Funerals, Explanations, and Arguments
"Well you see son, we were told you were a squib. A squib with an unstable core. It was dangerous to keep you around magical house. Squibs are treated horribly in the magical world. So, we made the decision to give you a better life with a nice muggle family. We made sure you were well off, could go to muggle university. A magical clan is for life and we would not be allowed to go with you. To have two powerful witch daughters seemed to have stabilized your core. You will never be a castor, elemental, or wizard. But you now have enough powers to be Greenwich. Our family trait is nature. For wizards we are best at herbology. A Greenwich means you can participate in coven meetings and draw on the family magic. It won't be much but you can brew basic potions, see magic places, items, and maybe get a familiar to protect you," said Ivan.
"I know you're angry and hurt but at time it was best we could do. It hurt more than I can say. You are the only child we successfully gave birth too. I loved so much we gave you the best life we could. We thought that being around magic might kill you," says Levana.
She wilted looking at him pleadingly. Marigold gave her a tissue glaring at her husband. He was still enraged.
"You know Harold you want to be mad, but Petunia is supposed to forgive us. Lily is supposed to forgive us. We must be the example we want them to be. These people love you. I've heard people on platform take about what they do to squibs. They kill squibs, yet this parents put you before their own self wishes. I have a funeral to get ready for. Think on that, but be dressed with your manners in toe. Lily and Petunia need us today. Ready Levana we ladies take time to get ready,' said Marigold.
Levana followed Marigold upstairs to help them get dressed.
Harold sighed, "Okay it hurts. My whole world hurts and it is constantly changing. I feel lost and out the loop. Both my babies are growing up and I barely know what is going on. How will I know you won't leave me? How will I know you take care of them?"
"I, Ivan Haiden Ifan Elder in the magical Clan do swear to love and protect my son Harold Benjamin Evans-Ifan, Marigold, Rosaline Selwyn Gaunt-Evans (Ifan), Liliana Marigold Evans-Ifan. So it be mote," said Ivan.
Harold was touched and it was the assurance he needed.
"Please take this clan ring as I claim you as my blood, and whoever is your blood is also mine", said Ivan.
They were now all officially Ifan of the magical Ifan Clan.
A light engulfed Harold he felt lighter and a warmth in his chest. He put on the ring and got dressed in the robes his father brought. He was brushing his hair in downstairs bathroom. Ivan magicked the family clan patch on his son's robe. He smiled had his family back.
By 12:50pm everyone was dressed and fed. Ivan put wards on the property before they left. They looked like royalty. The all black entourage was decked out in the finest British wizard had to offer. All the ladies we wearing jewels with veils over their faces. Makeup perfected and shoes shined so right it could create sunlight. Ivan was proud. They all grabbed on portkey with Petunia saying the activation and they were off to Gringotts. They landed pretty gracefully with Ivan holding on to Harold and Levana holding on to Marigold.
The bank was packed with witches and wizards many were staring at their entourage and whispering. Griphook was waiting on them.
He said "All waiting on the Morfin Gaunt willing reading follow me. The rest of the family can wait in the waiting room on the left hand side."
Tomas, LaSlyvania, and Petunia went into the private will reading. The head goblin Roughneck was there waiting with a pensive.
They chose their seats and sat.
The goblin started "Here is the last will and testament of Morfin Marvolo Gaunt."
The voice of Morfin rang out in parseltongue "I, Morfin Marvolo Gaunt of sound mind and body do hereby give my last wishes. I do not have much since I was not strong enough for the mantle of Lord Gaunt or Slytherin. My only wish is that my line continue. If it is so then I pass on invoking the last rites of the old ways. I spent my last on this message so here this. I leave all I have for my bloodline. For LaSlyvania, I know I was brute but you were one of the most powerful witches of our time I had to have you. I am not sorry, I wish I could have been a better man for you and the child or children you borne for me. I never knew love but I did care. May the blood of Salazar continue forever. Morfin Marvolo Gaunt."
Roughneck then said "He was dead broke but left Gaunt cottage, the Slytherin lordship ring, Gaunt grimoire, and we recovered a necklace from shop in Knockturn alley.
They all nodded.
"Now on to other business Mr. Tomas Marvolo Selwyn-Gaunt you were deemed worthy by Salazar family magic do you accept the Lordship of your house and have an heir.
The goblin presented the ring.
Tomas put the ring on and it glowed.
"I, Tomas Marvolo Selwyn-Gaunt accept the Lordship of Slytherin and all responsibilities of the blood. To train my heiress Petunia Rosaline Selwyn- Gaunt Ifan in all ways of our bloodline so it be mote."
He handed her the heir ring. She put it on.
I, Petunia Rosaline Selwyn- Gaunt Ifan, Gaunt daughter of the Ancient and Noble house of Selwyn and Gaunt acept being the heir of the Ancient and Noble founding house of Slytherin, so it be mote"
Roughneck said "Now the Slytherin family has a seat on Wizengamot, Hogwarts board of Governors, Board of Governors seat at Staðolung Bealucræft. The heiress is entitled to the heir trust vault. Founders coming of age is 21 and a trial let by Hogwarts founders. Here is a list of assets then we will bring the last rites of Morfin Gaunt."
All three looked at the assets Slytherin was quite wealthy. He had 21 Million galleons, Slytherin Hill, a summer house in Russia, and a Villa Hawaii. Lord Tomas Smiled. LaSlyvania knew she made the right decision. Petunia was floored she just kept getting richer. All three then walked out preparing for the last walk of Morfin Gaunt. Morfin was clean in a pristine white robe made of the finest silk being floated on a stone slab through the air conducted by the new Lord Slytherin-Gaunt. Preceding him was his new "mother" and his heir Petunia. Both have their masks firmly in place. As they stepped out of the conference room, they were met by silence. Until the hired drummers they started to play and sing the old chant:
To the Great Lands,
He goes a place all magic roams
A permanent home
Severus was in his finest. His hair clean and tied back in all black robes. His broken nose fixed, teeth whitened, and best dragon hide boots. His castor death mask firmly in place. Then he spotted her, Petunia.
She looked tragically beautiful and he was glad is mask hide his blush.
He walked up to her saying "scutum possim hodie" (your shield I can be on this day) kissing her hand.
She responded "sic erit" (So you be).
Then the Selwyn followed behind. Lord Sebastian took his daughter's hand. While his son held the family flag. After them were the Ifan Clan, La Snape Clan, Princes, Blacks, Malfoys, Lestranges, Nott's, Abbots, Potters, Avery's, Bulstrodes, Burkes, Carrows, Crouch's, Fawley, Flints, Greengrasses. Longbottoms, Macmillan's, Ollivanders, Parkinsons, Prewetts, Rosiers, Rowles, Shacklebolts, Shafiqs, Slughorns, Travers, Weasleys, Yaxleys, until all the sacred 28 were following along with Ministry of Magic, and a few reporters.
All of Diagon Alley was in awe it was awhile since they had seen the old way funeral rites, many muggleborns had never seen a wizard funeral. They walked to end of the alley when the new Lord Slytherin stopped.
He waved his empty hand chanting in Latin. A portal opened, and he walked through with his father's body. The rest followed when the last person came through it closed. Those that were left in Diagon Alley spread the news that this was a feat of great magic.
They landed in the green hills of Slytherin Hill. Tomas still guiding the slab to the plot in the cemetery where the Pagan Priestess was waiting. In a long black robe but barefoot. She had flowing white hair down her back and crown of flowers on her head. Everything else about her was all white even her eyes. She had sage, a golden goblet, and something from each of the four elements. He put Morfin and the slab at her feet. Everyone gathered around. The drummers stopped drumming but kept the chant going for a minute until it faded out.
Priestess stated "To all gathered round we honor to Mother magic for she has created us."
The crowd responded "And without her we are nothing"
Priestess "We come to send off Morfin Marvolo Gaunt son of the Ancient and Noble house of Slytherin and Gaunt to the Great lands."
The crowd said "may he be blessed and his bloodline continue."
Priestess "He was a son of magic and now he is with his ancestors."
The crowd said "And he greeted death with pride knowing his work was done."
Priestess "Life is a cycle let us bless him to the four elements."
Petunia took the sage bowing before Morfin's body putting it all around him.
Petunia recited "May grandsire see the green of the grass and know the way"
The crowd "Bless it be."
Tomas took some water wiping Morfin's face putting some to his lips.
Tomas said "May father never thirst and know the way"
The crowd "Bless it be."
LaSylvania Selwyn-Gaunt stepped forward in all her mourning glory and raised her wand. Tomas, Petunia, the Priestess, all raised their wands with hers. Then they cast the fire spell and his body was set to burn. Some people in the crowd cried out from surprise Lily among them.
The slab turned into a stone casket. The Priestess then lowered his body to the ground in magic dug hole. She placed a pile of dirt on top. Tomas transfigured a fine grave stone of black marble shaped like a snake. His tombstone said:
Morfin Marvolo Gaunt
1920-1973
A Slytherin until the end. He believed in the blood.
The newly widowed LaSylvania Selwyn-Gaunt took some dirt in her glove and threw it on the grave. The rest followed after Tomas and Petunia.
The priestess cried out "It is done."
The crowd "It is so."
Then Petunia started to sing softy though the whole crowd heard her:
His blood lives on through me and may the blood always flow
Preservation of the Line
Cunning and Power shall never go
The call of the snake is all that he knew
May be always bring honor to you.
Severus retook her hand after she stopped singing.
Lord Tomas spoke to the crowd 'Well met that you all joined on this trying occasion. I am Lord Tomas Marvolo Selwyn-Gaunt well marrow to you all that grieve with us in this great sorrow. We will now part take of the over pass and remember the better times and the great times to come. Welcome to Slytherin Hill. If you all will follow me."
A dozen house elves popped into existence to help the elderly and assist the crowd popping them into the ball room. The castle shined like a new penny. The ball room was large circular room done is 18th century Russian opulence in the colors of gold, silver, and emerald. The family coat of arms in the center of the floor. They had trays of hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Tables with roast pig, fruits, vegetables, puddings, pies, and casseroles. Small tables around a dance floor and a large on table near the French doors that went out to the garden. Behind the table was the portrait of Salazar Slytherin himself giving his best aloof face. A bartender was in the far right corner near the fountain of elf wine. In the far left an orchestra was softly playing.
LaSlyvania, Tomas, and Petunia got in a line to receive the families. Severus never let go of her hand and stood next to her. She saw the long line and gripped his hand tighter. He look her into her eyes and she sighed.
Grandmother Gaunt snapped quietly, "no sighing, back straight, and get ready."
The precession of guest started thankfully it was by the Selwyn's, followed by her family.
Lord Selwyn spoke "Greetings, daughter it has been a while I see you have strong son and grand great daughter. I am proud. It seems that Tomas here went to Hogwarts with an alias. Let us put this feud behind us and let me know my lineage."
Tomas bowed. Both women curtsied.
"Yes sire, they are strong. It is time to come together with the passing of my husband and my son taking the mantle let us know one another again. First my son Tomas Marvolo Selwyn and then my granddaughter Petunia Rosaline Selwyn Gaunt-Ifan," Sylvania replied.
"Grandsire" Tomas nodded
"Great Grandsire," Petunia replied.
He nodded to them but paused looking Severus over. Severus removed his death mask with nod to his father. Severus was standing tall trying to mimic a dignified look.
"This is Severus Tobias LaSnape of the La Snape Magical clan and son of the Ancient & Noble house of Prince Grandsire. He is my escort on this grievance day", Petunia told him.
He nodded to the boy, saying "take care of my great granddaughter or life can end early for you."
Severus replied "yes sir."
The Selwyn's then moved to front table by Salazar Slytherin. Next came the Ifan clan.
First came her grandparents, then her parents. Her father greet everyone then hugged her. Lily was reserved but behaved appropriately finally recognizing the seriousness of high society protocol. That talk with grandma Levana must have been something. The greeting continued on for another 30 minutes. Severus whispering names of purebloods she did not know. Then they sat down and ate. There were many toasts to family by strangers and diplomats. Finally, came the dancing and being able to mingle. Everywhere she went Severus stayed by her side but the ladies room. They had just finished a waltz when a group of teenagers came their way. It was none other than Lucius Malfoy, Nacrissa Black, Dolores Umbridge, Evan Rosier.
"Severus you never told us that you kept such lovely company" said Lucius Malfoy.
Severus responded, "we all have our jewels and I don't like to share.'
Petunia blushed.
Lucius chuckled.
Severus said "Petunia this is Lucius Malfoy, Nacrissa Black, Dolores Umbridge, and you remember Evan Rosier."
Petunia responded 'pleasure to meet you all and Rosier how have you been?"
Rosier beamed at recognition responding "Lovely but not as lovely as you."
Severus glared Rosier down while Malfoy smiled.
Nacrissa turned to "Petunia may I call you Petunia?"
"Only if I can call you Nacrissa" she replied.
Nacrissa "what school are you attending?"
Petunia "I am being tutored at home, but I am thinking of Hogwarts or Staðolung Bealucræft. Of course Severus is championing Hogwarts."
Nacrissa "Of course, is it true that you went to a muggle school before?"
Petunia knew this people would be sharks but she was Slytherin by blood.
She answered "yes before my Grandmother Gaunt found me, it was a scary time. I came into my powers quite early and being afraid suppressed them. By the time my sister started showing hers mine were blocked. It was not until I was attacked and Severus saved me that I felt comfortable to be my true self.'
Severus was impressed Petunia was prepared to handle the snakes, and knowing that Cissy would interrupted on attacked.
"Attacked! Who would dare attack someone of your status?" Nacrissa said a bit loudly.
Some people looked around.
"Well, a dirty non-magical man I assume. I cannot be sure because Severus knocked him out so quickly. He wanted my money along with some other things that I shudder to think about," Petunia.
Severus squeezed her hand in sympathy.
Severus said "Petunia was quite vicious in her own right blasting him with accidental magic."
Umbridge and Nacrissa gave her approving nods.
Dolores "Good thing Snape was there."
Evan said "Severus how noble of you."
Malfoy stated "No more than the animal deserves."
Petunia "well after that scandal I am trying to find a safe place to sharpen my magic. I may do Staðolung Bealucræft for now and transfer to Hogwarts next year. I can see you all on breaks. With the tutoring of my Uncle, Grand'Mere, and others I will be tiptop shape."
Just then a figure could be seen grasping "Petunia".
Petunia looked it was her blond curly haired friend Arabella Fig with her big expressive brown eyes.
"Arabella" Petunia cried.
"Petunia I've missed you!' she said
Dolores snorted, "The squib".
Petunia being quick tongued and feisty said "Arabella Fig is no squib, this I know for a fact."
Severus mentally groaned thinking Petunia had dug herself in social hole just about to undue all the respect she just earned.
But Petunia is observant and nosy only playing dumb. She knew her friend probably was not a witch but saw her with animals.
"Really' Dolores responded rudely.
Arabella looked nervous afraid she would shame and embarrass her family again with her weak magic.
"Yes, my best friend Arabella is a breast speaker and she can brew. She is pureblood so she must at least be a castor. I bet that if I lend her my wand she will perform a spell flawlessly," Petunia dared.
The whole group was floored by Petunia's boldness. Petunia was panicking in her mind but knew that this was right. Sometimes people are just late bloomers. Her friendship with Arabella was destiny and there was no way she could go to school without her. Petunia was determined.
Arabella was panicked. She wanted to slap Petunia and her big mouth. She knew she only had a little magic, its reason she got no Hogwarts letter. She was going to be so humiliated and her family was probably going to have to disown her to save face. The only reason she was allowed to come tonight was because she promised to keep quiet and say she was homeschooled.
Now, the majority of the room was looking at their little group. Petunia pulled out the wand and handed it to Arabella. It was as if time was moving in slow motion when she handed her the wand.
"What spell shall I cast", Arabella asked
Dolores being the nasty bugger is was said 'why the summoning charm."
Petunia was praying to the powers that be her only friend could pull this off and promised whatever God that is upstairs she would be wiser with her words in the future. Even Malfoy thought that was cruel internally. If she made it her honor would be destroyed but if she failed her family name would be mud. Severus wanted choke it is fourth year charm.
Arabella saw the doubts in everyone eyes. But when Petunia nodded at her, it warmed her heart. She also felt rage. Rage at all the people even her family that belittled her. She thought no more. She summoned her courage and in clear voiced cried out "accio Fredrick Fig wine glass."
She held her breathe and put everything she had in that spell.
Then she waited.
Her father's wine glass few into her outstretched hand.
She was floored
Petunia was smiling smugly at that toad faced bitch.
Severus eyes held a warmth of pride.
He father was looking at her in shock.
Dolores Umbridge was furious.
Nacrissa looked calculating.
Arabella looked at her father who had been talking to Lord Nott, and said "Father I grow bored of home schooling, I wish to join Petunia at Staðolung Bealucræft."
Arabella then grabbed Petunia and head to the restroom.
Lucius stated 'Well Dolores, it seems you were wrong."
Umbridge fumed. Nacrissa smiled.
Evan Rosier snorted "those girls are quite feisty seeing as Petunia taken, I could go for Fig."
They make it to the powder room and then Arabella unloads.
"Do not ever do that again! But thank you at the same time," she cried out
"Sorry but when that uppity witch tried to snub my best mate I could not let it stand. Better to be a talented late bloomer than self-important non-factor in existence!" said Petunia.
"True but on to more juicy topics you and Severus LAAAAA Snape dish on your best mate now", Arabella demanded.
"It's true he did save me from some creeper which started me on this whole magical journey of discovery. Besides he went from that Snape boy to a Petunia project. He is quite the cute devil if I do say so myself. He believed in my powers before I did. He is quite snarky but sweet at the same time. So on to the important business Hogwarts or Staðolung Bealucræft?" Petunia cried out in a rush.
Arabella eyes lit up.
Arabella squealed "you like him aw, I know he likes you. Don't you understand the significance of a boy escorting you to your first public appearance? To the world you are already a couple."
While the girls were in the bathroom Severus was being confronted by none other than Lily (Evans) Ifan. She came waltzing over with a determined gaze.
Lily said "Hi Severus".
Severus "Hello Lily.'
Lily "I thought we were friends? Why didn't you tell me, you were seeing Petunia?"
The group of Slytherin stayed to watch the show that was about to occur between Lily Evans and Severus. Dolores was just hoping that someone beyond her would be feeling humiliation too. Especially, since La Snape practically cheered that fig bar on. Lucius was just hoping Severus would finally put the girl in her place.
"Friend's? Friends? A friend does not ignore me during the school year and allow their other friends to trash me. When you get disrespected you in my presence I have never not defended you. A defense is not saying oh guys its nothing just sev. I am the wizard that introduced you to magic and taught you about our world. I am only a friend to you when it is convenient. I found a real friend in Petunia. You have not talked to me all holiday. When she talks about me, she comes with solutions and help not a snotty superiority."
Lily was floored but enraged and her famous temper let loose.
"Well excuse me, for not being a social outcast and making more than one friend. I do defend you but I also got tired. You never helped yourself or were kinder to make friends. And instead of having me, you went for my sister. It is really sad that you want to be in the family that bad. Your associations are mean and nasty. I see their sneers when they look at how successful I will be."
Nacrissa gasped in shock.
Severus face went cold chillingly said "You were never my type I do not like fair weather friends. Petunia is lady that you will never be nor, can she ever be compared to consolation prize. I find her beauty more appealing because though blunt she is honest. She is helpful. I may have liked you for a minute. I am not a blind boy but you will never compare to the young woman that is your sister. Even if she had stayed non-magical I would still prefer her over you. I never thought you would be so jealous of your own sister. I am over your so called all-knowing attitude. How is it a new magical person knows more than those who have been in the society for centuries. This is not the muggle world, we have our own culture, religion, rituals, laws, and ways. You act like a rude muggle tourist who goes in another country and demands why it is not like the one they are from! Ridiculous! You befriend those that bully me? Your house is not better it is filled with bullies, cowards, and jerks. You judge my house on history you only read about. Did you ever think it was your rudeness? Only you would find success in going into another world not learning their customs then wonder why they take offence. Never mind, this is funeral of your sister's grandsire. All you think about is you, and I will no longer burden you with my friendship."
Severus stomped away telling Lucius "I am going to check on Petunia."
LaSlyvania looked on Lily with distain. Grandfather Ivan was embarrassed. Although, the whole ballroom did not hear those within standing distance did. It would be no doubt that it will be all over the rumor mill and the girl's school before break is over. He went into damage control mode.
Grandmother Levana Ifan was not having it unlike her husband who was stuck talking to Lord Rowle. She excused herself, then she walked over to Lily taking her by the hand. She escorted the girl to gardens to have a private chat with her before it got worse.
Dolores was in heaven. She may not get Petunia or Fig but Lily Evans name would be dirt. That girl need a serious reality check. Even Dolores could admit, that both girls were pretty to fit the preference of any boy. But Snape was clearly in love with Petunia which beat out the stupid crush he may have had for Lily at 11. Besides any teenage girl can see Petunia bosom is clearly more developed.
Later that night when the festivities were over, Petunia was seating at the table with Severus. He did not want to tell her about the fight but eventually spilled the beans. Nacrissa or Cissy as she told her to call her told the whole story. She was hurt and though she loves her little sister it crushed her. Lily never wanted Severus so she did not understand the issue. She has kept all kinds of things from her. They are practically strangers from all the things they no longer spoke about.
As per, funeral tradition she was staying the mourning process at Slytherin Hill. Her parents God bless them decided to take Lily home, and her Ifan grandparents went with them. They were staying in her room. They all promised to be back in the morning. Petunia could use the space.
Severus spoke taking her out of her thoughts, "Petunia I like you never mind Lily. You will never be second place. I still care for Lily but I have never cared for another human being on the level I care you. I just wanted you to know that. But I have to get going. It was an honor being your escort for today."
Petunia stood up and hugged him tightly. Then he surprised her with a light peck on the lips and a soft "goodnight."
After he walked to the floo and was gone.
In all thought today though rough at times turned out to be alright. She walked up stairs saying goodnight to the house elves as they cleaned up the ball room.
