The Prince Returns

Chapter Eighteen

Albus Dumbledore was a very, very old man. He had lived a long life and he was tired. Secretly, he thought that this upcoming war with Voldemort would be the end of him. He did not think he had much fight left in him. However, Albus was ready to die. He wanted to see Voldemort defeated permanently, then he would be able to die happily. Dumbledore had expected to spend the last year of his life as headmaster at Hogwarts, working with the Order when he could do help. He had expected the Ministry to cooperate eventually. However, he had not expected Fudge to be so generous. He had certainly not expected for Fudge to give him so much power. Suddenly, Dumbledore was in charge of the entire Ministry. Fudge was owling him several times a day, asking for advice on what to do. Again, Dumbledore was tired. He just wanted to be headmaster. He had no desire to be the Minister of Magic's advisor. While he was grateful for the Ministry's trust, he wanted the Ministry to run itself. Fudge was not only asking Dumbledore for his guidance on the war, but other things as well. Just that morning, Fudge had sent him a very long owl wanting to know what he should do about the American president's reluctancy to sign the new trade agreement for cauldrons. Albus had given him the best advice he could, but Albus had never dealt with the American president before and he had no interest in trade agreements. Dumbledore doubted that his advice had been of much help.

Dumbledore was tired of waiting. He was ready for the war to begin. He thought that his side was ready. He thought that he could handle whatever Voldemort had planned. He thought that he was ready for the end.

****

Braydon Prince was sad. He was living in the Malfoy Manor and had been for a few weeks. The only people who knew he was there were Lucius Malfoy and Voldemort himself. Not even Narcissa knew he was staying in her house. He was staying in the attic, far away from Voldemort. The attic was protected by charms, but nothing as strong as the basement. If an Auror were to look, he would easily find Braydon. However, Braydon was simply a house guest. Lucius had sent some minion to find him a house last week. Braydon was fine with staying at Malfoy Manor. It was a nice room in a nice house. It was also free with free food and anything else he needed. Of course, the house Malfoy was finding for him would not cost Braydon anything.

The only thing Braydon did not like about his new home was the lack of personal contact. He was not allowed to talk with anyone other than Malfoy or Voldemort. He was not even allowed to talk with a house-elf. He was lonely. He missed Regan. He had never been close with his parents, though he had briefly mourned her death. Braydon knew his father was working for the Order and would never change. Braydon had given up hope of convincing his father to join Voldemort. However, Braydon thought that Regan could be persuaded. She had been raised in New York City among wizards who took pride in pure-blood and thought less of Muggle-borns. Braydon knew that she had befriended a Mudblood-Hermione Granger. Braydon knew that his sister was simply suffering from homesickness and missed New York. Hermione probably reminded her of an old friend.

Still, Braydon knew his sister had potential. He wanted her to join him. Not only would she bring her knowledge and power to Voldemort, he would have his sister back, a companion. Braydon also believed that she would bring others to Voldemort. Regan had always been popular in New York. The other students at the Institute had idolized her and followed her. She always had friends. Braydon assumed this was true in New York.

Last week, Lucius had informed Braydon that his son Draco would try to become friends with Regan and convince her to join. Braydon had been encouraged by the news. He was sure that Draco would succeed and Regan would come to the other side. However, it had been nearly a week and Draco had not even talked with her. Soon, Lucius would give up on Draco and have Braydon write her. Up until then, Braydon was not allowed to write anyone. He had quit his job with the Quidditch team, but only after convincing several other people with the team to join Voldemort. Instead of trying to find new wizards for Voldemort, Braydon was looking through books to find any magical artifacts his father had. Last winter, Braydon had lucked out by recognizing the Amulet of Rah. Voldemort hoped that Richard would have more artifacts he could use. Since the Amulet, Braydon had recognized several other artifacts, but Lucius either already had them or could easily get them. Still, Voldemort was encouraged. At least he knew what Richard had. As the time passed, Braydon tried to remain hopeful that Regan would join. He was getting lonely in the attic.

****

"Again!" Harry Potter shouted. Even after a year, he still wasn't used to being the Quidditch captain. However, he did have help from Ron. He was glad Ron was no longer on the time; his friend was able to give him advice and help on how to coach without bias. He also appreciated being Seeker. He was able to circle the field, watching his teammates with one and the Snitch with the other. He also appreciated his team. He had good players this year, especially Ginny. She was constantly surprising him with her broom tactics. As Keeper, she defended her goals with a vigor. It was their second practice of the season and she had yet to let a goal in, which was saying something considering their Catchers.

Regan was good. Harry had to admit that she was good. Her flying skills were amazing and she knew how to handle the Quaffle. When Regan was at her best, Ginny narrowly kept the Quaffle from the goal. When Regan was at her worst, Ginny narrowly kept the Quaffle from the goal.

Harry thought that they had a real chance of winning the Quidditch Cup this year. He looked to the Gryffindor stands and was cheered to see Ron and a few others watching. Ron was practicing commentating, critiquing the players and making comments during their practices. Harry's heart sunk as he looked to the stands on the other side of the pitch. Draco Malfoy and a few other Slytherin Quidditch players were in their stands. As the new captain, Malfoy was determined to win the Cup this year and told everyone so. The Slytherin team had several new players this year and Malfoy claimed they were the best. As Gryffindor practiced, Malfoy took notes. He would occasionally say something to the other Slytherins, who would laugh. Harry could tell by the way they were looking at him and his teammates that it was about him. Harry tried to ignore them as he circled the field, trying to focus on his team. It was difficult. Malfoy was something of a hindrance for Harry. Harry did not like the blonde boy's new attitude. He didn't like his silence. Malfoy would usually be yelling out the insults instead of joking with his friends. Harry was worried that his silence signified something else. As Harry circled the field, he kept glancing back at Malfoy and his group. Harry was surprised by how serious Malfoy was taking the whole captain thing. He had been at the previous practice as well, taking notes. He had also checked out several Quidditch books from the library. Books that Harry himself had wanted to check out. Seeing Malfoy's zeal as captain worried Harry about the match against Slytherin. The way Malfoy looked at Regan also worried Harry, but it had nothing to do with Quidditch.

Harry forced himself to focus on the game. He looked around the pitch, but could not see the Snitch anywhere. He flew closer to his teammates. Regan had the Quaffle. She passed it to Dean Thomas, who had joined the Quidditch team just that year as Chaser. Dean passed it back to Regan as she moved closer to the goal. Harry was surprised as Regan threw the Quaffle and it passed Ginny and entered the goal. Regan and Dean yelled triumphantly. The Slytherins, again to Harry's surprise, laughed and seemed pleased. Harry could hear a tune coming from their direction which sounded a lot like Weasley Is Our King. Harry looked at them. Sure enough, a few Slytherins were belting out the song. Harry looked to their captain, who was silent. However, he was looking at Gryffindor's lead Chaser with a little too much interest for Harry's taste. "That's enough!" Harry yelled to the team, but looking at Malfoy. "Good job everyone. Practice next week."

****

Arthur Weasley looked over the latest owl he had received from Gracie White, an Order member. She was in charge of the expedition to gain the trolls. She was then in Germany, trying to talk with the head trolls. Her latest owl was not very encouraging. Of course, the letter itself was not very informative. Any owl could be intercepted by anyone. White could not put anything in the letter she would not want Voldemort himself to see. However, Arthur was able to decipher that she had not made much progress with the head troll.

Arthur sighed as he reread her letter. He was in Prince's office. With Dumbledore busy with Hogwarts and the Ministry and Remus, Richard, and Moody teaching, Arthur was unofficially in charge of the Order. He was not enjoying the new responsibilities. The Order members were not difficult. They were passionate about their jobs and only glad to help. The business of dealing with magical creatures was troubling Arthur. They didn't have much. Charlie Weasley had obtained the trust of the dragons, but several different types of dragons were hesitant in joining, claiming the new trust between the Order and dragons was only for certain species of dragon. Other than a few dragons, the Order did not have many creatures on their side. Voldemort had Dementors and several other creatures, though the Order did not have the specifics yet. Still, Arthur remained hopeful. His own son Bill was making progress with the goblins. Hagrid was still in contact with a few giants. The Centaurs were being cooperative so far. It wasn't completely hopeless. Yet Arthur still wished Dumbledore could spend more time directly with the Order. He wished he had Remus to help him. He wished he had Molly to comfort him. And he wished that Richard were sitting his office, reading White's letters, not Arthur.

****

Regan noticed the owl immediately. The other Quidditch team members were heading up to their rooms, too exhausted for anything else. The only other person to notice the owl was Harry. The two went to the window and let the owl in. Regan recognized the crest around its neck. It was a Malfoy owl. She took the letter from its neck with some confusion. It wasn't Draco's owl. She opened the letter and saw the handwriting. It was from Braydon. "Braydon," she whispered. Harry looked at her in surprise. She moved so that he could read the letter with her.

Dear Regan,

How long has it been? I've missed you. How are you? How is our father? I know what happened to Mom. I wanted to visit you, to write to you. It just wasn't a possibility.

The Death Eater attack on our house was supposed to scare Dad. Our family was not supposed to be hurt. Order members were to be killed, but not our parents. Peter messed up. Also, you certainly weren't supposed to be there. Believe me, Voldemort was surprised to see your friends. How did you find out? Voldemort was there for the Amulet, not our parents.

I am staying at the Malfoy Manor. Everyone has been so nice to me. I feel as though I'm part of a family here. Lucius himself has been a gracious host. I am lonely, though. I miss you and wish you could be here. My girlfriend has joined Voldemort, but she is doing his work back in America and I haven't seen her for some time.

I know that Draco Malfoy has been trying to talk to you. Listen to what he has to say. If he is half the man his father is, he would be a fantastic friend for you. He is trying to serve his father and his lord. Let him.

I know that I have tried to convince you before, but I think that you really should reconsider your position with the Order. I know that Voldemort would welcome you with open arms. I would like to have you here. Please write back. I would like to hear from you.

Love,

Braydon

Harry looked at Regan once he had read the letter, trying to gauge her reaction. He thought that she might cry. She quickly read the letter again.

"He wasn't very smart to put all that in a letter," Harry said slowly, watching Regan. She nodded. "Are you going to write back?"

"Why?" she demanded, looking at Harry. The tears were gone. There was an anger in her eyes he had not seen before. "He told Voldemort about the Amulet. He knew about the attack but did nothing. He believed Voldemort when he told him that our parents would not be hurt. Braydon has always been stupid, but this..."

"What about Malfoy?"

"I guess I was stupid too. I really thought that he had changed, but he was just following his father's orders. Harry, it's late. Good night."

"Night," he replied lamely. She tossed the letter in the fireplace before heading upstairs. Harry watched her go. A few minutes later he went to his own bedroom.

****

The next morning, Harry expected Regan to tell Ron and Hermione about the letter. She didn't. In fact, if Harry had not known better, he wouldn't have known that anything had happened the night before. However, he did know better and watched her closely. He was the only one who caught her few glances to the Slytherin table, her eyes filled with rage and hurt.

Their first class of the day was Potions. Harry wondered how Regan would handle it. He sat with Parvati at their table and looked to Regan and Malfoy's table. Harry had to smile at what he saw. She was completely ignoring Malfoy. He would whisper something to her, but she just continued to face Snape. She wouldn't even acknowledge Malfoy.

After a few minutes, Malfoy gave up. The two worked together in silence. Harry tried not to take joy in his friend's misery, but seeing Malfoy rejected lifted his spirits. The blonde boy looked very confused and almost hurt. Harry was estatic.

****

"Regan!" Draco Malfoy exclaimed as the students exited Snape's classroom. He quickened his pace to catch up with Regan. "What was that all about?"

"Go to hell, Malfoy," she said and continued walking. He grabbed her arm to stop her.

"What's going on?" he demanded. She shrugged off his hand but stayed with him. For the first time, she saw emotion on his face. He was confused with a hint of anger. She was glad she was getting to him.

"You tell me, Malfoy," she replied quickly.

"I thought it was Draco. I have no idea what's going on."

"My brother wrote me last night. Why didn't you tell me he was there?"

"It's Death Eater business. I thought that we didn't talk about that," he said, his face returning to its state of blankness.

"I think that we are beyond the point where we can not talk about that. My brother also told me about you."

"What about me?" he asked, again without expression.

"He informed me that our new friendship is just something that your father wanted. The past six months have just been a part of Voldemort's plan. I really thought that we were friends Malfoy. Guess I was wrong," she said. Draco's eyes flashed with anger.

"That's what you think?" he demanded. "Well, you are very wrong Prince. To begin with, I have told my father that you won't have anything to do with me. He knows nothing of our friendship."

"Why?" she interrupted.

"You figure it out, you're so bloody smart," he said and angrily stalked off. She looked after him, instantly regretting her accusations.

Later that day, she had Arithmancy with Malfoy. The two sat together. Like in their other classes, the professor had partnered students together. Again, Malfoy and Regan had ended up together. In fact, in Arithmancy, everyone had a partner from a different house. Regan was the first to arrive. She talked with Hermione at her desk, trying to put off dealing with Malfoy. When he sauntered in, he gave her a brief unreadable look before heading to their desk. Regan waited until the bell rang before joining him. Arithmancy was awkward. Like Potions, they were silent. They did their problems, but Malfoy had a few problems that he needed help with. Regan noticed the blank spots on his page, but she wasn't about to offer her help. He would have to ask for it.

The hour was almost up when Regan couldn't take it any more. For several months, Draco had been a good friend. She had been able to really talk to him, as long as it could not be related to Voldemort it any way. After his little speech after Potions, she really wanted to hear what else he had to say. She thought that she might have come to decisions too quickly.

"I'm going to be in the library after dinner," she whispered. He looked at her, his face impassive. He turned back to his parchment. Regan sighed and turned back to her own work. She would have to wait until later to see if Draco would take her offer.

****

That evening, Regan was studying in the library. Harry was making plans for the first Dueling Club meeting, which was coming up. The common room itself was practically deserted. A few lone first and second years were playing Exploding Snap in the corner. Ron and Hermione were alone. The two were taking advantage of the alone time.

Hermione was honestly surprised by Ron. When alone, all their bickering stopped. Hermione found that they could talk about almost anything as long as it did not involve Hogwarts or Harry. They had conflicting interests in such subjects. Hermione had always pictured herself to be with an intellectual. The type of guy who enjoyed reading books. The type of guy who was knowledgeable about world affairs. Someone who she could talk to on an equal level. When she was younger, she had pictured a college professor or maybe a lawyer. Of course, the lawyer would have to work for some environmental group and do pro bono work. She had never imagined herself with someone like Ron. While he made a great friend, she had doubted his potential as boyfriend. He just seemed so childish. She wanted someone who was mature.

But Ron was constantly surprising her. He could be mature, but his carefree attitude was a nice fit to her own involved attitude. He allowed her to relax and momentarily forget about the outside world. She was sure she had a similar effect on him. Hermione was surprised to find herself falling in love. Ron was the first person she thought about of a morning. She wanted to tell him everything. She wanted to share everything with him. She found herself daydreaming about weddings and houses and red-haired children, something she had never done before. Hermione had never dated much; Viktor as about it, and even that wasn't actually dating. The entire experience was new to her, but she really thought that what she and Ron had was special. She really thought that he felt the same way.

****

Ron was getting bored. He and Hermione had been dating for while, a record for him. However, he was almost tired of the relationship. Hermione wasn't a very exciting person and he missed their friendship. He wanted to be able to talk with her without their relationship standing in the way. He missed their fights and bickering. He also wanted to move on. He was bored with their relationship. It was the same thing. They never did anything new or exciting. Kissing only went so far. He was young and wanted to explore his options. Also, Hermione was starting to get a dreamy look in her eye that his brothers had warned him about. She was thinking about The Future. Ron didn't have a Future yet. He was young and didn't know what his future would include, but he wasn't imagining a wife and kid, and he had a feeling Hermione was. Ron also wanted to explore other options. He was very much aware of the saying about other fish in the sea and he decided that he would like to try these other fish. He just had to let Hermione now, and he doubted it would be easy. He just wanted to be friends with her. He didn't want to lose her friendship.

****

Regan tried to focus on her homework. She tried not to look at the library entrance. She had been in the library twenty minutes and was still alone. She looked up as she caught a flash of green out of the corner of her eye. A Slytherin had just entered the library, but it wasn't Malfoy. It was some second year who looked about with room arrogantly before leaving. Regan assumed he was lost and turned back to her homework, trying to focus. She was focusing so hard that she didn't notice when a certain Slytherin sat down next to her. She looked up to Malfoy's expressionless gray eyes. "Well?" he asked simply.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions, but my brother doesn't lie to me," she said, trying to act nonchalant.

"As it is, I do lie to my father. He has no idea we're friends. I told him that you won't have anything to do with me, despite my efforts," Draco said, in an arrogant tone that Regan thought hereditary.

"Why did you lie to him?"

"You haven't figured it out yet?"

"Draco..." Regan said in an irritated voice. However, it was light and she thought that this was their version of making up.

"My father would kill me if he knew that we've been friends for so long. To begin with, I didn't tell him immediately that I was talking with Richard Prince's only daughter. Also, I have not convinced you to join the Dark Side, another problem. He would also figure out that it was me who told you about the Death Eater attack last April. Yep, he would kill me," Draco concluded. Regan didn't think he was exaggerating.

"When did he decided we should be friends?"

"Towards the end of summer. He wanted me to talk to you, get you to join our side."

"Why does he want me?" she asked. Draco shrugged.

"I think it may be a personal thing against Richard. Braydon has proved useful, but not as useful as Voldemort had hoped. Also, he knows that you're doing well in school, that you're good at magic."

"How does he know that?"

"Because he's still a governor at Hogwarts. Because he has people at Hogwarts who will tell him anything. Because he has people at the Institute who will tell him anything."

"Then won't his 'people' tell him that we are talking, that I'm not ignoring you?" she asked.

"No. He doesn't have anyone actually watching everyday activity in the school. He has people who are capable of getting into school records and finding out what you're doing in school. He used to have people watching Hogwarts, but not anymore," he said, sounding annoyed that he had to explain everything to her.

"Oh," she said lamely. She looked back at her homework, wondering what to say or do next.

"Are we finished?" he asked impassively.

"We have homework," she offered.

"I don't think so," he said and moved to get up. She grabbed his arm, suddenly angry. She had apologized after making an honest mistake. He would not just walk out on her.

"What was I supposed to think, Draco?" she demanded. "He is my brother. You haven't even read the damn letter."

"Did you really read it?" he replied. "I'm sure that my father told Braydon that I wasn't making any progress with you and I'm sure that was in the letter."

"I said that I was sorry," she said, dropping his arm. He sat down next to her.

"All it took was a stupid letter from your brother, and you immediately assumed it was true."

"And I'm sorry. I know better now. I trust you, Draco," she said, trying to get a reaction out of him. He avoided her eyes.

"Let's just do the homework," he said, taking out his Arithmancy book and opening it. She watched him for a moment longer before opening her own book.

****

Tonks was bored. The Prince house was practically empty. Most of the Order members were out, working on something. The guest house was still full of wizards and witches, but they kept to themselves and rarely left the house. Arthur was in Richard's office, working on something. He was almost always in his office any more. The guards still patrolled the grounds, but they were starting to relax. There hadn't been much Death Eater activity lately. Tonks was supposed to be helping the guards, but there wasn't much to help them with. Instead, she walked around the grounds herself. It was such a pretty house and it was such a pretty night. She could make out all the stars in the sky.

Tonks was still looking in the sky when it happened. She could have prevented it, but she wasn't paying any attention. She had no reason to pay attention, the Death Eaters hadn't done much since April. She was in one of the gardens when it happened. The nearest guard was a few hundred yards away. She was partly hidden by plants.

A dark figure stepped from behind a group of trees. The man quickly grabbed her arm. Tonks yelled out in pain as her shoulder was wrenched from its socket. The guards turned and ran to her side, but they were too late. The man pulled out a long knife and slit the young woman's throat. Tonks stopped screaming as blood poured from her neck in floods. Her entire front was quickly drenched in the deep red liquid. The man dropped Tonks as the life seeped out of her. He ran outside of the estate and quickly Disapparated. The guards arrived, but they were too late. Tonks was dead and her killer had escaped.

****

Hours after the lifeless body of Tonks had been found by guards, Braydon Prince lay in the basement of Malfoy Manor. He was lying in the center of the room where the Death Eaters usually met. It was a dark room, full of shadows. Everything was made of stone and everything was cold. The Death Eaters were surrounding him in a circle, watching him. Braydon could make out his new lord, standing outside of the circle, watching his men with his red eyes.

Braydon Prince was screaming, but no one was listening. The Death Eaters, faces hidden by hoods, watched him as he lay on the floor, writhing as pain coursed through his upper body. Braydon had just received the Dark Mark and his arm hurt. His entire body was in pain as his arm felt like it was on fire. Braydon was trying his hardest not to cry. He had not expected such pain. No one had warned him. He lay there for what seemed like hours. Eventually, Voldemort dismissed his servants. As the hooded figures left the room, no one acknowledged him. No one even looked at him. He stayed on the floor, clutching his aching arm. Once he was alone, he allowed himself to cry. He had the Dark Mark on his arm. He had killed someone for his lord. He had used a Muggle weapon to prove his loyalty. He was a Death Eater.