Prologue
Persephone POV ( 2 years before Harry is Born)
I came to Great Britain when I was 18. Ready to begin my exciting career in The Ministry Of Magic, what I got was so much more.
My job was working under the ambassador to the US Ministry. I had thought (naïve as I was) that this meant being part of top political meetings and in the center of the news. What my job actually entailed was making coffee, sending owls and relaying notes between offices. Our memos were much too important to send through the air mail, so I was on my feet most of the day.
One day, while trying to retrieve a runaway memo that was stuck in the elevator (my last time trying to be lazy I assure you) I fell into a redheaded woman's pile of papers. While I made a fool of myself trying to apologize she very cleverly cast some charm and they all flew back into her hands. We laughed about it and she helped me up. She introduced herself to me as Lily Evans, she worked on the 9 floor and would love if at lunch we would go out and get some tea. "How very British", I remarked. She laughed and we agreed to meet in the Atrium at twelve. I rushed back to the office, thrilled at having a new friend and looked forward to lunch the rest of the day. When Lily and I met in the bustling central of the ministry we didn't stop laughing and chatting all hour, we were immediate friends.
A few weeks after meeting Lily she began to gush about her fiancé, a man named James Potter. I can always define love by the look on Lily's face when she talked about James. She glowed and there was a attractive content smile fixed on her face, as if nothing in her world could go wrong. I had only seen him and had never been properly introduced to James, but I knew of his personality and everyone talked about him as though he was their best friend. Almost no one had anything bad to say about him. He was a good looking man with dark wild hair and a well built physique. He was the only person I had ever seen who could pull off those terrible glasses and still look powerful. I liked James, mainly because he loved Lily so. And not to mention he had an undeniable goodness about him. A perfect match for my friend.
All this time working at the ministry I had never payed attention to the rumors that were circulating. People found murdered with blank stares on their faces, clearly Avada Kedavra. Everyone knew it but they were too scared to even fathom that someone could go around and hurt so many people like that. They were all marked with a head that had a snake protruding from its mouth. (This was later changed to a skull to become the fully fledged Dark Mark.) All anyone knew was that it was connected to a Wizard named Lord Voldemort. It all came to a startling head when I was running late one morning. The office was abuzz with activity, people running everywhere. Well the ones who were brave enough to show up that is. Voldemort and his followers had killed an entire wizarding family and the full fledged Dark Mark was above their house. The Death Eaters were everywhere and no one could be trusted. More and more reports of disappearances came in everyday. The country was scared. Little did I know that I would soon be closer to this object of fear than anyone could have ever imagined.
Because of the appearance of Voldemort I was busier than ever and was thrilled when Lily invited me out as a double date for James' friend Remus. Usually a double date would have supplied a resounding no from me, but I was so anxious to get a break from work that I took her offer with pleasure. I arrived at the restaurant/bar in London and sat down with my companions.
Remus Lupin was a sweet man who looked as though he had been through more terrible things in his life than anyone I had ever seen. His face was kind and wizened, with a wonderful smile that spread throughout his entire face. He had something to say about everything, I have never known another man who lived with such passion in his life. A trait that later events would brutally propel out of him. We talked about anything that we could think of, I loved everything about him in the first few minutes I met him. But a friendly love, and we both understood that. Especially when he walked in.
James had told me that his best friend, Sirius Black might be joining us later and that he was known to be quite the "arse." (How I loved how my new friends spoke) I saw him as he came through the front door and it had registered to me how attractive he was. Medium length black hair that swayed darkly with an undeniable elegance around his dark blue eyes. I pushed him off as the local heartthrob and nothing else, going back to my conversation with Remus. But when James stood up and waved down the beautiful man, my heart caught in my throat. THIS was the arse? The stunning creature gracefully walking towards our table? And as he got closer I realized it must be true, anyone that perfect on the outside must be rotten to the core.
We were introduced by James (who I must say had an extremely large grin on his face) Remus shook hands with Sirius and excused himself, saying something about going job hunting in the morning. Sirius sat down next to me and he and James began talking about their school days and the "do you remember when we did that" stories. Lily was laughing and I was fascinated. Sirius would tell me later that he did this to try and impress me. It worked. When James and Lily stood up to dance it left Sirius and I alone, he turned his gorgeous smile towards me and the two of us barely noticed when our friends came back to say good night. We were so engrossed in conversation with each other. I was sold to him, and him to me. It was love and we knew it.
I stayed suspended on this cloud throughout the next week, no bad news could touch me, I was just too happy. A month and a half of perfect bliss later, my new friends and I were invited to a dinner party at the school, Hogwarts. Sirius spoke of the headmaster and the grounds with such fondness that I was thrilled to go.
The school was in fact a magnificent castle. Seemingly hovering above a great black lake its turrets were tall and grand and the grounds vast. Even the dark forest to the east looked eerily beautiful. Our little group included the "2 couples" (as Remus called us) himself and a stout mousy faced man named Peter Pettigrew. He seemed an odd fit for this group of strong attractive men. His nose was long and pointed, his back was hunched over and his nose was constantly twitching. He followed the other 3 men religiously, Lily said she pitied him. How could you not? We all apparated into the local town and hiked up the long walkway to the castle, its lights a beacon for warmth and safety in these dark times.
When we reached the entrance hall Remus started spouting off information about the school and its glorious ceiling that reflected the sky. I was speechless, trying to take in all the beauty at once. My school in Salem had been a wonderful place but it was not so… striking, would be the only word. Unfortunately my time to gape was cut short when a house elf appeared and we followed him to the headmasters office. Where I soon had so much to look at The Great Hall was a distant memory. About 30 other people were inside the large room. A few I recognized from the Ministry, Frank and Alice Longbottom among others I had seen around. There was also a dark-greasy haired, hook-nosed man that glared at my friends as soon as we entered the room. Sirius looked fiercely at him and stepped between him and myself, seemingly sheltering me from him. Not a minute later a door at the top of a circular staircase opened and out came the most commanding man I had and will ever see in my life.
Albus Dumbledore wore a set of magnificently crafted blue and gold robes and a tall pointed wizards hat that would have looked silly on any lesser man. His hair was as white as snow and this and his beard grew down to his navel. Despite this he exuded a youthful prescense and extreme power, it would have been difficult NOT to respect him already. He grimaced and spoke in a booming voice,
"I fear I have led you all here under false pretenses. There is no party but if you are hungry I assure we will not let you starve." A few people laughed at his attempted joke, I smiled, he continued.
"As all of you know, Lord Voldemort is a large threat that must be taken care of." At the mention of Voldemort's name many in the crowd shuddered.
I don't remember exactly when it became unacceptable to say his name outloud. All I do remember about it was that we had all discussed it as a strange and foreign concept. To fear a name? We all (with the exception of Peter) freely said his name out-loud on a daily basis. So why stop?
"I have called you all here because I believe you all to be trustworthy and passionate about this cause. If I was wrong about anyone of you please feel free to leave now and think on it no more." Sirius glanced around and said to James in hushed tones, " Of course, McGonagall isn't here. She's outside ready to perform a memory charm on anybody dumb enough to leave this room." James chuckled and Sirius moved closer to me. No one left. Dumbledore went on, " I will come to each one of you personally and give you your specific instructions. But for now, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for any news or ways to get closer to a Death Eater. We need information. We need spies, as we can be sure that he already has some. We need data collectors, we need as much help as we can get. Look for any opportunity you can and remember, we are being watched." After this little speech we all took a vow of allegiance to what we now called The Order Of The Pheonix and went home. Sirius asked me later why I would pledge myself so willingly to someone I had just met. Lay my life on the line for them. I could only reply, "It's Albus Dumbledore." Sirius just laughed and agreed.
Yet again I found myself disappointed in the work I was given. Dumbledore had no clear instructions for me since he didn't know the American yet. I was striving to prove myself, and my wish was soon granted.
Walking down the lonely street to my flat late one night, I heard someones footsteps behind me, faster and faster they came. All the while my hand was inching towards my wand. If it was a muggle I didn't need it, but just in case. All of a sudden, I spun around to confront the shadow behind me. I met him, nose to nose. His face was covered in a black mask and the rest of his head concealed in a black hood. I could see a sliver of silvery blonde hair protruding from under his mask and his stormy gray eyes looked down on me with disdain.
"We need to talk." His voice was low and undeniably regal. I pulled my wand and pointed it between his eyes, "Then talk." The Death Eater didn't flinch.
"I am a mere servant of the Dark Lord, the one who will lead us out of this chaotic and filthy mud blood reign. You, a descendant of Proctor must wish for that." I hid my disgust well. He went on, "Our joy would be a country of only purebloods or one where the half breeds and muggles were at least put in their place. You Persephone Parker can help us with this noble cause. Are you interested in being a part of our revolution?" This was the exact opportunity Dumbledore had told us to keep our eyes open for. I answered Yes, and so began my descent into darkness.
Dumbledore was thrilled to hear that there was another person able and willing to be a spy in Voldemorts inner circle. He wouldn't initially tell me the other spy but I was sure I'd figure it out sooner or later so I didn't pressure him. But he worried about my safety. (Which basically meant that he wasn't sure if I could do it or not). So in order to prove to him my capabilities I met with him 2 nights after my meeting with the Death Eater in the Street. I went to his office once again and waited for him while I studied his very own phoenix. Attempting to sneak up on me he walked out onto the landing and said in his booming voice, "His name is Fawkes." I wouldn't let him get to me, no matter what little "tests" he threw my way. "He's beautiful. Let's get started." I replied coldly. I have a slight feeling that he was impressed by my willingness to begin. A big smile kind of gave it away. I was never a shy person but something about Albus Dumbledore intimidated me, even if I would never give him the satisfaction of knowing that, I cant deny it to myself. Dumbledore smiled, "We will begin as soon as my occlumecey professional gets here."
"You are not administrating the test?" I asked.
"No, one of my teachers, Severus Snape will be testing you so that I can watch your reactions." But no pressure right?
The man named Snape walked in just moments later and to my surprise it was the hooked nosed man that Sirius had guarded me from at the initial order meeting. He sauntered in with an arrogant air about him and he glared at me as long as he dared. I wasn't going to play his little game. Without warning I felt the greasy haired Snape probing into my mind, I continued to stare into the fire and look at all the strange objects in the office, easily throwing him off. Still snooping inside my mind, I started a conversation with Dumbledore about the local Quidditch teams. Snape looked furious. Dumbledore was impressed. It continued like this for an hour or so. Hard questioning and background stories, rules etc.
"If you feel your life or the life of an innocent is in jeopardy, get yourself and them out. We will and can protect you."
"Get in as far as you can but report everything."
And so on and so on. The name of the other spy was obviously Severus Snape and as we were both the "double agents" we were not allowed to act as though we had ever met. Only made sense. Dumbledore said I wouldn't find this information very interesting but Sirius would. And as long as I was telling Sirius I might as well tell James and Lily. The chain of conversation was bound to get through our little group sooner or later. I left his office 2 hours after I had arrived ready to go the next morning to meet Lord Voldemort. I had passed Dumbledores test.
When I got home I found Sirius sitting on my couch. Not an unusual sight since he found out I had been followed the other night, but he never went home afterwards. I didn't mind. He usually got up to kiss me hello, but tonight he just sat on the couch, staring off into space.
"Sirius what's wrong?" I asked, puzzled.
"I don't want you to go tomorrow." He said as he stood up.
"I have to go." I said, crossing the room and meeting him behind the couch, "How could you expect me not to?"
"It's not that I don't think you can. I know you can… I …. I just worry. This guy… he will kill you without a second thought. I don't wanna lose you. I mean, what if something happens to you?" I wrapped my arms around his waist and lay my head against his collarbone.
"I cant make any promises, you know that." Raising my head, I looked him in the eyes, "But what if this was reversed? Could you live with yourself if you saw all of this evil happening in the world and just sat on the sidelines? I know you couldn't, it would drive you crazy."
He sighed, " I know your right, but it doesn't mean that I have to be happy about it." I laughed, "Just promise me you'll be careful."
"Of course, I have coming home to you to look forward to. I wouldn't want to miss that." He leaned down and kissed me passionately. Lifting me onto the kitchen counter he deepened the kiss as my hands struggled with trying to get his old t-shirt off his broad shoulders. I pulled it off as he yanked off my old leather jacket and of course at that very moment, someone knocked on the door. Sirius pulled apart from me and looked almost pleadingly into my eyes, begging me to let it go. "Have them come back later," he whispered. The knocks came louder and we heard James and Lilys voices on the other side, "We know your in there!" "Persephone you cant hide!" and they laughed. Sirius begrudgingly pulled his hands off of my hips and walked over to the large sliding door. Forgetting he was shirtless, his bare feet slapped on the floor loudly and he yanked open the door. James rushed in and laughed embarrassingly at himself when he looked at Sirius and myself, clothes on the floor and counter. Lily looked apologetic, "Are we interrupting something?" A resounding "Yes." came from Sirius. But I laughed and told them to sit down, they had brought wine. I flipped around on the counter and grabbed four glasses, "So what are we celebrating?" I asked as I jumped down and Sirius grabbed his t-shirt off the floor.
Lily and James gave each other sly smiles and Lily said, "We have decided that because of the evil times we are in, why wait to get married?" I grinned, "Does this mean what I think it means?"
"We're getting married in one month!" The congratulations were tossed around and hugs were given, I'd like to say that I was truly thrilled and happy with the nights events but I was so nervous about the next day. I was to meet the same Death Eater who had approached me at seven in the morning, as the time came closer I became even more nervous, what if I never did see them again? What if I wasn't even going to be at the wedding. Sirius was asked to be best man (of course) and as a surprise to myself, I was asked to be Lilys maid of honor. I was shocked since I hadn't known her for very long but I was honored and accepted her offer none the less. Sirius managed to very graciously get them to leave in only 40 minutes, somehow convincing them that it was their idea to depart. Its not that I didn't want them there, it was just… I needed to be with Sirius before tomorrow. He seemed to have felt the same way. I will always remember that night between us, the last night before our lives were thrown into a tumult.
He walked over to the couch and leaned in towards me, his kiss was passionate as before, but he was longing for something. Longing for me to stay with him? How I wished I could. His hands crept us my shoulders and pulled me in to him as he gently lay down on top of me, covering my body. My hands reached down towards his hips, finding the button on his jeans, I felt him grow hard and his breathing become jagged. He kissed my neck and felt around for my bra strap as I pulled that damned t shirt off again. I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled his hips close to mine. We couldn't get close enough to each other. Sirius's body felt so good next to mine, we were a perfect match.
All night we stayed there in my flat, eventaully moving down to the floor, never growing tired. And it was to my irritation when the clock on the wall hit 6:30 and I knew I had to get dressed and leave. Moving slowly so as not to disturb him I crept from the room and got cleaned up, throwing on whatever clothes were in reach. I stared at the handsome nude body laying on my floor before finally departing at 6:50. Heavy Black cloak and all. I hurried down the street and waited in the alley, feet away from where I first made contact with Voldemorts lemming. He appeared at exactly 7:00 and without a word handed me a portkey. I put my cloak on and he activated the old tuna can. There was a tug somewhere behind my navel and I landed in an old and majestic wizarding manor. The Death Eater turned towards me, ripping his mask off he introduced himself, "I am Lucius Malfoy and welcome to my home." I was right about his hair, he had a silvery blonde mane around an attractive but condescending face. He was taller than me, but only barely. I pulled my hood down and followed him up the stairs, the marble stairs as he made sure I called them.
We went down a long hallway and came to a stop outside of an inconspicuous wooden door. The man named Lucius knocked and a strong but firm voice sounded from inside. "Send her in." Lucius opened the door a crack and nodded me inside.
The room was dark, but I could see the large amount of refinements in the small space. Voldemort was sitting in a throne like chair in the corner, a basilisk winding about his ankles. I bent into an immediate bow and waited for him to speak. Voldemort stood and came to me, touching my head with his long fingers. "Do you know why you are here?" His voice was powerful and raspy at the same time, his fingers felt like claws upon my scalp. All I could see were his robes menacingly grazing his feet, and the snake had slithered out of view. "To rid the world of the mud bloods and muggle filth my lord." I replied confidently, not moving a muscle.
"Good Girl. I understand you are a ministry worker, are you not?"
"You are correct my lord." My courage was growing, but I was still scared shitless. He went on, "Now I want you to report to us of any news that is happening within the ministry, any information about Dumbledores plans for my demise etc etc. As of now Parker, do you know anything that might interest me?"
"Yes my lord. I have learned that Dumbledore may be planning to create a secret society, devoted to your destruction." This was some of the information Dumbledore and I had discussed to give to Voldemort. If I never gave him anything he would grow suspicious. Voldemort asked me to find as many names as possible of the people who were in this society and report back to him in one weeks time. He then dismissed me with a wave of his hand, seeming to think of me as gum underneath his shoe. When I left Malfoy manor I apparated to the school and told Dumbledore what I knew, he thanked me and congratulated me on my first successful day. I rushed home to find Sirius waiting for me on the couch, again. We didn't leave the flat all day.
One month passed with my new carefully planned information being given to Voldemort, new secret meetings and new meetings with other death eaters. So by the day of Lily and James wedding I was confident in my abilities. Not cocky mind you, but confident. The ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt, we all cried when the happy couple kissed as man and wife. Sirius included, though he would never admit it. At the reception I danced with the groom, Remus and even the beautiful bride (she led) but the rest of the night was spent in Sirius's arms, twirling around the dance floor. Right before the speech's Sirius pulled me in close and asked me to marry him. I answered yes and we both agreed to wait to announce the engagement. Needless to say, we found it hard to concentrate the rest of the night.
The next 2 weeks passed in a flash, until I was called into Voldemorts presence once again. I kneeled once more and he rushed to me, yanking my arm out of its sleeve and a scorching pain shot through my entire body. I tried to hide it but my arm felt like it was on fire. When he finally gave me back my arm there was a repulsive Dark Mark upon it, sign of a Death Eater. I wanted with all of my being to cry, not for the still resounding pain, but for the mindless evil tattooed onto my skin. I had to keep my composure.
"Rise." Voldemorts voice sounded different, forceful and passion filled instead of indifferent and self important. I stood and faced his cold face with its glowing red eyes, even though I had been warned of his appearance it still shocked me. Grabbing my arm, he leaned in and crushed my lips with his. My first reaction would have been to pull away but his sudden movements and strength kept me firmly in his control. A knock came at the door, I actually appreciated this one.
"My Lord?" It was Lucius Malfoy. Voldemort swore and stuck his head out the door. They had a hurried conversation all the while I was praying for him to get called away. The Dark Lord yelled something and opened the door fully, ushering me out. As I passed him he whispered into my ear, " I will call for you." As soon as I was out of site I raced out of the manor, I had to get to Sirius. His reaction was exactly what I expected,
"I'll kill him!"
"Sirius think about this! Whose the only person who can get me out of this?" And soon we were hiking up the road to Hogwarts castle to see Dumbledore. Bursting into his office Sirius yelled,
"That bastard!"
Once Dumbledore and I managed to calm him down I explained what had happened. "Did he give you a mark?"
"A mark?" Sirius asked, "What kind of mark?"
"The Dark Mark. He gives it to all his death eaters to get in contact with them." Dumbledore replied matter of factly. I rolled up my sleeve and showed it to him, Sirius looked alarmed and if possible, even angrier. Dumbledore sighed.
"I'm afraid we have few options. Unfortunately, if you don't do what he wants you to, he will kill you and you cannot deter him from what he wants. He will not be distracted. We can pull you out but you haven't done half the good that you could." Sirius and I sensed where this was heading, Sirius looked about ready to attack someone. Dumbledore continued, "There are innocents yet to be saved, people that you can help. Having 2 spies is the best weapon we have in this war. More than Aurors and the entire Ministry put together, you and Severus cannot be replaced."
"Then let Sniffulus sleep with him." Sirius said loudly.
Dumbledore grimaced, "Sirius I don't like it either. But the only options are that she goes along with it and helps us or she quits and the 2 of you live in hiding. I know she wouldn't quit." This time I really did cry.
The first time that you are with the Dark Lord is a tutorial mainly. He expects certain things, he wants his instructions followed. Not that he's into bondage (surprisingly) but that you are to be submissive in every way. His kisses are cold and lifeless and his skin is like rubber. If you look very closely you can almost see the remnants of what was once an attractive man, but he has been taken over by evil and darkness. I was told to look into his eyes when he entered me, every time I felt my heart break a little more, another piece of my soul deteriorated. Sirius still loved me but our nights were now mainly spent laying next to each other in a tight embrace. I was disgusted with myself but I was slowly wrapping Voldemort around my finger and this had its advantages.
The information I now got out of Malfoy manor was invaluable. Dumbledore was thrilled every time he saw me, I would swear he had developed a habit of skipping. As time progressed I was getting better and better at my double agent job, Lucius Malfoy was at my beck and call and since I was the Dark Lords favorite any kind of information I wanted was at my fingertips. Lily announced in late October that she was pregnant and Sirius, fueled by James' happiness was once again loving and attentive. My relationship with Voldemort was something we never talked about, just a second job. It might not have been natural but it worked for us, due to the second job of mine we decided to hold off getting married. I didn't want to be cheating on my fiancé when I said "I do." even if he knew about it. We all went on like this happy and virtually care free. Alice Longbottom was also pregnant and she and Lily spent most of their time deciding on baby names and curtains, things I wasn't very interested in. During this period Remus and I became close friends and spent a large portion of our time together. (Except for when the full moon came around. Luckily for him I knew how to make the wolfs bane potion and it was brewed for him every month.) The babies were born in July, Neville to Alice and Frank; James and Lily named their boy Harry James. Harry looked exactly like James, but he had Lily's eyes. Sirius and I were named God Parents to little Harry and Sirius could not have been happier for his friend.
Despite my double agent role and Sirius' work for the order we lived practically normal lives. We babysat Harry when his parents went out, saw muggle movies (while using the polyjuice potion for disguises) and made love with passion. The October after Harry turned 1, I noticed a difference in Voldemort. He was becoming nervous and edgy, he said he had to take care of certain people. When I pressured him for who, he let slip: The Potters. Including their son. I convinced Dumbledore to insist to them to use a secret keeper and go in to hiding. James wanted to use Sirius, but Sirius felt that he was too obvious of a choice. When I suggested Remus their faces grew dark, there had been evidence of a spy in the order and all signs pointed to Lupin. I couldn't believe it but if it meant keeping their little family safe I would do whatever was needed. Sirius suggested Peter, we all laughed but it made sense. Peter wouldn't be thought of for a secret keeper. The death eaters could go after Sirius all they wanted but he wouldn't have the information, it would be in the most unlikely place. Knowing something big was coming, we all went into hiding. Sirius and I went to central London and James and Lily went to Godrics Hollow.
On Halloween night, Sirius who was sleeping next to me, woke with a start. He was sweating and terrified, all he could say was, "James." I knew. We immediately left, I headed to Malfoy Manor while Sirius went to Godrics Hollow to check on the Potters. We would meet back in an hour. When I arrived at the Manor, Lucius was running around and ordering the servants to hide all of Voldemorts things.
He yelled, "The Potters killed the Dark Lord! Our salvation is gone!" I ran from the house and went back to the flat to wait for Sirius who showed up with a white look upon his face, tears were streaming down his cheeks, I stood up and we embraced. Through sobs I could barely make out, " James, Lily, dead." When I asked him what happened to Harry Sirius replied that Hagrid (Dumbledores gamekeeper) took him to Dumbledore. We just held each other and cried for hours over the demise of our friends. Once we had exhausted ourselves we started talking about how it could have happened, Sirius was the one to reach the conclusion that it must have been Peter. He stood up and grabbed his wand, "I'm going after that Sonovabitch." Wiping the tears from my eyes I stood up and begged with him, "Sirius don't go. I cant lose you too."
"Its Peter, I can handle him." He replied arrogantly.
"But Sirius hes fooled us all along! He must be more powerful than we thought, he not only fooled us, he fooled Dumbledore too!" I was crying again. But Sirius said "He cant get away with this." As if that settled everything.
"Then let the Aurors deal with him! Please don't go. I'm begging you!"
"I have to go. James was my best friend. He deserves justice."
"But why do you have to be the one to give it? Please Sirius, stay. Please."
"I love you." He said as he walked out the door. That was the last time I would see him in person for 14 years. He would soon be splashed all over the papers for the vicious murders of the poor noble Peter Pettigrew and twelve others, for this he was throw into Azkaban indefinitely. I knew the truth, Pettigrew was Voldemorts man, not my Sirius. But trying to get to Dumbledore in the aftermath of the Dark Lords destruction was near to impossible and when a ministry official caught site of my arm, it was all over. Barty Crouch had me thrown into Azkaban just like Sirius had been, no trial at all. The only difference was that I was not front page news. Just a name on a list of captured Death Eaters. It would be 14 years before I would see the outside or my love, again.
To be continued...
I know its long! Good Job getting through it! Ha ha, the later chapters will be shorter and get more to the point. And you needed to get to know Persephone.
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Disclaimer, All I own is Persephone. So dont touch her. Shes mine. JK Rowling owns everything else, and the only way I profit is from Comments so you know, hint hint.