Thankfully, after their chat wound down, dinnertime approached. Narcissa, still fretting, insisted on cooking for Erwin herself.
Lucius paled at the news. "Er, Narcissa, isn't that overkill?"
She shot him a sharp look. "Nonsense. Erwin's come all this way—I'll handle it personally. You keep him company, and if he's not pleased, you'll answer to me."
With that, she bustled off to the kitchen.
Lucius let out a heavy sigh. What would be, would be. No dodging it now. At least this gave him a moment alone with Erwin.
"Erwin," he said bluntly, "has the Dark Lord truly returned?"
Erwin nodded. "Yes, he's back—but just in spirit form for now. With his talents, though, he'll regain his full power soon enough."
Lucius's brow furrowed, a flicker of fear crossing his eyes at the mention of Voldemort.
"Uncle Lucius, you're worried?" Erwin asked.
He nodded. "No point denying it. You know I was a Death Eater once. And you've heard the rumors about how I slipped away from it all."
"I know the basics," Erwin replied. "That's why the Malfoy name carries such a stain in the wizarding world."
Lucius managed a bitter smile. "Can't be helped. Reputation means nothing next to survival. I won't let the family crumble on my watch. I'd pay any price for that."
Erwin inclined his head. "I respect what you've done for them, Uncle. If it were me, I'd likely choose the same path."
Lucius leaned forward. "Erwin, I'm at a loss now. I can't drag the Malfoys into another mess. Draco and Narcissa—they can't suffer for my mistakes."
"So what did the Dark Lord ask of you?" Erwin pressed.
Lucius paused, then retrieved a slim black diary from the nearby bookshelf. "I haven't a clue what this truly is, but he handed it to me years ago. Said to deliver it to Hogwarts when the time was right. I'm not sure if now's that moment, but I can't hold onto it any longer. Dark magic radiates from it—chilling, overwhelming."
Erwin could read between the lines. This was one of Voldemort's contingencies, not for resurrection, but as a tool to unleash chaos: open the Chamber of Secrets, tarnish Dumbledore's standing, and sow panic with a couple of deaths. And with Voldemort's return no longer hushed— the Ministry was already hunting him—this would serve as the perfect diversion, buying time for his comeback.
In the original tale, Erwin had puzzled over Lucius's timing for the second year. But now, sensing the man's turmoil, it all clicked.
He took the diary, flipping through its blank pages. Voldemort's Horcruxes were nothing if not ingenious.
Handing it back, Erwin met Lucius's gaze. "You're confiding this because you want my word on something, aren't you?"
Lucius didn't flinch. "Straight to the point. Yes—I need to know your odds against the Dark Lord if it comes to that."
Erwin's response was steady. "I won't boast, but I can promise this: even if he returns in force, the Malfoys will be under my protection."
Relief sparked in Lucius's eyes. "That's all I needed to hear. So, what should I do?"
"Follow your instincts, Uncle. You've already weighed it out. As family head, hedging your bets is smartest—back me while bracing for him. No matter my advice, this diary ends up at Hogwarts anyway, doesn't it?"
Lucius studied Erwin anew, impressed by his insight. The boy sipped his black tea, calm as ever. "Whatever you decide, I'll ensure the Malfoys weather it."
A rare tranquility washed over Lucius at Erwin's poise. "Fine. But if things go sideways—if your plans falter—promise you'll shield Draco and Narcissa. My fate's secondary; theirs isn't."
Erwin smiled faintly. "You doubt me that much? Rest easy—I don't make promises lightly, or take steps without certainty."
Lucius nodded, catching the unshakeable confidence in his tone. "One more thing: Draco's been thick as thieves with Harry Potter lately."
Erwin waved it off. "No harm in schoolboy chums. Fits your two-sides strategy, doesn't it?"
Lucius scowled. "Potter? He's no prize to wager on."
"True, but Dumbledore looms behind him. Let Draco be, Uncle—give him room to grow. He's sharper than you realize; he'll prove it soon enough."
Lucius hesitated, then relented. "Alright, I'll trust your judgment."
They traded light remarks for a few more minutes until Narcissa's call summoned them to the table. Lucius's face fell, his glance at Erwin screaming sympathy: good luck.
Erwin shifted uncomfortably. Was her cooking really that dire? He half-considered bolting, but Narcissa grabbed his arm and steered him to the dining room before he could protest.
The spread was impressive—roasts, pies, and more, all steaming invitingly. She guided him to a seat. "Dig in, dear. Those bumbling house-elves couldn't manage it, so I did the honors myself. Give it a taste!"
Erwin inhaled; the scents were surprisingly tantalizing.
...
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