Mirror, Mirror

Chapter 14.

Riley sat up with a gasp. The heavy curtains had been drawn on his bed, his pants changed for more comfortable pajamas. His parents had even put thick socks on his feet. How long had he been asleep? Had he slept at all? He vaguely remembered dreaming about dragons and Angel? What had been in that potion?

A muffled knock sounded from beyond the curtains, heralding the opening of a door. “Riley? Are you awake, kitten?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Riley called out.

The curtains whisked back, revealing his second mother. Her smile was warm and genuine, but Riley could see the strain about her eyes. “Me’re, what’s happened?”

“Aurors will be arriving presently to remand you into the custody of Headmistress McGonagall,” Narcissa answered calmly. “She apparently discovered there is a writ for your detainment in America. Being McGonagall’s sole heir spares you from immediate extradition, but the Minister will not grant you asylum without a formal hearing. McGonagall has convinced her that Hogwarts would be the best place to keep you.”

“Would it be?” Riley bluntly asked.

“Possibly. The wards at Hogwarts are some of the strongest in the world. Only Azkaban could more make you a prisoner,” Narcissa honestly answered, though with her version of the truth.

“And here?”

Narcissa pursed her lips. “Very few wizards can come close to Potter’s power and it took all his considerable might to break through today, with not near all our defenses raised. We are not without our own protections and have withstood our enemies for centuries from this very manor. If you wish to remain then no one will take you from here, warrant or no.”

Riley nodded, grateful for the offer despite the unanswered questions he could see in her eyes. He owed her an explanation, but there were some secrets he never wanted known. “Master Walsh and the American Ministry invested a lot into mm-my program. I’ve been successful avoiding them for months now, but if Nana’s caught their attention then they will come looking for me. I may be more trouble than I’m worth,” he ended softly.

His mother frowned at him with stern fondness, stroking his cheek. “You are a true Malfoy, then, neck deep in trouble and on the wrong side of salvation. Your father and I are well versed in these woes and the Ministry will safeguard a Malfoy just as they would a McGonagall.” She smiled, stepping back. “Now let’s freshen up so the Aurors will see a proper Malfoy when they arrive.”

“Mother, how long was I asleep?” Riley asked, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Now that he wasn’t puking up his innards his lower back was throbbing and he didn’t want to really think about what felt even more sore. He moved gingerly, determined to get that shower he’d been after earlier.

“Just twenty minutes or so. Lucius left to speak to his contacts at the Ministry and I gathered up the girls for a light meal. They really are a sweet group.” Narcissa spoke over her shoulder, perusing the shirts in the wardrobe. “Lucius believes Miss Rosenberg a true witch, but she never received a summons to any school.”

Well, that was news. Riley frowned, fiddling with his socks that had gotten themselves twisted about. “Willow was born and raised in Sunnydale. It sits on a portal to a Hell dimension. Could that have anything to do with it?”

“Oh most probably,” she flippantly replied. “It has most certainly tainted her. Her friend Elizabeth is right to be worried about her easy passage into the darker arts.” She finally selected grey slacks and a grayish blue shirt, a flick of her wand sending them and the matching underclothes to arrange themselves at the foot of his bed. “Take your shower. I shall be back in half an hour. Hurry now, my love, the Aurors should be along any minute.”

~*~

Lucius watched his son with a raised brow, not commenting on his less than orthodox entry. “Hello, father,” Draco said, dumping Ron’s dead weight on the nearest flat surface, a lovely glass table. His father’s right eye twitched. “My partner and I thought you might like a copy of the document McGonagall sent us after.”

The elder Malfoy marginally warmed, accepting the folded square of parchment. “Thank you, Draco.” The paper went into his breast pocket, Lucius turning to adjust his cuffs in the wall length mirror that ran the length of the dressing room. “McGonagall should be arriving any moment. Stay up here and out of sight. Once all of our guests have left you can come down to meet Riley.”

“Turan’s son?”

“Your brother,” Lucius firmly corrected, not blind to the flicker of confusion and anger in his son’s eyes before the boy’s mask fell back into place. No, Draco was not thrilled to have a sibling, but Lucius didn’t truly care what his son’s feelings were. Draco would accept or be made to accept. Before he left Lucius spared a final glance to the softly snoring Auror whose long red hair spilled like a fall of blood to his pristine floor. “Do remove that Weasley from my private rooms, Draco.”

~*~

His father’s eyes brimmed with pride at seeing him. Riley blushed, only his Auror training keeping him from fidgeting. “Almost perfect,” Narcissa murmured, sweeping around him before picking up his right hand. A heavy ring was plucked from the bodice of her dress, a large square emerald with the Malfoy crest carved onto its face, set into a thick platinum band. “We’ll think of something more permanent later, but for now this should work beautifully.” It reflected the light oddly but Riley didn’t have chance to question it before she slid it onto his middle finger.

A perfect fit.

The ring glowed mutely and Riley shivered, feeling a sudden heat sweep through his very bones. His eyes closed against the vertigo, but there were hands to hold him steady. Lips were on his mouth but he could barely feel them. He could barely feel anything beyond blissful warmth that made the cat in him lazy and sleepy.

Silver eyes opened to see Lucius smugly regarding him, strong fingers curled under his chin holding Riley’s head up. “So like Turan,” his father murmured. “Too passionate and gentle hearted for your own good. Listen to me, son. No matter what truths or lies McGonagall says you are a Malfoy. You will act as a Malfoy and you will remain a Malfoy. You will do and say what you must to make this happen. You will not take off this ring or allow anyone else to do so. Do you understand me, Riley?”

The words echoed in his head, over and over, crowding out any other thought, any doubt or fear about what was happening. “Yes, father,” he whispered and obedience earned him another kiss, harder this time.

“Very good.” Lucius looked over to Narcissa, who was again obsessing with Riley’s hair. “I think our son is ready to make his first public appearance.”

“Yes.” Narcissa placed a last hair just so. “He will be perfect.”

A perfect Malfoy.

~*~

It took Angel too long to regain control of his faculties, stumbling to his feet before drunkenly weaving for the door. He didn’t bother with his shirt or shoes, willing to go out naked if he had to. Riley could be dead or close enough to it that he couldn’t waste any more time on inconsequential modesty. No, he needed to find Riley now. From the way he’d run he probably thought the worst of him, of where things now stood between them.

Out in the hall the lingering musk of the boy led him, but he’d barely left his corridor when the ringing of voices drew him down a side hall that opened onto a small balcony overlooking the grand foyer. Small Juliet balconies encircled the main entrance like a string of pearls roping upward five stories, with one side being given to the staircase and its landing where he’d first met the Malfoys and the other partially to the gigantic doors. Headmistress McGonagall was down there with a dozen or so officious looking wizards dressed in red robes. They screamed ‘cops’, but Angel barely swept them with a critical eye before his attention went back to the grand staircase. Three tall, long haired blonds were descending, their cold, beautiful faces giving nothing away of what they thought of this new invasion. It took Angel a minute to recognize Riley, unused to such austerity in the usually open faced youth.

The boy didn’t appear hurt in any way. Which meant Riley had willfully severed their bond. The demon roared in outrage and the soul fought the impulse to jump the three story distance and beat the brat for his cruel insolence. The urge was so great the balcony’s metal railing groaned between his fists. Only the memory of a laughing, affectionate lover held him in check. Riley might not look physically hurt, but he was obviously changed. Was he merely hiding his hurt or was something more sinister going on?

McGonagall appeared equally unsettled. At the Malfoys appearance she’d started forward, self righteous and in a full temper. “Where is my grandson, Malfoy?” she demanded, wand out.

“I’m right here, nana.” Riley’s voice rang out clearly and coldly as he descended a step behind his father. Though those below could not see Angel watched Narcissa reach behind Lucius’ back to squeeze Riley’s hand. Her glacial expression gave nothing away. These people reminded Angel too sharply of life in a demon court; masks on top of masks and no action taken or word spoken without ulterior intent.

“Angel? A moment?” The vampire hadn’t heard Giles approach. He glanced over his shoulder, but didn’t turn away from the drama below. If Riley needed him, he’d be able to make his side in seconds, wizards be damned.

“Who are all the people in red?” He asked.

“Aurors – our police force, if you will. Has the curse ended? How do you feel?”

“The curse is dealt with.” Angel reluctantly turned to face the Englishman. “I can not believe some of the things I did, but it’s well and done.” He scrubbed at his face with one metallic smelling hand. “I didn’t handle things too well, when the fog lifted. I need to talk to Riley, explain things, that my feelings haven’t changed.”

“They haven’t?” Giles’ eyebrows went up. “Are you certain the curse has ended?”

“Yes,” Angel growled, his demon snapping at the end of its short leash. “Trust me, I’m not exactly happy about it, but I . . . might love him.” It was all true; he wasn’t happy about loving his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend who happened to be the AWOL magical son of a couple of evil wizards. But maybe not being happy was a good thing because he hadn’t had that much fun in bed, ever. The happiness clause of his curse was never likely to kick in with all of Riley’s baggage and his demon chuckled, content that loving the boy would never be boring.

“Well.” The glasses were plucked off, cloth appearing for a vigorous rubbing. “Allow me, Angel, to be perfectly blunt. Riley can never be yours. He is the heir of two powerful houses that have waged against each other for centuries. It is unfortunate, but he is reaping the whirlwind his mother sown falling for two dark wizards. Whichever house ultimately wins him will never allow the dishonor of marrying an untitled Dark Creature. Oh, do stop growling.”

“The Aurelius are a Noble line that go back millennium,” Angel huffed. He wasn’t some minion from nameless street trash! “My grandsire ruled Europe or did you wizards miss the Dark Ages?”

“None of which pertains to you unless you intend to revive the name?” Giles dryly fired back. “You have no legitimate claim on him.” He pointed to the wizards below. “Not one that they will recognize and respect. You are not a part of this world, of his world.”

Only Angelus could be recognized by the European Council so that was out of the question, but he doubted these people would even respect the Scourge of Europe. “Riley shouldn’t belong to any of them,” he weakly protested.

“I quite agree.” Digging into his pocket the Englishman handed him an easily palmed wooden box with a gryphon carved on its lid. “This is a portkey. Inside is written a word you are not to speak aloud until you have Riley physically in hand. It will return you to Sunnydale.”

Angel accepted the small box gingerly. “Thanks. What-“

“I shall look after the girls,” Giles correctly guessed his question. “If we have not contacted you or returned by tomorrow then Wesley will know what needs to be done. Try to get Riley alone. A wizard can track a portkey if they are in the immediate vicinity when its used.”

“I think they’ve done something to him,” the vampire reluctantly said, clutching the box tighter.

“They may very well have. Get him alone, get him back to Sunnydale and do not let him out of your sight. When I return we can check him over for any tampering.” They were essentially discussing an abduction, but Angel couldn’t care. He didn’t want anyone else to ever know Riley the way he did, to touch him as Angel had. The young wizard had given him something precious tonight, something more than simple trust. He’d been entrusted with his passion and innocence, gifts he’d foolishly trampled and now wanted nothing more than to reclaim. He didn’t deserve the boy, Giles was right in that one, but he still meant to have him. Riley didn’t belong with these people.

He belonged with Angel.

~*~

“I’m right here, Nana,” Riley called out to his grandmother, his voice sounding as hollow as he felt inside. Minerva’s eyes swung to meet his, clouded with confusion. Recognition when it came was faintly painful for it was swiftly taken over by anger and betrayal. She staggered back as though shoved and Riley felt himself waver. He did not want to cause her pain. Narcissa sensed his weakening and reached over to squeeze his hand, digging the ring into flesh until Riley submerged once more into the consuming warmth.

“You have accepted the Malfoy legacy? Cygnus!” his nana cried, fist going to her heart.

“It was always his,” Lucius said smugly, confident gaze sweeping the gathered Aurors. They were clearly hesitant at discovering their rescue victim was standing shoulder to shoulder with his abductors. Lucius recognized the senor agent, Thaddeus Shriklin, a man who rarely ventured outside of the rules. “My son is here of his own will. Headmistress McGonagall’s accusations are clearly fabricated.”

“No! Cygnus, whatever they have told you, it is all lies. You. Are. A. McGonagall. You do not have to accept their terms. Don’t make this stupid mistake.”

“You never wanted me, Nana, so just let me go to the family that does.”

She stubbornly shook her head and turned to Shriklin, standing at her shoulder. “I demand he be tested at the Ministry for any coercive potions or curses.” Obviously he wasn’t enough in his own head to be spoken to and Riley felt his lips twist into a sneer.

“That is within her right, Lord Malfoy.” Shriklin looked clearly uncomfortable, stuck between two powerful wizards, both magically and politically. No matter who came out the winner he would still lose.

Riley had no intention of entering any Ministry building, but he didn’t feel any fear as he stepped forward, putting himself between his parents and grandmother. “Nana, Lucius Malfoy is my father, the father I have always wanted. Narcissa is as a mother to me. The Malfoys want to give me the family I have never had. Please let me go.”

“Cygnus, you do not know these people you have pinned all your hopes on,” McGonagall beseeched. “They are vile, evil filth. Your mother ran from them with good cause or haven’t they told you that? That she hid you away in fear of these very people you would let take her place?”

His grandmother was skirting calling them Death Eaters outright; Riley had to bite his tongue to not blurt it out in front of a dozen Aurors he already knew the truth. Her vague accusations might have even swayed him if his parents hadn’t been honest about the past already. Instead her scare tactics fell on deaf ears as Riley stubbornly shook his head. “They’ve told me everything, Nana, and they are my parents. I am not bespelled or cursed; I’ve chosen of my own free will and I’ll repeat as much under any truth spell.”

“We have a warrant to remand Cygnus Rilius McGonagall, alias Riley Finn, into the custody of the Ministry,” Shriklin said authoritatively, holding forth a scroll bearing the Ministry’s seal. Somewhere far away Riley recoiled in fear of the thing, but outwardly he just stared coldly at the man, betraying nothing of the truth.

“No such person is here,” Lucius smoothly answered. “You may blood verify my son, but he is no McGonagall. He stands here as Cygnus Malfoy and your warrant does not demand anything from him.”

Riley submitted to getting his finger pricked over the unrolled warrant. Ministry writs were charmed to glow when the wizard they were sworn against were verified in blood. When the vellum gave no betraying reaction he and his parents were not the only ones to breathe a sigh of relief. The Aurors all visibly relaxed, Shriklin snapping the scroll shut with flourish before bowing sharply to Lucius. “Lord Malfoy, our apologies. Cygnus McGonagall is not present.”

Minerva McGonagall was not a woman to easily back down, but she was also not a fool. Her furious gaze swept the three blond Malfoys before resting on Shriklin. “I will be formally contesting the Malfoy claim to this child, you may believe that.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Shriklin calmly answered, “but until a subpoena is issued for Cygnus Malfoy we cannot take him into custody.”

“If the Minister orders such a hearing the Malfoys shall voluntarily appear before the Wizengamot,” Lucius announced smugly. “Until that time, however, I must insist you all leave my family in peace.”

The Aurors were only too happy to go; Minerva, after a final murderous glare at the elder Malfoys, gathered her dignity about her and left at the front of her red robed escort. It was a better exit than having to be dragged out and Riley was proud of her for it.

TBC.