Chapter II Of Ceremony and Crimes

Ravensden had changed from its dark dreary atmosphere to a festive one on Wednesday. Although the Malfoys were close friends of the Blacks the occasion demanded flawless organization and deliverance, and as such the Black House Elves had been working tirelessly.

'Mistress Black is all to your liking?' asked a nervous house elf, while staring at the granite floor.

'Yes Famulus, although the curtains are dustier then I had expected… It would not do for the Malfoys to see Ravensden in that state.' the threat left hanging in the air

'Apologies Mistress, I is going to clean them up right away,' said the house elf, trembling at the thought of punishment.

'See that you do,' ended Druella curtly.

As Druella dismissed the servant with a flick of her hand, her husband was making his way downstairs.

'Still riding on the servants backs dear?' asked Cygnus.

'Someone must do it. Merlin knows they can't be trusted to take care of matters by themselves,' replied Druella in mock annoyance.

'And you do it too well…' said Cygnus.

'Now that is pure, unabridged flattery, though I thank you none the less,' replied Druella.

While the Lord and Lady of the Manor were arguing in good spirit downstairs, a less good natured fight was occurring upstairs in Narcissa's salon.

'I will not do it Cissy, I will not go to the Lestranges' ball. I hate them, and I don't think they like me very much either!' exclaimed Andromeda.

'Don't be a fool Andromeda,' said Narcissa while pinning her hair up.

Andromeda hovered in front of her younger sister's mirror. 'I am not a fool. Just because my friends do not have father's money or blood doesn't make them lesser wizards. And what gives the Lestranges the right to treat them as if they were house elves?'

Narcissa, mildly annoyed at the interruption, was quick to retort.

'Andromeda, I don't know why you come to me with these problems. Now, I may not be as aggressive as Bella against them, but why would you think that I consider them equal to us?' said Narcissa to her sister's outrage.

At that point the mirror decided to intervene in the conversation.

'Narcissa dear, you look lovely as always. And Andromeda darling, she really is right you know. Mudbloods are inferior-just look at the witches-no sense of style or proper attitude,' said the mirror.

'Shut up you stupid ornament. Is everything in this house against me?' asked Andromeda, her hands gripping the edge of the table and her knuckles turning white.

'Andromeda dear, have you stopped to consider that maybe you are the problem?' put Narcissa in while laying a comforting hand on her sister's arm. Andromeda scoffed at the hand and pulled away in horror.

'I can't believe you said that, Cissy,' she said, backing away in shock, and stomped out of the room, just in time to knock into Bella on her way out.

'Watch where you're going Andromeda!' snapped Bellatrix. For perhaps the first time ever, instead of snapping at her sister, Andromeda's facial features constricted into the famous Bella snarl that would send First Year Gryffindors running for their parents, and walked away without a word.

'What has gotten into our dear sister's deranged head now?' asked Bella plopping herself down into one of the Baroque armchairs.

'The usual, she does not want to go to the Lestranges ball,' said Narcissa, now resuming the task of grooming her hair.

'If that little trollop thinks she can ruin this occasion for me I will poke her eyes out!' said Bellatrix, her eyes turning towards the door, with half a mind to go teach her sister a lesson.

'Calm down, Bella, she is still our sister, not some horrid mudblood you can torment,' replied Narcissa. 'Andromeda is just going through a phase, I am sure she will come around. Now let's get you arranged for tonight, shall we?'

Abraxas sat in the living room of his mansion, sipping a glass of red wine from Transylvania, while the small orchestra in the corner was playing mournfully. The enchanted musical instruments had been a gift from his wife on their tenth anniversary. Just then his peace and quiet was interrupted by a house elf. Angry at being interrupt from his reverie he snapped at the elf.

'What is it elf? I hope you have a good reason for interrupting me,' said Abraxas drawing his wand from the folds in his robe. At this point the house elf, a new servant by the name of Dobby, trembled in fear, incapable of speech, which was aggravating his situation further.

'Dobby is sorry master, I just had to say, that er-...' The life of the small elf was saved completely unintentionally by a tall blonde man striding into the room.

'Still terrifying the elves father?'

'Lucius, how good of you to join me. That is all Dobby,' said Abraxas, while a relieved Dobby disappeared into thin air. 'How are you?'

'Fine, Rodolphus has proven to be entertaining enough this summer. Though that little brother of his, Rastaban, follows him around like a stray kneazle,' said Lucius, trying to break through the tense atmosphere.

'Will you have a glass?' asked Abraxas picking up the wine bottle.

'Sure, I'll have one,' said Lucius. 'Where did you get this bottle? I haven't seen them around Britain,' saying that he walked over, picked it up and stared intently at the black and silver label.

'A friend from Romania, he came over to Britain, although I don't think you'd remember him. You were too young,' replied Abraxas, gesturing for his son to sit down in the armchair in front of him.

The two men sat enjoying their wine; however the silence was getting to both of them. Seeing the chance to make some amends with his son, Abraxas spoke.

'Have you given any thought about taking a wife, Lucius?'

'The thought has not occurred to me, no? Why ask?' replied Lucius, narrowing his eyes at his father. The old man could be devious at times and the change of topic came as a surprise.

'Cygnus Black has three daughters. While he regrets not having a son as well to carry his name forward, the three of them are lovely. Perhaps you would consider one of them,' suggested Abraxas. He had no worries about his son eventually marrying and producing an heir, but the rumours he had heard about Lucius gallivanting around half the witches of his age in London were bound to have some truth to them.

'It is a bit early to speak of that isn't it?' asked Lucius, careful to not provoke another fight with his father.

'It is never too early to consider the future of the Malfoy line. Especially with the way things are going at the moment!' snapped Abraxas. 'Well, enough of that. Just promise me that you will consider one of his three daughters.'

'I shall look into the matter,' replied Lucius. 'The wine was splendid, but I fear we must be going.'

'You're right. Let me get my cane and cloak and we can go,' said Abraxas.

As was customary for the Malfoys, the time the ancient clock in the entrance hall struck the 20th hour, there was a sharp rap on the door. In exact synchronisation, a house elf placed his hand in an alcove near the door and the two massive doors opened to allow the two Malfoys in. Wordlessly, Abraxas handed his cloak and cane to the house elf and proceeded towards the salon, from which soft music was heard and candle light flickered from under the door.

Another house elf, posted at the salon doors, opened them to allow passage, announcing:

'Master and Mistresses, Lord Malfoy and his heir have arrived,' spoke the elder elf, in ceremonial tone, no doubt picked up from his master.

'Abraxas,' said Cygnus getting up from his chair to shake his friend's hand. 'And Lucius. A pleasure to see you both-I see that the summer holiday has treated you well.'

Abraxas shook his outstretched hand

'The pleasure is all mine Lord Black,' said Lucius. 'I quite enjoyed my summer, I don't feel very excited to be back at Hogwarts.'

'Cygnus, please, we've known each other for quite a while, and you have become a man now.'

Greetings were exchanged with the rest of the family, Abraxas kissing Druella's hand and complimenting her on her attire, while saying a kind word or two to each of the young ladies. Lucius greeted Druella conform expectations, Bellatrix as an old friend, since the two had their own group in Slytherin, while giving Andromeda a greeting bordering on disrespect, due to the animosity between them.

Narcissa was an unknown entity to him, but she adhered to his tastes, so Lucius bowed from the waist to kiss her hand.

'Miss Black, I am delighted to see you again,' said Lucius.

'Mister Malfoy, such formality between us. Bella and you are as inseparable as Daddy and your father. I must insist you call me Narcissa.'

'Only if you call me Lucius.'

'I believe I can do that,' said Narcissa, while on cue Lucius offered his arm to escort her to the dinning room.

It seemed as though Abraxas was not the only one to have come up with the idea of pairing Lucius with one of the Black sisters. In fact, the seating plan seemed dedicated to that idea. Druella realized that Bellatrix was out of the question, since she was sort of dating Rodolphus, but she had high hopes for next-in-line Andromeda. As such, Lucius was sandwiched in between Bellatrix that sat next to Narcissa, and Andromeda that sat next to her mother. Abraxas and Cygnus sat next to each other, seeing as they had the most in common.

Unfortunately, Druella's plans of setting her daughter on the right path by marrying her to the Malfoy heir had completely backfired. By the end of the main course Lucius had spoken a measly six words to Andromeda in the romantic and eloquent form of 'Could you please pass the salt?' His time was spent instead catching up with Bella, and at the witch's insistence telling her more about Rodolphus and how he was doing. This of course led to Narcissa being ignored, something that the young girl was not accustomed to, which contributed further to her irritation of the evening. By the time tea and cognac was served, the younger wizard and witches mood was turning sour.

'Lucius,' Bella whispered while they were making their way towards the salon. 'Have you noticed mother's not so subtle attempts to introduce Andromeda to you?'

'It has not escaped me,' replied Lucius. 'And Bella, although I really like your mother, and she has been always very dear to me, does she realize that Andromeda and I have nothing in common, nor will we ever get along properly?'

'She is desperate about her, we all are. Not an ounce of proper Black in that one. If I didn't know mother better, I would say Daddy is not her father,' said Bella.

'That would be an outrage that would shock our high society,' snickered Lucius. 'Narcissa seems far more proper, however,' said Lucius, casting a glance towards the fair-haired girl walking ahead of him.

'Why Lucius, I did not know you cared for her in that sense… Tsk, you know it would be improper for you to propose to the youngest of Blacks, when there are two unmarried ones,' replied Bella, batting her eyelashes in mock adoration towards her friend. If Lucius were the sort of man to wear his feelings on his sleeves, he would have been blushing furiously at the moment.

'Bella, what would Rodolphus say? Mind you he can't best me in a duel, but I am sure he would still try,' said Lucius in a mocking tone. 'I did not mean it like that, though. I merely complimented your family on their most excellent daughter.'

'Of course you did Lucius, never meant anything about it,' laughed Bella, just as they were entering the salon.

'Cissy, do you realize that in less than two weeks time we are going back to Hogwarts,' said Bella, turning towards her sister.

'I don't quite share your enthusiasm Bella,' replied Narcissa, creasing down an invisible fold of her robe. 'I always found that place rather dull, with too many people I don't like.'

'Perhaps this year will prove more interesting…' implied Bella.

'Since it is your last year?' asked Narcissa while sipping tea.

'Not really what I meant,' said Bella looking at Lucius, who raised an eyebrow in return 'But we'll see.'

As the hour was getting late, Abraxas looked pointedly at Lucius and then at the door. A discreet nod from his son was the cue he needed as he stood up, putting his glass down.

'Cygnus, Druella, this has been a pleasure, but I am afraid we must leave you,' said Abraxas.

'Surely you could stay longer?' inquired Druella politely.

'I am afraid I have early business to attend to in the morning,' replied Abraxas. 'Thank you for a lovely evening.'

Lucius stood to take his goodbyes as well. 'Bella, I guess I shall see you at the ball on Sunday,' said Lucius, kissing her on the cheek.

'I don't know, I'll see if I can find the time to attend,' replied Bella dramatically. Lucius merely grinned and turned towards the youngest.

'Narcissa, I am sorry we did not get to talk more, but the seating arrangement was awkward,' said Lucius, kissing her hand.

'Not a problem Lucius, I trust I shall have your company for the ball on Sunday.'

'My company and my full attention, Narcissa,' replied Lucius, smiling at her and turning to Andromeda.

'Good evening Andromeda,' said Lucius, briefly brushing his lips against her hand. 'It has been a pleasure as always.' Andromeda merely looked annoyed at the sarcasm dripping from his voice, but let it slide without comment.

After taking his goodbyes from Cygnus and Druella, with the promise to see them again shortly, Lucius and his father exited Ravensden and walked towards the apparition point. Abraxas, as usual was the one to break the silence.

'Did you have a good time Lucius?'

'Yes it was entertaining,' replied Lucius curtly.

'Do you want to come to the Manor?' asked Abraxas, his usual commanding voice less powerful.

'No father, I will go straight to the townhouse. That is, unless you have some business with me?' inquired Lucius formally.

'No, no business whatsoever,' crisped up Abraxas. 'Good night Lucius.'

'Good night father.'

A soft double pop marked the Disapparation of the two, leaving the gardens of Ravensden dead quiet.

The Lestranges Ball was the social event of the autumn. As such, anybody who was someone in the wizarding world was in attendance. The large congregation of Purebloods in one place made it a very useful place for socializing, arranging alliances and cementing business deals. Their reputation being on the line, the Lestranges spared no expense at its organization.

A soft pop marked the appearance of Abraxas Malfoy. Two ceremonial guards, with staffs rather than wands opened the gates without question, allowing the Malfoy patriarch in the gardens.

A loud thump could be heard, made by the banging of a staff on the marble floor. 'Announcing Lord Abraxas Malfoy,' the guard spoke in reverent tones. Several heads turned around at the announcement, and the murmur dimmed to some extent. Spotting Cygnus on the far side, near the fireplace, Abraxas navigated his way around the crowd, greeting, joking, promising and receiving assurances of favours to come. His grand tour of the chamber complete, he took a glass of red wine from the tray an elf was carrying and greeted his friend and his wife.

'Abraxas, a pleasure to see you,' said Druella. 'You must excuse me though, I see Lady Lestrange and I have something to tell her.' The tactful retreat left the two men alone; free to conduct their business undisturbed.

'Where is Lucius?' asked Cygnus, his eyes looking around the chamber searching for him.

'I don't know, he did promise he would come though, so I am not worried.' Replied Abraxas calmly.

'Have you given any thought as to what you will implicate him in once he finishes his schooling?' asked Cygnus.

'I plan to induct him into the Nobilitas. I shall push for placing him in some position in the party, perhaps co-ordinating our affairs in the House of Commons,' said Abraxas.

'He will not like that posting. Lucius despises dealing with their kind,' replied Cygnus. 'Haven't you given any thought about placing him somewhere in the Ministry?'

'He's too young for that. If I hand him life on a platter, he will never grow to amount something of himself. Now, I have decided. He will start in the party, I plan to have him elected to the House of Commons, and then move his way up. I must prepare him for taking up the Lordship, so he must learn the intricacies of politics,' said Abraxas.

'He is your son, after all. I am sure he will perform adequately. Speaking of the devil,' said Cygnus, gesturing towards the entrance door, where the guard was announcing him in.

Lucius took the assembly in, while searching for Bella and Rodolphus. Finally, spotting them sitting on the opposite side of the room he was in, he cursed his misfortune, as he had to cross the entire length of the hall. True to his reputation, he put forward a charming smile, and strode intently towards his friends. Not five steps into the room, he was accosted by Marie Parkinson, and her mother.

'Lucius, what a pleasure to see you here,' exclaimed Mrs Parkinson, in a false cheery voice. In fact, false and cheery described Mrs Parkinson perfectly. She was moderately tall, of French descent, with the adequate hating of British Cuisine, and always wore a polite smile and a kind word. In private, she was one of the most vicious women you could come across.

'Lady Parkinson, the pleasure is all mine,' said Lucius, bowing curtly at the waist.

'I trust you've met my daughter, Marie?' asked Mrs. Parkinson, gesturing towards her pretty, but unremarkable daughter standing next to her.

'Of course I have, she is in Narcissa's year,' said Lucius, causing Mrs. Parkinson's attitude to frost over slightly. 'Marie, you look wonderful as ever.'

'Well, she has been talking all summer of how Hogwarts will not be the same without you. Slytherin House will seem empty without a Malfoy,' said Mrs. Parkinson.

'I am afraid we must all at one point move on with our lives. I enjoyed my time in Hogwarts, but it is time to move towards greater things,' said Lucius, causing the two Parkinsons to break out into sheep like nods. 'It has been a pleasure Ladies, I hope you enjoy yourselves tonight,' and with a flourish and a curt nod proceeded to make his way towards Rodolphus, leaving a disappointed Mrs Parkinson behind.

'Lucius, are we going to be celebrating your wedding with Marie anytime soon?' asked Rodolphus, earning himself a death glare from Lucius, and a laugh from Bella.

'The thought had not occurred to me, no,' replied Lucius calmly. 'I do believe that was where that conversation was supposed to end though.'

'Too sad for the Parkinsons then,' replied Bella. 'So, have you two given any thought about what we are going to do this year?'

'Same old Hogwarts, really,' started Rodolphus. 'We'll go to school, wasting our time on that idiotic train, when we could apparate there-'

'Rodolphus, how can you even consider this?' interrupted Lucius with mock horror. 'It's not fair to the Mudbloods, since the Ministry doesn't allow them to Aparate!'

'Yes Rodolphus, 'said Bella adding her sarcasm to the matter. 'I thought you would be more considerate towards them. I don't think I can stand you being so bigoted.'

'Enough you two, I have had quite enough of your sarcasm,' replied Rodolphus in good nature. 'We need to make this year special. It's our last one.'

'I don't know about you, but I can't wait until I graduate. Hogwarts bores me lately,' drawled Lucius.

'I don't think you'll have that impression afterwards, but each to his own I suppose,' replied Bella, annoyed that Lucius' eyes had drifted from the conversation. 'What is it Lucius?'

'That man your sister is dancing with, who is he?' asked Lucius, his eyes narrowing at the stranger.

'Some French wizard mother invited,' replied Rodolphus 'I can't remember his name though.' Bella's eyes turned to the interruption, taking in a French wizard, who looked about 20 years of age, with brown hair. The usually composed Narcissa was smiling and whispering to him while they were waltzing.

Lucius made his way across the dance floor, ignoring the people around him, until he reached the couple.

'You wouldn't mind if I were to interrupt, would you?' asked Lucius, staring down at Narcissa's dancing partner.

'Mr. Malfoy,' started the French pompously 'I am Pierre Delacroix.'

'Enchante,' said Lucius, taking Narcissa's now free hand and proceeding to ignore the Frenchman, who now turned an ungainly shade of red.

'That was very rude of you Lucius,' said Narcissa, looking up at her dance partner.

'Perhaps,' said Lucius 'but I do remember I was supposed to make it up to you after dinner on Wednesday.'

'And you decided to do that by scaring away my dance partner?' laughed Narcissa. 'I wonder what you would have done if you were actually escorting me to the ball.'

'Who knows?' replied Lucius mysteriously, continuing to dance to the elegant tunes of the waltz. No more words were exchanged between the two until the end of the dance.

'You are a wonderful dancer Lucius,' replied Narcissa, bowing slightly.

'Yes, my mother put great importance on it,' replied Lucius, looking slightly downcast. Narcissa choose not to reply on the sensitive subject, merely nodding and walking back with Lucius towards Rodolphus and her sister. Unfortunately, their path was intersected by the former dancer.

'Mr. Malfoy,' snapped Pierre. 'You have insulted me tonight, and I demand satisfaction!' The guests nearby froze at the declaration, causing the rest of the chamber to crank their necks trying to hear what had happened.

'Don't be foolish boy!' replied Lucius, his posture changing from elegant to vicious.

'You refuse my challenge?' said Pierre. 'Have you no honour?'

'What challenge?' mocked Lucius. 'All I heard was whining.'

'I, Pierre Delacroix, pureblooded to the fifth generation challenge Lucius Malfoy to a duel of honour.'

'Very well,' replied Lucius. 'Remember that I had given you the chance to back down. Who is your second?'

'Francois,' said Pierre. A huge man, his size making you wonder of his purity, made his way from the audience to join his friend.

'Rodolphus,' said Lucius, turning towards his friend. 'Will you be my second?'

'Of course, Lucius, although I don't think I'll be needed,' said Rodolphus, sneering at the two French.

Lady Lestrange was shocked. A duel at her ball! Could they not have agreed to take it up in the morning? Despite her feeble protests, the duellers made their way outside, in the garden, preparing themselves. Abraxas looked unfazed, although Cygnus had commented that he should try to stop it.

'Lucius can take care of himself old friend,' said Abraxas 'I have no worries.'

Lord Lestrange, as host was obliged to set the terms. It was a useful custom, preventing unnecessary bloodshed, in the case of a sane host that was ingrained in pureblood code as much as mudblood hating.

'Wizards, the duel will commence as follows. No Avada Kedavra curses will be used, as well as any others causing instant death. The duel will end at first blood or in disarmament,' proclaimed Lord Lestrange. 'I do not want to see a death here.' Seeing the two combatants nod, and make their way to their respective sides of the impromptu duelling arena, he set off sparks from his wand signalling the beginning of the duel.

'Expelliarmus!' shouted Pierre, forgetting that yelling a spell did nothing for its potency. Lucius was content to merely deflect the curse back, with a flick of his wand, causing Pierre to put up a hasty Protego. Seeing that his initiative had no effect, Pierre fired four rapid Expelliarmus, followed by a Stupefy in the centre, in a checker pattern, hoping that Lucius could not deflect them all. Calmly, Lucius spun around, avoiding the first too, using a Protego to absorb the stunner and for the first time since the start of the duel, fired a bludgeoning hex at his opponent. Distracted by looking at his fancy spellwork, and expecting results, his meagre Protego had no chance to stop the powerful spell, which ripped through his shield, bashed against his body, twisting him in mid air and throwing him against a tree, making him loose his wand in the process.

Lord Lestrange called off the duel and went to inspect Pierre, who was sporting a bloody arm from where he scrapped on the ground, and had lost his wand.

'According to the rules, Mr. Malfoy is declared the winner,' announced Lestrange, under polite applause from the audience. Lucius bowed slightly, then went to help Pierre up, who embarrassed, accepted the outstretched hand.

By the time the last guests were about to leave, the event was nearly forgotten, with Lady Lestrange's nerves very grateful that the duel ended shortly and with minor wounds. A death would have attracted the ministry and no one needed their meddlesome bureaucrats.

It was a peaceful period, and occasional duels were means for the young to blow off some steam, rather than engage in other perilous activities.

Meanwhile, in Muggle London, on a filthy alley

A weirdly dressed man strode through the unlikely destination of East End, his destination not known yet. A gang of robbers, thinking their target easy prey followed him to a dark alley, one that ended in a brick wall and mounds of trash.

'Hey, you better give us all you got, if you want to live,' said the tallest, and coincidentally the smelliest of the three.

'Be quiet Muggle, I am thinking,' replied the man in an eerie serpentine voice.

'Hey boys, we have ourselves a crazy one,' replied the one who looked to be second in command. 'Let's show him how life is in the real world.' The wizard did not reply, but turned around, and perhaps if the three were sober or had any mental faculties, the murderous glance the wizard threw them would have caused them to run away.

'Avada Kedavra,' hissed the wizard, aiming the deadly curse at the tallest man. The two remained gob smacked at the sudden collapse of their leader, until the wiser one attempted to run away. After another set of killing curses, the other two joined their leader in whatever stood as the after life for the three criminals. Just then the clouds cleared, and the pale moonlight revealed a pair of red eyes that flashed with hate, malevolence and disgust at the world.