Chapter Text
Draco had seen maps. His family’s large library housed many books and maps that showed different eras of the wizarding world. They had a large one — occupying one wall — that changed as continents and other wizarding communities emerged.
Yet, Draco never saw a place called the Black Isles.
The smell of salt filled his nostrils. Strong sea winds blew his tied hair. He peeked right, seeing the sea stretch in front of him. The motorboat moved with a loud hum. His mother, Narcissa Malfoy, sat next to him on the small wooden bench while clutching a green parasol.
His Maman had urged him and his mother to visit her friend, saying that she would give them information about their greatest desires. Draco didn’t think he had any, his mother as well, but later on, it changed when Maman said this visit could bring some closure.
After the first paper crane arrived at the manor, a second one was sent a week after, landing on Draco’s nightstand. It had specific instructions on how to reach the Black Isles. First, they had to apparate to Pink Lotus Town, a small Chinese town hidden behind a temple, then they had to take a carriage ride and proceed to Copper Bridge, a tall bridge that stood in the sky before reaching another small town called Mini Manila. There, they had to ride a small carriage called kalesa before reaching the entrance of a dark forest. They would find an old lady standing at the entrance of the forest who would provide them a portkey that would take them to the Tu Empire (another area that did not appear on the map). From there, they would board another carriage that would take them from Immigrant City through the magic forest and into three other kingdoms before reaching the edge of the empire, where Lawa City was located. They could take a palm boat or, if they caught the returning group, a ferry boat that would take them to the island.
It took them three weeks to reach the edge of the empire. Finding a boat to take them was harder. It seemed that no one had ever heard of the Black Isles. It was a miracle that a fisherman overheard them and offered a ride. Apparently, the Black Isles were an elusive territory that only revealed itself to people it believed deserved to know its existence or those who were born or brought into the isle.
“Look, dear.” Narcissa pointed at the large clouds in front of them. Draco squinted his silver eyes. Behind the clouds was a black silhouette of a mountain. At the very top, he could faintly make out the silhouette of a castle.
“We’re close to shore.” The fisherman grunted, increasing the speed of the boat.
Draco got up, stepping out of the shade and onto the deck. His silver eyes widened as the clouds parted at the center, slowly revealing the isle. Palm boats lined the shore, and there were several docks where ferries were anchored. People dressed in loose clothing moved across the shore. Some carried fishing gear while others had large baskets balanced on top of their heads.
“Don’t forget to offer an offering to the Queen before you leave.” The fisherman grunted, helping Narssica off the boat as they docked. “If you don’t want to be cursed, that is.”
Draco watched as the fisherman moved to the back of the boat, taking their luggage before dropping it at their feet. He then took a basket full of fresh fruit.
“Excuse me, sir, do you know where the Black Isle Castle is?” Narcissa asked, picking up their shared luggage.
The man’s face twisted in displeasure before turning into a grimace. “It’s in the inner city. You’re at the shore right now. Just walk straight, no turns. You’d pass two territories separated by the dirt road. That’s the outer city. Continue straight until you reach a tall brick wall. Enter from there, and you’ve reached the inner city. Better be careful there. Heard there’s plenty of snakes and foxes in that place. You better ask people there where the Black Isle Castle is. ”
“Are there no carriages?” Draco asked, taking the luggage, but Narcissa stopped him and took out her wand. With a flick, the luggage started floating.
The man’s face twisted. “Better not use that magic of yours,” he muttered as he carried the basket of fruits. “People are still wary of Curse Breakers.”
Draco’s brows met, “Curse Breakers?”
The man opened his mouth to reply, but someone called for him. Turning around, they found a woman waving at a distance. The man turned back to them. “Just remember to do an offering before you leave.”
The man then bowed before turning and walking away. That left Draco and his mother wondering if they should follow his words. The man was weird, so were the rest of the people on the shore. The sun was still high in the sky, yet people were packing up, some were carrying baskets full of fish, expensive cloth, or fruits and vegetables and were heading to a cave opening that could be seen from where they stood.
That struck Draco odd because it was like they were offering something to a god.
“We'd better go, Draco,” his mother urged, taking the luggage and keeping her wand. A guarded expression was on her face. “Maman said it was best we don’t spend the night here.”
As it turned out, the walk from the shore to the outer city took less than an hour. They had passed the two territories, separated by a dirt road, as the man said. Draco found it odd that only a single color was seen on each side. The left was filled with the color red, and the right was filled with the color blue. The two territories seemed to be feuding.
The inner city was different. It was bustling with street activity. Red, brown, golden yellow, and black colors the streets. Red lanterns hung from the windows and houses. Large carved signs hung on the roof of establishments. People were dressed in colorful ankle-length robes, but it was different from wizarding robes. Instead, theirs had cross jackets that were tied in thin or thick ribbons. Their robes had multiple layers, and they kept their hair long or in tight buns.
Lively music filled the inner city. Draco thinks they had walked into a busy market as people in carts lined the side of the road selling pastries, meat buns, and candies. Some sold jewelry made of gold, silver, and rare gems. Even makeup, that were sold in round copper containers, was proudly displayed on the street.
“Look, mother,” Draco pointed at a cart. Inside brown clay pots were radish-like plants with beady black eyes and a large single leaf sprouting from their heads. “I wonder what those are.”
“I don’t know, dear,” Narcissa muttered, looking around. The straight road they had followed had branched out into smaller, twisting roads that led to countless alleyways. At some point earlier, they had reached a fighting arena.
“What’s that shop?” Draco asked, looking at a large establishment with a glowing white flower signage. Serene music and laughter came from inside. Red curtains covered the pentagon-shaped windows that were carved on the wall.
“Better not go there,” a woman, hunched with old age, said. Her eyes didn’t look open, but Draco could tell she was staring at her. “It’s for the ghost brides. Unless you want to be cursed by your partner, better stay away.”
Draco suddenly felt someone grab his shoulder, and before he knew it, he was shoved back, stumbling on his feet as his mother stood between him and the old woman. His mother narrowed her eyes.
“We were just looking around,” his mother said, voice stern, “We’re looking for a castle.”
“There’s only one castle on this island.” The woman replied, “Head North. No turns. You’ll reach the foot of a mountain. If what you’re searching for is true, someone should be waiting for you.”
Draco peeked from behind his mother. “What do you — ”
But the woman turned away, walking surprisingly fast before she disappeared behind a moving cart. Something unsettled grew in his gut at her disappearance.
Finding the foot of the mountain took some time, but friendlier-looking citizens were happy to point in the direction of the mountain. As it turned out, after reaching the center of the island, which was marked by a large statue of a woman dressed in robes with snakes on the train presenting a sword, a large black brick road would lead them to the foot of the mountain.
“Snake and Dragon Peak.” Draco read the worn-out signage. He took a step back. There weren’t any stairs that led to the top and it didn’t look like anyone was inhabiting the top. “Maybe we should — ”
“Draco look,” his mother pointed at a small fox that slowly approached them. “It has seven tails.”
Indeed, it had. The fox had red fur with a white stomach. Each of its seven tails was covered with red fur that lightened as it reached the tips, the tips being white. On its forehead was a lotus silhouette in white, but on other angles it looked like a snake's head. It had bright green eyes that were defined by black strokes outlined by back. Its snout was long and its nose black. It walked down the mountain gracefully before stopping. It bore its green eyes into his before turning around and starting to walk up the mountain.
“I think it wants us to follow it,” Draco muttered, walking after the fox. His mother hesitated but soon followed. They walked up the mountain in silence.
As they ascended, the air on the mountain had grown cold and suffocating. Fog soon started to appear. The mountain was bare of any other lifeforms. No animals or plants. Only green grass that was perfectly maintained.
“Welcome, visitors.” At the top of the mountain, in front of a tall bamboo gate with a curved arc, was a girl, probably not older than 15. She was dressed in the same robes as those in the inner city, but hers looked more refined. Dragon scales were embroidered in the sleeves of her coat. Her black hair was held up by a large hair stick that had a dragon’s head. “I am a student of The Lady. She has been expecting you.”
A small elevated bamboo house stood behind the gate, which was surrounded by tall bamboo that swayed with the wind.
The fox stepped toward the girl, rubbing its head against her body before heading inside the house.
“Please follow the fox to meet The Lady,” the girl said, gesturing to the fox that waited on the ladder step of the house. “Please follow me, miss. I might have the answers to what you seek.” She gestured to Narcissa.
“Whatever you do, Draco, be careful,” his mother whispered before following the girl to the side of the house. The girl smiled widely as she led the way.
Draco followed the fox inside the small house. But it wasn’t a small house. The inside extended to a large, dark hallway. Green wallpaper lined the walls, and several bamboo plants in large pots were placed on either side of the doors. At the end of the hallway was a room covered by a red tassel. A bell chimed as he pushed away the tassels and stepped inside.
Heavy smoke filled the room. Earthy scents filled the room. The room was full of trinkets, mostly ink pots, scrolls, books held together by twine, and discarded brushes littered the floor. The room was lit by candles and the large octagon-shaped window on the right wall. Outside, Draco could see the inner city.
“Welcome, Draco Malfoy.” A low and cold voice greeted.
Draco flinched, turning to the center of the room where a small circular platform was placed. The platform was cut in half by a red curtain held up by two poles. On the exposed side of the platform was a table with a black teapot and a pillow.
“Have a seat.”
Draco quickly followed, approaching the platform before stepping on it and sitting cross-legged on the pillow. From there, he could faintly make out the silhouette of a woman. He guessed she wore similar robes to the girl, but she had her hair down and wore a small crown instead of a hair stick.
“Why did you call me here? Maman says you’re her friend.” Draco immediately asked, hands clenched between his legs, eyes downcast.
“Serve us tea, Draco.”
Draco looked up and saw two teacups next to the teacup. These teacups had no handles and were black. He quickly poured the pot, watching green liquid pour out. He took one cup, placing it in front of the curtain.
“Why do you cover yourself?”
“Only those who are worthy are able to know my identity.”
A foreboding feeling settled in Draco’s gut. His insides were clawing in him, telling him to get away from her, but something was making him stay. A heavy force weighed him down on the platform.
“What do you see in your cup, Draco?”
Draco looked down. It was hard to see in a black cup, but soon, light green foam started to appear and dance in the liquid.
“What does it mean? The foam?” He peeked into her cup, seeing none. “Your cup has none.”
“Blood is thicker than water, Draco. It seems the truth is dancing between fate and reality.” The woman hummed. A hand emerged from underneath the curtain. Long, slender fingers gripped the cup before it was slowly pulled behind the curtain. “Your grandmother and I are acquaintances. I do her fortune telling. She defied my odds, until she didn’t.”
Draco frowns, “What do you mean?”
“I told her she would die in a stroke of light. ”
Draco couldn’t believe that. His maman died in a fire. She was burned alive. “She was burned alive.”
“Are you sure?” Draco could feel her lift a brow. “No truth ever comes in death. Even those who have peacefully died in their sleep. If you want, I can read to you. Your grandmother, after all, as me to do so. She begged, to be exact.”
Draco couldn’t believe it. His maman is begging someone. “Why?”
“Do you feel anything weird in your body, Draco? Any abnormalities?”
Draco shook his head.
“I see. For good measure, avoid going near anything or anyone suing time artifacts.” A suspenseful silence fell until the loud clank of the cup hitting the table broke it. “Time is your own enemy.”
“How can I stay safe?” Draco knew time turners existed. Interacting with it was possible despite it being a heavily monitored artifact by the ministry.
“Nothing can be done.”
“I don’t believe you.” Draco muttered, frowning. “Tell me.”
“You have the same stubbornness as your grandmother.” The woman sighed from behind the curtain. “Don’t make the same mistake, that’s all I’m asking you. Never seek immortality.”
Draco was slumped. He didn’t think he’d need to seek immortality. He already had Voldemort as a bad example. He didn’t need any more.
“Take a cookie, Draco.” The woman’s arm extended to the side. Following, he soon found a bowl of boat-shaped cookies. Picking one up, he found it surprisingly light and hollow. “Break it and read it.”
Draco pressed both thumbs against the cookie and found a small piece of paper inside. Taking it, it read:
Beware of the smile around you — death follows those who flee
“What does it mean?”
“Look at the crumbs.”
Draco looked down at the table. The crumble had fallen and taken the odd shape of a —
“A rat?”
“Be careful of rats for this year, Draco. You are dismissed.”
“Wait — ” Draco crumpled the paper before pocketing it. He hastily stood up and reached over the curtain. With a strong tug, he pulled the curtain to the side and found no one at the opposite end.
“Wear this at all times. It drives away the cloaked shadows.”
A loud thud made him look down, and he found a jade pendant. It was carved into the paw of an animal. A big heart-shaped pad with three small pads. It hung from a red string.
Draco picked up the pendant, slipping it on. The room had gone cold, as if someone had turned down the heating. Slowly, the candles started to dim. Draco got off the platform, walking to the door backwards. The room grew dimmer and dimmer as he neared the door. Then suddenly, as quickly as it appeared, glowing green eyes started back at him from a dark corner of the room before it disappeared. He quickly exited the room and the house.
He found his mother standing in front of the house, visibly distressed. She met him halfway.
“Draco,” she grabbed him by his wrist, “Let’s go.”
Going down the hill and out of the inner city and to the shore was faster. His mother was quick to find a ferry that would take them to the mainland, a wizarding community far from the empire. They were quick to board, sitting at the front. Before the sun could set, the ferry soon roared to life before it departed the mysterious island. Draco looked behind him. The clouds slowly covered the island before it disappeared.
He looked back and started fiddling with his pendant. What did she mean by all of it?
“How rude.”
Gazing out of the large circular window, a girl dressed in yellow robes glared at the departing ferry. Her arms were tucked in the sleeves of her cloak. Her black hair flowed freely behind her. A discarded dragon hair stick was tipped on the edge of the windowsill.
“Don’t mind them.” A woman sharing the same look as the girl replied. She sat on a small platform with a low table in front of her. Her brush dipped in black ink danced on the scroll slowly, dragging each careful stroke.
The woman had her eyes close as she wrote.
“They didn’t even bother leaving an offering. An incense would be fine.” The girl grumbled, turning away from the window to lean against the windowsill. “What do you even see in him?”
“We will see, Lilia.” The woman opened her eyes, revealing forest green orbs. On her red lips was a pleased smile.
Soft chiming filled the room as a large fox appeared, jumping in. The large white for with red on its nose, snout, and the ends of its nine tails made its way to the woman. It nuzzled its head against her open palm.
“Watch over him, my dear.” The woman kissed the top of her head a red lotus mark appeared. She gently pushed it with her hand. The fox huffed but complied, glowing faint red before its body slowly turned transparent. It walked up to the window.
The girl, Lilia, scowled, “What now?”
The fox huffed before it leaped out, walking into the sky. As it walked further and further away from the window, its body started to fade until only red and white dots were left.
Lilia turned to the woman. “You do realize that fate already has something planned for him.”
“Those sisters are never wrong,” The woman hummed. Suddenly, she placed her brush down, splattering ink onto her scroll. “But if the three brothers evaded death, maybe our protagonist could change as well.”