Dragonis

*~*Previous Chapter*~*

The owl flew through his window and landed on her master's upraised arm waiting for his approval, which she soon found. She once again departed through that same window with a field mouse grasped within her talons. He carefully opened the letter, not expecting a reply so soon. As he read the words a smirk spread across his face. He stared down at the elegant script written by the hand of The Dark Wizard Dragonis himself. In his angry scrawl he had written a short sentence consisting of seven simple words.

"It doesn't seem I have a choice."

Lucius smiled, the Dragon and the Snake would finally be united.

***

Meryn opened her eyes weakly as the pain in her head shifted behind her eyes as the dim light met them. The blue canopy of the bed filled her sight as the memories of the previous days events came back into focus. Her sleep, as predicted, had been dreamless and restful although she was beginning to feel the side affects of the potion, the headache she had this morning was proof of that. However, she was grateful for the sleep the potion did grant her. Meryn sat up in her bed and rubbed her eyes, today she would finally be leaving for Hogwarts. Once she had been hesitant but now she was eager to leave for the sanctity it provided. She cautiously gazed towards the dagger. What was this new feeling she had inside her? Her mind seemed to be focused only on opening the case. Just to make sure it was still there is what she told herself.

Meryn threw the covers back and slid from her bed and walked towards the wooden case beneath the window. She knelt down and slowly ran her fingers overtop the entwined serpents along the pinnacle of the casing as she had done the day before. The carvings seemed to silently purr beneath her touch as the small chest opened revealing the prize within. The Dagger shone in the early morning light, the darkened ruby appeared to burn itself into Meryn's very thoughts. Slamming the chest shut Meryn rapidly placed it in into her trunks without a second glance.

Meryn picked up her clothes from the day before and without thinking placed a cleaning charm upon them before cursing out loud as a Ministry owl flew through her window with yet another warning for the underage use of magic. Sending the owl off Meryn ran herself a bath. As she nestled in the tub and began her day with the same routine as always she heard the fireplace suddenly ignite and a pop announcing she was receiving a Floo.

"Meryn?" a voice called from the fire.

It was Charlie, "I'm coming," she called back her voice conveying a slightly annoyed tone. She quickly wrapped the towel around her and sped to the fireplace still dripping onto the floor.

Charlie saw her face come into the flame noticing her state of undress reddened as he spoke, "Erm, I- I didn't realize that..."

Meryn cut him off, "It's alright Charlie, it always seems that people Floo when your in the bath," Meryn's crooked smile put Charlie at ease, he had obviously been worried for no reason, "Charlie?" Meryn asked, "What do you need?"

He could tell she was trying to be polite about the interruption and was obviously annoyed.

"I- umm... I was worried Meryn," he looked up from his hands and to her face, "Last night I had very unsettling feelings..." he trailed off again, "I was worried about you, I don't like the thought of you being by yourself at a time like this."

"Charlie," her voice became soothing and her eyes uncharacteristically soft, "I'm fine, it's nice to know that you worry about me, but it should be your family that you are concentrating on."

"You are my family," he paused his chocolate eyes meeting her hazel ones, "I'm at the Burrow maybe three out of the year, the other three hundred and sixty-two I'm with you. I can't help but feel responsible should anything happen to you."

Meryn smiled at him again, "Charlie, I'm off to Hogwarts today, I'll be fine I promise. I'll owl you tonight."

He smiled as she disappeared from the fire. His thoughts still remained on her, she was acting odd, he knew that for sure but she was fine, physically anyway. For now he would have to trust her better judgement, she would arrive at Hogwarts sometime today and she would be in contact with him before the sun would rise again tomorrow. Charlie ran his fingers though his hair and sighed as Molly Weasley descended into the kitchen. She caught the tired look in Charlie's eyes and how his arms were resting loosely on his knees.

Molly smiled to herself, "Sweetheart, tell your old mum what's wrong," she placed her hand on his shoulder.

He turned and looked at his loving mother, 'always there for him,' he thought.

"It's Meryn," he said.

Molly said nothing but just waited for him to continue.

"I can't help but be worried about her, she's had so many horrible things happen to her in the past Mum you know that," Charlie looked into his mother's loving eyes

"Charlie from what you've told me about her she seems like quite a strong girl. She's been though a lot but with your help she seems to be all right."

"That's the thing Mum," Charlie sighed running his fingers though his hair once again, "I've always been there to protect her when she needed me. And now I feel like I'm letting her down. I know her Mum, if something is wrong she won't tell me. She knows I have to be here right now and she won't jeopardize my time with my family for anything."

Molly patted her son lovingly on his shoulder, "She's a smart girl, no matter what you think she's doing what is best for you, you must know that deep inside yourself. You said she will be going to Hogwarts today, you have no reason to worry yourself," She looked into her son's eyes noting the insecurity in them Molly frowned, "Charlie if it makes you feel better, ask her to come here..."

He cut her off, "No Mum it's alright, I know she'll be safe at Hogwarts."

She smiled down at her son, she new he had taken responsibility for the girl but she hadn't realized how much responsibility he took upon himself. She sighed as she walked away from Charlie, it seems as though her little boy was growing up.

***

Ron overhead the conversation between his mother and Charlie, This girl Meryn that they were speaking of was going to Hogwarts. 'But everyone has gone home for the holiday's, why would she be going there now?' He thought, students weren't supposed to be there after term ended, that's why Harry had to go stay with those horrible muggles. Ron's interest was peaked. He had to owl Harry.

***

Her trunks were packed and Meryn sat anxiously awaiting her escort. The letter she had received two days prior stated she was to wait in her rooms for her escort who was to arrive early to take her to Hogwarts by Floo. It was after noon by the time there was a loud knock upon her door. By that time Meryn's patience had run very thin, She stood abruptly and threw the door open to none other than Potions Master Snape. He looked down upon her his superiority showing very clear on his face.

Before Meryn had the chance to berate his lateness the Professor spoke, "I see your taste in apparel has not changed."

Meryn's eye's darkened, "No sir," she said through clenched teeth, "it has not," she held respect for the man and she was not about to put her position with the Professor in jeopardy.

"Well, Miss Kingsley, see that it does," he raised his eyebrow as he watched her begin to lift one of her trunks with ease and ready to depart, "Hogwarts does have a dress code."

The Potions Master levitated the remaining trunk as well as the other, which Meryn had begun to struggle with. He smirked to himself as a quick look of indignation passed over Meryn's face as the burden was lifted. The trunks moved ahead of the Professor and down the stairs and Meryn walked behind him easily keeping his pace.

Snape set a small bag of Galleons in front of Tom the Innkeeper and stood in front of the fireplace impatiently waiting for Meryn as she gaped at him. He sighed in disgust as he looked at her, "what is it girl?" he drawled, "You look as though an Ashwinder just crawled up your pants."

Meryn's jaw clicked in annoyance as she stood beside the Professor, "You paid for my room," she looked up at him, "it was unexpected that is all."

He looked down at the girl, "I assumed you to be a smart girl," Meryn looked at him puzzled, "I did not pay for your room, it was Professor Dumbledore," he threw Floo powder into the fireplace and shouted, "Hogsmeade Station," before he levitated her trunks into the fire and disappeared himself. Meryn shook her head in disbelief, 'some escort!' she thought, 'leaves me here, who knows what could happen.'

Meryn Took a small amount of Floo powder and tossed it in the fire yelling as Professor Snape had, "Hogsmeade Station!"

***

Skidding to a halt on her knees Meryn found herself looking at the fine leather boots of the Potions Master. She looked up at him as he sighed and offered her his hand, "At least your not as clumsily at potions as you are at walking."

Meryn huffed choosing to ignore the Professor and walk towards the far end of the Floo Room, she watched the Potions Master levitate her trunks and walk towards the entrance following the crowd of Wizards and Witches who had just Floo'd to Hogsmeade as well. She heard the Professor's bellow, "Well girl, are you going to stand there all day, I've got potions to brew!"

Meryn quickly followed the retreating form of Professor Snape to the carriages that would soon take her to the Hogwarts Grounds.

Snape stepped up into the carriage while levitating her trunks upon the storage rack in the back. She walked to the opening as an elegant white hand offered itself palm up, she took it and the professor proceeded to help her into the carriage. He seemed to be a little more at ease now that they were so close to Hogwarts.

The Potions Master arranged his robes around himself as Meryn seated herself across from him. She looked upon his face as he busied himself with the passing scenery; he looked as he always had. His strong angular face was set in a scowl and his long graceful fingers were steepled underneath his chin. She looked upon this paradigm in front of her; this man who had been her teacher from afar for so long was now before her, as was the knowledge that she sought form him. Meryn smiled slightly and turned towards the window as she saw the parapets of the castle loom in the distance. The tallest peaks of Hogwarts castle seemed to merge with the sky as she imagined its depths to be carved from the bedrock itself.

Serverus Snape looked upon the girl who had been studying him from the moment they stepped into the carriage. This girl had talent; such he hadn't seen in many years and he would tolerate her insubordination because of that. He watched the sparkle in her eyes as she viewed the castle for the first time. He turned suddenly away from her his thoughts moving just as quickly. Why had Dumbledore been in such haste to bring this girl to the castle? Serverus had never questioned any of Dumbledore decisions before, but why would he disregard the rules for this girl and not for another student? Such as Potter. The carriage stopped pulling Serverus out of his thoughts as the girl jumped from the carriage. He watched her as she ran to meet the Headmaster, the familiarity that they shared... He pondered there perhaps was the explanation. Observing the pair as they entered the enormous doors to the castle Serverus drew his eyes to the sky. It would rain tonight he thought as he made his way to the entranceway.

***

It was the Dark end of Knockturn Alley they chose to meet, a little pub not too many dared to enter. Not safe for many but safe enough for the two men who were meeting there today. The ambiance of the small tavern gave little to those who weren't looking for trouble or perhaps that was the reason there was no trouble there. No one dare enter those doors unless they had some form of Dark Magic tucked within the folds of their robes.

Lucius Malfoy was not a patient man, he was not used to waiting for others, but he did today. He sipped from the pewter goblet that stood by his left hand, his wand arm standing ready beneath the table. Today promised to be profitable and Lucius would remain in the tavern all day if he must to fulfil his purpose.

He turned his head as the rusty hinges of the door groaned and the bright light filled the room momentarily as a hooded figure stood in the entrance way. A smirk appeared on Lucius' lips as their eyes met. Ahriman threw his hood down and made his way towards Lucius place in the rear of the pub.

Ice met ice once again as they met eyes over the dimly lit table, "You are late," Lucius hissed.

"No my friend," Ahriman used the term loosely, "you are early."

Both men reached forward and grabbed each other's wrists and performed a firm handshake. Lucius pointed to the seat across from him and motioned for the other man to sit. Ahriman complied and the two sat for a moment neither sure of who should speak first.

It was Ahriman who broke the silence, "It has been many years Lucius, and still it has not been long enough."

Lucius smiled in a friendly sort of way, "Ah yes, this is true. We both moved along different paths in life but it looks as though they have crossed once again," Lucius stopped waiting for the other man to reply, when he didn't Lucius continued, "I know that neither of us imagined this would ever happen," Ahriman sent a cold glare to Lucius, "but it has, we could dwell on it or learn to accept it."

Ahriman began, "It is not my decision to make."

"What on earth do you mean?" Lucius spat.

"I walked away from the choice to make any decisions years ago."

"Ah yes," Lucius smiled scornfully, "when you walked away from-"

Ahriman cut him off, "Speak her name and I will hex before you can say Voldemort."

Lucius chuckled to himself, "I see the wounds are still fresh, does it hurt you to know that she stayed loyal while you gallivanted all over Europe to try become," Lucius chuckled, "what was it again? Oh yes an all-powerful Dark Wizard, one with powers to rival Lord Voldemort himself?" Lucius watched as Ahriman's face portrayed white fury, "Did you ever wonder what happened to her?"

Ahriman spoke suddenly with a venomous calm laced in his speech, "Things Lucius, are different, times have changed. We come here tonight to speak as The Silver Dragon and The Black Snake."

Lucius admired this man, how he had changed in nearly twenty years. Perhaps he was underestimating him, "I saw her yesterday you know, and she looks so much like her mother. She will be a fine asset to the Malfoy name."

"Had I the choice we would be far from here Lucius," Ahriman placed his thumb on his temple to regain some sense of dignity, "let me speak to her first it may soften the blow. Just let me tell Meryn that I'm her father."

***

The grand entrance to the school was every bit as grand as it sounded. Meryn was beside herself with delight, the thoughts of the past months were momentarily fleeing as she took in the grandeur of the castle. Professor Dumbledore's voice was soft as it echoed slightly off the walls, "Welcome my dear, I'm so glad to see you've arrived safely. I trust Professor Snape treated you well?"

"Yes, all went well," Professor Snape spoke as he entered the doors behind them, "now if you'll excuse me I'll be in the dungeons."

"Yes Serverus thank you," Professor Dumbledore replied to the retreating figure of the Potions Master, "now Meryn," he began looking now at her, "before we get you all settled in there are a few matters which we must discuss."

She looked at the headmaster intently, "we need to see where we must place you," he spoke as they walked up the grand staircase, "Normally students your age would be in the seventh year in the coming term however we must place you in the most suitable classes. In order to do so we will consort the Sorting Hat," They continued up the grand staircase and turned down the second floor corridor.

The Sorting Hat Sir?" She asked.

"The Sorting Hat was made eons ago, constructed to place students in the correct house, however though my years I have come notice the Sorting Hat also makes very good difficult decisions," he patted her hand as they came to stand before a stone gargoyle, "Lemondrop?" Dumbledore asked as he pulled a small yellow candy from his pocket. Meryn was however distracted by the movement of the statue before her.

"Sir?" she pointed.

"Oh yes," his eyes twinkled, "how convenient!"

Upon stepping into the Headmaster's office Meryn stepped back in awe as she gazed around the circular room. It was much like her grandfather's study, the multitude of books lined the walls as eccentric gadgets filled the small spaces that were left between them. Above the shelves were a great number of portraits of Headmasters past. Dumbledore smiled as he watched the girl, 'So much like her mother,' he thought.

"Miss Kingsley, do sit down and we will begin." From beside his desk Professor Dumbledore removed the Sorting Hat from the cabinet where it was stored and moved behind Meryn as she took her place before him. Meryn felt the unease stir in her stomach as the door to the Headmaster's office opened and three professors entered the room, "Ah Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Professor Sprout you've arrived just in time!"

"I assume Professor Snape will not be attending," Professor McGonagall asked to Headmaster.

"You assume too much Minerva," a silky voice came from behind her.

"Ah Serverus!" the Headmaster chided, "we are about to begin, please everyone take your seats."

Meryn closed her eyes, there seemed to be too many people in the room for her liking but as the Sorting hat was placed on her head other thoughts began to fill her mind. Soon she realized these thoughts weren't her own.

***

The hat itself seemed to be made for a giant. It fell over her eyes, the ratty folds of fabric rubbed against her face and she was seconds from tossing the hat from her head when she heard it speak, 'You are a little old to be sorted eh?' the hat began, 'I see many things in you, some things you are aware of some things you are not,' the hat paused again as if contemplating, 'Potions, no question there, same with Herbology and Transfiguration. Charms, no problem there either I see,' the hat went on for some time about which subjects she knew well and those she didn't. The Sorting Hat stopped and she was about to pull it from her head as it spoke again, 'Now to place you in a house...' the hat seemed to ponder, 'it is much easier,' it spoke to her, 'to place a younger child than a child whom is almost an adult. The Silver Dragon eh? That leaves me with but two choices then...' the hat seemed to contemplate for and eternity when suddenly it yelled 'DUMBLEDORE!"

The Headmaster jumped to her side and pulled the hat from her head and placed it on his own. Meryn looked at the faces of the Professors seated around her, each with a look of silent contemplation on their faces as the awaited Dumbledore to finish conversing with the Sorting Hat. Slowly the Professor removed the Sorting Hat from his head and put in back in its place.

"Interesting," he said, "Meryn my dear, you are indeed your father's daughter."

***

The sun was beginning to fold behind the hills, Charlie tried to concentrate on the quaffle that Ron was throwing to him but failed miserably and it slowly fell to the ground. Charlie was still worried, the sun was setting and he had yet to hear from Meryn.

"Oi, Charlie!" George yelled, "Wake up! Are you trying to make us loose or what?"

The noise was lost on him as he saw a Hogwarts owl fly into view. Charlie nearly leapt from his broom to meet the owl. He carelessly pulled a few owl treats from his pocket and shoved them towards the owl as he tore open the envelope. It was as he was anticipating, Meryn's flawless script. Quickly he scanned the letter and frowned.

Charlie,

Things are rather interesting here at Hogwarts. As of yet I've found out many intriguing things here. One of them being who my father is but I don't feel like going into that now Charlie, I'm sorry. The Sorting Hat found it impossible to sort me into any house so Dumbledore said he would place me in the classes he figures I would do the best in. As for my rooming accommodations, for now Dumbledore said I could choose any room in the castle. Within reason Charlie! I know what is going through that mind of yours!

For the time being I will be getting accustomed to the castle, and preparing for the new term. I will write as often as I can.

Meryn

Her father? Charlie's mind was moving a thousand miles a minute. What was going through her mind? Why did she not want to talk about it? Charlie looked over to his brothers playing Quidditch in the fading daylight; he could see Ginny up there with them proving her worth to them. Charlie tucked the letter in his robes and sighed. He was in for yet another sleepless night.