The Prince Returns

Chapter Three

The area surround the Prince home was just as beautiful as the home itself. Beautiful gardens were everywhere. Different flowers arranged perfectly by various help to give it the perfect look. The Quidditch pitch looked slightly out of place. Harry and Regan hurried to join the others. They all joined at the center of the pitch on the ground. As Harry and Regan joined the group, Regan's broom became visible. It was perfect. It was obviously brand new, never been used. Everyone looked towards it with amazement and envy. "What is that," Ron said in awe, gesturing in the general direction of the broom.

"Present."

"What for?"

"Dad felt bad I had to move, leave my friend. This is compensation." She brought the broom into full view. Pegasus was written along the handle.

"What is it?" Ron repeated.

"Ron, we already established that it is indeed a broom."

"No...Pegasus?"

"Ever heard of a Firebolt?"

"Yes,"Harry said, proudly lifting his own broom.

"Well, this is better. It's the same company, but it's the newest design. Won't be on the market for several more months."

"Why do you have it," Ginny asked.

"My dad owns the company."

"Of course," Ron mumbled and walked away. "Let's play Quidditch."

"What's his problem?"Regan muttered to Ginny as they separated into teams, careful not to join Ron's team.

"Can't you tell? He's green with envy. Don't worry about it."

****

Within one month, The Order was officially located in the Prince home, not far from London. The Order had grown in size over the last year. Witches and wizards were constantly coming in and out of the house. Fudge himself even stopped by occasionally. Dumbledore could often be seen at the diner table. While the Order was obviously in full swing again, the young teenagers were not included. Even Fred and George, though technically adults, were excluded, deemed too young. So, they were forced to entertain themselves. The swimming pool and the Quidditch pitch proved to be excellent distractions. They continued to explore the house, which still held various magical artifacts from previous owners. They were able to go to London, though with an adult. It was a very different life compared to that they had last year while hiding at the Black house.

On any given day, Hermione could be seen in library, going through Richard Prince's personal collection. The boys usually played Quidditch. Ginny either joined them or read some romance novel in the sitting room. And Regan was usually on the phone. The very Muggle telephone. She would spend hours talking to Leo. Then hours talking to Gretchen. Then hours talking to both of them via three-way calling. After over a month, she had to face the facts: she missed her friends. Missed them badly. She had never been away from them for so long. School was steadily approaching and for the first time in her life, she would have to go school shopping without Gretchen. She had never sorted through Ralph Lauren's fall collection without her before. She supposed she could go shopping with Hermione, but it just wasn't the same. Leo was the type of person who made everyone around him feel good. He just radiated of charm and confidence. No one could be around him and not at least appear happy. And they were across an ocean, which seemed to be light years away at the moment. Their telephone calls were getting repetitive. Only certain things could be expressed over a telephone. Both Leo and Gretchen had made several references to a visit. Finally, after pleads from her friends, she approached her father.

Since joining the Order, her father was constantly busy. He was always rushing off somewhere, or immersed in the library, trying to find a particular item. He hadn't talked to his daughter often enough. However, he was well aware of her recent telephone addiction. That evening, he didn't look up from his desk as she approached him in his office. He had expected her to make a bargain for a visit to New York. "Yes,"he said simply.

"Hey. Interrupting?" She did not seem scared or intimidated, just determined.

"No. Go ahead."

"Leo and Gretchen want me to visit. I want me to visit. And I think that as soon as possible would be great. Before I have to get ready for Hogwarts. I figure that if I go within the next week or so, I'll have at least two weeks back home....."

"This is home now, Regan."

"You know what I mean."

"Of course. Of course you can go, Rae."

"Thank you. When?"

"Go ask your mother. She'll set it up. You'll have to fly."

"Why?"
"I'm worried.'

"Why?"

"Lucius stopped by again this afternoon."

"I didn't know that."

"Not many people do. Shhh."

"Did he realize what was going on here?"
"No. With all the wards around this place, he didn't get the opportunity. He has no idea."

"What did he want?"
"Make me another offer."

"Better?"
"Oh yes. I am almost tempted to say yes."

"You can't."

"I'm not planning on it. Did you know Lucius has a son your age?"

"No."

"I think I knew at some point. Must have forgotten."

"Lucius doesn't seem like the fatherly type." Richard laughed with his daughter.

"Whatever, Rae. Go talk to your mother. Sort out all the details. Pretend to be careful."

"Of course."

****

Hermione was lounged on Regan's pink comforter as Regan herself packed for New York. Hermione was looking through a Muggle photo album she found on Regan's floor. It was filled with different pictures of Regan and her friends. It was obvious that Regan had been quite popular back in New York. However, despite where she was or who she was with, a tall blonde (and yes, handsome) boy and a brunette girl, both about the same age, were always around her. Leo and Gretchen. "So how long have you guys been friends?"
"Since forever. Well, you know. I always lived near Gretchen. We were the only kids our age in the neighborhood. Leo's parents and my parents used to be best friends. His parents are my godparents and vice versa. The three of us grew up together. When considering moving to London, I didn't really think about Leo and Gretchen. I think that I just assumed they'd come with me. Of course I knew that they would stay in New York, but I just couldn't imagine them not being near."

"I know what you mean,"Hermione muttered from the bed, looking at the pictures. They all seemed so happy. Hermione wondered if they had ever had to face an evil wizard, or watch they godfather die. Probably not. Not in New York.

"I'm sure you and Ron and Harry are the same way,"Regan said. Hermione smiled. She had been thinking something very similar.

****

Unsurprisingly, New York was a different place than when she had left it over a month ago. That in itself made it the New York she knew and loved. The second she stepped out of the plane, she realized she was home. She was finally back in New York. Gretchen and Leo were both waiting for her at the airport. Gretchen wanted to drive, showing off her new car, a birthday present from her parents. It was a nice car. BMW. Black. Brand-new. But Regan had to roll her eyes. Any car was quite frivolous in New York. Everything was in walking distance. Plus, driving was terrifying in New York.

After the hugs and small talk, Regan climbed into the backseat and buckled up. Gretchen was a dangerous driver.

****

Lucius Malfoy was glad that Regan was her own person, very different from her parents. Had she been more like her father, Regan would have been observant, noticing him on the plane, and then noticing him at the airport. Had she been more like her mother, Regan never would have traveled alone. She would have to have a friend with her. Like Lily Evans. Lucius scowled, pushing the unpleasant thoughts from his head. He focused on the task ahead of him. Voldemort had told him several times that Richard Prince was imperative to his plans. Lucius could not mess things up, not after the fiasco at the beginning of the summer.

****

Though Regan was only in New York for a couple weeks, the trio quickly settled into their own routine. They hung out at her house because the only people around were a few house-elves that Richard had left behind for basic upkeep. Though unspoken, Regan knew her father believed his return to England was temporary. Leo and Regan sprawled along her floor, watching a movie, while Gretchen lounged on the bed, looking through Regan's fashion magazines. It was as if they had never been apart.

Leo left late that night. Leo usually made it back home. It was the girls who usually fell asleep in their clothes, becoming sudden overnight guests. Gretchen had two beds in her room, one for her, one for Regan. Leo got the futon. That night, Gretchen slept in the bed, Regan on pillows on the floor, not far from the position she had been in while watching movies earlier in the evening.

Gretchen woke up first. A quick glance at the alarm clock told her how late it was. She moaned and got out of bed. She completely forgot; she was supposed to baby-sit her neighbor's evil daughter this afternoon. On her way to the bathroom, she stumbled on Regan, causing the other girl to wake up.

Regan muttered a few unintelligible curses towards her bathroom door and went to the window, pulling back the shades, and letting in natural light. She looked across the busy street. She smiled at all the New York noise: distant sirens, the vehicles below, the sound of a million different people getting up and starting the day. Like Gretchen and Leo, she had missed New York. A glimpse of silver-blonde hair along the street took her out of her reverie quickly. She looked again. It was gone. She could have sworn it was Lucius. But that was silly. He was back in England.

It took Gretchen exactly five minutes to go to the bathroom, say a quick good-bye to Regan and make plans for that evening, and race downstairs to her car. She quickly raced onto the street and waved good-bye to Regan, who was watching from her bedroom window. She looked back to the road and saw a glimpse of silver-blonde hair. Then the sound of metal against metal filled the air. There was a sharp pain at her side and everything went black.

****

Regan was at her bedroom window and saw it all. She saw the other car ignore the stop sign and ram into Gretchen's driver's side. She saw both cars collide and slide along the street. Luckily, no other cars or pedestrians were harmed. Regan also saw Lucis Malfoy walk along the street, looking rather pleased at himself. He looked up at her through her bedroom window and smiled.

****

Richard was unable to leave England. However, his wife was on the first plane to New York. As Lucius predicted, she brought along a friend, Remus Lupin. The two were silent until the plane took off. "Do you know what happened?" he asked.

"A car wreck. It appears to be the other driver's fault. I don't know. Gretchen wasn't the best driver. She hadn't had the car very long."

"Was it instant?"

"Yes. The impact killed her."

"How's Regan?"

"Terrible. She saw the whole thing. It happened right outside her window."

"I'm so sorry, Laura."

"Why Remus? You didn't do anything wrong. You always were too kind."

"Why did you go to America?"

"Because I love Richard. Richard was going to America."
"You two got married awfully quickly......."

"We were in love. We are in love." Laura looked out the window. She carefully wore no facial expression. She did not want to get into a deep discussion with Remus. Not now. Remus looked at her closely, trying to judge her reaction. Remus had wanted to talk to her for nearly twenty years. He was willing to take any chance that presented itself.

"I thought we were in love."

"Don't do this Remus. Not now. I am worried about my daughter."

"Regan's strong. She'll be fine."

"You don't know that."

"What's wrong?"
"Don't tell anyone," Laura began, turning to face Remus for the first time during the flight. This time her eyes betrayed her. He saw worry and fear.

"Go ahead."

"Richard thinks Lucius had something to do with this. Regan said she saw him on the street. At the wreck. Richard said that Lucius has started to make threats." Laura bit her bottom lip. She didn't want to cry in front of Remus.

"Lucius wouldn't do that. Why would he kill Gretchen?"
"I don't know. He wants Richard on his side. Badly. I...it's just....it could have so easily been...Rae....or Braydon.....I don't like that Regan is suddenly going to go to a new school in a few weeks, with Dumbledore as headmaster and Malfoy's son as her new classmate. I don't like that Braydon's job takes him all over the world. Quidditch is dangerous enough as it is, but with all this Voldemort business......I wish we had stayed in New York,"she said in a whisper. "Last time was so easy. We just stayed in America, far from the war, the fighting, Voldemort, everything. The news was so slow, by the team we received any sort of newspapers or word, it was already history, unimportant. There was nothing to do but wait. I had to young children to take care of. No time to worry what was going on on a different continent."

"I know Richard. He would have wanted to come back once Voldemort started to act. He was still very brave then. Very foolish also. Defeating a great dark lord would have seemed like a fun thing to do to Richard."

"He was a father. A husband. Things change, Remus."

"I know Laura. What happened?"

"I asked him to stay. Not to leave. And he stayed." She turned from Remus as a few tears escaped. "Now is not the time to talk about these things."

Remus nodded in agreement, silent.

****

Laura slowly approached her daughter's room. Remus was waiting downstairs. He had decided it would be best if he didn't intervene. Laura thought that that was smart. She prepared herself and slowly opened Regan's door. Her daughter was sitting on her bed, going through different photo albums. She had been crying. Her eyes were puffy, her face red. Laura sighed and sat next to her, rubbing her shoulders.

"Her mother wants me to find some pictures. For the wake and stuff," she said, her voice strained.

"Sure, sure," Laura said, pushing her daughter's blonde hair out of her face. "You okay?"
"It was my fault."

"No it wasn't. Don't say that. Just because it was here-"

"That is not what I mean. I saw him, Mom. Lucius. He was there. And I know he did it. He had that smug look on his face. He did it. He killed Gretchen. Why? Because she's my friend. Lucius wanted to show Dad what he could do. It should have been me. That'll probably be his next step. Gretchen was just a warning."

"Regan, stop. Don't talk like that," Laura said sharply. She ran her fingers through the silk-like blonde hair repeatedly, just like she used to when Regan was younger, terrified of a bad dream. "None of this was your fault. It was an accident. Even if Lucius was involved, which I doubt, there is no way you can blame yourself. He did it because he is a despicable man. Such actions certainly would not make your dad any more likely to join Lucius little club of dead eaters."

"Death Eaters."

"Right. It was an accident, Regan. An accident," Laura repeated. Regan didn't say anything, just buried her face in her mother's shirt as she began to cry. She stopped and composed herself quickly.

"Was he gone?" she demanded.

"What?"
"Lucius. Was he home yesterday? I know Dad would look."

"No Regan, he was not home. That does not mean anything." Laura looked for a reaction on her daughter's face. Regan revealed nothing.

"The funeral's tomorrow. I need a new black dress."

"What?"
"I don't have anything black that is appropriate for a funeral. Plus, Gretchen would want me shopping." Regan looked so determined that Laura had to laugh. Regan looked at her mother in shock.

"I'm sorry. Okay. Fine. We'll go shopping. With Remus."

"Remus is here?"

"Yes. I don't fly alone."

****

Harry was worried about Regan. She was very quiet when she returned from New York. She talked with Leo on the phone several times, though not with the excitement she had previously shown. She was much more reserved. A few days after her arrival, the twins talked her into playing Quidditch. Harry let her play Seeker. She was good, probably better than he was. Upon hearing this, she visibly brightened. Harry was glad to make her feel better, though he didn't know what that exactly did to his ego. A young girl who was not that into the game had made a better Seeker than he did at his best.....Regan's mind was obviously elsewhere. She had told Harry and Hermione upon her return of her suspicions of Lucius Malfoy. Hermione seemed shocked that Lucius would sink to such depths. Harry wasn't.

Hogwarts provided a brief distraction. Everyone received their letter, including Regan, whose contained special instructions to meet Dumbledore before the dinner so that she could be sorted into a house. Harry wondered how the Sorting Hat placed a student going into his or her sixth year. He and Hermione hoped that Regan would become a Gryffindor. Ron was pushing for Slytherin.

Tonks received word that she had been selected as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Everyone was excited for her. She seemed happy about it; Regan was just glad to have another teacher she knew. Harry, Ron, and Hermione seemed glad Professor Umbridge wouldn't be returning.

****

Regan was impressed with Diagon Alley. In America, there wasn't much difference between Muggle and wizard shops aside from the items sold. Stepping into Diagon Alley was like stepping into a different world. Most wizards were in robes. In America, robes were only worn on special occasions. Once at Diagon Alley, Harry and Ron abandoned Regan and Hermione and hurried to Quidditch Supplies. "Okay Regan, you may have Fifth Avenue, but I have Diagon Alley. I am going to show you how to shop." With that, she dragged the blonde into the nearest bookstore, Regan laughing the entire way. Hermione was glad Regan was laughing. She had returned from New York several weeks ago and was finally starting to get her old spirit back. Just the day before she had insulted Ron's robes. Unintentionally, of course. Hermione saw this as a sign of hope and great progress.

Regan honestly did not believe shopping could be boring. That was until she shopped with Hermione in Hermione's domain. Regan enjoyed reading, but she liked fiction. On occasion she would find herself intrigued by some historical era or a certain biography, but it was a rare occasion. At the bookstore, the books were all reference concerning magic. Once she picked up her school books and scanned the shelves, she was bored. This took ten minutes. However, ten minutes was not enough for Hermione. Every time Regan would mention the time, Hermione would recall spending an hour trying on shoes at Manolo Blahnik when Regan was restricted from buying. Eventually, Regan gave up and wandered around the store for the twelfth time. She was afraid to leave the bookstore without Hermione. She didn't know Diagon Alley very well. Suddenly, the door swung open and a very nasty-looking blonde girl their age sauntered in with a witch who appeared to be her mother. Both women had their noses stuck in the air. They walked to the desk and demanded the books on the school list. Regan sighed. She was disappointed to hear that this creature would be in her class. "Pansy Parkinson. Just annoying, really. Not harmful or anything,"Hermione said, looking towards the girl and her mother. Regan stifled a giggle.

Over the day, Regan met many more Hogwarts students, all of whom were nice and seemed pleased to meet her. Regan hoped she could remember their names. She was glad to discover that they were not all versions of Ron or Pansy.

Ginny was also doing her school shopping that day. Hermione and Regan ran into her several times, but she did not seem to be in a talkative manner. "I give up," Regan said, after another run-in with Ginny. "What's her problem?"

"Don't laugh. Don't tell anyone, either. Especially not Ron or Harry."

"Okay."

"She thinks you're competition."

"What?"
"Ginny thinks that you want Harry."

"Want Harry? Why?"

"For a boyfriend. I don't know."

"No. No way." Regan shook her head as if pushing the thought away. "He's my friend."

"Yes, but I've always thought that that was how it would start. First, a good, solid friendship. Eventually, the feelings would develop, resulting in a wonderful marriage and children," Hermione said with a smile, a far-off look in her eye.

"Ew! You're talking about Weasley, aren't you?! That's disgusting."

"No no....I was just speaking hypothetically," Hermione said, blushing.

"Why isn't Ginny dating Harry then? I thought she already had a boyfriend."

"Oh she does. She just doesn't want Harry to have a girlfriend."

"That makes sense. Does Harry even know that she likes him?"

"I don't know. Harry is pretty daft at times, but still....."

"So she doesn't hate me. She just hates the fact that I talk to Harry. All right. I can live with that."

"Actually, at first she liked you. Thought you were nice. But then you had to go and talk to Harry. Plus..."

"What?"

"I really shouldn't say."

"Oh come on Herm-" Regan stopped suddenly. Hermione followed her gaze. Lucius Malfoy was standing a few yards in front of them, speaking with an odd-looking older wizard. He looked up at the girls. He smiled towards them and waved before turning back to the wizard.

"I have never seen a Malfoy smile before. It is revolting," Hermione muttered. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Just surprised. I didn't expect to see him here."

"C'mon. Let's go. We'll get ice cream."

****

By the time September fist rolled around, Regan had forgotten about seeing Lucius Malfoy at Diagon Alley. She hadn't forgotten about him entirely, he had just moved towards the back of her mind as she prepared for school. Sadly, so had Gretchen. There was still a constant ache for her lost friend, but she was surprised at how quickly and easy it had been to move on with things. She still talked to Leo often. He wasn't doing so well back in New York. Regan promised to owl him constantly from Hogwarts and phone when she could. However, she had a nagging feeling that her new friends and new school may take about a lot of time. She did not know if she would be speaking with Leo as often as she would like to.

The entire Platform Nine and 3/4 business troubled Regan. At New York, the Institute was just another school. If any Muggle were to approach it, they would be disappointed. It was in a nice neighborhood, so it was charmed to appear like a fortress, foreboding and dangerous. Not many Muggles ventured into the school. To get to the school, a wizard simply opened the door and walked in. No special entrances and certainly no secret train.

At the barrier between platforms nine and ten, Molly and Laura saw that Regan looked slightly worried. Molly demonstrated by simply leaning against the barrier and sliding through. Regan looked around the crowded train station, shocked. How could the Muggles ignore this? But apparently, they could. No one seemed to notice.

Once inside, Regan was somewhat disappointed. The Hogwarts Express looked like any other train she had ever seen. She had expected something more special. She looked about the platform for any signs of a Malfoy. She thought that they might be here, seeing that Lucius did have a son, but she doubted he would see him off from the train station. Still, she prepared herself for another hateful grin and mocking wave. Seeing none, she boarded the Hogwarts Express.

The train began its journey. Ginny, Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Regan all stood along the window, waving towards Laura and Molly until they were out of sight. Then they went o find seats. They found an empty cabin and sat down. Ginny seemed to change her mind. She looked pointedly at Regan and left. Regan rolled her eyes.

"Maybe you should leave. She's my sister," Ron said, glaring at Regan. He was ignored. Regan and Harry stared out the window. Hermione opened a book. Ron continued to glare at Regan. After a few moments, Regan turned and glared back.

"You know, it must be a Weasley thing,"she said, not with anger but annoyance.

"Whatever are you talking about," Ron asked with mock concern.

"Generally, I'm rather popular. Never had any problems getting along with anyone. Suddenly I meet a Weasly and the whole clan hates me."

"Nope. Not the whole clan. Molly adores you. Fred and George,"Hermione began but stopped herself and blushed.

"Fred and George what?" Ron demanded.

"Fred and George think Regan is all right," she finished quickly. Regan gave Ron a smug glance.

"You're worse than a Malfoy," Ron said. Regan narrowed her eyes towards the red-haired boy. Her green eyes, which were usually light and sparkling, suddenly darkened. Ron was suddenly aware of the wand she was twirling in right hand. As if on cue, the compartment door slid open. Three boys stepped into the doorway, two larger ones on either side of the smaller boy. The four looked towards them. Regan realized immediately who she was looking at. The silver-blonde hair. The arrogant attitude. The expensive robes.

"Has Potty and Weasel found a new friend?" Malfoy teased. Regan looked to Harry and Ron. They both looked rather mad. Hermione simply looked annoyed. "And just who are you?" Malfoy demanded.

Regan finally looked to his face, instantly recognizing Lucius's son. For a moment, gray eyes meet green. The arrogant look instantly left his face. It was back as soon as it had left. "Miss Prince. I see that you, like your father, have chosen to hang around with the wrong crowd. But don't worry, Regan you can always change your mind. If Potter and Weasley aren't interesting enough, I'll be in this next compartment. You may find you're with the wrong sort, Rae. I wouldn't want you to start things on the wrong foot. See you around," He smiled at her, or at least tried. It came out more of a sneer. The arrogance never left his face, nor his voice. He scowled again at Harry and Ron before leaving.

Regan turned back to the window. At least she had gotten that over with. She had met Draco Malfoy.