazel eyes at her periwinkle robes. They were lightweight and made for playing outside during the warm weather. They were brand new for her vacation, if she ever got there.

She looked back at the tall towers to see if there were any lights on. To her surprise, there were numerous glows of soft yellow hues randomly showing through the tiny windows. There were candles and fires burning throughout the entire castle, which meant that there were probably many people there.

Suddenly, Cora heard some voices near the Quidditch stadium. They belonged to some older boys who looked like they were near their graduating year. One of the boys was tall with black hair and thick glasses. He looked oddly familiar to Cora. Another one was in scruffy, brown robes that were frayed on the bottom. His hair was a light brown shade and was very messy. The shortest boy seemed timid to Cora, as he kept to himself in his common black robes. He had small square glasses and was more portly than the others.

The final boy held Cora´s attention the most. There was an intrigue about him that she couldn´t point her finger on. He was hidden behind the other three boys, obviously doing something mischievous. Her suspicions were correct when a bright yellow flash of light appeared from his wand. Suddenly a wailing shriek of terror pierced through the air. It sounded like a sick pig of some kind. Instead, it was really a cat as it flew up in the air and crashed by some trees near the Forbidden Forest.

"That cat won't be back for a long time!" laughed one boy with ragged brown robes.

"Did you see the twerp's eyes? They were huge!" said the boy who had set the cat off, as he laughed crassly.

"Filch'll really miss her, you guys," the round boy with glasses said disinterestedly.

Cora saw an older woman standing a few feet away from the boys. She didn´t notice her arrival to the Quidditch pitch. She was wearing dazzling sea green robes and had perfect brown hair that curled to her shoulders. Cora suspected that she was a professor, but she was fairly young for a Hogwarts professor--most of them were at least 50 years old. This woman seemed to be about 30. Her face showed high disproval of the actions of the troublemakers as her arms crossed and her brows fell down.

"I'm sure that Mr. Filch won't miss seeing you four in his office tomorrow night for detention!"

"Oh...hiya, Professor Metronia," said the boy who had rocketed the cat into the forest. His voice gave the impression that nothing happened and that he and the boys weren´t doing anything out of the ordinary.

"I'm most displeased with your actions tonight! It's the first day of the term and here you are--trying to blow up Mr. Filch´s cat? That's intolerable!"

"B-but," the boy stuttered, showing slight unease with the situation.

"I DON'T want to hear any flimsy excuses. Go to your common rooms now. Professor McGonagall will be with you shortly, I can assure you. Your punishments are far from over," the professor sneered as she waited for the boys to head toward the castle.

Cora couldn't believe what she was seeing. She didn't remember a Professor Metronia at Hogwarts. She failed to realize that she, too, might look like a student who is up to no good.

"And what are you doing here?" Professor Metronia said with a raised eyebrow. Her voice was a bit more understanding and less harsh, but it was still intimidating to the confused Cora.

"Oh, I'm-" Cora couldn´t find the right words.

"I don't think there's a valid excuse for such behavior of a first year. Of course, I suppose it's possible to get lost as you find your way to your common room," she glared at the four boys who were tiptoeing toward the Forbidden Forest. They shrugged and headed to the castle at a faster pace. The professor turned to Cora, "What house are you in?"

"Gryffindor," Cora was about to cry. She was scared, confused, and worried along with many other emotions all jumbled together. The Hogwarts terms were over. It was summer! There was no Professor Metronia.

"Well, then these four can show you where to go. Of course, they have trouble abiding by rules. So...don't always follow by their example," Professor Metronia winked at Cora and smiled lightly then turned to give the boys another cold stare. They all started to walk to the castle. As they entered it, Professor Metronia motioned the four boys and Cora to a marble staircase. "Now, James, you be nice to this first year. She's new here and doesn't need any more strange experiences on her first night at Hogwarts." She turned to the three other boys, "Sirius, Peter, Remus, I don't need any impish business. It's the first night! Some would use better sense than this." The Professor smiled at Cora once again. "It'll be quite all right, dearie. You'll be fine tonight." Then she briskly walked off toward the Great Hall.

"So, what's your name?" asked the boy in the ragged robes.

"I'm, uh-I'm Cora...Cora Tibbons," she said nervously. It was too unreal for her.

"I'm Remus Lupin. Don't fret about being away at Hogwarts. It's a great place to be!" He gave her a warm, friendly look.

"Except for Filch. He's so mean. That's why we booted his cat out of here for a while. By the way, I'm Sirius Black." The boy shook Cora's hand firmly. As soon as she heard the name Sirius Black, she froze. A panel of wizards and witches was currently viewing Sirius Black because they were looking over his case of a plea for innocence. Cora didn't know the Black story too well but she did know that many years ago, he had killed thirteen people with a single spell. Cora didn´t understand why he would plea for innocence. It seemed to her that the proof was all there that he was guilty. Regardless of the realization, Cora was soothed by his voice in a weird way. He had an unshaven look to his face and was very handsome to her. Cora shook her head lightly, reminding herself that it was some sort of a dream she was in.

They began walking in an unfamiliar part of the castle. This wasn´t the way to her Gryffindor common room. Cora didn't think that the route the four boys were taking was the right way. Then she remembered that this Hogwarts castle actually had a Gryffindor tower. She sighed and decided that there couldn't be any arguing this time.

Cora began to think over some things. Maybe the transport sphere has taken me to some magical place. This is just a way of passing the time. I´m still traveling and I´ll be with my parents in America soon. I´ll just play along with this weird magical simulation.

"You said your name was Tibbons?" James said.

"Y-yes," Cora answered in a passive tone.

"HEY! You must be Randy's sister!" Sirius shouted with delight.

Cora didn't have a brother named Randy, or any relative name Randy. Then she realized that her dad´s name was Randal--it was probably who Sirius was talking about. Cora was shocked once again by the information that her father was going to Hogwarts too.

"Randy Tibbons sure knows how to get some great celebrations at Hogwarts," said the boy who she guessed to be Peter.

Cora was wide-eyed and got a headache. This was beginning to be too much for her. She just wanted to be at the Emeraldon Complex with her parents, riding on winged horses, or swimming in the beautiful lakes. Her frustration grew and her pace slowed.

"It'll be okay, you'll feel better in the morning," James said. "This is a great place to be, as Remus said. You´ll meet some great friends and have a lot fun at Hogwarts." He smiled as the other boys nodded in agreement.

They entered through a portrait of a plump lady in a pink dress. It was the entryway into the old Gryffindor common room. Cora was amazed by the home-like feel that it had. There were squashy chairs and couches with gigantic pillows. A few lamps were on, but the warmth and light mainly came from the roaring fireplace. She was guided to her dormitory by one of the fifth year girls. Cora sleepily found the only empty four-poster bed and listened half-heartedly to the other "first year" girls who were in a flurry of excitement.

"Oh, you must be the other girl!"
"My name's Iris. I'm happy to meet you!
"Did you see Professor Duncan? He sure looks mean."
"I think he turns kids into ferrets."
"Nah, professors can't do that. If they did, they'd sure to be expelled or something. Well, I don't think they get expelled, but you know what I mean."
"No, Bonnie, we don't know what you mean!"
One of the girls sighed. "Isn't that James Potter cute?"
"Harry Potter's dad? He's here at Hogwarts too?" Cora screamed, not thinking again. The other girls only gave Cora weird looks for a few seconds.

The girl named Bonnie rose from her bed and approached Cora. "No, he doesn't have kids. Don't be silly. But James is pretty gorgeous. Of course, we're only first years. He'd never notice us. I think we'd better worry about that potions lesson tomorrow. I heard there's a test!"

The girls continued to talk excitedly as Cora drifted asleep. Yawning, she dreamily thought about waking up to her family the next morning. Things would be back together tomorrow and this was just a way to pass the time; that´s all the transportation orb was good for, she decided.

* * *

As her eyes grew accustomed to the sunny glow in the room, Cora realized that she had not drifted to reality and was still at the Hogwarts, nearly twenty-five years ago. She rubbed her eyes and thought about what had happened. I am now at the school with my dad, Harry Potter´s dad, and a serial killer!

Cora became very frightened. Never in all her wildest dreams would she ever imagine going back in time. The strange thing was that it seemed as if this era was waiting for her. Everyone thought she was a Gryffindor first year. There was even a bed made all for her. It was as if she was expected.

"Cora, you're being strange," she told herself. "Just go to the Quidditch stadium and pick up the traveling orb." She quietly tiptoed out of the dormitory and made her way through the dizzying staircases of Hogwarts. It was strange walking through a part of the castle that hadn't been there during her years at Hogwarts.
Cora remembered the night that Voldemort had risen.

She was drifting off to sleep on her third night at Hogwarts. There was a chilly breeze coming from outside as Cora glanced at the window. She shivered and closed the curtains in her four-poster bed, but before she covered them completely, she saw a black hooded figure floating outside the window in her dormitory. She couldn´t see any of the figure except for its red, piercing eyes. They were narrow slits in a cloak of darkness. Horrified, Cora leapt out of her bed and startled her roommates, but they didn´t head her warnings of the terrifying figure. Suddenly, Professor McGonagall and a big black dog entered the room. The dog was barking ferociously at the figure and Professor ordered the girls to leave the Gryffindor tower. The girls were slow to act but ran out of the room in horror as the figure gave a menacing laugh.

The rest of the Gryffindor students were completely silent as they crawled out of the entrance of the common room. Once they were all out Professor Dumbledore gave strict orders. It was one of the rare occasions when he was serious and had a worried look in his eyes--which were usually twinkling in delight. "Everyone go to the Great Hall and do it quickly. Voldemort has entered the tower. Do not talk and walk in a single file. We will deal with him accordingly." The younger students were frozen with panic, but the older students made their way to the start of the line as the Gryffindors made their flight to the Great Hall.

Cora heard Professor McGonagall nervously talk to the end of the line, "Where´s Colin? I haven´t seen him anywhere."

"I´ll go in and find him," said another hushed voice that Cora didn´t recognize.

"NO REMUS! Don´t!" There was despair in Professor McGonagall´s normally strict voice.

Cora didn´t know what else had happened as a fourth year boy hurried her pace as they made their way to the Hall. The Gryffindors stood in a big circle within the Great Hall. Some students were worried that they wouldn´t be safe in the castle any longer. Within a few minutes, a man in threadbare gray robes was carrying Colin rushed into the room. "Go outside! Hurry!" He shouted. The response of the students was much quicker. However there was no orderly line, everyone was anxious to get out of the castle.

As they entered the cool lawn of the castle grounds, Cora noticed that there were piles of rock and rubble scattered across the lawn. Suddenly, someone shouted, "Look in the sky! It´s a lion!" All of the heads looked up in a horrified awe as a translucent lion was battling the flying figure. The lion was shining with great brilliance of flashing neon colors, battering his paws at Voldemort. Voldemort acted as if the gigantic lion was a mere housefly. The dark wizard was more concerned with destroying the Gryffindor tower. But the lion was using all its ferocious might as he slashed Voldemort with his outstretched claws, blood splattered on the lion´s shining mane.

The man who was carrying the injured Colin was mystified. "It´s the spirit of Gryffindor!" he shouted in exhilaration, pointing at the battle.

Although it seemed like the lion was beating Voldemort, the dark lord prevailed in blasting away bits of the tower, using only his hands. Green light was surging through his body as he sent another tumultuous flash at the tower. The lion evaded the blast and leapt back, disappearing from the students´ view. Voldemort shrieked with laughter but it was stifled as three more beasts appeared from the sky--a badger, an eagle, and a snake. They accompanied the lion in the fierce battle. Voldemort then howled in terror and disappeared instantly. The other spirits had no chance to fight the dark lord...

Cora shook the memory away. She didn't want to dwell on the past; she was living it!
After searching for a good ten minutes, Cora finally found the marble staircase that the stern Professor Metronia had taken them to the previous night. She felt relieved and raced to the great doors of the entrance. The sphere was in her sight. It was just standing there, beckoning Cora. Oddly enough, someone else was there.

"What are you doing here?" a young man of about eighteen asked. His blonde hair was short and tousled. He seemed to be a part of the present time that she was supposed to be in, as he was wearing dazzling emerald robes with a yellow lining around the cuffs. His eyes gave Cora a piercing stare. She recognized the boy but couldn´t remember where she had seen him.

"Who-who...who are you?" Cora asked apprehensively. She was sick of finding out things the hard way. She wanted answers for herself.

"Ah, I suppose you're a little curious. This is a strange world isn´t it? You´re lucky to have ended up here in this setting. I´ve seen a lot worse in other ones," He snorted lightly. "I hope you've heard of the Malfoy family?"

"You're Draco Malfoy!" Cora shrieked with realization. This was the real, present-day Draco Malfoy. He was with her in this strange world. She was relieved to see a familiar face--a current one to say the least.

Draco rolled his eyes. "Yeah, pleased to meet you too. What´s your name?" he crossed his arms, with a menacing smirk

"I'm Cora Tibbons. I just finished my second year at Hogwarts. Well, not this Hogwarts. I-"

"I know, I know. This place is many years back in time. It's one of the tamer worlds here. But how'd you get here?"

Cora didn't understand. A tamer world? "I don't get it. I just got here. I was supposed to be with my family for vacation. They Apparated to Emeraldon and I was supposed to take this sphere as a transport. You know, like a Portkey."

"You mean, you didn't even know that you were coming...well, here?" Draco smirked.

"No! I was supposed to go to Emeraldon. My dad's got this business meeting and I was going with him and my mum. It was going to be a wonderful trip. That thing," she pointed to the blue orb, "is the only way I can get out of here." Cora felt like shutting up. She didn't want to spill the whole story to the new Hogwarts graduate. She felt very foolish and thought she sounded like a little toddler trying to talk big to a grownup.

"That seems a little odd. Listen, if I were you, I'd stay here for a while. You won't find too any other scenes that are this mild and tame. Just forget about using this sphere for a while. In fact, I'll take it with me, just for your safety." Draco picked up the ball and snapped his fingers. He snickered at Cora as her mouth was hanging open. She felt terribly betrayed.

Immediately, a gray winged horse appeared. It was an elegant Granian winged horse with its wings stretched out. The coat shined in the sun, giving it the appearance that it was actually a silver-coated horse. Its black eyes gave Cora an intense stare as it pranced proudly around Draco and waited for his next orders.

"What are you doing?" Cora demanded as she approached the brute and the horse.

"Don't worry, it's for your own good. I promise." He seemed to half-sneer. It was like this was a game to him. With that, Draco muttered something to the horse and they disappeared. They didn't just fly away, but Draco, the horse, and Cora's sphere vanished, leaving a few sparks of the glowing blue light that Cora had seen when she first used the object.

Cora was scared now. She was completely alone and knew for sure that she was stuck--stuck going to her second first potions class that day. Cora sulked back to the castle. There was no one to turn to. She had to attend Hogwarts all over in a different time with her dad. At least Professor Snape isn´t teaching here, she thought.

* * *

The brilliant colors made the store stand out from the crowded street of Diagon Alley. "Weasley Wizard Wheezes" was shown in flashing colors of vibrant red, yellow, and blue. Colorful assortments of trinkets and treats were shown through the large windows. One poster displayed a young wizard holding a fashionable fake wand in his hand. He was taunting a little girl. Another display showed tiny witch figurines eating a ton-tongue toffee. One minute, it seemed perfectly normal, but after a while, a long tongue protruded from her mouth. The store was highly successful from a business standpoint. But, of course, Fred and George Weasley were thinking bigger.

"You know, I think that the Quidditch World Cup would allow us to be some prime vendors," Fred said, looking over some mail that had flown in. "It´d be perfect for the Wheezes! Just think," Fred´s eyes grew big. His arms flailed as he continued, "we could be in Australia making money!"

"There are beaches, too. Wonderful, hot beaches...." George´s glossy eyes showed much satisfaction.

"And witches from all over the world will be basking in the sun on those beaches!" Fred said, his eyes gleaming with his brother´s as they sighed, envisioning the Australian beaches. However, it was immediately interrupted.

"This witch wants to purchase a few items with the store now and hopes your strange little fantasies will stop!" a plump witch in royal blue robes said, indignantly. "You can forget about making a profit if you always have your heads in the clouds!"

"Oh, sorry ma´am," George said, half-heartedly. "The summer´s gotten to us, I think."

"That´s no excuse for poor business. See if I ever come here again!" She left with an "hmmpf!" and fled from the store. Fred mimicked her actions, which led to riotous laughing between the two twins. They were near the age of twenty and hadn´t changed a bit since their Hogwarts years. They were making money by using their joking minds and coming up with some great gag products for all occasions, without getting into trouble.

George began cleaning the shop with little tidying spells from his wand, as it was time that the store would be closed. Fred began counting money as a tall wizard stumbled into the shop. The twins didn´t notice him in his vibrant robes of swirling red and yellow patterns.

George heard the shuffle of the man´s footsteps and idly said, "We´re closed now. You can come back tomorrow at ten."

"But your sign says you're open!" he said defiantly.

"Not anymore!" Fred swished his wand and the sign on the window changed to: CLOSED.

The wizard drooped his lower lip and sniffed. "I suppose the Weasley twins have forgotten all about Ludo Bagman...."

Fred looked up sharply. He looked at the man and suddenly his eyes burst with excitement. "LUDO? Is that you?" Ludo had scammed the twins during their sixth year. Yet the following two years changed their opinion of him as he offered help for their business. In reality, his help wasn´t highly beneficial, but it had created a better relationship among them.

"Of course it is, Fred," George started, "he´s a conniving git if I´ve ever seen one!" George´s taunting made Bagman chuckle.

"You two are quite the pair! I never thought I´d see this shop in Diagon Alley." He paused. "Come to think of it, I never thought I´d ever see this shop anywhere!"

"Yeah, well, forget about discounts at this store. We´re fair and honest, for the most part," Fred grinned.

"Of course, mum stops by at least once a week. I don´t think she trusts us. It´s quite odd," George explained, putting his hand on his chin. It made him seem like he was pondering over some deep philosophical matter.

Ludo laughed. "Well, I just wanted to stop by and say, `hello.´ It´s not every day you see fellows like you two. Actually, I need some supplies before my big meeting down in the States. It´s at this brand-new wizarding complex of sorts--Emeraldon Compost or something. I´ve never been there. Maybe there´s a place for some retail," he hinted with a shining smile.

"Nah, we´re staying here as a private business. There´s no need to go global. Mum´d be Apparating all over the place then!" George said. Fred glared at George for the change-of-heart. There went the ideas of Australia for the Quidditch World Cup.

With the dreams completely gone, Fred was curious to learn about Ludo´s gathering. "So, what´s the meeting for?"

"Well, I´ve gotten myself to be a part of the World Magic Council." Ludo rolled his eyes. "There´s a lot of meetings about the state of the magical population in the world. Now that You-Know-You is officially gone for good, I think some prevention ideas are being brought up to make sure nothing happens again. It´ll be a big mess. There´re so many movements being made and everyone has different ideas. They expect me to be a part of it!" Ludo snorted, "I´d rather be cleaning up shop like you are, George."

"You´ll have fun, Mr. Bagman. But you can take a few tongue-ton toffees if you´d like. There´s a new flavor, banana nut! It´ll be a big hit, I suppose!" There was a devious smirk on Fred´s face as he handed Ludo a bag of "goodies."

"Well, I suppose. If you ever need to reach me, here´s my business card. It's something new all Magic Council members have to have. It´s a card that tells everyone where we are all the time. It´s pretty dumb if you ask me. But since you´re giving me snacks, I´ll give you this as a parting gift!" He handed Fred a sapphire card with flashing red ink that had bits of information like: Ludovic W. Bagman--Weasley Wizard Wheezes, Diagon Alley. Floo number: 204-76

"Gee, thanks, I think," said George as he glanced skeptically over the card.

"No, thank you wonderful men! I´ve got to go now. I think there´s some sickles left in my Gringotts account. I´ll have to cross my fingers. Those darn leprechauns sure know how to get a man´s money." Ludo left the store. The twins rolled their eyes. He was a nut. A cool wizard, but still a nut.

George made his way to the windows and manually pulled down the shade as Fred closed the back closet. The Wheezes store was officially closed for the day. They both looked around to make sure everything was fine before tomorrow´s opening. George sighed as Fred opened the front door.

They froze in horror. George´s shoulders sprung up and his jaw hung down, frightened. Fred was wide-eyed, disturbed by what he saw. A small breeze flew past their robes as Fred and George glanced at the area with a horrified awe. Barren wasteland came to the minds of both brothers as they looked outside. There was nothing in sight. It was just a dust covered, rocky surface stretching out for miles and miles. The sky was a rusty reddish color with hardly any clouds. As they stepped out of the store, George glanced through the door and noticed that the store wasn´t there anymore. Instead, it was the same rugged terrain of a nightmarish landscape. Fred let go of the door as it popped out of existence.

"Freddo?" George said in a hushed whisper. It was a weak attempt to humor his brother. Yet he only realized that the attempt was to cover his own terror.

Fred just stared.

"I d-d-don´t think we´re in Diagon Alley anymore...."

* * *

Lucius Malfoy was one of the most powerful wizards in the entire world. As the new Minister of Magic, he was attending the Emeraldon Complex in Emeraldon for some petty World Magic Council convention. The old Minister, Cornelius Fudge, made a pivotal mistake by betraying Lord Voldemort. Lucius believed that was the reason that Harry Potter had destroyed him. He cringed at the name of the boy.

Without the Dark Lord, Lucius felt helpless. Even though he played a highly influential role in magical politics, he felt he couldn´t exploit his intentions without Voldemort. Lucius had been his most loyal supporter and he was gone. The only reason he decided to take part in the World Magic Council was because he felt it was his last chance to use his great power to the fullest extent.

He walked around his suite in the Emeraldon Complex. It was fashionable; no doubt a way to show off the modern expansionist ideals of American magic. It was luxurious with tinted sea green tiles that were transparent. Underneath the tiles was an aquarium of various magical species. It was rumored that an entire clan of merpeople lived within the water of the Emeraldon Complex. Lucius shuddered at the idea that the ugly beasts were swimming under his room.

His room was full of little niceties that interested him only minimally. He had a large king-sized waterbed. Lucius thought he might end up sleeping on the grand forest green couch that was sitting against a wall opposite from the bed. The waterbed would be extremely uncomfortable. He did enjoy his grand marble fireplace. He could communicate with anyone he wished with the fireplace as long as he had the correct floo numbers. It wouldn´t transport Lucius directly to the place. Instead, he would be talking to the intended person from his or her own fireplace. It was like Muggle technology, only much simpler. Lucius was proud that he had been granted one of ten rooms within the Complex that had fireplaces.

Most things were various tints of green at the Complex and it reminded Lucius of his house at Hogwarts--Slytherin. The entrance to the Complex had jaded marble pillars that magically swirled in erratic paths. The lamps throughout the building had an emerald base while the carpet had brightly glowing diamonds of olive and pea green colors. The door handles and numbers on the suites and rooms were in a metallic green substance. It suited the emotions of most of the Council members. They were jealous and strived for power, just as Lucius did.

There was a knock on his heavy, silver door. Whoever it was had failed to use the jade dragon knocker on the door. Lucius grew angry at the interruption. He had been devising ways to celebrate in his room--the drinks, the guests, the sound of status. For a moment, he considered Apparating out of the room, but he dismissed the idea quickly.

He opened the door and saw a middle aged wizard with a neat graying beard and thin-rimmed glasses. His hair was fairly short and also was graying. His eyes were brown and devious in his cold gray robes.

"Ah, Lucious, I thought you weren't here but-"

Lucius said, rolling his eyes in a sarcastic manner. "And you are...?"

"Ivan Boledge. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Malfoy. I've heard quite a lot about you. Do you mind if we sit and chat for a while?"

Lucius became perturbed quickly. He didn't know this man and he wanted to chat. He contemplated the issue at hand. For some reason, he was wary of letting this man in his suite. Perhaps he wanted to charm his room and gain access to secret information. That was something Lucius didn't want to risk. But he was intrigued with the idea that this man could be someone whom he could exploit in his rise to power. Lucius's frown quickly changed to a smirk.
"Why don't we meet at six o'clock at Mindy's? I still need to unpack some things." It was a blatant lie, but there wasn't anything else he could say as Lucius needed time to think.

"Of course, we could. Actually, I need a drink. It's been a rough day. I have an interesting proposal. It's quite an offer you can't refuse."

* * *

Lucius was intrigued. The guile of Mr. Ivan Boledge had surprised him. He wasn't going to jump into any deals, but he was willing to listen. That in itself was something most wizards never got past---the listening level. Listening required patience; something Lucius usually lacked. However, Boledge's words showed cunning and mystery.

Ivan was sitting at a stool in a magical pub. He was sipping on some flavored drink; it was like a harder butterbeer. Lucius thought it was particularly nasty, but he needed something to soothe his throat.

Ivan walked in the pub with sweeping arms greeting many of the wizards and witches, although many of them failed to acknowledge who he was. Very few of them were enjoyed by his presence. He sat down at Lucius´ table.

"Ivan," Lucius coldly.

"Ah, hello again, Lucius. Nice place here isn´t it? A lot of the Emeraldon citizens say this is the best place for the "harder" drinks, if you know what I mean. Most of them originated here. My personal favorite is Slotchkin´s Cherry Liquor. It´s sweet but has that "kick" to it," Ivan pointed to a list of drinks to the menu.

Lucius grimaced, "I´ve noticed. But I believe you wanted to chat - something about a proposal that I couldn't refuse?"

Ivan began laughing. "Yes, why don't we cut right to the chase? I've been waiting forever for this day."

Lucius raised an eyebrow. This was getting bizarre. "Just what exactly is up your sleeve?"

"Well, that's the big question. If I were to tell you, then the surprise would be gone. That's what I live for--the element of surprise. And boy," he paused and smiled, soaking up the bewilderment, "do I ever have some surprising news."

"What is it? I'm growing impatient with these silly games. I have business to conduct during these meetings and I intend to do so. I am not about to be played as a fool for mind games as you are comporting currently."

"It's about your son, actually. I have informants that have told me that he has reached a special place in the magic world. We don't know how he got there, but we're very keen in finding out." Ivan Boledge had a serious look on his face for the first time.

"What on earth? Draco?" Lucius started sweating. He thought Draco was with an apprenticeship with some prat at the Ministry of Magic. He didn´t want his son associating with the likes of this man.

"There are some people who want you dead right now because of your son's actions. But, I believe that you're completely ignorant about what's going on," Ivan smirked. There was a horrible grin on his face as he adjusted his glasses on his plotting face.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Lucius spat in disgust.

"I thought this would be your reaction," Ivan Boledge replied and began digging in his pockets for something. Lucius sat there, horrified. Ivan leant closer to Lucius so that his mouth was nearly touching his ear and whispered, "I'm giving you this sapphire wand. At precisely ten o'clock tonight, you will take out that wand and say the word 'utopia.' I will see you immediately and all your questions will be answered." Then Ivan Apparated out of the pub.