Hella dialogue in this one.
They had only been a month at Hogwarts and Astraea was done. She thought that her Slytherins would be the hardest ones to put in their place but it seems that two boys by the name of Sirius Black and James Potter took that cup. She and her siblings were making great progress, each of them showing great talent as Astraea slowly but surely drifted into the background. While it was no secret that she was the Head of their Family and a metamorphmagus, everyone including Dumbledore had concluded that she was of no value nor a threat. The Slytherins however knew the truth. That she may look innocent and sweet but she was powerful. Well, powerful for a schoolgirl is what many of them thought. She was lucky that there was an unwritten rule that no word of the Slytherin Court was to be spoken about to those not of House Slytherin unless it came from the Slytherin King or Queen themself or maybe Dumbledore would have shown an interest in her. James had not spoken to her after the first time she had tried to speak to him since her sorting. She had been met with two wands in her face and an exclamation of how she was a slimy snake and that she no longer had to right to call him by his name. She grimaced at the disgust on his and Sirius's face before she walked off, a grim feeling settled in her chest. Neville, of course, had taken their words personally and resolved to never speak to James or Sirius again unless they apologised. They refused and now the tension in their dorm was palpable with Remus and Peter caught in the middle. They hadn't pranked her, probably because of Neville but their 'pranks' against the Slytherins were becoming more and more malicious. And as usual, Professor McGonagall did absolutely nothing about it.
Astraea had become rather close with the other two Marauders, the Slytherin studying with the pair every Wednesday and Thursday before dinner. Both of them were smart and sweet people. They had tried to apologise to her for James and Sirius's behaviour but she only shook her head at them, stating that she would accept no apology unless it came from their mouths. They never brought the two of them up again after that. Soon, Narcissa, Regulus and even Severus began to join their study sessions. Severus was still uncomfortable being around any Marauder but even he began to warmen up to their presence.
One night it was just her and Severus studying, the rest of their group having other things to do. Astraea was studying for her Ancient Runes test the next day when the sound of footsteps interrupted their studying. Looking up, she saw Lily Evans cautiously approaching their table. She watched the expression on Severus's face; it was completely a smile but she could tell that he was happy to see the girl. Astraea nodded in greeting at the beautiful muggleborn witch. She could see why James was so infatuated with her; she was very beautiful indeed, maybe even the most beautiful witch she had ever seen. If only Astraea knew that according to many, that was her title. "Do you mind if I sit and study with the two of you?" she cautiously asked, her emerald eyes looking at Severus before they flickered to her, the caution shining brightly in her eyes. Astraea realised that Lily was probably cautious of her because she was a Slytherin. And many of the Slytherins had not been kind to her at all since she had come into their world.
Astraea decided to put her at ease, smiling brightly at the girl and removing her bag from the seat next to Severus. "Of course, Miss Evans. Please sit." She replied to her. Lily looked at her in shock before turning back to Severus who nodded at the chair next to him. Lily sat and pulled all of her things out of her bag slowly, quietly assessing the Slytherin girl seated across from her. The muggleborn witch had been curious of her ever since her first day here. Lily had seen many pureblood witches and wizards bowing to her or trying to have a small bit of her time. This behaviour wasn't limited to her though, her siblings were treated the same way as well. She finally broke and asked a pureblood Gryffindor in her year named Marlene McKinnon why everyone was fussing over the Laurent siblings only to find out that the four of them were practically royalty in the eyes of the Wizarding World High Society. Astraea's family were famous for producing some of the greatest Witches and Wizards of all time. There was even a theory that they were descended from Magic herself. The Laurents were very famous when their family suddenly disappeared.
Lily, of course, asked how everyone knew they were the real deal when their family had disappeared over two centuries ago. Marlene had told her that it was the eyes. Their violet eye colour that Lily thought looked beautiful was the only true way to prove that one was a Laurent as even metamorphmagi were unable to replicate the eye colour. Even the Polyjuice potion wouldn't work. The muggleborn was practising the exercise from their Transfiguration class today but she was still finding it hard to change the simple matchstick in front of her into a jewellery box. The only thing stopping the redhead from cursing everyone and everything out was the fact that she knew that besides the girl in front of her, no one, not even Potter who had always excelled at Transfiguration was able to change their matchstick. At least she wasn't suffering or potentially failing Transfiguration alone.
She quickly glanced at the Slytherin girl who seemed to be deeply entrenched in Ancient Runes, even going so far as to mumble the information she read under her breath. "Do you wish to ask something of me, Miss Evans?" Astraea spoke, lifting her violet eyes from the book in front of her.
Lily blinked from her reverie, her cheeks tinted red from embarrassment. "I-ah-sorry but, um-ah-I was wondering if you could help me with my matchstick from Transfiguration today? It's ok to say no, Lady Laurent. I can see that you are busy..." The redhead trailed off, clearly embarrassed. Astraea was pleased with the little training she had been given on their customs and protocols as the young witch had referred to her as Lady Laurent. It seems that the Slytherins were wrong. Some muggleborns were not willing to learn the ways of their society while others had simply not been taught it but were willing to listen.
"It is quite fine to call me by my given name, Miss Evans at least while we are both students here," she told her. "I do not hold my status over peoples heads unless I say or I must."
Lily nodded at her and told Astraea that she was also free to use her name instead of calling her Miss Evans. "Could you please show what it is that you do when trying to change your matchstick?" Lily grabbed her wand and did the spell, following the correct wand movements and even enunciating the word properly but her match still didn't change.
"I don't know what's wrong?" she mumbled, a little downtrodden after failing yet again. "My wand movements are correct. I'm even overenunciating in some parts of the spell just to make sure that I'm saying it properly but it still isn't working."
"Hmmm. I'll help you but I want to ask you something first. What do you know about Magic and its history?" Lily looked at her weirdly, considerably confused by her question but answered anyway, saying the usual things like Light and Dark. Good and Bad. Merlin and Morgana. And some other things.
Astraea nodded, "Good but unfortunately completely useless knowledge which is not your fault. It is merely because of the education you have received and your lack of pedigree," The Slytherin saw the Gryffindor scowl at her words but she simply lifted her hand to stop her from speaking. "I am not coming for your blood status, Lily. It is merely a fact. You are a first-generation witch whereas my family have been witches and wizards since Magic first graced this earth. It is a given that I would know more about magic than you, is it not?" Astraea stared blankly at the properly scolded muggleborn who reluctantly agreed with her.
"Now, back to what I was saying, while some of what you have said is true, nearly all of it is woefully false," she told Lily and the now extremely interested Severus who had abandoned his work sometime during her scolding. "Firstly, there is no such thing as good or bad magic, magic simply is. The type of magic someone practices does not automatically mean they are evil, this is just the type of magic that that witch or wizard is more compatible with," she told the pair. "You'll find that families like the Blacks and the Malfoys are more suited for Dark magic as that is the magic that their families have been practising for Ages. Even their Ancestral Homes will be soaked in Dark magic after having generations practice that specific branch of Magic."
"But, Dark magic is evil! Everyone knows th-" Astraea glared at Lily, not happy with being interrupted again. "Please, hold your tongue, Miss Evans and wait till I have finished speaking," Lily flinched at the absence of her name being spoken by the witch and meekly nodded her head in agreement.
"As I was saying, the Dark families have all been practising Dark magic for Ages and that is why they are better suited for Dark magic while families like the Potters and the Longbottoms are renowned Light families and so they find it easier to cast Light magic,"
"Now, there is one more branch of Magic, can you guess what it is called?" Lily simply looked confused at her question, looking to her Slytherin friend for help.
Severus nodded and answered for her, "Grey magic."
"Grey magic? I've never heard of that." Lily told the group.
Astraea shook her head at the muggleborn, "You wouldn't have. There has only been one family in the entire history of Magic who has ever been able to practise Grey magic, and that is the Laurents." The Gryffindor gasped in shock. The Laurents must be very powerful and unique to be the only family to ever be practitioners of Grey magic.
"Now, here's the difference between each Magical branch. Dark casters will never be able to cast a Light spell which is the same for Light casters but the other way around," she told the enraptured pair. "This rule however does not apply to those able to wield Grey magic. Grey casters can use both branches with ease. There are of course certain Grey spells that both Light and Dark wizards and witches will be able to cast like the Patronus charm. While the masses will make you think that the Patronus charm is a Light spell because it repels a Dark creature, that is not true. It is a Grey spell and both Light and Dark wizards will be able to cast it because the only requirement for the spell is a happy enough memory to fuel it."
"Which brings me to my next explanation, Magic is neither good nor bad, it simply is. What I mean by that is that magic is all about intent, Lily," Astraea answered. "The magic one practises isn't inherently evil or good, it is all about the intent of the wizard. My Papa used to say that to call a certain branch of magic evil is to call Lady Magic herself evil and I personally never want to call her evil."
Lily still looked confused while Severus looked thoughtful, "Anyways, let's say if one wanted to kill someone, what would be the most obvious spell to use?"
The Gryffindor looked severely uncomfortable when she spoke, "A-Avada K-Kedavra."
"Exactly. The most obvious answer would be to cast the Killing Curse, a Grey spell actually but I could as easily use the Levitation spell, a Light spell and levitate you over the edge of a cliff and let you fall to your death," she told the slightly disturbed witch and wizard at the mental image she painted but they were both beginning to understand what she was saying. "Magic is a living, breathing thing inside all of us and with the right amount of practice, one will be able to bend it to what you want."
"So we've established that Magic is not good or evil, the wizard or witch is and that Magic is all about intent. I want you to try the spell again but instead of just focusing on the wand movements or saying the spell properly, try to envision in your mind what you want your jewellery box to look like. Make your magic transfigure the matchstick into the jewellery box you want." Lily picked up her wand, closed her eyes, took in a deep breath and tried the spell again. She imagined a beautiful silver jewellery box with emerald embellishments on it. Her name was emblazoned on the lid of the box. She was met by silence from the two people seated around her.
"What? What happened? Did I do it wrong again?"
"Why don't you see for yourself," Astraea told her.
Lily gasped as she saw the beautiful jewellery box in front of her. A happy squeal escaped her lips as she rounded the table and hugged the smiling Slytherin, thanking Astraea over and over again. Even Severus gaped in surprise at the beautiful jewellery box Lily had been able to transfigure the matchstick into. He had watched as Lily had become increasingly more frustrated as she tried the spell over and over again in class but not have her match change at all. He was also very frustrated with his lack of results and so he took the matchstick still hidden in his bag and tried to follow the instructions Astraea had given Lily. He slowly watched as his matchstick changed into a jewellery box, a small smile on his face.
Astraea pulled her wand and matchstick out, "With more practice, maybe you'll be able to transfigure your matchstick wordlessly," With that, she changed her matchstick wordlessly before changing it back into the matchstick. "Then maybe even wandlesssly," The pair watched as she put her wand down beside her and transfigured her matchstick wordlessly and wandlessly in awe. Severus knew that the Slytherin was powerful especially after her duel against Malfoy but to be able to perform a Transfiguration spell without the use of the spell nor the wand is something that he imagines not even McGonagall would be able to do because of how insanely risky it is. Someone could be trying to transfigure a matchstick but end up transfiguring their friend instead, that's why a wand was always used. To prevent a spell from going awry but Astraea Laurent had just proven that wandless and wordless magic was possible if one was strong and trained enough.
"Wow... You're amazing," Lily said, watching in awe as Astraea changed her jewellery box back into the matchstick. Astraea smiled in thanks at the muggleborn. "Umm, you know what you were saying about Light, Dark and Grey magic, what about muggleborns? How do we decide what magic we practice?"
"Well, when a wizard or witch is in their teen years, this is the time when our magic is still learning and growing. You'll find that all Hogwarts students magical cores right now would be Grey but still with a leaning towards their dominant magic so people like Malfoy, his core would be a Dark grey colour while someone like Longbottom would have a Light grey core. That's why during our formative years, we are sent to Hogwarts so we can learn magic away from our Ancestral Homes without the magic in our homes warping with our magic and making it unstable."
Lily had a pout on her lips, the girl confused once again. "But I thought you said that no one but your family can practice Grey magic?"
Astraea nodded in agreement, "And that is still true. When I say that the students here would have Grey cores, that does not mean it will stay that way. As soon as they reach their majority, their cores will revert to their dominant magic so while Longbottom might have a Light grey core right now, as soon as he graduates from Hogwarts, his core will turn Light as that is still the more dominant magic in his core because of where he grew up and who his parents are."
"And muggleborns? We don't come from Ancestral Homes saturated in Magic nor are our parents magical."
The Slytherin frowned a little at the question but answered anyway. "With muggleborns, it's different since you don't inherently have dominant magic since your parents are muggles," she told the captivated best friends. Severus especially looked very interested. "This is where your education comes in. Since Hogwarts is mainly a Light magic dominated school, you will most likely end up being a Light witch as that is the type of magic you have been practising for the past 6 years. That is also why you are so good at subjects like Charms and DADA while those like Severus and Rosier would dominate at subjects like Potions as Potions was traditionally known as a 'Dark Art' when Magic was still very new as it involved the killing of animals."
"Schools like Durmstrang strictly teach Dark magic. Beauxbatons strictly teach Light magic while Ilvermony which is a school in America has one of the most well-balanced curriculums amongst the Magical schools, teaching both Light and Dark subjects."
Lily frowned, not very happy that the type of magic she can use has already been decided for her simply because she didn't know better. She felt like this was something that should be taught to muggleborns before they even attend school. "But wouldn't that mean that the students coming from Ilvermony will be Grey witches and wizards?"
"You would think so but no. Except for those of pureblood or magically raised halfbloods, their magic will choose for themselves which will be better suited for them," Astraea explained. "The only ones to ever truly be Grey witches and wizards are those from the Laurent Family. That's why so many think we are descended from Magic herself because our magic is just as balanced as she is."
Astraea quickly cast the tempus spell and gasped before standing and quickly gathering her things. "It's been lovely speaking with you, Lily and Sev but I'm sorry, I must go. I was supposed to meet with my siblings. I'll be eating dinner at Ravenclaw tonight, Sev." Her fellow Slytherin nodded at her words, indicating that he understood and that he and the others would look after Slytherin.
"Wait, sorry but um, do you have any books that I could read about the branches of Magic and how I can maybe make the control of my magic better?" Lily pleaded with the Slytherin when Astraea smirked at the Gryffindor.
"And what will I get in return?"
Lily looked confused while Severus laughed at her question, clearly finding her amusing. "I'm still a Slytherin Lily and Slytherins do not do things for free so what will you give me if I do this for you?"
"Ummm, how about a favour?"
"Deal." The Slytherin said, holding her hand out so they could shake on it. Lily shook her hand and a golden light surrounded them for a moment before disappearing.
"What the hell was that?"
"Magic has deemed our agreement true and unbreakable. I'll see if my sister has a book for you, ok Lily?" Astraea smirked at the muggleborn as she turned away from the pair, walking away from their table. She heard Lily say something along the lines of 'I'm going to regret this later, ain't I?' with Severus agreeing with her. Astraea let out a little giggle and gave them both one final wave before she left through the door.
Astraea was walking towards the Ravenclaw dorms so she could wait for her sister and they could go to dinner together but at the last moment, she decided to go to her room and drop off her books since she didn't have any classes after dinner tonight. Turning around, she was walking towards the dungeons when she heard what sounded like whimpers and crying coming from one of the hallways that led to the Gryffindor Tower. Stopping, she decided to go and see if the person who was crying was ok when she heard a familiar voice growl in the mostly silent corridor. Quickening her steps, she turned around the corner and was met with a very disappointing sight. It was James and Sirius with their wands out and pointed at the three first-year Gryffindors that had become an almost permanent fixture at their table every morning for breakfast. The three first years had even started showing up to breakfast early just so they could be there at the same time that the Slytherins arrive in the Great Hall.
Standing in front of the three crying Gryffindors was the little first year from her House; Louis Casta was his name as she had learned. The little Snake also looked like he was close to crying but was still willing to defend his friends. Standing at his side were two second years from Slytherin as well, she, unfortunately, did not know their names but after seeing the way they had come to Louis's aid, she would make sure to remember them. "You slimy snakes infect everything! Lily and Snivellus and now you and your little friends," Potter snarled at the group before he shot a spell at one of the second years, changing his skin colour to a bright red colour and making boils appear all over his skin.
"I don't know how the three of you can even stand to be around him. Everyone knows that Slytherins are evil and wannabe Death Eaters," Black went to shoot a spell at the other second-year but Astraea was faster, a simple Protego protecting the young girl. The three Slytherins looked in her direction and immediately bowed, the happiness and relief clear on their faces.
Astraea glared in disgust at the two Gryffindors in front of her. "Black, Potter. As if you could sink no lower than you already have," Black shot another spell at her which she easily deflected. For a few minutes, it was only the two of them duelling when a stray spell shot towards her which she luckily ducked out of its way. Her violet eyes met hazel and all she felt was overwhelming sadness. The Potter in front of her was not the one she had met at Quality Quidditch Supplies.
The young Slytherin sighed as she took on the both of them, telling the six students behind her to leave and bring back a Professor. They duelled for what felt like hours but was only a few short minutes. Even with two people against her, Astraea wiped the floor with them, proving that while they had the numbers, she was the more skilled duellist. Soon, she had the two of them bound with their wands in her hand.
"I knew when you were talking to me on the train that you were full of shit! And to think that I was going to try and talk to my little brother but as soon as I saw you be sorted into Slytherin, I knew I couldn't trust a single word you said to me." Black growled, the loathing in his eyes deep. She didn't even know what she did to warrant such treatment from the boys? Except be sorted into Slytherin?
Astraea didn't think she could take any more of this foul treatment. It was honestly getting on her nerves and a small part of her just wanted to let the pair of them go as in her eyes now, they were lost causes. "You know what, Black, Potter, all I have been trying to do since I arrived here was to be your friend. It is not me that is at fault, it is the two of you."
"The two of you are such bullies. I have only been here a month and yet, you are attacked nearly every member of my House maliciously. Some of them I can understand since they are downright assholes but to attack children; three of them from your own House, that's low even for the two of you." Astraea did not hear the hurried footsteps that had arrived in the middle of her rant nor did she hear the gasps from the gathered group behind her, too lost in her tirade. "I have watched you ill-naturedly attack Severus and why Potter? All because Lily will give him the time while she can't even stand to breathe the same air as you?"
The two Gryffindors looked at her in anger, opening their mouths as if to yell at her but she quickly silenced the pair. "Be quiet! I am talking."
"I am sick of your shit; from the both of you," she snarled, the rage clear in her voice as she looked at them like they were the dirt beneath her shoe which after this event, she truthfully thought that.
"You're apparently 'in love' with Lily right, Potter? Well, I'd say she'd sooner kill you than be with you and honestly, I can understand why. I have only been at this school for a month and you have proven yourself to be a pathetic little boy who thinks he's entitled to everything. Lily doesn't love you Potter so get over it. You think you're doing a grand gesture for her but you're only embarrassing her and yourself. You are entitled to Lily's love and affection Potter. Get that through your thick hair. Did you really think bullying her best friend would put you in her good graces?" Potter looked properly chastened after listening to her words.
"And Black, I have never seen a bigger hypocrite in my life. What happened to the boy on the train that claimed to not be a Black? You preach about wanting others to see you as more than your family name yet you don't offer the same courtesy to the Slytherins. Not all of us are Death Eaters, not all of us love and praise Voldemort. I'm sure with your pedigree that you know exactly what those types of people looks like," At this point, Astraea was standing in front of them, looking down at them from the tip of her nose.
Astraea's eyes watered as she looked down at the boy that looked so much like her Father but wasn't him. This little boy wasn't him. "You want to be more than a Black but all I see is a Black." Black flinched after she said this, his skin ghostly pale as her words registered in his mind.
"I shouldn't be surprised with the reputation your mother has for tearing down those who aren't purebloods. Mummy certainly must be proud to know that her son loves to tear down Slytherins because he has the power to do so. You are turning out exactly how she wanted you to."
Turning away from the two of them, she found Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall watching her with Louis and his group next to them. Astraea headed straight towards the group of first years and two second years and immediately started fussing over the group, checking if they were ok or if they needed anything from her. Not even looking away from them, she held out Black and Potter's wands to Professor McGonagall and simply waited to see what punishment they would receive. If Dumbledore so much as tried to let them off easy then she would not stand for it.
She felt the Professors slowly approach her, pulling her away from the story that Louis was telling her. "Astraea, my girl, I hope you know that magic is not allowed in the hallways, I'm sorry but we will have to remove poin-"
"Firstly Professor Dumbledore, I have not given you leave to speak my name and I am not your girl so please do not speak to me so familiarly. Secondly, I don't care about the points, all I want to know is what punishment will they be facing?"
Dumbledore frowned at her, "I have decided that they will have detention for a week and 50 points each will be removed from their House,"
Astraea full-on glared at the Headmaster, disappointed but unsurprised at the turn of events. "You mean to say Headmaster that those two," she pointed at the two boys now stood behind the Headmaster, the both of them looking down at the ground in shame. "bullies were able to attack a group of first years; three of which are from their own House then when two second-year Slytherins decided to help, they then decided to 'teach them a lesson' as well."
"And you have decided that their lives are only worth a week of detentions and a few measly points for a House Cup that has lost all relevance because of certain people." At this point, Astraea did not give a shit and looked straight at Professor McGonagall. The Slytherin Queen watched as Potter and Black pranked her Slytherins maliciously and McGonagall didn't do a single thing. Yes, she scolded them but she never actively punished them. Another thing was, she has and will always be biased towards any House besides Gryffindor. "They should be suspended, no less expelled from school."
Dumbledore sighed, looking thoroughly disappointed with her. "My girl-"
"Once again Dumbledore, I will have you call me either Miss Laurent or Lady Laurent. I may be sixteen but my name and title still deserve respect," she cut the old man off again. She didn't want to hold her title over anyones head but this man still put her on edge even after his death in her sixth year.
"Well, Miss Laurent, we cannot punish them as we do not know the true events of what has conspired here." Dumbledore tried to placate her but his words only made her angrier. It was always the same shit with the Headmaster.
"Have the victims of their bullying not told you what has happened?" She gestured to the group huddled together behind her.
Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, they have told us their version of events but we are unsure of whether their words are true as it is clear they are not of a right mind as of this moment."
Astraea saw red as soon as he said those words, his violet eyes furious as she stared at the spineless, brainless, biased faculty that still ran the school. "They are not in their right minds because they were attacked by Black and Potter. That is why they are not of the right mind."
"Two sixth years-I don't even want to call them students because that would be an insult to the rest of the student body-attacked them, shot spells at them, persecuted them because of their friendship with a Slytherin, made them cry. All evidence is right in front of your eyes and you still won't believe them,"
Dumbledore moved towards her, obviously trying to shut her down but while she was a Slytherin, she was a Laurent. And Laurent's were always loyal and fought in the face of injustice. "I am sorry, I just do not feel comfo-"
The young girl cut the man off again, "Please Headmaster, we all know the real reason why you haven't punished Potter and Black is that they are Gryffindors. You have been biased towards my House since I started here and it is clear to me that you are not fit whatsoever to lead a school,"
Dumbledore dared to look disappointed in her although she could see the rage in his eyes while McGonagall spluttered at his side, saying that she had no right to speak to the Headmaster that way. "Shut it, Whiskers." Astraea glared at McGonagall, the Professor slowly quietened down, staring in shock at the Slytherin student who dared speak against her.
"If you will not believe their words then will you believe their memories? I can remove theirs and my own for further investigation."
The Headmaster shook his head at her words, "We will not be sure if their trauma of the event will have warped their memories. I'm merely thinking of their mental health. They are children after all."
"Then take mine if you're so scared for their mental health," she said sarcastically, knowing that the Headmaster was talking out of his ass. "I assure you that these two little boys have not traumatised me at all. I have faced and seen much deadlier things than two bullies."
Dumbledore appeared thoughtful, "And how do we know that you have not tampered with your memories? You seem very hostile towards Mister Potter and Black."
"I am hostile towards them because they have attacked a group of first years and second years. They are children as you yourself have said," Astraea couldn't believe the audacity of this man. "Also when would I have had the time to tamper with my memories as you have both seen, I was duelling Potter and Black when you arrived and then immediately walked over here to speak to the both of you."
"Unless I can suddenly do all this without my wand." She glowered at the two Professors and teen boys. Astraea actually could if she wanted to but it's not like Dumbledore knew that. "Also if you wish, I'm sure someone from the Ministry can be called to verify the validity of our memories."
The Headmaster simply shook his head at her words. "They are just kids, Miss Laurent, surely you can forg-"
Astraea was frothing at the mouth at this point, her violet eyes shining brightly as if her rage had ignited a fire within her. "Forgive them?! I could forgive them if it was simply a mistake. If they had not intentionally gone after the real kids in this situation, Headmaster. But when I came upon them, they still tried to throw spells at them. These are not actions of those who should be forgiven," She glowered at the hunched pair of boys standing in the back behind the Professors. "These are actions of those who should and deserve to be punished."
"I am a Slytherin, Headmaster and while we may not be known for our loyalty like the Puffs, Snakes will always protect their own and these children," She pointed at the scared and shaken students that had huddled close to her. "They are a part of us even the ones that wear red and gold." The Slytherin Queen had watched as the younger years had slowly opened up to the three Gryffindors. The only ones who still seemed to have a problem with them were the older years but it didn't matter. They were leaving Hogwarts soon anyway. Astraea felt a hand slip into hers, squeezing it. Looking down, she saw a scared Louis looking up at her in awe, the rest of the group looking at her the same way.
"If you will continue to be biased and not punish them Headmaster then you leave me no choice," Astraea stated, a stern look in her eye as she looked at the Headmaster, Professor McGonagall and finally, a grim-looking Potter and Black. "As the Head of House Laurent, I will be contacting Lord Potter and telling him what a disappointment his Heir has been. To be an Heir of your House is to be a representative of your Family name, Heir Potter and in my eyes, you have besmirched your Family name beyond recognition."
"That will not be nec-" Astraea silenced the Headmaster, in no mood to listen to his bullshit.
Potter and Black looked at her in shock, the pair wanting to protest but slowly, they accepted their fate.
"I will also be sending a copy of my memories and the memories of every child behind me to the Board of Governors, maybe then you will see fit to punish your students according to their actions, no matter their House." And with that, Astraea herded the young group of Gryffindors and Slytherins away from the scene, wanting to get them all to the hospital Wing as soon as possible.
Dumbledore seethed behind her, the anger and rage clear on his face. This girl had no right to speak to him this way.
By breakfast time the next day, everyone in Hogwarts knew about what Potter and Black had done. Astraea did not hold back in telling the truth of what had happened, consequently making the rest of the school turn against them. While the Laurent cared for them, it was hard to go against her base instincts which were to protect her own and destroy those who had come after them. That was at least one lesson that her grandmother had taught her that she had always adhered to. When she was in her fourth and fifth year, there had been a lot of pranks against her fellow students in Harry's name. Her best friend and moral compass if she was being honest, stopped her from going after Diggory as he had never put Harry down even though in her eyes doing nothing is just as bad as doing something but she listened. Everyone else however was fair game those two years.
The Slytherins were rightfully angry, well most of them and for once, the other Houses were siding with the Snakes. While she had hoped for this outcome, she didn't have much faith in the rest of the school until now. There were of course some who still wouldn't take her word for it even if she had sworn on her magic, all because she was a Slytherin. Potter and Black had been ostracised by the whole school including their own House, the Gryffindors not being able to look past their actions. Their only friends in the school were Remus and Peter; their fellow Marauders but even they were finding it hard to be around them knowing that their friends had intentionally attacked a group of first years. McGonagall and Dumbledore were also facing harsh treatment especially from Professor Slughorn who would not stand for his Snakes to be treated so and the Gryffindor House who had seemed to lose all respect for the Headmaster and their Head of House.
James was so ashamed of himself. He wasn't sure if Astraea had sent the letter to his father but he knew what was coming. James was preparing to receive the punishment of his life. Which he would accept wholeheartedly. It was just a matter of when.
Astraea sat with her siblings for breakfast at the Ravenclaw table since she had missed her chance to have dinner with them the night before. She was telling them about the events last night and explained the course of action she was taking against Potter, Black, McGonagall and Dumbledore. They agreed that this was the only way to get through to Potter and Black. "I can't believe they attacked some first years! They're only kids." Hermione ranted, her violet eyes glaring over at the pair sitting at the very end of the Gryffindor table.
Neville spoke next, "I hope that after this event they can change their behaviour. Maybe our dorm will be more peaceful after this." The siblings spoke freely, with no fear of being heard because of the silencing ward around the group. Astraea briefly glanced at the hunched forms of the Marauders. She felt a small bout of pity which immediately went away as soon as she remembered what she had happened upon yesterday. Things would have been much worse if she hadn't been there. That's the only thing she could think when she hesitated to send that official letter to Lord Potter last night. They would have kept going if she hadn't steeped in and stopped them. This was necessary. Potter and Black needed to learn that one's actions had consequences which is something that Dumbledore had failed to teach them as their Headmaster.
She watched as the bright red envelope was carried towards the Gryffindor table, towards the Marauders. And now they would be reaping what they sowed. The Hall quietened as a pale Potter and Black stared at the magnificent owl that held the red envelope. Potter hesitantly reached out for the envelope, took a deep breath and then opened it.
There was no screaming as everyone expected instead a sinister voice spoke, one that Astraea recognised as Lady Potters, "James Fleamont Potter. Sirius Orion Black," she said. "We have nothing else to say except that your father and I are very disappointed in the two of you."
"As Heir of House Potter, you need to get your act together James. Your attack against these students and Lady Laurent could have caused irreversible consequences. Your father and I expected House Laurent and any other Houses whom children you and Sirius have attacked to declare a blood feud and they would have every right to," It was only at this point that one could really hear the anger in Lady Potter's voice. Potter and Black looked down at the table in shame. To have a Blood Feud declared against your House was social suicide. The Potter name would lose all credibility it once had and no one would have been able to stop it. "We waited all night, thinking that we would receive letters from Gringotts saying that blood feuds had been issued to our House only to receive none. Imagine our surprise when we wrote to House Casta and House Greengrass, only for Lord Casta and Lord Greengrass to tell us that their children and Lady Laurent had stopped them from declaring a Blood Feud against us."
"It seems that even though you attacked them, they still seem to think that the two of you could be redeemed," At this point, James looked at the girl who was sitting at the Ravenclaw table, talking to her family without a care in the world as if she hadn't saved his House from total ruin. "This, however, does not mean that the two of you are off the hook. We have chosen a suitable punishment for the pair of you with the help of Lady Laurent and the parents of the children you have attacked and will discuss this with you both ourselves."
The Howler ended, no I love you from their mother like the both of them were so used to, only silence. They didn't understand. Astraea wanted to punish them but, she still stopped House Greengrass and Casta from declaring a Blood Feud. The only reason they could think of as to why she would do this is that their punishment was going to be much, much worse.
The doors to the Great Hall slammed open as a group of livid adults entered, amongst them the Lord and Lady Potter. Sirius and James looked at each other, the fear apparent on their faces. Behind them was the Board of Governors which consisted of Lady Augusta Longbottom, Lord Abraxas Malfoy, Lord Talmage Prewett, Lady Selena Selwyn and Lord Cypress Greengrass and the other parents of those attacked by Potter and Black. Then two Aurors in their uniform. Dumbledore immediately stood and approached the group, smiling at them as if to appear jovial.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, what brings you all to Hogwarts this day?" He questioned the angry group.
"We each received a missive from Lady Laurent with the most incriminating evidence against you and your Deputy," Lady Longbottom stared at a properly chastened and red-faced Professor McGonagall. "Two students attack a group of first and second years and the only punishment they receive is a week of detention and 50 points each taken from their House. Are you out of your mind, Dumbledore?"
Lord Greengrass stepped forward at this point, "One of those students was my youngest, Faye. She had cuts on her body and sores all over her face," the man almost yelled at the Headmaster if he didn't remember where he was. "Her skin was also turned red and I have been informed by Madam Pomfrey that it will take at least a month for the colour to disappear."
"Who knows what else those two mongrels could have done if it wasn't for Lady Laurent," He nodded his head in her direction which she returned from her seat. "who thankfully stepped in and protected the young children."
Lord Malfoy looked at her with a certain glint in his eyes. He still creeped her out from when they first met but, she needed to play nice, at least for now.
"My Lords and Ladies, maybe you all would prefer to discuss this in my office instead," He hoped they would say yes. He really did.
"No Dumbledore," One of the men from the back stepped forward. "I want to know why I wasn't even informed of this. My daughter is attacked and you don't even inform me or my wife." The man had his arm around the waist of a small brownhaired lady who looked exactly like Mary, the young muggleborn from Gryffindor. This must be her parents. It appeared like the fair lady had been crying her eyes out. "Is that how you do things here? I have half a mind to pull my daughter from this school and send her to another if I didn't know how much she loved it here."
"We only found out because the student that saved our daughter wrote to all the muggleborn parents here and gave us all something called a portkey just so we could even come here and be with our children as they recover,"
Dumbledore glared at the Slytherin student sitting at the Ravenclaw table. "Miss Laurent, you have no authority to just allow anyone on the Hogwarts grounds."
Astraea didn't even look up from her breakfast to look at the Headmaster as she spoke, "Page 104, section 10 of the Hogwarts Rulebook. Each and every parent, whether magical or muggle, is entitled to entry of the Hogwarts grounds if their child or children are endangered or injured," She took a bite out of her toast and put some more food onto Luna's plate, urging her younger sister to eat some more, noticing that she had only eaten a small handful of fruit. The Hufflepuff pouted at her older sister, only to receive a pointed stare. Luna sighed but eventually ate the scrambled eggs offered to her.
"Should I have sent them portkeys myself? Probably not and I will readily accept any punishment given to me by Professor Slughorn," Her Head of House nodded at her words but she knew that the man wouldn't really do anything to her. "I will however not apologise for doing your job, Headmaster seeing as you have proven yourself to me and the rest of the school to be incompetent." The girl turned away from the enraged man and started speaking to her brother, letting out a loud laugh at whatever joke he had told her.
Lord Malfoy stepped forward next, a paper in his hand. "This is a mandate for the suspension of you and Madam McGonagall. The both of you are being investigated and will be put on probation for now until the investigation is over," Dumbledore stared at the man in disbelief, McGonagall now standing at his side also shocked. "In your absence, Professors Sprout and Flitwick as senior staff will take over leadership as Headmistress and Deputy Headmaster. Professors Goldhorn and Ashe will takeover the headship for their Houses Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff as Madam Goldhorn herself was a Hufflepuff in school and Master Ashe was a Ravenclaw."
McGonagall squawked, "And what of my classes? My fifth and seventh-year classes will suffer because of this."
Lady Selwyn spoke next, a small smirk on her red painted lips. "I think you will find that they will not. We have hired a Young Master Errol, the youngest person in history to obtain a mastery in Transfiguration at only 27 years old to take over for you. He will also be taking over Headship of Gryffindor, after all, he was one of your Lions wasn't he?"
McGonagall's lips tightened in the corners of her mouth, a frown almost permanently etched on her face. Dumbledore didn't look any better except he looked more shocked than anything as if he couldn't believe this was happening to him. Loud laughs cut through the tension in the room as everyone turned to look at the Laurent siblings who seemed to be having the time of their lives, laughing and joking around as if two teachers weren't just suspended because of one of their own actions. The students saw the angry look that Dumbledore was shooting Astraea Laurent's way, none of the students use to the man looking so angry.
Two elves popped inside the Hall, bags in each of their hands. They placed them on the floor and popped away just as quickly as they arrived. "Please collect your things and vacate the school grounds," The two suspended teachers sighed before leaving the Hall with their things, the two Aurors accompanying them off the grounds.
Lord Prewett looked at Professor Sprout and Flitwick, "We will be leaving the school in your capable hands now." Flitwick and Sprout nodded at the Board of Governors as they each left, most of them leaving to do other things while Lord Greengrass and the other parents of those attacked decided to go to the Hospital Wing to visit their children. Lord Greengrass would leave after that while the muggleborn parents had decided to instead stay at Hogwarts until their children had fully recovered, their things already placed in several guest rooms close to the Hospital Wing.
The only ones left behind was Lord and Lady Potter, the both of them speaking to the Headmistress before they gestured for Potter and Black to follow them. The siblings silently watched, the group knowing exactly what was about to happen but doing absolutely nothing to stop it. They weren't necessarily trying to play God, they would let everyone make their own decisions but sometimes, people needed to learn a little life lesson. And Potter and Black were just about to learn theirs.
Potter and Black had been suspended. That was the rumour that everyone had heard but as they watched the two boys and their parents strut towards the school gate with their things in their hands, the students knew that it was the truth and not just a mere rumour. But that wasn't the only punishment they had been dealt. The Lord and Lady Potter had even pushed for the removal of both of them from the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. James had lost his Captaincy, he and Sirius had lost their position on the team for the rest of the year and if they even wanted to play again next year, they would have to try out like everyone else. They had also been put on probation. The two Marauders would be allowed back at Hogwarts after the Yule Holidays but if they so much as stepped a single toe out of line after their return, they would be facing expulsion instead.
Remus and Peter walked closely behind their friends, saddened at the prospect of two of the Marauders gone from Hogwarts while they stayed behind. Sirius looked at Moony and sighed. What about the full moon nights? It would just be Wormtail here to help Moony. He shuddered at the consequences of what his actions, their actions had caused. Sirius had never been more ashamed of himself than now. And he couldn't even blame Laurent because she was right. He was a bully. Sirius hated crying yet he felt his grey eyes water as he remembered her words. She was right. While it was against the Slytherins, she would have been proud of the way he was throwing curses at them. He shuddered at that thought. He never wanted to be someone that his mother would be proud of.
James walked next to his parents, his head lowered. The boy had never felt so abashed especially when he remembered how disappointed his parents had looked in him when they had met with Headmistress Sprout to fully discuss his and Sirius's punishment. He had never wanted to disappoint his parents and yet he had. They had lost all trust in him and he only had himself to blame. At the beginning of this year, he thought that he and Astraea could have been friends or maybe even more but he knew he had royally screwed up their relationship as well. She would never see him as anything but that bully that attacked some kids and then her.
The group were almost at the gate when Lord and Lady Potter heard someone call out to them. The pair stopped and looked back to see Astraea walking towards them. The pair smiled apprehensively, hoping that the fair Lady had not decided to change her mind and actually would be declaring a Blood Feud against their House but they need not worry. Astraea had said she would not be declaring a Blood Feud against their House because of Potter and Black's actions and she intended to honour her word.
With a blank glance in Potter and Black's direction and a bright smile to Remus and Peter, Astraea greeted the older pair with a smile. "Sorry, I was wondering if I could speak to the two of you before you leave? Unless you have some other pressing matter then I understand."
The Lord and Lady only shook their head before stepping a little away from the Marauders to speak. "I just wanted to tell the two of you that my House has no ill will towards yours for the actions of those in your House," she told them.
Fleamont grinned, "That is a relief," the older gentleman told her. "We admit that we thought that maybe the actions of our sons would cause a rift between us."
Astraea simply shook her head at the words, "While the two of you are the Heads of your House, you are not responsible for the actions of those in your House, only the disciplining of those if their actions reflect the House as a whole in an unfavourable light."
Euphemia smiled at the beautiful young lady, thoroughly impressed. "I must say that whoever trained you to takeover the Headship of your family certainly did a great job," Astraea smiled, she'd tell her Papa when she went home for Yule. Astraea grinned at the pair before she walked away, not acknowledging Potter or Black at all. She knew that she had no reason to be disappointed in them as she didn't know them at all in this time but Astraea still couldn't quell the disappointment that settled in her stomach.
"I'll see the two of you later, Pete, Rem," The beautiful girl waved at the two boys as she walked away from the group, appearing at Regulus's side, the boy talking to Severus and Narcissa. Regulus only smiled at her as his arm came around her shoulder, pulling her close to his side. The girl laughed at whatever Severus had said to her as they strutted away and disappeared inside Hogwarts. James and Sirius watched in shock. Sirius hadn't known that his little brother and Laurent had been good friends. Yes, he'd seen them sit together but he thought that was all it was. Snakes sitting with Snakes. James however wondered if he had truly fucked things up enough where he and Astraea would never get the budding friendship that had grown between them back. As he watched her walk away from him, he supposed not; and he only had himself to blame.
The siblings practically vibrated on their seats, the four of them excited to be going home so they could properly start making waves. The first few months at Hogwarts had not turned out as they thought. Potter and Black had gotten suspended which was unexpected. She wondered if this event had happened before or if it was their interference that caused it. Her father had never told her of such an event happening when he was alive so she guessed that this hadn't happened before.
The four of them decided not to sit with any friends they had made, choosing to sit together instead. They talked about anything and everything from their plans with their friends to the plans they were going to execute these holidays. After Yule holidays, things would really pick up with Voldemort. Multiple muggleborns were killed, their families with them. Several laws against creatures would be passed in the coming years but they resolved to not let that happen. While the siblings as a whole had not made any alliances with the other Pureblood Houses; not even the Potters, they knew that their name was enough to get many to side with them. This however would not do for the siblings. They wanted to craft a government that was able to think for themselves. Not be swayed because some big shot was there and they didn't want to get on their bad side.
"Are you sure, Rae?" Hermione asked. "Doing this could damage your image within the Wizengamot and Slytherin? But it could also mean that you garner enemies from the Dark and the Light families..."
Astraea replied, "I know but, we wanted to provide change. We can't do that without making a few enemies along the way besides, I know with the three of you at my side, nothing bad will happen." The siblings smiled at each other, each promising that if there was one thing in this world that they wanted to preserve and keep safe; it was this family.
"We still need to find a way to get information to the Order," Luna told the group. "While I'm sure we would all join the Order if necessary, I'd rather us find a method that doesn't require us to be close to Dumbledore."
Neville answered her, "Let me think on that. I think I have an idea." The girls all looked at their brother curiously but ultimately left him alone. He would tell them when it was necessary. They would instead focus on other things.
The siblings instead spoke about their plans for Yule and whether everything was ready for their celebrations. They briefly spoke about whether or not they should invite their friends but resolved to think on it later. Astraea had declined all invites to attend any Winter Balls. She had always found them boring and tedious and that would never change besides she didn't understand? If the purebloods hated the assimilation of their practices and traditions so much then why do they not still practice our ways in the privacy of their own homes? Instead they hold balls and do nothing but try to lord themselves over each other. The four of them could never understand that.
The first time she had celebrated Yule as Magic had intended for it to be celebrated was the December of 1998. The same year that the last of her family had been killed. She had only just found out about being a Laurent and had decided to visit their Ancestral Home instead of staying at Grimmauld all on her lonesome. Imagine her surprise as her Papa talked her through the correct steps for the Yule ritual, the man surprised at the fact that Astraea did not know anything about Yule and the rituals performed. The portrait had been rightfully saddened at the state of the Magical World if its own people did not remember their own Ways.
That is also something the siblings were working on. The reintroduction of their traditions and practices. Many of the Muggleborns and muggle-raised would need to be educated on their world and learn to adapt, not the Wizarding World adapt to make them more comfortable. They were coming into our world, not the other way around. But it also looked like even some magically-raised families would need to be re-educated aswell.
These were thoughts for another time as the train pulled into King Cross Station. It was family time now. And Astraea had surely missed her Teddy.
I know that some will not be happy with the way I portrayed Sirius and James in this chapter but if you can plan the murder (cause that's what it was that Sirius did when he sent Snape out there on the night of a Full Moon) or publicly humiliate a fellow student by hanging him upside down and threatening to undress him in front of everyone which just screams sexual harassment then you're capable of something as malicious as bullying some kids. Also the story will really be picking up now so good luck and do keep up lol.
This story is unbetaed so if you see any mistakes then please point them out nicely. Constructive criticism is also appreciated.