An imposing masculine figure confronted Malfoy Country Estate. After observing the somber elegance of the garden, inhabited by pristine albino peacocks, he decided to approach the entrance and, out of mere courtesy, to use the door knocker with refined grooves dominating the gate. It seemed to be coated with small metallic scales reminiscent of snake skin. The one who opened the door was a young house-elf with languid, enormous eyes.

"Welcome to Malfoy Manor, sir. May I offer you something while you wait for the master?" the elf asked.

The man quickly averted his attention from the creature to glance around, deciding to dismiss it before taking a closer look. "No, thank you," he replied.

He began to move through the atrium, noticing first the large marble fireplace surmounted by a mirror set in a gold frame. He had no doubt it was genuine, just like the sofa's feet or the skeleton of the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Even the damask carpet, which covered the entire room, had golden stitching that embellished it. It was a shame that the muted colors chosen for the space offered a cold, detached elegance to the environment.

"Welcome, Mr. Stehodensky. We are honored to have your presence in our humble abode," Lucius Malfoy began after keeping him waiting.

Upon seeing him, Gabriel Stehodensky found him perfectly matched to the setting. The false modesty Lucius had just displayed quickly indicated what kind of person he would be dealing with from then on.

"It seems my mother was very close to you," replied Gabriel Stehodensky, seemingly a young man, with bright apple-green eyes. His masculine and determined features made him truly attractive, contrasting with the more slender and elegant features of the homeowner.

"Yes, your mother was a dear family friend, so I trust that the friendship may endure over time. Perhaps... with Draco, my son," Lucius responded.

Gabriel met the man's silver eyes. "We both know that it's only appearances I intend to keep up, Mr. Malfoy. My father is very attached to the affairs that have always involved your renowned family, so he would like me to stay here and be part of your lives, given the significant changes that await you, as he claims..." And he walked past the man, putting his hands in his pockets and beginning to observe the large paintings hanging on the walls. There were generations of lanky Malfoys everywhere.

"Changes, you say? What kind?"

"I am not obliged to answer you, but my father would like me to make my personal contribution, and I will obey, remaining on the sidelines. Even just one of my fingers could completely change the fate of future London, so... I will ensure that you are the only ones responsible for what will happen."

Lucius swallowed and, though with cautious and measured steps, followed Gabriel, attempting to investigate. "I realize that you do not feel the same affection for us as was reserved by your mother, but..."

"She felt it for your great-grandmother, certainly not for you. Something you are well aware of. I am completely uninterested in such matters... for mere mortals," he released with vague disgust. "Your world doesn't excite me at all, quite the contrary. You are all very alike and boring, especially among the Purebloods... whatever that means to you," he commented irritably, continuing to hold his head high as he admired the artist's touch. Perhaps this was the most interesting side of Earthlings: their originality in art. Did it depend on the known dimensions of their souls? Could art and soul be linked?

While the individual's thoughts drifted elsewhere, Lucius tried to regain his attention, clenching his fist around the snake head fixed to his walking stick. "Yet, I thought you knew better than anyone the meaning of certain terms." That half-provocation finally succeeded in making the guest lower his gaze, who couldn't help but appreciate his cheekiness.

"It's natural that I know them as, in my world, they truly mean something. Here, instead, they have none. There is no real difference between Purebloods and Half-Bloods, and no one knows it better than you, since it is precisely because of this that you fear the spread of impurity. When even the last castes begin to tarnish, even those most bound to their beloved principles will fall. Along with their unbearable arrogance."

With that, he moved past him, offering him a sly smirk and returning to gaze at the paintings hung on the walls.

"So why are you here? What do you want?" Lucius pressed.

"Freedom," Gabriel replied immediately, pausing in front of a countryside cottage painted in a forest. The painting was illuminated by two wall sconces that gave a touch of warmth to that corner of the room.

Lucius turned perplexed, his expression furrowed. "You? Are you trying to tell me that you are not free to...?"

"I am here at my father's behest, before for love of my mother. She was a Pureblood like you, with not dissimilar ideas, but I have never been one to be influenced. I have always observed this world through my own eyes, drawing my own conclusions. However, if I do not obey my father, I will not be free to live the life I desire, with the woman I desire. Every aspect of my life will be decided by him, and I would be resigned to living for eternity with the misery that would go through me, with whoever he chooses for me." He paused briefly. "That is not something I will allow," he declared then, giving him a cold glance, showing him all his determination, before returning his attention to the painting.

Lucius raised both eyebrows, surprised to hear him speak in such a manner. He himself had not been free to choose whom to love, but it hadn't been so difficult with Narcissa. She was a very sweet woman, even if she could seem austere.

"I understand. Then... welcome to the family, beloved nephew. You are welcome to visit us whenever you like and you will be invited to every party, of course," he said, smiling warmly and displaying all the false courtesy he was capable of.

Gabriel, however, was no less. "I am flattered, beloved uncle. We will soon mend the lost bond."

"Father! I absolutely need a new broomstick! The entire team deserves nothing less than the new ones... who are you?"

A pretentious twelve-year-old with slicked-back hair had just appeared, along with all the haughtiness of a Pureblood. 

Gabriel looked down at him, with an instinctive desire to ruffle all those pretty platinum locks, but Lucius distracted him with his intervention. "This is Gabriel Stehodensky, Draco. A distant cousin of yours..."

He glanced at the one addressed, who offered a vague smile as Draco crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head to the side. "Steh... what? What a ridiculous surname!" he observed, even releasing a contemptuous laugh, but his father's firm hand on his shoulder made him stop immediately. "Will the gentleman be staying with us for a very long period, we hope, and..."

"What?! Is he going to live here with us!?"

"Not at all," Gabriel promptly intervened, reassuring the boy, who raised an eyebrow.

The parent continued, "I expect you to show the utmost respect for him, Draco. He is certainly our equal."

The young boy blinked several times, surprised, then shifted his gaze to Gabriel, who had taken on a sly expression.

"Are you certain, Father? I have never heard of this Ste-something family."

"I hope you are not questioning my words, Draco."

The young stepped back slightly, soon intimidated. "Of course not!" He then turned to Gabriel, offering him the same falseness his father had just displayed. "Welcome, cousin. I am sure you will enjoy the hospitality of our renowned family."

"I do not doubt it, cousin," replied the half-demon, dipping his words in hypocrisy, as seemed to be the custom with the members of that family.

Draco then returned to his father, who nodded in his direction, and the boy continued, "Anyway, I was talking to you about the team's brooms and..."

"And you shall have all that you require. Do not worry. You may go now."

Fully satisfied, Draco left. He couldn't wait to challenge the detestable Potter.

Gabriel also decided to retire. "It's better that I leave too. We have said all that is necessary... and more."

He turned his back on the man, who, however, asked him, showing a wit entirely dedicated to his Slytherin House, "The news you were talking about concerns 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named'?"

Gabriel stretched a smirk, then simply turned his head, stating, before disappearing, "Who knows."

As expected by Lucius, it was the return of Voldemort that his family had been awaiting, and no one more than him could be embittered by the return of the Dark Lord. For years, he had enjoyed the freedom to dominate and impose his authority on the Ministry, but with the return of that monster, his free will was over. It was war that Voldemort desired, it was spreading destruction... things that, in reality, he had no interest in.

He loved power and wealth, but even if they were to win that war, he would have to submit to someone else's will for the rest of his days.

Someone, however, whom he knew he could not oppose.

It was a summer Saturday evening two years later. The Death Eaters had all gathered at Malfoy Manor, shamelessly exploiting the well-known resources of its inhabitants. Beyond the atrium, there were two entrances leading to the dining room. That evening, the beautiful room had seen its long central table moved and placed against an entire wall, thus accommodating the sumptuous buffet. On the other side, a sitting room had been arranged to encourage conversation.

The only thing missing was the protagonist of the evening, which this time was neither Lucius, much to his regret, nor his 'nephew'.

The platinum-haired host saw Gabriel materialize at that moment, unaccustomed, as usual, to being greeted and introduced by one of their house-elves. The half-demon was standing in the center of the outdoor balcony, beyond the large glass window facing the entrances. Since the latter was wide open, it allowed the guests to admire the inner garden, populated by white roses against the dark green background of the lawn.

Lucius joined him with his usual haughty expression, and the other nodded to him as he approached and entered the room. "Hello, dear uncle."

"Gabriel, I am very pleased to have you here."

The two smiled at each other, communicating their real displeasure at finding themselves in the same room. Over time, their relationship had not improved at all.

It was the first time Gabriel had come to visit them that summer. The Triwizard Tournament had ended in a way no one could have expected: the return of Lord Voldemort.

"It seems that this Tom Riddle is an individual of some relevance, so I came here," Gabriel stated.

Lucius didn't seem perturbed by the freedom the man had taken. He knew him well by now and knew that trying to instill reverential fear of the Dark Lord in him was a waste of time, although he began to fear that his presence would affect the smooth running of the party.

"Curiosity, then? I'm surprised..." observed Lucius, raising an eyebrow.

Gabriel smiled benignly at him. "What nonsense. You know my motivations well. And besides... I practically warned you," he finished, offering him one of his sly smirks. He was aware of how much Lucius detested parasites, along with those who dared to give him orders. His life was taking a truly uncomfortable turn.

He didn't see Lucius give in for a single moment to the provocation. It was clear that he was training well with the new despot. The honeyed tone seemed entirely convincing. "Practically, yes, indeed. And I couldn't wait for your prediction to come true. The return of our beloved lord was an immense joy."

Gabriel had to bite his lips: he was on the verge of laughing. He would have never believed that seeing that insufferable young man being stepped on by someone could even amuse him. For a moment, he was struck by a fleeting thought of empathy towards all the Demons who found real amusement in watching the lives of mortals. But only for a moment.

The arrival of the moment's star saved Lucius from one of his affectionate 'nephew's' sardonic retorts.

The snake-like face was concealed under the cloak, and the killer gaze scanned the entire hall, seeking the eyes of his followers, but finding none. They had all quickly bowed before him, but Lucius, next to Gabriel, was the last to do so.

"Well, well... there's a bold one among us," commented the man, moving across the floor as he swirled the long, dirty black cloak around his figure.

Gabriel stood and observed the snake-like features of the individual, whose eyes were entirely human. Voldemort watched with interest the arrogance with which the stranger dared to face him... and he already savored the lesson he would give him in a few moments: it would be an example for all.

"My lord, let me introduce you to a distant nephew of mine..." Lucius began, quickly positioning himself next to the Dark Lord, who hadn't taken his eyes off Gabriel for a moment. The latter had no particular reaction.

Hearing the host begin to ramble about the relationship that tied him to that new face, Voldemort raised the palm of his hand, dismissing the chatterbox, and pointed out, with his hissing voice: "I am sure this newfound nephew is also provided with a tongue... for the moment."

Gabriel couldn't help but smile at that threat and replied: "Oh, yes, I do have one. Do you breathe well through those two slits?" he asked, as if they had some kind of intimacy.

Voldemort opened his ghastly gummy smile before he attempted to snap his wand at him. However, the attempt was futile. He was stopped and rendered completely unable to move the rest of his body. Something was holding him back and, although his interlocutor hadn't lifted a finger, he was certain that he was the one responsible.

Needless to say, Tom would have turned crimson if his grayish skin had allowed it.

"What is happening?! What kind of spell...!?" 

"My lord..." Lucius began, pulling out his wand in an attempt to break the half-demon's magic, but the latter spoke up, "I am not here to quarrel, Mr. Serpent. Don't worry." And he released him first, since no one would be able to break the effect of his non-verbal spells.

"Who the hell are you?" Voldemort snapped, seeing him walk past and move towards the buffet. He hadn't noticed Draco's presence, who had jumped up from the velvety sofa that had hosted him until then. He was now fourteen years old. His expression was shocked.

Despite the time he had spent at his home, he had no idea what Gabriel was. He must have never really informed himself about the half-demon. Apparently, he had never considered him an individual worthy of his interest.

"He's a distant nephew of mine! I told you, my lord! Ahh!"

"Silence!" Voldemort shouted, lashing out with the Cruciatus Curse at Lucius, who collapsed to the floor, screaming. "Oh, no, please! My lord!"

Narcissa and Draco rushed to them, terrified, pleading with the monster, and Gabriel watched them with an icy expression as he sipped his drink. Voldemort couldn't ignore his impatience.

"Speak, you damned creature!"

"It's the truth. I am a distant relative of theirs. Although our ties date back more than a century ago." It wasn't the truth; his mother had only been a family friend to the Malfoys, but his father had insisted that he pass himself off as a relative.

His words left everyone quite puzzled, and Gabriel tilted his head, showing Voldemort his sly smirk. "Did a candle light up for you, Mr. Serpent? Or should I call you Tom? What do you prefer?"

Voldemort materialized in front of Gabriel, who didn't stop sipping from his straw, even when face to face with the being. "What the hell do you want... demon?"

Gabriel grimaced, rolling his eyes to the ceiling and correcting him, "Technically, it would be a half-demon. Although it makes no difference to you, we're still..." He leaned close to Voldemort's ear, whispering smugly, "...unparalleled."

He stepped back, giving him a small smile and noticing Lucius rising shakily, supported by his wife and son. Voldemort, however, still regarded him with enormous disgust, and his words conveyed no less contempt. "Well, half-demon... what do you want?"

The other shrugged, shaking his head casually. "Nothing at all. I'm just a bored spectator. I'll observe where this desperate search for attention and recognition will lead."

As expected, all those comments only made the Death Eaters grumble. Voldemort couldn't afford to appear weak; what he had to offer them should have been demonstrations of power... not that embarrassing spectacle.

"So, you expect me to believe that you won't intervene?! That you will not join those miserable school kids hoping to oppose me?!"

"I don't know what you're talking about, but if I'm with the Malfoys, it's because I've always had much more sympathy for the 'bad guys' than for the so-called 'good ones'. I know nothing about you, I'll decide in time... but it would be wise for you to behave with me, Tom. I'm quite touchy," he said, throwing a quick glance at the Malfoys before walking away towards the buffet.

Author's Note: 

And here I am with the first chapter! What do you think? Do you believe it's clear enough? In this first part, I introduced Gabriel, a half-demon, a creature that will accompany us throughout the story, and I'm sure you'll like him if you're a Slytherin like me XD. In the next one, we'll see his first encounter with Draco, it's going to be fun! See you on Monday!