Chapter Twenty Two

When they got back to the Manor, Arcturus immediately went to write to master leathersmith Eleonora Aldaine. She was an Italian muggle born witch who came from a long line of leather workers and tanners, and used a mixture of muggle and magical techniques that made her stand out above the crowd like no other. She would come in a week's time, and Theo would be fitted for a custom wand holster for his dominant dueling arm. While they were out, the house elves went to work to decorate the grand ballroom into a wintry wonderland palace for Theo's tenth birthday. Even though it would only be a small gathering, it was a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

There was a long table draped in an icy light blue tablecloth with pearlescent white plate settings. The table had an acromantula silk ivory colored table runner with a flowering centerpiece of pastel blue and white hydrangeas, white roses, babies breath and other stunning flowers, all enchanted to stay fresh in well-placed silver goblets. White candles on the table gave the room a soft glowing ambiance as well. The white marble floors were blanketed in a soft enchanting fog that misted out and matched the theme perfectly to give an entirely magical feeling of its own. There were boughs of holly and spruce branches, fitted with pine cones and the chandelier was changed to be made of icy blue crystals; there were crystalline transparent turquoise lotus blooms floating within the air. Best of all, there was a small mountain of presents on a small round table waiting for him to open.

Even as Theo had always gotten a multitude of gifts, they were always meaningless. They weren't like the gifts he received here, not at all. The presents that Azalea and Cassiopeia and even Augusta gave him were hand-picked with lots of thought and care put into them. Never did he ever get a gift from his new family that he didn't like or appreciate with his whole heart. He wasn't used to being taken care of or pampered, or even getting much attention, but he didn't mind. Theo decided that he quite liked being pampered once in a while. The day passed on with much fanfare from Azalea, Arcturus, Cassiopeia and Augusta and Neville. The house elves helped make this day go above and beyond his wildest expectations, and he was thankful for every single moment he got to spend with his new family.

Soon enough a week flew by, and before the three children knew it, it was time for Theo to have his appointment with the leather worker. They were in the grand parlor where Theo was trying his hardest to wear a pathway into the carpeted floor boards.

"Theo, if you continue your pacing, you'll wear out the soles on your shoes. Aren't those your new Italian dragon hide shoes?" Azalea called out where she and Neville were quietly reading up on the newest edition of Herbology Today.

He let out a deep sigh and strode over where the other two were sitting, before resting in one of the wing back chairs next to them.

"I know, but I can't help it. I know I have no reason to be nervous. Madam Aldaine is coming to measure me for my wand holster. The problem is... I still don't know which arm I want to be my dominant." Theo sighed out.

"Oh! It's that? That's simple enough. Which arm feels natural to you? Which arm do you use without thinking?" Neville asked quietly, looking up from his magazine for the first time.

"That's the issue. I use both almost equally. I use my right hand to write with, but I use my left hand for almost anything else." He replied, reaching for a biscuit on a plate from the nearby coffee table. He settled for a jam filled one. "Okay then. Close your eyes and picture this. I'm outside with you, and I toss a ball to you. Which hand do you grab out with?" Azalea asked.

"Both. I would use both hands." Theo answered, a little perplexed at what the question had to do with anything. The question at hand had little to do with using a wand.

"Okay then... Hmm... Maybe you can get two holsters! Or a universal one, that could go on either arm!" Azalea called out, feeling triumphant at the idea that came to mind.

"That could work. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what Madame Aldaine suggests. I am sure you're not the first ambidextrous wizard to exist."

"Huh?" He asked Neville, a little unsure as he had never heard of the word before. "Oh that's true!" Azalea exclaimed. "I guess it never occurred to either of us that you might be able to use both hands equally. I guess that could come in handy later on. You should look into using it to your advantage in battle." She said bouncing in her seat at the idea of being able to use two hands in a battle instead of one.

"Children! Come over here, it's almost time for Madam Aldaine to arrive for Theo's appointment." Arcturus called over to the three of them from where he was seated with Cassiopeia and Augusta. It was quickly becoming the norm for the three adults to spend time together, as their children were becoming quickly attached to each other.

The three children all quieted down and made their way over to stand near the massive fireplace where the floo was located. Arcturus, Cassiopeia and Augusta joined them and after a moment the floo flashed green, and a tall woman stepped out. She was dressed oddly even for wizarding fashion in Azalea's opinion, but that just made the lady even more fascinating to study.

"Good afternoon, Lord Black, Lady black, Lady Longbottom. I hope I am not too early for our meeting, please forgive me if I am." She spoke out in an almost silky Italian accent.

"No, you are right on time. Welcome to our lovely home, Black Manor. Come, shall we have a cup of tea before we begin?" Cassiopeia greeted the leather smith, in all her pureblood etiquette. She had to lead and set an example for her charge after all, and it would be quite improper not to behave as expected of her.

"Thank you, Lady Black, but might I request that I get to work first?" Eleonora asked politely, not one to beat around the bush when it came to working. She was always a work first, play later kind of person.

"Certainly, come this way." Cassiopeia said and led the group past where the adults were previously sitting to an open space. Eleonora stood in the center of the empty space and placed the traveler's bag on the floor before opening it and waving her wand at it. Out sprang a platform and different measuring tools as well as a self writing quill and floating parchment.

"Now, will Heir Nott please step forward onto the platform and present to me, your dominant wand arm. I will measure your arm length and diameter, as well as the measurements for your wrist and take note of what style would best suit you." She instructed loud and clearly, gesturing to the platform she provided. Theo looked at Neville and Azalea nervously, before taking a deep breath and stepping forward and up onto the wooden stage.

"Good afternoon, Heir Nott. Now, which arm is your dominant wand arm?" Madame Eleonora asked the young boy. He stood, with his head held high and shoulders rolled back and looked at her.

"I am ambidextrous. I use both hands for different tasks. I write with my right hand, but tend to duel faster and react faster with my left when it comes to combat and weaponry. What do you recommend?" He stated.

"Well there are a few different options to go from. There's the standard wrist to forearm holster, which can be fitted to either arm, the waist holder that can be fitted like a belt would be for trousers, and there is the calf holster, but I don't recommend that for a novice wand user at this time. It takes agility and flexibility to use one at it's full advantage, which comes of course with time and training. No, I think what best suits you would be a left wrist wand holster. Now, please present your chosen arm so I can take measurements while I show you some options for materials." She instructed Theo.

Meanwhile, Azalea and Neville were watching with rapt attention, soaking in every little detail that they could gather. Azalea never had thought about where she would holster her own wand when she got it later that year. It seems she had some thinking to do.

"Ahh, there we go. Now, as for materials, there are different dragon hides in various textures, as well as some muggle creatures, such as calf leather, cattle leather, pig leather, or even snake skins. Here is a sample book to choose from." And she handed over a small but thick and heavy flip book of different leathers, in all different textures and shades. Theo took his time to scrutinize every one for its strengths and weaknesses, and decided to settle on a nice sample of silvery black leather that was smooth to the touch, and felt cold and metallic to the touch.

"Oh, good choice, good choice. That would be the leather from a sustainably sourced Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon. I gather only the best quality of leathers and hides, of course, all ethically gathered. It naturally comes with being poison and fire damage resistant as it is a dragon's hide after all. Are there any other charms or properties you would want imbued into the holster as I create it?" The leather smith asked Theo. He looked puzzled for a minute and gazed at Arcturus, and the others.

"I would want a tracking charm, as well as a notice me not charm layered onto it. And perhaps, maybe a return to sender rune set as well, so if my wand were to get lost or stolen, I could simply feed my magic into it to have my wand return to me. Could that be done? I can write out the runes you would need into the proper sequence if you need me to?" He asked questioningly to Madam Eleonora.

"There is not any need, I was an Ancient Runes master back home in my days, and they haven't changed. Would you like the standard set of protection runes as well? I could chain them all together?" She asked the boy, giving him her full attention. Not many ten-year-olds new Ancient Runes well enough to know what they could do let alone how they work or how to write them into a proper sequence.

"Yes please, thank you. I would like that. Will you need a sample of my blood to activate the runes?" He asked thoughtfully. Most of the Ancient Runes homeworks that he did, required knowledge and admittance of his essential life fluid to be active and proper.

"There is not an immediate need, no. Rather, when I deliver it to you in approximately a week's time, we will do that then." She explained. A wizard's blood contained traces of his very life's essence and magical signature. He nodded in contemplation, and gestured as to ask if he could step down.

"Oh, of course. Thank you for cooperating with me. Your compliance is greatly appreciated."

"No, the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for agreeing to come on such short notice, Madam Eleonora."

"It was my pleasure, Heir Nott. As for pricing, shall we discuss that?" Madam Eleonora asked.

"Yes, let's." Theo agreed. He was quite liking this leather smith. She was very agreeable to his personality, and she treated him as a young adult rather than a small child. He was ten years old and next year he would be approaching his first year at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"For a matter of payment. My standard rate is twelve galleons even, plus the rate of time and material's costs. For you, it'll come out to a grand total of seventy-two galleons, four sickles and twenty-two knuts. You can pay in coin or by wizarding check, or in this case, as you are a minor, having your head of house or guardian transfer funds from your vault to my own vault, whichever option you would prefer. I will charge half up front, and the rest will be charged when you receive the agreed upon product. Does that sound like a fair deal?" Eleonora asked the boy.

"Now, does that offer for tea still stand?" She asked, with a half cracked smile. Theo couldn't help but relax now that the event was over, knowing that he would have his wand holster, and he would be able to practice dueling with it on, to get accustomed to the gentle weight of it.

The months flew by and it was officially June. They would be sitting down to take their very first set of practice exams for the very first time. It was nothing that the Ministry of Magic would ever see, but it was a good indication of how much information the three children had absorbed so far, as Arcturus had sat down with Augusta and Cassiopeia and discussed at great length for what the next course of action would be. They would only have one more tutoring year before the three children got their Hogwarts letters and their attention would be diverted and Arcturus had wanted to expand on their schooling before they got to that point. He knew it would be a huge leap forwards in their responsibilities, but he wanted them to be well versed and well-prepared for the upcoming next seven years. Azalea was the heiress to the Black's, the Rosier's, the Peverell's and the Potter's lines, and she would, as a rightful pure blooded heiress, have to prove her worth to the wizarding world as more than just a pretty face. There were already extraordinarily high expectations placed upon her whether she knew so or not, and the right thing, the best thing for her, would be to have her be well-prepared for the future. Theo would already have high expectations placed upon his shoulders as the heir to the Nott fortune, being a well known predominantly dark wizarding family and Neville was the child of two very well known Aurors as well as being the heir to the Longbottom family.

All in all, the children would have a lot of work ahead of them. Of course, they would still have time to be kids, albeit not as much as they would have when they were younger. Most people thought and expected the wizarding education to truly begin at age eleven, but Arcturus has always practiced the art of being well-prepared and well-prepared they would be. Monday throughout to Saturday they would be hard at work, with Sunday as a day to relax and rest their magic, mind, and bodies.

Every day started off the same, with the house elves waking the children up at six a.m. sharp, so they might have an hour to wake up and wash and dress for the day properly. Then they would have breakfast which was served at seven sharp. They would have an allotted hour to eat and be social, as this was the time that Neville would be flooing over along with Augusta for the day. Augusta stayed sometimes but other times she went back to her own Manor to take care of the things that being the matriarch of the Longbottom family entailed.

First period on Mondays was always Spell Creation, which was a new class. It was taught by a new teacher that Arcturus had personally selected, Setsuna Mizukani. She was a japanese-chinese witch with shoulder-length inky black hair that fell in soft waves to frame her face. Next was Dueling Theory, and then lunch. After lunch was the first of their occlumency lessons, led by Arcturus. After that was Defense Against The Dark Arts taught by Ted Tonks, and then Herbology with Mr. MacLeod in the greenhouse. After that was Basics of Warding taught by the mysterious Aquilla Prewett, who they had yet to have a formal introduction to yet. The last class of the day was Legilimency, which was also taught by Arcturus.

Tuesdays were a bit more relaxed, beginning with History of Magic with Arcturus, followed by a new class, Intro to Ritual Magics. That was being taught by someone named Arzur Brennus, another mysterious wizard. Arcturus put out feelers for someone sufficient enough to fill the role needed, and they seemed to be the most fitting option. After lunch, they had a lesson on weaponry with Arcturus, and Practical Magic theory with Lady Andromeda. After that was their lesson on the art of enchanting, taught by Arcturus again, followed by a short Ancient Runes lesson and then another new class, Introduction to Blood Magic. That lessons would be taught to the three children by none other than Narcissa Malfoy, who tentatively agreed to teach the three on the grounds of wanting to meet her newest family member. The last class of the day was always going to be a lesson into the Dark Arts, led by Arcturus as to not go beyond their capabilities and their safety levels. They were instructed to never go beyond what Arcturus would teach in the lesson, and it would be all theoretical for now at the very least.

Wednesdays opened up with a language lesson followed by Alchemy, taught by Lecia Sørenson, a platinum haired witch who had more mysteries than the entire Ministry of Magic department. After that was their lunch period, and then their charms' theory class. The practical lesson would be later on in the week. It was followed by a spell creation Theory lesson, led by Setsuna Mizukani again, and then another enchanting lesson, the second of the week. Enchanting was followed by transfigurations, and then they had their double lesson period on equestrianism, a sort of reward for making it halfway through their week.

Thursdays were another introduction to Ritual magic lesson, and then their practical lesson on dueling. After lunch was occlumency and then herbology and potions. After potions was arithmancy and then their first lesson on elemental magic. Arcturus was looking forward to teaching them about their different elements. The last class of the day was on legilimency.

Fridays were a bit more relaxed, beginning with a history of magic lesson, and then they had their spell creation practical, where they would put their theory into use. After lunch was arithmancy and defense against the dark arts, and then weaponry. After that was charms and then another double equestrianism lesson.

The last day of their school week was Saturday. They started their day with a language lesson, and then they followed that by alchemy and then lunch. Practical magic was next, and then Lady Andromeda would be teaching them about transfiguration and after that was ancient runes. Introduction to Blood Magic was next and then a lesson on curse breaking was followed by another dark arts lesson, the last class of the week. Sundays were for relaxation, homework, and reading if they so liked.

Their weeks were going to be busy, with lots of learning, but Arcturus would make sure they took breaks when needed, and they got plenty of downtime and rest. He worried about them, but he wanted the very best, and he knew this would help them achieve that.

Azalea was sitting, eating breakfast, a week and a half before her tenth birthday with Arcturus and Theo and Cassiopeia. Neville was with his grandmother visiting his parents for the day but he would be over later on, as they usually spent dinner together and studied afterwards. She was just about to reach for a piece of bacon when the owl post came though. She had recently written to the girl she met on the island, Luna, but she wasn't expecting a reply, or at least not this quick. She had just written to her last week. Huh. It was an official summons letter from the ministry.

Azalea Potter-Black-Perevell-Rosier

Black Manor, Scottish Highlands

Scotland, United Kingdom

At your earliest convenience, please meet with me. I will be expecting you.

Sincerely,

Poisonclaw

Potter Estate Goblin

Gringotts Bank

Diagon Alley

She had just scanned the letter when over, when a second missive from Gringotts arrived by another tawny owl. She looked over at Arcturus, feeling just a little perplexed, as she took the letter and fed the owl a bit of bacon off the platter in front of her.

"There you go now girl, go off now." She thanks the bird, and opened the second letter.

Heir Azalea Dorea Potter-Black-Perevell-Rosier

Black Manor, Scottish Highlands

Scotland, United Kingdom

Heir Azalea Potter-Black-Perevell-Rosier,

I have been informed that the full and total audit initiated by one Lord Arcturus Black III on your behalf had completed. As expected, there are some complications that have arisen as a result of said audit. Your presence is requested at your earliest convenience.

Fondly,

Sharpbeak

Goblin King

Gringotts Bank

Diagon Alley

At this point, Azalea had a sinking feeling that her stress-free relaxation day was quickly coming to an end. She felt a headache coming on. It was too early in the day for this.

"Grandpa Arcturus, I think you need to take a look at these. I believe, if I am correct, that we will be heading to Gringotts today." Azalea said as she handed both letters over to Arcturus.

"Hmm? Let me see." He said as he took the letters from her and took a good look at them. Once he read them over, he placed them both on the table next to each other and cast a finite incantatem on each of them one at a time to observe if they changed at all or revealed themselves. Once he was satisfied that they weren't a lure or trick against her or anyone else, he turned back to Azalea and nodded.

"I believe you are quite right, my dear. I would write back to both of them, and inform them of our later arrival. It's seven forty-nine a.m. right now. Say, we should arrive by ten fifteen a.m. at the very latest. Theodore, are you going to come along?" Arcturus asked, turning to the other child seated at the small breakfast table.

"I think I'd rather stay here. I want to catch up on some reading and finish up my homework. I found this fascinating book on the effects of binding runes to flesh using a combination of magic and spell imbued ink that would act as a grounding for it. There's a completely untapped potential there for using runes for so may different purposes!" Theo rambled on excitedly. When it came to new books and knowledge in general, he was always more than a bit enthused. Arcturus couldn't help but smile at that. For all the Slytherin blood in him, Theo might just become a Ravenclaw yet.

"Okay kiddo, just make sure you eat lunch if we haven't returned yet. Also, keep up with your meditation. You're doing a good job and making good progress." He smiled down at his honorary grandnephew and could help but feel proud of the smart young man he was becoming.

He was truly flourishing under Arcturus and Cassiopeia's watchful gaze. Theo looked up from the book he was reading, slightly shocked. He still wasn't quite used to attention, let alone positive attention, especially from a parent or father figure. The closest he had ever gotten was the pitying look from the house elves or the floozy that was his father Thorros's flavor of the month, if not of the week. Theo shook his head to dispel the darker thoughts of what he really thought and felt about the man he was supposed to call a father.

"Okay Grandpa. I'm gonna go do my morning exercises and meditation before I get ready. Is that ok?" Azalea asked, oblivious to Theo's farmer thoughts.

It was nine forty-two when Azalea met up with Arcturus in the grand hall where he was waiting for her at the bottom of the staircase.

"Are you ready my dear? Today we will be aperating to Diagon Alley and from there we will head to the bank. Prepare yourself and hold on tight."

Azalea nodded and grabbed onto his arm tightly, and with a pop, she felt like she was being squeezed through a small tube, and they arrived in the busy market. Arcturus grabbed Azalea's hand and led her through the alleyway; they soon found themselves on the front steps of Gringotts Bank. Together they entered and Azalea confidently walked up to the goblin teller, when it was her turn and told them.

"I have a meeting with Sharpbeak and Posionclaw. They are expecting my arrival." She said firmly.

"Ahh, Heiress Potter-Black-Perevell-Rosier, yes, I've been told to be expecting you this morning. Come, Bloodhook will lead you up to the office you will be meeting in." This was when a nondescript goblin appeared and snapped his fingers, as if to say, follow me. Azalea and Arcturus were lead though a maze way of halls and passages before they stopped in front of an ornate looking door.

"Your presence is expected. They will be with you shortly, so wait in here." The goblin said gruffly. Azalea bowed. "Thank you Bloodhook. It's appreciated."

At this the goblin looked slightly startled, before he schooled his expression again to be blank. It wasn't often that a wizard paid much attention to another species. He nodded and left the two. Azalea looked at Arcturus and felt her stomach clench in an emotion she didn't immediately recognize, but she knew she had a bad feeling, and she didn't like it. Together they opened the door and went in. For better or worse, they'd confront this together.