Chapter 22 "Forge My Own Path"

Skyler's exploration of the Borgin and Burkes store led him to a peculiar glass box on the counter.

Within it lay a shriveled hand resting on a mat, accompanied by a few candles.

Vague memories stirred in him; this, he recalled, was the infamous Hand of Glory.

When the candle was lit, it only illuminated the holder, a tool notorious for aiding thieves and miscreants.

The practicality of it didn't escape him, yet the thought of holding another person's severed hand made him uneasy.

Skyler nodded in silent agreement and continued to observe the eerie merchandise.

The counter displayed a morbid collection, from human bones to a poker card stained with blood and a perpetually staring glass eyeball.

The walls bore unsettling masks, and rusty, menacing instruments dangled from the ceiling.

Draco's curiosity led him to inspect a long noose, at which point he smirked and read a warning sign beside a luxurious opal necklace, emphasizing its curse that had claimed the lives of nineteen Muggles.

His gaze was then drawn to a peculiarly shaped cabinet, which he pointed out to Skyler, remarking, "Skyler, look at this cabinet; it seems rather intriguing."

Skyler's heart raced; if his hunch was correct, Harry might be concealed within this very cabinet.

Skyler commented nonchalantly, "This is a vanishing cabinet. It's a prized possession for many ancient wizarding families. It serves as a means of escape during dire circumstances, a remarkably practical device. However, its costly construction and the emergence of more convenient methods like Apparating led to the decline of Vanishing Cabinets. In fact, the knowledge of their production has been lost to this day. Well, Draco, it appears our father's business is drawing to a close. Let's prepare to go."

Upon leaving Knockturn Alley, Draco and Lucius went in search of a flying broom, a pursuit that failed to captivate Skyler.

He, instead, opted to part ways and head for the bookstore.

His goal was to acquire the list of required textbooks and enjoy a quiet moment with a book.

While en route to the Flourish and Blotts Bookstore, Skyler couldn't ignore the conspicuous figure that blocked the road—Hagrid, unmistakable due to his towering height.

By his side stood Harry Potter, looking battered and soot-covered, with shattered glasses and an embarrassed demeanor.

Although Hagrid tried to lower his voice, his huge voice undoubtedly allowed Schelling to hear him clearly. "Walking around in Knocturn Alley. Don't you know that it's not a good place, Harry? Don't let anyone see you there!"

Clearly, Harry was being reprimanded by Hagrid for his excursion into Knockturn Alley, a place notorious for its unsavory reputation.

Hermione and the Weasley family soon arrived on the scene.

Harry hesitated but then explained that they had observed the Malfoy family, including Draco, Skyler, and his father, entering the Borgin and Burke Store, specializing in dark magic items.

While being scolded, Hermione and the Wesley family arrived. Harry hesitated before explaining, "We spotted the Malfoy family, Draco, Schelling, and his father entering the Borgin and Burke Store, a place known for dark magic items."

Mr. Wesley inquired cautiously, "Oh, what did you find?"

Harry responded, "Nothing significant. I kept a close eye from outside the window until they left, but I didn't witness any purchases."

Then, Harry turned to Hagrid and asked, "Hagrid, we were tailing the Malfoys. What brings you to Knockturn Alley?"

Hagrid gruffly replied, "I'm on the hunt for a remedy to ward off those pesky carnivorous slugs that are about to destroy the school's cabbage!"

Mr. Weasley, understandably cautious, inquired about their findings, to which Harry responded that they hadn't witnessed any purchases, having diligently watched from outside the window.

He then turned to Hagrid, inquiring about the half-giant's own purpose in Knockturn Alley.

Hagrid gruffly explained his mission of procuring medicine to repel carnivorous slugs threatening the school's cabbage patch.

Uninterested in the trivial conversation, Skyler moved on to the Flourish and Blotts Bookstore.

As someone well-versed in the story's unfolding, he knew that his father's trip to the Borgin and Burkes shop was motivated by a need to discreetly dispose of Tom Riddle's diary.

This seemingly innocuous act, however, would lead to dire consequences for the Malfoy family in the future.

Mr. Borgin, the shrewd owner of Borgin and Burkes, wasn't one to involve himself in such messy affairs.

Anticipating an impending drama, Skyler hurried to the bookstore, procured the required textbooks, and found a quiet corner to await the commencement of the narrative.

He was acutely aware of the intricate web of destiny in which he was enmeshed, and he remained vigilant as the unfolding events promised further complexities.

As Harry and his companions approached the Flourish and Blotts Bookstore, they encountered a sizable gathering of witches, predominantly of Mrs. Weasley's generation.

Gilderoy Lockhart, resplendent in his signature blue wizarding robes, was stationed in the center, autographing books adorned with bewitched photographs displaying gleaming smiles.

Events proceeded predictably.

Harry was ensnared in a photo session with Lockhart, who joyfully proclaimed his impending role as a Hogwarts teacher.

Chaos soon ensued, with Arthur Weasley and Lucius Malfoy locked in a dispute that resulted in Ginny's cauldron taking flight.

Amid the commotion, Skyler quietly observed the tattered "Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration" in Ginny's possession, suspecting that this was the moment when the black diary became entangled with her belongings.

"Hey, young lady, keep your book! It's the best gift your father could offer." Lucius pulled away from Hagrid's grasp and waved to Draco and Skyler, who were still in the bookstore, before swiftly exiting the shop.

"Arthur, don't let him bother you," Hagrid said, reaching out to straighten Mr. Weasley's robe and almost lifting him off the ground.

"That fella is no good. We all know what the Malfoys are like. Their words aren't worth listening to. Their bloodline is tainted, and that's the way it is." As Lucius departed with a malevolent smile, Skyler felt the gravity of the secrets he carried.

The unfolding events affirmed his role in the intricate web of destiny as both an observer and a subtle influencer.

Though well-versed in the path that lay ahead, he remained cautious, for disclosing the true nature of the diary's power was a choice he couldn't yet make.

Skyler's journey through the labyrinthine wizarding world continued to reveal its enigmas, offering him a tapestry of challenges and decisions that would further shape the narrative.

His path was one of anticipation, careful navigation, and a deep understanding of the intricacies and perils woven into the world he inhabited.

Upon their return to the exclusive Malfoy parking area, it was evident that Arthur's altercation hadn't dimmed Lucius's spirits. Skyler could surmise that his father's good mood likely stemmed from the successful transfer of Tom Riddle's diary to Ginny.

The four of them then boarded the carriage to make their way back to Malfoy Manor.

In the wizarding world, Skyler was well-acquainted with various means of transportation, such as Floo networks, Portkeys, and Apparating.

However, the smooth and comfortable ride of the night horse-drawn carriage was undeniably the most leisurely mode of travel.

The journey remained silent as the trio reflected on recent events.

Lucius eventually broke the silence with a solemn tone as they neared Wiltshire.

He addressed Draco and Skyler, conveying an ominous message. "Listen, there might be some unsettling incidents at Hogwarts this year, but it shouldn't concern either of you. Remember your duty as a Malfoy and maintain a clear and safe demeanor."

Draco, reassured by his father's favor, sought further information before Lucius relented. "Fifty years ago, before my birth, a Hogwarts incident occurred. I can't disclose specifics, but a Muggle-born girl lost her life in that event. Hogwarts concealed it, so the details are known to few. You don't need to delve into the Muggle-born conspiracy. Knowing too much can be detrimental. Also, Draco, you'll be learning from me this year. Frankly, your academic standing last year wasn't much higher than that of a Muggle-born. It's quite disappointing. Look at Skyler; he's truly my son. You should learn from your brother."

Unaccustomed to his father's strictness, Draco agreed to follow his guidance.

That night, Skyler was left to wrestle with his thoughts.

As the plot unfolded, he knew that Harry Potter would eventually destroy Tom Riddle's diary, and Voldemort would lose one of his Horcruxes.

This chain of events was the underlying cause of his father's rift with Voldemort, leading to severe punishments and a looming sense of dread in the Malfoy household.

Following Voldemort's defeat, Lucius would be incarcerated in Azkaban, and the family's fortunes would wane.

Skyler pondered whether he should intervene, retrieve the diary from Ginny, and remove Lucius's fault at its source, or allow the plot to continue, maintaining his advantage within its framework.

He was torn by the implications, but more importantly, he had to confront a question he had evaded since his arrival in this new world: what role should he play?

If he followed his previous life's path, he could sever ties with his family, return to the Muggle world, and build a successful life with the knowledge he'd gained.

However, each time he contemplated this choice, he couldn't bring himself to forsake the familial bonds he had found in this new life.

Skyler's furrowed brow cleared at the first light of dawn after a night of introspection.

His eyes bore unwavering resolve and newfound strength as he discovered the courage to face his destiny.

An invisible force surged from his core to his chest and limbs, reinvigorating him.

At that moment, he had the conviction to declare, "If I'm granted a second chance in this new world, then I must bravely confront my fate! I can't join the Order of the Phoenix to protect my loved ones, nor can I join the Death Eaters to preserve family honor. I must forge my own path."

Leaving aside the prospects of success, even if he did manage to retrieve the diary, what then?

Voldemort's ultimate defeat was inevitable, and Lucius's alignment with the Death Eaters would precipitate the family's irrevocable decline.

Skyler even pondered altering the plot to ensure Voldemort's victory, but it was evident that such a course would be disastrous.

The Malfoys had never sought the destruction of Muggle-born wizards but the maintenance of their superiority.

Skyler realized that he should allow the plot to progress as written in the original book.

Maintaining the advantage the plot offered, he could grow stronger.

Once he acquired the strength he needed, revitalizing his family wouldn't be an insurmountable challenge.

With the Chamber of Secrets set to open in the upcoming year, it was time to plot how best to harness this impending storm to their advantage.