As the harmonizing magic surged through her, Nagini's serpentine body twisted more violently than ever. Moments later, Erwin withdrew his fingers, and she began to settle, her coils loosening on the table.
He frowned. Had it failed?
But then Nagini shuddered. Her tail end shimmered, morphing into a pair of slim, pale legs. The transformation rippled upward, scales giving way to smooth skin until, at last, a young woman with delicate Asian features lay before him. She wore simple robes patterned like her former scales, long black hair spilling over her shoulders. Her eyes remained closed, her expression serene.
Erwin stared, wide-eyed. This was a revelation. Nagini appeared no older than her early twenties—had the blood curse preserved her youth indefinitely? Eternal life in serpent form? It was a power worth exploring. Ancient wizarding lore was full of such hidden treasures.
He considered drawing a sample of her blood for study, but before he could act, her eyelids fluttered open.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice soft and disoriented.
"Erwin Cavendish," he replied with a grin. "Pleased to meet you."
Nagini sat up slowly, scanning the room. "Where am I?"
"Diagon Alley, Cavendish's Magical Supplies Shop," Erwin said. "You've lost a lot of memories. I'll have someone fill you in—I've got places to be."
He rapped on the table. Old Tom entered promptly.
"Master Erwin," the butler said, bowing.
"Old Tom, start from Grindelwald's era and bring her up to speed. She's like a relic from the past." Erwin glanced at Nagini. "And fetch some food—she might fancy rats?"
Nagini's eyes widened in horror. "I don't eat rats!"
Erwin chuckled, already vanishing in a swirl of Apparition. "Just a jest. Sort her out, Tom."
Old Tom nodded reassuringly. "Of course, Master. I'll prepare a proper meal and explain everything."
Nagini exhaled, relieved, as the door clicked shut behind Erwin.
Outside Malfoy Manor, the grand iron gates parted at Erwin's approach. Lucius emerged swiftly, his face a mask of strained politeness.
"Erwin," he said, clasping his hand. "Right on time."
"Uncle Lucius," Erwin replied evenly. "How have you been?"
Lucius sighed, leading him through the manicured gardens toward the looming stone manor. "Not well, if I'm honest. Come inside—we'll talk."
Erwin nodded, suppressing a knowing smile. The Dark Lord's return had everyone on edge, but Lucius had more reason than most. As a former Death Eater who'd been unmasked, his survival hinged on timely betrayal. Comfortable exile in Azkaban's shadow, bought with disloyalty—Erwin remembered the details all too well.
Narcissa appeared in the foyer just as they entered, her elegant robes swishing. "Lucius, a guest?"
Spotting Erwin's platinum-blond hair, her face brightened. "Oh, my dear boy! You've come!"
"Aunt Narcissa," Erwin said warmly, offering a polite bow.
She rushed forward, linking her arm through his and nudging Lucius aside with practiced ease. Lucius's mouth tightened in irritation—clearly, this dynamic chafed.
Narcissa beamed up at Erwin. "Come, sit by the fire. Dobby! Tea for our guest, and be quick about it, you lazy elf!"
The house-elf Dobby scurried off, ears flapping. Erwin watched him go, intrigued. The elf from the tales—loyal to a fault in some ways, treacherous in others. Erwin respected house-elves' devotion; it mirrored the unyielding loyalty he demanded from his own household. Betrayal, even for "freedom," was unforgivable. Dobby's heroics with Harry Potter might win hearts in stories, but to Erwin, it was simple disloyalty. No sentimentality there—a family thrived on trust, nothing less.
In the drawing room, flames crackled in the marble fireplace as Narcissa fussed over him. "What shall we have for dinner, dear? The elves can whip up anything."
Before he could answer, she continued, "Draco mentioned you enjoy pure-blood cuisine. Our lot aren't the best at it, but I'll borrow a couple of elves from the Blacks—they're wizards at it!"
Erwin waved her off gently. "No need, Aunt. A simple meal will do. Where's Draco, anyway?"
"Out with Potter and his lot since morning," she said with a fond eye-roll. "That boy's been dabbling in the Muggle world—brought back the oddest gadgets. Shall I call him?"
She reached for her enchanted communicator, its gold casing gleaming.
Erwin shook his head. "School's nearly back in session; I'll catch him there. Just hope he hasn't slacked off over the holidays—discipline keeps him sharp."
Narcissa laughed. "Discipline him as you see fit! He's improved under your guidance, but a firm hand never hurts. Treat him like a little brother; you're the elder here."
Erwin smiled. "I will, Aunt."
As Narcissa launched into animated chatter about family gossip and summer scandals, Lucius paced nearby, his impatience growing. He had urgent matters to discuss—Voldemort's shadow loomed large, and alliances were shifting—but his wife monopolized the conversation, leaving him sidelined once more.
Erwin listened patiently, his mind already turning to the undercurrents. The Malfoy household was a powder keg, loyalty frayed by fear. It was time to gauge just how far Uncle Lucius's nerves had unraveled.
...
WANT 15 BONUS CHAPTERS?
Enjoy the read, and let's get started on the next goal immediately!
Power Stones: [127]/200
5 Star Reviews: [12]/20
— MrGrim