Chapter Fourteen
Over all, Azalea would have to say that her sleepover with Neville, her very first sleepover with him, let alone with anyone, went very well. The night before, their joint birthday party had gone off without any snags. It ended around nine P.M. which was well past their bedtime especially since they would officially begin their tutoring lessons, since they both were past the age required to begin learning about certain kinds of magic and practicals. They were tucked into their respective rooms on Azalea's wing, with Neville marveling at his very own room set up to stay in, in her manor. He felt honored that she would go through all of that just for little old him.
It was the beginning of August and the two of them were being put into the school term routine for when they go to Hogwarts in two years time. It would be good for him and her to get used to that particular routine, too. Likewise, it had its benefits.
Their schedules had been created a couple of months back, so nothing was really a surprise for the two children. They would be having class every Monday through Saturday, with Sunday being their rest and relaxation day. Seeing as it was on Monday, she would start her day with Lady Ironwood in pureblood mannerisms and etiquette. This was a class that Neville was not required to take, although he did offer to sit in on her lessons with her.
In fact, Neville shared most of her classes with her. The only times he wasn't over at the Manor, he was either visiting his parents in the wizarding hospital, in the Janus Thicky ward of St. Mungo's, on Mondays and Wednesdays, every week for two hours each. On Thursday from five p.m. to seven p.m. he spent time in the Longbottom Manor greenhouse tending to it, usually by himself but sometimes accompanied by his grandmother, but never his great uncle Algie. Friday mornings were spent from ten in the morning until just after lunch at his home, taking dancing lessons, which was something Azalea would eventually join in on, maybe next year. The last and only other class he had away from her was when he was learning about the different poisonous plants and their proper uses and identifications that grew around the Longbottom estate. In total, they spent a lot of time together, but that was okay with the two of them. They were best friends, after all. Azalea wondered if she could get Theo to join them.
Eventually they settled into a routine. Azalea and Neville spent many of the days of the week together. They learned together and played together, they even ate together. Soon enough, though, Theo did start showing up. Even though he was older than the two of them, school wise, he was only a bit ahead, so of course it was natural for him to help them in their schoolwork.
Cassiopeia turned to Theo one morning, as he flooed over after the second portion of their first language lesson of the week, and asked him to step aside for a minute.
"Theo, I've noticed that you sit in on many of Azalea's classes. Is there a reason for that? Surely your father would rather you be schooled at your private manor. Of course, not that I mind you being here, I was merely curious?" Cassiopeia questioned the boy gently, her concern for the boy bleeding though slightly.
"Father... Does not care what I do as long as I am out of his way. Rather, he would spend time with his many... how do I say this, mistresses?" Theo stated plainly, looking her in the eye honestly, although, he would rather be staring at his shoes. Father always did say be honest, after all.
"Well then, let me formally welcome you to join in on Azalea and Neville's tutor lessons. Here is a written version of Azalea's schedule, although Neville has one slightly different, to attend to his different educational needs. We can always fine tune the lessons for you further, depending on where you are in the subjects. What lessons have you attended?"
"Father had me in Dueling theory and practice, weaponry, ancient runes, arithmancy, practical magic, and Potions level one for beginners, among a few other lessons." Theo stated proudly. It was a lot to remember.
"Well, then yes, you should be able to join in with little issues. Azalea is in level one of every class for now, although I suspect she will be bored with Ancient Runes soon enough, she always has her face buried in a book about them or something or the other on that topic." Cassiopeia informed the young boy.
"I will inform your father that you will be spending your days here, and send him a copy of the itinerary of the lesson plans, once I have yours written up. Here are the times you will have free periods available, is there any lesson you would like to take up in the meantime on your own? Azalea has calligraphy every Monday from three to five p.m. on while Neville is with his grandmother, learning about the history and blood feuds of the Longbottoms and their estates.
"Mondays from nine to noon I have Dark Arts lessons, Dad would notice if I didn't show up for those. And I have Use of Toxins from nine to twelve on Wednesdays, and Antidotes on Thursday from five to seven, and History of the Nott estate on Fridays while Neville has dancing. Would it be ok if I sat those classes at my home, while Azalea and Neville did their separate classes?" Theo asked oh so politely.
"Why yes, of course. Let me just create a timetable for you, and one for your father to let him know exactly where you'll be and when. And don't worry, I won't take no for an answer. I will get my way with this. I am Lady Cassiopeia Black, after all. No smart man will say no to a female Black." She replied to the worried boy.
She wouldn't let that negligent bully of a man interfere with her teaching this boy properly. He deserved a decent education, just as any other magical child would deserve.
"Thank you very much, Lady Black."
"Oh please, call me Lady Cassiopeia, Lady Black is too formal for you, sweet child. Now run along. Herbology will begin again soon enough. I'll let Mr. MacLeod know that you'll be joining in on the lesson rather than just sitting alone today." She said with a smile before sending off a patronus to Alexei.
Her patronus was fitting for her, it was a heron. It meant shrewd intelligence, resourcefulness and determination, all things she was or had. It represented the kind of person who got what they wanted, however necessary means it took.
Soon enough Theo blended in too, and the school year went by, and it was just before Yule. Arcturus had promised Azalea a new book to read, and she was rather perturbed that he had yet to deliver on that promise yet. Although to be fair, it had been all of a day and a half since he said he would take her to the bookstores. Maybe she'd be able to go into that one old junk shop in Knockturn Alley, the one with the old obscure books. She knew it was a long shot but maybe if she asked nicely this time he'd let her go with him instead of just going on his own and bringing her back something after he checked it over for toxins or curses.
She had planned on asking her grandpa when she saw him next, which would be this afternoon at lunch. It was a Sunday, one of the few days that Neville and Theo were not at the manor, and the peace and quiet was rare. It seems it never lasted long enough to be boring. As if reading her thoughts, which he probably could if he really wanted to, the man in question entered the dining room.
"Good afternoon dearest sister of mine; good afternoon little Azalea." He said, pressing a kiss down on the top of her head.
"Good afternoon, Grandpa Arcturus! Oh, oh, oh!"
"Yes Azalea?" He asked with a smile, already knowing what she would be asking about. This child was book driven, after all.
"Can we go get that new book today? Please? Pretty please?" Azalea begged cutely.
"Maybe, we will see. How were your classes for the week, did you finish your homework? What about that charms theory essay? I know it was a doozy of an assignment." Arcturus asked as he settled himself down, snagging some fresh fruit for his plate.
"I finished it already! It was easy!" Azalea said, beaming with pride at the effort she put into her latest essay.
"Oh really?" Arcturus barked out a laugh, very much amused. He bet it was not in fact easy. As it seems, very much like her mother it was, she was a natural talent at many things, charms included. Evans, er... Rosier, it seemed, was a brilliant witch in many aspects, knowledge about academics being one of them. "Well, let me look it over after lunch is finished, and if you did as good as you say you did, I will reward you with a treat. There's a bookstore that I've been meaning to take you to; I know you enjoy reading rare books like I do, and this place is chock-full of them."
It turned out that the essay she did, was well more than what was required or even expected from the girl. The subject was on labeling different charms and what they are capable of outside their desired effects. It was more of a second year or even third year topic in reality, but Andromeda and he had agreed to test the child to see her capabilities on the subject. Like Ancient Runes, it seemed she was above her level. He wondered what else she would advance in. Who only knew.
The essay was about three sheets of parchment, and it was all well written in tiny neat handwriting, not something you would expect from an eight-year-old girl. He was very impressed. They would absolutely be going to Diagon Alley. He was thinking of taking her to Carkitt Market, a shopping area located in an off-chute of the alley way.
"Okay, little one, go get ready. You have absolutely earned your trip to get a new book."
Azalea let out a loud squeal of delight, tackled him into a hug and ran off to go straighten up. She had two sets of clothing, some to lie about in the house and on the grounds, and some more formal clothing to go out into the public eye. She was an heiress to many ancient and noble houses, after all.
Azalea came back down dressed in a black and white Lolita style short dress with a poofy white undercoat. The dress had a black jacket with two rows of silver buttons, one row on each side, with a white bow at the collar. She wore black kitten heeled dress shoes and white stockings to match.
"Ready Grandpa Arcturus! Where are we going? Oh, oh, oh is it Flourish and Blotts? I heard they had a new book on deadly poisons and plants!"
"We can certainly go there if you really want to, but I had somewhere else in mind."
"Oh really? Where?"
"It's a surprise. Now, let's floo over to Diagon Alley, and we will go from there."
From Diagon alley, they walked down the cobbled street until they reached an antique wrought iron gate and fence. Through the gate was an outdoor market style plaza full of shops and stalls, all decorated in vivid technicolor design.
"Where are we?" She said in complete wonder.
"Welcome to Carkitt Market. There's a bookstore here I wanted to take you to. It's full of rare and old books and texts that I think would interest you. But there are many shops you can look at too. Where do you want to go first?"
"Can we look around for a bit first?"
"If that's what you want to do, sure. Lead the way, I'll follow. If you see anything you want, within reason, let me know."
"Okay Grandpa!"
She wandered around for a bit, stopping to look at each stall and what they had to offer. Her favorite stall so far was selling tiny silver and mithril and golden trinkets and jewelry. She saw a set of shiny silvery metal hair combs connected by a matching colored chain. The combs were laden with a shimmery blue and purple teardrop shaped gemstone and were surrounded each by silver shaped matching stones. There were opalescent circular stones accenting the hair combs.
"Grandpa look! Isn't it beautiful? I love it!"
"Sir, if I may. This is a mithril hair comb set with alexandrite and opal stones set in it. It is a very old piece. It is enchanted to translate any language and protects the mind from surface ligitamancy."
"Hmm, interesting. And how much are you going to ask for this piece of jewelry." Arcturus inquired casually while keeping an eye on Azalea, who had moved onto another stall already. Something old like this was valuable. Now to determine if the old man would notice the actual value.
"This old bit? It hasn't sold yet, not once has anyone stopped to take interest in this piece of jewelry yet. For you, and this beautiful little girl who stopped to notice it, I'll give you a discount. Twenty-four galleons. Take it or leave it."
"I know a deal when I see it. Twenty-one galleons and I'll take it off your hands."
"Deal. Shall I shrink it for you?"
"Yes please. And don't let her see it. It will be a surprise."
Once the transaction was done, he strode over to where Azalea was at another booth, and came just in time to see her purchase a small stuffed Cerberus, have it shrunken, and stuff it into her winter cloak pocket. She turned and walked right into his chest, bouncing off and stumbling back.
Arcturus barked out a laugh, and caught the stumbling child.
"Are you ready to go to the store I had in mind? Let's get out of this cold for a bit."
"Can we please, the warming charm is starting to wear off a bit."
"Sure thing. We'll have to renew the charm on that jacket, though. It shouldn't wear off that quickly."
The bookstore they got to was old and dingy looking, even from the brightly painted outside window.
They entered one by one into the dismal looking shop. The entire place was covered in a thick layer of dust, and in some places, grime. It was as if no one had cleaned or entered the store in years, maybe even decades.
"Grandpa, are you sure this is the right place? It looks..." She trailed off skeptically. It did look dirty, in her defense. She never let Privet drive or even her room at the Manor look this disgusting. She would have gotten her hide tanned and locked in her cupboard for it.
"Yes dear I'm sure. I'm good friends with the owner of this shop. He keeps it this way to deter the wrong kind of people. Ahh, there he is." Arcturus replied confidently.
They were approached by a man, who looked to be older than Merlin himself.
"Ahh, Mr. Bindings! It's so good to see you again."
"Ahh, Arcturus. Must you call me that? It's Alexander to you. Formalities are not needed with good friends."
The man had dust grey hair, and papery thin skin.
"I have known this man since he looked to be about your age, little one. There's no need to be shy. Here, look around."
And he pulled out his wand and waved it in a circular motion. All the dirt and grime magically vanished, as if it was all a facade.
Azalea wandered through the many isles, fluttering from shelf to shelf, going to anything that beckoned her. She was in the very back of the store when she was drawn to a book sitting on top of a pile of other books.
It was a well-worn brown leather book with no writing on the cover, completely unassuming. The lettering was foreign at first but as she gazed at it further, the text began to shimmer and shift before her eyes.
'This book belongs to Salazar Slytherin.' was written on the inside of the book's cover in elegant cursive script.
Further, into the book, as the next two pages were blank, read
Parselmagic for Beginners:
How to cast and Incantation
She knew what parselmouth was, it was the language of snakes. She could speak it. It's how she knew what Arawn was saying to her. She had a hunch on what parselmagic could be. She needed to get this book, even if only because it belonged to a founder of Hogwarts.
Without saying anything about what was inside the book, she confidently strode up to where her great uncle and the shopkeeper were talking and reminiscing about the past, and waited for her turn. When they were done with their conversation, they turned to face Azalea.
"What, are you done already? It's only been…" Arcturus stopped to look at his very fancy pocket watch. "It's only been half an hour. I would have at least expected you to be looking for two hours or more even."
"I want this one." And she gently put the book on the counter, as if it would turn to ash in her very hands. It was very fragile after all.
"Are you absolutely sure you don't want another book? This one is in a different language…" the shopkeeper, Mr. Bindings questioned, giving her a strange look.
"I like learning new languages." She said in her defense. No one was supposed to know about her being a parselmouth. Even if they were good friends with Arcturus. She gave her grandpa a silent pleading look as if to beg for him to cover for her.
"I'm sure she'll figure it out more than we think. This girl here is brilliant." Arcturus bragged to divert the attention from the book.
"Now, for the asking price. Seven galleons, even. No less, no more." The shopkeeper drove a hard bargain. Knowing that that was an already lowered price, and that Azalea really wanted this book for some reason, Arcturus didn't push this time.
"Now, that's an offer I cannot refuse." And he removed seven shiny golden coins from a hidden dragon hide pouch tied to his waist and handed them over to his long time friend.
With the book purchased, they quietly and quickly said their goodbyes and exited the shop. Azalea was in a hurry to get home, all she wanted to do was to explore the new text.
"Grandpa, can we please head home soon. I really want to read this. It looks really promising to be a good read." She pleaded with her great uncle.
"Sure, we are basically done anyway. Let us head home."
Once they went back home to the manor, Azalea politely excused herself and headed up to her bedroom. She spread out on top of her over the top plush bed with the new book gingerly cradled against her chest. It was her newest most prized possession.
She gently put the book down, got up and grabbed a blank journal, one of the spare ones she had for her tutoring lessons. She would be needing it to take notes and translate the passages of the book. Azalea also grabbed a self inking quill and a black ink well. She couldn't write things down without it.
The first pages of the book were a basic history and formal introduction to the book and a description of what parselmagic was. She skimmed the pages until she found a passage that was important to her quest for knowledge. She loved to read and loved to read new books. It helps that she never read a book on this subject before, so this was her first time reading anything like this.
Parselmagic is the branch of magic defined by casting in the role and language of the serpents. It's an ancient and mystical form of magic that is long forgotten.
And so on she read, getting engrossed into her book. It truly was exciting for her to read and learn about something new like this. She was deeply engrossed in the text and didn't even hear anyone enter her room until she felt a firm cool hand on her wrist trying to get her attention. It was Arcturus, concern written all over his face.
"Azalea it is time for supper. Have you been reading this book the entire time?" He asked gently. He had never seen her so deeply engrossed in any type of book before and was worried slightly.
"Oh wow! Is it really that late snhe day already?" She asked, shocked.
"Indeed it is. It is nearing six p.m. and you definitely should take a break. What is the book about?"
"Parselmagic! How to read and write magical spells, and it's really fascinating as well."
"You'll have to read it to me someday soon. I'm curious about what is in that book of yours, seeing as I cannot read any of the words for myself."
As usual Arcturus had complete faith in the girl. He knew she would tell on herself if she was reading something that was above her level. He was quite proud of her really. Periodically though he would check in on what the girl was reading to make sure that it was not inappropriate for her to be reading, and to keep tabs on her in general, as any good grandparent should