Pairings: Cedric/Krista
Warnings: AU Universe. Gender switch. OC characters. Some character bashing. Mature scenes. Violence.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters, but the OC characters belongs to me
Chapter Nine: Nostalgic Dream
Amber met with amber for a long time without neither one saying anything.
Finally, Jecht sighed and broke his gaze away—he knew that this is coming ever since the Praetor Lupus had started recalling all the werewolf packs back to Avalon. Not just the ones in Britain—but all over the world. And one would be a fool to ignore a direct summons from the Praetor Lupus.
Or rather, Jecht felt his lip curling as he laid eyes on the pathetic excuse of a lycan currently standing in front of him. There is one such fool.
Though Jecht has no idea whether the man in front of him could still be classed as a lycan, since last that he'd heard, a daughter of House Nightray had declared him Oathbreaker after delivering him the ultimatum from the Praetor, and he'd rejected them. Honestly, it's a bloody miracle that he's able to walk out of Moon's Dew that day with all limbs intact without being torn apart by vampire and lycan alike.
The name Remus Lupin isn't a popular one with the Downworlders right now, and for several reasons.
"You can stop wasting your time and breath, Lupin." Jecht declared, disgusted with the crap that is currently sprouting out of the man's mouth. Didn't he realise that the Downworlders are never a fan of his master from the very beginning? Obviously not if he is a big an idiot like how Fenrir Grayback had claimed. Though if even Krista Nightray had ran out of patience with him, it must be something else. "I'm not interested in listening to whatever that it is that you're trying to sell to me."
Jecht then turned his attention back towards his duffel bag before waving a hand and causing several items to come flying towards him from all directions of the small one-room apartment—though that description is kind.
Remus blinked. This is the first werewolf that he had managed to find since that encounter in Moon's Dew over a month ago, and to say that the reception is frosty is an understatement.
He's been acquainted with Jecht for a long time—ever since the First War with Voldemort in fact. Unlike Fenrir, Jecht had stayed strictly neutral—helping neither Light nor Dark, though Remus has no idea if he is attached to a pack or not.
"Look, can you at least tell me what it is that I've done to get everyone so pissed at me?" Remus asked, exasperated. Every Downworlder that he'd met seems to be treating him like some kind of pariah—almost identical to the treatment he received in Britain just for being a werewolf. And for some reason, it hurts more.
Jecht's face turned blank before he turned to face Remus. "…You don't understand, do you?" he demanded so frostily that Remus had to stop himself from looking upwards to check if it's snowing or not. "You won't be welcomed anywhere that has Downworlders. And if you value your life, you won't step foot into Downworlder territory—especially Grim Avenue of Britain, Oathbreaker."
Oathbreaker.
That's the word that the dhampir had used over a month ago, Remus remembered.
"It means you're a traitor and a deserter. And a betrayer of your own people." Jecht answered the unasked question. "Everyone had quite enough of you continuously selling out your own people to the wizards. How many lycans and vampires and Downworlders do you think have lost their lives to the wizard hunters over the years? But we left you alone—even as you went from pack to pack, trying to persuade them to join or spy for your pathetic master." Jecht spat with such venom that Remus flinched. "Did you even wonder why when nearly all Downworlders can hardly stand wizards—especially those of British origin?"
Remus blinked. Now come to think of it, it does seem rather strange. Even Severus—back when he had still been an active spy during the First War had often returned from his 'meetings' with the other side so badly injured that Remus was honestly surprised on more than one occasion that the man could still walk at all.
Poppy was never impressed with Dumbledore when he had sprouted his 'for the Greater Good' vitriol when she had been called in for more than once to heal the poor man only to send him out again the next day with his wounds barely healed.
Remus was honestly surprised that Severus had actually managed to survive to see the end of the war, and was cleared from all charges by the Wizengamot—and thankfully, his trial was made too public to ever be able to return to spying, something that Dumbledore isn't pleased with, but even the old Headmaster knew better than to touch someone who had been taken under Charlus Potter's personal protection. Remus liked to think that it had been Dumbledore that had kept Severus out of Azkaban during that trial, but Remus knew that Charlus Potter had vouched for him, along with the surviving members of the Order of the Phoenix.
Severus often came back so battered and bruised that even Sirius and James—back when they still disliked Severus were worried for the man. Though as years passed and they've seen the war first-hand—especially after Kristina is born, that resentment and hatred had gradually faded to being just a rivalry. They would likely never like Severus, but they have respected him for his work as a spy, and that is good enough.
Severus always came back seriously injured, so why isn't Remus ever harmed, even though he is likely venturing into more dangerous territory than Severus? And he knew better than most that most Downworlders, especially the werewolves, could hardly stand British wizards due to how their kind had been treated in Britain.
Jecht's lip curled with contempt as he saw the myriad of emotions dance over Remus' face. Fool. To allow his thoughts and emotions to be read like that of a book. Number one rule in Avalon: always conceal your emotions around others, especially wizards, unless you know you can trust them with your life.
"You've never wondered, do you?" Jecht questioned. He can understand now why the Praetor had lost all patience. And even why Krista Nightray of all people had even lost her temper and patience with Remus Lupin. "To make things clear, Albus Dumbledore is not revered or respected amongst our people. There is more than one of us who wants to make his life hell the way he made ours."
"Headmaster Dumbledore isn't a bad man—"
"Silencio!" Jecht snapped—one of the few wizard spells that he had bothered to learn from one of their human allies, and Remus' mouth snapped shut immediately, cutting off his almost predictable protests about Dumbledore's character when likely every single wizard and Downworlder in the world knew the truth by now.
Jecht breathed heavily through his mouth, trying desperately to keep a hold on his temper and not 'go Alpha' like how the Lupina had told him once when he was but a mere boy and he was training to control his lycan side.
"Most likely, no one is going to tell him the specifics. He was once your friend. You called him brother once when you were both pups. Tell him the truth. Tell him the truth as it is. He needs to hear it. He needs to make a decision. And soon."
The Lupus' words echoed around in Jecht's head.
"…Because the Praetor Lupus gave the order to all the packs—not just the ones in Europe." Jecht said at last, and Remus' eyes widened with surprise. "And not just the packs. Every single lone lycan. 'Do not harm Remus Lupin', they said. 'Do so, and it is your head on the chopping board'. And nearly a year ago, Nightray and Mikaelsson added to it—ordering the Night Children to keep their hands off you. But about a month ago, all the bets are off when you are declared Oathbreaker by Nightray." Jecht's lips curled. "If even she of all people had lost patience, then it is saying something. We will not hinder you. But we will not aid you either. You will be alone when the wizards abandon you, like how they always have. And you will be alone when they set upon you." Jecht saw Remus turning paler. "Don't get the Praetor Lupus more upset than they already are, Remus. You won't survive the backlash. Especially more if Nightray and Mikaelsson are involved. Even amongst the Downworlder circles, their clan names are greatly respected."
Considering that House Nightray and House Mikaelsson are part of the major families that also made up the vampire council, it is saying something if even the Praetor Lupus respected them. Considering that the heirs of both houses are Nightguardians as well, it didn't really take much for the packs to leave their paws off Remus.
"Just…once." Remus pleaded with his former friend. "Just come back with me to visit Headmaster Dumbledore at least once. You'll understand then."
Jecht scowled. "I'll sooner offer myself to the Wild Hunt than become one of his dogs!" he snarled at a surprised Remus. "I've heard rumours about what he'd done to his spy during the last war, as you should, Remus."
Remus flushed red. More than once, Lily had lost her temper at Dumbledore when Severus had returned almost half-dead.
"And I do not have a death wish by associating myself with that man. And neither do I wish to be declared Oathbreaker. Trust me on this, Remus. Either do as Nightray says and submit yourself to the Praetor—but you have to mean it as every Downworlder can tell you if you lie. Or you deny yourself and you'll be free game for every Downworlder out there."
Jecht could tell that Remus is feeling conflicted now, and decided to add the final nail in the coffin to tear away all his delusions about the great wizard. After that, the decision is his to make.
"And you should think about this: where was Dumbledore all these years when you need help? Whatever that you think you owe him for letting you attend Hogwarts has long been paid in full, don't you think? When you helped him spy on the packs during the war at great danger to yourself." Granted, Remus was never in any real danger from the beginning due to the Praetor's order, but that is another thing entirely. "Think of this realistically and from an unbiased point of view, and you'll understand why every Downworlder in Avalon is furious at you." Jecht swung his duffel bag over his shoulder. "The Praetor awaits your answer, Remus. Send me an owl once you've decided—it'll reach me. But be warned: if you approach us with deceit, Remus, you will never leave alive. This is your last chance." Jecht warned. "Think about it."
XXXXXX
It was a slow business hour for Moon's Dew.
Save for the occasional goblin who came in here to get a drink, there isn't much business at this time of the day, since the rush for the upcoming school year is over. In three days, Krista and all the others would be on board the Hogwarts Express and straight into the serpent's pit.
Staring at the photo of his late wife, Ethan can't help wondering if he did make the correct decision—by allowing Krista to attend Hogwarts instead of Nightshades where he won't be worrying if someone will try to curse her once her back is turned.
"Am I doing the right thing here, Elise?" Ethan almost whispered, tracing the picture of his wife and mate with his fingertips.
It has been years—decades even ever since Elise had died at the hands of wizard hunters, but he still missed her greatly. She is his mate, his other half. Ever since her death as well as the death of his unborn child, he had felt as if a large part of his soul is missing. At least until he'd found Krista.
She might not be related to him by blood (or at least until Nain had performed the ritual for them), but she is his soul child.
Elise would have adored her, Ethan knew. She adores children. She had ever since they were fledglings. Hell, the entirety of House Nightray had accepted Krista as one of theirs from day one, small as they are.
His father had adored her from the very first moment he had clapped eyes on the small five-year-old that day. His brother, though he loathed to admit it, had himself wrapped around Krista's little finger. Vivian had loved her like a daughter, as she hadn't had any children of her own yet with Klaus. Even Eve when she was still alive had seen Krista as a little sister.
Part of Ethan just wished to just send Krista to Nightshades—screw the consequences. The other part however just wished to allow Krista to do what she wants—the way he always did, only stepping in when things go wrong. It is how the Downworlders have always raised their young—with a firm hand; but yet letting their young experience things for themselves, and only stepping in when they need to.
The bell above the door of Moon's Dew tinkled to alert Ethan to someone entering, and he quickly put his photo of Elise away. The vampire plastered a smile to his face, and greeted, "Welcome!"
To his surprise, a haggard looking Amos Diggory walked in, with his barely thirteen-year-old son tagging alongside him.
"Hi Ethan." Amos managed to smile at the startled vampire. "Do you mind…if you allow Ced to use one of your facilities to clean up?"
Ethan nodded his head. "Of course. If you need a spare change of clothes, you can borrow some of Lenox's. He won't mind." He directed this to Cedric who looked bewildered at being addressed, and Ethan smiled. "I hope you don't mind mundane clothing rather than robes."
Cedric shook his head immediately, looking up at his father who nodded with a smile. "I don't mind." Cedric said. "Mum…just never liked it whenever I look anything less than a perfect…pureblood heir." He said the last part hesitantly, and Amos looked sad.
Ethan said nothing, but he had known for years that something isn't quite right in Amos' household. Hell, if it weren't for Cedric, he would have assumed that Amos is single, since he had never even seen Amos' wife, and neither did the man ever mention her.
"Lenox?" Ethan called out, but he didn't need to raise his voice too loud, since in a building full of Downworlders, superior senses is a given.
"Here. I heard you the first time." Lenox emerged from the back. He gave Cedric a cursory glance but nodded. "Come with me." He led the way up the stairs and to the top storey of the bar-cum-inn where their bedrooms are.
Amos Diggory was startled when a clear glass of some alcohol was sent across the polished surface of the bar counter, and into his hand. He looked up at Ethan who had a grim smile on his face. "You look like you need a stiff drink," was all that he said, and Amos nodded his thanks to the vampire. The wizard gave a grimace as he took a sip, as the contents were really strong. "Don't consume too much at one go, or you'll get drunk really easily." Ethan warned. Serpent's Tongue is a Downworlder drink after all. And if taken in large amounts at once, it could prove toxic to someone who has human blood in their veins. "So you want to talk about it?" Ethan prompted, polishing a wine glass in his hand with a white cloth.
Amos was silent for a long time. "…I had another fight with Ada," he begun at once. Honestly, at this point, how many has it been? "She said that I had no business dealing with Downworlders." He laughed bitterly. "Needless to say, I don't share her opinions about the Downworlders and Avalon, and she walked out of the house to stay with her mother." He took another gulp, grimacing even as the liquid burned his throat. Ethan said nothing even as he listened to Amos. "Honestly, at this point, even I'm wondering why I'm still married to her. It's making all of us unhappy, especially Ced."
"Correct me if I'm wrong." Ethan said, and Amos turned his attention towards the vampire. "But yours is an arranged marriage, right?"
He had often acquainted himself with wizards like Charlus Potter, Sirius Black, Amos Diggory and even Amelia Bones after all; not to mention Moody and even the Minister of Magic himself, being Avalon's official representative for Grim Avenue. Thus, Ethan knows a thing or two about how British wizarding society works, especially amongst the pureblood houses.
Amos looked startled at the question but nodded. It's a given after all. Anyone who had even spent longer than a minute in his or his wife's company will know that.
"My parents arranged it when I was born—the same with most of the pureblood families." Amos admitted, staring at the contents of his drink. "The contract isn't really that complicated, and it didn't really forbid either one of us from taking on lovers even whilst married. All it asks for is a male heir. That's it."
Amos had fought the marriage contract when he was young. But in the end, he had given in. And his life was in shambles after that. The only good thing that had ever come out of his marriage had been Cedric. Ada might have been Cedric's mother, but that is in name only. She is never his mum. All of Cedric's life—even when he was a newborn, Amos had been both mother and father to him—something almost unheard of in Britain's patriarchal society where it is usually the woman of the house who did the housework and the care of the house and the money as well as the children.
"You don't love her." Ethan murmured knowingly.
Amos nodded; he felt no shame in admitting this now—not like how he'd felt during the early days of his marriage and especially after Cedric was born.
When his son was young, and he had often taken Cedric with him to work—since he doesn't want to entrust the care of his young son entirely to the Diggory house elves, many people have made the assumptions that he was the one in the wrong when his marriage is on the rocks. Even now, many people have made the assumption whenever it is just Amos that came down to Hogwarts for the yearly parents' convention.
"There never was any love from the start." Amos admitted bitterly, finishing the contents of his drink and slamming the glass down onto the surface of the countertop. Ethan quietly filled another glass with an alcoholic drink—weaker than Serpent's Tongue, and handed it to Amos. Better for him to get it all out now than wait for it to explode. Ethan had seen it happen before, and it isn't pretty. "We were basically strangers that only met each other on our wedding day! How is there going to be love involved?" Amos demanded angrily. "I know that. Ada knew that. My parents—before they'd passed away knew that. They knew what they're condemning me to, and they don't care!" Amos chuckled bitterly. "That's why I fought with Ada when Cedric was born. I refused to let her draw up a marriage contract for Ced. I have no wish to destroy his life and future the same way mine was. I'll rather that Ced finds and choose his own wife—whether they be mundane or mundane-born or even a Downworlder. As long as he's happy, and he loves her, that's all that I ask. I had been Lord Diggory since my father passed. As long as I refuse, even if Ada is the Lady of the House by law and magic, she can't do anything." Amos chuckled bitterly. "Probably the only time when I'm thankful for the old archaic pureblood laws in which it is only the Lord of the House that has the final say."
It is one of the few laws that Rufus had left in place, as he has no wish to destroy all their old traditions and beliefs. The man had been a strict believer in the Old Ways and is a follower of the Old Religion, like most of the pureblood and noble houses.
The reason why Dumbledore had abolished so many of them in the past is mainly because it makes the mundane-born students uncomfortable since several of the rituals done in the Old Religion often requires the sacrifice of either blood or a live creature like a chicken during nights like Samhain or even Imbolc.
But the ways of the Old Religion is also to worship Magic the way it had been during the time of Lady Morgana and Merlin, and to make Magic stronger. The Old Religion is a system of giving and taking. When Dumbledore had abolished so many of them, it had effectively weakened Britain and all their magical population.
Ethan made a sound in his throat. "You know, if it makes you and your son so unhappy, why don't you leave her?" he asked, and Amos looked at him. "I've seen you both whenever your wife did something stupid. What's the point of hanging onto a marriage when it makes everyone unhappy? How many times have you brought yourself and your son to your family villa by now whenever you fought with your wife?"
Amos looked away. "…To the point that I might as well make it my permanent residence," he admitted.
And to be honest, he prefers the summer villa over the official Diggory residence. He has happier memories there with his son and even with his younger brother before he had married and left for Italy with his wife.
Unlike Amos, his younger brother had the guts to say no and refuse to marry the girl his parents have arranged for him, and had married the girl that he had been in love with since his Hogwarts days—a Ravenclaw mundane-born witch.
Andy was disinherited as a result, but never officially disowned. And when Amos had become lord, he had returned his brother to the family, and had given him his share of the inheritance that should have been his—despite his 'wife's' protests. The brothers still kept in regular contact via mail after that, and Andy had often came to visit Amos and Cedric with his wife and his twin children during the summer holidays – a girl and a boy.
The summer villa was actually part of the inheritance that is Andy's share, but as he is never in Britain except for the few times when he had came to visit his brother, he had given the villa to Amos who had all but used it as his permanent residence by this point.
"No one is going to stop you now if you divorce your wife, leaving her penniless." Ethan added the last part slyly, and Amos looked at Ethan, startled. "And if people talk, so what? They're going to talk either way whenever you show up at social functions with your son and without your wife. Give them something to talk about then. You've done nothing wrong, Amos, so why should you worry? Hold your head up high. You've done your duty to your family and your parents by marrying the girl they wanted and gave them an heir. Isn't it enough? Humans only live so long—even wizards. Live whatever time you have left doing what you want and be happy. Besides, I doubt it's very healthy for your son." Ethan admitted. "He's thirteen. He probably already knew about your marriage problems long before he had entered Hogwarts."
"Yeah, he probably does." Amos admitted. "Ced's not stupid. But he's never asked me about it either. The house elves did tell me that they've often heard him crying in his pillow at night though."
"That's abuse, Amos, what Ada is doing to your son." Ethan pointed out grimly. "The worst type—emotional abuse. Trust me on this, if someone had done this to Krista, I would tear pieces off them." Like how he'd done years ago when he had walked into Little Whinging only to meet a sad abused little girl. "For the sake of your son, leave her. I'm sure that you had more than enough evidence and grounds to file for divorce and sue for full custody anyway."
Amos smiled weakly. "Yeah. Amelia had told me more than once that she'll be more than happy to help me with it if I just ask," he admitted. "All these years, I held back because I felt that Cedric needs his mother."
Ethan snorted. "You're more his mother than your wife," he said bluntly. "And what does that says? I mean, sure, I raised Krista alone. But I had help from my brother and sister-in-law and even my father when she was younger before we made the move out here. Who else do you have, Amos? How much more of this can you take? And I think Cedric is old enough to understand now."
Amos smiled sadly. "Yeah," he admitted. "I think it's time."
From the staircase, Cedric Diggory, now dressed in Lenox's clothes that had been enlarged magically to fit his larger frame smiled sadly as he heard his father's conversation with Ethan.
He had known for years that his parents hadn't had a happy or healthy marriage.
His father had said nothing, but he knew. And his mother had made pointed comments more than once that she doesn't care about him or his father at all unless they've done something to sully the family name.
Cedric had even heard rumours in the past of his mother going about and taking on various lovers. And yet, despite there being no love in their marriage, his father had always stayed faithful to his wife.
It isn't fair, Cedric had thought more than once. He isn't ashamed to admit that he loves his father more than his mother who is only his mother in name only. She had never done her duty as his mother after all.
It was Amos who tended to him whenever he is sick and read him a story whenever he is little. It is Amos who took time off work to bring him to Grim Avenue to get his school supplies when he'd first received his Hogwarts letter and even see him off personally at the Hogwarts Express. It is Amos who always made the time to attend his Quidditch matches when he'd made the team and always attended the parents' convention held by the school.
Probably, the only thing that Cedric knew about his mother is her name. And at this point, both Amos and Cedric might as well move into Uncle Andy's summer villa permanently. In fact, everything that Cedric treasured is in his room at the villa and not the official Diggory residence.
"You aren't surprised?" Lenox asked him quietly from where they were standing at the staircase landing, both not wanting to go back down—especially when Cedric heard his father mention his mother and what had happened two nights ago.
It is an ongoing argument—one that had been going on for nearly four years now—ever since his father had taken a more active role in the Minister's little group to establish proper routes and alliances with the Downworlders—something his mother isn't pleased with, and had complained that it had affected her reputation amongst the other noble ladies. Like most of the idiots in Britain who doesn't seem to possess a brain, his mother also seems to think of Downworlders as nothing but monsters when Cedric knew better.
Cedric shrugged. "I'm not stupid," he said, sitting down onto the carpeted floor and leaning with his back against the stairway railings. "I've known all along that my parents' marriage had problems long before I was even born. I just never understood why my father never filed for divorce." He shrugged weakly. "I guess I know why now. And Ethan is right. I'll understand. In fact, I'll ask my father to do that if I know it'll make him happier and if it'll give him the chance to find what Uncle Andy did—true love and a woman who makes him happy."
Lenox gave a small smile. "I heard Ethan and Amos mention you before, but this is the first time we've met, I suppose," he said. "It isn't how I'd envisioned meeting you. Lenox." He introduced himself. "I'm a vassal of House Nightray. To be more exact, I serve the lady as her attendant."
"Cedric Diggory." Cedric introduced himself without prompting, though he is more interested in hearing what Lenox has to say. Vassal? "And vassal?"
Lenox nodded. "Members of my clan serve the Nightray for generations as guards or attendants. At a certain age, we all leave home and serve them. Seth and Senna—my cousins—they serve Master Klaus—he's the High Prince of the clan, the Heir. And now, they also serve Lady Vivian, his wife and mate, and the future Lady of the House. I serve Krista as her attendant, the granddaughter of Lord Nikolai Nightray." He explained. "It actually helps that we're about the same age, though the lady definitely never treated me as an attendant, but more like her friend." He smiled.
"Lenox?" A soft voice chimed just then, and both boys looked up only to see a petite redhead staring at them curiously, carrying a pile of thick tomes in her arms, and yet, she doesn't seem to find it heavy at all. Vampire strength maybe, Cedric pondered. "What are you both doing sitting here?"
"Adult conversation, my lady." Lenox answered, jerking one thumb over his shoulder even as he got to his feet and hauled Cedric to his feet easily—despite Lenox being nearly two heads shorter than the older boy. "This is Cedric Diggory. He's the son of Amos."
The redhead looked at Cedric curiously before she smiled and dipped her head with acknowledgement, as with her arms full of heavy tomes, she could barely curtsey, as is the standard greeting.
"Krista Nightray," she introduced herself, and Cedric's eyes widened with surprise. "You will likely see me, Lenox and Nathaniel around in Hogwarts this year. We're one of the representatives sent this year."
"Oh." Cedric smiled. "I hope that you will be sorted in my House then."
Even though he most likely will only see Krista at mealtimes at most if she should be sorted into Hufflepuff. The Downworlders have their own dormitory after all. And he knew from one of the Downworlders in his year that they only shared a few lessons with the wizards and witches of Hogwarts—with the core subjects like Mundane Affairs, History, Potions and the lessons about the Old Religion and even Duelling being amongst them. They have subjects that only Downworlders take—and their final grade is graded on all the lessons that they take—same with every student.
Krista looked rather amused, exchanging looks with Lenox. "Well—"
"Hey Krista, what's the holdup?" A very annoyed voice echoed from the direction of the third level staircase, and Cedric looked up only to see two males walking down the stairs.
One had aristocratic features with raven black hair and red eyes. The other was a fraction taller, but with unusual silver-gold hair and serpentine electric-blue eyes. And much like Krista and Lenox, they were dressed in mundane clothing as well which Cedric admits is actually more comfortable, though their clothes looked to be of high quality.
"Alec. Nathaniel." Lenox nodded to them who nodded back, though they looked at Cedric curiously.
"As you can see, I got my hands full." Krista sounded rather annoyed, gesturing towards the tomes in her arms. "And if you want to complain so much, you can help me retrieve the books from your room or wherever you've last placed them—or just return them to the library the next time!"
Nathaniel looked embarrassed, but Alec looked amused. "You have house elves here," he pointed out.
"I got a good pair of working arms and legs." Krista only looked more annoyed. "I can get them on my own, thank you."
"I doubt they'll be pleased." Alec said, amused. "You know what they are like whenever you did the chores that they're supposed to do."
Krista groaned. "I've already agreed to let them clean my room. Isn't it enough?" she sounded almost tired. She then smiled at Cedric who smiled tentatively back. "I guess introductions should be made. Cedric Diggory." She gestured towards Cedric who gave a slight nod of the head. "Alec Mikaelsson. Nathaniel Krauss."
"Pleasure."
"Nice to meet you."
Before either one of the five could say anything, Ethan's voice rang from below.
"Krista! Nathaniel! Lenox! Get down here! Reyers is here with the letters!"
"Coming!"
Alec and Nathaniel immediately sped down the stairs in a blur, much to Cedric's surprise, as he rarely see his Downworlder schoolmates utilise their abilities, though with how majority of the school treats them, he isn't surprised.
Krista's annoyed shout fell on deaf ears. "Hey! Can one of you help me get this mountain to the library first?"
Cedric laughed, amused.
He had a feeling that the upcoming school year at Hogwarts is going to be very interesting.
A/N: I'm still wondering what to do about Ron or Draco. Whichever one that will be Krista's friend will end up in the other one being her rival/enemy at school. Which do you prefer? It'll be the Hogwarts Express and Hogwarts next chapter, and you'll also see a glimpse of the discrimination that the older Downworlders already had a taste of at Hogwarts as part of the treaty.
I hope that you like this chapter, and please read and review! Reviews give me inspiration to update!
