บท 7: Chapter 7 - Glimpse of Memories
1963
Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, a boy of only four years, was filled with excitement as he looked around the grand hall of Malfoy Manor. The ancestral home was being decorated for his upcoming fifth birthday party, a significant event in his young life. He was eager, not just for the party, but for what he believed would come. He had always wished to present as an Alpha, just like his father, Abraxas Malfoy. He wanted to see the proud look in his father's eyes when he was confirmed as an Alpha, to feel the pat on his head, and earn his father's approval.
But when the day finally came, Lucius' dreams were shattered. His presentation revealed him to be an Omega, not an Alpha. His father's face was hard to read as Lucius looked up at him, hopeful. But instead of the approval he sought, he saw a hint of disappointment in his father's eyes.
Lucius felt a lump in his throat, his heart pounding in his chest. The room seemed to spin. He turned and fled, running as fast as his little legs could carry him. He reached his room and threw himself onto his bed, tears streaming down his face. It was the first time he had cried in a long while.
Just as he was attempting to pull himself together, a small form appeared in his room. Dobby, a new, young house elf, had come to see what was wrong. The elf tried to comfort his young master, but in his despair, Lucius lashed out. He yelled at Dobby, telling him to leave. Dobby left quietly, but not before leaving a lollipop on Lucius' bedside table and wishing him a happy birthday.
After Dobby had gone, Lucius noticed the lollipop. And only for a moment, he felt a pang of guilt for how he had treated the elf.
It was not a 'Happy' Birthday at all.
But he ripped off the wrapper of the lollipop, shoved it in his small mouth and whispered a thank you, unaware that Dobby had heard him.
Lucius' sadness did not last long, however. His mother, Georgina Malfoy nèe Lowe, a stern but caring woman, came to see him. She sat down on the edge of his bed and held him, comforting him with soft words and gentle strokes of his blond hair. She reminded him that his presentation did not define him, that he was still a Malfoy and always would be. And for the first time since the presentation, Lucius felt a sense of relief. He still had his mother's love and support, and that was enough for him.
1965
The sleek, black carriage pulled by thestrals came to a stop in front of the imposing Black family estate. An estate that was clearly designed solely used only for business and gatherings. The Malfoys stepped out, Lucius sandwiched between his parents. The old stone manor loomed overhead, grand and foreboding, as if it was meant to intimidate all who approached.
Abraxas Malfoy, the stern patriarch, adjusted his expensive robes, while Georgina smoothed down her son's platinum blond hair. Lucius stood straight, his small chest puffing out with a sense of importance. He was only seven, yet he had a strikingly mature demeanor that belied his age.
They had been invited to a birthday celebration for Sirius Black, who had just turned five and, much to the delight of his mother, presented as an Alpha. Lucius had heard whispers about this from his mother. Walburga Black, the matriarch of the Black family, was practically glowing with pride and seemed to have gone out of her way to make this event a grand spectacle.
As they waited for their hosts to greet them, Lucius felt a twinge of curiosity and a pang of envy. He was an Omega, unlike Sirius, who was the Alpha heir of the Black family. This fact had caused some tension in his own family, and Lucius couldn't help but wonder what life must be like for Sirius.
Finally, the grand doors of the estate opened, and out strode the Blacks. Orion Black, Sirius' father, was a tall man with dark hair, and Walburga Black, a woman who exuded both elegance and power, was at his side. Sirius trailed behind them, a small, energetic boy with dark hair and bright eyes that sparkled with mischief.
This was the first time Lucius was meeting Sirius, and he was curious to see what kind of person the boy was. As Sirius' eyes met Lucius', a smile spread across his face.
Lucius couldn't help but return the smile, feeling relaxed and warm as he stared at Sirius. Something felt right at this moment but Lucius couldn't explain what it was. He didn't know what connection he made with young Sirius yet, but he will in the future.
Despite his initial apprehension, perhaps, he thought, they could find some common ground, despite their different presentations.
~~~
As the adults moved away, leaving Sirius and Lucius alone, Walburga turned to her son and issued a stern warning. "Sirius, you'd do well not to make trouble or you will hear from me later," she said, her voice as cold as ice. Sirius merely grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes, and nodded.
With that, Sirius took Lucius' hand, and, much to Lucius' surprise, led him away from the crowd. They slipped through a tall, iron-wrought gate and into the grand courtyard outside, a hidden gem away from the bustling celebration. The courtyard was filled with exotic magical plants and the air was filled with the calming scent of blooming flowers.
Sirius began excitedly telling Lucius that since his younger brother Regulus wasn't allowed to attend, and his female cousins were too noisy, Lucius was the lucky one to join him in his escapades. Lucius was taken aback by Sirius's forwardness, but he didn't protest. Anything was better than being stuck greeting the adults in the hall.
Sirius, filled with energy, was practically bouncing on his heels as he dragged Lucius around the courtyard. He showed him the magical plants, introduced him to the magical creatures that roamed the grounds, and shared his secret hiding spots.
Lucius, usually so composed, found himself swept up in Sirius's enthusiasm. The boy's energy was infectious. He found himself laughing, genuinely laughing, as they ran around the courtyard, leaving the birthday celebration far behind.
For the first time since his presentation, Lucius felt like he could just be a child, free of the expectations and disappointments that came with being an Omega. He was just Lucius, a seven-year-old boy having an adventure with another boy named Sirius, and for that moment, that was enough.
~~~
As they sat on the edge of a small fountain in the courtyard, Sirius turned to Lucius with a curious look on his face. "Hey! Do you have any siblings?" he asked innocently.
Lucius shook his head, his blonde hair catching the sunlight. "No, I don't," he responded, his voice quiet.
Sirius frowned, "Aren't you lonely?" he asked, genuinely concerned.
Lucius shrugged. He hadn't really thought about it. He was usually so busy trying to live up to his parents' expectations that he didn't have time to feel lonely.
Sirius seemed surprised by his response. "If I were an only child, I'd probably go crazy," he admitted with a shudder. "My parents are so uptight, especially my mother. She has a violent temper and is always spiteful. I don't understand why she's so obsessed with blood purity."
Lucius listened to Sirius's words, a shocked expression on his face. He had never heard anyone speak so openly about their family, let alone question the importance of blood purity.
"My Uncle Alphard says that Muggles aren't that bad," Sirius continued, "He said we can learn from them, and I believe him."
Lucius frowned at Sirius's words. "But my parents told me Muggles are stupid and a waste of magic," Lucius argued, his voice rising slightly.
Sirius glared at Lucius, clearly upset. He was about to argue back when Lucius quickly added, "But, I've never met a Muggle before. I don't actually know if that's true. I wanted to learn more about them, but my parents didn't like that idea."
Sirius stared at Lucius for a moment, his glare softening. Then, to Lucius's surprise, Sirius broke out into a huge smile. "I like you! You're my new best friend, Lucy!" he declared, his voice full of excitement.
Lucius blinked in surprise, then turned red from the feminine nickname. He stood, shouting, "I'm not Lucy! That's a girl's name!"
Sirius laughed and said, "But you're really pretty! Just like a girl."
Then, noticing Lucius shaking from fury, Sirius started to run away, back towards the hall, leaving a fuming Lucius behind him.
Stunned, Lucius began chasing the boy while yelling, "Why you—! Come back here!"
1969
Inside the Malfoy Manor, the atmosphere was thick with the scent of freshly cut flowers and expensive incense as house elves scurried about, making final preparations for a celebration. Lucius had just turned eleven and his parents had thrown a grand birthday party in his honor, a prelude to him joining Hogwarts in the fall. Yet, there was a tinge of melancholy in the air for the young heir. The once frequent and lively letters he exchanged with Sirius Black had dwindled to a mere handful each year, a decision born from necessity rather than desire.
The grand hall had been transformed into an elegant ballroom, with floating candles casting a warm glow over the faces of the pure-blood elite who had gathered to celebrate. Lucius, dressed in fine robes of emerald and silver, greeted his guests with a practiced smile.
Abraxas Malfoy, ever watchful, placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder. "Remember, Lucius, today is about securing your place among the elite. Let nothing distract you from your path."
"Yes, Father," Lucius replied, his voice betraying none of his internal struggle.
As guests lavished the young Malfoy with gifts and praise, Lucius found himself drifting towards the large window overlooking the estate's grounds. His thoughts wandered to the letters that he and Sirius had exchanged over the years.
Years had passed since that day at the Black estate, the day he'd felt the thrill of a true childhood adventure with Sirius Black and their connection. Since then, their only correspondence had been their letters.
Initially, their letters had been frequent and filled with the innocent ramblings of children. They shared stories of their lives, their hopes for the future, and, in moments of trust, their doubts about the strict codes that governed their society. But as the months passed, the content of their letters deepened, becoming more sensitive as they touched upon subjects considered taboo within their families.
Lucius' father had always been wary of their interaction, often reminding him, "Connections with others are tools, Lucius. Be mindful of what you reveal and to whom."
The implication was clear: a Malfoy must always be in control, never vulnerable.
It was a similar story for Sirius, whose disdain for his family's archaic values bled into his writing. His letters, once filled with mischief and humor, had grown increasingly bitter as he detailed his conflict with his family's suffocating expectations. It wasn't long before their parents started to take notice, casting a watchful eye over the letters that arrived with each season.
One late autumn evening, Lucius had been summoned by his father. Abraxas' face was an unreadable mask as he handed Lucius a letter – Sirius' letter – that he had intercepted.
"You must understand, Lucius," his father had begun, his voice a low, controlled timbre, "that while alliances are valuable, they must be approached with caution. Especially with someone as... unpredictably rebellious as young Master Black."
Lucius had felt a cold knot form in his stomach as he took the letter, his eyes scanning the familiar handwriting that spoke so candidly of Sirius' disdain for his family's obsession with blood purity. He knew then that their correspondence could not continue in such a manner. The risk was too great, and the potential fallout could damage more than just their friendship.
It was a decision made with heavy hearts, but Lucius and Sirius agreed to limit their letters to less frequent, more cautious exchanges. They would write only for their birthdays and holidays, ensuring that their words were carefully coded and innocuous to any prying eyes.
Even with these precautions, the thrill of receiving Sirius' letters never quite faded. Though it has been half a year since his last letter from Sirius.
Lucius' reverie was broken by the sound of his mother, Georgina, calling for him to join them.
~~~
The grand hall of Malfoy Manor was filled with the sound of soft music and the austere Abraxas Malfoy and the elegant Georgina Malfoy were leading their son around, presenting him to the guests.
The Black family's arrival was heralded by a flurry of whispers. Orion and Walburga Black, along with their two sons, Sirius and Regulus, walked in with an air of importance. The Malfoys greeted them, their manners impeccable as always.
Lucius noticed Sirius first. His old friend looked different now, his face covered in annoyance and unwillingness as he greeted the Malfoys. The second thing Lucius noticed was the younger Black brother, Regulus, whom he had never met before.
The boy had an air of quiet restraint, a stark contrast to Sirius's wild energy.
With a nod from their parents, Sirius and Regulus were left to their own devices.
Lucius, finding himself in the company of the Black brothers, asked, "Would you like to go somewhere less crowded?"
Regulus declined politely, his eyes on a group of children gathered around the dining table. "Thank you, but I'll stay here," he said, before walking away.
This left Lucius alone with Sirius. He looked at the younger boy, his face a mask of neutrality. Though his blue eyes lit up as they met gray ones. They were in public. Even though they had shared a friendship in the past and exchanged letters, it felt like an eternity since they last spoke. Anxiety crept into him and he wondered how much Sirius had changed or if they could still find common ground, as they had in the past.
This was going to be an interesting evening, he thought to himself.
~~~
The grand ballroom of Malfoy Manor, filled with the sounds of light laughter and soft music, was a stark contrast to the silence that fell between Sirius Black and Lucius Malfoy. Lucius, looking at Sirius, asked, "Would you like to go somewhere less crowded?" His voice was barely above a whisper, drowned in the noise of the celebration.
Sirius merely cast a quick glanced at Lucius, his gray eyes unsure and distant. He nodded almost imperceptibly, and followed as Lucius led the way out of the ballroom, towards the entrance area of the manor.
The two boys stepped out into the cool night air, away from the warmth of the Manor. A peacock strutted about in the expansive yard, its bright plumage a stark contrast to the austere stone façade of the manor. The sounds of the party became a distant hum, replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the peacock's occasional squawks.
Lucius broke the silence first. "Aren't you going to congratulate me?" he asked, turning towards Sirius. The question hung in the air, unanswered. Sirius's eyes remained fixed on the peacock, his expression unreadable.
Instead of responding, Sirius turned to look at Lucius. "Are you going to be just like them?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Like my cousins?"
Lucius blinked, taken aback by the sudden question. "What do you mean?" he asked, confusion evident in his voice.
"Like my cousins, Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Andromeda, all sorted into Slytherin," Sirius said, his voice growing colder. "Just like your parents. Like mine. Practicing dark arts, obsessing over blood purity, all that nonsense. Even Regulus is getting brainwashed by my mother."
Lucius was taken aback. So taken aback that he forgot to get angry and how he wasn't even greeted properly before Sirius started questioning him. He opened his mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come. He was lost in his own thoughts, Sirius's words echoing in his mind. Was he like them? Was he going to spend his life trying to please his father, following the path set out for him?
His silence seemed to stretch on forever. Sirius's gaze hardened, and he scoffed. "And I thought you were alright," he said, his voice filled with disappointment. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Lucius standing alone in the cool night air.
Lucius watched as Sirius's retreating figure disappeared into the darkness. His words echoed in Lucius's mind, a painful reminder of the choices he faced and the path he was expected to follow. His birthday party had suddenly taken on a much darker tone, and Lucius was left alone with his thoughts and the haunting echo of Sirius's disappointment.
~~~
Left alone with his thoughts under the soft glow of the moon, Lucius felt a chill run down his spine, and it was not from the evening breeze. The peacock continued to strut about, oblivious to the turmoil brewing in the young boy's mind. The echoes of Sirius's words hung heavily in the air – "And I thought you were alright".
Lucius looked down at his hands, turning them over as if he could see the future etched in his palms. He was a Malfoy, born into a legacy of power, prestige, and tradition. A legacy that, until now, he had never questioned. His life was predestined, a path laid out by the generations before him, a path that led to Slytherin, the house of cunning and ambition.
But what if he didn't want that? What if he wanted to choose for himself, to be more than the sum of his ancestry? To be more than just another Malfoy in Slytherin?
The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. For the first time, he was facing the daunting prospect of choice, of carving out his own destiny. He was not just a Malfoy, he was Lucius Malfoy. And he had the power to be more, to be different.
But could he? Could he defy the expectations of his family, his society? He wasn't an Alpha but an Omega. And if he did, would he end up alone, misunderstood like Sirius?
He looked back at the grand manor, the music from the party now a distant murmur. Inside were his parents, his relatives, his future. But out here, under the vast expanse of the starlit sky, he felt a sense of freedom he had never experienced before.
The party, the guests, his birthday, all seemed trivial now. Tonight was not about celebrating his birth. It was about celebrating his awakening, his realization that he had a choice.
Taking a deep breath, Lucius made up his mind. He was going to Hogwarts, not as a Malfoy, but as Lucius. He would carve his own path, make his own choices, be his own person. And if that made him different, even misunderstood, then so be it. He would rather be true to himself than live a life of pretense. Slytherin or not.
The night was far from over, and he had a lot to think about. But for the first time in his life, he felt like he was stepping forward, not as a puppet dictated by his lineage, but as a boy willing to embrace his own identity.
Lucius couldn't help but feel a strange sensation of exhilaration. His heart pounded in his chest, not from the sting of Sirius' words, but from the prospect of defying those very accusations.
A slow smile spread across Lucius' face as he imagined the look on Sirius' face when he defied his expectations. The surprise, the disbelief. He could almost hear Sirius stuttering for words, unable to comprehend the boy he thought he had figured out.
How amusing it would be, Lucius thought, to watch Sirius struggle with his own misconceptions. How satisfying it would be to watch him realize that he had been wrong, that Lucius was not just a puppet of his lineage, but a boy capable of making his own choices.
Yes, Lucius would make Sirius regret ever disregarding him. He would become such a person that Sirius would beg for his company again. He would not let Sirius escape so easily, not when he had found him so interesting, so intriguing.
And most importantly, he would not let Sirius escape because he was the catalyst for this change in him. Sirius, with his defiant eyes and sharp words, had unintentionally helped Lucius understand that he had a choice, a chance to be more than just a Malfoy.
His heart pounded with a newfound determination. The night no longer felt cold, and the moon seemed to shine brighter. He was going to make his own path, not just to defy Sirius, but because he owed it to himself.
With a final look at the dark path Sirius had disappeared into, Lucius turned back towards the manor. The night was long, and he had a lot of planning to do. His birthday party had indeed become a memorable one, not because of the grandeur or the gifts, but because of a newfound resolve.
As he walked back inside, Lucius couldn't help but smile to himself. "How fun," he thought, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. This was just the beginning, and he could hardly wait for what the future held.
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