Pairings: Cedric/Krista.
Warnings: AU Universe. Gender switch. OC characters. Some character bashing. Mature scenes. Violence.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and any of the characters, but the OC characters belongs to me
Chapter Three: World in Chaos
Word spread all over the Ministry within moments after the Auror office could confirm the deaths of the residents in Number 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging.
And it only took less than a day for all of Magical Britain to know the truth. Every single person—from the Ministry officials to the common wizard or witch in Magical Britain were demanding answers. How could Kristina Potter die? Who is responsible for it? Why didn't Child Welfare check up on her like they did every orphaned magical child?
It didn't take long for the entire story to come out after that.
The head of Gringotts, Chief Ragnok, the head goblin had informed the Aurors that Amelia Bones had sent to get to the bottom of this that James and Lily Potter's will was sealed under the order of Albus Dumbledore as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot upon their deaths—to never be released or read.
If Charlus Potter didn't have the influence that he had, also being named as Goblin Friend to the goblin empire, their will would likely never see the light of day. Also, in said will, James and Lily Potter had stated there clearly in black and white who their Secret Keeper had been, and who their daughter is to be placed with should they meet untimely deaths.
…It at least answers questions just why Dumbledore had sealed the will.
A sobbing and distraught Arabella Figg had also came forward to give her testimony, though it had taken several minutes to calm the Squib down. She had sworn to tell the truth and nothing but the truth in front of Amelia Bones and the top officials of the DMLE and the Child Welfare Office in the interrogation room.
Arabella Figg had then told her story—that after Kristina Potter was 'kidnapped' and brought to her mother's sister and her husband (at this point, Kingsley Shacklebolt had to physically restrain Marlene McKinnon, an Auror and also the late Lily Potter's best friend), Dumbledore had placed Arabella in the neighbourhood to keep an eye on Kristina Potter to ensure that no Death Eater came through.
And much like half of Little Whinging, Arabella Figg knew about the level of emotional and physical abuse that little Kristina Potter had suffered at the hands of the Dursleys. And despite the countless letters and missives that she'd sent to Albus Dumbledore, begging him to remove Kristina from the Dursleys' care, the man refused to budge—claiming that the protection is worth a little unhappiness.
(At this point, even Amelia had to control herself to not hunt down Albus Dumbledore and rip him limb from limb)
But the damage is done.
Despite Fudge and Dumbledore's best efforts, all of Magical Britain have known the full extent of the damage that they've done to an innocent child within hours—that she'd died before she is even old enough to attend wizarding school just because of one man's self-delusions and another man's desire for power.
Howlers flooded the offices of both men for days after that—the most prominent being the ones from Molly Weasley who had somehow managed to incorporate the famous Bat Bogey Hex in her Howlers once it goes off.
There were demands for a full enquiry for the two men and the Wizengamot as they're the ones who have backed Dumbledore's actions in regards to Kristina Potter—so much so that there isn't a Child Welfare officer assigned to her case even—something that Amelia Bones isn't pleased to find out.
"Fat's in the fire now." Amelia Bones sighed after a very disastrous twenty-four hours, currently seated in her office having a drink with Moody and Scrimgeour. "Everything is coming out. I wouldn't be surprised if the purebloods tried to pass another one of their anti-Muggle bills in regards to this incident. They will hate the Muggles even more after this if they aren't already."
"Can you blame them, Amelia?" Rufus Scrimgeour questioned irritably, taking a swig of Firewhiskey. After everything that they've found out in the past twenty-four hours, all of them need something strong to drink. "Honestly, I'm seriously considering even my stance on Muggles after this if a magical child could be so horribly abused by her Muggle relatives for five years and none of us know!"
"This is all Albus' fault." Moody growled, his magical eye spinning in its eye socket with such speeds that it even made Amelia queasy to look at it. Beside him, Scrimgeour looked at him with surprise, as it is well known that Moody and Dumbledore are good friends. Seems like whatever good will that Moody had for Dumbledore had evaporated into thin air in the wake of this incident. "If he hadn't denied Lord Potter custody of his granddaughter and had done what he did, the child wouldn't be dead!"
Scrimgeour winced at the mention of Lord Potter, and he turned towards Amelia. "How is he?" he asked Amelia.
Like Amelia and Moody, Rufus Scrimgeour had great respect for Charlus Potter who had been the Head Auror when Scrimgeour himself had been an Auror-in-training. In fact, Charlus Potter had been a legend. There is no Auror better than him, Moody had claimed whenever he had trained the newbies.
James Potter had actually found himself having a lot to live up to when he had first signed up for the Auror training program. After Dorea Potter's death, Charlus had retired from the Auror corps, not wishing to risk himself any longer when his son only had one parent left. Charlus had instead stayed on with the DMLE as an advisor of sorts, also occasionally helping to train the newbies.
And unlike most purebloods and probably what must amount to eighty percent of Magical Britain's population, Charlus Potter had never discriminated against any Downworlder. He had actually been a big help to Amos Diggory when he had first taken on the position as Head of the Magical Creatures Regulation, helping the man to set up meetings and such to regulate peace treaties—though anyone knew that those are 'peace treaties' in name only, given how the Minister of Magic and his toady have both felt about the Downworlders.
Thus, everyone in the wizarding community knew better than to cross Lord Charlus Potter.
"Stuck in denial—both of them." Amelia answered with a sigh. "I actually have a meeting with Lord Potter and Sirius tomorrow to clarify everything regarding Kristina Potter." She winced, recalling the ferocity of Charlus Potter's temper. She is so not looking forward to said meeting tomorrow, as Dumbledore had also been called to the after mentioned meeting. "Dumbledore might actually have my pity if he hadn't wrought everything onto himself." Amelia said harshly. "Mark my words, Lord Potter wouldn't let this go."
"I heard that Madam Longbottom, along with a few of the other Heads of Houses have banded together in rare unity—demanding for the Minister to step down and for Dumbledore to step down from his numerous positions." Scrimgeour added. "Kristina Potter is dead because of him after all." Scrimgeour said harshly. He had been there when Charlus Potter was first denied the custody of his granddaughter, and had seen how distraught his former mentor had been. "I heard that there are many people demanding for a full investigation and enquiry of the members of the Wizengamot—as it is common knowledge that nearly half of them are in Dumbledore's pocket."
"It's only a matter of time." Amelia sighed. "First with the Black case, and now this. Fudge's days as Minister is numbered—he wouldn't last longer than a week at this rate. We might even be forced to replace half the members of the Wizengamot too."
"Why does every Minister that we have either turns out to be corrupted or is just a damn fool?" Moody grunted. "First is that fool Bagshot who is practically in Crouch's pocket, and we all know how well that had turned out at the end of the war." Both Amelia and Scrimgeour winced at the mere memory. "And then we get Fudge who is simply incompetent and can't seem to do anything without running to Dumbledore for help every other second!" He banged his fist onto the table. "For the love of Merlin, I'm astounded that the ICW hasn't stepped in yet with the amount of trouble and scandals that we've landed ourselves in throughout the years!"
Amelia and Scrimgeour exchanged looks with each other.
The International Wizard Confederation is an international magical council made up of either representatives or heads of their respective Ministries from the other nations that had a magical Ministry. Amelia knew for one that the ICW doesn't hold Magical Britain in very high regard no thanks to their bigotry and their prejudiced laws regarding Muggleborns and the Downworlders.
Sanguini, a vampire who was once a British wizard back during the 1800s, but had chosen to have himself Turned as his beloved is a vampire is actually the Hidden Circle's official representative to the ICW, as he was once both human and a wizard, and thus, would be able to understand where they're coming from as compared to if the Hidden Circle send a noble vampire or one of the pureblooded Downworlders as their representative.
In several of the other countries, the Downworlders actually lived amongst the wizards and witches, and held jobs or even run businesses. They co-existed together with each other, with each magical Ministry and even the ICW respecting the fact that if any Downworlder broke the law, said Downworlder would be charged by the laws of the Hidden Circle that is actually harsher than the punishments that the wizards would mete out.
Magical Britain is likely the only country on the map that still remains stuck in the 16th century even though the rest of the world had long moved on with the times—especially the Hidden Circle.
Heavens knows how many times Sanguini had complained to the ICW about some bigotry or new law made up in Britain that is severely against the advantage of the Hidden Council. Amos Diggory had been working his fingers to the bone ever since his promotion as Head of the Magical Creatures Regulation, trying to improve lives for the Downworlders in Britain, but he was blocked at every turn. It is probably why next to the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office; Amos' department is the one that is the most overworked and also the most underpaid.
"The Hidden Circle is angry too, from what I heard from Amos." Amelia admitted at last. "You know how they feel about children. And the fact that a child is heavily abused by her own family has them all enraged. But they've been staying silent for certain reasons." Both men were silent. "We might as well get someone on our side in the running of Minister. With the way that things are going, we need a competent Minister in office. Someone who wouldn't shrink away from getting their hands dirty. Someone that will do what needs to be done. Someone that is not corrupted."
"Why don't you try then, Amelia?" Moody grunted. "You fit the bill."
Smiling wryly, Amelia Bones shook her head immediately. "No, I'm not cut out for Minister," she said. "I'm more familiar with the workings of the DMLE, and politics isn't something that I want to go in. Rufus, why don't you try? Weren't you always complaining about the Ministry and Dumbledore? And that they're always restricting the Hidden Circle their rights? Here's your chance to put things right. You can even bring Britain to the top if you play your cards properly."
"Me as Minister?" Rufus Scrimgeour echoed incredulously. "And let's say that I agree. Who can take my spot as Head Auror? We're needed badly in Britain, Amelia, you know that. And what with the recent fiasco, it might lure the Death Eaters that we can't sentence to Azkaban out of their hiding spots even."
"Shacklebolt is almost ready to take your spot, Rufus." Moody grunted. "You should give the young a chance to spread their wings, don't you think? Think about it. You might just be able to give Britain their saving grace if you become Minister. You know what it needs. And as you're a former Auror—one that had served on the frontlines during the last war even, you aren't afraid to get your hands dirty. You know how to sacrifice. And you are also one of the few that actually had their heads screwed on properly, and know that ignoring and belittling the Hidden Circle is a road to disaster! They won't stay quiet forever. Sooner or later, they will explode, and it won't be pretty for us." He warned. "And when that happens, the ICW won't help us. They've warned that fool Fudge and Dumbledore what will happen all those years ago when they've first started on their 'hating Downworlders' campaign. Sanguini too. All the ICW will tell us is 'we told you so'."
Rufus Scrimgeour was silent for a long time, contemplating Moody and Amelia's words.
Is he really what Britain needs as their Minister? He isn't blind to the Ministry's faults—all those serving in the DMLE knew the faults of the Ministry and the Minister backwards and forwards, and had seen the corruption within the ranks. Even the number of Auror recruits that they could get yearly is slowly dwindling in number with each year.
Back when Rufus was a fresh recruit, they could get at least twenty recruits easily each year, and after the two year training course, they'll be good enough to be sent out on the field with a partner or two, before being capable enough to tackle solo assignments a year after that.
Now? They'll be lucky to even get three recruits a year with just how much that Fudge had been slashing the DMLE's budget with each passing year—and that is assuming if those recruits won't give up in the middle of the training year and walk out of it entirely. And that woman, Dolores Umbridge is only creating more tension between Magical Britain and the Hidden Circle with all the creature bills that she had been passing.
From Rufus' talks with Amos occasionally during lunchtime or when he had to deliver reports to Amos' office, he knew from the exasperated department head that the Hidden Circle is getting frustrated with their unfair treatment in Britain. The ICW is also losing patience. Magical Britain definitely didn't make themselves any allies with all the laws and bills that they've passed. And Dumbledore's actions for the past several years since the war with Grindelwald didn't help matters either.
Finally, after a long silence, Rufus Scrimgeour looked up. "Let me think about it," he promised.
XXXXXX
Kingsley Shacklebolt was very red in the face the next day upon his return to the Ministry with Rufus Scrimgeour, with the younger man spitting curses at Kristina Potter's Muggle relatives and Albus Dumbledore along with Cornelius Fudge.
Scrimgeour winced inwardly upon hearing what Kingsley wanted to do to Dumbledore. And what is he talking about—'sticking his wand in where the sun doesn't shine'? Where does the sun not shine?
Amelia had sent them both out to Little Whinging once more to get a thorough understanding of the entire case, with the two Aurors posing as mundane government officers from Child Welfare, wishing to find out more about little Kristina Potter's living situation with her guardians.
The residents of Little Whinging were more than willing to tell them what they know, though more than one resident had glared at them when they'd knocked on their door—spitting and snarling at them—stating that little Kristina Potter wouldn't be dead if they could just do their fucking jobs.
That had been the first thing that had sent warning bells ringing through Rufus' head.
The two Aurors have struck gold when they'd wandered onto the commercial district, and had managed to find the one person who knew more than the basics that they already knew—that Kristina Potter's relatives had been abusing her, end of story.
Matthew Greene, the owner of Little Whinging's antique bookstore was willing to tell them what he know, though he'd looked at them suspiciously the entire time that he was telling them what he know. He'd known Kristina Potter since he was a university student and helping out at the bookstore when his father was still alive and running it after all.
Half the town had known that Kristina Potter is getting horribly abused. But any reports that they've made to Social Services or the police are always dismissed as some misunderstanding, and the abuse would then get worse after that. The more persistent ones that tried to get help would mysteriously find themselves unable to remain in Little Whinging any longer.
It all came to such a point that everyone just gave up, only trying to make life easier for Kristina Potter with the little things. It is what Matthew Greene did. It is what everyone did.
Rufus Scrimgeour and Kingsley Shacklebolt knew immediately with those words that there has been wizarding interference, and they don't even need to guess to know which wizard. Hint: his initials are A and D.
Following that, Rufus and Kingsley have then gone to what remains of Number 4 that is just a blackened skeleton of the house. The two Aurors have put up Notice-Me-Not charms as they cast Revealing spells within a fifty mile radius only to come up with lots that the Aurors that were sent before them didn't discover the first time when they did a basic sweep.
Number one, there were remnants of what seems to be a blood ward around the house, cast with protective magic in mind. Number two, there is also a strong compulsion charm weaved into said ward, compelling the inhabitants of Number 4 to keep Kristina Potter, but not love her. There are also illegal Monitoring Charms cast with blood around the house, thus, any claims that Dumbledore made about not knowing Kristina Potter's health state is negated with what they've uncovered.
Needless to say, the two Aurors were almost spitting fire when they've returned to the Ministry of Magic with all their findings. Dumbledore and Fudge will both be very lucky to still be able to retain their positions once Amelia is done with her investigation.
"If those thrice-damned Muggles aren't already dead, I'll kill them myself!" Kingsley raged even as they entered the elevator and pressed the button for the level to the DMLE, with Rufus currently holding a folder containing the abuse photos of Kristina Potter that Matthew Greene had given them as evidence. The young man had taken photos of the abuse whenever he could—keeping them as evidence in hopes that someday, the right authorities could do something about Kristina's abusive relatives. "It makes me wonder if Voldemort didn't have the right idea after all—that all Muggles should be killed."
"Don't repeat this where anyone can hear you, Kingsley!" Rufus reprimanded harshly, though personally, he had agreed with his colleague.
Abuse in the wizarding world is rare, as each child is cherished. But to think that the most famous wizarding child is abused to this extent that if she hadn't died in that fire, she would never have survived long enough to see her eleventh birthday? Is there really a God in this world, Rufus wondered.
The elevator doors opened with a light bang just then, and both Aurors stepped out. And then, the silence that had surrounded them since entering the elevator is instantly destroyed.
"You got my granddaughter killed!"
"What's going on?" Kingsley blinked with confusion as they entered the main floor of the Auror Office where he saw a furious Sirius Black being held back by a grim Marlene McKinnon, with Alastor Moody restraining a furious Charlus Potter.
Across the two furious men is Albus Dumbledore whose already crooked nose is bleeding, and no doubt broken from the punch that either Charlus or Sirius had given him. Amelia Bones is also present, along with Remus Lupin. And even though this assault on Albus Dumbledore should really be considered criminal assault, all the Aurors present seemed to have mysteriously turned blind and deaf, and suddenly seemed to be very busy with paperwork at their desks.
"Dumbledore didn't know that—"
"You're still defending that bastard at a time like this?" Sirius roared at his once best friend, with Remus Lupin flinching at Sirius' fury. Marlene tightened her hold on Sirius, refusing to let him loose. "Let me go, Marlene!"
"Not until you've calmed down!" Marlene told her boyfriend sternly.
"You placed my granddaughter with a bunch of Muggles—a bunch of fucking child abusers that Lily had explicitly stated that she isn't to go near!" Charlus Potter roared with fury, his magic cackling around him. "You caused her death! You killed Kristina!"
"Lord Potter, please calm down!" An unknown Auror pleaded with the Potter lord, looking petrified at the amount of magic that Charlus is releasing in his fury.
"My son! My daughter-in-law! And now my granddaughter!" Charlus roared at Dumbledore who looked both abashed and guilty and even ashamed of himself for a moment. "They're all dead because of you!"
"That isn't fair!" Remus protested, trying once again to speak up for Dumbledore. Rufus could really tell that idiotic werewolf that it is not a good idea, judging by how angry that Sirius Black and Charlus Potter are. "It isn't Dumbledore's fault—"
"Why don't you shut your trap?" shouted one of the Aurors, shooting Remus and Dumbledore a venomous look.
"What did we ever do to you?! What did we ever do for you to destroy my family?!" Rufus is almost worried for Charlus Potter's heart at this point, due to how agitated that he is. "Even Kristina… She isn't even two yet when you'd sent her to a bunch of child abusers! Did you even check up on her like you said you did? And you don't even have the decency to let me visit her at least!" Rufus felt tears prickling at the side of his eyes at the sight of the distraught grandfather, and he quickly blinked his tears away. "She's all that I have! You took her away from me!" Charlus roared at Dumbledore. "Give her back! Give me back my grandchild! Give me back my family!" Everyone on the DMLE's floor watched with wet eyes as the proud Potter lord broke down, with only the strong grips of Amelia Bones and Alastor Moody holding him up, "Give…them back…"
Augusta Longbottom pushed her way to the front from the crowd of Aurors just then, much to Rufus' surprise, as he didn't even see her there. The regent of House Longbottom had been Charlus Potter's schoolmate when they were still in school, and had been a great friend to Charlus and Dorea both.
In fact, when Augusta had lost her son and daughter-in-law to Bellatrix Lestrange, it had been Charlus who had kept her sane throughout it all. It was Charlus who had stepped in and ripped Augusta's idiot brother a new one when he had thought it a great idea to throw little Neville Longbottom from the second floor window to force his accidental magic.
"Madame Longbottom." Moody murmured, inclining his head politely like a gentleman would a lady.
Augusta Longbottom only nodded to Moody and Amelia as she took Charlus' arm, also giving Dumbledore and Remus disgusted looks. "Come on, Charlus, let's go and get some tea at the teahouse downstairs," she said briskly. "It'll help to calm you down. You too, Lord Black. You need to calm down."
Rufus and Kingsley both parted ways for Charlus Potter and Augusta Longbottom as they made for the elevator, with Sirius Black and Marlene McKinnon following them. All four barely noticed their presences—their minds were so consumed with grief and rage.
Rufus Scrimgeour watched as the elevator doors shut with a bang, and he closed his eyes briefly, making up his mind. If this is what Britain had become, then he'll fix the mess that the generations before him had caused.
Their country should never have become one man's cat paw, and neither should they have lived in fear for years when Voldemort had first risen to power. Other countries have their own militia forces—there to take care of any terrorists and usurpers. They never have to worry about potential usurpers like Voldemort in their countries. But Britain never had that.
In fact, according to their own history, Magical Britain used to have forces resembling the Queen's Royal Guard, but it was disbanded after Grindelwald was imprisoned and after Dumbledore had gained the influence that he did. Why though? Why disband them?
And come to think of it, wasn't that also around the time when Britain had slowly started to cut off the Hidden Circle from their lands? Like how Britain had Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley as their magical districts, there is a district dealing in Downworlders' stuff that the witches and wizards frequent too—Grim Avenue. But it was closed down not long after the First War due to all the creature bills and legislations that had forced the Hidden Circle into hiding. Rufus knew from Amos that all those on British soil had retreated back to their home country.
If things continue on the way they are, Britain is only going on a path of destruction. And when that happens—when the Hidden Circle finally decides they had enough, with the Muggleborns right behind them, all that the ICW and the few supporters of Downworlder and Muggleborn rights will say is 'we told you so'.
"…I'm putting my name in for Minister." Rufus said at last, and next to him, Kingsley looked surprised. "It's a sad day when our own government is responsible for a child's death, and ripped an entire family apart. I'm not letting this happen again. If I have to break Britain down to the very foundations and rebuild it, then that's what I'm going to do."
In a corner, a vampire with pale skin and red eyes narrowed his eyes as he watched Charlus Potter disappeared into the elevator with Augusta Longbottom, Sirius Black and Marlene McKinnon before switching his crimson gaze to where Albus Dumbledore and Remus Lupin are standing.
That man—Albus with-too-many-names Dumbledore… He is trouble.
Sanguini sighed to himself. "I'd better inform Ethan about Charlus Potter," he murmured before he disappeared in wisps of black shadows.
XXXXXX
One year after Ethan Nightray had picked up a frightened and traumatised abused little girl, blood adopting her as family, and now, that little girl is slowly coming out of her shell, making friends with all the other Downworlder children in the Hidden Circle.
Nain, along with the entire Nightray family were surprised in the beginning when the newly named Krista Nightray had opened her eyes three days after the blood adoption ritual only to reveal that instead of green-red eyes that Nikolai Nightray had expected to see, Krista Nightray now had one green and one red eye.
The High Warlock was overjoyed to find his Shadowguardian at last, and he'd spent several months after the ritual assisting the Nightray clan in preparing potions and medicines to heal Krista's internal injuries and the serious malnutrition. Even though the ritual could heal her physical wounds, the internal injuries aren't quite so easy to heal. Krista would likely always be petite and smaller than those of her age group.
Nain however wasn't so amused when he had thoroughly checked Krista for any health issues after the ritual and had discovered a soul anchor in Krista's head. The ritual had done its part in unblocking the soul, and being a High Warlock furthermore, it is child's play for Nain to rip the screaming soul shard out before imprisoning it into a Soul Crystal.
Ethan had spent days after that nursing his young daughter, applying the concocted salve that Nain had given him to the bleeding scar on Krista's head, watching with relief as the scar lightened day by day until the lightning bolt scar had totally vanished by the time that Krista had opened her eyes, only leaving new and unblemished skin behind.
Nain meanwhile had taken the Soul Crystal to one of the Necromancers in Avalon and had told him the entire story. Following that, the Necromancer had banished the soul shard to the depths of Gehenna, informing Nain that the soul shard is a piece of that accursed Black Mage Voldemort. And if he, as a wizard, is insane enough to split his soul, chances are that there are more of those soul shards around. It is probably how he's still alive.
If Nikolai's opinion of the Britain wizards isn't low enough, this piece of information in regards to Krista's health state caused his estimation of them to plunge even lower.
Don't those Britain wizards have any decency at all? Didn't they even bother to check the baby after an attack on her by the most feared Dark Wizard of the last century? So they see a scar on her head, and then what? They just leave it as that?
Not for the first time, Nikolai Nightray thanked the Morrigan for leading his son to Little Whinging where he had been able to rescue the little girl who is slowly stealing his heart. He barely dared to fathom what would happen if Ethan had never gone to Little Whinging. Chances are that Kristina Potter would likely have died within a year or so from the abuse.
Evelyn Rosario, Vivian's younger cousin is also overjoyed to have a little sister of sorts that she can spoil and pamper, having just graduated from Nightshades—the training academy for the Downworlders. She had also just passed her majority, and also had the luck to find her mate even before her graduation—much to the delight of her clan.
The Downworlders' children all knew the barest details of what had happened to Krista prior to her adoption, and they were all quick to include the former human into their fold, teaching her all about their history and their ways.
All of the Hidden Circle knew what had happened when the Nightray Clan had taken Krista in, but it is kept a strict secret within their circle. To speak of it outside is an offence punishable by death. The High Warlocks are very strict on it. The Vampire Ruling Council had also met a week after Nikolai Nightray had sent out the missive regarding his new granddaughter. That meeting had lasted well over two hours. And by the end of it, to say that the twelve vampire lords are upset is an understatement. For once, they are all in agreement that Krista Nightray is one of theirs, and screw the wizarding world.
Krista was uncomfortable in the beginning when everyone had tried to make her feel welcome—having been made to feel unwelcome nearly her entire life, with her aunt and uncle drilling thoughts like she's unwanted and such into her head since she was old enough to understand.
Curiously, Evelyn seemed furious the first time that Krista had told her that, but the older vampire had quickly smoothened her expression before telling the little girl gently that they are family now, and family do not abandon family.
Alexander Mikaelsson, the High Prince and Heir to one of the twelve vampire ruling clans had also taken to Krista straight off the bat when Evelyn had introduced the pair to each other. Much like Krista, he is a Shadowguardian too, and he had taught her the barest basics before the leader of the Shadowguardians had stepped in and had taken her through the A to Z of everything, even teaching her how to summon her weapon, and training her in the combat and magic aspects.
Another person who is also quickly becoming one of Krista's best friends is Nathaniel Krauss—one of the few warlocks in Avalon, and thus, is highly skilled in magic.
Now one year after her adoption, several of the Downworlder children whom Krista had been acquainted or friends with over the span of one year are currently gathered in some forest to the far north of Scotland that is the land belonging to one of the vampire lords.
Every year, the vampire lords meet at least once to talk about any affairs occurring amongst their lands and such. Usually, the meetings are held in Avalon. But this year, as the time for their meeting also coincides with the time of the year when the faeries of the Wild Hunt is carrying out their…Hunt, the vampire lords have decided that it might be best if they had their meeting somewhere than Avalon.
And thus, the children—or fledglings as they are known as are all gathered in the forest either teaching Krista what she doesn't know or playing with each other, with Evelyn Rosario supervising. Her mate is actually patrolling the perimeter. He is actually nervous, as the area they're in is rather close to British wizard territory, and the Hidden Circle aren't exactly known to be best buds with them.
"Midnight Tales—the history of the Night Children and the Hidden Circle." Alexander Mikaelsson was telling Krista, with both of them leaning with their backs against a giant oak tree. Nathaniel was sitting on Krista's other side, with a giant tome currently resting on her knees. Some of the other children were also seated near them—several of them with their own books, but were listening with interest; eager to share whatever they knew with Krista. "The immortal brothers—they are said to be the first of the Immortal Children—way before magic's birth. One brother bitten by bat. The other by wolf. Thus, they are said to be the first vampire and the first werewolf."
"Ethan covered that during his first lesson with me." Krista said, remembering that Ethan did teach her something about this. "They were the Originators. From them came the first of the Hidden Circle. And from the demons of the underworld came the faeries and the warlocks, and the rest of the Hidden Circle. Kraven, the First Werewolf. And Talesmi, the First Vampire."
Helen Youngblood, one of the Fey who is just a little older than Krista smiled and nodded, her golden hair almost like a halo around her head. "Very good," she said. "But because they are the first, they lacked the sanity and control that the Night and Moon Children have today. Thus, they went on a killing spree. Finally, the Hidden Circle that have originated from them decided that the killings can't go on. Thus, they decided to do something about it. The Night Children—the vampires surrounded Kraven, the First Werewolf. They used silver swords and blades. And as he is the first werewolf, he is more sensitive to silver than the Moon Children that have originated from him. Thus, he died. However, Talesmi is a little more complicated."
"From him came the Immortal Children." Nathaniel added, his serpentine-like blue eyes being his warlock mark gazing at the pictures of the tome on Krista's lap. "Thus, he is immortal. The Moon Children who have surrounded him weren't able to kill him. Finally, the Hidden Circle as a whole surrounded him. After a week of battle, with countless deaths and sacrifices, they imprisoned him. Locking him down with seven layers of runic wards and barriers—safeguarded with rune seals scattered around the world." He looked at Krista. "Only the Shadowguardians knew the exact rune pattern that keeps him imprisoned. Seven Shadowguardians, Krista." Nathaniel held up the thumb and index finger of his right hand for the number seven. "Seven runic locks. One lock to each Shadowguardian. That is part of the Shadowguardians' duty. That knowledge is passed down to us from the Lady Morrigan. It is part of our instincts. Our blood. We will know what to do instinctively."
"Avalon…" Krista murmured, and Alec nodded.
"It is our sanctuary—the one place where we don't have to hide." Helen added. "We can be who we are there. Thus the sacred creed for all the Downworlders being to defend our kind and our home."
Evelyn who is seated in a tree bough above their heads smiled down at the fledglings—she distinctly remembered that being one of her first lessons as a child too—before she'd even entered Nightshades.
The history of the Hidden Circle is definitely much more interesting as compared to their wizard counterparts, as much of their past consists of endless bloodshed and battles before Avalon and their ruling council was created sometime during the era of King Arthur.
To a child like Krista who was forbidden to learn and ask questions, it should be heaven to her. She always sees Krista's eyes sparkling like diamonds whenever she is in one of her tutoring sessions, as compared to when Evelyn was her age, and always tried her best to get out of her tutoring sessions—not that it always succeeded.
Evelyn stiffened just then and looked up, as she caught the sounds of rustling. Clearly, the fledglings have heard it too, as more than one of them had looked up, worried.
And then, Issac Morgenstern came bursting through the trees, his silver hair flying wildly around his head as frantic red eyes searched the surroundings before they finally fell on Evelyn who is now standing atop the tree bough.
"Eve, get down here!" Issac hollered, even as Evelyn landed with a light thud on her feet.
"What is it?" Evelyn asked quickly, even as the fledglings gathered together, scared looks on their faces. Whenever the older kids who are meant to guard them had that look on their faces and are panicked, it never bodes good news.
"Hunters," was all that Issac said, but Evelyn's eyes widened a slight fraction. "We need to get the fledglings out of here." He bit his lip, mentally measuring the distance between here to the place where the vampires lords are having their meeting, and thus, there is a Portal there that can take them back to Avalon. "Great Morrigan…"
Evelyn growled as she could already hear the approaching sounds and shouts of the human hunters. Wizards, she can only presume, as the mundanes these days no longer believed in the supernatural unless you count Italy.
She looked at Krista who is standing in between Alec and Nathaniel—all three of them looked scared. Krista for one looks so damn tiny standing in between the two boys, hugging that large tome to her chest, and Evelyn felt her heart go out to her. Didn't she swear it to herself when Ethan had first brought Krista home to his father, and she had later become a daughter of House Nightray? Evelyn had sworn to protect Krista. She will not fail that promise.
Finally, she made up her mind.
"Issac, take them to the castle." Evelyn ordered, and Issac stared. "I'll stay behind. Protect them. Take care of them."
"Eve…" Issac said slowly, horror dawning in his eyes as he realised what Evelyn is about to do. And then again, if he had been Evelyn, he would have done the same thing. Protect the children, is something that every Downworlder learned once they're adults.
"Go." Evelyn murmured, staring in the distance where she could hear the hunters approaching.
Issac closed his eyes briefly. "Come on!" he called out to the children who immediately followed Issac as he led the way towards the castle where the vampire lords are. "Try to keep up! As fast as you can!"
Given how young the fledglings are, they haven't yet learned how to use their Downworlder strength, and thus, if Evelyn don't keep the hunters occupied, chances are they would catch up to them before long.
A Hunt…
And Issac would bet that this is an unsanctioned hunt by the British wizards. Amos Diggory would never order one—especially one on the Downworlder children!
"But Eve—" Krista protested even as Alec tugged her by the wrist and pulled her along.
"Krista, don't look back." Issac told her almost gently, not looking at her. Is there something sparkling around his eyes? "Run. As fast as you can. Straight to the castle!"
There was an explosion behind them, and Krista turned over her shoulder. "Eve!"
Helen Youngblood was the next one to grab Krista by the shoulder and turn her forcibly around. The faerie had an apologetic look on her face. "She made her choice, Krista," she told the younger dhampir. "She chose to protect us. Let's respect that."
Krista took one look back over her shoulder before she forced herself to look forwards.
Eve…
I'm sorry…
Evelyn Rosario coughed out blood even as she leaned against the bark of a tree, the crimson liquid spilling from the edges of her lips, with blood also visible on the fabric of her clothes. Crimson eyes glared at the wizards—the hunters that have headed this unsanctioned hunt.
"…Who sent you?" Eve demanded, already feeling her strength fading fast. Hopefully, Issac had managed to get them to the castle by now, as she can't hold up the barrier for much longer. "There's no way that Amos Diggory would order this! Who sent you?"
"We don't answer to bloodsuckers." One wizard snarled, his wand gripped in his hand even as several of the dead bodies of his fellow wizards lay around his feet. Even as good as Evelyn is, she is just barely past the age of adulthood, and wouldn't be able to deal with this many wizards at once. "Die!"
Eve coughed out more blood, knowing that she is about to die—like so many before her who have sacrificed their lives to protect the children. She murmured a string of words in Chthonian—the language of the Downworlders. Upon hearing a string of unfamiliar words, it stopped the British wizards in their tracks—each of them with fearful expressions on their faces.
"…My Lady, I return to you… I am known as Evelyn Rosario on this Earth where You gave Your children Life." Eve murmured the words that each Downworlder was taught to speak once they've felt that their life is slipping away, "My true name is Evian. Evian Rosario. I…return to you." Eve coughed out more blood and glared at the petrified wizards, also chuckling darkly even as she gathered as much of her remaining strength and magic as possible. "I have a pretty good idea who put you up to this, as even we've heard of the chaos that is your Ministry right now. You shouldn't have targeted the children! I'll make you pay for this!" Eve hissed darkly. "…I might die here, but I'm taking you with me. It's only too bad…that I won't get to see the wrath of the High Warlocks after this—Avalon's ruling council."
The leader of the hunters paled and his eyes widened in horror as he sensed a huge gathering of magic and energy from the dying vampire in front of him.
"…Dear Merlin…"
A dark smirk appeared on Evelyn Rosario's face.
"…Die…"
A large explosion enveloped the area.
XXXXXX
Dear Lord Potter,
You don't know who I am, but I do know of you. My name is Ethan Nightray, and I am writing to inform you of a matter of great importance…
A/N: I gather that this chapter is a tad confusing. There will be lots of political battles next chapter, as Rufus started building his power base to wrench power from Fudge. (Honestly, how did that idiot become Minister to begin with?) Also, Rufus won't be the ass that he is in canon, thus, he will be more likeable. Additionally, I'm still wondering if I should still stick to Weasley bashing or just Ron bashing, as I kinda like that family myself.
Anyway, I hope that you like this chapter, and please read and review! Reviews give me inspiration to update!
