The holidays were finally over, and Draco had returned to Hogwarts.
After that ill-fated party, the remaining days of the break passed in a quiet rhythm. Draco spent most of his time in the library, reading and practicing spells he could perform in public. There was far more room there for certain exercises than the Room of Requirement could offer.
Lucius had grown busier than ever, spending almost all his time away from the Manor. In fact, Draco hadn't seen him at all since their return from France. Likely he was running about in a panic, the shadow of Voldemort's return gnawing at his thoughts.
As for Narcissa, Draco kept her under discreet observation. He still hadn't uncovered the identity of the man she was having an affair with. He even questioned the new house-elf, whose fearful reaction was all the confirmation Draco needed. The creature had clearly been ordered not to speak.
But Draco was not a fool. If he couldn't get information directly, he would gather it indirectly. So he began asking different questions: how many hours had Narcissa spent at the Manor in the last month? What purchases had she made recently? How had her moods shifted over the weeks?
The method worked. Patterns emerged, giving him threads to follow. He resolved to uncover the man's identity soon.
For caution's sake, he also gave the elf strict instructions never to reveal his questions, whether direct or indirect, and if pressed, to lie and say Draco had been inquiring on Lucius's behalf.
Currently, Draco was in Astapor, wandering through the city and noting the changes. He discovered that Daenerys had already taken over, killing the slave masters, and that all the Unsullied were now free, serving her of their own will.
At this, Draco chuckled. Even if they were free from physical chains, they were not free from mental ones. From a young age they had been trained to obey, to follow their master's orders. Nothing had changed except the master.
Of course, Draco wasn't against it. After all, gaining thousands of loyal soldiers who would follow commands unquestioningly wasn't a bad outcome.
"Let's meet the Queen of Dragons properly this time," he murmured, moving toward the mansion where she was staying. The area was heavily guarded by both Dothraki and Unsullied, the entire block secured so that not a single intruder could pass through.
Since Draco did not want to cause a scene, he approached them instead of directly barging in. The moment the Dothraki recognised him, they stiffened, quickly taking defensive positions. They had seen him before. Within seconds, word spread among the camp, and the Unsullied were also alerted, treating him as a potential threat.
At a safe distance, Draco raised his wand to his throat. "Sonorus." Completing the incantation, his voice carried across the streets like rolling thunder.
"I am here to meet Daenerys Targaryen."
His words echoed through the roads and into the mansion. Inside, Daenerys, seated at her table and reviewing documents, frowned and looked toward her advisors.
"It's him," Jorah said at once, his tone wary. "The warlock."
Barristan's expression tightened, remembering their earlier conversation. "The one who may have ties to the Blackfyres."
"Yes," Jorah nodded gravely, turning to Daenerys. "You should not meet him, Khaleesi. He is too dangerous, and even after months of searching, we've found nothing about his origins."
Daenerys's brow furrowed. She considered their words before shaking her head. "If he wished to kill me, there would be no need for him to announce himself. And even if that is his intent, I trust you both to protect me."
"Of course, Khaleesi," Jorah agreed without hesitation. Barristan Selmy followed, bowing his head. "There is no doubt in it."
Reassured by their confidence, Daenerys nodded. "Then let us see why he has come."
She turned to her newest aide, standing quietly beside her. "Missandei, bring him in."
The curly-haired woman gave a small nod and left. Jorah rose to his feet, and the old knight followed, both taking their places at either side of Daenerys after ordering a few Unsullied to enter and line the hall.
Draco watched the polyglot slave approach him, two Unsullied at her back as they passed through the guards. A faint smile tugged at his lips. "It seems she has decided to grant me an audience."
Missandei remained calm, her tone composed, though her eyes flicked briefly to the wand in Draco's hand. "Yes. I am here to take you inside."
She gave a small nod to the guards, making a subtle hand sign. Draco caught the movement. He didn't know its exact meaning, but he understood enough. It was either a warning to stay cautious, permission to let him pass, or perhaps both.
Turning back, she gestured for him to follow. Draco did so without hesitation. As they walked, he broke the silence. "You've changed. You feel… safer now."
Missandei's steps faltered for a moment before she continued. "Have we met before?" she asked, her voice polite but probing, as though weighing his words for hidden meaning.
"Not exactly," Draco replied smoothly. "I once saw you with Kraznys mo Nakloz. Even then, you were as composed as now. But your body betrayed you—you were afraid. Now, you are not."
At this, a faint smile touched her lips. "The khaleesi is good to me… and to others."
Draco caught the small shift in her expression. It wasn't forced, nor the polished courtesy of a servant. It was genuine.
"Good for you," he said lightly. "Not everyone gets to serve someone they actually respect."
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, curious, as though weighing whether his words carried a hidden edge or simple observation.
"We are here."
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Soft magic anime