New Guardians, School, and Neighborhood
Petunia awoke in a better mood. She reflected on her first kiss and how everything that went on yesterday. She was at a loss in how to reach Lily maybe they should take a break from one another. Then come together for a heart to heart before Lily goes to Hogwarts. She did not want to lose her sister but, the disrespect had to go. To think that her sister would say all these selfish things was not surprising but truly hurt. She was proud that Severus stood up for himself, and he needed to do that. But she did hope he maintained his self-worth, and created other friendships.
She got up, showered, and got dressed. Today she is touring Staðolung Bealucræft with Arabella, Grandmother Gaunt, Grandfather Ivan, and her father. Petunia's mother was staying home with Lily, and Grandma Levana. She was teaching them magical customs. Today, was going to be hard discussion over her magical guardians. She got the feeling her Grandmother Sylvania and Uncle Tomas did not want her parents to have custody.
She headed to the informal dining area where all her family was gather eating breakfast. When she got to the door way a heated argument seemed to be between her Father Harold and her Uncle Tomas.
They paused when she entered.
"Morning everyone' said Petunia.
She received all polite nods back.
Her grandmother Sylvania was reading the daily prophet the headline read: Slytherin Funeral.
Petunia fixed her plate and grabbed some juice. She thought it was orange juice. It turned out to taste like pumpkin juice.
She asked the elf "What is this?"
The elf started looking despaired cried out "Mistress Tuney no like the pumpkin juice Milly go get something else."
Petunia rushed to reassure Milly "Oh no it's lovely, I have never had it before. You have done a wonderful job at breakfast."
Milly beamed
Harold was proud of her good manners
Uncle Tomas was amused
Grandma Gaunt on the other hand was annoyed.
Tomas continued his discussion with Harold by saying "Well if you were more knowledgeable you would know your daughter Lily's magical guardian is Albus Dumbledore. She was considered a muggleborn and all muggleborns get magical guardians by the headmaster of the school they attend. You were not known to have powers and even now they are damaged. Petunia may be your daughter but as my heir, I am her primary magical guardian. Your wife is a muggle and they have no real rights in the magical world."
"My wife has raised our two girl's just fine thank you very much. We decide where they go. I am not a wizard true but I have some magic whether it is used or not," said Harold.
He was red in the face.
"Actually, as your elder all final decisions go to the head of house", said Ivan.
Harold heated said "and you did not think to tell me?"
Ivan calmly said "Harold your daughters needed protection. All of our families have enemies and you do not have the strength by yourself to protect them. I like your wife but as muggle if you died she could not magically defend them against the world. Although, we are neutral mostly light Clan we do go to war on occasion names are big deal in the magical world. Even if you never wanted to be an active member, we still would have offered it to your daughters. In that effect, we would still be their magical guardians. Our blood gives them certain powers and they tap into the clan magic. Blood is paramount it can be used to kill, heal, and give life. His naming of Petunia as heir trumps our guardianship and gives her more protection in the magical world. But in the end the Slytherin family decides her education, marriage, and could even obtain full custody. Now he cannot harm her or abuse her so do not be so red in the face."
Harold was floored he had no idea, that he did not have guardianship in the magical world.
In addition, Ivan said "when I offered you clan membership and you accepted you became Ifans. You are no longer Evans but magical members of Ifan Clan. It gives our wife a protection she never would have obtained over wise. She can practice rituals with us, learn herbs, and maybe one day tap into mother earth. Our Clan has witches, wizards, those of creature blood, elementals, castors, Greenwich, and even new bloods. Your magic is damaged. You probably would have been a pureblood but you cannot channel a wand. These titles are magic power levels and Greenwich is the lowest. It is more than squib."
LaSylvania took over the explanation "Greenwich can see magic, brew potions, but cannot channel wands, or other tools. They have enough for rituals or group casting. Elementals are the same expect they can control an aspect of nature like weather, fire, water, earth, or air. Castors can use spells but not by a wand but other tools like a rock to work a certain aspect of magic. Many are dragon tamers, or specialize in something like curse breaking. Many can work metals or flowers that's why you see so many as shop owners. They join clans to strengthen their power, because the level is not enough to go to wand holders only school like Hogwarts."
Petunia jumped in, "but I can control lightening."
Harold frowned saying "yes we heard, why did you not tell me you were attacked on Christmas and that Severus saved you."
Petunia responded "I was freaked out, it is reason Severus took me to Diagon Alley. I was so mad at Lily calling me a muggle that I did not pay attention to my surroundings. And when the man insinuated rape, my magic just reacted. It was not until the inheritance test and holding a wand from my vault that glowed that I knew I was a witch. Besides I wrote to join Hogwarts when Lily received her letter and was rejected."
Everyone was floored by her tale.
Tomas said "what does this man look like? I have a pensieve if you can focus the memory we can all see. You focus on it then I take the tip of my wand and take it from our temple. After it is put in a beaker I put it in the pensieve then we dip in the memory and can see what happened. The memory goes back after we are done."
Petunia paled, "why is it important it's over."
LaSylvania said in a gentle tone, "So we can catch this man, and you may owe Severus an honor debt. We do not want this man to seek revenge or hurt anyone else. You do not have to see the memory again with us."
She nodded her consent. A house elf brought the pensieve, and Tomas put the memory in. Petunia decided to stay behind. They all were sucked in. They viewed her memory:
Headed to the park she did not notice until it was too late and the man grabbed her arm "Give me your money you pretty thing." He was dirty, brown hair and eyes. Very average face. The saw her fear. They saw the indecision on her face. He whisper "Or you could give me something else, it's been a while." He snaked his arm near her bum. She paled. They were disguised. They saw her pale but also seeing the fierce determination in her eyes.
Petunia kicked him in the groin. Her eyes glowed brightly, and lightening shocked his body. He yelled out" YOU BITCH!" He swung her around and slapped her in the face. It would have knocked her to the ground if not for the fact he gripped her elbow in a death grip. As his hand was winding back for another slap. A punch knocked him in the head. They both went to the cement. Pushing the stumbling fool away from her who landed on top her. She scrambled up on her feet. She spotted the boy Severus Snape with his fist raised again. "You alright this bloody scum bag can get another, I heard what he said" Severus spoke. Petunia automatically replied "language….thank you." Her coat was wet from the ice and snow but otherwise unharmed. Although, the red hand print on her face made her melt in embarrassment. The drunken fool was knocked out cold. Snape spoken then "I think we should get out here before he wakes up." "Right" replied Petunia. He stood there awkwardly, before heading in opposite direction on his way home. She followed. His hand looked bruised. Walking in relative silence until they reached his run down house on the corner of Spinner's end. It was the only occupied house left on the deserted block. He brought out his house key and opened the front door. He walked in and she followed.
As the memory ended they all exited the pensieve. When they were back in the informal dining area Tomas noticed two things the man was a muggle and he had a neighborhood to buy. Everyone looked angry but rushed to hug her and check her over. Then her grandmother ordered tea, and checked her over. A house elf came with earl grey and biscuits never mind they just had breakfast. Her uncle order a scot passing classes to her father and grandfather. They drank them in silence.
Until Grandfather Ivan broke by saying "Petunia what you did was brave but be glad that boy has a good right hook. I think I know what class you will be taking at Staðolung Bealucræft."
"I think I will go floo Arabella," saying Petunia.
She rushed out to speak with her friend uncomfortable with the situation.
When she exited the room the discussion turned serious.
"Now, that she is gone shall be discuss what should be done," said Tomas Marvolo
LaSylvania then spoke "I know some refugees that need a place to stay. It is mixed group of magical folk that need a place to live. Anyone in the mood to buy up homes in Spinner's End?"
Tomas cackled.
Ivan said "I love cleaning up the community."
Harold was hesitant, "whatever happens to the punk I want in."
"I know some castors, and working class purebloods that looking to purchase homes. I can let them know Cokesworth has a neighborhood of openings," said Ivan.
"I've got it, we clean up the neighborhood, pay Severus back, and allow Petunia a safe place to travel," said Harold.
"The question is pay back how it is an honor debt,' said Ivan.
"We will think of something," said Tomas.
"Let's get ready to view this school. I have been on school board for Slytherin these past few years. It is internationally, a great school many royals have gone there over Hogwarts. Tomas, I need you to check on Hogwarts if Petunia plans to transfer the curriculum must be bought up to date. Old professor Binns will kill off all chance we have at historians. I want you to talk to the other founders' heirs to call upon the ownership for change and mandate a wizarding etiquette class. In addition, muggle studies should be changed to muggle awareness with the latest strives muggle have accomplished. Other schools have joined the summer consortium and I would think Hogwarts could benefit top students only. We are isolated like the Russians from the cold war. They need a physical education class like ballet, swordsman ship, karate, mediation, or abraxas winged equestrian class. And, I think we should open a magical orphanage for all types of magical children. Muggleborns need sponsorship. Staðolung Bealucræft has primary section of the school for those under 11. We should start one so all are educated and we can catch the underage accidental magic," said LaSylvania.
Tomas said "Then we must plan I am not sure how the other purebloods will respond to all the ideas but those would cut the tensions between groups. But we have a school to visit."
They were headed to see Staðolung Bealucræft.
Staðolung Bealucræft
Staðolung Bealucræft is located in Aberford field in Yorkshire. It is well over 50 acres. The muggle British government has it under private property under a noble family. For those that attend they are sworn to secrecy. It is unplottable and only those who are granted access can know its location. But parents are rode in on magical school bus in for tour before the start of school year. The primary school is located in a separate building on the property Muggles know it as a top security place where diplomats go. A large black castle making the muggleborns known as fresh bloods think of Alice in Wonderland. It has a private prep feel of classic British influence. It was copied by the muggle world, called Miranda Castle in Belgium. But made from obsidian black stone cut in brick medieval style. It is surrounded by birch wood forest looking like a black and white palace. Once through the forest the path leads to a calacatta marble which that heads to the school. One of the modern additions is parking lot structure made from black obsidian. It looked richer than Rodean's. A front garden in the center before the front doors that rival's Buckingham Palace though it was frozen in ice. The snow that covered the castle just magnified its beauty.
Arabella was smitten with the architecture it had a gothic feel that reminded her of fairytale. She adored the stain glass windows which must have been an upgrade. Her father was just thinking over the price of tuition. They were well off to normal standards but they were not sacred 28 wealthy. Petunia was nervous thinking what if they rejected her? What if she does not make any friends or fails all her classes. She just wanted a place where she can learn, make friends, and make her family proud. Lord Tomas was impressed based on the brochure the list of classes were impressive. Petunia could build international allies and then create British ties need for Wizengamot at Hogwarts.
A plaque was centered at the front doors. The plaque said school motto of magic is life and in life we live. Few students were around because it is winter holiday. The headmaster was a famous witch doctor (iny anga) Bantu Zulu. A tall cinnamon brown man over 6'5 with golden eyes. He had dreadlocks long like waterfall down his back. Tribal tattoos that told the story of his life in a sleeveless blood red robe.
Bantu cried out "welcome to Staðolung Bealucræft also known as Founding. It is winter break here but you will find some students here. I hope the bus ride here was okay. Please follow me, and I will show you the facility."
He opened the door inside was all marble in stark white. There was a great frozen birch wood tree planted in the center of the long hall way. Five banners marked with the symbols for the type of magical were hung around the walls. Talking portraits of pass headmasters and headmistresses were aligned the walls. The first door had an admission, then mind healer/counselor. Each door was stained glass that looked like frozen ice.
Bantu "This is first floor Dining hall, it is where we eat all of our meals."
All looked around the room. The room looked like a white marble farbage egg. Gold outlined every table and chair. Chair cushions are wine purple with matching curtains. The five banners hung from the front. It was room filled with small marble tables. In the front, was a large circular table that curved around the room. The school founders a creature, a witch, castor, elemental, and a Greenwich.
Next, we head to the auditorium it looked like 19th century imperial Russia gold floors, white marble walls, and chandeliers. A stage was risen up with an orchestra pit that must have been out of the Roman Empire. It was glamorous with roman columns of famous magicals from history.
On the second level hallways spaces were marked with ruins on top of the walls and bottom.
"What are those marks on the walls for" asked Petunia.
"A magical version of lockers each ruin is a magical space they open by their own magical signature. It only needs a touch, has anti-theft charm, anti-vandalism charm, and deep expansion charm," said Bantu.
Arabella played with opening and closing the locker. Petunia laughed. Bantu smirked but cleared this throat.
After touring the rest of the school classes, library, grounds, and dorms they headed to the headmaster's office to discuss enrollment. The group followed him to his office. The room was shaped like a decagon. It was like stepping into South Africa with plants everywhere. A tank is the wall had jackass penguins swimming about. Portraits of the founders were behind the desk. Beyond that Zulu shields and weapons hung from the walls. All the items were highlighted from by white marble walls, encased with golden frames. A black marble desk was in the center. Each corner of a decagon had a black marble column with symbol of the great 9 species of magical folk carved in their centers. It was stunning.
Bantu sat behind the desk and waved his hand six chairs appeared. They sat. Petunia was staring at the beautiful witch who was pale with dark black hair that cascaded down her back. Dressed in green stolia and gold palia draped on her shoulders. Elaborate braided hair with jewels in her hair and neck. Lord Tomas bowed recognizing Messalina Vipsania Slytherin high priestess of Rome. He bowed to her, LaSlyvania, & Petunia followed suit. She nodded to the duo.
"Let us get started on what is required for admission. Petunia is a legacy and with her magical powers she cannot be denied by founding decree in 1699. She has quite a lot of catching up to do along with Arabella. I know you all will be getting them tutors. Both need to be tested on what they can do and then they will be put in their level classes. We start with age but our curriculum is catered to the individual and the career path they want to go. It is late for many apprenticeships this year but they could apply next year. They could dual enroll here and Hogwarts. Requirements are exceeds expectations minimum to maintain dual status. But they would be required to take summer classes because Hogwarts does not offer some of our classes. Our cut off age for a diploma is 21, after that students must go to an adult wizard learning center. Looking at both their blood test we can create a schedule. Any questions?" stated Bantu. b
LaSlyvania said "Bantu, you're looking well but let first say I shall be regent in times when my son is unable to be on the board. We also have Hogwarts to contend with. I want the girls to have the majority of their classes together. Ladies on the class list what are you two thinking?"
Arabella responded "I shall need animal languages, equestrian, ballet, and the core classes. I was also thinking of testing out of Muggle studies, flying, and Astronomy. I think Petunia and I could test into Arithmancy, and history of magic. In the summer I would like to take the animal breeding seminar."
Petunia said "I agree with the core subjects as long it is Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, charms, Dark Arts, Herbology, and Transfiguration. I would like piano, and battle magics. For my language I am already taking French so I would like to continue. I may like study parseltongue privately with my Lord. For summer seminar if I can get into Ancient and Old Ways."
"It can be done but you both must take introduction to magical society, and test out of magical etiquette class. We can test the girl's levels sometime in the next few days,' said Bantu.
Mr. Fig and Lord Tomas nodded.
Harold asked "Would the girls be mailed assignments throughout the year to stay level? We can hire tutors but when would they test so they could stay with their classmates? What level would you start them at?"
Bantu answered 'I would start them on levels in which they test in each subject they could be all over for introduction classes they can test out if they pass it in the next few days. I will excuse them from Literature, math, and reading because of them muggle grades. I have high expectations of their writing. We follow a daily block schedule and offer remedial/ tutoring options. I will set it up have them ready test for introductions on the 29th, cores on Jan 2nd, and rest of the classes 3rd. I can give the results on the fourth and we start classes on the 5th of January. It will be fast paced and difficult but the girls are smart so I am not worried."
Mr. Fig said, "If we are paying for this place they know we expect the same dedication to the work like they did at that muggle place."
Arabella swallowed but looked determined, and Petunia swallowed. The families left to go home.
Over the next few days the girls tested like mad. It was wake up and study. On December 3oth, Petunia received a letter from Severus.
Dear Petunia,
I hope all is well and you have not received cold feet towards me. I remember our encounter fondly. I am proud of all the progress you have made. You looked radiant that night. I have finished my assignments for Hogwarts. I know you probably won't' choose it over the Staðolung Bealucræft all the classes sound exciting. My clan master says I could take a summer class or two. I love spell crafting course and dark arts. My grandsire requires swordsmanship though. What will you be taking? Are you going to the Malfoy News Year's Eve ball? I would not mine escorting you again? I must go my grandsire is requiring etiquette classes and history of the clan. I passed the power test but I will soon be tested by the elders in clan history and magic. I hope to see you before I go back to Hogwarts.
Sincerely,
Severus Tobias La Snape
Son of La Snape Magical Clan
Son of the Ancient and Noble house of Prince
Dear Severus
All I do is study at Slytherin Hill to test in the highest classes I can. Can you imagine four years of work in a few days? My Lord is a slave driver. Lily is a sullen boob who keeps looking at me. I guess she wants to take summer classes at Staðolung Bealucræft too. But she is mad she has to apply for admission. I told her Arabella had to apply as well not that I knew that. I hear we both have Clan members who go there. I would accept you as escort especially, since you do not step on my toes. Malfoy's cousin Aiden is a peacock with two left feet my poor toes cannot afford. (LOL). Lily and I have to study Clan stuff as well. It is interesting but a challenge with all the other things I am learning at the same time. I shall be taking battle magic, piano, and French. You should try for old ways seminar in the summer. My Uncle wants to test for owl levels if I can. I see you New Year's Eve. I am wearing might blue pick me up on time.
Sincerely Tired,
Petunia with too many last names….
Lily would admit it she was jealous. She was no longer a muggleborn. But Petunia seemed to be gaining popularity and she doesn't even go to Hogwarts. Even Marlene asked her all about Petunia. It was annoying but she was secretly proud of her older sister. She knew she needed to make it up to her. But she did not know how, and she ruined things with Severus he really was a good friend to her most of the time. She could not allow the opinions of her house influence her relationship with her sister. They were Evans, she corrected Ifans now and family is life. She decided to make Petunia a gift. She just hoped now that Petunia had magic she would not change too much. She hoped their other clan members liked them.
Arabella was finally gaining respect from her family. Too bad she felt so empty, and it did not feel as good as she thought. Now, as a pureblood girl she felt the pressure to be polite, pretty, and poised at all times. She studied like it was her last breathe. She could now sympathized with her older brothers and Cousin Amcor Fig. Her mother tested her constantly. And now they were invited to the Malfoy New year ball. She needed to test in half of the fourth year classes or it would bring shame to her father. All her and Tuney did was study.
Lord Prince was worried. Even with his disowned daughter he heard disturbing reports. She had left her boy all break. If not for his father showing up, he would still be alone. He had to know what was going on. He went to check the family tapestry to check if she was still alive. He looked at the tapestry and almost fainted. He lost his composure and cried out to his wife. He could not believe it. It was always something with Eileen she never was an easy child, but he never expected this.