When silver met gold.

2. Serpents' Kin

It had been a year since Lord Voldemort's return. Summer was ending, and the sixth year at Hogwarts was about to begin.

Gabriel had been absent for the entire season, as he was starting to have some leeway from his father.

After all, he had served him extensively throughout the year, keeping him updated on the evolution of the entire situation regarding Voldemort and his goal. He had spied on those mortals even within the school walls, unable to ignore the pathetic actions of the only one he knew inside, namely sixteen-year-old Draco Malfoy. The boy had even allied himself with someone as despicable as Umbridge, a woman who had renounced her mother and brother, considering them weak because she was a Muggle and he was a Squib. An ignoble person, indeed. That year, his considerations about the platinum-haired boy had even worsened: he would become even more miserable than his father, it was now established.

This was what he had deduced from the unfolding events and then reported to his father, obviously not shying away from disrespectful comments towards the wretched family at the center of all that mire that would sooner or later implode. What actually surprised him was that his father hadn't sent him to Potter, the so-called "Boy Who Lived," who was expected to be the Savior of all wizards.

The one and only truth was that he still didn't feel part of that world, despite the time spent observing them. He didn't care at all about standing by their side; they were all infinitely predictable, especially the good ones with their sad stories that had shaped them. It was always the same old tune, and the villain was just a big villain who did nothing but surround himself with pathetic people, ready to flaunt their authority only over the weakest, but who obeyed like miserable little sheep under the watchful eye of their little master.

For this very reason, at that first summer party he attended, he was surprised not to see Draco in the crowd, boasting about the countless deeds accomplished at school, accompanied by the High Inquisitor who was giving him encouragement... even though, clearly, Potter and his little friends had come out on top. This they always conveniently forgot to mention, and not by chance: after Lucius's great failure, Voldemort had completely lost trust in him.

He looked around, wandering through the spacious halls of Malfoy Manor turned into a party venue. He couldn't deny they had at least some good taste, but money covered up many deficiencies.

He found Draco away from the crowd, sitting on a small two-seater sofa, positioned in front of a painting depicting the symbol of his family: a large white serpent with eyes that changed color with every movement, shining like precious stones. Its sinuous body wound around their name, printed on the canvas in cursive. Draco stared at it with clenched teeth and a tight grip on the armrest. He was visibly trembling, yet there was no chill in the air.

He approached him stealthily, hearing him take deep breaths. He glanced at that egocentric painting, then back at Draco. "Are you unwell, brat?" Draco jerked toward his interlocutor, eyes wide in astonishment. Despite it being summer, his body was entirely covered by clothing, up to his neck. He even wore silk gloves. Elegant, but certainly not suitable for the season.

"Disappear, filthy half-breed," he spat out with immense disgust. Gabriel was very surprised by this.

Normally, like his father, he didn't mind offering him false admiration or affection, even when they were alone... although it hadn't happened many times.

If he had to choose, he much preferred engaging with Lucius. After all, he was a shrewd and cutting man when he wasn't bowing ninety degrees for his Dark Lord. His son, on the other hand, seemed not to have inherited even those small sparks of noteworthy sagacity.

Certainly, however, no one had ever dared to address him in that manner... no one had dared, since he had revealed his nature. Not even Voldemort, who now behaved as if he didn't exist at the Death Eaters' meetings held at the Headquarters.