The History of Knockturn Alley (Dramione)

Chapter 1

  Hermione gave a start of surprise; the wizard behind the desk was in full Death Eater regalia. Voldemort had been conquered years ago but the sight of someone dressed in his henchmen's costume made her heart leap into her throat. She brought a hand to her neck; her self preserving motion elicited a chuckle from the hidden man.

"Please have a seat, Ms. Granger."

Hermione didn't ask how he knew her name; she surmised he was responsible for the steady supply of free alcohol the bartender had kept in her glass. The bartender had referred to this wizard mysteriously as 'our patron'. (By 'our', Hermione assumed Old John meant the citizens of Knockturn Alley.)

"I couldn't help but hear bits of your conversation with Old John..."

Hermione lifted a brow at the odd, cloaked wizard; how, exactly, had he accomplished that from his office? She could hear his grin as he continued.

"The study of Dark Arts does not lead every pupil to darkness, Ms. Granger."

"I think you misheard me, Mr..?" Hermione hoped to receive a name she might associate with former known Death Eaters in order to place the wizard she was speaking with.

"Mr. Grey will do," the wizard replied, leaning forward in his chair. "I distinctly heard that statement from your lips, Ms. Granger."

Despite the flagrant candlelight in the room, Hermione could see nothing of the man but the glint of eyes behind his mask.

"It has been my experience, Mr. Grey, that most young magical folk that have been exposed to the Dark Arts will delve deeper into them believing them to be more powerful and easier to attain than any other form of magic."

The black robed form leaned back once more and thoughtfully rubbed a finger over his disguised chin.

"Can you account for all young magic folk that were exposed to the Dark Arts?"

Hermione sighed but her interest was piqued, "Of course not, Mr. Grey. All right, then. You caught me making a generalization. How obtuse of me! I do hope this audience wasn't merely granted so that you might point out my faux pas as I am sure your time is valuable."

Hermione's patience was short. She attributed it to the fact that the wizard was audaciously dressed in Death Eaters' garb and had given her a false name.

"Hermione Granger..." said the wizard, rising from his chair to pace the small room serving as his office. "Head Girl of Hogwarts, Celebrated Auror of Voldemort's War and Author of 'The Rise and Demise of the Dark Lord'; you caused quite a stir with your book – many of your facts put important Ministry officials out of a job and a few directly into Azkaban... Now you are wandering about Knockturn Alley in search of a way to bring it down."

The man was behind Hermione's chair; she refused to turn and look at him. She could sense the threat coming.

"I won't let that happen. Knockturn Alley is home to those cast out of wizarding society because of the mood of the population with no regards to the fact that 'proper' magical folk enter the Alley for their own dark purposes once in awhile..."

Immaculately manicured hands squeezed Hermione's shoulders and a spicy scent reached her nose. She made no move for her wand; as long as he didn't have his out, there was no reason to draw yet.

"Do not seek to destroy the oldest wizarding dwelling in existence. I will not allow it," he hissed into Hermione's ear.

"Remove your hands, Mr. Grey," was Hermione's cold reply. She did not appreciate being threatened but in order to properly do her research, she would require the approval of the 'Patron' of Knockturn Alley.

"It is not my intention to 'bring down' anyone or anything. My writing is independent of the Ministry and every other organization. If my research has led to the incarceration or unemployment of those deserving, it is not my fault. I have no direct hand in what happens to those that do something to warrant either occurrence."

He laughed; it was an amused laugh but not particularly encouraging. Though, the wizard did move back into her line of sight.

"Ms. Granger, I am willing to negotiate the matter..."

Not interested in allowing the wizard to get behind her again, Hermione stood from her chair.

"What is there to negotiate? I am writing a book on the history of Knockturn Alley."

"Allow me to assist you and approve the final draft..." he drawled.

"I do not think assistance is necessary."

"I can simply dissuade anyone from talking to you and restrict your access to the alley's historical documents..." said the silky voice.

Before she could stop herself, Hermione blurted, "I wasn't aware there were historical documents." She knew she had betrayed her interest but if she could have a look at any such existing documentation, it could greatly help in her research.

Hermione could practically hear him smirking, "I have them within my possession, Ms. Granger. If we came to an agreement, I might be persuaded to let you have a look."

Hermione sat back down; they might be awhile yet. The tall wizard regained his seat as well.

"Mr. Grey, I can appreciate your concern for Knockturn Alley but I assure you I have no intention of harm to it or its inhabitants."

"Pretty words from a pretty witch..." he muttered. "Intentions do not matter where your next novel is concerned, Ms. Granger. You have a reputation now and I will not bandy words. Knockturn Alley has its share of rotten magical folk, just like any other community, but I am their protector. I will not allow your written product to mention names of current inhabitants."

Hermione mulled over the wizard's words. He said no 'current inhabitants'. She was more interested in the history of the place, not the modern result. She tried to gauge the man and grew frustrated, once more, by his attire.

"Why are you wearing the robes of a Death Eater?" she asked, curiosity winning over manners; although, good manners did not include wearing the uniform of the former Dark Lord's subordinates.

"No one knows my true identity, Ms. Granger. I want no special treatment for my services here. Nor do I wish to reveal my assistance to Knockturn Alley to 'proper' wizarding society... My robes bother you."

He sounded tired; Hermione shrugged, "I was trained to kill anyone in that costume not that long ago... It's distracting."

"This 'costume' was not invented by Voldemort or any of his followers. The robes and mask originated from some ancient ritual performed in this alley. It has been customary for the...benefactor of Knockturn Alley to wear it..."

"An ancient ritual? I must look into that... I've never heard that before..."

"I am a business wizard, Ms. Granger. Shall I draw up a contract for our mutual interests?"

"I'll have to think about it – will you give me until Friday?" said Hermione. She was going to attempt to circumvent this wizard at all costs. She wasn't about to give anyone but her editor the power to dictate what she wrote.

"Of course... With that out of the way, will you join me for a drink?"

Surprised, Hermione almost laughed but she couldn't hold back her smile.

"Only if you'll take off that mask..."

"Perhaps some other time, then... When you won't recognize me..." he replied in a dramatically sad tone.

"I think I might by your voice," Hermione said with a grin.

"Clever, Ms. Granger, but the mask is charmed to alter my voice... Besides, if you met me without my costume, I would be the furthest person from your mind..."

She thought for a moment he was flirting with her but his last statement carried a different meaning altogether. She must know him.

"I'll expect word by Friday," he said.

Hermione knew herself dismissed but stared hard at the hidden man for a silent moment more. Who was he?

"Thank you," she finally said and left the small office.

As soon as Hermione had Disapparated, the Patron of Knockturn Alley issued an order to the entire alley that no one was to give the witch a hint of information.

~*~

Friday afternoon came and Hermione Granger was back in the office of the secret wizard. He had successfully given her no alternative but to seek his assistance. She had been ignored or flat-out ordered from businesses in Knockturn Alley all week. Any time she tried to start up a conversation in a bar, wizards and witches would stare at her in silence until she left. She'd really had no idea the extent of Mr. Grey's power until she'd tested it.

"Let's discuss the terms of your contract," Hermione said wearily.

"Please understand me, Ms. Granger. I am only protecting my interests..." said the wizard.

Hermione nodded and sipped from the glass Old John had given her while she waited for an audience with Mr. Grey.

"This isn't personal, Ms. Granger. The contract is simple. No names of current businesses or their proprietors will be mentioned in your book."

"That's all?" said Hermione, wishing she had some way of reading the man's sincerity.

"That's all."

"All right, then. I agree."

"I'm willing to let this remain a verbal contract, Ms. Granger. Consider it a sign of trust."

That brought Hermione out of her defeated state-of-mind; rather than trust the wizard, she felt inclined to suspect him of ulterior motives.

"As I'm sure you've guessed, I asked everyone not to speak to you... I feel a bit guilty about it but I cannot jeopardize the alley... Do you understand?"

Hermione's anger had been worked out of her earlier; she'd gone out to the Auror training grounds for a good run. However, with the wizard's confession, she felt her irritation return.

"No. I don't understand it and it only shows your misunderstanding."

The wizard stood and Hermione tensed until he leaned on the front of his desk instead of circling her.

His voice was softer as he explained.

"This will not be information you may include in your book, Ms. Granger."

Hermione nodded; she appreciated knowledge of any kind but still distrusted the wizard.

"My family and home were...taken from me because of the war. I sought shelter with a relative here in Knockturn Alley. This place became my home, everyone here was kind to me in ways that no one else would have been. The alley means a great deal to me... I won't let it be harmed..."

Hermione could hear the passion in him but she had many questions; none she would get answers for, though... What had happened to his family and home..? Were they Death Eaters..? Was he..? Is that why no one else would have helped him..?

"Mr. Grey, I am only interested in the history of the alley. If I speak with business owners or inhabitants here, it is to seek information on the past. And I'm – I'm sorry for your loss..."

"Thank you..."

Hermione felt his stare and shifted in her chair. She was about to say something to break the uncomfortable silence but the wizard pulled out his wand and she flinched. It was hard to see a Death Eater with a wand in their hand without her stomach clenching in fear. Her eyes followed him closely as he moved towards the east wall and tapped it with his wand.

All misgivings and fear dissolved from Hermione as she spotted the wealth of books and scrolls revealed by the wizard's wand; unconsciously, Hermione got up for a closer look.

"Don't touch them – they're cursed to allow no one's hand on them but mine."

Hermione was startled to see her hand stretched out towards one of the scrolls; she immediately withdrew.

"What is this?"

"The journals and documentation of every wizard that has used this office – except those of my immediate successor; I believe I may know where to find his journal, though..."

A bit weary of the unknown wizard's proximity, Hermione side-stepped until she was out of reach. She was too aware of his spicy scent near her.

"How can I use them?"

"Once I take a book from its place, you may handle it, though I will not allow its removal from this room. I can arrange to have my evenings free to assist you with the library. When would you like to begin?"

"Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Grey. If it isn't an inconvenience, I would like to get my supplies and return tonight," said Hermione, finally taking her eyes from the riches of knowledge hidden so close.

"I have one more appointment tonight – if you return at nine, I should be available by then," said the wizard. He held out his hand and Hermione carefully shook it.

As soon as Hermione left the room, the wizard cast a charm about his door to alert him of any approaching persons and removed his mask.

In truth, Draco Malfoy hated wearing his father's old robes but it came with the office. He glanced around, conjuring a small desk with good lighting for Hermione to work at. It would be nice to have company; he'd been an extremely solitary soul for so long, he welcomed the presence of an intelligent guest - Hermione Granger or not.

Secretly, Draco quite respected the witch. Her first book had sold so many copies that she'd come suddenly into the public eye. The book, itself, was absorbing and well-written. He knew she hadn't meant to cause as much harm as she had with her novel but she was good at what she did. Wizards and witches would trust her words and act upon them. She had become a powerful entity in society which was why he'd agreed to assist her. He simply needed to hide a few of the more nefarious characters of the alley.

That would be a feat. Hiding the mad hermit living at the end of the alley and the witch with her roof garden of deadly, illegal plants; then the more shady activities of young wizards running the streets and the group of old witches that did nothing more than create nasty hexes for fun... Yes, keeping Hermione from discovering the current tenants of the alley would be damned-near impossible.

Perhaps his thoughts were wrong in trying to hide them, though. The general population of wizards was aware the alley existed... The services and products of the alley were sought regularly by all sorts...

Hermione was wrong. Study and cultivation of the Dark Arts did not make Dark Lords. He hoped she would grow to understand this and focus simply on the subject of history rather than worrying about eradicating the present magical residents...

Draco knew he must have a care with his identity; it was tradition that kept him secret. He had no wish for her to know who he was. He had lied – everyone in the alley knew he was their patron but there was no reason for Hermione to know that.

Knockturn Alley residents respected the practice of pretending not to know Draco without the honored costume. Given the way he had treated Hermione in school, she would probably abandon her writing project in order to avoid him... What a little prat he'd been to her...

Draco toyed with the half-empty glass she'd left on his desk.

It would be interesting to spend time with the Muggle-born witch... Draco could enjoy her company without her prejudice - not that she didn't have good reason for her dislike but he was a different person than the snotty, little horror he'd been at school. Perhaps she'd enjoy his company as well and see that he'd changed...