Pairings: Cedric/Krista.
Warnings: AU Universe. Gender switch. OC characters. Some character bashing. Mature scenes. Violence.
Disclaimer: I do not Harry Potter and any of the characters, but the OC characters belongs to me
Chapter Two: Road to Hell
Avalon, the home country of the Hidden Circle is the one place where the Unseens didn't have to hide who they are—it is their sanctuary. And as it's name states—hidden—they are hidden from prying eyes by both the mundanes and the wizarding communities alike.
As the Hidden Circle's history could be traced since before the time of King Arthur, Lady Morgana Le Fey and the Great Wizard Merlin, they have a long and ancient history that could be dated back since the beginning of the world.
Due to their magic that is much more potent and powerful than what the wizarding communities are capable of these days, with the countless wards, runes and barriers surrounding Avalon, no wizard had been able to find the exact location of their home country—not that they didn't try.
Owls and other feathered creatures or even alternative methods of mail from the various wizarding communities could still reach them, but nothing more than that. And while the Hidden Circle did sometimes invite humans not in the Hidden Circle to one of their countless celebrations and rituals held, precautions are always exercised, as nothing is more important than keeping the location of Avalon a secret.
The exact location is mostly unknown—but if one has to pinpoint an exact location, it is somewhere in Central Europe. And due to the countless wards, runes and barriers surrounding it, anyone that the Hidden Circle doesn't want knowing about or entering Avalon will just be transported through to the other side if they should come close to crossing it. Not even airplanes will be able to see Avalon from the air.
Thus, here Ethan Nightray stood at the front doors of Nightray Manor in Avalon facing his very confused brother with a scared human child in his arms.
Rather than use one of the many hidden entrances hidden all over the world that is only accessible by one of the Downworlders, as there is a human child with him, and not to mention a very vulnerable and scared human child who is still trying to wrap her head around the entire tale of magic, vampires and such for three days now, Ethan had opted to take the physical entrance in Central Europe.
Thus, Klaus Nightray stood in front of his younger brother on the front doorsteps of Nightray Manor, looking extremely confused. This is definitely not what he is expecting when he had came to welcome his younger brother home after six years.
"Ethan, what in the name of the Morrigan did you do?" Klaus almost groaned.
Ethan coughed into his hand as Krista gave a very light giggle into his chest, clutching at the fabric of his clothes. Klaus like all vampires who have adored children gazed at Krista adoringly before switching his exasperated gaze back at his brother.
"Is Father around?" Ethan asked meekly at last. "This is a bit of a long story."
Klaus raised an eyebrow as he looked from the little redhead in Ethan's arms to the sheepish expression on his brother's face. From his experience with his brother whenever Ethan had one of his crazy ideas, he had a feeling that this isn't just a bit.
"Yeah, I can just imagine." Klaus added dryly.
Krista was passed into the temporary care of Klaus' wife, Vivian Nightray who was formerly known as Vivian Rosario before she had married Klaus, and the two brothers have then hurried into Nikolai Nightray's study to meet with the Nightray vampire lord.
Like all vampires, Vivian is extremely beautiful, carrying herself with a kind of grace and elegance that Aunt Petunia likely wouldn't be able to pull off in a million years, despite the countless lessons that she had taken at finishing school, and even after.
The Lady had beautiful golden-blonde hair that reaches to her waist and crimson red eyes. She is also dressed in a dark blue and white dress that while looks elegant and forthcoming of her status as the wife of a vampire noble house, will also allow her to move easily should she ever find herself in a situation that warrants combat. Her nails are also beautifully manicured and painted with black nail polish, with gleaming bracelets around her wrists, and a ruby necklace around her neck.
Krista thought that she looks extremely kind and beautiful, and didn't fail to tell Vivian so. The vampire had only laughed. "That's very sweet of you, dear." Vivian had smiled, gazing at Krista with an adoring and longing look. "And you are adorable. I can't fathom why anyone would want to hurt you." Crimson eyes narrowed into slits when she'd said that, as one of the few things that the Hidden Circle can't stand is abuse of a child.
Ethan didn't even have to say anything—both Klaus and Vivian aren't blind. They could both see the injuries and signs of abuse on the small redhead and even smell the blood beneath her clothes and the bandages. Curiously however, even despite the fact that noble vampires generally had extremely good control over their thirst, Krista's blood doesn't even sing to them in the least.
Vivian could only assume that Ethan had unconsciously seen Krista as family—maybe as a daughter or something, and something in the blood of the Nightray vampires have recognised it. And honestly, considering that Carmella Morgenstern who had been Ethan's best friend since early childhood, and had been Vivian's close friend since their days at Nightshades Academy—the academy for the Downworlders, Vivian had long been accustomed to Ethan's eccentrics and how he can make certain decisions that simply scream 'crazy' to them.
Krista only beamed at Vivian, currently sitting on her lap as the vampire gazed at her fondly, a look of longing and want on her face. She felt suddenly shy—as all her life, she had the feelings of being unwanted and unneeded drilled into her, with Uncle Greg and Big Brother Matt along with a few others making her believe the exact opposite, but unable to do anything further. And now, with Ethan and his family, they made her feel protected. Safe.
She wants to stay with them, no matter what.
There was a knock on the ornate doors of Vivian and Klaus' bedchambers just then, and Vivian looked up, smiling. "Eve, is that you? Come on in."
A girl who looks very similar to Vivian entered just then. She looks maybe about sixteen or so, but Krista had learned by now that appearances don't really reflect a vampire's true age.
"Hi Vivian." The girl chirped before looking at the child currently cradled in Vivian's arms curiously. "Who's this? Is she human?"
Vivian smiled before gesturing for the vampire—Eve. "Krista, this is my cousin, Evelyn Rosario. Eve, this is Krista. Ethan brought her home."
"Hello." Eve smiled at Krista kindly, though she'd exchanged startled looks with her cousin when her vampire sight had caught the signs of abuse on the small redhead.
"Hello." Krista whispered timidly.
Vivian smiled at the two girls before her. "Now, why don't we have one of the servants prepare us a meal as we wait for the men to be done with their business?" she suggested.
"Of all the things for you to do, Ethan, this has to be the most idiotic thing that you've done to date!" Nikolai Nightray roared at his younger son, with loose papers and items not fastened properly flying off his desk with the magic that he had released in his anger.
Ethan and Klaus both winced as one in the face of their father's anger. They rarely had that anger turned on them ever since they were fledglings. Nikolai Nightray might be a number of things, but he is a good father—had been to them ever since they've lost their mother when Ethan was barely old enough to remember, and the vampire lord had loved both his boys accordingly.
"I have a reason—"
"I should hope so, as I should throw you before the Vampire High Council for this—"
"It is important—"
"What is so important that you took Wizarding Britain's most cherished child here to Avalon—"
"Father, you're not listening—"
"Just tell me what is going through your brain exactly, Ethan—"
"Can you be quiet and just listen to me for just one goddamn second, for Morrigan's sake!" Ethan raised his voice, and both Klaus and Nikolai were instantly silenced, staring at their younger brother and son respectively with astonishment, as Ethan had never raised his voice against his family for any reason.
Not even when his wife and mate had died nearly six years ago, and Ethan had tried to starve himself to the point that he had nearly gone insane with bloodlust, and Klaus had to shove bags of blood down his brother's throat with desperation to prevent him from fading away.
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. He looks a lot like his father and brother. All three Nightray men have the same raven-black hair and crimson eyes. Unlike Klaus who had the defined features and firm jawline of Nikolai, Ethan had the softer features of their mother whom Ethan doesn't even remember anymore.
"…She would have died if I hadn't taken her away, Father." Ethan said wearily.
Nikolai frowned. "That is what humans do, Ethan," he said harshly. "They die. We're in no position to save every human from certain death. Just like we need explicit permission from the Shadowguardians, the Vampire High Council or the High Warlocks to change a human into one of us, we have to abide by the Law. We can't interfere in the affairs of either the mundanes or the wizarding communities and vice-versa."
"It isn't that simple, Father." Ethan said again, wiping a hand down his face.
Klaus frowned, looking at his younger brother. He knows his brother well, and knows that Ethan generally wouldn't do a thing like that for no good reason. Probably, more than anyone else, Ethan detests the wizarding communities more than any Downworlder that he knew of. It had after all been wizard hunters who have killed his sister-in-law and his unborn niece or nephew for nothing at all—unless one counts simply existing as a sin.
And not to mention that the child whom Ethan had brought to Avalon and Nightray Manor isn't just any wizarding child. It is Kristina Seraphina Potter herself—the so-called icon of the 'Light'. Honestly, the Hidden Circle had called it bull, what the wizards have called that miraculous night when the one-year-old had survived a curse that had killed thousands.
Klaus knew from his conversations with Magnus and Nain—two of the High Warlocks that runs Avalon's ruling council, that most likely, Lily Potter had cast extremely powerful protective and blood magic to ensure her infant daughter's survival. In Magical Britain, such magic is considered dark and illegal—as it requires a willing sacrifice to activate that magic—Protective Blood Magic. But in the other wizarding communities around the globe, it is entirely legal, and was even researched.
If Magical Britain hadn't banned literally every single form of magic there is, then they would have known it, and most likely, more people would have survived the war.
After the Fall of Voldemort, not even the Hidden Circle knew where Kristina Potter is, only that she had been living amongst mundanes. And now, Ethan had brought Kristina Potter to Avalon with obvious signs of abuse visible on the small child, and the redhead looks to be only about three, when she is supposed to be five.
"Ethan, maybe you should explain." Klaus said wearily. "What is going on? Why did you bring Kristina Potter here? And why does she look about three, not five? She looks even scared of her own shadow! And neither Vivian nor I are blind. Has someone been abusing her?"
Nikolai looked ready to burst the moment the words 'abuse' had passed Klaus' lips. Ethan sighed, looking from his father to his older brother. "…I'll start from the beginning," he said wearily.
Both Nikolai and Klaus remained silent as Ethan told his story, only interrupting occasionally to clarify some questions.
Ethan told them how he had travelled to Little Whinging and had stopped into a bookstore in the hopes of buying some literature when he had seen that little girl wander into the store with obvious signs of abuse and torture visible on her small body. How the bookstore owner was so angry about it, and had told Ethan that literally half the town knew that little Kristina Potter had been horribly abused by her own relatives, but could do nothing about it, as whenever the proper authorities are called, it is always explained away as some sort of misunderstanding. When the more persistent ones have tried to get more permanent help for Kristina Potter, they either found themselves mysteriously accused of some crime, or found themselves unable to live in Little Whinging any longer.
At this point, Nikolai looked extremely thunderous and Klaus looked as if he's ready to call Seth and Sena—his retainers to his side and hunt himself some wizards. Both the vampires aren't stupid. They knew wizarding interference when they saw one, and this has wizarding interference written all over it. And this is breaking the Laws of the Sacred Creed furthermore—the Magna Carta that both Magical Britain and the Hidden Circle have signed with the monarch of Great Britain centuries ago.
"Did you kill them—those mundanes?" Nikolai asked when Ethan had finished his story, looking extremely thunderous. The pine wood of the ancient desk looked as if it's about to crack beneath Nikolai's fist—with how hard that he is grinding his fist into it. "Did you make them suffer—those monsters?"
Ethan met Nikolai's furious eyes without any fear and nodded, "Yes, I did," he responded.
"Good." Nikolai let out a huff as he leaned back into his chair. "Hurting a child like that… Call us what they want, but even we the Downworlders—the Hidden Circle, will never hurt a child, regardless of their species." He looked at Ethan. "I can understand why you brought her to Avalon now, Ethan."
Klaus frowned as he recalled his first meeting with Krista, and her blood didn't even sing to him in the least. The only way that would happen is if Ethan had claimed her as blood—whether consciously or unconsciously, and the magic of the Lady had responded as such.
"Did you claim her, Ethan?" Klaus asked, and both his father and brother turned towards the older Nightray brother in surprise. "Did you claim her as blood? Because when I first met her, her blood didn't sing to me in the least."
Nikolai looked surprised at that, and looked towards Ethan for his response. His younger son looked guilty before he nodded. "…I did." Ethan answered. "I… I can't just leave a child to suffer. And furthermore…" He fidgeted. "…She reminds me of what I could have if Elise hadn't been killed by hunters. She… She could have been my daughter. I couldn't save Elise or my unborn child. I just can't let Krista die at the hands of mundanes before she is even old enough to go to magical school!" He pleaded with Nikolai with his eyes, begging for his understanding. "She would have died within a year or so if they'd kept up with that level of abuse."
Nikolai sighed. If Ethan truly did claim a human child as blood—as his child, then there isn't anything that anyone could have done, as she would be protected under vampire law. Besides, not just any human child could be accepted by vampire magic, with a noble vampire claiming a human child as theirs. Their vampire blood and magic—the Protection gifted to the Dark Children by the Lady Morrigan and the Goddess Hecate have to acknowledge it—that blood had accepted and seen the child as theirs.
Besides, Nikolai had longed for a grandchild to dote on and spoil. When his late daughter-in-law had informed them that she's carrying the next generation of Nightray children, he was overjoyed, looking forward to the experience of being a grandfather. When Elise had died, taking her unborn child with her, he was devastated, and was alarmed with Ethan's state of mind after that. Nikolai was actually relieved when his younger son had stepped in through the doors of Nightray Manor earlier, looking as he was before Elise had died.
Finally, Nikolai looked at his two sons, his gaze gentle as he looked at Ethan, "…I would like to meet her."
XXXXXX
"…And thus, we declare one Sirius Orion Black innocent of all charges, and he would be released effective immediately, and would also be compensated for his unjustified imprisonment." Amelia Bones recited even as the chains binding Sirius' limbs to the chair in the middle of the courtroom fell apart. The DMLE head met with Charlus' eyes, with the Potter lord looking both relieved and grateful, and he nodded appreciatively to her.
There were flashes going off via the reporters' cameras—thankfully, none of them being Rita Skeeter. Amelia Bones was very firm on that when Fudge, that pompous fool had invited the press from literally every single wizarding paper and magazine there is to the trial of Sirius Black. Clearly, that pompous fool had thought to discredit Amelia and Moody by having the members of the press report what must be a grievous mistake on the parts of the DMLE by daring to proclaim that the Minister of Magic and Wizengamot had made such a terrible mistake.
Well, he is eating his words now, Amelia thought to her internal glee, watching as Fudge looked as if he'd just swallowed an extremely sour lemon. Albus Dumbledore who wasn't able to preside the trial due to a conflict of interests looked displeased too. Surprisingly, Remus Lupin was also present, being seated next to Dumbledore while looking at Charlus Potter despairingly, with the Potter lord determinedly not looking at the werewolf.
Amelia wondered for a moment the reason behind that, knowing that Charlus had never really liked Remus. Oh, it is definitely not for his werewolf status, as Charlus Potter had been one of the biggest advocates of Downworlder rights. In fact, if memory serves her correctly, he had been working with Amos Diggory for years now to pass a new bill to force a new peace treaty between Magical Britain and the Hidden Circle.
Most likely, Charlus had despised Remus for his lack of a backbone, as what Moody had told Amelia in confidence once—sometime back during the war before the Potters have died. The werewolf incident back during James Potter's Sixth Year had Charlus furious. He had actually spanked his sixteen-year-old son, much to James' chagrin when he had returned for the summer holidays, but James had admitted that he deserved it, and Charlus had even grounded both James and Sirius for the entire summer.
The two boys were even forced to read through every single book and bill on werewolf legislation and even how dangerous it is to run around with a werewolf even in their Animagus forms.
The nail that had forced the coffin shut is the fact that Remus had so readily believed the worst of Sirius—that he could so easily believe that it is Sirius who had betrayed both his best friends to Voldemort. Charlus wasn't pleased with that, when it is Remus who had shared a dorm for seven years with the same boy and had grown up with him. Thus, shouldn't he know Sirius better than anyone else?
Honestly, Amelia knew that Remus Lupin is going to have a lot of grovelling to do before Charlus and Sirius would forgive the werewolf for throwing Sirius so easily…to the wolves. Both men aren't the forgiving sort, and they aren't the type to just 'forget and forgive' either.
"Mr Black, do you have any requests?" Amelia asked of Sirius who looked both shocked and relieved at his sentencing. At this time tomorrow, all of Magical Britain will know of his innocence, and will thus be on the hunt for the real traitor, Peter Pettigrew.
"Yes. I want to at least visit Kristina if Lord Potter permits it." Sirius said immediately, looking towards Charlus hopefully.
"Yes, I would like to make my case before the entire Wizengamot once again." Charlus said firmly, emphasising the words, getting to his feet, and a hush fell upon the room. "I would like to claim custody on my granddaughter as it should be. I will present my son and daughter-in-law's will if I have to. Will you really be foolish enough to go against two heads of the Ancient Houses?"
The unsaid threat was clearly visible in his words.
"Y-Yes, yes, I suppose it is possible for you to claim custody if the child's godfather wishes it too." Fudge blubbered, wiping his sweating forehead with a handkerchief nervously, looking as if he is about to piss himself with fear when Charlus turned cold hazel eyes towards the Minister. "Uh well…"
"I'm afraid not." Albus Dumbledore stood up next, meeting Charlus' cold eyes bravely. Amelia should really give Dumbledore props for it, as not even Alastor Moody is brave enough to meet Charlus Potter's eyes when he is in a foul mood. The man isn't one of the greatest Aurors that had ever lived for nothing. "Kristina is safe where she is. But I guess occasional once a month visits is good enough?" He offered what must be a peace offering, but clearly, Charlus didn't seem to think so.
"You kept my granddaughter from me for long enough, Dumbledore!" Charlus Potter roared, and the entire chamber jumped in fright. Out of the corner of her eye, Amelia spied the reporters scribbling into their notebooks quickly. "It is stated in James and Lily's will that Kristina should go to me! And if not me, then Sirius! We are her legal guardians! Her magical guardians! You will release Kristina's location to me right now, or so help me, Albus, I will duel you into a drooling imbecile!" Charlus summoned his wand from his wrist holster silently at that point.
"She is safe where she is." Dumbledore stated stubbornly. "She—"
"—should be with family." A cool voice spoke, interrupting another of Dumbledore's 'Greater Good' tirades. As one, everyone in the chambers of Courtroom 10 turned only to spy the cool visage of Lucius Malfoy who is gazing at Dumbledore with disgust. "Any wizarding child born will be claimed by the father's family, and not the mother's. It is one of the ancient wizarding laws written by Merlin himself, and despite what you may think, Dumbledore, you are not above the law." The Malfoy Head stated firmly. "The girl—regardless of who she is—is still a magical child, and she belongs with wizards and witches, not whoever you deem fit to raise her."
Charlus had never quite liked the Malfoy House, but in this case, he is of agreement with Lucius Malfoy, Abraxas' boy.
Abraxas had been a man of honour and is a family man through and through—it is something that Charlus had respected about his childhood rival. It is of no surprise that Abraxas had passed that down to his son. Charlus had assumed that sometime between Abraxas' death during Lucius' Fifth Year and after he'd graduated, Lucius had somehow forgotten what his father had stood for and went towards Voldemort's side, thus besmirching the honour of the Malfoy line. Either that, or Lucius had caved into peer pressure to join Voldemort.
"I agree." Augusta Longbottom, the Regent of House Longbottom stated next, looking at Dumbledore with disgust. "Release custody of the Potter Heiress to Lord Potter. It should be what is done five years ago."
"W-Well…" Fudge mopped his brow nervously even as expectant eyes turned towards him, the most prominent amongst them being Charlus' dagger-like eyes and Dumbledore's madly twinkling blues giving him a cool warning, "Amelia, if you could send one of your Aurors to the Child Welfare Office within the next hour, I will give the order to unseal Kristina Potter's file. And if Lord Potter could send a copy of James and Lily Potter's will to Child Welfare, we will make sure that custody is transferred to him—"
"And Sirius." Charlus stated firmly, having walked down to the ground level and standing by Sirius, giving the younger man a number of potions to consume.
"A-And Lord Black." Fudge echoed nervously.
"Thank you." Amelia huffed, seeing as how she had been trying to do the same thing for years now ever since Kristina Potter was whisked off to who-knows-where after the fiasco on that Halloween night. Dumbledore isn't the only person Charlus is angry with. Rubeus Hagrid is another—for kidnapping his granddaughter when he has no authority to do that. Amelia definitely wouldn't be surprised if Charlus decided to press charges against Dumbledore and Hagrid sometime in the near future. "Kingsley, if you can do that for me, and then go and collect Kristina Potter, it would be appreciated."
"Yes, Boss." Kingsley Shacklebolt nodded his head and scurried out of the courtroom.
"Mr Potter." Sirius gazed at Charlus with the adoration of a son would his father. "Thank you." He sobbed, all the emotions coming back to him now that he isn't exposed to the Dementors daily anymore. "I knew that you would come for me. I believed. I swear that I didn't mean to—I didn't know that Peter is the traitor. I didn't know that he… James and Lily—"
"Hush now, child." Charlus patted Sirius' back comfortingly the same way he always did whenever Sirius is upset or ill ever since he had taken the child in after Sirius had ran away, and Arcturus Black had transferred care of his grandson to his rival, stating that it is safer for Sirius than risk having his grandson getting beaten half to death by his deranged daughter-in-law. "We have time to talk. Now, it's more important to get you treated. I have my personal Healer waiting for us at Potter Manor. Let's go—"
"…Sirius. Mr Potter."
As one, both Sirius and Charlus turned towards the meek voice that belonged to a nervous Remus Lupin who had Albus Dumbledore at his side. Charlus' face hardened upon seeing the spineless coward and the manipulative bastard who had kept his granddaughter from him. "It's Lord Potter to you, Lupin." Charlus said coolly, and Remus looked as if he'd just been slapped.
"It's not a good idea to take Kristina from her current guardians." Dumbledore said with a frown. "It's not safe—"
"That's not for you to decide." Charlus cut in, eyes narrowing at Dumbledore. "You got my son and daughter-in-law killed when you persuaded them to move out of Potter Manor to Godric's Hollow of all places! Potter Manor is one of the safest places in the UK! Voldemort would never have found them there! Their deaths are on your head! You got them killed, and then you have the audacity to take Kristina away from me when you have no right to do that!"
Sirius meanwhile was glaring at his former friend in disgust. "You abandoned me!" he hissed at Remus who looked hurt. "How could you believe that I would have betrayed James and Lily? James is like my brother! They named me godfather to Kristina! I would rather die than betray them, and you know that!"
"Come along, Sirius." Charlus said, glaring at Dumbledore and Lupin with contempt. "Let's get to the DMLE to get your wand and let's go home. I might just send Kristina to Beauxbatons or even Salem once she turns eleven rather then send her to Hogwarts. And if you want my advice, I'll advise you to pick your friends wisely."
"I couldn't agree more." Sirius added, giving Dumbledore and Remus one last disgusted look before Charlus led him out of the courtroom.
Remus Lupin stared at the departing backs of Charlus Potter and Sirius Black mournfully. Somewhere within him, Moony howled with anguish for his pack deserting him.
XXXXXX
As is standard whenever a Downworlder clan wishes to blood adopt a human child, the three Nightray men have taken Krista with them and headed straight to the residence of one of the High Warlocks to do the adoption ritual.
It had taken nearly twenty minutes of explanation to a very confused Nain, the High Warlock that had always been close to the Nightray clan. In fact, he had always been the High Warlock that the vampires always approached.
Nain had requested to speak with Krista alone for several moments after the entire explanation. And while Ethan is reluctant to let Krista out of his sight, he had relented in the end, as he knew that Nain needs to make sure that Krista isn't coerced into doing this, as it had happened before in the past.
Nain had also made sure that Krista knew what this blood adoption ritual entails. It is literally overriding her humane blood with that of a noble vampire's. But as she had been originally human, it won't make her full vampire, but only part-vampire. She'll still be immortal, and will only stop ageing once she is sixteen—the maturity age for the Hidden Circle.
It is just that unlike full vampires like Ethan and Nikolai, Krista will be more vulnerable than the average vampire. And unlike the full-blooded vampires, she won't need blood as often. While she might be stronger and faster than the average human, her strength level won't match that of a full vampire.
Nain had always been good with children, and he had explained that in an easy to understand way so that he won't scare Krista. But as the long and short of it is that Krista will gain a family—one that won't abandon her, and she won't have to return to abusive relatives, the small redhead had agreed to it readily, as Ethan, Vivian, Eve, Klaus and even Nikolai have been nothing but kind to her.
"Who will take the place as the father?" Nain asked even as with a snap of his fingers, the candles at the points of the pentagram star lit up. Krista gazed at it in wonder from Ethan's arms. Nain is starting to wonder if Ethan will ever let Krista walk on her own legs.
The three Nightray men exchanged looks before Ethan sighed and handed Krista to Nikolai who cradled her carefully in his arms. Their first meeting had been almost awkward, but Krista had quickly charmed the vampire lord with her sweet and innocent nature. By the time that they've left the Nightray Manor to visit Nain, Nikolai was almost reluctant to hand Krista over to Ethan.
"I will." Ethan stated even as he stood at the point where Nain had directed him.
"Do you three gentlemen—and lady—know and understand what this entails?" Nain questioned once more, looking from face to face, and he received firm nods for this. "Very well. Then we shall begin."
Nain began to chant something in the Chthonian tongue—the language only familiar to the Downworlders, as it is the language they used for their rituals and advanced spells. A crimson red glow begin glowing around the pentagram star drawn on the ground.
Krista who is positioned in the middle of the pentagram star looked nervously at Ethan. "Ethan?" she called out in a small voice, not daring to move.
Ethan gave a reassuring smile. "Stay calm and don't move, Krista," he reassured. "Everything's going to be fine, okay?"
A great gust of wind started picking up, and Krista flinched and screwed her eyes shut even as she felt the wind surrounding her; with something warm flowing into her veins. Nain who is still chanting a string of long words in Chthonian was taken aback momentarily as he caught a quick flash of a lady in all black with a black raven perched on her right shoulder appear behind the small redhead for a just a fraction of a moment before she'd disappeared once more.
The crimson glow changed to a brilliant white before the glow then died away, and the flames on the candles flickered once and went out. All was silent for several moments save for harsh breathing, and Nain snapped his fingers once before the lights in his house turned on once more.
"It is done." Nain told the three Nightray vampires. "She's one of us now. Nikolai, you might want to christen your new grandchild with her new name."
Nikolai smiled as Ethan picked up the unconscious Krista, cradling her in his arms carefully, and looking at her tenderly. "…Krista Nightray." Nikolai announced. "My son gave her this name, and it shall be what she's known as."
"Vivian will adore her—she already do in fact." Klaus commented. "We will need to teach her how to control her powers and strength. We need to teach her everything that we teach our young." Klaus ran a mental list of the lessons that they need to give his new niece.
"I can do that. Carmella will help me too." Ethan said immediately.
"Also, you might want to get her checked out." Nain cut in, and the three vampires looked towards the High Warlock who looked solemn. "I saw a faint visage of the Lady Morrigan earlier when we're doing the ritual. She's granted Krista her personal protection. You know what it means." He walked towards Ethan and gently turned Krista's left wrist over so that they could see the underside of her wrist. And there, it is visible—a small black crest of a black raven—the mark of the Lady Morrigan. "I think she's one of the Seven."
Nikolai frowned, understanding what Nain is saying. "You're saying that you think my granddaughter is a Shadowguardian?" he asked incredulously.
A Shadowguardian. One of the seven chosen warriors by the Lady Morrigan and Goddess Hecate that protects Avalon and the Hidden Circle. Like how there are seven High Warlocks that made up Avalon's ruling council, the seven Shadowguardians worked with them to protect Avalon and the Hidden Circle. One Shadowguardian to each High Warlock.
And the Shadowguardians doesn't necessarily have to be vampires either. They can be fae, faerie, veela, elf, werewolf, warlock or even one of the 'Dark Humans'—a Necromancer or something along those lines. And ever since the birth of the last known Shadowguardian, there hasn't been another since, and there have been no new births amongst the Hidden Circle either.
"She's Marked by the Lady, Father." Klaus said, gazing at the raven mark on his new niece, before locking eyes with Nikolai. "That's all the evidence we need. And Nain is the only High Warlock without his Shadowguardian. Only makes sense that he will know, since he's the one that did the adoption ritual. It's no coincidence. The Lady had guided Krista to us, and we to her."
"One of the Night Guides." Ethan remarked wryly. "The Lady… She's picked Krista to be one of Her agents." He looked at his father and brother. "We should introduce her to Elijah. He is the leader of the Shadowguardians."
"We'll worry about that later." Nikolai commented. A warm smile appeared on his face as he gazed at his sleeping granddaughter. She's sleeping now, but he knows that once Krista opens her eyes, her once bright green eyes will now be mixed heavily with red—always one of the signs of a vampire due to their consummation of blood. Her features have also changed slightly—reflecting Ethan's more that is always a side effect of the ritual. "Krista Nightray." He said out loud. "My grandchild. I will always protect you."
XXXXXX
Amelia Bones was looking over a request from Moody to investigate all the members of the Wizengamot and Albus Dumbledore thoroughly—including a suggestion to take a closer look at the inner workings of Hogwarts when Kingsley Shacklebolt came barrelling through the doors of her office, looking as if he'd ran the entire way here.
His robes were ruffled, and he looked panicked—unusual for the normally composed Auror whom Amelia is seriously considering promoting to Head Auror once Rufus retires or decides to seek further prospects.
"Kingsley?" Amelia raised an eyebrow, putting down the roll of parchment that she is reading where Moody had placed every single reason why they should investigate the Wizengamot. And with how paranoid that man is, it is a pretty impressive list. "What is it? Didn't you go to retrieve Kristina Potter from wherever Dumbledore had placed her? Lord Potter had been flooing me literally every hour just to get an update."
"That's the problem, Boss." Kingsley said urgently, his eyes wide with fear and horror—especially from what he'd managed to find out from one of the residents in Little Whinging. Amelia raised an eyebrow, and he swallowed nervously, knowing that shit is about to hit the fan. "She's gone."
Amelia's eyes widened, and she stood up from behind her desk. "'Gone'?" she echoed incredulously. "What do you mean by 'gone' exactly?"
Kingsley swallowed nervously before trying to catch his breath back. "There was a fire three nights ago that killed all the residents of Number 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging—that's where Dumbledore placed Kristina Potter—with a bunch of Muggles!" he said harshly. Kingsley had never hated Muggles, but he is seriously considering his stance on them after what he'd found out. "Not a single one survived." He met with Amelia's wide eyes who seemed to understand what Kingsley is driving at. "And when I asked around, I learned that…" Kingsley swallowed nervously, unwilling to continue any further.
"What? What did you learn?" Amelia asked almost fearfully. Kristina Potter is just the age of her own niece. Is she dead? How is she going to break the news to Charlus Potter?
Kingsley closed his eyes briefly, wishing that he had been one of the ones to back Amelia up when she had tried to fight for Lord Potter to get custody of his granddaughter years ago. If he had… If Amelia had more support in what she'd wanted…
"…Kristina Potter was abused, Ma'am." Kingsley croaked, his voice cracking at the word 'abused', "by her own family." Amelia went pale. "In the words of one of the residents, he said that 'those thrice damned Dursleys got what they deserved', and if… If the fire hadn't killed Kristina Potter, she wouldn't have survived long enough to attend Hogwarts."
Amelia felt faint even as she sank back down into her chair. Kingsley is never one to exaggerate things. If he had said that, that means the abuse must be bad—very bad. Dear Merlin…
"…Kingsley, summon Scrimgeour, Moody and Proudfoot." Amelia said at last, finally managing to find her voice. "Now. Tell them it's an emergency. I think we need a meeting."
Kingsley nodded shakily before leaving Amelia's office to see to his orders.
Amelia placed her face into her hands, wondering how she is going to break the news to Charlus Potter and Sirius Black who are both currently eagerly waiting for news of their granddaughter and goddaughter in Potter Manor. This news might be what will break them.
"…Good Merlin…" Amelia murmured. "…I'm sorry, Charlus…"
A/N: Angry reactions all around the next chapter. As far as this story goes, I'm currently leaning towards more of a 'grey' story—a neutral Krista and co. There will be more of a 'certain Ministry workers siding with Downworlders' in this story due to the catalyst—you'll see what it is in a few chapters. Also, I'm still juggling between letting Krista go to Hogwarts or having her go to a school with Downworlders. Both have its pros and cons definitely, and I'm seriously still debating.
Anyway, I hope that you like this chapter, and please and review! Reviews give me inspiration to update!
