Chapter twelve part two

Delilah looked to the clock on the wall and nodded. She explained that Neville should be done with training in ten minutes and there will be an hour break before his next training session. She also explained that Augusta has been staying with them since the second to spend more time with her grandson and learn more about Assassins in general. While they waited, Sirius and Delilah talked about Harry's lessons and the fact that the twins, Hermione and Neville have finally received their 'true' wands. Fred had ended up with a wand made of redwood with cores of Werewolf saliva and Unicorn hair. George had, surprisingly, gotten an identical wand and his cores were from the exact same Werewolf and Unicorn that had supplied the cores of his brother's wand. Neville had gotten a wand made from rowan with a core of a Hippogriff feather while Hermione had gotten a wand made of walnut and Mermaid hair. All of them were still getting used to the massive power increase and had promised to keep their new wands a secret from others expect for their trainers and other Assassins here at the estate.

When the clock chimed, Delilah called on Fluffy and asked her to tell Augusta and Neville that she, June and Sirius would like to speak with them here in June's office. Fluffy eagerly popped away to deliver the message while Delilah drafted a letter to her husband about what Sirius discovered and the fact that they're most likely going to go through with the healing process described. It didn't take long before Augusta and Neville walked into the office following June who had gone out to meet them. They looked confused when they saw Delilah and Sirius sitting there, though they accepted a cup of tea from Delilah and sat down after Sirius conjured them chairs.

"What's this about?" Augusta asked, looking at the trio as she added some sugar to her tea.

"Augusta, Neville, for some time now I've been investigating into Frank and Alice's condition. I know that the Healers at St. Mungo's have done their best to find a potential cure for them, and they've received great care from them. However, they were looking to cure the wrong thing." Sirius began, the two Longbottoms looking at him with surprise.

"W-What?" Neville asked, his voice shaky as he carefully set down his cup.

Sirius told his tale of his investigation into Frank and Alice and where it led him. Augusta and Neville were in shock when they learned that Frank and Alice weren't suffering from prolonged exposure to the Cruciatus curse but were suffering from a completely different curse. As Sirius and June spoke, hope sparked in Neville's mind and he could feel happiness and hope fill his entire being the more June and Sirius spoke. They were talking of curing his parents, of bringing them back to top health and allowing him to actually have his parents back. Looking over at his grandmother, he could see the hope in her eyes, though there was also suspicion and weariness there too. He knows that she had been promised that his parents will recover before. The Healers at St. Mungo's had been so sure of themselves when his parents had been first admitted but that assurance quickly dried up within the first four months when they didn't respond to any kind of potential cure or treatment they tried on the couple. However, this is real. He could hear the sincerity in Sirius' and June's voices.

"Do you really think they can be cured?" He asked, leaning forward as Sirius smiled gently at him.

"Neville, Augusta, I wouldn't have presented this option to you if June and Delilah hadn't approved of it. June is one of the best healers I know, and I've been in a medical wing many times in my life so far." Sirius said, chuckling softly as Neville grinned while Augusta looked to June.

"This is the most promising thing I've ever seen, Augusta. Frank and Alice have all the symptoms of suffering through this curse and Bellatrix herself confirmed that she and her husband cast it on them. I know I can heal them. I can bring them back. Yes, it will be a slow process, especially on how long they've been under the curse. However, I have the means to make all the potions they'll need during their recovery and you and Neville can stay here during their recovery. Of course, Neville will still have to attend Hogwarts, but I'm sure he could visit on a weekend or two so long as it doesn't negatively impact his lessons. There's also Easter break between here and the end of the schoolyear." June said, smiling as Neville beamed at her.

Augusta looked over what curse had been cast on her son and daughter-in-law before going over Sirius' notes. Neville read over her shoulder and she could sense his joy and hope growing. His magic was practically thrumming around him due to his high emotions and, the more she read, the more she couldn't blame him. The research seemed sound and she knew that this had the highest potential to work. After years of seeing her dear son and beloved daughter-in-law wither away and become mere husks of their former selves, Augusta knew that she has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Looking at Neville, she saw his happiness and pleading for her to give this a chance, and she offered him a small smile which made his eyes widening in surprise and then delight.

"Alright, let's do this." Augusta said, nodding firmly as the others beamed.

-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-

January 6th

Head Healer Anthony Wilkins was a rather stern man who accepted no nonsense from anyone. He had been promoted to Head Healer of St. Mungo's in his early forties after he proved himself to be highly skilled in taking charge in highly stressful situations. Not only that, but he could easily think on the spot and was highly skilled in his abilities as a healer. When Madame Longbottom had her son and daughter-in-law admitted into St. Mungo's, he had promised her the best care they could possibly supply and had kept true to his word if you were to ask him. He and a team of specialists had studied and attempted to cure the Longbottoms of their affliction; though everything they had tried had failed. They had even brought in two mind healers to see if they could reach the inner subconscious of the former Aurors. However, when they entered their minds, they had instantly withdrawn upon fear of losing themselves in the chaos that ran rampant in Frank and Alice's minds. He had even agreed to having the couple seen by Muggleborn Healers who worked in the Non-Magical world to see if Muggle treatments could help the couple, but nothing worked.

Madame Longbottom had thanked him for his attempts to do what was best for her family and had accepted the fact that her son and daughter-in-law will likely never be the same as they once were. However, when his assistant informed him that Madame Longbottom is withdrawing Frank and Alice from St. Mungo's, he couldn't help but wonder what has happened to make her change her mind. Getting up from his desk, he walked the familiar route to the Longbottom's room where he found four people whom he presumed where Healers judging by their white and golden colored robes. However, he was shocked to see the symbol for Golden Heart Clinic: two wands crossed with a heart in the background.

"What is going on here?" He asked, his voice firm as the four Healers paused and looked at him.

"I can answer your questions." Augusta said, making Anthony look at her with a frown and narrowed eyes.

He watched as two of his own Healers anxiously hovered around the four Healers while they carefully coaxed Frank and Alice onto stretchers to easier transport them.

"I'm moving Frank and Alice to a private place. A few Healers at Golden Heart Clinic believe they may be able to do something to help my son and daughter-in-law. If not, then I will be bringing them back to Longbottom Manor where a nurse will be helping me care for them." Augusta explained, making the man frown.

"Madame Longbottom, having them in Longbottom Manor can possibly hamper them and any kind of progress they might make." He explained, watching as Augusta sighed.

"I have spoken with a few Mind Healers who had seen something like this before. He believes that nothing negative will happen to my children. It's not that I doubt you, Healer Wilkins. You've done your best to care for them and I have been very happy and very grateful for the care that they've received from you and your Healers and nurses. However, I feel it's time for something new." Augusta explained, making Anthony frown lightly.

"Very well. Though, if a cure is discovered will the other Healers inform us as to how it came about? We have others here who have suffered from mental damage due to prolonged exposure to the Cruciatus curse." He explained, blinking when one of the new Healers looked at him.

"Of course we will. Though it will also depend on what Madame Longbottom allows us to share with you. We've been trying to develop cures for Cruciatus victims for awhile now. Potions Master Prince has since developed a potion to nullify the effects of the curse though-"

"It's only for people who have been briefly held under it; we've been using it for Aurors who have been brought in after missions." Wilkins said, the others nodding.

Anthony watched as the Healers strapped Frank and Alice down after giving them a Calming Draught. They were soon wheeled out of the room they've occupied for the past nine and a half years and disappeared around a corner. He knew that the Daily Prophet would soon learn of this and there would be questions aimed at St Mungo's about their ability to treat their patients. He was just glad that Madame Longbottom was willing to release a statement stating how pleased she is with their treatment and care for her son and daughter-in-law. Also, the caregiver in him couldn't deny the fact that he hoped to see Frank and Alice return to their normal, lively selves sometime in the future. If they could cure what is ailing Frank and Alice, it could mean that there is hope for a dozen other victims who have been here in the long-term spell damage ward for a number of years. Looking at the few nurses who are still standing around he nodded gently at them.

"Prepare this room for any future patients. What's done is done and I am very pleased that you all have taken care of Lord and Lady Longbottom for so long." He said, the two nurses smiling gently and nodding.

They began working on cleaning the room and turning it back into what it once was. All of Frank and Alice's effects had been collected and packed away before Anthony had arrived so all they had to do was clean the room and do some minor repairs. His assistant walked over and handed him the paperwork Madame Longbottom had filled out to transfer Frank and Alice, which he read over before nodding and heading back to his office to file the paperwork. He had a feeling that Albus Dumbledore would be by soon. The man had always been concerned about the welfare of the Longbottoms. Apparently they had been a part of the Order of the Phoenix and had been part in fighting against Voldemort. He knows that he has many people who are loyal and are considered 'friends' of Albus' and they'll likely hear the news that Frank and Alice are no longer here in the hospital and will pass it along to the aged Wizard.

-So long as he doesn't try to start something.- He thought, sitting down at his desk and returning to his work.

Meanwhile, Augusta watched as the four Healers portkeyed away with Frank and Alice before using her own portkey to return to Othello Estate. The four healers had been selected by June to help her prepare Frank and Alice for their recovery. They had talked about everything the night that she and Neville had learned about the possible cure. All of them had agreed that it would be best for Frank and Alice to be placed in a magical induced coma during their recovery. This will allow their bodies and magic to heal properly without fear of them becoming too stressed or accidently doing harm to themselves. June had explained that she would use an I.V. in order to give them the potions that will help their bodies heal faster instead of using spells to get them to swallow the potions. Sirius is also getting Andromeda to cast the counter to the curse with him; having stated that it would be even more powerful with two Blacks casting it rather than one. Andromeda had been more than willing to offer her assistance, especially since it was her younger sister who had done this to Frank and Alice.

Arriving at Othello Estate, Augusta walked into the infirmary and watched as her son and daughter-in-law were moved into one of the private rooms in the wing. She followed the group and stood in the doorway as the healers carefully moved the couple onto hospital beds which had been placed side-by-side. June had a long table with various I.V. bags which were labeled depending on which potion was inside of them. Two heart monitors were beside the beds and the healers quickly began checking on Frank and Alice's vitals and writing them down on a chart.

"Vitals are good. There are no negative effects from the transport." One healer said, the others nodding.

June looks to Augusta and, when the formidable woman nodded, she and the others began putting Frank and Alice into a magical coma. It didn't take long for the spell to take effect and the couple was soon lying down and looked to be sleeping peacefully. June and another healer hurried to get the first I.V. into a vein and set the first potion, a nutrient potion, going through the tube while the others worked to get the heart monitors going. Soon the air was filled with the rhythmic beeping of the machines once they were set up. The other healers and June stepped back, allowing Sirius and Andromeda to stand at the foot of the beds.

"Ready?" Sirius asked, looking at his cousin.

"Ready." Andromeda said, nodding firmly with a look of determination on her face.

"Shall we?" He asked, looking back at Augusta.

"Go ahead." She said, her voice wrought with emotion as Sirius and Andromeda drew in deep breaths before beginning the spell.

Sirius and Andromeda chanted softly as they waved their wands in an intricate pattern above Frank and Alice. It sounded as if they were singing and everyone else held their breaths in anticipation. The longer Sirius and Andromeda chanted, the more Frank and Alice began to change. Their breathing became easier, the lines and wrinkles slowly began disappearing and they slowly began putting on more weight. The color returned to their pale skin and their overall health seemed to steadily improve. As this happened, a bright golden glow enveloped the couple and slowly sunk into their bodies as the counter to the curse took effect. When the spell was finished, Sirius and Andromeda tiredly lowered their wands and gladly accepted the Pepper-Up potions from June. The four healers stepped forward and performed more scans, their eyes bright as they marked down the changes that have taken place in Frank and Alice.

"This is very promising. Their magic is steadily spreading through their bodies whereas it had been bound. Not only that, but the mental scans show more activity." June said, smiling as she looked over the new scans.

"How long should they be in a coma?" Augusta asked, worry in her voice as she looked at her family.

"I would like to keep them in a coma at least for the rest of the month. Their bodies have to adjust to their cores being unbound and I want to ensure that their immune systems are strong. When we do wake them, then we might have to have them go through physical therapy for a little while in order to get them used to walking. Because they've been trapped inside their minds, their bodies were on autopilot in a way. They moved, but they were conscious about it. It'll also take them time learning about everything that has happened since the night of the attack. When we do wake them, I want you here and Neville waiting in the next room. It'll be a huge shock to go from being in mortal danger to suddenly waking up and finding yourself in a strange place without any danger nearby." June answered, Augusta nodding in understanding.

"Thank you, all of you." Augusta said, her voice filled with emotion as she looked at June, the other healers, Sirius and Andromeda.

June finished a few more scans while the other healers spoke with Sirius and the Wizard allowed them to copy the various curses and cures in the book he had found. Soon, it was just Augusta in the private room. Lucas and Delilah had already given her, her own apartment in the manor and her personal House Elf, Nipsy, had brought in her personal effects from Longbottom Manor. She has every intention of being here until her son and daughter-in-law are well enough to return to Longbottom Manor. As she sat there watching Frank and Alice sleep peacefully, Augusta allowed her emotions to spill over and the tears came thick and fast. Two years ago she had just about given up all hope in ever seeing Frank and Alice healthy and 'sane'. Neville had gotten used to the fact that his parents would never know him; that he would never feel the arms of his mother holding him close in her embrace or seeing the pride in his father's eyes when he brought home a girlfriend or brought home great grades.

However, Sirius just brought back a surge of hope in both her and Neville. He and Andromeda had brought back her son and daughter-in-law. Neville had been hard pressed to head back to Hogwarts though Harry and his other friends had gently coaxed Neville back to school and onto the express. Neville had practically demanded that he get updates on his parents' wellbeing throughout the month though Lucas and Delilah had promised that he would be there when they woke. That had thankfully appeased Neville and she knew that her grandson would be constantly looking for an owl stating that his parents would soon awaken.

"Oh, Frank, Alice…so many things have changed." She sighed, moving her chair closer to her son's bedside and gently patting his hand.

"Neville is a sweet boy. He was very shy and quiet, and sadly my foolish brother bullied him because Neville never really had many bouts of accidental magic. You should've been there when Algernon 'dropped' Neville from a second story window. I was so angry I hexed him until he could hardly move. He wouldn't allow the House Elves to help him until I was sure Neville was safe. Thankfully, his magic had protected him; causing him to slow down in midair and he bounced down the walkway in the garden. I was so relieved that he was safe and Algernon was…impressed that his great-nephew didn't get hurt. He gave Neville a toad…yes Alice, I know, a toad. The poor lad had very little self-confidence no matter what I tried. However, he has your talent in Herbology, my dear. Neville flourishes in the greenhouses and around nature. I can see a bright future in his life; especially if he excels in Potions." She said, smiling gently as she leaned back in her chair and settled down to talk for some time.

An hour later Nipsy popped into the room with a tea service. Now, she's been serving the Longbottom family since Master Frank was a young boy. She was one of the Elves who had taken young master Neville into the pantry when the nasty Death Eaters had attacked. After Master Frank and Mistress Alice had been taken to the hospital, she had taken charge of taking care of young master Neville until Mistress Augusta was able to fully devote her time to the young master. She remembers all of the times that Mistress Augusta would cry in her room asking why Frank and Alice had been taken from her. There had been times when she feared that Mistress Augusta would be mean to young master Neville, but those fears had thankfully been unfounded. If anything, Mistress Augusta had been overprotective of young master Neville and had coddled him.

Now that young master Neville is at school, Mistress Augusta has been rather lonely. She had been slightly worried for Mistress Augusta, but now that Master Frank and Mistress Alice are getting better, she knows that things will be better. All of the House Elves had sensed the returning health of their master and mistress and there was a new heightened sense of hope in the manor. Rooms that had been locked up due to not being used were now being opened up and cleaned. Master Frank's and Mistress Alice's things were being pulled down from the attic where they had been stored. She knew that Mistress Alice wouldn't be too happy seeing the state of the greenhouses, since they had been allowed to be abandoned besides the one that young master Neville is now using. Mistress Alice had loved nature and she would always be outside in the greenhouse tending to her plants and it was common for her to have some dirt on her face and she always have numerous vases filled with fresh, fragrant flowers from one of the greenhouses.

It had been lonely without Master Frank and Mistress Alice. The manor had seemed to…radiate the sadness and tragedy that had happened on its grounds. However, maybe now things will brighten up at the manor when its owners returned. She hoped that Mistress Alice will be able to get all the greenhouses back up and flourishing. The manor will hopefully be filled with the laughter of Master Frank and the sounds of him talking and laughing with friends and visitors. All of them are eagerly waiting for the day when Mistress Augusta brings back Master Frank and Mistress Alice. With the return of their master and mistress, things will hopefully return to what they had once been like before that horrible night. No more sadness, no more frustration and loneliness.

"What is it Nipsy?" Augusta asked, bringing her House Elf out of her thoughts.

"Mistress Alice and Master Frank…they're getting better, yes?" Nipsy asked, carrying a tea service over to her mistress.

"Yes. They'll be better by the end of the month." Augusta said, smiling as Nipsy beamed at her.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

A/N: Very long section.

The start of the new term at Hogwarts brought some changes to the school. Fifth and Seventh Years are beginning to panic as their professors drove home the fact that O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s are rapidly approaching. The other students were more relaxed, though the Fourth and Sixth Years are slightly worried since they'll be in the same position as the Fifth and Seventh Years are in next year. Of course the Second and Third Years aren't too worried, though some of the First Years are since this is the first year of exams. Harry, Dean, Neville, Eliana and Jillian managed to convince Hermione to hold off studying until it gets closer to when they'll have to take their exams, though she wasn't too happy with the fact that Susan, Hannah and Millicent agreed with the others on this. Oliver Wood was ecstatic to see the twins with new brooms and new armor; his response was to call a snap Quidditch team practice for the next morning much to the teams' displeasure since they had been hoping for the chance to sleep in.

Ronald was gloating about his Christmas spent with Seamus and his family, in which the twins thanked Seamus for taking their little brother in; something that Percy did as well. It was also noticeable that Percy had gotten much closer to his girlfriend Penelope and they could often be found walking hand-in-hand around the grounds and Percy could also be found escorting the beautiful 'Claw to her classes like any true gentleman. Of course, the biggest change, however, is in Draco Malfoy. His brash and arrogant behavior has seemed to have been curbed for some reason and he could often be found sitting quietly reading or writing. Pansy was never far from his side and was seen giving him concerned looks or talking to him quietly about something. Draco and Pansy's friends never spoke of what was wrong with the blonde boy, but, if watched carefully, even they had looks of concern whenever they looked at Draco.

All of this, all of these changes, were noticed by a few of the more observant students; one of those being a Slytherin Fourth Year by the name of Spencer Dowell. Spencer has always been a quiet and thoughtful boy. His hair is white and has always been kept short and neat. Piercing hazel eyes seemed to stare straight through a person and has always unnerved even the toughest of student until they willingly backed away and allowed Spencer to go on his way without harassing him. His mannerisms always seem…decisive and sure; as if every single thing he does has been planned out in advance beforehand. His manner of speaking is nearly identical to that of his Head of House; soft but still commanding attention that made a person shut-up and listen in fear of missing something vital. While Spencer is not from an old Pureblood family like many Slytherins pride themselves to be from, he is from a newer generation of Purebloods. His talents in his classes and his dominating aura had rightfully earned him the title as the King of Slytherin; a title that had previously belonged to one Marcus Flint.

Spencer had gotten his new title earlier in the year when Marcus had challenged him to a duel. Now, things in Slytherin are handled much differently than in other Houses. When two students had a score to settle, they didn't argue about it. No, they settled it in an honor duel. There is a hidden room in the Slytherin common room found by pressing a specific stone on one of the walls. The wall opened to reveal a dueling arena surrounded by stands for the rest of the House to watch. The Head of House is always alerted to when a duel is about to take place and is always there to watch over said duel. Nearly everything is allowed in the duel except for the Unforgivable's of course and the duelers cannot be killed. There have been many times when the Head of House has had to nearly carry off one student from the arena because of the severities of their injuries. Marcus had been one such student after dueling Spencer for only five minutes. The young teen was highly skilled in dueling and had an arsenal of spells that had shocked his entire House.

Yes, there had been some challengers already; they wanted the much coveted title as the King/Queen of Slytherin for themselves but so far none have been able to best Spencer in a duel for the right. In fact, many of the older girls have begun attempting to get close to him in hopes of catching his eye and getting the right to claim the title as his girlfriend or even betrothed. Spencer, of course, knew of this and found it highly amusing. However, most of his attention this year has been on the famous Harry James Potter-Othello. It wasn't every day when the fabled hero of the Wizarding World begins school. Of course Spencer has done all of the possible reading up on the lad and has talked to many older students. All of them told him that James Potter had been a troublemaker but had been very devoted to Lily; perusing her since their Second Year no matter how many times she shot him down.

He had also learned that while, yes, Lily had been a Muggleborn, she had also been the brightest Witch of her age. Searching into the past academic records had shown that Lily Potter nee Evans had broken three records of academic achievements during her time as a student; which wasn't anything to sneeze at. Watching Harry, Spencer saw both influences of his birth parents and his adopted parents in the boy. Sadly, the Othello family is still much of a mystery to him no matter his contacts inside and outside of the school. His parents had encouraged him to keep an eye on the lad, though he knew that he will need someone to watch over Harry when he cannot. At first he had thought about reaching out to Blaise Zabini. The Italian boy was rather intelligent and certainly had plenty of cunning and guile. However, he quickly found out that Zabini had spent the end of the Winter holiday in the company of Harry and was even considered a friend of his. While that would be an ideal slot for a potential spy to be in, he knew that Zabini would likely chose his friendship over becoming a spy.

Spencer was rather surprised that Millicent Bulstrode had quickly become friends with Harry and his group. He had even heard that she had spent the New Years with them and other influential heirs and heiresses at Bones Manor. Now those were connections he would love to have. However, he knew that Madame Bones was much too…observant to form an alliance with his family and young Susan is already in a group of friends that she is very close with. No; instead he will have to choose someone from his own House. If he was honest with himself Draco had been one of his first choices. His parents and allies had told him much about Lucius Malfoy and how the man was the prime example of everything a Slytherin should be. In fact, Lucius had started off as Prince of Slytherin in his First Year and had risen to become King of Slytherin by the time he was in his Fifth Year. Narcissa Malfoy nee Black had been right beside Lucius from the start, even though he was two years ahead of her. However, when Draco had arrived Spencer had been…disappointed to say the least.

Draco, while cunning, was brash and allowed his emotions to rule him. The blonde Slytherin has all the arrogance of an old Pureblood and yet none of the subtlety that others displayed. Draco had obviously come to Hogwarts expecting to instantly become the Prince of Slytherin, but those dreams had quickly been dashed by the older students in Slytherin. They told him, rather brutally, that he was not what their House was looking for in a Prince. Draco had a very unbecoming habit of attempting to bait Harry and his friends only to be verbally smacked down hard by them. Not only that, but he had gotten detentions and points lost due to his callous and rash behavior; something that none of the appreciated. When Draco started bragging about his 'talents', especially those in Quidditch, Marcus had threatened to never allow the boy to try out for the team. Draco had thankfully shut up, especially since he apparently has dreams of being captain of the team in his future.

Spencer could see the potential in the blonde, however. Draco hadn't had the chance to learn what he needed to know because of his father's imprisonment. Though there had been high hopes that his mother could instill some of the qualities that the House of snakes were looking for. Thankfully the blonde is intelligent and has thus far been in the top five of the First Years for their grades. With the right coaching and influence, Draco could become a rather powerful young man and could easily have all the doors in the world opened to him. However, it would take a few years for Draco to become that person.

-Well…I am looking for my successor.- Spencer thought, watching Draco from his spot on one of the couches in the Slytherin common room.

The blonde is seated at one of the study tables across the large room working on a letter from the looks of it. He's noticed the way the blonde has become quiet and withdrawn and has already sent out a letter to his father asking for information. With their contacts and allies it shouldn't be long before he-

"My King, a letter is here for you."

Spencer blinked and looked at the pretty brunette girl next to him. She's a Sixth Year and one of the many girls who has attempted to catch his eye and his favor. Looking to her hands, he saw that she's holding his own mailbox which had been on the coffee table in front of him. Nodding to her, he accepted the box which made her respectfully turn away so she couldn't see what was inside. With a faint smirk on his lips, Spencer opened his mailbox and spotted the letter inside. Pulling it out, he closed the lid and set his mailbox down on the coffee table.

"Privacy ward, please, Valerie." He said, watching as the older girl blushed heavily before her wand appeared in her hand and she erected the ward around him.

"I shall leave you my King." She said, bowing her head submissively towards the Fourth Year.

"No, stay my dear. Just do not speak of what you might glimpse at." He said, the girl's eyes widening in shock before she nodded and busied herself with making him a cup of tea.

My son,

Our allies have returned with the information you are seeking about the Malfoy family. Sometime before the Yule holiday Lady Narcissa Malfoy contracted an unknown illness. It is not known if this illness is due to an unfriendly curse or by natural means. However, her health has been declining rapidly over the following weeks and their Healer has not been able to find a cure. She is very weak and has been bed ridden according to our reports.

As you may know, the Malfoy's are very loyal to their family. Since Lord Lucius Malfoy has been imprisoned, Draconis has been raised by his mother and therefor has an extremely close relationship with her. Not only that, but both he and his mother had been struck from the Black family for years now due to Lord Sirius Black kicking them out of the family because of Lord Lucius' Death Eater activities. Should Lady Narcissa pass away, Draconis will become an 'orphan' and will be sent to live in the orphanage instead of inside his family home. Like many children of Death Eaters, the family assets will be locked down until he comes of age. It is very likely that his betrothed's family will no longer want anything to do with him and will end the contract between him and Miss Pansy Parkinson.

However, we do have the means of curing Lady Malfoy. Our Healers have discovered an ancient potion which will steadily heal her of her illness and will return her to good health. Looking at Lord Lucius' 'record' since he's been imprisoned also shows that we may be able to get him released early due to upstanding behavior. He has never participated in any of the three prisoner riots and hasn't even been seen speaking with anyone of suspect.

Get close to Draconis. Take him under your wing and show him the ways of a true Slytherin. Gain his trust and respect and lure him closer with the promise of having his father's case investigated. Let him know that your family has highly trained personal healers that may be able to help his mother and that I am a lawyer who might be able to get his father released early. Our family and Order could use the backing of the Malfoy name and fortune.

Your father,

Oliver Dowell

May the Father of Understanding guide you

Spencer raised an eyebrow when he saw the imprint of the red cross beside his father's name. However, he nodded and quickly folded the letter from his father and tucked it away into an inner robe pocket. He was pleased to see that Valerie hadn't looked at the letter once while he was reading it; rather she had busied herself by reading her Ancient Runes course book. Clearing his throat, she looked up from her book before quickly marking her place and setting it down on her lap.

"Could you please bring Draconis to me?" He asked, watching as Valerie's eyes widened in shock before she looked at said blonde.

When she turned to look back at Spencer, her mouth opened slightly as if to question him about his request, her mouth quickly snapped shut when she saw the look in Spencer's eyes. Standing, she hurried over to Draco and lightly tapped the blonde on his shoulder. Draco frowned and looked up, blinking in surprise when he saw Valerie standing beside him.

"Our King wishes to speak with you." She said, confusion in her voice as if she couldn't believe the request herself.

Beside him, Pansy gasped in shock and not a little amount of fear at the request. However, Draco swallowed thickly and quickly packed his things into his school bag. Pansy shot him a fearful glance, but Draco simply patted her hand before rising and making his way over to where Spencer is seated. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the common room on him; all of them wondering what Spencer would want with him of all people. Spencer stood as Draco approached and picked up his mailbox before shrinking it and slipping it into a pocket of his pants. He easily brought down Valerie's privacy ward and he smiled faintly at the young blonde.

"Walk with me Draconis." He said, heading towards the entrance to the common room.

Draco swallowed heavily but followed the older Slytherin. They headed out of the common room and walked through the dungeons. Much to contrary belief the dungeons spread throughout the entire castle except in some parts. It's a labyrinth of halls and empty classrooms that weren't in use. Heading down one of the hallways, the pair walked in silence for a few minutes before Spencer drew his wand and erected a privacy ward around them.

"Now, Draconis, I'm sure you're curious as to why I wished to speak with you." He said, glancing down at the blonde as Draco looked at him.

"I am." He said, knowing that it's best for him to be blunt with the older student.

"I overheard your problems at home, Draconis. I am terribly sorry to hear that your dear mother is ill." Spencer said, sorrow in his voice as Draco's eyes widened.

Draco hadn't told anyone besides, Pansy, Sabrina, Theo, Vincent and Gregory about his problems at home. Even though Vincent and Gregory only act like brainless oafs, they're actually rather intelligent and thoughtful. None of them would tell anyone about his mother's illness. Pansy was loyal to him and knew the importance of keeping such news a secret from others though...Theo might have told someone if they pressured him too much. Swallowing thickly, he glanced up at the older Slytherin and was rather surprised to see understanding in Spencer's eyes and not the spark of opportunity or malice he had expected.

"Now, I don't know if you are aware, but my family has a team of highly talented Healers employed by them. My father actually runs a successful Non-Magical hospital and my mother is a Healer herself. I'm sure that my parents would be willing to help you and your mother out." Spencer said, inwardly smirking when he saw the suspicion in Draco's eyes.

"What would it cost me?" Draco asked, frowning as Spencer raised an eyebrow.

"Now Draconis, why would you think it would cost you anything?"

"Because you're the King of Slytherin for a reason. We only make deals or offer things for something in return." Draco said, huffing when Spencer chuckled softly and lightly clapped his hands.

"Very good, Draconis, very good. You're learning." He said, amusement in his voice as Draco scowled at him.

"Now, since your mother has trained you to never accept anything without questioning the motives behind them you know I want something back. However, not only am I offering a chance for specialized Healers to look at your mother but I am also offering to have my father, who is also an extremely respected Magical lawyer, to see if he can get your father out of Azkaban on good behavior. Of course Lord Malfoy would be under close supervision and would likely have to report in to the Ministry every so often, but he would be free so long as he didn't do anything suspicious." Spencer explained, pausing in his stride when he noticed that Draco was no longer beside him.

Looking back, he saw Draco staring at him with wide eyes. The Malfoy family may be known for their…suspicious dealings and are known for their cold demeanors and they were often said to be cold and cruel to others. However, family was everything to the Malfoy family. If there was anything that was more precious to the Malfoys it is their family. His parents may seem cold and aloof in the public eye, but in the privacy of their home they showed their emotions and 'came to life' so to speak. His mother would tell him stories about the times when she and his father would let loose and laugh and chase each other around or when his father would sing as she played the piano or harp.

He has precious memories from his mother that he often views every chance he gets. These memories show the proud Pureblood Lord that is Lucius Malfoy on his knees laughing and playing with his infant son. He has vague memories of his father's laugh; sparkling silver eyes and a warm smile. His mother had done her best in attempting to teach him everything that his father might, but she could only do so much. His godfather had stepped in a lot and had helped to teach him many things but Severus still wasn't his father. The idea, no, the possibility of getting his father back in his life was absolutely amazing. He knows that his mother is lonely and misses his father, though what would be the price for such precious gifts? If his mother never recovered then he'd likely be headed for the orphanage where many children of Death Eaters who have their only remaining parent in Azkaban, are living until they come of age. With his mother having been kicked out of the Black family he has no real ties to his last remaining aunt or his cousin Lord Black.

"W-What do you need me to do?" Draco asked, swallowing back his emotions as he walked over to Spencer.

"Your alliance, young Draconis." Spencer said, making the blonde frown.

"What?"

"When I leave here, the position of King of Slytherin will be vacant; free to anyone who has enough popularity to claim it. However, I don't want that. I want someone who is the very embodiment of what Salazar Slytherin was said to value in the members of his House. I see promise in you, Draconis. With the proper training and handling, you could make a great Silver Prince." Spencer said, watching as Draco frowned lightly.

"But-"

"Now, now, Draconis, let's be honest with ourselves. You are not very Slytherin besides your intelligence and some cunning. You rush ahead in your confrontations with Heir Potter-Othello and his little group and have never come out on top in any of those confrontations. You need to learn how to properly work from the shadows; how to make people loyal to you and gain favors from others in order to have them do tasks for you. Lord Malfoy has this down in spades; you've heard rumors of what your father had been like. He could charm a bird to think that flying was for the cats and it was meant to walk on the ground.

"I gained my title by working from the shadows. I used to be nothing. Fellow Housemates who have come from older Pureblood lines sneered at me. However, I kept quiet and worked in the darkness. I built up a reputation for myself and became respected by my year-mates first. Next came the younger years and then the older years. I became the Silver Prince first and then took my place as King last September as you remember. With an alliance between our Houses and with you under my tutelage, you can learn the very skills that your parents cultivated and can make a name for yourself here in Slytherin instead of being a name remembered when points are lost or, worse yet, a name that is laughed at because of your failed confrontations with the Lions. Yes, your father is the only one who can officially claim an alliance between Houses, but think of the connections we can bring each other." Spencer exclaimed, his eyes gleaming in the low light of the hallway.

Of course Draco has heard of the Dowell family. While not nearly as old as the Malfoy family in terms of their bloodline, Lord Dowell and his father and grandfather had made a name and reputation for their family. While they have many connections in the Muggle world, they also have many connections in the Wizarding world with families like the Bloodstone, Storm, Masters and Fessenden. They also had connections overseas that other families could only dream of. Honestly, an alliance like that could greatly help restore the Malfoy name and reputation and the idea of becoming the true Silver Prince was greatly appealing to Draco. He also liked the idea of taking over as King once Spencer graduates in a few years. Honestly, Severus hasn't had much time to see him and his godfather had expressed his displeasure in his attempts to bait Potter and his little group. If he could prove himself and gain the title of the Silver Prince then his parents and his godfather would be proud of him and so many more doors would be open to him.

Looking up at Spencer, he saw the endless patience in the older teen's eyes. He knew that things wouldn't be easy and Spencer would likely drive him insane sometimes, but it was a small price to pay for what Spencer was promising.

"I accept." He said, holding out his hand to the King of Slytherin.

"Wonderful. I will send a letter to my father as soon as we return to the common room. You will report me to once classes have ended every evening for your training." Spencer said, grasping Draco's hand strongly.

They shook hands before Draco was dismissed. As the blonde walked away, a sly smirk graced the King of Slytherin's lips.

"You'll make a fine Templar with the proper training my little Dragon."

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