Hogwarts had changed—quietly, subtly—but for those who paid attention, the shift was unmistakable.
Evelyne was smiling more.
To the outside world, she was still Draco Malfoy—
soon to be known officially as Draco Black.
A boy for six more years.
And she did not care.
Because she was with her mother.
Because for the first time, her future did not feel like a cage.
Gratitude
Tonks walked beside Evelyne through the corridor, practically vibrating with excitement.
They found Lucien in the Great Hall, seated comfortably with
Angelina, Penelope, Katie, and Clara, laughter circling the table like warmth.
Lucien looked up.
And before he could speak—
Evelyne threw her arms around him.
Tonks followed a heartbeat later.
"Thank you," Evelyne said softly, voice shaking just a little.
"For… everything."
Tonks nodded fiercely.
"You saved our family," she added. "Properly this time."
Lucien blinked, then smiled—gentle, unguarded.
"I only helped you walk the path," he replied.
"You did the rest."
Evelyne's eyes shone.
To others, it looked like nothing more than friendly gratitude.
But those who knew—
Knew better.
A Quiet Shift in Hogwarts
In the days that followed, whispers spread.
Not loud ones.
Careful ones.
Draco Malfoy no longer sat with certain Slytherins. The Malfoy name had… changed. Some snakes had learned fear. Others learned caution.
And Lucien Lionhardt?
He remained the same.
Laughing with friends.
Helping younger students.
Walking the castle at night like it belonged to him.
🐍 Those Left Behind
Valerian Selwyn was finished.
His name brought no respect.
Only silence.
Or worse—mockery.
Every attempt to claw back attention failed.
Every sneer earned him nothing but cold stares.
Even Slytherin had rules.
And he had broken them.
🧱 Waiting in the Shadows
Crabbe and Goyle sat together at the edge of the common room, scowling.
No orders.
No protection.
No Malfoy backing.
"Next year," Goyle muttered.
"Cassian Malfoy," Crabbe nodded.
Their eyes gleamed with expectation.
They were waiting.
For a new master.
Lucien stood by a window that night, watching the moon.
Bayonetta's voice echoed softly in his mind.
You did well, my love.
Lucien smiled faintly.
"Just the beginning," he whispered.