A/N: And here is the new chapter. Revelations about Emily's Before, life goes on, we touch Black Sky canon properly this time... And Emily has conflicted feelings about Dorea.

Burning Ice
Chapter 3

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Introduction

Plot starts

Action

Ending

Morning

Midday

Evening

Night

Birth

Childhood

Adulthood

Death

Circle of Ouroboros repeating again and again…

It was chilly December day. Emily had been spending the day outside under the watchful eyes of the house elves of their family (even though she never saw them). But eventually the wind became too much and even though Emily usually thrived in cold, now it was almost unbearable. She bundled into her jacket even better and hurried back inside.

The wind was so biting. And it seemed to be carrying the scent of salt. Just like… on the day Emily died.

Her breath hitched.

She didn't want to remember.

She died for Merlin's sake!

Did she have to?

Emily broke into run. She dashed through the bushes already relieved of their leaves and all the way through the door between downstairs sitting room and sun porch, then up the stairs to her room. She just barely registered her surrounding enough to shed her clothes on the floor of the sitting room, get rid of her shoes and give some fresh food to Hedge-Sam before collapsing on her bed. Edward was still at work and Christine had taken the twins to meet some of her friends. It wasn't the first time Emily had been alone with the house elves.

But now Emily was…

Falling…

Emily woke with a gasp. She was lying on her bed. She felt cold and aching all over. Her right side felt numb. The girl frowned and rolled onto her stomach carefully, so she wouldn't aggravate her half-numb right arm. "Ouch…"

Emily drew a shaky breath and tried to recall what had just happened. She had collapsed on her bed, downright fainted and seen… what exactly?

Icy oceanic wind.

Cliffside in November.

Laughter of her friends.

Weight of her good luck charm around her neck.

Emily made a hasty grab at the amulet that should've rested by her sternum but found only air. She drew a shaky breath. Of course, she didn't have it anymore. It belonged to previous life. It had been a gift from a friend of hers. It had been important to her.

Now it was gone though. Along with the pieces of her previous life and identity. No matter how much Emily worked, she'd never be the same person she was back then.

With a sigh Emily closed her eyes once more.

"Emily Hayward, you can't be serious!"

"But I am!"

"No, you aren't!"

Silly bickering.

"Look at those waves!"

"Damn, it's high here…"

"The ocean is all grey."

"I wonder if it'll storm soon. Wind is strong enough for it."

Waves crashing against the cliff side.

"Let's go back."

Wind picking up and catching onto her coat.

"Emily, look out!"

"You are going to get blown away!"

More laughter.

Careless step.

Crumbling ground disappearing.

"EMILY!"

Falling.

Horror on the face of her friends.

Wind in her hair.

Waves rushing beneath her.

Falling.

Spinning colors.

Icy cold.

Fear.

Resignation.

Hard rock ramming onto her side.

Pain.

Death.

Bliss.

But she was still falling.

Rebirth.

Emily drew a shuddering breath, her both hands reaching for the amulet that was not there. The girl finally got up from her bed and went to wash her face at the bathroom across the corridor. The whole experience had been disconcerting and she could only be happy that her parents wouldn't be home for a while and thus couldn't see her like this and ask difficult questions. The house elves also knew to not to enter her room unless she was gone or if it was an emergency. Which meant that they hadn't witnessed this either.

She really needed a moment of peace.

Christmas and New Year's went by again. This time it was bigger celebration with both sides of the family attending. Except Mylene who was ill and Jacques who was attending to her.

Year 1983 began… with Marianne pregnant once again. The baby was due in September. Emily was only happy. It was nice to have more cousins and bigger family.

That year Emily's lessons with her mother continued once more and uncle Henry came by to instruct her occasionally. It became a bit of a study group between the cousins despite them all being of different ages. But the way Henry explained charms theory was never too difficult for Emily and William nor too easy for Reginald and Charlus.

Michel Lalonde's death in July was a complete surprise them all. He had been in good health and thus foul play was being suspected. In any case, Christine needed to go to France to assume her duties the Heiress Lalonde while her mother became the Dame. Emily bit her lip and read to the twins while listening to any information that might apply to her. Like when the funerals would be or what this all would mean to her.

What it eventually meant was for the Potter family to move to France to the Lalonde Mansion to keep company to Aurelia and Louis. Emily was sad to leave her other cousins behind but she needed to look up at good sides too. Like improving her French.

In middle of September came the news of little Sandra Potter being born. She, just like Reginald, had inherited Marianne's blonde hair. All three of that little family had different colored eyes though, Marianne green, Reginald brown and Sandra grey.

A good-sized selection of cousins Emily had now. But maybe not more though…

In France, Emily started attending muggle primary. Christine had decided that a regular school would teach her basics on subjects that would be touched less in magical education and also help Emily's social development.

It wasn't until then that Emily realized how isolated she'd been. She and her cousins all. She'd been busy exploring her new world and adjusting that she'd forgotten how to be with people who are total strangers to her in the beginning and who have no blood ties and common background to hold onto to make the initial connection.

Hoo boy, this would be such a wild ride…

French primary school was… interesting. Partly similar than English one, partly very different. And here, her name was Émilié Lalonde. It was… nice. Sort of a layer of security for her. Or something. And since all her French relatives already called her Émilié with a long "I" rather than Emily, it was easy to adjust.

The Lalonde mansion was bigger than the Potter side manor. It was also grander in decoration but not gaudy. Shades of blue and violet dominated the furniture coverings and curtains with gold details. Very Beauxbatons pride.

Life there was different. The house elves might've been basically invisible there too, making it seem like the mansion functioned on its own but life itself was different. They got up a bit later since due time difference Edward didn't need to leave as early to Ministry. He was considering to asking transfer to Paris' diplomatic department but for now his new superior Crouch had disagreed.

Well, at least with Lalonde influence, the French Ministry had provided Edward an International Portkey to make the travelling easier.

During dinner times the entire family was always present. While it had been like so in England too, while in France it meant two people more in the table and thus more conversation going on.

"Before I forget, I'm leaving tomorrow abroad to negotiate some deals in America." Edward started. "It was very last-minute thing so I apologize for springing it to you like this."

"America?" Aurelia frowned. "Why there?"

"The Halliwell family wants to start importing to British wizarding community. I'm being sent over to explain the situation and markets here and negotiate whether or not they can put their own shop at Diagon Alley or some other shopping district or do they have to use someone else in the middle. The Ministry is still a bit iffy when it comes to Technomancy."

"Technomancy is a big hit in America and Asia currently. I've heard from Jammes that there have been some devices imported to France too and being sold at Rue Magique. I've not gotten the chance to see to them myself yet…" Christine added. "I'd be nice if the Brits would expand their horizons though."

"It's because of Hogwarts – the first big magical school – and Merlin that our community thinks to be better than others, right?" Emily asked then.

"Very true." Edward nodded. "I've already exchanged some letters with Ellis Halliwell and he seems to be likeable guy if a bit arrogant. His son and Heir is attending Ilvermorny currently and taking some classes of muggle sciences as well."

"Ilvermorny is quite strict, isn't it?"

"So much stricter than you can't even believe." Christine chuckled. "Jammes attended it for one year as an exchange student. I hear that the students have to leave their wands at the castle for the summer."

"Is being an exchange student nice?"

"Quite nice. You get to see how things are done at different schools and get to know people with different cultural backgrounds. I was two years at Beauxbatons and while I met your mother there, it also inspired me to apply to International Department at our ministry." Edward smiled. "Why, have you thought about visiting some other schools once you start your magical education formally?"

"I… I'd like to see Beauxbatons and Hogwars both." Emily smiled. She might've been a bit too young to really consider it but she really wanted to see both schools. Edward hummed thoughtfully while Christine just frowned but didn't comment as she helped the twins eat their dinner.

"I don't see why that wouldn't be possible." The man stated. "But it's a bit early to think about things like that, right?"

"A good thought though." Louis agreed.

"Right." The girl nodded, pushing her plate away. "I've eaten my fill. May I go now?"

"Very well." Aurelia nodded to her granddaughter. "Remember to thank the house elves."

"Yes." Emily jumped down from the chair and made her way to a bell hung next to a fireplace. "Thank you for the meal. It was delicious!" She told the bell. Apparently, the bell was charmed to convey sound to the kitchens so wishes and thanks should be spoken to it.

It was nice that both of her families were considerate towards house elves even if they were told to stay out of sight. Emily didn't know any of their names so she couldn't just summon them, but it was nice to have a way to thank them anyways.

Christmas in France was different once more and after New Year's, Aurelia considered Emily adjusted enough to life in France to start teaching her about Lalonde family and lore.

Emily loved those stories. About palaces made out of ice and crystal, sprinkling sunlight in wonderful spectrum of colors to the surrounding lands. About gifting colors to the locals and teaching them the good uses of cold and not to shun winter. About Boreas and his daughter Chione of Greek Mythology (who were actually powerful wizard and his daughter) granting their magic.

"Ice is your friend, Émilié." Aurelia told her. "Never be afraid of it."

"Yes, grand-mère Aurelia."

Year 1984 was a year of big events. It was the year Emily celebrated her seventh birthday. It was the year the twins celebrated their second birthday. It was the year Reginald started attending Hogwarts and was sorted to Gryffindor.

It was also the year when Sirius Black was exonerated.

The news in the middle of November came to the Potter's and Lalonde's as a complete surprise. Edward had been at the Ministry when the decision to grant Sirius a proper trial had been made in Wizengamot. As he was only Potter regent he'd been kept out of any major news and the preceding preparations. Nevertheless, he was glad to find out Sirius was innocent after all and was gladly voting for his freedom and leaving the stands for the frail man as soon as the gavel fell down at the judge's. Only one making it down faster than Edward was Arcturus Black and the younger man didn't know whether be glad this all happened or be offended that no one had asked for his help.

But Sirius was free now. Arcturus was about to take the free man to St. Mungos when Edward clamped a hand on Sirius's forearm.

"Sirius. If you are amendable, there are questions I need to ask. When you think you are ready to answer anything, I'd like us to meet at my house."

"A-Alright." Sirius rasped. And with a suspicious look from Arcturus to Edward's direction, the Black heir was steered away.

Emily didn't get to visit Sirius in the hospital. She didn't even get to meet him a month later when the man and Edward met in Potter manor to discuss things and for Edward to give back the Potter seat for Sirius who as James's adopted brother had greater claim to it than Edward being a third cousin.

The little girl was understandably upset but refrained from throwing a tantrum. She spent more time with Aurelia and Hedge-Sammy though.

The reading of the Will of Lily Potter nee Evans was confusing for many. All Potter cousins received monetary stipends (the Will worded in a way that even the twins and Sandra received one) as well as copies of Potter Historie which delved into personal histories of Potter family members. Charmed to be read only by those of Potter blood. Marianne, Victoria and Edward all signed off the inheritances on behalf of their children. Victoria was frowning at the name of Dorea Rosamund Black inheriting the rest of the Estate. Marianne didn't seem to care either way since receiving money for her children to comfortably pay for their education and possibly save part of it for future apartment or other endeavors of their choice. Edward remained quiet and contemplative and just wanted to wait until he had the chance to ask Sirius himself.

"Edward." Sirius greeted the older man when he stepped out of the floo. The address was still Edward's Den after someone called Amy had changed it as a jest. How nostalgic.

"Sirius." Edward nodded back. "Good to see you back on your feet."

"You said you had questions for me."

"Yes, let's go to the drawing room…" Edward led the way. "Nobby, please sent some tea and snacks to the second-floor drawing room." He spoke to seemingly to the air but didn't stop walking. He did occasionally glance back to see if Sirius was keeping up with him. Long-term dementor exposure could affect for a long time even after the initial treatment was over and patient released.

They arrived to the closed door. The lock and hinges were glowing in soft orange. Edward placed his right palm on the middle of the door and after a short pause, turned the doorknob with his left. The orange glow disappeared and the door opened without any problems.

"You sealed this room?" Sirius asked incredulously.

"Yes. Christine thinks it was because I couldn't bear looking at the family tree anymore but…" Edward stepped aside to let Sirius enter in front of him. On the wall right opposite of the door was the majority of the family tree and Sirius froze when seeing it. "…But it was so no one would stumble upon this. Care to explain Sirius? Why is Rosie listed as Dorea Rosamund Black-Potter here? Why is she your daughter and not James's?"

"Ah…" The animagus shook his head slowly and sank to a nearby chair. "Should've known you'd find out somehow…"

"Sirius. Please explain." The door snapped closed behind Edward and he walked behind the other chair identical to the one Sirius was occupying. He placed his hands on the back of the chair and leant forward, like bracing himself to anything the dog animagus had to impart. "I've been thinking this over and over during the past three years. It was only thanks to this tree that I didn't go to ministry to demand custody over her and possibly in the process blow the cover and anonymity that her name gives her. Considering that people are calling the Girl-Who-Lived thing a myth by now…"

"It was a potions accident." Sirius interrupted when Edward stopped to draw breath. "James couldn't have children on his own so we circumvented it with a potion and an adoption ritual. When… When James and Lily died, I took Dorry to my grandfather. I didn't expect to get arrested for trying to get Pettigrew so…"

"I see…" Edward sighed, rounding the chair and sinking into it. A finished tea set appeared alongside a little tea table between them. "It's a relief to have a confirmation to my thoughts then…"

"Does Christine and Emily know anything?"

"No. Christine has been busy. First with Emily's lessons, then with twins and finally taking up duties as Heiress Lalonde. Emily… She doesn't say anything but I know she's been worried of Rosie…" Edward poured tea for the two of them and then offered the cup on saucer to Sirius who accepted it with a nod. "I think she has some plans on finding Rosie again though given the way she expressed a wish to attend both Beauxbatons and Hogwarts." He added with a quirky smile.

"You can tell them – only them though – about Dorry and stress the secrecy." Sirius conceded. "You are her family, even if she's been raised as Black these past years and will continue to be taught in manner befitting Blacks."

"Raised by older relatives… She must be precocious little girl by now, doesn't she?"

"Quite right. But… it is very adorable too." Sirius grinned over the rim of the cup. "Tell me about your family. How is little Emily? You mentioned twins too."

"Emily is seven now and attending second year in mundane primary school. I was skeptical at Christine's decision at first but muggles teach the basics quite well and any additional education handled by us can be done on the evenings and weekends as well as school breaks." Edward explained. "She has done well in her studies. Even though it seems she is restricting her accidental magic, there are bouts of it often enough that it doesn't warrant further worry. Emily… has surprisingly mature grasp in her own emotions and is self-sufficient in entertaining herself when the adults are busy. I was afraid we were neglecting her in favor of the twins and our work but she seems to understand. Much better than what I did in her age."

"Samuel Potter was head of the Beast Division, right? And Mrs. Primrose was gossiper."

"Father was at Ministry and Mother in tea parties. Going to Hogwarts was a relief, honestly." The older man sighed but changed the topic back to his children. "The twins, Andrew and Albert were born in August '82. They are both very darling boys. Andy is a bit more adventurous and Albert calmer. Both taking after Christine in looks. They have had accidental magic incidents as well. More frequent but less disastrous than Emily's…"

"Congratulations then."

"Thank you. What else then… Marianne had a daughter a year ago. Christine is Heiress Lalonde now, that's why we moved to Lalonde mansion last summer. I might get my transfer to Paris go through soon. That's it really." Edward shrugged. "What about you, Sirius? What are your plans?"

"Get accustomed to life as a free man. Get to know Dorry and get involved in her life. Start taking my duties seriously…"

"You are the Potter regent now too."

"Don't remind me…"

"Well, as a Black heir, you were taught politicking since a child. I had to learn on the go. No one bothered to teach me things like that since we'd been just working for the ministry. At least the main family estates went into lockdown so I didn't need to worry about those." One other thing that had told the true Potter Heir was still alive. "Good luck, Sirius."

"Thanks. Got anything stronger here?"

When Emily found out that Rosie – Dorea – had been with the Blacks the whole time, she almost bit her own tongue when suppressing a surprised yelp.

"Is Rosie okay?" Emily asked immediately.

"I believe to. I haven't met her myself but according to Sirius she is fine little lady." Her father answered. "Raised by Cassiopeia and others." He added to Christine to whom the names actually meant something. Then Emily was shooed out of the room so Edward could explain the backgrounds more to his wife. Of course, she eavesdropped though and found out about the potion accident and adoption.

"So, she isn't Potter but Black first…" Emily frowned. Rosie – Dorea, sorry – was Black heir first and Potter heir second. But what did it mean to them though? Sirius and Remus were managing the Potter Estate now. Dorea was being raised by Blacks whom she'd surely consider part of her family first and Potter's second…

Things weren't at all like Emily had expected. Hell, she'd prepared to be at Hogwarts a sort of shield against Rosie's fame and make sure she wouldn't fall into rash decisions and possible machinations and manipulations of an old goat. But what now… What should she do now? Dorea was bound to be independent young woman with clear goals in mind anyways… And if she'd run to the obstacles the original books threw in Harry's way, she'd surely know her way through them… Or then had allies that did… She was Black first and Potter second. But what would it mean to Emily herself?

"I shouldn't have had any expectations…" She though sadly and retreated to her own room. She had a painting to finish. It was about Hedge-Sammy but the background was taken from the mansion gardens. It was quite good thus far even though she said so herself.

The first time Emily met Dorea… Well, it was more like caught a glimpse of her before they both were pulled into their own conversations and activities, was in a Sirius arranged tea party in the man's own house in Hampstead in June. The house was full of Blacks of various relation degrees as well as Edward and Emily. Marianne had also received an invitation but declined due Sandra falling ill and Reginald had wanted to assist his mother so he'd not been present either.

Dorea was… very cute. A bit stiff when moving around but her pose was perfect and manners impeccable. Emily remembered those curls of hers and green-green eyes. The pale skin that she'd worried about looked natural in the midst of other Blacks.

"Emily?" Edward asked her gently. "Are you okay?"

"She is almost five…" She whispered.

"True."

"She won't remember me."

"That's true too."

"Does… Does she need to remember me?"

"Emily… Melia…" Edward crouched down next to her while Emily was wiping tears away from her eyes.

"I… I shouldn't expect anything but… Do I have to get to know her? Does she need to know about me?" She whispered. "She's got whole another family."

There were Draco Malfoy and Nymphadora Tonks. Neville Longbottom was present too. Dorea looked so happy with them. And there surely were other cousins too for her that weren't present.

"We are her family too. Even if a bit more distant." Edward comforted her. "It's true that she doesn't remember the little moments when she was just a baby and you were three and four but… it doesn't mean that you can't make new moments. You both are grown. You aren't the same than what you were back then either."

"…Can we go home?"

"If you insist."

Emily was a coward. She knew way too well how to escape. But she definitely wasn't ready to meet Dorea yet. And it hurt.

In August, the twins celebrated their third birthday. And what a joyous occasion it was. Both of them displayed accidental magic by summoning a parcel addressed to each of them. Adults clapped and cooed at the boys. Both of whom cringed away from the grown-ups. Eventually Emily intervened since Christine was attending to house elves and Edward coming back late from work. Working via Paris for English Ministry meant that while he could leave later, it also meant his day ended later as well.

"Hey, leave them alone. Can't you see they are uncomfortable?" The girl asked, nodding her head towards the boys. Andrew was sitting on a high-backed chair of the grand dinner table of dining room while Albert was standing behind the chair, warily peeking at the guests. Andrew was frowning and not-quite glaring at the grown-ups. Neither of them was enjoying the attention.

"But they are the birthday boys!" Mylene protested. Emily just mustered her best deadpanning stare at her.

"You are just jealous that you couldn't do magic like that when you were a tiny brat." Charlus Jr scoffed. Emily could already see him becoming a version of Percy Weasley but possibly worse.

"Jealous? Are you sure?" The girl asked and the boy was hovering above ground. Junior was yelling. "What? Are you afraid of heights?"

"Emily stop it!" Aunt Victoria grabbed Emily's arm tightly. It was painful but no one intervened. This wasn't a modern society where it was up to parents to discipline their children. This was like a medieval village where the entire community took care of it. Or entire family in this case. Emily narrowed her eyes and made the woman let go of her with a shriek. She never did like aunt Victoria. She was so strict and patronizing (matronizing?). How an earth had she managed to land a wonderful husband like Henry? They were complete opposites. Athlete and scholar. Jock and nerd. And obviously their sons took after them. Charlus Jr (ridiculous name since he wasn't Potter like his namesake) after Victoria and William after Henry.

"You alright, Victoria?" Henry asked warily, not sure should he be more careful with his wife or niece.

"Fine." Victoria shook her hand which was now showing signs of frostbite induced burn. "But obviously our dear niece hasn't learnt any manners in that muggle school."

Yeah, Victoria was every inch of the snobby pureblood. And considering how tolerant Henry was towards muggles and magical creatures… it was yet another tack into the mystery.

The floo whooshed and Edward entered the dining room a moment later.

"What is going on here?" He asked after taking in the situation.

"Edward, control your child." Victoria glared her younger brother. Edward glanced between Junior who was four feet in the air and Emily who was staring back at him impassively. Aurelia explained the situation with quick French to the man.

"I think Emily is right. You were making the boys uncomfortable. And Charlus Junior's insults didn't help the matter. Moreover… I'd be thankful if you'd refrain from ordering my family around at our own house."

"You-!" Victoria began but Edward turned to address his daughter.

"Emily, please let your cousin down."

"Fine." The girl huffed and let her hold on Charlus Jr cease. The boy slammed onto the floor. "The pompous prick will go to Hogwarts this autumn anyways. Maybe he will learn some manners there." Emily sneered and stormed out of the dining room and all the way to her own bedroom. There she was met by the two pairs of identical eyes but in light blue and grey. She jumped.

"Merlin, you started me!"

"Melia okay?" Albert asked from his place on Emily bed. How had he managed to climb up anyways? Right, magic…

"I'm fine, Bertie." She sighed.

"They were being mean." Andrew frowned by his twin's side.

"I know." Emily sighed, joining her brothers.

"Melia being cool." Albert smiled then and pushing a picture book on her hands. Emily smiled at the story in front of her. Mary Poppins. She had started reading aloud to the twins a while back and it was always nice for them to ask her to read.

"Do you want me to read?"

The twins nodded in unison. Emily opened the book and began reading aloud. It was moments like this she cherished. The rest could go to hell for all she cared. And frankly, she didn't. Care that is.

Next September Charlus Colt Junior was sorted into Hufflepuff. He immediately found an enemy with second years Nymphadora Tonks and Charlie Weasley. And refused any help from Reginald on the grounds of him being illegitimate. Went even as far as announcing it in the middle of the Great Hall. Neither Emily nor William had any hopes for the boy to learn to watch himself and his attitude.

A/N: Voila, I hope you liked.

Btw, when it's mainly Lalonde family members present, all characters will speak French unless stated otherwise. Mainly though, people speak in English.

Fun fact: in Burning the Bridges, Halliwells were called Starks.

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Until next week! o/