The Dragon's Treasure

Beltane

Holly tried her best to sit and wait patiently. After a few moments Draco entered from the door adjoining their rooms.

"Do you know what this is about?" he asked as he sat down next to her on the sofa.

"Not a clue," Holly responded as she hugged Draco Junior to her. She was exhausted from the day's activities. Lord and Lady Malfoy had asked them to stay up so they could talk to them before bed.

Lord and Lady Malfoy entered, and sat on the loveseat that faced Holly and Draco.

"I know you must be wondering what this is about, and I am sorry that we had to keep you up. We simply couldn't discuss this when there were other people in the manor."

Lady Malfoy looked serious. Draco knew that meant he better pay close attention to what she was saying.

"We have been researching the other Founders Heirs. We have found the Heir of Hufflepuff. It is your friend's soulmate, Heir Smith."

Holly gasped and Draco gawped. Memories flashed through Holly's mind, and pieces of a puzzle swiftly shifted into place.

"That's what he acts like that," she said without thinking.

She had noticed that he was more formal than the other purebloods she was friends with. She had only been given leave to call him Zach today. He cared more about etiquette and traditions than most, and adhered to them strictly. It made him seem stuck up to those who didn't know him well.

Lord Malfoy chuckled, "Yes my dear, he is well aware of his heritage and has no doubt been raised to believe he is better than others. It will ebb with time, I am sure. Especially when he realizes he is not the only Founder's heir left."

Draco sighed internally, at least it was someone he already knew. He would have been around Zach one way or the other, since Holly was friends with Hermione. He was suddenly very glad that both Zach and Hermione knew Occlumency.

"It is imperative, of course, that you not tell a soul. Heir Smith will claim his title when he is ready. Lord Black is having this talk with Luna as well, so she understands to keep her foreknowledge to herself on these events."

'Of course Luna would know ,' Holly thought.

"There is one other thing," Lord Malfoy began, "there will be a change in staffing when you return. Suffice it to say that Professor Snape had decided to leave Hogwarts."

Draco smirked. He knew it was only a matter of time until his father got rid of the dungeon bat.

"Professor Horace Slughorn is taking his place. He was the potions master for a very long time, and is very well connected. He collects powerful witches and wizards around him, to allow him to parlay influence."

Holly didn't like the sound of that, but listened carefully to Lord Malfoy. There was a reason he was telling them all of this, she was sure.

"He will no doubt try to do the same with both of you, as well as some of your friends. Though I know you will dislike it Holly, it would be best if you let him. He's a harmless old man, and he could be a powerful ally. He practices the Olde Ways and will be your head of house. A mere gift will get him to look the other way on most things."

Holly hugged Draco Junior. She didn't like the sound of him, but she supposed she could play along. If he would allow them to practise the Olde Ways, and ease their way, it would be worth it.

Draco didn't particularly mind either way.

"Don't worry, I'll play nice." Holly assured them.

"It is always your choice dear," Lady Malfoy told her, "it is merely our duty as parents to make you aware."