I walked through the train looking for Agnes, but so far without success. I didn't see anyone I knew, and the older students ignored me – it would have been pointless to even ask them if they had seen her.
In the middle of the train, I came across a compartment where Draco sat with Crabbe and Goyle. I knocked and walked straight in, without waiting for an invitation. Crabbe and Goyle had clearly put on a few pounds after the Christmas feasts; I had to smirk—they shared my love for food, though certainly not for exercise.
On the way, I realized I had forgotten to send Draco an owl with a thank-you note. It was convenient that I ran into him now – at least I wouldn't have to give him a gift in front of the whole house.
"Hey, guys," I greeted them, turning immediately to Draco. He looked colder than usual. "I didn't expect you to send me a gift, Draco. I had agreed with Agnes that we'd exchange them at school. I forgot to send you an owl, you know how it is—too much magic, too little time."
I didn't wait for an answer. I opened my trunk, pulled out the wrapped books, and handed them to him. So many emotions flickered across Draco's face from the moment I arrived that I didn't need to be a Legilimens to see how pleased he was.
"Thank you!" he blurted out, his ears turning red, and immediately began tearing the paper. I was genuinely curious about what he would say about the books.
As soon as he unwrapped them, he began to examine them inquisitively. The collector's items I bought him were expensive and richly illustrated. In the wizarding world, books usually contain simple sketches, but these looked truly luxurious.
"I wonder how the battle of good versus evil will affect him," I thought to myself with amusement.
"What kind of books are these, cousin?" Draco asked after a moment. "Why aren't the pictures moving?"
"Tolkien's fantasy world, Draco. A perfect story. Read them and then tell me what you think."
"Are these Muggle books?" I expected disgust, but there was more curiosity and interest in his voice. It probably helped that the bindings looked so expensive.
"Yes, the pinnacle of Muggle literature," I nodded. Without a word, I reached out my hand and summoned a bright flame in my palm. It was a total flex. "At the same time, it's great inspiration for the world of magic."
Draco stared fascinated at my hand, where the flame still danced, but after a moment, his gaze determinedly slid back to the books. I was sure he would read them; I was genuinely interested in his opinion.
"Thank you, cousin. I appreciate your gift," he said with a smile. I sensed a slight hint of shame from him. I wonder why? The emerald quill he sent me was luxurious and likely in a similar price category as my books.
"You're welcome, your gift was great too," I replied with a slight smile.
"Mother helped me with it," he admitted after a while.
Ah, so it was clear to me now. Mommy's boy.
"Your mother has good taste," I remarked matter-of-factly. "Have you seen Agnes by any chance? I need to find her."
"She's sitting in the last compartment," Crabbe replied surprisingly. It was probably the first time I had heard him speak in my presence outside of class.
"Thanks." I nodded a goodbye and headed off to find her.
It didn't take long before I found her. She was so engrossed in her reading that when I opened the door, she literally jumped.
"Hi, Agnes," I greeted her, but immediately after, I used Colloportus and drew the curtains so we wouldn't be disturbed by curious onlookers in the corridor.
"Patrik! Hi. Where have you been all this time? I thought you weren't even coming," Agnes blurted out in one breath.
"If it were possible to be a magical Animagus, she would definitely be a dragon," I thought amusedly.
"I stopped by Draco's on the way, I was bringing him a gift," I replied and immediately followed up: "How was it in the Austrian Alps? Did you enjoy the skiing?"
"Amazing, Patrik, amazing! The atmosphere, the magic, the shops... tons of snow everywhere, great people, and mulled wine. I even saw dwarves! Skiing was okay, I wasn't very good at the start, but then I got the hang of it." She took a breath and continued immediately: "Would you believe that Muggles have something called a snowboard? It's a large piece of wood they slide down the slope on."
Dwarves? I thought there weren't any dwarves in Harry Potter.
I had to ask about it immediately: "Dwarves?"
"Yes, you know... Gringotts' competition," Agnes replied as if it were a completely common thing.
"No, Agnes, I don't know. Tell me more about them."
"You really don't know?" she threw me a puzzled look. Then a flash of understanding appeared in her eyes—she remembered I grew up in an orphanage and missed out on a lot of wizarding history. With slightly red cheeks, she began to explain: "Dwarves are competitors to Gringotts and actually their enemies too. Gringotts are powerful because they control the gold in most major wizarding communities. From what I know, dwarves control the gold in Austria, Switzerland, China, Eastern Europe, and parts of Africa. After the last war between wizards and goblins, some families moved their wealth into the hands of the dwarves, which jumpstarted their growth. As long as there is a balance between them, they don't have a monopoly, so we don't have to fear another rebellion," Agnes explained in her own words. "At least that's how my father explained it to me, if I remember correctly."
"Interesting. And wise," I noted. "If Gringotts had all our gold, it could be seriously problematic in the future. In the case of another rebellion, definitely."
Agnes nodded her head: "And how was your holiday? It was your first time at the family estate, right?"
"Perfect. Rosier Castle is a truly magical place, and from the first moment, I felt like I was finally home. Vespera is a great aunt, and I must admit that I've progressed magically; she taught me a lot. Also, the Yule celebration and the ritual of honoring ancestors were truly exceptional experiences."
"Patrik, don't mention your ancestors' ritual just in front of anyone," Agnes warned me in a serious voice. "Most pure-blood families, except for blood traitors, honor their ancestors. But traitors like the Weasleys consider it dark or blood magic, and you could get into trouble for it. Better keep it to yourself or only for someone you completely trust. The Ministry is strictly against it."
"How can it be dark or blood magic?" I asked in surprise.
"I assume your celebration wasn't bloody or sacrificial, otherwise you wouldn't be asking. However, some families sacrifice animals or humans to their ancestors. At least that's how it used to be; today, all families keep their rituals secret for their own safety..." she paused for a moment and then continued: "I also celebrated our ancestors for the first time this year. I understand your feelings and just like with you, we didn't sacrifice anything living either."
A heavy silence followed. I didn't care about the Ministry; fortunately, I lived in a world where a powerful wizard meant more than bureaucracy and corrupt politicians. However, I had to grow up so that one day I could happily give them the middle finger.
I decided to cheer up the atmosphere, and what's better for that than a gift? I pulled a package out of my trunk and handed it to her with a small smile. It was the exact same gift that Draco received. I was curious what she would say about it.
Agnes accepted the gift but first set it down beside her. She opened her trunk and took out a package wrapped in dark green paper with a silver ribbon. She handed it to me with a smile. We didn't wait any longer and both started unwrapping.
I got a black sweater made of incredibly pleasant fabric, soft and form-fitting. It had subtle lines embroidered with emerald thread, giving it an elegant look. Along with it, she packed some Toblerone chocolates—she had noticed well what I liked.
Agnes looked over the Tolkien books with interest. After a moment, she set them aside contentedly. "Thank you, Patrik. I'd love to read them."
"Thank you too. I really like the sweater," I replied.
We sat contentedly for a while, but then I thought to ask about her friends. "By the way, I got some sweets from Yaxley and Nott. Do you know why? I've never talked to them; they always only sought you out," I mentioned curiously.
Agnes turned completely red and looked away.
"What the fuck kind of reaction is that?!" I thought worriedly. She reacted more than strangely to my normal question. She said nothing at all, just avoided my gaze.
"Agnes?" I prompted impatiently.
"Well... um, I don't know... I don't know how to tell you," she stared at the ground, her face practically burning.
"Honestly is best. Just spill it."
She struggled with herself for a moment before finally making up her mind: "Remember how you helped me in the common room with Rookwood, right?"
I nodded silently.
"They wanted to join us for magic training. I... discouraged them a bit."
"How did you discourage them?"
"Well... I thought if they joined, you would ignore me and ditch me. So I told them I asked you, but that you refused for now." She paused for a moment while I looked at her in surprise. "I just wanted to show you that I'm good and that I'm worth it!" she added quickly with fear in her voice.
I was still silent. I was surprised, but I understood her. If I ditched her, she would be alone again. Since I was silent, she started again: "I'm sorry, Patrik. I'm sorry... that's why they sent you those little things for Christmas."
"Hm, so they want to join, huh?" I asked conversationally. Agnes waited for my reaction silently and with fear.
"Calm down, Agnes, it's fine. I wouldn't ditch you. But next time you tell me everything immediately—if something concerns me and you keep secrets, I'll be seriously angry," I paused for a moment when I saw how relieved she was. "You'll confess and apologize to Yaxley and Nott. Tell them they can join us," I commanded.
Agnes was no challenge for me in a duel. We'll see how those two are doing... in any case, it would be a good experience if all three of them stood against me. They definitely aren't more powerful than Mulciber and Rookwood, but three wizards can fire spells faster, even if perhaps weaker. It would be good training.
"Yes, thank you. It won't happen again," Agnes promised me with full seriousness. She looked remarkably mature, except for those chubby child cheeks of hers.
For the rest of the journey, Agnes enthusiastically told me about her experiences in Austria and her holiday with her father. When she finally finished her stories, she opened The Hobbit, which I had given her. Meanwhile, I immersed myself in reflections on the current situation.
I learned a lot this holiday and experienced even more. Originally, the name of my mother, Carina Black, didn't mean much to me—it was just a name on paper. While family history was pleasant to hear and I was proud of it, I didn't perceive alliances as important. Except for Vespera, I didn't care about anyone in the family; after all, I didn't even know them. Although I swore I would get Moody underground—blood demanded it, and if it weren't for him, the original Patrik might still be living in the safety of his home. Instead, he died in an orphanage and I replaced him.
The family castle and ancestral magic were amazing, but my perspective was definitively changed only by the ritual of honoring ancestors. I could still vividly feel them embracing and protecting me. It was a perfect feeling. Suddenly, I cared about them. I understood that I would help the House of Black—not because my mother came from there (they disowned her as a Squib), but because the Blacks had been our allies for centuries. I knew of one single Black who desperately needed my help. And I was in a position where I could provide it to him.
He could also be a valuable ally, and I would thus gain access to one of the best libraries of dark and combat magic in England. I had nothing to lose. At most, Voldemort might notice me, but I wasn't afraid of him. Until he rises again, I have enough time to grow stronger.
***
We arrived at Hogwarts exactly for dinner. As always, it was great and hearty, but after what I had experienced at home at the castle, it somehow lost its charm. Of course, I ate everything and even had seconds.
Later, we all moved to the common room. Agnes immediately sat on the couch with The Hobbit; she couldn't tear herself away from it and was literally devouring the story with her eyes. Draco was funny. When he saw her so immersed in the book that he had also received, he immediately and competitively headed to the bedroom for his copy. A moment later he was back and sat on the adjacent couch, determined not to be outdone.
I watched them with a smile, but after a moment I stood up. I needed a quill and parchment. It was time to take the first step toward helping the House of Black. I returned to the common room and sat at a writing desk in the corner, where I had peace to write.
Dear Master Vane,
I am writing to you regarding a situation that is extremely important and discrete for me. I ask you and at the same time appeal to your confidentiality—the content of this message must remain strictly between us.
It concerns the life and safety of a person whom I have decided to help. Since you are a master in your field, I require your services in creating a specific magical item.
I need an enchanted cage designed so that an Animagus in the form of a rat cannot escape it. It must be secured with runes and charms that will prevent escape, even if he attempts to transform back into a human. I leave the technical details to your expertise, but the result must be one hundred percent.
I emphasize that this matter is dangerous. I trust that you will maintain a professional approach. If anyone unauthorized were to learn of this order, it would jeopardize not only my plans but potentially you and your family as well.
I need the cage in the shortest possible time. Please send me a price quote by return.
Respectfully, Patrik Rosier
I tied the parchment and placed it in an envelope, which I sealed with the family crest. I walked past Agnes; she wasn't even breathing, she was so engrossed in her reading. I considered taking her with me for a moment, but I didn't feel like explaining why.
***
The way to the Owlery was short. The enchanted stairs probably sensed my destination because they moved willingly so that I would be there as quickly as possible. The Owlery was full of owls; most of them were awake and watching me with interest. There were owls of all kinds and colors—I even noticed that snow-white one that belonged to Potter.
However, I decided on the most ordinary owl I saw there. She was nothing special, but she looked young and strong—she would be able to defend herself against potential predators.
"I need this message delivered to Cilian Vane in Diagon Alley. You must wait for a response by return," I asked her. She didn't look too enthusiastic about my request, so I added: "If you bring me an answer, I'll buy you the best premium owl treats that can be found!"
That clearly convinced her. With an approving hoot, she offered me her leg. I quickly attached the envelope, the owl said goodbye with another hoot, and in an instant, she disappeared into the night sky.
On the way back to the Slytherin common room, I thought about the next steps. I needed to get into Gryffindor Tower, and I also needed the Marauder's Map so that the rat wouldn't be able to escape me. However, I had no idea if the Weasley twins already owned it this year... and certainly not how I would get into their common room. I needed an ally.
I dismissed the first years immediately; they didn't have enough respect, and I couldn't rely on them. Perhaps the Weasley twins themselves would be the answer to my problems—with both the map and the rat hunt.
And when I finally catch him, I'll figure out what's next—Vespera can help me with that. I didn't trust any professor except Snape, but as a former Death Eater, he wasn't the right choice in the case of Wormtail.
***
Author's note:
Patrik is back at Hogwarts with a mission, a mysterious letter to a Master Vane, and a certain rat in his sights. The stakes are getting higher, and his alliances are getting more complex. Do you think the Weasley twins will be willing to help a Slytherin? Let me know your theories in the comments!
***
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Upcoming Chapters:
26. The General in Training
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28. Equality is an Illusion
29. The Phoenix's Verdict
30. Pragmatism and Kindness