The Wolf and the Lioness - A dragon among sheeps. (Patreon)

Druella Malfoy, Platform 9 ¾ – London

-There are whispers among the old families, my father sent me an owl warning that Lord Black announced a celebration, apparently he has an important announcement to make- said Pansy while preparing to leave the train.

-Mother said we are going to Diagon Alley for emergency shopping, apparently she commissioned a pair of gala robes for Astoria and myself, but we do not know the reason, both of us are speculating- Daphne answered calmly while adjusting the silver brooch resting against her silky blonde hair.

Druella sighed heavily before answering.

-I find myself in the same situation, apparently Lord Black is going to make some important announcement soon, tonight we have dinner at Grimmauld Place and my mother specifically expressed the importance that I should look…dazzling for the occasion- said the young Malfoy with a frown, causing both girls to look toward her curiously.

-Do you have any idea what this is about?- asked Daphne while the trio of beautiful witches descended from the train, observing the idiot Nott brat alongside his apes causing problems for the Boy Who Lived.

Again…

Merlin, Druella could not understand how a boy so…mediocre had ended up inside noble House Slytherin.

This pathetic spectacle had been the same for two years in a row.

Druella ignored the irritating bickering of the annoying children, Nott boasting about the gold and lands of his family while rubbing it in the Weasley brat’s face, Longbottom arguing back in return.

It was…tedious having to deal with both of them, truthfully speaking, though Druella would rather tolerate the small idiot a thousand times over before finding herself near his father.

Thaddeus Nott was…

A repulsive man.

And since the death of her father, he never wasted a single opportunity to insinuate that Druella would make an excellent Lady Nott.

The third one, considering the previous two had perished under strange circumstances, thought Druella while a shiver traveled down her spine.

Her mother Narcissa remained firm in her refusal, making it perfectly clear that such a union would never happen, but the man was cruel and stubborn, entirely capable of removing Narcissa Malfoy in order to break Druella and absorb the remaining wealth of House Malfoy.

Although now was not the time to think about such things, thought the blonde while stepping down from the train and immediately finding her mother waiting for her with a radiant smile, as usual.

Accompanied by Aunt Bella…

Now that was genuinely strange, thought Druella while walking toward the Black women with calm and elegant steps.

The young Malfoy said farewell to her friends, who immediately walked toward their respective families while Druella did the same, observing curiously how both her mother and aunt appeared extremely well dressed and carefully adorned…

Even somewhat provocative, she dared to think.

-Mother, Aunt- said the young Malfoy with that aristocratic tone so characteristic of maidens from the magical world’s upper class, warm despite the natural refinement in her voice.

-Druella- both Black sisters answered simultaneously, the only difference being that her Aunt merely gave her a small nod while her mother embraced her tightly despite the disapproving stares from the rest of the “proper” families nearby.

Druella returned the embrace before beginning to walk toward the nearest Floo connection.

-Is everything alright?- asked the blonde curiously, obviously referring to the fact that Aunt Bella was present and both women appeared practically radiant.

Her mother merely smiled mysteriously and answered.

-We are going to Grimmauld Place, your uncle Sirius awaits us- said the beautiful Lady Malfoy while looking toward her daughter with an enigmatic smile that only increased Druella’s curiosity.

-To Uncle Sirius’ home? Does this have something to do with the mysterious announcement everyone at Hogwarts is speaking about?- asked Druella curiously, even more so after noticing both her mother and aunt laughing softly at her words for some reason.

Narcissa looked toward her daughter with an enigmatic smile while Aunt Bella simply laughed openly, glancing toward Lucretia’s portrait with visible anticipation.

-It has everything to do with it dear, now stop asking questions and come along, they are waiting for us- declared her mother firmly as they finally reached the fireplace.

Aunt Bella stepped forward first, activating the Floo while leaving Druella momentarily alone beside her mother.

Narcissa gently grabbed her daughter by the shoulders, looking directly into her eyes with a smile full of pride and excitement.

-You look perfect my love, Aegon shall adore you, I am certain of it- declared her mother with obvious emotion, filling Druella with even more confusion.

Who the hell was this Aegon her mother kept speaking about?

Druella did not possess the slightest idea, but it was obvious he was important to her.

The young Malfoy merely shrugged before stepping into the fireplace, momentarily blinded by emerald flames followed by the familiar sensation of Floo powder transport.

A moment later, Druella emerged within the entrance hall of Grimmauld Place and found herself directly facing Aunt Bella, who was eagerly speaking with Uncle Sirius and…

Professor Evans?

What in Merlin’s name was the Iron Queen doing inside Grimmauld Place?

-Aegon’s workshop is simply astonishing Sirius, the wards he conjured are monstrously powerful, they make Grimmauld Place’s protections look like wet parchment, he is a powerful wizard and his knowledge…he creates miraculous potions with alarming ease, entirely unknown to me, he is the most powerful and talented wizard I have ever known- confessed the redheaded woman, causing Aunt Bella to puff out her chest proudly before responding.

-Obviously he would be a powerful wizard Evans, he is a Black, the new heir of the family, I do not know why you expected anything different- declared the curly-haired witch, instantly shocking Druella.

A new Black heir?

Who exactly were they talking about?

Had Sirius fathered a secret son nobody knew about?

The fireplace roared behind her, allowing her mother to step through while smiling radiantly toward Sirius.

-Where is Aegon Sirius? I wish to introduce my daughter to the new Black heir- declared Lady Malfoy, making Druella roll her eyes at her mother’s complete lack of subtlety.

Druella was far from stupid.

She knew her mother well enough to understand the message she was attempting to send.

-Where is my nephew Sirius? And what is this nonsense about a workshop?- asked Aunt Bellatrix with obvious excitement in her voice.

Uncle Sirius sighed before answering.

-Aegon currently has several projects underway, I assigned Regulus’ old room for his experiments-

Sirius’ voice sounded tired but strangely satisfied.

-Good to see you Uncle- said Druella with a small smile that Lord Black immediately returned.

-The pleasure is mine little one, I assume your mother already informed you about the news- he declared softly.

Druella frowned immediately and answered with precision.

-Surprisingly no, my mother has not mentioned anything regarding this matter- she answered, causing Sirius to look toward Narcissa questioningly.

Lady Malfoy merely shrugged innocently before answering.

-I wanted it to be a surprise- said her mother casually, making Druella stare at her incredulously.

-What exactly are you two talking about?- demanded the young witch firmly.

Sirius opened his arms dramatically, eyes shining brightly before exclaiming.

-I am a father!-

The words completely paralyzed Druella for one brief instant, absolute disbelief flooding her mind.

-What?- asked Druella, utterly stunned while immediately looking toward her mother and aunt for confirmation, both women nodding softly with smiles upon their faces.

-Holy shit!- exclaimed Druella instinctively, causing her mother to immediately frown.

-Language Druella, you are a lady, do not forget that- declared Narcissa firmly, making the young Malfoy roll her eyes in preparation for an answer.

At least until Aunt Bella interrupted.

-And what interesting thing might my powerful and brilliant nephew be planning? I am quite certain he shall not mind if Aunt Bella takes a quick look at his new workshop!- declared the world dueling champion while ascending the staircase with loud laughter.

-Bella! Do not bother him!- declared Sirius while immediately following after her, accompanied closely by Narcissa and leaving Druella momentarily alone beside Professor Evans.

-Miss Malfoy- said the redhead with her characteristic voice, cold as an iceberg and entirely worthy of her infamous reputation.

-Professor Evans- answered Druella politely with a small smile while looking toward her mentor in the noble art of potion-making.

-I submitted both your research and your potion to the committee in Sweden, we should receive a response within a couple of weeks. If the council grants approval, then your application as my apprentice shall officially be accepted- declared the redhead with a smile Druella had genuinely never witnessed upon Lily Evans’ face before.

The Red Fury, as the magical world called her, was an exceptionally powerful and talented witch, though entirely broken inside.

Everyone knew her tragic story.

The deaths of James and Harry Potter had shattered her completely.

Lily Evans had become a lethal witch, earning such reputation after personally hunting and executing more than twenty Death Eaters during the weeks following the Dark Lord’s fall.

Among the most important names upon her list were Antonin Dolohov, the Lestrange Brothers and Severus Snape himself.

The latter having suffered the worst fate of all for reasons entirely unknown.

Shaking her head lightly, Druella nodded.

-I appreciate your support Professor, potions have always been my passion- declared Druella with a soft smile precisely as they arrived before the room in question.

Which had…

Changed.

Even the door itself.

-Holy shit…- whispered Aunt Bella the moment her gaze settled upon the massive metallic doorway engraved with an imposing crest.

It resembled a three-headed dragon coiled around itself into the shape of a circle, crimson-scaled against the black metal surface.

It was…

An imposing and powerful symbol.

And the moment Bellatrix stepped closer, the dragon heads moved, staring directly toward her.

-Do you wish to speak with the master?- all three voices asked simultaneously, deep and powerful though obviously…synthetic.

Almost mechanical.

It was difficult for Druella to properly describe.

Aunt Bella stared toward the door in utter disbelief, at least until Professor Evans stepped forward and declared.

-Aegon’s aunts wish to introduce him to his cousin, open the door- ordered the redheaded witch, much to the obvious envy and disbelief of both Narcissa and Bellatrix.

-As you command Lady Lily- declared the dragon before becoming completely motionless once more while the massive doors slowly opened on their own.

And the instant Druella witnessed what the imposing doors had been guarding…

The breath left her lungs completely.

An enormous chamber, obviously expanded through magic, guarded by a pair of small potted trees with white trunks and crimson leaves, both moving gently to the rhythm of a soft and beautiful melody.

Further ahead, guarding a massive stone archway, stood two…

-Are those…automatons?- asked Druella in disbelief while observing how two colossal constructs made from what appeared to be bronze guarded the entrance with perfect discipline.

Sirius nodded proudly, the emotion within his eyes impossible to miss.

-They are, imposing and terrifying, Aegon made them- declared Sirius proudly while stepping into the main chamber, an enormous circular hall with a high enchanted ceiling imitating the night sky itself.

And standing directly at the center, hands clasped behind his back while concentrating entirely upon the artificial heavens above him…

Was the famous Aegon.

And by Merlin, words did not do such an impressive man justice.

He was tall, black-haired and devastatingly handsome, possessing gray eyes and a magnetism that was simply overwhelming, dressed in perfectly tailored black and silver robes.

And although his appearance alone was impressive, his magic was…

Monstrously attractive.

Simply standing near him caused Druella’s legs to tremble.

An effect which, surprisingly enough, also seemed to affect her mother, Aunt Bella and even Professor Evans, all three mature witches openly observing the unknown Black heir with intentions that were more than obvious.

Interesting, thought Druella while studying the handsome young man before her as though he were a piece of irresistible candy.

-If I can use Sagittarius’ influence to channel the power of the fire rune clusters, the problem is balancing it against the aquatic clusters- declared her mysterious cousin while speaking with the portrait of an unknown Black lady.

-It is simple young wizard, everything revolves around balance. Sagittarius is your best option due to the amount of power you may condense, however power without control is utterly useless. You require a counterweight, a water constellation that is equally dominant. Personally, I would use Cancer, its connection to the summer solstice and its status as a dominant sign would perfectly balance Sagittarius’ fire for this mysterious project of yours…although if you actually shared your plans, I could provide greater assistance- answered the portrait with obvious curiosity.

Aegon merely smiled before shaking his head.

-It is a personal project, I wish to complete it myself- he declared firmly, causing the Black lady to nod approvingly.

And at that precise moment, Sirius interrupted.

-Aegon, there is someone I need you to meet- declared Sirius calmly, though there was something…strange about his tone.

It was not the voice of a father speaking naturally with his son.

There was hesitation within Lord Black’s words, as though he constantly walked on broken glass around his heir for reasons Druella could not yet understand.

Something the young Malfoy found deeply curious.

Her cousin ended the conversation with the portrait before shifting all his attention toward them and at the same moment, with one indifferent gesture, the night sky vanished and transformed into some kind of heaven filled with swirling violet and blue clouds unfamiliar to Druella.

Though any thought regarding the ceiling immediately vanished the moment that exquisite male specimen began walking directly toward her.

Every step Aegon took caused her magic to purr beneath her skin like never before, making her feel strange and deeply pleasurable sensations.

Merlin!

Focus yourself, she thought desperately while swallowing hard the moment the towering magical presence stopped directly before her and observed her curiously.

Sirius simply spoke.

-This is Druella, Narcissa’s daughter and your cousin- declared Sirius while his eyes gleamed strangely, as though he had just delivered the greatest joke in existence for some reason.

The young Malfoy opened her mouth to introduce herself, however the instant those powerful gray eyes focused entirely upon her…

Druella forgot how to speak.

-A pleasure- declared Aegon politely and elegantly, his penetrating gaze focused directly upon Druella’s eyes while she merely opened and closed her mouth helplessly for several moments before quickly shaking her head and forcing herself to answer.

-The pleasure is mine Aegon, I mean, Heir Black- she answered with difficulty, blushing furiously at the quiet laughter coming from both her mother and aunt.

-Prepare yourself Aegon, the celebration takes place tonight. You shall escort Druella throughout the evening and make it abundantly clear that both she and Narcissa stand beneath our protection. There are several…individuals who consider them easy prey due to the absence of a Lord Malfoy. Our task tonight is ensuring that illusion disappears permanently- ordered Sirius with his unmistakable Lord Black tone.

Druella could not stop herself from shivering at the mere memory of Lord Nott, a reaction Aegon clearly noticed judging by the slight frown crossing his face.

-Is there any particular name I should concern myself with?- asked her handsome cousin calmly while shifting his full attention toward Sirius, who merely sighed before answering.

-Yes, several men have become problematic- declared Lord Black before proceeding to explain the current political environment of the magical world.

The extreme traditionalists such as the Notts, Yaxleys and Diggorys.

Or the foolish liberals attempting to transform the magical world into a copy of muggle society, such as the McMillans, Flints and Bones family.

-The truly dangerous families are the radical traditionalists led by the Notts. For years they have pressured Narcissa to remarry or force Druella into marriage with Thadeus Nott, something none of us intend to allow, but that man possesses no scruples whatsoever. We must remain careful- declared Sirius grimly.

Aegon nodded slowly while Druella observed his every movement with complete fascination, simultaneously noticing how Professor Evans remained extremely close to her cousin, unconsciously touching his shoulder every so often.

Something both Narcissa and Bellatrix had clearly noticed as well.

-Why do we not simply get rid of him if he is truly that problematic?- asked Aegon naturally, causing Druella’s eyes to widen instantly.

The reactions varied greatly.

Aunt Bella laughed softly while looking toward Aegon with obvious approval, her mother nodded subtly, Sirius grimaced in discomfort and Professor Evans simply answered.

-I wish it were that simple. The Ministry would create a massive scandal if a citizen of such "high standing" suddenly ended up dead overnight- declared the redheaded witch calmly.

Her cousin Aegon merely shook his head before responding.

-Then we simply ensure it becomes a perfectly closed case from beginning to end. I already have several ideas, although I shall not implement anything until I meet the man personally. Besides…his death could serve as an excellent warning for the rest of the families- offered Aegon, much to Druella’s disbelief as she stared toward the adults around her.

And to her astonishment…

Every single one of them looked genuinely interested.

-What exactly do you have in mind, son?- asked Uncle Sirius curiously.

Her cousin merely looked toward his father and smiled.

Apparently…

They would remain here for quite some time.

Lily Evans, Grimmauld Place – That Night

The sound of heels echoed through the halls of Grimmauld Place while Lily walked directly toward young Aegon’s workshop.

Lily was dressed to dazzle, wearing an elegant and feminine black and crimson gala robe, her body adorned with the Potter jewels she had not touched in over a decade.

This would be her first appearance at one of these events since the deaths of James and Harry and she knew perfectly well that, at least for a moment…

All eyes would be upon her.

With firm steps, the redhead entered the young Black heir’s workshop, intending to review the final details regarding how they would deal with Nott once and for all.

Simply remembering the…positively Machiavellian plan Aegon had devised for Thaddeus caused Lily to shiver with dark delight.

It would be an unforgettable evening.

Of that she possessed absolutely no doubt.

Sirius still carried reservations, but Lily already understood something important about the young Targaryen.

He would not hesitate.

Those eyes of his were cold and merciless.

Aegon was a killer.

Lily knew that with absolute certainty.

And therefore she had come here tonight.

To offer her assistance in dealing with the poisonous filth Elizabeth Riddle had unleashed upon them more than a decade ago.

A good Death Eater was a dead one.

Simple as that.

Upon entering the impressive workshop, the redhead could not stop herself from admiring every minute magical detail surrounding her.

The beautiful twin trees swayed gently beneath the workshop’s warm melody while the imposing automatons stood in the center of the chamber, shields and spears in hand while attacking Aegon mercilessly.

But Aegon…

Merlin.

Aegon wore nothing but a pair of leather trousers, an elegant and obviously dangerous sword resting within his grasp.

Forged from some kind of silver magical alloy, the blade glowed with a soft sapphire radiance while moving through a lethal dance against the automatons.

Lily watched with stunned fascination and dangerous desire as Aegon’s strong, elegant and sweat-covered body wielded the sword with undeniable mastery.

The redhead observed unknown battle spells, powerful manifestations of lightning, flame and frost dancing around the young Targaryen while he successfully held both constructs at bay and truthfully speaking…

Lily cared very little about the powerful magic in that precise moment.

Her full attention remained entirely upon…

Aegon’s body.

Young.

Powerful.

Virile.

His mere presence wreaked havoc upon the elegant silk panties Lily had chosen for tonight.

Suddenly, Aegon released a mighty roar and slammed his foot against the ground, unleashing a devastating orange spell that launched both metallic warriors through the air and shattered them apart instantly, ending the magical duel.

-Is something wrong Lady Evans?- asked Aegon while finally shifting his full attention toward the beautiful redhead.

-I wanted…I wanted to know how your plans regarding…regarding you know who were progressing- declared Lily while clearing her throat awkwardly and intentionally avoiding looking directly at Aegon’s delicious body.

The young wizard sighed softly and with one elegant movement of his hand, Aegon instantly became perfectly clean and fully dressed in one of the gala robes Bellatrix had personally purchased for him.

-That…is an incredibly useful spell- admitted Lily with obvious envy while observing how the young man transformed from a sweaty and devastatingly attractive warrior into some kind of fantasy prince in less than a second.

Focus Lily!

The redhead mentally scolded herself while swallowing nervously beneath the overwhelming presence of the young dragon standing before her.

-I shall deal with Nott tonight- declared Aegon with total certainty, causing the redhead to frown immediately.

-You must be careful Aegon…I do not know what exactly you are planning, but please, be careful- said Lily sincerely.

Aegon merely looked toward her with those perfect and infuriating gray eyes before silently reaching out and caressing Lily’s cheek, instantly stealing the breath from her lungs.

-Relax…as you have already noticed, my magic is…peculiar. Nott shall die tonight, do not doubt that- promised the handsome young wizard and for one brief moment, Lily observed those beautiful gray eyes shine with a powerful amethyst glow saturated with ancient magic.

The redhead simply nodded.

Utterly speechless before Aegon’s overwhelming certainty.

This would be…

A far more interesting evening than anyone realized.