Author's Note: I've read fanfiction for over a decade, but this is the first story that I've ever posted. I've always been fascinated by the pureblood culture, and in this story, the world of HP is likened to Regency England. This short story focuses on four young witches and the wizards who fight for them. This story is an alternate universe with some original characters. In a world without Voldemort, none of us can really say what any of these characters would have been like, but this is my take on them. If they seem a little out of character for you, that is why.

Thank you for taking the time to read and review.

Chapter 1- Diamonds

Hyacinth Joy Potter Black/ Draco Lucius Malfoy

Hyacinth Joy Potter Black blinked awake immediately as a giant ball jumped onto her bed, terrifying her out of her wits. "Orion!" she screamed, grabbing at her covers to maintain some decency. She didn't sleep naked for Merlin's sake, but a silk peach nightie was not what one properly greeted their brother in.

"Good morning, sis!" Orion Sirius Black greeted, blinking mischievously up at her from the foot of her bed. He was, of course, already dressed in pressed grey trousers with a dark blue button-down shirt, white cravat slightly askew around his neck. He wore only a grey summer cloak with the Black Heir brooch, a gorgeous creation of pearls, sapphires, and platinum ivy entwined around a large Grim with a dagger in its mouth, attached at the neck. His black hair was almost artfully untidy though Hyacinth knew that he had spent at least 20 minutes on it.

Hyacinth glared at him, emerald green eyes burning with sleep and spite. "What on earth could possibly make you barge in here, unannounced, and wake me up at," she glanced at the silver clock on her bedside table, "8 bloody AM?"

Orion held her gaze with clear sapphire blue eyes that made all of the girls at Hogwarts swoon. "Well, it's your birthday of course," he said matter-of-factly, pulling a slim box out of the folds of his cloak. His gaze turned sly. "Unless you'd rather not have your present…"

Hyacinth's emerald eyes had lit up at the sight of the slim velvet box, but turned dangerous at his words. "Orion Sirius Black," she warned, pointing a finger in his face. "You give me my birthday present or so help you-"

Orion laughed, not at all daunted. After all, if Hyacinth had been going to hex him, she would have done it already. "Chill, sis," he chided, handing her the box. "I wanted to be the first to give you your coming-of-age present. Happy Birthday."

He watched as his sister (in all but blood) cooed over the pretty ribbons around the box, tugging at each one with precision. 'Girls,' he thought fondly as the wrappings fell away. It was worth Hyacinth's wrath (for she had never been a morning person) to see her eyes light up and then tear slightly as she lifted the gorgeous diamond and sapphire bracelet out of the box.

"Oh, Ori," she gasped, holding it carefully. "It's beautiful! I love it!"

He reached over and tugged it from her grasp, fastening it around her left wrist with a quick snap. "I'm glad you like it," he replied sincerely, watching her 'ooh' and 'aah' at the sparkles that the gems made when they caught the light.

"I do," she said, hugging him tightly. She stared at the bracelet some more and then grinned at him. "Why are you dressed already?" she asked, placing the wrappings carefully on her bedside table.

Orion grinned. "Lots of things to do before, and here I quote the Daily Prophet, the 'biggest party of the century'," he replied, getting to his feet. "There's a ton of people coming here to celebrate the debut of the Girl-Who-Lived."

Hyacinth made a face at his use of that hated nickname. "Lovely," she drawled, throwing the covers off and getting out of bed. She stared at it longingly for a minute before sighing and turning to face Orion who coughed and blushed bright red. "What?" she asked, seeing how he was suddenly very uncomfortable.

Orion shook his head, completely mute, as he walked over to her large armoire in the corner of her room. He took out the matching peach silk robe and threw it to her without looking. She caught it one-handed and laughed as he walked out of the room muttering about how younger sisters should not own garments like the one she was wearing.

Throwing the robe around her slim shoulders and cinching it at the waist, she hummed to herself as she padded to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

"Happy Birthday, darling!"

Hyacinth walked into the bright, airy informal dining room of Black Manor to see her mother, father, and brother already sitting down to eat. Sirius was conversing with Orion about the finer points of the Puddlemere United vs. Holyhead Harpies game that had taken place yesterday, but glanced up at her entrance.

Hyacinth kissed Lorraine Black's cheek first. "Mama," she greeted. "Thank you." Lorraine Black nee Rinaldi was a French witch whose family had been old friends of the Potters. She had met Sirius when he had come with James on a visit to France many summers ago. Their bonding ceremony was held in the spring of Sirius's seventh year, and Orion had made an early appearance the following spring. When the Potters had died that fateful night, the Blacks had taken her into their home without question.

"Papa," she grinned, kissing his cheek fondly. She had never been able to pronounce Padfoot as a baby so the nickname Papa had stuck. It worked even better now because Sirius and Lorraine were the best parents anyone could ask for. She was quite fortunate to have such amazing people in her life.

Hyacinth's eyes took in her father's handsome rugged features from the crisp blue eyes to the ever-present smile. "Your hair is getting long again. We must cut it before this evening."

Sirius sighed and gave his wife (who was holding back a satisfied grin) a long look. "Happy Birthday, Hyacinth," he greeted as she sat down. "Did your mother put you up to that?"

"Why would she ever do that, Papa?" Hyacinth asked, forking some pancakes onto her plate. Sprinkling them with powdered sugar, she glanced up at him once more. "Your hair is getting long and long hair is hardly in style any more. I simply wanted you looking proper for my party." She pouted a little and inwardly grinned when his expression turned from guilty to resigned.

"I'll put it on the agenda for the morning," he said finally, unable to handle a pouting daughter on her birthday.

Hyacinth rewarded him with a winning smile and turned her attention to her pancakes. After a delicate bite, she chewed thoughtfully and swallowed. "Mama, you owe me those new Christian Louboutin shoes," Hyacinth spoke up calmly, sipping her tea.

Lorraine smirked, mischief clear in her light blue eyes and as she put her own teacup down. "So I do, darling. So I do. We'll portkey to Paris this morning."

Sirius stared at them open-mouthed while Orion snorted into his breakfast. "Surely, you saw that one coming," Orion rolled his eyes at his father.

Sirius, for once, had no reply.

There was a light knock at the door before it opened and a gentle voice came floating in. "Hyacinth?"

"Come in!" Hyacinth turned around and barely had time to catch the blonde that rushed into the room. "Daphne!" She hugged her best friend tightly and took a quick peek at her robes. "You look spectacular."

Daphne Greengrass's silver satin dress robes caught the light at exactly the right angles, making her sparkle brighter than the jewels around her long, slender neck. Her blonde hair was piled on top of her head and her violet eyes shone. "No, Hyacinth. This is your evening. You're the gorgeous one."

Hyacinth turned to look at her reflection in the mirror. Her pure white debutante dress robes looked like it spun out of dreams. Underneath transparent long-sleeved chiffon robes, was a silk chiffon strapless gown that hugged her curves with a diamond-studded corset before flowing out into a basket skirt that was made with layers and layers of silk and ribbons. Her long black waves were pinned in a careful up-do and secured with pearls. "I suppose I do look rather fetching," she said, almost as an after-thought.

A half-sob from the door made them both spin around. A girl with strawberry-blonde curls gathered tastefully in a chignon at the base of her neck walked in and hurried to hug them both. Her silver dress robes were identical to Daphne's- long, figure-hugging satin with a scooped neckline and train. "You look rather more than fetching," she said, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Oh, Hannah," Hyacinth whispered into her friend's hair, giving her another hug. "You're going to make me cry too."

Hannah Abbott nodded tearfully, blowing her nose into the handkerchief. "You just look so grown-up. I can't believe that you're debuting. I swear it was yesterday that we were braiding ribbons into Orion's hair and stepping onto the Hogwarts Express for the first time."

"No crying!" A matter-of-fact voice interrupted their thoughts. "You'll smudge your makeup, and I really can't bear to hear the sound of crying after Parvati's whining all morning. My poor nerves!"

The three enveloped the last member of their quartet in a big hug. "I'm sorry, Padma," Hyacinth said sincerely. Parvati and Padma Patil may have been twin sisters, but they were absolutely nothing alike and it drove Padma batty. Luckily, Padma had her best friends to keep her sane, and it was a definite plus that they let her vent about Parvati as much as she wanted.

Despite their differences, the four girls were as close as sisters. They had remained solid friends at Hogwarts even when the four of them had been sorted into different houses. The four of them created quite a stir during their first welcoming feast when they had all sat together at the end of the Hufflepuff table (since Hannah had been sorted first) when the desserts had appeared. They had been inseparable since.

Padma waved her hand like the matter was neither here nor there. She stepped back from the group to give Hyacinth an appraising look. "You do look gorgeous," she said, smiling brightly. She lifted her own skirts with one hand and looped the other arm through Hyacinth's. "Ready to knock them dead?"

"Always," Hyacinth replied with an easy smile.

It was a rare thing to find Orion Black speechless. His mother said that he had inherited his unfailing charm and smooth tongue from his father, something that he was actually very proud of. However, he couldn't think of a single thing to say as he watched Hyacinth descend down the Ballroom steps with her Court surrounding her. They were beautiful witches, the four of them, each in a unique way. Watching them interact, he knew why someone (no one had dared to claim the moniker) had entitled them the 'Queens' of Hogwarts.

Hyacinth was the leader, a Gryffindor in that aspect- honorable, popular, and always willing to fight for what she believed in. Daphne, the 'Ice Queen', was as smart as she was beautiful and tended to be the sarcastic, realistic one. Hannah was the solid foundation of their group, always listening to every side of the story, never judging, and forever keeping peace. Padma was the voice of reason when Hyacinth and Daphne went into their moods and Hannah was unable to pick a side. Individually, they were strong. Together, they were nearly unstoppable.

Orion was unaware that his thoughts were running away from him until Hyacinth poked him in the side. Hannah and Padma tugged on either of his sleeves while Daphne draped her arms around his shoulders and kissed his cheek softly, grinning when he blushed. It was a rather over familiar gesture for the Greengrass Heiress, but Daphne had always been able to get away with more than most.

"Daphne, darling," Hyacinth drawled, poking Orion in the side once more when he remained unresponsive. "I do believe that you've broken him."

Daphne snorted. "You speak as if that would be difficult," she drawled, pulling back from Orion and smoothing out her dress.

Orion blinked himself out of his stupor and flashed a cheeky grin at Daphne. "You wound me, love," he said, putting his hands over his heart and pretending to be in pain. "Your words cut deep into my soul."

Daphne laughed derisively. "I highly doubt you have one, Black," she muttered. Daphne folded her gloved hands in front of her and observed the ballroom with a haughty glance.

"There, there, Ori," Hannah said, patting his arm soothingly. "I think you are a lovely person, and you look extremely handsome tonight."

Padma nodded on his other side. "I'd rather not feed your already large ego, but Hannah's right," she said, shrugging her shoulders.

"And you ladies look extremely beautiful," Orion returned with a charming smile, ignoring Padma's quip. "There is not a single person or object more lovely and stunning as the four of you."

"Flatterer," Hyacinth smiled, hitting him with her fan.

"Not flattery if it's true," Orion smirked back at her, tilting his head to the side. A few of the young women in the ballroom tittered and hid behind their fans.

"Oh very well," Hyacinth murmured, peering down at the large number of people gathering in the ballroom. "It looks like quite a crush down there."

Orion nodded, looking over his shoulder. "Yes, I've barely just gotten away from Lavender and Parvati," he said with a resigned sigh. "Please try and keep them away from me."

Padma laughed and started down the stairs. "Only if you keep them away from me. Trust me, I've had my fill of their giggling for lifetimes."

"Circe and Morgana, why are you hiding in this corner?"

Draco Malfoy looked up from his glass of champagne to stare at his cousin's dark eyes. "I'm not hiding," he managed to say in his usual drawl, eyeing the top of the staircase.

"You are quite clearly sulking behind a marble column," Blaise retorted, propping himself up against the pillar and blocking his view.

Draco threw him a withering glare. "Malfoy's do not sulk," he muttered, pushing Blaise out of the way and continuing to gaze at the vision in white silk that had just appeared on Orion Black's arm. Blaise followed his gaze and smirked, sipping champagne.

"You are completely lost my friend."

Draco gracefully side-stepped around him and moved to stand in the light. Orion Black was escorting his sister down the steps with the rest of the Court following just a little behind them as was proper. "I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."

"Suit yourself," Blaise shrugged. "But you know that you have your work entirely cut out for you."

It was unfortunately, true. While they had never been enemies, Hyacinth Potter Black and he had never been best friends. It honestly didn't help that he had been desperately in love with her since he was thirteen and the feelings had only gotten stronger as he had aged and his magic had matured. Hyacinth was not prejudiced against Slytherins by any means, one of her best friends was a Slytherin; however, he had no idea why she would choose him over any other.

"Who will they give her first dance to?" Draco questioned Blaise out of the corner of his mouth, his eyes still on the party. Orion Black was presenting his sister to Lord Sirius and Lady Lorraine Black at the foot of the stairs. Hyacinth swept into a graceful curtsey, which her father raised her out of, beaming proudly. Lady Black stroked her daughter's hair with fondness and smiled at her son.

"They will not want to show obvious favoritism so early in the Season," Blaise remarked. "Heir Black as her closest, unmarried, male relative will likely have the honor."

It was just as well. Draco wanted to know whom the Blacks were considering for their only daughter for they would be his competition; however, he wasn't sure if he would be discouraged after seeing the list. Hyacinth was the sole survivor of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. As such, she was Heiress to the Potter fortune and had one of the purest and oldest bloodlines to match. Her dowry was incredible and would have every fortune hunter sniffing at her skirts.

"Has your father already sent the contract asking for a marriage date?" Blaise asked in an undertone. They could hear the beginnings of the orchestra tuning their instruments. The ball would commence shortly.

"Yes," Draco replied, sipping his champagne. He had seen to it that all of the official documents and protocol had been observed. Father had taken one look at his son's singularly determined expression before signing the parchments without delay. His Mother had only patted his cheek and gave him a knowing smile. It was now up to him to win Heiress Potter's favor. Nothing was more important than this evening.

"What do you think would happen if I dropped you?"

Hyacinth twirled at her brother's wordless command and pierced him with an annoyed glare. "Don't you dare. I will never forgive you if you make me look like a fool during my first waltz."

Orion did not deign to respond. He only grinned and swept her up into the intricate dance. For all of his posturing, she knew that he would never follow through and make her coming-out ball less than perfect. In fact, she knew that he had even practiced to ensure that he would not miss a step. A witch's first waltz was a great honor, and Orion knew how important it was to her and to the family.

All too soon, Orion let her go, only to bow deeply before her. She swept into a graceful curtsy in response. "It was an honor, my dearest sister," he whispered. His magic, icy and powerful, washed over her as a blessing, before retreating. "I wish for only the best for you."

"Thank you," she replied, refusing to let the tears that pricked her eyes fall. Orion smiled at her and tucking her hand into his elbow, led her once again to their parents. The violins immediately began playing the next tune, a minuet this time, and the ballroom's dance floor was once again filled dancers.

"You are beautiful tonight, my love," Lorraine reached out to hold both of her hands in her own. "You have impressed everyone."

"I'll have at least a dozen more marriage offers for you by morning," Sirius scowled at the prospect. "You are far too stunning."

"Oh, Papa," she sighed fondly, savoring the moment. It was going to be one of the precious few remaining ones in her childhood home. This time next year, she would probably be married and living with her husband, her bonded partner for life. It was both a wonderful and terrifying prospect. Would she find someone who would love her and treasure her as her Father treasured her Mother? There was no doubt in her mind that he loved her more than anything in the world. And their powerful, compatible magic was intoxicating. Would she find such a match?

Despite being the youngest of the group, her magic had matured faster than her friends. However, there had always been something missing to stabilize it. Today, with her maturity, she gained a further sense that her magic was searching for something. Hyacinth could only assume that she would find it in the wizard who would complete her. A marriage bond was sacred amongst purebloods and not something to be taken lightly. The more harmonious the magic was, the stronger the bond. It was a gift to find true compatibility.

Before long, nearly every eligible male in the ballroom had solicited her hand for a dance. Heir Longbottom had been one of the first, one of her childhood friends. However, it didn't escape her notice that he kept looking over her shoulder where Hannah was dancing with Heir Davies. She smiled and did not say anything. The two of them would resolve it on their own terms. Heir Boot, Master Fawcett, and Heir Zabini were next. Blaise had said nearly nothing during their quadrille and had been smirking the entire time as if he knew something that she did not. Hyacinth decided she did not even want to begin to try and unravel the mystery that presented.

Blaise had scarcely left her side after bringing her back to her parents before she felt a familiar rush of magic right behind her. "Lord and Lady Malfoy," her mother said politely in greeting, touching Hyacinth's side to get her attention.

Hyacinth turned around and swept into the lowest curtsy of the night, gazing at the beautiful green slippers that Narcissa had donned that evening. Fingers lifted her chin and she was suddenly staring into the blue eyes that belonged to the Black family. "You have grown into quite a beautiful witch, my dear," she murmured with a warm smile. "You will surely make quite a catch this season."

"Thank you, Lady Malfoy," she replied, cursing her fair complexion when she felt a blush arise.

Lord Malfoy nodded in greeting, pewter eyes sweeping over her. She rose from her curtsy and forced herself to stand still under his assessing gaze. He must have approved of what he saw for he gave a half-smile, she doubted Lord Malfoy ever really smiled in public, and he gestured behind him. "I believe that you know our son."

"Heir Malfoy," Hyacinth murmured formally, trying to ignore the tingle on the edges of her magic that she always felt whenever he was close.

"Lady Potter," Draco bowed over her hand and kissed it gently. "May I say that you look magnificent this evening?"

"Thank you. You look very handsome." It was true; he was dressed in resplendent formal dress robes in the Malfoy colors, green and gold. Underneath the outer robe, he wore a crisp white shirt with black trousers that were tucked into shiny black boots. An emerald green cravat was expertly tied around his neck.

"You're too kind," he smiled. Behind them, the violins began the opening chords of another waltz. Draco had held onto her hand a tad longer than polite, but Hyacinth had not even noticed. "May I have the honor of this waltz?"

"Yes," she breathed, beaming up at him. Perhaps it was time to figure out just why Draco Malfoy affected her so.

Draco couldn't keep the smile off his face as he led her to the center of the dance floor. Hyacinth slid her hand up his arm to rest on his bicep, and he wrapped his arm around her, drawing her closer to him. The scent of jasmines invaded his senses, and he longed to pull the pins from her hair and bury his hands in her long tresses.

Snapping his attention back to the dance, he met his partner's big famously green eyes. He could tell that there was something on her mind. "What is it, Lady Potter?"

She laughed. "Please. We've known each other quite long enough. You may call me Hyacinth."

"Only if you call me, Draco."

Hyacinth blinked once before her eyes shone with happiness. "Very well, Heir Draco. Are you enjoying yourself this evening?"

"Very much so," he murmured as he executed a perfect turn and they glided along. "I hope that your birthday has met your every expectation."

"Almost." Her response was a whisper that he barely heard over the laughing crowd. Her eyes flicked over to where her parents were standing before coming to meet his once again.

Uncertainty. He felt it deep within and longed with everything that he was to make that feeling go away and never allow it to cross her face again. "And what would you wish for to make it perfect?"

His magic reached for hers, and she felt it closer than ever. She had never realized before how much she reveled in it. His magic was strong and powerful and made her feel safe.

"It's silly," she said with a good-humored smile, attempting to clear her head. "I'm not sure you'd care to know."

"Lady Hyacinth, it is my sincerest wish to know everything about you," he replied with feeling. "I know that orchids are your favorite flowers and that you wrinkle your nose when you don't understand something in school. Your favorite dessert is treacle tart though you do not normally partake in sweets. You are a terrible liar, and detest when someone keeps secrets from you. You are beautiful in every sense of the word, and it would be a great honor if you would tell me you secret birthday wish for I will do everything in my power to see it done."

Hyacinth's lips had dropped open to form a little 'o' and her eyes were full of surprise, wonder, and another emotion he couldn't name. For a moment, he was afraid that he had overstepped his boundaries. He surely hadn't meant to confess all those things at once. But after the initial panic, dread began to seep in. Draco wasn't sure what he would do if she laughed in his face or slapped him for his directness.

In the end, Hyacinth did neither. She closed her mouth and gave him a soft smile, eyes shining as bright as the diamonds that he had secretly bought with her in mind. "I would dearly love to take a stroll in the gardens, Heir Draco. The moon flowers are particularly beautiful and have just started blooming."

Her magic caressed his with words that she was not able to say and Draco felt his heart soar. "As you wish, Lady Hyacinth. As you wish."