Rating:
R
House:
The Dark Arts
Characters:
Draco Malfoy Severus Snape
Genres:
Drama Romance
Era:
Multiple Eras
Spoilers:
Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire Quidditch Through the Ages Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Stats:
Published: 10/04/2002
Updated: 03/31/2003
Words: 32,710
Chapters: 8
Hits: 2,128

Dragonis

Kittylioness

Story Summary:
Her path had been chosen long before her birth, a path perhaps she would wish she had never stumbled across. The Silver Dragon and the Black Snake are destined to be united. Will Meryn comply with what is ordained for her or will she usurp the three bloodlines involved?

Chapter 07

Chapter Summary:
The paths are intertwining, their fates are sealed the promise had been made and the only choise left was to follow through. Meryn is now delving deeper into the depths of her family's past what will she find? A cunning snake perhaps?
Posted:
03/22/2003
Hits:
208
Author's Note:
I just wanted to give a big thanks to Claire my beta, and to those of you who have been giving me all of the support, it is well appreciated. I would also like to say thank you for all your patience with my slow writing but hey, you can't rush perfection! And a big thanks to Narcissa who has answered many of my endless questions.


*~*Previous Chapter*~*

"Severus, let us wait until we reach my office before we begin," the Headmaster's voice was slightly hushed it was as though he had an idea as to what Snape was going to say. "Lemondrop," the headmaster spoke softly towards Snape as they moved up the stairs, "I fear you have some bad news to tell me Severus, about Meryn."

"Yes."

***

Meryn finished unpacking her trunks and tried to settle herself down for the evening. She took up Professor Snape's offer to utilize the Slytherin washrooms. She exited her room and began to descend the steep stairwell. The sent of fresh air filled her nostrils once again as she was delving farther into the depths beneath the school however it would be impossible for there to be any sort of garden underneath the school. Meryn was inwardly scolding herself for even pondering it. It wasn't long before Meryn realized that she had no idea where she was heading. All of the corridors looked the same. The torches lit some hallways while others looked dark and abysmal. There was the occasional doorway, which opened into empty rooms filled with old crates and in some cases objects, which Meryn did not want to consider the uses for. As she traveled deeper into the dungeons the air began to change, the fresh smell from before was now becoming stale and musty, as though the air had been shared for centuries.

The Dragon Keeper in Meryn told her to keep going, and not to stop until she completed what she set out to do, however the logical part of her decided that was perhaps not such a good idea. Hogwarts was a big place she reminded herself and dangerous when it need be. Meryn proceeded forward slowly and cautiously keeping all her wits about her. The corridor seemed to gradually slop up, and there was the occasional stairwell. She seemed to be in a bit of the castle that was well used; the stone floor looked well worn and the torches, which lined the wall, were lit. Meryn came upon a doorway and cautiously turned the knob. Nothing happened. Determined, Meryn whispered an unlocking charm, and as she heard latch slide open she pulled the door slightly ajar to peer in the room. It appeared to be the potions classroom. Sighing in relief Meryn let herself into the room and closed the door behind her. With another flick of her wand Meryn lit the fireplace and began to examine the dank classroom.

The room, like the rest of the dungeon, was rather cold. The jars strewn about the classroom walls were filled with small animals and indistinguishable objects. The classroom was in meticulous order, just as a Potions classroom should be, 'If there is a place for everything there is order, chaos is disorder and that is not what belongs in a place of learning,' Meryn remembered her grandfather saying that on more than one occasion, and he had instilled his values on her. Placing her toiletries on the nearest desk she moved on to the Potion Master's desk and although the thought of the Professor finding her looking through his belongings frightened her, she could not ebb her curiosity. He had a few papers resting on the top of his desk, Meryn picked them up and examined them and found them to be lesson plans for the next term. Professor Snape's elegant writing crossed the page as though every loop and dash was intricately placed and well planned out. She pulled open the top-drawer placed at the centre of the desk to find multitudes of ink and quills, as well as a few empty vials and stoppers. Closing that drawer, she opened the one to her right, which was full of what seemed to be confiscated items. Meryn looked half heartedly at its contents; a few sugar quills, three dungbombs, as well as items she didn't recognize. A few sweets placed at the bottom of the drawer looked rather suspicious. She new that Professor Snape wasn't one to eat sweets but she didn't think him to confiscate them on the principal that he didn't eat them, there must be more to them than what they appeared.

Meryn looked at the third and final drawer on the desk deciding whether or not to open it when the door to the classroom slowly creaked open. She caught the movement out of the corner of her eye and dove behind the nearest table away from the Professor's desk. Just as she pulled in a quick breath the Potions Master entered the room his eyes quickly scanning its contents. She saw his eyes narrow as the fell on the fireplace, and Meryn silently cursed herself for being so careless. Why did she have this sudden urge to explore? Meryn's eye's fell on her belonging on the desk as the same time as Snape's did.

"Miss Kingsley," he began in black eyes that looked tired, "please do step from behind that desk. We both know you are fooling no one."

Meryn stood slowly and tried to remain dignified as her red cheeks betrayed her true emotions. Meryn cast her eye to the floor as she waited to be chastised, but nothing came. She looked up at her mentor and was rattled to see the look of sympathy in his usually emotionless eyes.

"I will show you to the Slytherin bathrooms, follow me."

The Potions Master turned and exited the classroom, but not before extinguishing the fire with a quick flick of his wand. They walked down the corridor the way Meryn had come, from which was leading her slowly back into the depths of the school. Although the potions Master had not reprimanded her, she felt as though she had been chastised anyway, and followed quickly behind him. They were close to the stairwell when Professor Snape spoke, "The Slytherin Common room is beyond this wall."

Meryn looked behind Snape looking for an indication of an entrance, but found none. This made her feel a bit better for not finding the entrance herself.

"I hope to find you your own bathroom before term begins. Slytherin does not take too kindly to outsiders within their walls," he looked down his nose at Meryn, "Phobos!"

The concealed stone wall slid aside and Meryn followed the professor into the long room covered in the majestic Slytherin green. It was amazing, the dark wooden furniture in the room held to it a certain dignity. Snape pointed his wand at the elaborately carved fireplace and lit the impressive green flames as he took a seat in one of the fine chairs.

"The first year bathrooms should be the easiest to access," Snape said, pointing to the stair well to the left. "I will wait here until you are done and escort you back to your room."

Meryn nodded and headed down the stone steps.

***

He sat at his expensive desk drumming his fingers impatiently on the glossy finish. Today was the day, the day that was to define the rest of the days in his existence. His father told him that his research was unimportant and all he would need to know would be exposed very soon. Today by his calculations, the sheath was to find his partner. His partner? Draco narrowed his eyes as he turned his head and gazed out the window. Why was he always the last to know, he pondered, the long fingers on his right hand holding up his head while his left was balancing his wand masterfully upon his index finger. It was shortly after sunrise; unable to sleep because of his racing thoughts, Draco had come to his study to discern what was to occur today.

"Draco?" a soft voice came from the doorway.

"Mother?" Draco stood and made his way to his mother and took her small delicate hand and brought it to his lips. "Is there anything wrong?"

"No darling." She looked at him, "I just came to talk to my loving son."

He led her over to his desk and sat her at the chair facing the desk. Upon reseating himself he spoke, "Mother, what is it that you would like to speak to me about?"

Narcissa smiled at her son. He was everything he should be; strong and dignified like his father, and was everything that embodied the Malfoy name. "Today is the beginning of your destiny. I know you know that, you are too smart not to. I am, however, disappointed that it has occurred so soon. Your Father and I had hoped for you to accomplish so much before this day came."

Draco furrowed his brows, "Mother? I don't understand."

Narcissa smiled slightly at her son. He was so young, yet knew far more than others his age. He had to; it was the way things had to be for the Malfoy's. "To be great does not come easily nor does it come with money," she began and noted the look of shock on her son's face. "Don't be so surprised Draco. Yes, money can get you a great many things, but there are other things as well. For example, look at your father and I."

Draco looked even more so confused, "Mother? I still don't-"

She cut him off. "Let me finish. Your Father is a great man, and I hope the same thing for you. But what he has achieved has come at a great cost." She stopped looking at the boy in front of her and she thought sadly to herself, 'Yes, he is still just a boy, there is so much he needs to learn.' She looked directly in his eyes, cold slate colliding, "Your Father is a strong man, but yet with such a large weakness."

"What is that?" Draco asked with disbelief. Malfoy's didn't have any weaknesses.

"A family Draco, that's what makes your Father and Lord Voldemort so very different. Our Lord has no weaknesses. That is why we follow him, that's why he takes care of us. Your Father would do anything for you, just as I would. Draco, you need to learn that weakness."

"Mother!" Draco was in disbelief. He stood from his chair slamming his hands down in front of him, knocking his quills from their ivory stand.

Narcissa didn't acknowledge Draco's outburst, "Darling sit down."

"Mother, I can't, I can't be weak. That's what I've been told not to do for my whole life, I'm not about to start now."

"I'm not telling you to be weak, I'm telling you to acknowledge your weakness. By doing so you will be prepared for anything that happens."

Draco froze his shoulders becoming ridged. His Mother was right, just like she always was, "Yes Mother, I see what you are saying. Should anything happen I must weigh out the consequences. I will one day have the responsibilities Father does, I will have the lives of others in my hands."

"Yes." A deep voice came from the door.

"Father!" Draco jumped at his voice.

"That day may come sooner than you think my son." Lucius stepped behind Narcissa and placed his hand lovingly on her shoulder.

"My love?" Narcissa questioned, as she placed her delicate hand upon her husbands.

"Draco and I are going out for the rest of the day and I am sending you to see your family." Lucius spoke firmly to his wife.

"Lucius, I don't understand?" she whispered, "I-"

"Please Narcissa don't question my motives. The conversation you had with our son should be proof enough to you of why I am sending you away."

Narcissa's eyes softened at her husband, "I understand."

Draco stood watching his parents, silently embarrassed at the display in front of him. "Draco," Lucius spoke to his son now. "We will be going to Diagon Alley again today and you will not wander off again."

"Yes Father."

"Then you will go to stay with your Mother for the remainder of the holidays."

Draco nodded and kissed his Mother on both cheeks before he left the room to prepare for his departure.

Narcissa watched her son leave the room and sadness filled her eyes, "Lucius, I don't want to see him go."

"You won't darling," he said, as he lifted her into his arms, "but our boy does have to someday turn into a man. He will always, however, be our son."

***

Meryn awoke in her bed still groggy from the Dreamless Sleep Potion. Its effects were starting to cloud her brain. Sighing at this, Meryn groaned and pulled the luxurious covers from her body and slid from her bed. She was finally at Hogwarts and finally able to sleep through the night. However, with everything else that was going on in her life, she wasn't sure of the trade off.

Ahriman Dragonis. Her father, her living blood. Meryn's headache was back. Massaging her temples, Meryn slowly got dressed, pulling a new black robe over her Dragon hide apparel. Looking about her rooms she nodded. Meryn had finished unpacking her trunks late into the night and was pleasantly surprised to have the slightest feeling of home within these walls. Meryn unconsciously placed her hand into the open trunk sifting through what she had left in it. It was filled mainly with her Dragon keeper supplies, unbreakable tethers, charmed ropes and stirrups for riding. 'Where is it!?' her mind was panicking. Why couldn't she find it, it was always with her.

Meryn stood suddenly, "Diagon Alley, I left it in Diagon Alley."

Rushing from the room, Meryn sped to the Headmaster's office.

***

He was humming to himself as the dishevelled girl in black robes sped into the room. "Professor, I..." she could feel the tears welling into her eyes, "The obsidian statue my grandfather gave me I, I left it in Diagon Alley. Please sir I have to go back!"

He smiled at her, "Of course, I need to pick up a few things there myself. I'll take you just give me a few moments."

Meryn's stomach was tied into knots, how could she have been so stupid. How could she have forgotten something so important? "I just hope it's still there," Meryn spoke out loud.

"Of course it is still there, Tom wouldn't stand for anything else," Dumbledore said. "I need to go to Gringotts on important matters, I wish for you to remain near the Leakey Cauldron."

She nodded and prepared to head back out the door to the Headmaster's office. "Child," he said, "we will use my Fireplace, it is after all connected to the Floo Network. It will be faster this way."

"Sir," she began, "why did you have me use the Floo station in Hogsmeade then?"

"Why would I want you to miss your first good look at Hogwarts Castle, there is nothing more majestic!" The headmaster seemed to step inside himself for a moment as though a memory had pulled him in. Dumbledore's eyes sparkled as he regained himself and shouted, "Diagon Alley," into the fireplace and disappeared into the flames. Meryn quickly followed behind feeling the all too familiar tugging sensation around her middle.

***

He landed gracefully behind his father as he always had, and waited for his instructions. However all Lucius did way charm the soot off his robes and sat at one of the tables in the Leakey Cauldron. "Father!" Draco exclaimed, "why on earth are we wasting time with," he motioned around the room, "this?"

Lucius looked at his son and said nothing, but motioned for him to sit down. Grudgingly so he obeyed his father. They sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity before Lucius broke through the calm, "Are you not going to ask why we are here Draco? It is in your nature to be... curious." His father raised his eyebrow towards his son in a jovial manner, careful to keep his voice low. It was bad enough he was sitting with these common folk; he didn't need them talking more than they were bound to after the day was spent.

"Father? I-" Draco began.

"No need," Lucius began, "to ask now. I know what you are going to say. You have been doing so much research over the past few days it seems that you have made a great progress. I have however, been doing the same research for close to twenty years now. What I know will astound you, but," Lucius' face broke into a calculating smirk, "now your destiny awaits." He motioned for Draco to turn to the fireplace in the centre of the Inn. Professor Dumbledore stood before a girl close to his age, both covered in soot, and both creating a look of shock on Draco's face.

"My dear boy," Lucius frowned slightly, "your emotions play to clearly on your face." Lucius stood and made his way to the Inn Keepers desk.

"M-Mister M-Malfoy," Tom began, "What can I do for you?"

"I would like a room."

"A- a room?" he choked.

"Yes, I-,"

"Tom! Tom!" a frantic voice interrupted him.

Tom looked reluctantly from Lucius Malfoy's face to the girl calling his name. "Meryn? What can I do for you?"

"Tom, my statue, is it here? It's an Obsidian Dragon."

"Ah yes," Tom smiled as he pulled a scarlet package from behind the desk, "is this it?"

Meryn broke into a smile of relief. A true smile, one that she hadn't had upon her face in a long time.

Lucius Malfoy raised his eyebrow is shock as she unveiled the creature. Quickly he composed himself, "Miss Kingsley, again what a pleasant surprise."

Meryn jumped slightly at his voice, "Mister Malfoy."

"Lucius," he corrected as he kissed the back of her hand.

"I didn't expect to see you here." Meryn looked over to The Headmaster who was now behind the blond in front of her.

"Mister Malfoy, what is it that I can do for you?" Lucius Malfoy turned to the headmaster, "What business do you have with Miss Kingsley?"

"Albus, what a surprise to see you here. Actually I am staying here for the night, Draco and I," he said, pointing to a confused looking Draco at the table where he had previously been sitting. "The manor is due for renovations, and Draco will be leaving to see his mother's family tomorrow, so I though we should spend some time together before he goes."

"Oh, very good," the Headmaster replied, then turned to Meryn, "I will be back shortly."

Meryn watched as the Professor stepped into the back of the Leaky Cauldron and towards the entrance of Daigon Alley. 'Strange, she thought, 'one moment he seemed so upset with Mister Malfoy and the next...'

Her thoughts were interrupted by the cold calculating voice of the senior Malfoy, "Miss Kingsley, now where were we?" He paused putting, his long elegant fingers below his pale face in contemplation, "I see you have an interesting family heirloom with you?"

"Mister Malfoy?"

"Lucius," he corrected.

"L-Lucius," she stumbled, "I'm not quite sure what you mean? Heirloom?"

"That Black Dragon. That has been in your family if I can remember correctly... close to a hundred generations." Lucius' gaze was firmly locked onto hers. "One hundred generations of the family Dragonis have been in possession of that figure."

"Dragonis?" Meryn outwardly startled, looking to the obsidian dragon in her hands. She once again met Lucius Malfoy's gaze, "You know? How?"

"My child, as an heir to the Black Serpent, it is my duty."