Growing up Pureblooded

The Vision

In the library at Grimmauld Place, Aries fell to the ground screaming. He clutched desperately at his forehead. "Aries?" Draco asked anxiously. "What's the matter?" When his cousin made no response, he summoned the house elf. "KREACHER!" he shouted, and the elf appeared with a pop. "Master Aries has taken ill," Draco said. "Has Master Sirius returned yet?" Kreacher shook his head. "No, Master Draco," he croaked. "Master is still out searching for Miss Cissy." "Then kindly fetch my Aunt Clytemnestra and bring her here." Draco ordered. The elf bowed and vanished, and moments later the Squib came rushing in. "Great Merlin!" she exclaimed at the sight of Aries writhing on the floor. "What happened?" "I don't know," Draco said. "We were just doing our homework, and it was like he had a fit or something."

With Kreacher's assistance, Clytemnestra and Draco managed to get Aries upstairs to his bedroom. The Squib took a wet washcloth and used it to cool Aries's forehead. He was burning up, and there was a strange, fiercely-red patch of skin just beneath his hairline. After a few moments, Sirius ran into the room, still wearing his Muggle clothes. Remus, Abraxas and Cassiopeia followed close behind. "What happened?" Sirius demanded. "Kreacher told us Aries was ill." Draco shook his head. "I'm not certain. We were working on our homework in the library, and he suddenly put his hands to his head and started yelling."

Sirius sat down on the bed next to Aries and took over the washcloth from Clytemnestra. After a few minutes, Aries began to stir. His eyes shot open and he sat straight up in the bed. "I saw Aunt Narcissa!" he exclaimed. "She and Lucius were with Riddle. Riddle said they were in his father's house." Sirius and Remus exchanged a meaningful look. "It looks like we have independent confirmation of your theory, Moony," Sirius said. He turned back to Aries and tried to lay him back down. Aries resisted. "No, we need to go rescue her!" he protested. "You're not doing anything," Sirius said sternly. "You're going to stay here and rest." "I don't need rest," Aries snapped. "I'm fine. I just had a vision." "You passed out, Aries," Clytemnestra said. "I think that hardly qualifies as fine."

Sirius ran a hand through his son's hair. "We'll take care of this. I promise. Did you see anything else that might help?" Aries shook his head. "Not really. They were in a room with a fireplace, and Riddle said they were in his father's old house. Aunt Narcissa curtsyed to him." He blushed uncomfortably. "She said she had always been loyal to him, that she would have come willingly if Lucius had only given her a chance." Draco and Sirius frowned in confusion, but Abraxas laughed. "She's a Slytherin through and through, isn't she?" he said fondly. "What's that supposed to mean?" Sirius snapped.

Cassiopeia gave him a withering glare. "It's a sensible strategy," she told him. "Narcissa is being held captive. She has neither wand nor allies in her prison. It's always wise to play along with one's captor." "You think that's it?" Draco said in a small voice. "You don't think she's really gone over to Riddle's side?" Abraxas shook his head. "Of course not, my lad," he said confidently. "It's only a strategy. Don't you fear." Draco looked up at Sirius for confirmation. His uncle forced a smile and placed a strong hand on the blond boy's shoulder. "I'm sure that's it," he said, but both Draco and Aries could tell that he was not completely confident in his own words. "There's more," Aries whispered. "Riddle said that he had Lucius kidnap her because he wants to learn more about me." Sirius's expression hardened. "Is there anything else?" he asked evenly. Aries shook his head. "No, that's all." "Then you two stay here," his dad said firmly. "We'll take care of this."