Magic and Mystery Coil by Allegory_for_Hatred

The Truth

"Let me get this straight," Blaise said slowly. "You're a member of a foreign mafia, sent to Hogwarts for a reason even you don't exactly know. Last year your boss had you steal the Philosopher's Stone. And this year he wants you to investigate and, presumably, stop a string of basilisk attacks. Which—for some reason—Draco's dad is responsible for. Is that all?"

Dazai knotted the ribbon into a bow under his collar before turning around to meet Blaise's eyes. Both Blaise and Draco had arrived in the office early in the morning for this exact conversation—early enough that Dazai was still preparing for the day. Having finished with the bow, he stalked over to the desk to grab his cloak where it was draped over the chair back.

"That's about all, yeah," Dazai hummed. He brushed the bangs from his eyes. "If I can solve Lucius' stupid test, then he'll agree to work with the Port Mafia peacefully. Now that we have you helping out, maybe we can finish up early and Mori will finally get off my back about it."

Blaise was seated on the couch—formerly Dazai's bed about half-an-hour ago. He wore a look of deep contemplation on his face and took turns glancing between Dazai and Draco. He was probably recontextualizing everything he knew about them. Dazai wouldn't be surprised. This was kind of a bombshell.

Even then, Dazai was being kind of light on the details. Case in point: the words "special ability" had never once left his mouth. Some secrets were beyond his to share.

Draco, meanwhile, was leaned against the desk beside a sleeping Egg. Guilt was written plainly across his face.

Dazai elbowed him. "Lighten up, Draco. No one holds you accountable for Lucius' weird plan."

When Draco shot him a wordless glare, Dazai merely shrugged into the sleeves of his cloak.

"Wait."

Dazai paused half-way into his other sleeve. It slid down his arm and hung there instead. "What?"

Blaise stood up with a frown. "I thought Mori was your father. Is he actually your boss?"

Draco blinked. His eyes suddenly widened as if with realization, and he whirled to face Dazai as well.

"He's my boss," Dazai said, then winced internally.

Technically, Mori was no more his boss than he was anybody else's. Mori was just the boss' doctor. But for all Dazai's real dad was the actual boss, the man didn't actually do much leading these days. But short of explaining Father's declining mental state, this interpretation would have to do. Dazai wasn't about to announce the Port Mafia was in the middle of a power struggle in front of Lucius' son.

"But he also takes care of me," Dazai continued before Blaise and Draco's mounting worry could voice itself. He fixed Blaise with a pointed stare. "Is that really what you're focusing on, Blaise? Not the implication that a higher power is actively worming its way into magical society?"

Blaise looked nonplussed. "I definitely wasn't expecting that." He shrugged. "But it's like I said: I don't really care if what you do is good or bad. I just want to be there. Whatever you decide."

Dazai felt his cheeks flush over and looked away with a click of his tongue. Genuine people were the worst. Unfortunately, that only had him facing Draco.

Draco raised a knowing and amused brow.

"Anyway," Blaise continued. Evidently, he was choosing to take pity on Dazai today. It was a far cry from his confession during the Quidditch game. "How did you even enroll at Hogwarts with all of this going on in your background? I can't imagine the headmaster doesn't realize the whole situation is... odd."