Disclaimer: I own nothing that which belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Chapter Twenty- Four: The Bid War
The Dinner meal in the Great Hall was a grueling experience for Victoria, every single Professor plead their case of Masterdom to her before she was allowed to leave the table. Potions, Runes, Charms, Transfiguration, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Magic Creatures, Muggle Studies, Astronomy, Arthrimancy, and Divination...even Professor Trelawney came down from her tower to try to persuade Victoria to become her Apprentice, which Victoria along with Professor McGonagall ended up laughing until she fled the Great Hall.
"Alright Miss Prince, I shall lead you to your Quarters," Prof. McGongall said as she stood up from the head table. "You need to rest up, and you can think about all the proposals the Masters have given you before bed."
Like I would choose Divination? As if...you old fraud. You should have seen the answer before you even ventured away from your tower. What should I choose though? I don't think I could stand being in a room with Professor Slughorn longer than necessary. So that rules out Potions, at least for the time being.
Victoria stood up and followed Prof. Mcgonagall through the Professors' door behind the head table. Mcgonagall lead her through the sacred hall that had several hallways with different statues leading to various corridors near the House Dorms. There was a stairwell that had a badger statue that lead down near the Hufflepuff common room, and so forth for all the other House Dormitories. McGonagall bypassed Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff stairwells until the reached a stairwell that wound around serpent statue that led towards the Slytherin House Dormitory.
I may accidentally kill Professor Lupin if I pursue Defense Against the Dark Arts. I doubt I could learn anything new when it comes to Transfiguration as for turning into an animal? It does appeal to me, however I can just do that on my own. I just need a mandrake leaf. It's not like anyone will try to stop me.
Prof. McGonagall led the way through the barely lit hallway that had seldom few torches every so often. The hall seemed to go on and on forever. Within the hallway were many paintings of Potions Masters attending to their cauldrons.
"Do you think you can remember how to walk this way, Miss Prince?" Mcgongall asked as she made an abrupt turn down a narrow hallway.
"I think you may have to escort me a few times before I get used to it Professor." Victoria stated as she felt vulnerable and lost. I have never seen this part of the dungeons before. I wonder if students ever find their way into this hallway, by the looks of it...doesn't seem like it.
Lets see...Becoming a magizoologist does not spark my enthusiasm. I love Crookshanks of course, but other animals I could live without knowing everything about them. Don't get me wrong, I will read about them in books without issues, just the physical part of the job doesn't seem like me. So...What does that leave? Astronomy? It would appeal to me more if the study focused more on traveling through space, so I suppose that rules that out.
"I would have thought you would have engraved the path in your memory." Mcgonagall teased.
"I'm not that good, Professor. I promise, I am human as you are." She teased back and Mcgonagall laughed.
What about Arthrimancy? I have to say it really appeals to my inner mathematician, but I don't think I could just pursue that alone, so what else should I pursue? Runes or Charms?
"I suppose you are human, Miss Prince. Overzealous at times, however very enduring." Mcgonagall teased.
"Truth." Victoria replied as she crawled back into her thoughts about her impending Apprenticeship.
What of Charms? Yes, that certainly appeals to me, I would love to learn how to create more new spells. Wonder if they would allow me to pursue Arthrimacy and Charms simultaneously? I bet Headmaster will try to pressure me into Potions. Would they let me persu three Masters? I really hate to have to narrow it down to one...
Professor McGonagall continued to lead Victoria through a wind of passageways that Victoria had never known to exist, until finally they arrived at a portrait of a Potion's Master who seems content with brewing all sorts of exotic Potions. Ingredients on shelves and inside clear jars behind him. Some Victoria recognized such as bicorn horn, flobberworms, boomslang skin, nettles, bizor, and others Victoria could not recognize
"Hâlettung cildlic cwên. Hwêne winnan êower macian ðêos efen?" The Potions Master Greeted them as they arrived to his portrait.
Victoria canted her head to the side as she observed the Potions Master in his portrait. He had long raven locks, sun kissed skin, and piercing blue forget me not eyes. He wore a dark outer robe with grey-blue undershirt. He hunched over a boiling cauldron stirring it as his eyes met Victoria's before looking to Professor McGonagall.
"Miss Prince, this will be your new quarters, while you are an apprentice here at Hogwarts. It's in the dungeons, in a hidden corridore near Professor Snape's living Quarters. Potion Master Draca will be in charge of guarding your door, he speaks little English, but he understands what you say. So now, Miss Prince let Master Draca know your password, so you can head to bed and rest up. Headmaster Dumbledore will be taking you to the Ministry tomorrow , in order for you to take the N.E.W.T.s Exam." Prof. McGongall said as they arrived to the portrait.
"Cêosan êower lêafnesword, unweaxen hl¯æfdige." The Potions Master smiled as he looked to Victoria.
Victoria arched a brow to the Potions Master as she contemplated on a password. Is his name truly Master Draca, or is that what he calls himself because he is ashamed of who he really is? Does Professor McGonagall know he lied to her? Let me think...oh I know! "Ierre wicce." The moment she spoke the words Master Draca laughed maniacally as he slid aside opening passage into her new quarters.
"I didn't know you spoke his language Miss Prince, I best leave you to it. Feel free to unwind. I will come collect you in the morning for breakfast." Prof McGonagall smiled as she patted Victoria's back.
The colors in Victoria's new quarters were made up of a more neutral pallet than the House Dorms. Thankfully, I don't have to drown in Slytherin colors. I would have thought all the rooms in the dungeon would reflect the Slytherin Colors. Luckily enough, I was wrong. Upon entering there was a sitting room with black arm chair before the fireplace and two small grey-blue couches to either side. There was also several book shelves between the sitting room and the bedroom. It's almost like having my own dorm to myself with a little library of my own. I will have to find things to fill these shelves!
Beyond the shelves was an overly large four poster bed, a wardrobe and long dresser. All the furniture was made of dark wood and had gold or silver accents. The comforter on the bed was dark grey and the curtains draped across the posts were a lavender-grey.
Besides the far wall from the bed was a door that led to the lavatory and besides the door was also a golden Mirror over a vanity. Inside the lavatory was a sparkling marble clawfoot tub with golden faucets and spouts. The shower head was more like a hanging ceiling that came down and simulated rain as it extended across the length of the tub that was also surrounded by olive green curtains. There was also a small marble clawfoot sink and toilet hidden behind another door in the lavatory. Did I just get the Potion's Master suit? If these quarters are this lavish, how are Papa's quarters? I wish there were books filling all these shelves...I mean it's nice to have shelves but it would be best if books filled them.
Victoria sighed as she plopped down on her bed face first in the pillow. I think I better go to sleep. There is obviously nothing I could possibly read in here and I doubt Mme Pince left the library open so I could check out a book. I can hardly believe it...I'm taking the N.E.W.T.s Exam tomorrow. STOP thinking about it, or you will go crazy… Victoria sighed as she nuzzled her pillow forcing her eyes closed. Just breath in…..breath out ...breath in...breath out ...5...4...3...2...1… Amazingly enough, she fell asleep.
Out in the woods, Hidden in a small cabin was Garrick Ollivander. He sat watching out his window, he saw the shadows of the figures in the woods and he knew he was protected by the Fidelious but he was still terrified out of his mind. He watched the three figures walk past his cabin several times, they never once found the barrier that kept him hidden. However, every time they approached it his heart started to beat faster.
I don't know how much longer I can take this, they won't find me but I will be out of food and have to scavenge for more in about a week. If I could connect my flo, I could escape without incident...however, if I connect my flo I will no longer be hidden. These punks are going to be the death of me. I just know it. I will either starve to death or I will get so desperate I have to leave the barrier and they will capture me. Why can't they give up, it's been several days...why do they keep coming here?
Garrick sighed as he sat in the armchair before the fireplace. If I keep watching them, I'm going to have a heart attack. If I ignore them, maybe they will go away. But what if they don't go away? What will I do when I am totally out of food? Garrick stared into the flames of the fireplace. If they don't leave by Sunday, I will have to connect the flo and try to make my escape. I will have to see if Albus will help me again once I find another place to hide. I don't know what He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named wants from me, but I do not wish to find out. All my visions of confronting HIM have not ended well for me. I may be an old man, but I don't wish to die. Not yet. I still have to train my grandson to be the next Ollivander, Maker of Wands. This simply won't do….
"WE HAVE BEEN GOING AROUND IN CIRCLES! THIS IS POINTLESS!" Bellatrix tossed her pack on the ground and stopped on it. "I CANNOT TAKE THIS ANYMORE!" Her wand came flying out of her holster into her hand. She glared at the animals in the woods as they started to dart off away from her. Terrified of the Angery Energy she released as she cried out. "Avada Kedavra." She hissed as the spell shot out of her wand, causing Snape and Dolohov to jump to the side. The green orb shot through the air like a bullet and slammed into the back of a fleeing deer. The deer was dead on impact.
"Bloody Hell, Bella...Don't just go flinging spells off like that. You could of killed one of us!" Antonin exclaimed
"If that was my intention Antonin, you would be dead." She grumbled. "That wasn't nearly as satisfying enough...when we find Garrick Ollivander, you will allow me to play with him, won't you Severus?" She asked as she giggled.
For the love of Salazar! Bella is insane...for fuck sake! "Of Course I will Bella, not to worry. I will enjoy watching you play with your food." He smirked as he watched her take out her frustration on the animals of the forest using non-verbal spells, causing them to scream inhuman screams and shrieks in agony as her spells hit them. I think I am going to vomit, killing them wasn't doing it for you Bella? You have to torture them out of the tiny little minds? His face was tight in tension as he tried to keep his emotions at bay. Clear your head, you can't let her antics destroy your composure. You simply need to hold out for two more weeks of this, and then you can start Teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts…
breath in…
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breath out…
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breath in…
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calm tranquil thoughts…
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the ocean waves at the beach…
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breath in…
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breath out…
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Victoria will be in Slytherin…
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Breath in…
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Breath out…
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Reading a book in my study…
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Breath in…
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Breath out…
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Taking Points from Gryffindor
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…...Much better.
"I know I've been a lazy slime ball this summer," Ron pushed his finished scroll over to Harry.
"More like every summer, Ronald" exclaimed Ginny.
"HEY!" exclaimed offendedly.
"She's got a point there, mate. So are you truly finished?" Harry asked as he grabbed the scroll.
"Yes, that was the last one, Harry." Ron slouched down and rested his head over his arms on the table. "Thank Merlin."
"You better be Thanking Harry, Ronald!" Ginny smacked the back of Ron's head.
"What was that FOR?" Ron cried as he sat up and rubbed the back of his head.
"Thank Harry, you idiot." Ginny scowled.
"Thank you, Harry." Ron whimpered as he rubbed gently on the back of his head.
"No problem, Ron." Harry said as he scanned the scroll reading it quickly. "There are quite a few grammar mistakes in here, but I doubt the Defense Professor will care all that much."
Ron sighed as he rested his head in his arms again, "Good, I'm ready for a midnight snack."
"Miss Prince has not returned?" Narcissa asked her son, as he was sitting by the fireplace.
"No mum, I think she is staying the night at Hogwarts," Draco spoke softly in a defeated tone. "I had hoped she would have came back to sleep."
"Well I suppose it's for the best, she is likely taking her Astronomy exam right now, Draco." Narcissa said as she patted his back gently.
"Could be, I just worry about her. She seemed very distressed before she left mum. She was so nervous about the exams."
"I doubt she would need to worry, according to the Dark Lord she bested his O.W.L.s scores, and he was running the record for highest score for over half a century."
"I didn't know the Dark Lord was that old mum,"
"I'm not that old," spoke the Dark Lord as he entered the living room causing both Draco and Narcissa to volt out of their seats from the couch. The Dark lord wore his dark sentient cloak that hid his form and kept his face hidden in darkness.
"My Lord, I meant no disrespect," Draco exclaimed as he made an about face and took a knee.
Narcissa turned around slowly and bowed her head. "Forgive me my Lord, I should have taught Draco better manners."
The Dark Lord Laughed. "Not to worry...feel free to take your ssseats. I just overheard you discusssssing Missss Prince and was curiousss of what you had to sssay about her."
The conversation died as both Narcissa and Draco didn't know how to respond. Both still stood their ground in their meager positions of servaturd.
The Dark Lord laughed again. "Ssstand up Mr. Malfoy take your ssseat back on the couch. Cissssssa please sssit down." He watched as they both sat down, before he glided over to the armchair that was on the opposite side of the couch facing the fireplace. "Now, Mr. Malfoy, if you would pleassse ssshare your opinion, what do you think of Misssss Prince?"
Draco gulped, "Well, I feel that she worries over nothing. Her anxiety is unwarranted and if she doesn't ace her exams with flying colors, I will lose the Malfoy Fortune."
"Draco!" Narcissa exclaimed. "What if she fails her exams?"
"She won't mum, believe me...even the Mudblood Granger would be having a hard time keeping up with Miss Prince and she was known to be the Smartest Witch of the Age."
The Dark Lord laughed, "I believe you both have nothing to worry about, Cisssssa. Missss Prince is clearly beyond her yearsss...and ssshould be taking her N.E.W. Exams, not 6th year examsss."
"She should be an Apprentice...I'm sure all the Masters would fight over who gets her first," Draco laughed.
"I'm quite certain of that, two Mastersss have already inquired...sssomehow their lettersss were rerouted to me, inssstead of Missss Prince, I'm not quite ssure as to why."
"Two Masters have made inquiries, my Lord? Who made those inquiries?"
"Massster Pyritesss and Massster Croaker have both put in their bidsss." The Dark Lord spoke.
"Master Pyrites is a Master of Alchemy...what is Master Croaker a Master of?"
The Dark Lord took out the vanilla envelope and dropped it on the coffee table, "I didn't open Missss Prince's lettersss Draco. I just received them on her behalf, he's not well known that is for sssure. Ssso I sssuppose we will all have to wait for Miss Prince to read her Master bidsss. I sssuspect we may receive more bidsss before the week is out."
Draco looked to the letters on the coffee table. "Croaker's letter has an unspeakable seal...no wonder why he is unknown, whatever he is a master of, he cannot speak of it."
"Do you think Missss Prince would like to be an Unsssspeakable, Draco?" Narcissa asked, finally entering the conversation.
"I believe it could suit her needs, she absorbs knowledge like everyone breathes in air."
"We had to ban her from further study when she arrived, so I suppose Unspeakable would suit her well, My Lord." Narcissa stated as she clutched her hands together in her lap.
The Dark Lord shook his head. "Yes, I imagine she would make a ssspectacular Unssspeakable. Perhapsss you should encourage her to pursssue Master Croakers bid, Draco?"
"I think I will," Draco said as he genuinely smiled. "I think I should head to bed, I doubt Victoria is coming back until tomorrow evening." Draco stood up and stretched out, his arms reaching over his head, arching back as he yawned. "I hope you have a good evening, My Lord, mum."
"Goodnight, Draco." both Narcissa and the Dark Lord spoke at once to the retreating form of Draco Malfoy.
Translation:
As to the conversation between Victoria and Master Draca,
Hâlettung cildlic cwên. Hwêne winnan êower macian ðêos efen?
Greeting, child-like Queen. How do you fare this evening?
Cêosan êower lêafnesword, unweaxen hl¯æfdige
Choose a password, Old/wise Tongue.
Ierre wicce
Wicked Witch
Fan Trivia Question:
Question, do you know who Potions Master Draca really is?
Author's Note: I still need a Beta-Reader if anyone is interested in tackling this monster of a story. It seems to have grown three heads. Thanks for reading A Hidden Prince. Please leave a review in the little box!
Lost O'Fallon Girl