AN: Hey guys! Thank you for following and reading, I really appreciate it. That being said, please bear with me this chapter. This will likely be the last expositional chapter. We'll be getting some of the defining characteristics of the twins and the Tilfords. On with the story.
Chapter 3: Paths
Scotland: Tilford estates (1981)
12 years later
"You worry too much, my boys." John Tilford was sat in his leather chair, pipe between his lips. The now aged man had started to gray at his temples and his beard was now peppered. A wisp of smoke escaped his nose as he puffed his pipe. The smell of rich tobacco filled the foyer, though the boys in question took no notice.
For 18 year olds Wilhelm and Jacob, nothing but the sight of a familiar Ministry owl mattered. The majestic snowy owl brushed with specks of brown soared into the room from the window above. In its talons, two letters of outmost importance resided. Landing on the table before the boys, it hooted as Jacob stepped forward to retrieve the letters. With trembling hands, he handed the sealed letter to his brother, his own he held close.
His blue eyes gleaming, John observed his sons. He understood that this was a pivotal moment for them so he remained silent. A warm gentle hand landed on his shoulder. Peering up into the familiar forest green eyes of his wife, Annabeth smiled. Slowly, he laces their fingers as they both regarded the life changing scene before them.
Jacob POV
'It's here.
This is it! This is nothing like when our Hogwarts letters arrived. That day was exciting and while I'm excited for this, the thought of rejection.'
My stomach turned at the thought.
'No! Don't think like that Jacob. Your NEWTs went well. Maybe not as well as Wilhelm's but'
Glancing over at my brother out of the corner of my eye, I notice he hadn't opened his yet.
'Well at least I'm not the only one that's nervous.' Shifting my gaze to my parents, Mother smiles at me encouragingly.
'This is it Jacob.' I looked down at my letter and took a deep breathe to calm my speeding heart. The thick red candle wax seal bearing the Ministry crest gleamed in the light. Maybe it was the summer heat or the nerves, but I suddenly felt very faint. In my hands was my future- our future.
"Come on now, let's not dilly dally. Open the letters!" I heard mother say. Wilhelm chuckles beside me. Shaking myself, I gave her a confident smile that fell a tad bit short.
Mine and Wil's eyes connect and we nod before moving to remove the seals.
The Ministry of Magic
Under the ruling of: Minister Millicent Bagnold
Dear Mr Tilford,
We are please to inform you that after taking into consideration your NEWTs results as listed below, your desired position as an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries has therefore been granted.
Grade levels:
A- Accpetable
E- Exceeding Expectation
O- Outstanding
P- Poor
D-Dreadful
Jacob Tilford has achieved the following N.E.W.T.s:
Astronomy: A
Charms: E
Care of Magical Creatures: E
Defence Against the Dark Arts: O
Divination: P
Herbology: E
History of Magic: D
Muggle Studies: E
Potions: E
We await your owl in return.
Beside me I heard Wilhelm sigh in relief.
'We'd done it! We were going to be Unspeakables.'
An overwhelming amount of joy filled me as I embraced him, only to receive a slightly amused look in return. With a Cheshire grin stretched across my face and a small smile on his, we passed our letters to our parents.
"I'm so proud of you both." Mother was in tears as she pulled us into a tight hug. Over her shoulder father sported a warm smile.
"I'm going to send an owl immediately." I took my letter from Mother before taking off down the hall to my room.
'I did it.'
This is actually happening. I smiled at my reflection.
Wilhelm POV
Looking down, I smiled to myself at the sound of Jacob's footsteps racing down the hall.
"Come along, John. I don't want to be later for my appointment." Father laughed heartily pulling himself up from his chair.
Suddenly, Mother placed her hand on my shoulder and gives me a soft smile.
"I understand you know? I couldn't be more proud of you, Wil." With that she patted my shoulder and handed me back my letter. I smiled at her, looking down at the letter before biting my lip.
I closed my eyes.
'Thank God'
The Ministry of Magic
Under the ruling of: Minister Millicent Bagnold
Dear Mr Tilford,
After taking into consideration your NEWTs results as listed below, we of the Ministry are prepared to offer you an apprenticeship in any of the subjects in which you received a double outstanding grade. However, at your request, a position as an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries is open to you.
Grade levels:
O- Outstanding
E- Exceeding Expectation
A- Acceptable
P- Poor
D-Dreadful
Wilhelm Tilford has achieved the following N.E.W.T.s:
Astronomy: O
Charms: OO
Care of Magical Creatures: E
Defence Against the Dark Arts: OO
Divination: A
Herbology: E
History of Magic: O
Muggle Studies: E
Potions: OO
We await your owl in return.
'Charms..DADA..Potions'
Well then. It doesn't matter because Jacob isn't a part of it. After spending years in separate houses at Hogwarts, the last thing I want is to be god knows where studying under a master. Being in Ravenclaw and Jacob in Hufflepuff was difficult but no where as bad as if we'd gone one to Gryffindor and other in Slytherin. He could hear his friends already.
"Apprentice to a master!"
"That's amazing!"
"Why give it up for a job as an Unspeakable?"
They didn't understand and that was fine, he hadn't expected them to. The thought of him and Jacob being apart just scared him. He knew it was illogical, he himself didn't understand.
'No need to dwell on that now.' I conjured a quill and got to work on my response.
'Where Jacob goes, I go.'
Enchanted Forest
King Leopold's Kingdom
The kingdom was abuzz. News of the King's proposal had reached even the farthest remote village. The staff was at work, gathering flowers, decorating the halls. The seamstress was fatigued; demands of the new Queen's mother in regards to the royal wedding gown were overflowing. Everything must be perfect, down to the linen on which she laid.
Though many were excited like young princess Snow, the new Queen in question was not.
Regina POV
'He's gone.' She was sat in her powder room, staring blankly at her reflection.
'Gone...' A single tear snuck its way down her cheek as her face crumples with grief.
'And now I'm trapped here.' Here in this richly decorated prison, forced to play family with that girl. She knew what her role would be.
Mother to the girl.
China doll to the father.
In the shadow of the beloved Queen.
A Queen of nothing.
A true dollhouse.
She chuckles humourlessly before pulling herself together. 'This is good to practise.' Pulling herself together, pretending that she wasn't broken. It seems this exercise was in the nick of time as the girl entered the room.
"Regina! I saw my gown for the wedding ball. It's really pretty, I can't wait for you to see it." Those big brown eyes shone as they looked up at her.
The girl was smiling as if all was well and it takes all of Regina's strength to not scream at her that everything was not okay, that she didn't deserve to be smiling and happy when he had died. That was she was hurting.
Instead, she forces a smile in return before picking up the jewel incrusted brush on her counter.
"I can't wait Snow." She nearly bits her tongue as she says that name. Breathing out of her nose, she continued "Come, let me brush your hair."
At this the young princess brings herself in front of the mirror, happy at her soon to be mother's suggestion.
As she brushes the ebony hair in long even strokes, she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Snow is talking, babbling about everything and nothing. She hums in reply, eyes never leaving her reflection.
Dark.
Her eyes are dark and cold. They were once pools of warm chocolate, but they have now frozen over and it's a chill she feels in her heart as well. She feels as though she is sinking, drowning in the dark tar of her own gaze when suddenly Snow yelps. Snapping back to reality, it seemed that the brush had been caught in a knot.
"I'm sorry dear."
Snow turns around to face her. "It's alright. Keep going."
It was in that moment that Regina realised that for a moment she feels warm. Smiling to herself she continues her work, careful to tease the knots slowly. At Snow's sharp intakes, the warmth increased and thus began Regina's path of vengeance.
AN: Next chapter we will be heading to Storybrooke with Regina. Where will we find the twins? Who knows. Next chapter will be last in which we venture into the Harry Potter world and will be focusing more on Storybrooke. Have any suggestions? Leave a review. Thanks for reading.