What a Riddle

Year 2 Shopping

Our summer went faster than we had wanted it to. Lucius was dragging Draco around in hopes to teach him his ways as a 'high and mighty pureblood'. Lucius would occasionally bring me as well but not as often leaving my Aunt Cissy to do 'lady things' which usually meant I was stuck in uncomfortable high-class dresses gossiping about things and drinking tea. I didn't like that too much but Uncle Sev would take me and teach me extra things when Draco wasn't around.

Things such as spells he had made and more tricks in potions. Since I had taken an interest in transfiguration over the last school year he taught me that too and plans on going through the process during the next summer. He had to make sure I knew the dangers and know that my heart fully is in it.

Cissy was busy meeting with her ladies and Sev left early to prepare for the year which left Draco and me with Lucius to do our school shopping. Medusa had gotten bigger and still had the habit of clinging to my arm as I went around my day. 

Following Lucius into a dark shop, we looked at the item lining the shelves as Lucius attended to some business before we got started. 

"Mr. Malfoy! What a pleasure to see you again. If I may, just in today --" Mr. Borgin the shop owner called as he saw the unmistakable hair of Lucius.

"I'm not buying today, Mr. Borgin. But selling." Lucius replies in his cold tone and I do my best to ignore it. 

"Selling?"

"You have heard, of course, that the Ministry of Magic is conducting more raids. There are even rumors of a new MuggleProtection Act..." Lucius hands the man a paper. "I have a few... ah... items at home that might prove embarrassing if the Ministry were to call. Certain poisons and the like..." This is something not unusual for Lucius he after all is a slippery little weasel. 

"Hmmm... yes. I see..." Mr. Borgin looks thoughtful

Draco yelps and my attention is drawn from a piece of jewelry to Draco who's looking at a hand on a plaque in fascination.

"Can I have this?" he asks looking at his father. No bothering with it since it's not a life or death situation I go back to admiring the armored bracelet. 

"Ah, the Hand of Glory. Insert a candle and it gives light only to the holder. Best friend of thieves and plunderers. Your son has fine taste, sir." Mr. Borgin explains what Draco was looking at "As does your daughter" his eyes land on me brief moment.

"She's not my daughter" Lucius snaps "Florence is my wife's Goddaughter and as for my son, Hopefully, will amount to more than a thief, Mr. Borgin. Though if his marks don't pickup --" 

"It's not my fault the teachers have favorites. That Hermione Granger --" Draco protests

"I would have thought you'd be ashamed that a girl of wizarding family beats you in every exam. At least Florence has high marks and doesn't let a muggle-born beat her" Lucius snaps at Draco and I send him a sad look. Neither of us likes Lucius because of this. He's not much of a father figure and that's why we're lucky to have Uncle Sev who picks up the slack of a father figure.

I open my mouth to defend Draco but he shoots me a soft glare. He doesn't want me on the end of Lucius's knife of words. I close my mouth heeding Draco's warning.

"It's the same all over. Wizard blood is counting for less everywhere." Mr. Borgin tries to calm the situation.

"Not with me," Lucius speaks deadly and I gulp at the tone as he receives the same paper and nods satisfied "Very good. I'll expect you at the manor tomorrow. Come, Draco... Florence" We tail Lucius speaking in low tones as to make sure he doesn't hear.

"He's not fair to you, Dray" I whisper "you were still top five students at Hogwarts. That has to count for something"

"Look, Flor" Draco sighs "He has his way and the best we can do is follow the pureblood way"