July 9th. Château de Pendragon.
Harry stood before the mirror in his own room, with Aries Morgan and Charlotte standing behind him, both of them dressed in ceremonial robes and gowns, much to Morgan's chagrin. Charlotte looked much like her own mother, with blue eyes, but with father's hair color, tied up in a braid. She was less than month younger than Harry, but she liked to think him her big brother. He himself was currently being made ready by one of the Nephilim maids that were in an employment of House Pendragon, as she fixed up his white robes for the ceremony. Unlike most Noble Houses in the magical world, House Pendragon had never utilized House Elves as a service staff for their needs, instead relying on either humans or magical beings close to humans.
Since the end of the Great Magical War, House Pendragon had begun to employ Nephilims in to service to them. These magical beings are considered to be related to a certain degree to Veelas, Sirens and several other races, but they are also quite unique. Unlike Veelas and Sirens, they do look much like humans and do not reveal a second, natural look when angered, and can quite easily be mistaken for humans, though quite beautiful and handsome with a much wider range of hair and eye colors. The main differences are the big black feathered or bat-like wings, capable of covering an entire person with them, and at times pointy, elf-like hair, and horns on their head, like with Oni in Japan, along with a much extended lifespan and different aging process. Such features they can easily hide away from both magicals and non-magicals when they wish.
Nephilims as a race are just as diverse as humans in their characters and tempers, so you can meet every kind of character with them, but there are some unique traits of their own. They are known to have stronger emotions and need to keep them in check, along with having far less inhibitions then humans when it comes to amorous affairs. This particular trait had created their reputation as depraved and hedonistic creatures, with Church naming them Succubi and Incubi, who absorb life essence of humans to live through intimacy. A bold lie, one that Nephilims deny, but they do admit that they are quite amorous and hedonistic when compared to humans, but at the same time, they can be paragons of loyalty and honor, as Nephilims never forget a good deed done to them, as well as a bad one.
They possess strong magical abilities, allowing them to cast magic without wands, though they have to train to do so and expand on their experience to properly use their powers, much like humans. Nephilims also have the ability to attract attention and charm others, but it's nowhere near as strong as Veelas', and is meant more to draw interest of a specific person, as Nephilims can control this are capable of living hundreds of years, with the age of young adulthood being considered 60 years, while age of 600 is considered to be an age when a Nephilim is considered to be old, though they may not show it, as their bodies do not show any sign of old age, if a Nephilim wishes it.
This long life period is off set by the fact that Nephilims do not have the same fertility as humans and other creatures, because of which it is highly possible for Nephilims to have children with an age difference in centuries. They can breed with other races of close relations, most prominently humans, and in such a union the race of a child depends on its gender and a gender of a Nephilim parent. If a Nephilim is male, then a boy will be Nephilim, and if not, then it will be of the race of other parent. Children of Nephilims that didn't inherit their race are confirmed to have stronger magical abilities, and because of that many Noble Houses often take a Nephilim into a family via marriage. Along with these traits, Nephilims have physical strength rivaling that of Vampires and are capable of keeping up with them in speed, along with being able to fly.
Throughout the ages, Nephilims have suffered a great deal, having been hunted down, prosecuted and practically driven to extermination several times by either Church, simply non-magicals and even magical people. They were hunted down by Wizards and Witches because of their unique abilities and desire to produce stronger offspring with them, or for their feathers, which could be used as cores for wands. This continued for centuries, until Gawain II Pendragon had made a pact with many Nephilim Houses and Clans, promising them safety, equality and freedom from prosecution if they assisted him in driving back Brits.
They accepted the deal and proved to be an incredibly versatile and dangerous enemy, earning their place in Magical France and respect they are given now. Nowadays, the majority of the Nephilims' population in entire world resides in Western Europe, where they can enjoy full equality in rights with humans. French Ministry even actively employs them in their various Departments, from Cooperation and Diplomacy to Magical Law Enforcement and Research and Development.
Many Nephilim Houses and Clans also have businesses and enterprises in both magical and non-magical worlds. And House Pendragon has been known to employ Nephilims as maids, butlers and general service staff, which, given the history between House Pendragon and Nephilims, is a position of honor and trust. This is only trumped only by the fact that at least 5 ladies and 2 lords of House Pendragon had taken a Nephilim for a spouse, with Lord Arthur's late mother being a Nephilim herself.
Harry felt a bit out of place and awkward, as he pushed aside a stray lock of his grey hair, while looking at his reflection. Aries noticed that and spoke up.
"Are you feeling alright, Harry?" She asked gently, getting his attention. "If you want, we can suspend the ceremony if…"
"No, I am alright, Mama." Harry said truthfully, as he finally felt well after having been fully healed. "It's just… I don't think that all the others will want me in the family. I mean, after all that had happened..."
"Hey, get those pessimistic ideas out of your head, brother." Morgan said to him, flashing him a smile. "You shouldn't give a damn about what all those Branch Heads think. What's important is that Dad's word is law and if he says you are his son, they will say you are without missing a beat!"
"Yes, and why wouldn't they like you, big brother?" Charle asked in a cute manner. "Mama said that all of them agree with Papa about you being in our family."
"Well, it's just that I heard that those were kicked from the family, like me, are looked down upon and not liked by anyone." Harry said in a saddened voice, with Aries understanding what he meant.
"Harry, it is true that those disowned and exile from a Noble House is usually not such good people in case of magical people, as it used as a punishment for betrayal or other very serious crime." Aries admitted to him, as she stepped closer and put her palm on his cheek, giving him a warm smile. "But you are not bad person. You are a good boy and what was done to you was the real crime, and all Heads and Lords out there know it. There is nothing for you to fear, Harry, just do as we've practiced, and then we all will be family in magic and blood."
"But does it have to be so… public?" He asked of her, as the maid was finally finished, and after a nod, she quietly left the room.
"I'm afraid that it has to be, Harry. Ritual of Blood Acceptance is one of the most ancient and rarely done rituals, as magical adoption is a very serious and delicate matter for any House and must be taken very seriously." Aries explained to him. "It is an important event, just as important as a birth of a new member of family. The people that have come today, members and leaders of Branch Families of Pendragon, are here to witness a new member of House being essentially born into it. They do not wish to stop you from it, Harry, they wish to instead greet you and embrace you as one of their own. House Pendragon and its Branch Families and successor Houses stand together in peace and war, and unlike my own House Black, know that familial bonds and love matter just far more than cold and cruel pure blooded calculus. Now, are you ready?" She asked of him with a smile, with Harry nodding to her.
"Very well, let's go." With that said, Harry began to move towards the door leading into the ballroom. "Just do as we've practiced and don't worry. Nobody there wants to perform any miracles, Harry. They are there to support you."
Harry nodded to her, as the doors opened up and Harry stepped into the ballroom of Château, decorated in white and gold and capable of rivaling the splendor and riches of royal palaces. In there, a large group of Wizards and Witches awaited, all of them members of House Pendragon, either bearing the name of the House, or being a member of the Branch Family, or Successor House as it is also known. Over the centuries, members of the main branch of Pendragons had gone on ahead to start up their own families and Houses either in France and other countries, or even in other continents. While in many cases such successor Houses prefer to be independent and could be even at odds with their progenitor House, there are just as many that remain closely connected with the originator House, like with Pendragons.
Harry was looked upon with curiosity and interest, and yet none had even the slightest hint of malice or deceit in their eyes. He was afraid that these people would be hateful of him, because he was a Squib or because he was kicked out of Potter Family, but that wasn't the case. He could clearly see sympathy in the eyes of many Witches, with some even looking at him with wide eyes of shock, as though he had regained much of his weight and was far healthier than before, he still looked quite pale and even somewhat gaunt, along with having grey hair. Harry clearly saw how one of the Witches had to be supported by her husband at his sight, while a hanker was near her eyes to stop tears.
Wizards were of stronger stuff and though they put up a strong look, they didn't look imposing, simply supporting and strong. Harry saw that they too looked with sympathy at him, while also noticing anger in their eyes. For a moment he felt somewhat scared when a particularly large and well-built Wizard looked at him, causing him to near freeze out of fear, but the man's gaze quickly softened when met with the frightened look of a child and he flashed reassuring smile to Harry. Aries had her hand on Harry's shoulder, reassuring and supporting him as well as letting him know that she was here and with him.
The crowd dispersed as they walked towards a large and wide magical circle drawn upon the floor, with many runes and inscriptions written upon the floor. Inside the circle stood Arthur also dressed in ceremonial garments, with another wizard standing near him and dressed in black and white robe and holding a golden chalice. He looked quite old, seemingly Dumbledore's age, with a long, well-kept grey beard and short hair, with grey eyes. He looked appraisingly at Harry, before giving him a quick nod so as to reassure him, with Harry feeling a little better when the old man's gaze softened the second after he saw him. The Circle was surrounded by the Witches and Wizards, but aside from Harry, Aries, Arthur and the old man there were six more people, 3 Wizards and 3 Witches, standing just at the edges of the circle. From what Harry knew, they were the Heads of Branch Families and they were here to witness him, as Arthur told him.
Once he took the position in front of Arthur and Aries took the position at her husband's side, the old man spoke.
"Sons and daughters of House Pendragon, children of the draconian blood, we have gathered here today to witness a new member being born into the main family of our House. This child was casted away by his parents and deprived of magic granted to him by his House, but the blood of Arthur and Mordred flows in him. Blood of Euphemia Pendragon, daughter of Raymond Pendragon, flows in his veins, and so our duty is to see to a descendant of Pendragons brought into a House where his grandmother was born." The old man spoke, as he took out a ceremonial knife out of his robes. "Those that wish to give him their blood and be his father and mother name yourselves before magic and give this child your gifts."
"I, Arthur Galahad Pendragon, Lord and Father of Pendragon name, gift you my blood and my magic to you and proclaim you my son before my House, the God and the Magic." Arthur brought up his open palm, with old man cutting it and drawing blood from it into the chalice, which glowed a little at the offering.
"I, Aries Cecilia Pendragon, Lady and Mother of Pendragon name, gift you my blood and my magic to you and proclaim you my son before my House, the God and the Magic." The old man did the same thing with Aries, with chalice's glow intensifying, before he had enough.
"Proclamations were sounded, blood and magic offered, have the witnesses saw it happen and confirm the deed done?" Old man spoke to the surrounding witnesses.
"I, Francis de Beauclerc, have witnessed and confirm the offering being made and may magic confirm my word." A tall, black haired man with blue had stated with strength.
"I, Isabella d'Estrella, have witnessed and confirm the offering being made and may magic confirm my word." A young, beautiful brown-haired Lady with jade eyes stated with sympathy.
"I, Robert Delacour, have witnessed and confirm the offering being made and may magic confirm my word." A tall noble looking man with short blond hair and blue eyes stated.
"I, Elena Romanov-Pendragon, have witnessed and confirm the offering being made and may magic confirm my word." A strong looking Lady with short black hair and blue eyes stated with an eastern accent.
"I, Wilhelm von Weissen, have witnessed and confirm the offering being made and may magic confirm my word!" The man that had originally scared Harry said with power and boom in his voice.
"I, Juno Medici, have witnessed and confirm the offering being made and may magic confirm my word." The middle aged Lady with red hair made into a braid stated with grace, with the old man confirming it all, as the cup's glow intensified with each word, before stabilized.
"The witnesses have confirmed and witnessed the offering done." He turned to Harry and extended the chalice to Harry. "Now, child, take the gifts of blood and magic, and may they become your own, as they become your parents."
Harry took the chalice with his small hands, feeling the gazes of everyone in the room on him, but his parents looked at him with support and reassurance. He knew what was to happen and after gathering his strength, he took the chalice to his lips and drank from it. Coppery taste entered his mouth and throat, but there was also something else in it, something otherworldly and beyond what Harry could understand. The moment it all reached his stomach, his body felt stronger, like every fiber of his being was empowered and it seemed like magic flowed through every cell in him.
He finished and looked upon the old man and his parents, noticing much to his astonishment that his eyesight was perfect, not even slightly blurry as before, as he could clearly see his now real parents smile at him with Aries having tears of joy. The circle around them glowed in a silvery white light lit the room with its shining, before seemingly out of the purest light, above Harry formed first letters, before they became a full word, or rather a name. The old man smiled at Harry, gently taking the chalice and speaking up.
"House Pendragon welcomes its newest son being born into it, and grants you the name. I, Agravain Percival Pendragon, welcome you, Mordred Arthur Pendragon, into our House and Family, and embrace you with my love given to you." The old man stepped to the boy and hugged him carefully with a smile, before releasing him. "Let us all welcome the newest son of our House with all our love and warmth." And after that, the ritual was officially over, and Arthur with Aries didn't waste a moment to be the first to embrace their son, their Mordred.
They weren't the only ones who were eager to do so, as just as the ritual was over, a pandemonium ensued as practically all Pendragons wanted to get a piece of Mordred, with his now older siblings being forced to practically fight for a chance to hug him, while Charlotte had found her way to him first of all after their parents. For the next hour, Mordred had been hugged, embraced, kissed on the cheek and greeted by every single member of now his extensive and quite affectionate family, along with learning each and everyone's name at the same time. It took Arthur some time to finally reign in his family and other Heads, so to let Mordred finally get accustomed and calm down from all the excitement.
After at least a semblance of an order and decorum was restored, Pendragons had finally went on ahead to begin the banquet, prepared in celebration. Every now and then Lord or Lady would come up to Mordred, who stood near his parents and siblings, and speak up to him and introduce their own children, practically all of them being eager to get to know Mordred better. As Gawain told him in one of the quieter moments, this is how House Pendragon makes sure it's members making connections and friendships with each other. And as Morgan had told him, their House is as massive as it is tightknit, in her own words, and Mordred found himself liking this concept more and more.
Several hours had passed, with Mordred having spent quite a lot of time with most kids and their parents, until he had found his way to his parents, who were talking with one of the Lords that had witnessed for him. He stood there with who looked like his wife and a young girl, about his age, which had near platinum blonde hair and blue eyes, and looked like a smaller version of her mother. Mordred quickly recalled that the woman was called Apolline and daughter was called Fleur. He also recalled that she didn't really talk to him all that much and seemed not to like him. Arthur and Aries noticed their son and smiled to him, motioning him to come closer.
"Mordred, come here, son." Arthur and Aries put their hands on Mordred's shoulders. "Have you met Madame Apolline and Fleur earlier, Mordred?"
"Yes, Papa, and thank you again for coming. Your visit does us honor." Mordred spoke with gallantry and politeness, making Apolline want to squeal, while Robert suppressed a laugh.
"The honor is all ours, my boy. We are happy to be here for this momentous occasion, and to offer your support and warmth." Robert smiled to him, before noticing that his daughter seemed to look a bit cross. "Fleur, dear, is something the matter?"
"Papa, why was he accepted into House Pendragon, if you told me he was disowned by Potters?" Fleur bluntly asked, making Mordred flinch, while Arthur's smile faded a little, while Aries held her son closer to her. "Only bad people get disown or Mageborns, then why did they accept him as their son?"
"Fleur Delacour, that is quite enough of you, young lady! I will not have you being so impolite and rude to a member of our parent House." Apolline scolded her daughter, who immediately quieted down and looked ashamed. "Now, apologize to this young man and…"
"Madame Delacour, it is alright, I am not offended." Mordred said in a bit of a quiet voice, getting a surprised look from her and Fleur. "I was disowned because… Because I wasn't important to Lord and Lady Potter, not like my former brother."
"Not important, like…" Then Fleur realized what he said and immediately understood what kind of a mistake she made. "Pl-please forgive me, I-I didn't know and I thought… I thought that you were…"
"It is alright, Fleur." Mordred smiled her and nodded to her, calming the panicked girl. "They never were close to me, not like my real parents. I don't like what they had done to me, but I am very happy to be with my true family now, and I am looking forward to getting to know all people here better, including you." Fleur flashed red a little, with Arthur calming down and Aries smiling to Mordred.
"What a cute little angel you are, my dear sweetling. I think we shall be stopping by quite often, if our dear Fleur's blush is any indication." Apolline chuckled at her daughter's embarrassment. "And I do apologize for my daughter's rudeness earlier. We Veelas can be just as charming as we can be blunt and harsh in word." Mordred looked surprised at that one.
"Pardon, Madame, I didn't realize that you and Fleur are Veelas." That comment drew a surprised look from Fleur and a curious one from Apolline.
"Wait, you don't drool. Everyone else drools when they stand near me for too long." Fleur said in an amazed tone. "How do you do it?"
"Um, I don't know. Did I do something wrong, Mama?" Mordred asked of Aries, who shook her head at that.
"No, Mordred, you didn't. Fleur is simply surprised that you act like a proper gentleman before her." Aries chuckled, as she ruffled his hair a little. "Veelas, and part Veelas, are capable of charming people so much that they stop behaving like they should. Because of that, it would seem Fleur had few truly good people to talk to and play with."
"Oh, I see." Mordred said, before he turned to Fleur and spoke up. "If you feel lonely, Fleur, then you can come here at any time and we can play together. Would it be alright, Papa, Mama?" Fleur smiled at the idea while Apolline had a mischievous smirk on her lips, while Robert and Arthur had to suppress a laugh.
"I believe that would be marvelous, Mordred. Wouldn't you agree, Robert?" Arthur asked of him with a smile.
"I think I'll have to prepare myself to having my daughter moving in here one day if your son continues to be such a smooth cavalier." Robert chuckled, with Mordred and Fleur looked at him a bit confused. "You can come any time here, Fleur. Just be sure to ask Mama or me before you go."
"Thank you, Papa, thank you!" Fleur practically jumped in one place when he allowed it, while Apolline and Aries exchanged knowing looks.
"Something tells me, Aries, that we may find our dearest children growing inseparable before long." Apolline said with warm smile. "Who knows, our families may grow even closer in the future, if all is well."
"Let's not impose, Apolline, and simply let our children enjoy the blossoming friendship they have." Aries said with a smile, before noticing that Arthur was actively looking for something or someone. "Arthur dear, is something the matter?"
"Ah, no, I was just looking for Elena, to discuss the topic we've talked about." Aries understood what he meant, before Arthur turned to Robert. "Robert, may I ask you to entertain my dear Lady and Mordred while I am gone."
"Absolutely, Arthur, you can count on me." Arthur smiled to him, before leaving him and moving towards the Head of House Romanov-Pendragon.
A comparatively young Noble House of Magical Russia, it was formed in 1816, with the marriage of Michael Pendragon and Great Duchess Olga Pavlovna, a Witch and daughter of Paul I of Russia. When it was first discovered that she had magical abilities, she had been declared dead at the age of 2 and removed from public, raised in secret. She had studied in Durmstrang and graduated as one of its best students, before she met and fell in love with Michael Pendragon, third son of Arthur V Pendragon, and married. The two had formed, with the support and blessing of House Romanov, their own House Romanov-Pendragon.
The House was a significant power in Magical Russia, though not like it's French sibling, but it had managed to thrive in some of the harshest times of Russian history. The House had navigated its way through Revolutions, Soviet repressions and even Russian Ministry's near complete collapse during reign of Stalin. House Romanov-Pendragon had managed to escape being eliminated for its connections with the Tsar's family and is now one of the more powerful and important Houses of Eastern Europe, with influence that even Ministry of Magic in Russia has to acknowledge. And Elena, its current Lady and Head of Department of Diplomacy and International Cooperation, knows it.
Arthur saw Elena standing near the table, picking up a drink, before making his way to her and speaking to her.
"Elena, thank you for coming." Arthur greeted her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "You have no idea how much it means for me and Aries."
"Arthur, I am only happy to help and I am always happy to see you." She smiled to him. "When you told me about your godson and what had been done with him, I couldn't just stand and do nothing. Just between us, dearest cousin: it would seem that Dumbledore's continuous reign in ICW is coming to an unsightly end, if the newest Act of Impartiality is approved."
"A new act? You got my curiosity, and how does it impact Dumbledore?" Arthur asked of her.
"Without being too boring, it's basically an act that restricts power of Supreme Mugwump to only his office. Representatives from all countries will no longer be able to hold positions of power in their own Ministries, like Chief Warlock in Dumbledore's case. Same will go for Supreme Mugwump." Elena said to Arthur, sipping her drink. "The Act must have been inspired by non-magicals' UN, if you ask me."
"What is to stop Dumbledore from vetoing it?" Arthur asked of Elena.
"Too strong support for it, and also the fact of the Act being directed primarily towards the office of Supreme Mugwump, so he won't have much of a say in it. And once I've made a few calls, that старый козел (old goat) will have to sit quietly and not make a ruckus." Elena chuckled with Arthur, followed by her taking a glance at Mordred actively talking with Fleur. "Looks like your little boy's got himself an admirer already and a Veela at that one. Better watch out, or your boy might grow into quite a Casanova."
"I think Fleur will see to that never happening, if Apolline has her way." Arthur chuckled with Elena again, before recalling why he came to see her. "Elena, there is delicate matter I wished to discuss with you, and it concerns my son, Mordred."
"You have my fullest attention and discretion, Arthur." Elena understood that Arthur wasn't kidding. "Is it something concerning Potters and their Boy-Who-Lived?"
"Yes, it is connected to it." Arthur confirmed it to her. "I have to ask you, do you still have connections with the Seers and Oracle in Delphi? It is very important, trust me."
"Да (Yes), I still have quite a few friends there, plus a favor or two if need be." Elena nodded to him.
"Dumbledore stated that there was a prophesy made, one that is connected to both Mordred and his former brother, James Jr. It states that one to vanquish Voldemort is born when July dies, and Mordred, then Harry, and James were born on 30th July." Arthur told her, with Elena taking a glance at Mordred. "I need to find out if the prophesy could be avoided or denied, and if a person who made it isn't a real Seer."
"Arthur, if the prophesy is genuine, even if revealed or not, it will be fulfilled, no way around it, прости (sorry)." Elena was genuinely sympathetic. "But about it being genuine… Now that is a whole different story. I'm no expert on the subject, but from what I know, on every real Seer, there are a dozen of the fake ones. Is that why you asked me about Delphi?" Arthur nodded to her.
"Can you check, if Sybill Trelawney is real Seer or not through your connections?" Arthur asked of her, with Elena thinking for a second.
"Trelawney, Trelawney… Wait, you mean ту шарлатанку (that charlatan) that nearly made your aunt starve herself with eating only seeds? Да она же умалишённая пьяница, а не прорицательница (She is a mindless drunk, not a Seer)!" Elena practically shouted in her native Russian. "She's the one who made that prophesy? And there are people who believed it?!"
"She made that prophesy in front of Dumbledore." That was enough for Elena to understand what Arthur meant.
"He must be the only one who knows the full version, and it might be connected to Mordred more than to that Boy-Who-Lived. I'll do the digging and see what I can find out." Elena promised him, with Arthur looking relieved and grateful to her. "The Seers in Delphi should have a way of determining if a Seer is real or not, and if I manage to get their attention, they'll send a commission to check if that цыганка-прорицательница (gypsy Seer) is a real Seer or just a fraud."
"Thank you, Elena. If there is anything I could do for you…" Arthur asked of her, with Elena stopping him.
"That's what family is for: looking out for one another." Elena smiled to him. "And if you want to repay, just make sure that French Representative votes for the new Act, and we are even."
"Then I guess I better go and find Francis." Arthur smiled with Elena, as the evening continued on.
July 12th.
The evening was a complete success and everyone had left with the best impressions of Mordred, with quite some promising to pay a visit in the nearest future. Apolline with her daughter were the first to do so today, as they, along with Mordred and Charlotte were in the garden, while Aries was in hospital. Arthur wasn't surprised to see Robert's wife and daughter paying his family a visit so soon, as it was evident that in just one meeting, Mordred had managed to leave Fleur and her mother enamored with him to various degrees. It wasn't such a bad thing, quite the opposite, since Arthur knew how Fleur was feeling lonely because of her still developing Allure and didn't have many friends that would play with her, and company of Mordred was a blessing to her, and him as well.
His son, while healing and getting strong, was still scarred and scared a little, and he needed support and care to fully recover from what had happened to him. He and his family were doing the best they could, but aside from family, he also needed friends outside of it, those that he could play and be himself. Someone that would help him adjust to the world outside the house and family far better, and Fleur was currently helping Mordred and slowly aiding his healing process. If all went well and if the God wills, his son will be free of the nightmares of the past and there won't be anything in the way of him, Charlotte and Fleur to go study in Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in the next year, when they all reach age of 8.
Unlike in Hogwarts and several other magical schools, Beauxbatons' age of enrollment is actually 8, with the reasoning being that the children learn to utilize their magic early, as well as to learn how to navigate in the Magical World. For the first 3 years, they study the basics of all magical and non-magical related subjects, like mathematics, literature, history, and so forth. It allows the first gens to better adjust the world they now live in, as well as for all kids to connect to each other, as they are all in a single group, unlike with Hogwarts. Those three first years are essentially theory and basics, essentials to best navigate and act in Magical World.
When the 4th year begins, the students are sorted not into the Houses, based on their personalities and traits they have like in Hogwarts, but into faculties, each specializing in specific areas of magical education and offering in-depth and more concentration education in the areas, where students excel. The sorting process is done by the teachers and a special commission that goes through each student's records and determines where he best applies himself. After that, a student is sorted into the faculty, or in case when the student happens to excel in subjects that do not fall under one faculty, is offered a choice to choose which faculty he wishes to join.
Once the sorting is done, there isn't any form segregation between students, only differences in subjects they take. Along with that, Beauxbatons offers ample opportunities and ways of expanding one's knowledge past the faculty's program. That's not to mention numerous clubs, where students can something to do that interest them, in magical, physical or spiritual plan. There are Quidditch teams and games, with each team being essentially its own club where people go through tryouts and so forth.
With the absence of Houses, there is no need for a House Cup and system of points is centered on individual students, testing out their knowledge and studying. Such a system may seem absurd to someone who attends Hogwarts, but it is this system implemented over four centuries ago that had allowed Beauxbatons to become an internationally recognized best magical Academy in Europe. It has consistently produced capable and knowledgeable graduates in various fields of expertise, with the number of bachelors and masters coming out of there being second highest in the entire world.
The only reason why Arthur hadn't fully attended Beauxbatons and graduated Hogwarts was because of the desire of his grandfather at the time to make connections with Britain. He was essentially a tool in politics, exploited for the benefit of his family, and it was because of that he stayed alive when Voldemort had slaughtered his family in France. Thankfully, while education in Hogwarts had left severely lacking when compared to Beauxbatons' graduates, he was capable of filling in the gaps in subjects he wanted and earning his mastery of Charms and Transfiguration in France, with Aries following in his footsteps and also complimenting her knowledge with Beauxbatons' studies. Now Arthur and Aries were determined to see their children getting the best education possible and Hogwarts was definitely not on the list of the school they would send their youngest children in.
Arthur turned away from the thoughts about his children's future education and instead focused on the paperwork, concerning the various enterprises, businesses, ventures and other important matters of his House that needed to be attended to. Unlike what James and Sirius would like to think, being a Head of the House, especially one that had Branch Families, was a hard and meticulous full-time job, requiring extensive knowledge of economics, politics and other subjects. Arthur was essentially running an international corporation, or a kingdom if one were to look at it, and no kingdom or corporation survives without a powerful and educated ruler running it.
Arthur took a look at the document in front of him, studying it, before speaking out.
"Since when have House Pendragon been investing into cultivation of aconite?" Arthur asked out loud of his aid, a silver-haired woman with red eyes and dressed as a proper and elegant French maid. "I do not recall ever making any investments into it."
"Your grandfather and previous Lord Pendragon had decided to invest into the production and cultivation of aconite several months before his death." Grayfia Lucifuge, a Nephilim Head Maid and Personal Aid of Lord Pendragon, stated dutifully to Arthur. "It was done on the suggestion of your uncle Louis, who believed that monopolizing the main ingredient for aconite potion would be a profitable endeavor."
"Yes, except for the fact that this potion's price, difficulty in brewing and short lifespan far outweighs its marketability. Better cut our losses before they start to make a dent on our budget." Arthur wrote on the document needed instructions and passed it to Grayfia, before taking another document and studying it. "The value of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion's company shares has fallen and… Why Greengrass and Malfoy are suddenly the holders of 20 percent of the company each? That makes them the direct threat to James and I with our thirty percent each control packages, unless…"
"Unless it is Lord Potter that had been neglecting his father's enterprise and has begun to sell his share." Grayfia summarized, with Arthur agreeing to it. "Once Lords Greengrass and Malfoy secure the share that Lord Potter sells, they will be in a position to take the full control of the company, unless they are off-set by buying the remaining share, along with the shares of other holders." Arthur already formulated and wrote the needed document and passed it to Grayfia.
"Do it, we need at least 60 percent share of the company and fast, money doesn't matter. With this potion on an international market, we'll cover the expenses within a few months." Arthur let out a sigh. "Damn it James! I told him that this is a gold mine if properly mined."
"Unfortunately, Lord Potter doesn't possess the same business insight as his predecessor and your late aunt, and he is not as easily intimidated as you had hopped." Arthur looked at Grayfia curiously. "There is other news from Britain that you would be highly interested in hearing, milord. News, concerning young Mordred and your family."
"Go ahead."
"Concerning your attempt to get to Peter Pettigrew, I have received a letter from the British DMLE informing you that he has been subjected to the Demetor's kiss a week ago. He has been rendered incapable of independent action or thought." Grayfia produced the letter from one of the pockets, handing it to Arthur. "The decision regarding Pettigrew's punishment was made by Minister Bagnold personally."
"Strange, and just when I had sent the request for an audience, and a Minister herself approving it?" Arthur asked rhetorically. "Why do something like that to a relatively long convicted criminal, when it could've been done back when he was first caught? This may be Bagnold's decision on paper, but I sense Dumbledore's hand in this. Pettigrew must've known something that Dumbledore wouldn't want anyone else to find out. The question is what exactly did he know, aside from the Prophesy?"
"Perhaps the Prophesy itself is enough of a reason to render Pettigrew unable of revealing it?" Grayfia suggested, with Arthur nodding to her. "Speaking of the Prophesies, Lady Elena had sent you this letter." She handed another one to Arthur, who opened it up and read it.
Dear Arthur,
I hope you are in good health and all that other socially needed stuff. I'll skip the pleasantries and get on with the point. I've contacted the needed people in Delphi and found out what I could. It would appear that the abilities of Seers are not hereditary as some other gifts, and for an Inner Eye, as they call it, to appear in one family several times is an extremely rare occasion, but not unheard of.
Anyway, it is however rarer than meeting a real life Holy Person, and that has gotten the attention of Oracle Conclave in Delphi. They are now going to investigate if Sybill really is a Seer or a fraud, so we should be expecting news soon enough.
I've covered my tracks, so we won't be tracked, as precaution if Dumbledore decides to check who has made the noise. All he will find out is one of the victims of Trelawney's sights into the future, and these matters are investigated thoroughly and with extreme meticulousness. I'll keep you updated on the matter, so expect new letters soon.
Your dear friend and comrade,
Elena Romanov-Pendragon.
PS. Say hello to your wife and kids for me.
Arthur smiled at what Elena had written to him and put the letter away. If all went well, the Prophesy would be proven to be false and Dumbledore will be forced to admit his mistake, as well as lose the support he needs for his crusade against the Dark. Along with that, Arthur will be making sure that his son and family are safe and sound from his grasp, unless the old goat decides to take fate into his own hands and play god. And if he does, then he'll have to face the wrath of House Pendragon.
"There is one other matter that you must be made aware of, milord." Grayfia suddenly spoke up again, getting his attention. "The latest edition of Daily Prophet contains an interview with Lord and Lady Potter, along with Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Albus Dumbledore. The topic of that interview is your son, Mordred." She produced the newspaper and handed it to Arthur.
He didn't waste time in reading it, and the moment he was finished, he had to suppress an urge to curse. He had expected them to take actions, even under threat of him revealing the truth about how their savior came to have magic, but he didn't anticipate them actually coming out and telling about it! And not only had they reveal that they did perform the Transferring Ritual, but they portrayed it all in the way that without it, Jamie would've died and England would be doomed. The stupidity of English was one thing, but to manage to justify the Transferring Ritual and its consequences on Harry, now Mordred, as a willing sacrifice by his parents and Harry himself… He didn't know if he should applaud or storm the Potter Manor and kill them all.
Of course Dumbledore and Potters with friends had presented everything as an extreme necessity, something done out of utter desperation and need, for the Greater Good of England and the World. And the public in England was buying it, as well as buying their now 'genuine' desire to reclaim their estranged son whom they believed to be a Squib. Oh they did mention the Morenna's Syndrome, but make it look like it was inflicted by Dursleys' treatment. Since the general opinion of Squibs in England was well known to be atrocious and poor, public saw no problem with sending Harry to Dursleys after disowning him. However, now that he was healed and saved from Dursleys, Dumbledore and Potters had presented to the people of England House Pendragon as essentially kidnappers of their son, whom they wished to have back. Oh the gall of these people, to claim Arthur to be a kidnapper and a dark wizard, who intended to make his son into the next Dark Lord, when he himself have fought Voldemort saving their lives! And that's not even mentioning how they've compared Aries to Bellatrix, practically making her into a maniacal and insane Witch like her sister…
In other words, Potters and Dumbledore have effectively made House Pendragon into a public enemy number one in England and wish to use it to get Harry back. Ministry of Britain promises them support in getting their son back, while Dumbledore promised to bring House Pendragon back to the Light and so forth. Arthur had to give credit where it was due: they've surprised and outplayed him by stripping him of his main bargaining chip, or so they may've thought.
The Daily Prophet was a newspaper only published in England, while considered to be nothing more but a cheap low quality tabloid trash in other countries, so everything printed by it was taken in with a great deal of skepticism. Arthur Pendragon was a greatly respected and decorated person in France, not to mention a Cavalier of Order of White Lily First Class, the second highest Order in France, trumped only by the Order of Jeanne d'Arc. He was a recognized and decorated adversary of Dark Wizards and Witches, and he will be able to prove that most of what is written in the Daily Prophet is a twisted and altered version of truth.
Then there is also the fact that Dumbledore and Potters think that Arthur actually gives a damn about his reputation in England or that the public support in there and Ministry will let them have a free reign over what to do with him. In France, as well as in majority of Europe and other continents, the opinion of Britain wasn't considered as important, or even remembered at all. The days of England's glory and power had long passed away and the influence of British Ministry and Dumbledore were far less than what they thought to still have. Instead of getting a victory, they've gotten themselves one huge problem in the form of House Pendragon now having carte blanche on retaliation on them.
"Grayfia, contact the newspapers and start scheduling interviews for me when they decide to start asking questions about this. Find out when Eduard has time to meet, and schedule us a meeting. And contact my manager in Gringotts and let him know about the Sleekeazy's operations, and that I'd like to find out in what financial condition House Black currently is, as well as how Potters are doing." Arthur instructed her, with Grayfia nodding to him "After that, once the manager gets the information, please find out when Juno is free for a visit. I believe she wanted to have her kids get to know Mordred a little better and it would be a good opportunity for him to make more friends."
"As you wish, Lord Pendragon." With that said, Grayfia went on ahead to complete her tasks, leaving Arthur to himself.
"You've sowed the wind, Dumbledore. You'll reap the hurricane for that." Arthur promised to him.
Couldn't handle myself and here is the update far earlier than I thought I would post, but I couldn't help myself. Hope you like the more ceremonial approach to the magical adoption and how it is more important than just getting adopted and all that. Also, thank you all very much for your suggestions about Harry's new name, I've taken them all into consideration and I am deeply touched by your activity, and I am deeply sorry if your favorite wasn't picked up.
Now why did I pick up Mordred of all names? Several reasons, first of all an irony of sorts, the betrayed boy by his parents now bear the name of one of the greatest (supposed) traitors in literature. Next up is the lore of the House Pendragon I make also played a part, and in this House, name Mordred is quite respected and Mordred, that is son of King Arthur, is as respected as his daddy, if not more. I could've gone for Galahad (known as the greatest knight of the Round), but I decided somewhat against it. Let Mordred show to Brits that just because he has a cursed name doesn't mean that he himself is a demon.
Speaking of which, Nephilims are in essence, Fallen Angels and Devils from Highschool DxD, only powered down to the level of Harry Potter Universe and rolled up into one race. They are an improvement of my original idea of Devils in Dark Prince Rises, where I made a huge mistake of making a far too OP character and didn't know how to use it properly. This time, I believe I've learned my lesson and made them fit in better in Harry Potter verse.
Essentially, they are what Church and Mythologies called demons and angels, and have had a really rough history with the world. They have been nearly exterminated several times, and had they not made a deal with Pendragons, it is highly possible they would've ended up being eradicated by Church or Wizards. Here they may be powerful creatures, but not to the point of being world ending monsters, instead they are just more powerful than a run of the mill Wizard or Witch, but not so much that numbers can't get them.
Now as for the Branch Families and Successor Houses, they come from House Pendragon and still retain connections with it, as seen here. Now before any of you start reminding me about the fact of no incest here, allow me to clarify a bit here: these Houses had sprung up a long time ago and had simply remained connected with House Pendragon over the time. Of course, Pendragon members and Branch Family members did marry each other, but only after a long period of time after establishment and when blood connections had withered away so to speak.
So, for an example, House Delacour and House Pendragon haven't had any members marry it in over a hundred and a half years, for your information. And don't start making it seem like it's a decided Mordred/Fleur fic (or Harry/Fleur if want), because I still haven't decided on the pairing and do await your suggestion.
Hope you approve of the idea about Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, modeled roughly after the modern system of education in our society, at least how I see it.
Review, suggest, question- I'll answer all I can.
Next time: Showdown in Château.