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 Ten: Train Ride
Krista found herself back at Avalon five days before she is due to depart for Hogwarts with all of the others that were sent as part of the peace treaty.
And honestly, from the horror stories that Helen and the others have brought back with them whenever they return from that sad excuse of a school, Krista is not looking forward to it in the least.
Ethan did tell Krista hesitantly—especially after Klaus had informed her of the High Council's request—that she is free to turn down the request to be one of those sent as part of the peace treaty this year. Ethan did say that she is free to turn it down and attend Nightshades together with Alec; but everyone and their grandmother knew that if it comes from the High Council, it is more an order than a request.
Elijah and Julius—the first and second-in-commands respectively of the Nightguardians were actually amongst the first that were sent to Hogwarts as part of the peace treaty. Of course, outside of the Downworlders, no one actually knew who the members of the Dark Lady's agents are.
The two have a really difficult time throughout their time there; and every single year, without fail, they have warned the ones heading to Hogwarts what to expect, and to always keep their guard up.
Even as Krista knelt by the edge of the Siren Lake in Avalon, she murmured, "I seek your guidance, My Lady. You have never failed me or guided me wrong; and you never will. I call upon You this night to seek Your blessing."
For several moments, all was silent.
And then, mist started converging in the area. The continuous caws of the ravens—something to always be heard in Avalon silenced. Krista almost gave a startled jump as her own raven familiar, Hugo, swooped down silently and landed on her shoulder.
And then, she came.
The Dark Lady.
Swathed in black like the darkness that she is known for, with a pair of ravens—one perched on each shoulder. The ancient goddess that is as old as the very earth itself that is the very symbol of death and war. One of the patron gods of the Old Religion, and is also known to be a very bloodthirsty and vengeful goddess if the mood strikes her.
The goddess that the Downworlders revered, especially the Nightguardians that are her chosen agents—her chosen warriors.
"…My Lady." Krista murmured, kneeling before the Morrigan—showing her the ways to show the goddess respect that was taught to her since Ethan had first taken her in. Surprisingly, Charlus Potter had been a believer and practitioner in the Old Religion as well, and had taught her several of the ways that the wizards practiced to bestow respect and faith to the patron gods of the Old Religion—a faith that is slowly dying out due to a certain manipulative headmaster.
"You have called upon me, child?" The Morrigan enquired before stretching out a slender ethereal hand that Hugo immediately perched on, having taken flight from Krista's shoulder. "Ah, my little faithful friend. Have you enjoyed your stay on the mortal plane?" Hugo cawed happily. "I did tell you that you would like your new mistress, did I not?" The Morrigan enquired before she then turned a cold smile back towards Krista.
Krista showed no fear or hesitance under the visage of the Dark Lady as she was taught to. She held no fear for the Dark Goddess. She followed the Morrigan willingly, and she had ever since the day when she had willingly taken her oaths to act as one of Her agents and warriors in the mortal plane when Julius had first taken her to the Tower of London.
The Downworlders are a stubborn lot. They bowed their heads to no other but one.
The Dark Lady.
Give reverence it's own due to those who possessed more power than you do, but show even the slightest bit of weakness, and you lose before you even start, Krista recalled one of her lessons under Nikolai's tutelage.
Like any member belonging to one of the noble houses, Krista had her fair share of lessons in etiquette and even the ways to call upon the Old Gods and how to bestow offerings to them.
"I seek your guidance, my Lady." Krista murmured, keeping eye contact with the goddess. "The time has come once again for those of us who were chosen by the High Council to head to the wizard school as part of the peace treaty." Krista had never hidden her disdain for this 'peace treaty' to begin with, as anyone with eyes and a brain could tell that it is just leading to disaster and will never work out to begin with. Not with Britain still having majority of their population with sticks up their assess. "I seek your consul and your advice, and also your protection for those of us who would be heading into unknown territory for the next eight months."
"My childe." The Morrigan murmured, even as Hugo took flight from her hand and landed onto Krista's shoulder once more, preening at her silky red hair with his beak—grooming her hair like how he'd always done—like how a parent raven would groom their young. "Once a child of man, you now walk the path of the Night as one of my children. You had been amongst my most faithful and devoted, and I always reward my most faithful. Rise, my little one. I am the Morrigan. I protect my children, like I always did; especially my chosen agents. I will never let anything harmful fall upon you. But be warned, my childe. The hearts of man are a fearful thing. Be careful of the old one who resides in that castle. Hogwarts needs your help. She has called out to me, and I shall give that. You swore an oath to serve me as one of the walkers of the Night. Now I am asking for you to give Hogwarts the help that she has cried out for countless times."
"And I shall give, My Lady." Krista murmured. "My bow is yours to wield."
The Morrigan gave a cold satisfied smile.
XXXXXX
A sudden hush fell upon Platform 9¾ in King's Cross Station as the group of Downworlders emerged from Shadow Portals directly onto the platform itself.
Like it always had been since the peace treaty was put in place.
Honestly… Even as Alec Mikaelsson looked around the platform and saw the wary, hateful and even fearful looks given to them by just about every single person he saw, he can't help but feel as if Krista has a point in what she'd said when she said the 'peace treaty' is just a peace treaty in name only, and is going towards the route to disaster, with how the wizards and witches barely tolerated their presences.
Alec sincerely hoped for his best friends' sakes that they have a very long and thick line of patience, as it seems like that patience is going to be solely tested that year, and all the upcoming years until they could finally graduate.
"…Is that them?"
"Yeah, the Downworlders."
"Or rather, the monsters."
"What on earth is Dumbledore thinking by letting them attend Hogwarts too? Freaks, the whole lot of them."
"Stay away from them."
Next to Krista, Lenox tensed up, his silver eyes glaring at the speakers he could hear, threatening pain and lots of it to those that have dared to insult his lady. A calming hand on his arm stopped him.
"Ignore them." Krista murmured in her attendant's ear, though she has to stand on her tiptoes to do that, considering that Lenox is nearly a head and half taller than her. She is likely the most petite and also the smallest in stature amongst all the Downworlders—no doubt due to her malnourishment and starvation during her early years as a child. Even Nain had admitted when Ethan had first brought her home that she would likely always stay small and petite due to it. "If you attack everyone who even says a slur against me or Nathaniel or any of the others, you're going to be pretty busy this year, Lenox." She met with Lenox's silver eyes with her own green ones. "You know what to expect at Hogwarts this year. And I expect you to keep your temper. Don't sink to their level."
Lenox scowled at the humans nearest to them who only flinched and quickly looked away. "I don't like it, but I promise, my lady," he said grudgingly. "But I won't stay my hand if they raise their wands against you."
"And I won't expect you to, Lenox." Ethan entered the conversation just then, a grim expression on his face even as he surveyed the train platform. This is his first time and first experience on the platform for the ones sent to Hogwarts; and he could understand why the few adult Downworlders that went every single year to escort their children to the train platform always return either exhausted or looking as if they want to murder someone. Carmella—back when Julius was amongst the ones sent to Hogwarts always returned every September 1st looking as if she wants to commit murder or genocide. "If anyone raises a wand against Krista, I won't begrudge you for returning the favour."
Lenox is Krista's oath bound attendant slash bodyguard after all. Just like how Seth and Senna have been to Klaus and Ethan. When the two have reached of age however; and especially after Ethan had returned to Avalon with Krista, Senna who was originally Ethan's guard was requested by Ethan himself to assist Klaus instead.
"I honestly wonder how you guys are going to be able to last the year." Alec commented with a raised brow, looking from Krista to Nathaniel and back again. "All I can say is 'good luck'."
Nathaniel and Krista exchanged wry glances. "Yeah. I think we're going to need that." Nathaniel agreed.
"Keep an eye on each other." Ethan instructed all the fledglings who were all huddled together—same as every single year. Downworlders always looked out for their own. "And do not go anywhere alone."
"We will." Helen Youngblood, one of the Fey who will be returning to Hogwarts for her third year promised. She gave Krista a small smile who returned it. Krista hasn't seen Helen since Eve's death after all. "I'll look after them."
Ethan nodded. "Look after each other," he warned again.
A whistle echoed throughout the platform, along with a loud honk from the train itself, and Ethan sighed. "All right." Much to Krista's surprise, he then bent down and enveloped her in a tight hug—Ethan is normally the type to show his affection to his loved ones in private behind closed doors, not in public. Less chance of his enemies targeting his loved ones if they don't know whom he cherished, as Ethan had said once when Krista is old enough to understand. "Be careful, okay?" His voice was muffled as he had his face in Krista's red hair. "And use the Firecall Mirror to call me every single night. I'll always be there to talk. And don't worry about Moon's Dew; I'll handle it on my end. Write often too; especially to Father and Klaus and even Vivian. They'll get worried if you don't. Use Hugo as often as you need to. But only use Hedwig sparingly."
Krista nodded, understanding the intent behind Ethan's words. "I will." She wrapped her arms around her foster father's neck. This will be the first time she will be leaving his side after all. The first time she won't be seeing him in months. "Promise."
Finally, Ethan released his hold on Krista and got back to his feet, his eyes looking suspiciously bright. "Lenox, take care of her." He told the younger who nodded with determination.
The second warning whistle echoed around the platform.
"All right. Get on the train." Ethan instructed, as the younger ones were quick to get onto the train. They do not have to bother about finding an empty compartment, as one is already prepared for the Downworlders. "Keep an eye on each other."
"Write to me, you two!" Alec called out. "I'll see you at the Winter Solstice!"
"Yeah. Promise!"
Standing on the platform with Alec and a few of the other Downworlder adults that Ethan only knew by name and face, but had never known them beyond the yearly Solstices for the Downworlders to gather, he watched even as the scarlet train chugged out of the station. It'll be several hours at least before they would arrive at Hogwarts, Ethan knew.
Honestly, it'll set his mind more at ease if the fledglings could just Shadow Portal directly to the school itself. The upgraded wards (courtesy of Rufus and Amelia and even Charlus Potter) around the school might only allow them to portal straight to Hogsmeade, but it is better than having Ethan worrying that the several hours on the train might give some of the most vocal extremists the chance to do something to the kids.
Nain had however shot the idea down when it was first brought up back when the Downworlders were going over the details of the peace treaty. The High Warlock was of course worried too; but having the Downworlders head directly to the school instead of travelling by train might make several of the extremists accuse Rufus or even Amos of giving them special treatment, and might even worsen the already non-existent relationship between the Downworlders and Magical Britain. Furthermore, the Downworlders didn't want to make life any more difficult for Amos or Rufus—not when they'd already done so much to try to mend bridges and to try to help them.
"You think they'd be all right?" Helen's father who had came to the platform grunted, with the Fey looking in the direction the train had headed towards, a worried frown on his face. Unlike their human counterparts, the Downworlders could still see the train in the distance on the tracks.
"Who knows? But giving them trials and giving them the chance to grow and learn from it is part of the process." Ethan answered, shoving his hands into his pockets. "We went through that ourselves at their age."
Alec looked up at Ethan. "How long do you think it'd be before one of the idiots cause Lenox or one of the others to snap?" he asked the older vampire.
Ethan almost groaned, especially knowing the stories that he'd heard from Reyers and Maksim who were the Downworlder teachers sent to Hogwarts as part of the treaty. There will be least one fight between the Downworlders and the humans every single year; and most of the time, it is started by the humans.
Thankfully, thanks to the stipulations placed in the treaty that states only the Downworlder teachers could punish the Downworlder students, they weren't really punished unfairly as they would be if the other professors or even the headmaster were allowed to give them punishments.
Honestly, Ethan admits that Helen and the others are already practicing a lot of self-control by not snapping the humans' necks which they normally would have done to any human who insulted and attacked them the way they did. Probably one reason why the training room in the Downworlders' private dorm is used almost every single day—for Anger Management.
But the fledglings are also doing all they could in their own way to ensure that the peace treaty is a success, even if it means they have to swallow their own pride every now and then.
"Knowing those idiots?" Ethan questioned wryly. "Not long at all."
If Krista had known of Ethan's conversation with Alec on the train platform even as the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station, she would have asked her foster father if he doesn't accidentally have some Seer blood in his veins.
Because seriously, this just has to be a record of some sort, Krista thought wryly to herself even as she exchanged exasperated looks with Nathaniel in the Downworlder compartment of the Hogwarts Express.
There is a reason why the Downworlder compartment is amongst the largest in the Hogwarts Express—expanded magically every single year so that it can support the growing number of Downworlder students that attend Hogwarts every year. And their compartment is also the last at the end of the train just so that students won't 'accidentally' stumble across them.
From the stories from Helen, and even Julius and Elijah, Krista knew that when the peace treaty is newly put in place, the fledglings who were amongst the first sent to Hogwarts often get 'visitors' to their compartment even before they reached Hogwarts. Even now, they still do, but most of the humans have long learned that as long as you leave the Downworlders be, they'd leave you alone. But as most Downworlders were trained from birth in combat, they have to be able to handle themselves in battle before they are even allowed to leave the safety of Avalon, their parents and guardians weren't worried.
And even though Lenox is officially Krista's guard, the truth is that she could also handle herself in a fight, and wouldn't really need Lenox to fight her battles for her.
It isn't that the peace treaty is totally unsuccessful, as some of the Downworlders did make some friends amongst the more open-minded students.
But occasionally—or rather, most of the time, they get idiots like this…
Helen Youngblood sighed even as she put down her book and looked at the haughty looking brunette standing outside their compartment, already dressed in the Hogwarts' uniform. She had a feeling that she won't be finishing her book today.
After Rufus had became the Minister, one of the first things he had done is to change the school uniform into something more modern so that the mundane-born students could wear the uniform to the train station, and no one would bat an eye.
While the issued uniform to the Downworlders are also similar to the ones that their human counterparts wore, there is an additional white raven emblem of the Downworlders attached to the left sleeve of their uniforms, as well as an attached hood for certain reasons.
"Can we help you?" Lyssandra Rosario who happened to be the younger cousin of Vivian, Klaus' wife asked with forced politeness. Much like Krista, Lyssandra is also a dhampir, and she had been there for Krista after Eve's death until Ethan had moved himself and Krista into Grim Avenue. The two do write to each other often though, even if they can't meet up unless it's the annual gatherings for the Solstice or even the rituals that the vampires perform yearly.
"Don't know why they let you attend Hogwarts." Hermione Granger huffed, glaring at Krista who seemed to be pretending that the girl doesn't exist, as her eyes have gone back to the book that she is reading before the rude interruption of their compartment door sliding opened. "You're not even human! Hogwarts is a wizard school! What can they even teach you there anyway?"
Finally, Krista sighed, and put her book down. Looks like this situation won't end unless she either a) do something about it; b) toss her out with Downworlder magic to scare her—something that Krista is trying to avoid; or c) let her continue.
Not something that might be very good for the girl's health, Krista admitted to herself, seeing the murderous expressions on the faces of the others in the compartment with her, especially Lenox.
Her attendant and one of her closest friends can be really protective over her. Nikolai's order to Lenox when he was first assigned to be her attendant isn't just to guard her physically. He is to try to protect her emotionally too, especially when Ethan and Krista have made the move out to Grim Avenue.
"Look, I don't feel like getting into a meaningless fight or argument with you even before we reached the school, so why don't you do us all a favour and just leave?" Krista asked, a touch of slight exasperation entering her voice.
"You're not even human!" Hermione's voice is starting to get louder, thus causing the other students from some of the other neighbouring compartments to poke their heads out. The older students only shook their heads at this; knowing what is soon to come—it is a regular occurrence every single year, and they know how it is going to end. It is only the more open-minded or neutral students who generally took the compartments near the Downworlders' compartment. "You shouldn't be here! You're threatening the safety of the wizarding world! Zachariah Mccormick said so in his book Downworlders: The Truth About Them."
"Either remove yourself or we'll do it for you." Nathaniel interrupted, glaring at Hermione over the top of his book. He could already feel Luca bristling with anger next to him; and it'll be a sight to see should the fey explodes.
Honestly, is this what Helen and the others have to deal with in their years here? With one look at the older ones, he could agree to himself that that the answer is yes, since not one of them is paying the girl an ounce of attention, but had returned to whatever it is they were doing before the rude interruption.
Hermione glanced at Lyssandra who is next to Krista. "You don't have to sit with them if you don't want to," she told Lyssandra with a rude toss of her head towards Krista. "You can sit with me in my compartment if you wish to. The others in my compartment have left for somewhere else earlier."
Or more like they'd left when Hermione had started talking all about her precious books and about how wonderful Hogwarts sounded. For all her smarts, the girl didn't even realise that she is already destroying any chances of making friends when she talked about how much she'd read up already and how she wanted to be the best at any cost.
Lyssandra glanced at Krista who only looked vaguely amused. Much like Krista, thanks to the half-human blood in her veins, she had the luck to appear more human than the rest of the Downworlders. If Krista hadn't been assigned as the guide for the mundane-born students this year, then this girl likely wouldn't have realised that Krista is one of them as well.
"I am fine where I am, thank you." Lyssandra answered coolly before returning to her book.
"Come on." Hermione urged impatiently. "You shouldn't taint yourself spending time with them."
A loud snap of a book closing shut suddenly drew all attention towards Helen who is staring at Hermione with a really frosty expression. Luca prayed fervently towards the Dark Lady that Helen would keep her cool. Even though she looks like that, she is still the daughter of the right hand of the Lord of the Wild Hunt, and can be really vicious, as most of the darkly inclined Fey are, much like himself.
"…Do you even know where you are?" Helen questioned coolly, ice-blue eyes almost glaring a hole into the suddenly nervous Hermione. A bit impressive too, as Helen hasn't changed the expression on her face at all. One glance at Krista, and the younger dhampir understood that Helen would handle this.
"The Hogwarts Express?" Hermione shot back. Honestly, do they think that she is stupid?
"…Didn't the officer that gave you the introduction to this world tell you anything about the Hogwarts Express?" Krista questioned, exasperated and annoyed. Is this what she is going to have to deal with all year? Honestly, she felt as if there is a lot that she might have to talk to Susan about later on in the week when they have some time. "Do you know whose compartment is this?"
"This compartment doesn't belong to you—"
"Take one step back and look towards the left, beaver." Helen snapped, and there were snickers at Helen's 'nickname' for the annoying girl with that overly large front teeth.
Hermione flushed red with anger at this name, as it is one amongst the several names that she was called by the children back in primary school. But out of curiosity behind Helen's words, she did as was mentioned, and saw the black raven symbol on the wall beside the compartment door—the same symbol visible on the uniforms of the Downworlders, only that the emblem on their uniforms were white, probably due to the uniforms already being black in colour.
All colour drained from Hermione's face as she realised where she is.
"Y-You're…"
Krista smiled coldly at Hermione even as every single pair of eyes in the compartment was now trained on the scared girl. On Krista's other side, Lenox looked as if he is contemplating the best way to charbroil Hermione alive.
"You're either very brave or very stupid to come here." Krista commented. "Leave. Now. And leave us alone, or we might just deliver you to your family at the end of the year in pieces."
"Won't even need end of the year, mark my words." Nathaniel added, glaring at the girl with disgust. This must be the girl that Susan was complaining about when she'd came to Moon's Dew with Krista back then when she was assigned as the tour guide for the mundane-born students.
With a sob, Hermione Granger left the vicinity as fast as she could, vowing to bring this to the attention of the professors once they're at Hogwarts. They shouldn't be at Hogwarts, the young girl had thought to herself. Despite the words of some of the others that day at the introduction, Hermione knew that the Downworlders shouldn't exist. Albus Dumbledore and the writers of the books that she'd picked up at Flourish and Blotts couldn't all be wrong!
"This has to be some kind of record." Lake, one of the warlock children like how Nathaniel is groused. "Even when we'd barely pulled out of the station?"
The compartment door slid opened again, and as one, all of them groaned as they saw a dark haired boy with olive skin standing at the entrance. His eyes looked nervous, but the rest of his face was emotionless. He also carried himself with a type of grace and poise that Krista identified from one of the wizarding noble families.
"What now?" Luca complained, glaring at the boy who cringed slightly, but stood his ground.
"Luca!" Lake reprimanded, and Luca grumbled something, but settled back into his seat, turning his attention back to his book.
"Can we help you?" Krista ignored her fellow Downworlders and turned her attention back to the boy. She raised a brow as the boy entered their compartment and closed the door behind him—an action that caught the attention of the others.
"Are you Krista Nightray of House Nightray?" The boy enquired politely. Even as Krista nodded, much to her surprise, the boy crossed his right arm across his chest—a type of greeting only known and followed by the Downworlders. This small gesture also caught the attention of the others. Helen and Lake frowned, exchanging looks between themselves. "My name is Blaise Zabini. I was told to introduce and present myself to you at my first opportunity."
Krista narrowed her eyes as she sensed a vaguely familiar presence around Blaise. He felt like none of the other humans, magical or not. If anything, Krista could compare the aura he gives off being more similar to the ones that Nathaniel and Lake gave off.
Lake, being older than them, and not to mention more experienced at sensing auras stiffened, staring at Blaise with shock. Warlocks aren't very common—even amongst Avalon. As far as everyone knew, Nathaniel is likely the last warlock born.
"…Great Morrigan." Lake whispered, staring at Blaise. "You're a warlock."
That caught everyone's attention immediately.
Blaise nodded solemnly before turning his attention towards the shocked Krista. "My mother is Lady Anastasia Zabini," he said. "The Zabini House had always stayed neutral, even though we have good relations with your House. I did hear however that we rarely interacted with the members of House Nightray since my grandfather's time. My mother heard that a member of House Nightray is attending Hogwarts this year, and I was told to introduce myself to you, my lady, and to seek out your help and protection."
Krista wiped a hand down her face, resisting the urge to groan out loud.
Why her?
"…Return to your compartment for now." Krista said at last. She needs to think. And she needs to talk to Ethan about this. She did hear from Klaus one time when she was younger that House Nightray did have some sort of friendship with a human clan decades ago—she just can't remember which one, as the name just slips her by. It must be the Zabini House. "And once we're at the school, come to our dorm tonight. I'll send a guide—you'll know what it is. We need to talk about this."
XXXXXX
"Well, this is a surprise, Lupin. Dropping by unasked and without warning. What can I do for you?"
Remus Lupin gave a cringe at the cold tone in Charlus Potter's voice even as he stood at the entrance that leads to Potter Manor—just at the edge of the wards. He can't enter until Charlus Potter lets him in. And Remus knew that somewhere in the manor must be Sirius.
Even though his former best friend is Lord Black and have the Black family fortune as well as their residences, he had still lived with Charlus Potter like he had when he was a boy—probably because Sirius is both lonely and still getting over the long term effects of constant Dementor exposure from his time in Azkaban.
"I…" Remus wasn't able to find his tongue for several moments as he met with Charlus Potter's eyes. "I… Jecht spoke to me awhile back. Regarding the Downworlders, I mean." Remus flinched as he looked away from Charlus' cold eyes. "He… I…" Remus looked at Charlus again. "I…want to know more about them." He admitted at last.
Why would the Downworlders be so angry with Dumbledore and all of Britain save for a few? Why did the Crown—the Queen especially protect them? And why have the Downworlders answered the call of the British Crown in the past?
More importantly, why did the Downworlders declare him Oathbreaker?
Remus would be lying if he said it didn't hurt.
Charlus studied Remus' cringing form for several moments. Ethan did warn him awhile ago to expect a visit from Remus, especially after Jecht had reported to the Praetor what he had told Remus prior to his return to Avalon.
"Will you be willing to actually listen this time?"
Remus winced at the accusation. "…Yes sir."
Honestly, Charlus Potter could still make Remus feel as if he's eleven again.
"Then come in." Charlus turned around, silently commanding the wards to allow Remus passage. At least for now. "I'll tell you what you want to know. And after that, Remus," He looked at the lycan, "You're going to need to decide: are you a wizard? Or are you a Downworlder?"
A/N: There will be a few unknown names for the Hogwarts section, as before Krista, there are already other Downworlders attending Hogwarts, you know? I'm still considering my stance on Ron and Draco. Honestly, even in the books, I'm not too fond of Ron and Hermione. Though Hermione might have some redemption later on—I don't know. It depends on how I take this story.
I hope that you like this chapter, and please read and review! Reviews give me inspiration to update!