Summer with The Malfoys

By the end of July, Damian had gained considerable mastery over the arts of Obliviation and Legilimency. The criminals Kreacher had brought him, used for honing these skills, had served their grim purpose. Once Damian had finished practicing, Kreacher made sure their remains were burned and disposed of with precision. Timmy, meanwhile, continued to focus on household duties, ensuring the Black Manor remained pristine after the renovations.

—----------------

As the quiet days of summer stretched on, Damian found himself growing increasingly restless. The isolation was beginning to wear on him. His mind often drifted to his dueling lessons, the challenges of Hogwarts, and the prospect of spending time with Draco at Malfoy Manor.

At the start of August, Damian finally decided to send a letter to Narcissa. He penned a polite note, asking if he could come to stay at Malfoy Manor for a time, mentioning how dull it had become at the Black Manor. 

The next day, a reply arrived with Narcissa's elegant handwriting. She wrote warmly, expressing how pleased she was to have Damian visit. "Lucius will come to collect you from the Leaky Cauldron tomorrow, by 10am." the letter read, adding that Draco would be looking forward to his arrival. 

A flicker of anticipation sparked in Damian as he set the letter down. Though he remained wary of Lucius, he knew that the Malfoy Manor would be far more stimulating than the solitude of Black Manor. Tomorrow would bring a change of scenery.

The next day, Damian packed his bags and bid farewell to the portraits, giving a respectful nod to each of them. Kreacher, standing by obediently, awaited his command. He also did not forget to take his Second Year Hogwarts Letter.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Dear Mr. Black,

We are pleased to inform you that your second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will commence on September 1st. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment for the upcoming term. Kindly ensure you have everything before the school year begins.

You will be required to purchase Gilderoy Lockhart's entire book collection, as listed.

Term begins on September 1st. The Hogwarts Express will depart from King's Cross Station, Platform 9¾, at precisely 11 o'clock.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Hogwarts for another year of magical learning and adventure.

Yours sincerely, 

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress 

Uniform:

Three sets of plain black robes (school standard).

One pointed black hat (for daily wear).

One pair of protective dragon-hide gloves.

One winter cloak (silver fastenings, optional).

Books:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 2) by Miranda Goshawk.

Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart.

Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart.

Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart.

Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart.

Voyages with Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart.

Wandering with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart.

Year with the Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart.

Other Equipment:

One cauldron (pewter, standard size 2).

A set of crystal phials.

A brass telescope.

One set of brass scales.

Additional parchment, quills, and ink.

Optional:

 Broomstick servicing kit (for those who play Quidditch).

 Advanced Potion-Making kit (optional for extra-curricular studies).

"Take me to the Leaky Cauldron," Damian instructed Kreature.

With a faint pop, Kreacher Apparated them to the bustling inn. As Damian's eyes adjusted to the dim lighting inside, he spotted Lucius Malfoy sitting at a table near the back, regal as always. Damian approached and greeted him with a respectful nod.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy."

Lucius glanced up, his pale eyes sharp. "Ah, Damian. Punctual, as expected." He gestured to the seat across from him. "Sit for a moment."

Damian sat, maintaining his calm demeanor. After a moment, Lucius asked, "Have you purchased your school supplies for next year?"

"Not yet," Damian replied. "I was planning to do so today. Would it be possible to handle that now?"

Lucius shook his head, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "I'm afraid not. I have business to attend to today, but we shall return later in the day to buy your books and other necessities."

Damian nodded, understanding that when Lucius had "business," it often meant things that could not be delayed. Within minutes, Lucius had finished his drink, and they stood to leave. After Apparating together, they arrived at Malfoy Manor, the grand estate looming before them with its towering marble columns and perfectly manicured lawns.

Narcissa and Draco were waiting at the grand entrance of Malfoy Manor as Damian arrived with Lucius. The vast estate behind them was as immaculate and imposing as ever, the green lawns trimmed to perfection, and the air filled with an air of aristocratic pride.

Narcissa, graceful and composed as always, stepped forward, her smile warm but elegant. "Damian, it's so lovely to see you. How have you been? Have you finally finished the renovations at Black Manor?"

Damian gave a small nod and replied, "Yes, Aunt Cissa, I have. The house is fully renovated now. It feels good to have a place that's truly mine."

"Wonderful," Narcissa said approvingly. "It must be a relief to have everything in order. I imagine the work was a bit taxing."

"A bit," Damian admitted with a slight smile. "But it was worth it. It's starting to feel like home."

Draco, who had been standing beside his mother, was clearly brimming with excitement. The moment Narcissa and Damian's conversation slowed, he stepped forward with a wide grin. "Damian, wait till you see this!" He pulled out a sleek black broomstick from behind him, holding it up with pride. "The Nimbus 2001. The fastest broom on the market! No way Potter's going to beat me this year with this beauty in hand."

Damian raised an eyebrow in amusement. "That's impressive, Draco. Looks like you're really preparing to take him down, huh?"

"Obviously," Draco said, a touch of arrogance creeping into his voice. "With this, I'll leave him eating dust. There's no chance he'll win against me this time."

Before Draco could launch into more boasting, Narcissa's gentle voice cut in, soft yet firm. "Draco, dear, there's no need to brag." She gave her son a pointed look, though her tone remained kind. "We mustn't forget modesty. Let your skills speak for themselves."

Draco's face flushed slightly as he caught the hint of disapproval. "Yes, Mother," he muttered, lowering the broom a little, though he still stole a proud glance at it.

Damian smirked at the interaction but kept his thoughts to himself. There was something charming about the way Narcissa kept Draco's feet on the ground, despite his tendencies to boast. 

"Well," Narcissa continued, turning back to Damian, "I hope you'll make yourself at home here during your stay. You're always welcome."

"Thank you, Aunt Cissa," Damian said sincerely. "I appreciate that."

At that moment, a house-elf appeared from behind them, taking Damian's bags and bowing low. "Master Damian's room is ready," the elf squeaked, its voice barely above a whisper.

"Follow him, Damian. You can settle in, and then we can all have a little time to catch up before dinner," Narcissa suggested.

Before Damian could respond, Draco tugged at his arm. "Actually, forget settling in for now. Come outside. We should get in some flying practice. I need to get in top shape before next term."

Damian chuckled. "You know I'm not that great at Quidditch."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. You can fly, can't you? Besides, you're getting better. It'll be fun."

Narcissa interjected, her voice with concern. "Just don't fly too far, Draco. Remember to take care of yourselves while you are away."

Damian grinned, appreciating Narcissa's concern. "I'll make sure we won't go overboard," he said, giving Draco a playful nudge.