Wand-Leader & The Spy

12- Obliviate

London, Diagon Alley, August 28th, 1999, 18.15 hours

"According to the Daily Prophet, the Wands of Britain have proven their valour and skill by rescuing the Greengrasses."

Lucius Malfoy smiled at his wife's words, though he was already on his guard - Narcissa was quite adept at hiding biting criticism in effusive praise. "I've never doubted them."

"And yet my dear sister escaped." The pureblood witch frowned at him.

Lucius barely saw Draco whispering to Dobby as he fought back a sigh. "There was nothing the Wands could have done, dear." He had checked the reports, and the memories of select mudbloods. Who would have thought Bellatrix could learn how to fly without a broom?

Narcissa sniffed. "Another chance missed to claim my ancestral mansion."

"Even if Bellatrix had died, your other sister, her daughter, and your cousin would still be around," Lucius pointed out.

"It would have been a first step at least." Narcissa daintily sipped from her wine.

Draco scoffed, drawing Lucius' attention to the fact that he was reading the Daily Prophet at the table. Before he could scold his son, Draco put it down. "Mudbloods! Almost losing to a weak-minded rabble in the thrall of some creature!"

"You're talking about a very powerful creature, son. Your aunt was the Dark Lord's most trusted follower; she is by no means weak-willed," Lucius explained, wondering once again if he should have told Draco the truth about the Dark Lord. But at the time, his son had been too young, too impulsive. Too Gryffindor.

"Indeed. Bellatrix is many things, but weak-willed? Do not underestimate this 'creature', Draco," Narcissa said. As much as she hated her sisters, she took offense when anyone insulted them. Lucius knew that from personal experience.

"Yes, mother."

"To think the Greengrass family came close to becoming extinct," Narcissa said. "Neither daughter has yet founded a family."

Lucius knew that tone. He exchanged a glance with Draco, who looked pleadingly at him, and nodded. "It would be far too crass to talk about marriage right after such a horrible event, dear. Unbecoming of any old family." Daphne, marrying Draco? Lucius would personally kill her if everything else failed!

His wife was fuming, he saw that, but she didn't say another word. A Black would rather die than conduct herself in a crass manner. Well, a Black other than Bellatrix.

"May I read the official report, father?" Draco asked suddenly.

Lucius looked at him. His son hadn't shown much interest in the details of his work so far. He smiled. "Of course. It's good of you to take an interest in such matters."

Later, in his study, he handed the preliminary report to his son. Draco skimmed most parts but the actual fight, mumbling some names. Was he maybe worrying about his dalliances? Lucius had already spoken with the key Wands, but showing the entire family cared about them would help morale, the Minister thought. As last night had proven, they needed the mudbloods to beat the Dark Lord.

Maybe his son was growing up. It wouldn't be the first time a young wizard became a man during times of war.

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London, Diagon Alley, August 29th, 1999, 20.45 hours

Wand-Leader Hermione threw the last report she had to write on the 'out' pile on her desk. Finally done! She leaned back, ignoring the jealous expression of Dean, who was still writing his reports, and stretched her arms over head. The Wands had been buried in paperwork this afternoon, but the young witch had felt she had been singled out - she had had to write reports as 'acting Wand-Commander' as well, just because she had been in command for a few minutes.