REBORN

Chapter 6: Shadows of Heritage

Draco knew it would be enough if he played his cards right. Still, he had to be careful and only get what he absolutely needed. Draco considered. He needed an owl today. He would have to return later to register patents on his potion variations.

Draco and Snape exited Gringotts. "What owl will you choose?" His uncle asked.

Draco considered. "I will need a fast owl. I was thinking a great horned owl?"

Snape hummed. "You are aware they are considered the most aggressive of all owls?" Snape asked. "It won't be allowed in the owlery."

"Yes. But so was my eagle owl." Draco shrugged. "I'll be fine."

The bell dinged as Draco entered Eeylops Owl Emporium. "What can I do for you?" A man asked in a bright voice.

Draco gave a polite close-lipped smile. "I'm looking for a great horned owl. Do you by any chance currently have one?"

"Umm, well. Those animals are for experienced owners only." The shopkeeper said.

"I owned an eagle owl, I do believe that I can handle it," Draco said icily.

The man stared at him frowning faintly. "All right..." He led them over to a few cages in the back. "We currently only have two great horned owls in at the moment." He gestured to a large fully grown owl. "This one is a year and a half. This one," He gestured at one who was barely fledgling. "Is two and a half months."

"I will take the first one, thank you," Draco said.

The man pursed his lips. "Sir, this one is a nasty piece of work. Are you sure?"

"Yes. How much."

The man paused. "Seven galleons and three sickles sir." Draco knew it was very overpriced, but he just wanted to leave. He handed over the money and carried his new owl out with him.

For now, the essentials were taken care of. Well, not quite.

"Godfather?" Draco asked.

Snape hummed. "What do I have to do to be able to legally sell potions?"

"As a potions master, I can administer the necessary tests for your mastery. Then you'll need to register with the ministry."

"Thank you," Draco said quietly. He was glad to be done, for now anyway. Snape led him through the floo into his office.

"Don't forget about your meeting with McGonagall," Snape said in an amused tone.

Draco huffed, "I don't see why she cares." He said.

"Gryffindors, Draco, they have an unbearable urge to meddle."

Draco hummed, nodded, and left the office.

He was early enough that he could make it to afternoon classes, or even lunch. Draco still didn't have an appetite and had no urge to sit around in class to get stared at by students and professors alike.

Draco began the tiring hike up to the Gryffindor tower. He sighed as he was about halfway up leaning against a stained glass window. Through the colors, he saw a girl lurking just beyond the edge of the tree line. Draco watched her as she walked further, at first he didn't think she could see the creatures of death roaming nearby. That was until he saw her reach up toward the thestral's narrow faces feeding the silent creatures a piece of bloody meat.

Draco leaned closer to the window. So, there was another student who had seen death. Draco idly wondered about her story. Who had she seen die? A friend like Harry had seen? A stranger or enemy like Draco had seen? Had their death been drawn out or quick? Perhaps there was one person who had been relatively normal and saw a peaceful death...