CH 07 Winter Holidays Part I
"Lycoris, I've heard that you'll be joining the third years in classes after the break?" Regina asked curiously, her twin nodding next to her. Lady Greengrass along with his own mother were on the School Board of Governors so Lycoris was unsurprised with the Greengrass twins' knowledge.
And judging by the unsurprised looks on the faces of the rest of his minions, they were all aware as well. Pureblood wives of high society did like to gossip after all.
The only one surprised was Newt, the tallest and oldest of the group and only Hufflepuff in the train compartment claimed by Lycoris and his minions. Lycoris hid an amused smirk at how uncomfortable everyone looked, though the Slytherins hid it better. Even Aurelius, who had been the most vocal of his distaste, had behaved after a look from Lycoris.
Lycoris had dragged the gangly Hufflepuff into his compartment after finding out that the other normally sat alone during train rides as the Lestrange heiress was sitting with her own friends from Slytherin.
Leaning back lazily as he got comfortable for the train ride home for winter break, Lycoris smirked in response.
"I will still be staying in the first year dorms but yes, assessments over the break and then beginning the third year curriculum after New Year's."
"Then does that mean you'll be graduating two years early?" Timoteous asked in curiosity.
"Well, there wouldn't be much point in staying on once Lycoris has his OWLs and NEWTs." Cyprian pointed out sensibly.
"Then that means our number will shrink down to five. Regina and Phoebe will most likely be pulled out after finishing their OWL year in order to marry. I know Father has already received several proposals for Regina from several of the Families." Raphael furrowed his brow. Both mentioned girls pursed their lips in displeasure.
Lycoris' eyelashes flickered. It sometimes slipped his mind that witches were expected to marry early in this era. Particularly witches from Families of standing. However, he knew for a fact that Phoebe had dreams of working as a Healer and Regina hoped to become a Charms Mistress.
"I might not be in Hogwarts anymore once I turn sixteen, but I assure you, I will still be fully aware of Slytherin House and its workings. Any upstarts will not be tolerated. For the duration of our seven years anyway." Lycoris declared softly.
The Slytherins shared smirks at that. The only Hufflepuff watched silently in fascination.
"As for graduation, officially I will be receiving the Hogwarts Diploma along with the third years but I will also return to attend the graduation ceremony of my original year."
Aurelius, who had been rather silent and sullen the whole time, seemed to have recovered after Lycoris' short clarification. "Have you decided on your electives, Lycoris?"
"As Hogwarts only provides a pitiable number of electives, there is only so much to choose from. But yes, I have already decided on Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Care of Magical Creatures. I am however dropping History as I'm better off studying on my own."
Grumbles of agreement from everyone could be heard. It was no secret that everyone hated the class and the ghost who taught it, Professor Binns.
"Can't the Board of Governors do something about that though?" Newt finally spoke up, but flushed when he became the center of attention.
"It's not that easy, Scamander. The Board is made up of twelve members and not everyone is of the same mind. Any decision is to be passed by a majority vote and the sacking of Binns has long been in contention. There are some who like the fact that he doesn't require a salary. The cuts in expenses are then used elsewhere such as supplementing muggleborn tuition." Raphael, the most easy-going of the group, answered.
Most in the group scowled at that.
"It's entirely unfair when respectable members of the wizarding world are then expected to pay the entire tuition, essentially covering for the muggleborns' education as well. And some don't even stay afterwards!" Aurelius spat.
"Well, it's always been this way. Without the supplements muggleborns won't be able to afford Hogwarts, what with the crazy exchange rate between muggle money and wizarding money." Lycoris drawled. "And the wizarding world cannot survive without fresh blood. Unfortunately, some do return back to the muggle world. But it's not entirely their fault - economic, social and even political factors make it difficult for them to stay."
"It's becoming more expensive to live in the wizarding world but fortunately Hogwarts can't raise the tuition unless they want a riot from the masses. However, the downside is that the only income for the school, aside from donations, is not enough to sustain all the expenses of paying for teacher salaries, equipment, etc. It's the reason why a lot of classes have been taken out of the curriculum, though Ministry regulations also play a large role." Alistair continued Lycoris' explanation.
Newt listened in rapt attention. He had never considered such issues before. It amazed him that these first years were already so aware of the current state of affairs in the wizarding world, whether it was political, economic, or social. He admitted aloud as such.
"I've never thought much on these things before. Or been informed, for that matter. The Daily Prophet doesn't report on these things."
"You'll find that the Daily Prophet is essentially a tabloid. Good for a laugh but don't expect to find information that is all that reliable. Start subscribing to Magical Policy if you want to be aware of the current state of affairs in the wizarding world. Lycoris swears by it." Phoebe helpfully suggested.
Everyone smirked at the last comment.
Lycoris rolled his eyes, "As should anyone with common sense. The Golden Galleon is also something to include in your extracurricular reading. The Fawleys hold shares in the magazine so Alistair can get you a free subscription if you're interested."
There was a lull as the trolley lady came by with sweets and everyone paid for their preferred treat.
"Anyway, we still have years to go before we can even make any of the changes we want. Let's talk about the holidays. I expect to see you all at the Yule Ball held at Malfoy Manor." Bored with the previous discussion, the Malfoy heir changed the topic to something less serious.
Though you wouldn't know it with the completely serious expression on his face. Now, it was instances like this that caused Lycoris to think that the other would make a better socialite than the politician and Wizengamot member he was expected to be after Hogwarts.
The train ride to London passed quickly as the Slytherins and one Hufflepuff discussed plans for the winter break while snacking on sweets. Soon it was finally time to depart and separate to find their respective families.
Even Lycoris was surprised at how quickly the social atmosphere warmed up as Newt slowly integrated into their little circle. At least on the surface. The uncomfortable feeling slowly faded by the time the train ride came to an end. Faint though it was, the seed had been planted and Lycoris knew that Newt would be accepted completely eventually. It was most likely to do with the fact that Newt had a very tolerant and easygoing personality, willing to rationally consider different perspectives.
Despite the completely different upbringing, painfully visible in his awkwardness, and what this band of privileged pureblood heirs normally refer to as 'plebeian' mannerisms, Newt got along fairly well with the others. Once he got over his shyness he could hold a fairly interesting conversation with almost anyone on at least one topic of interest to his conversation partner. It was a surprising skill that Lycoris discovered during his time with the Hufflepuff, and was mainly why he had been so confident about throwing Newt into a pit of snakes, as the case might be.
In all, Lycoris was rather pleased with himself. Shooting a smile of praise at the taller boy, Lycoris ignored the baffled smile that Newt returned, stepping down from the train with all the smugness of a pampered, purebred cat.
Of course, Lycoris would never describe himself in such a way. That was all Newt who hid the look of fondness with lowered lashes as he followed behind the Slytherin boy.
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December 26, 1910
Somewhere in Northumberland
The Black Keep
Clang.
The sharp, metallic sound resonated in the large spacious area of the dueling chambers located on the third floor of the old castle keep.
Sunlight streamed in through the floor length windows set into the stone walls.
One particular golden ray reflected off of the polished metal of the two sabres locked in an intimate embrace. Their owners locked in a similar exchange of wills before the flap of wings and the unmistakable hoot of an owl broke them apart.
"Zephyra, love, you have a letter for me?" Lycoris returned the heavy curved blade into the scabbard hanging at his waist and lifted an arm for the Silas Owl to perch on.
"Is that another letter from your Hufflepuff pet?" Arcturus called from the other side of the room, having already returned his own sabre to its hook on the walls, a towel rubbing at the light sweat from the previous workout.
It was indeed a letter from the tawny haired Hufflepuff.
"He's not my pet." Lycoris rolled his eyes at his brother.
"Well, I'm not the one who likes to complain about a certain hapless 'crup puppy'." The older Black heir smirked.
Lycoris gave an absentminded wave of his hand as he left the dueling chambers behind, the letter already crinkling open to reveal a familiar messy scrawl.
Lycoris,
Thank you for the kind invitation to your home. Are you quite positive your family is completely fine with having me over? I'm sure I can manage with preparing on my own for the Malfoy Yule Ball. Aurelius was kind enough to offer to send me a portkey after all. Not to mention the set of dress robes you sent me. And speaking of those robes - they are very handsome and all but look just as expensive. Are you sure it's alright to accept them?
In any case, I have successfully convinced Mother and Theseus that yes, not only am I invited to attend a ball thrown by the Malfoys, I am also invited to stay over at a Black residence. It apparently boggles my Gryffindor family how I've managed to get myself tangled up in Slytherins. I'm quite sure Theseus would've refused on principle if he hadn't already been aware of my dismal lack of friends who I can actually spend the holidays with…..
Oh, and the letter of greeting from Lady Black. Thanks again for that. I know it must've been your handiwork, Lycoris.
Are you quite sure I won't be imposing? My family don't truly celebrate the twelve days of Yule the way old pureblood families like yours do so they don't mind me spending the time elsewhere so long as Christmas day is with them. I won't be disrupting any family traditions will I?
Yours,
Newt
Lycoris let out an exasperated huff of breath. Honestly, Newt's garrulous tendencies could be quite annoying. What was the point of the letter when the boy would be arriving tomorrow morning - something that had been decided on weeks ago.
He was still mystified at how he had been swept up in the Hufflepuff's company for this long. If he didn't know for sure his own resistance to such spells he would've been convinced he was under a bewitchment of sorts.
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"Ack!"
Thump.
Lycoris examined the soot covered lump sprawled out on the floor of the receiving hall where the floo was located.
"Are you alive?"
Newt struggled weakly, "Yes, sorry. Just give me a moment for the dizziness to fade." Groaning, the Hufflepuff sat up, "I hate using the floo."
Lycoris smirked, "It does take multiple trips to get the hang of." Harry had been just as awful with the floo as Newt seemed to be. Thankfully, in this life he grew up in a wizarding home with a socialite for a mother so there was a lot of flooing to events and gatherings at other families' manors.
Flicking his wand at the other in a cleaning spell that was practically second nature to him, Lycoris led Newt to his rooms which were right across from his own on the fourth floor.
"So how long exactly are you allowed to stay over?" Lycoris asked the Hufflepuff who was currently gaping at the grandeur and luxuriance of the surroundings. Just the guest suite he was staying in was the size of his living room, dining room and kitchen combined.
"Oh, just until tomorrow? Aurelius' Ball is tonight, isn't it?" Newt worried at his bottom lip in thought as he peered curiously into the shiny, spacious attached bathroom.
"The Malfoy Yule Ball isn't the only one being thrown over the holidays. You missed the Notts' which was on the 25th but there's still the Greengrass' on the 27th, the Selwyns' on the 29th, and then the Ministry's End of the Year Function on the 31st. There would have been more but the Families take turns hosting." Lycoris shrugged delicately at the look of stunned horror on the Hufflepuff's face.
"There's that many? And you have to attend all of them?"
"Since I turned seven, unfortunately."
"I'm already feeling rather queasy about the Malfoy's Yule Ball. I don't think I would survive the holidays if I had to do that much socializing." Newt paled rather comically, freckles standing out more than they normally do.
Lycoris rolled his eyes and muttered, "I knew that would be your response." Shooting a glare at the other, "Just so you know, it's the Blacks' turn to host the Midsummer Gala next year. That one you will be attending." The 'or else' was not voiced but obvious all the same and Newt didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Merlin only knew how much he had already stressed himself out for the Malfoy Yule Ball.
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"G-good afternoon, Lady Black. I hope I'm not imposing " Newt winced at the stutter as he greeted the elegant and aloof witch who sat on one end of the long rosewood table placed out in the great hall.
The intimidatingly beautiful witch turned seaglass green eyes on him and Newt was overcome with a sense of deja vu. Lady Black looked an awful lot like her middle son, Lycoris. Or rather, it was the other way around and Lycoris took after his mother - from eyes the startling shade of green to the delicate celestial nose and deeply red lips.
Lady Black tucked a shiny black curl that fell artfully from the intricate updo behind an ear that was adorned with a chandelier earring of elven-make. Deep red lips curled in a polite smile, "You must be Mr. Newton Scamander. We have heard so much about you from our Lilychild. Do enjoy your stay."
"Mother! Could you please not call me…..that…..in front of guests?!" Before Newt could reply, at his side Lycoris hissed like an affronted cat, ivory skin stained with a deep blush. Absinthe green shot murderous glares his way and Newt was struck by the thought that the notorious green shade of the Killing Curse must be that of Lycoris' eyes when colored by wrath.
Certainly, the boy looked seconds away from shooting the infamous curse at him in order to silence him from ever divulging a certain 'family secret.'
Hiding an amused grin behind a cup of tea, Newt tried to look as innocent as possible. It wouldn't do to set his friend off.
Lilychild. Oh, but it was such a sweet pet name. Completely at odds with the Slytherin boy's true nature.
He was brought back to the conversation at hand when they were joined by two boys, one of them the Slytherin Prefect, Arcturus Black. "It's nothing to be ashamed of, my sweet Lilychild. It's a proof of our love for you, dear brother."
If one were to ignore that rather devious smirk, it was a touching show of brotherly love.
Something Lycoris obviously noticed by the narrowed eye glare directed at the older boy and the sudden piece of fruit tart that magically rammed itself into Arcturus open mouth, nearly choking him.
"What was that, dearest brother? I couldn't quite catch that over the tart in your mouth." Lycoris asked sweetly as this time it was Arcturus' turn to glare balefully. "Now just what did Mother say about talking with food in your mouth?"
Before the lunch table devolved into a literal dueling stage, Lady Black pointedly cleared her throat. "Not at mealtimes, boys. You are being awfully rude to our guest. You are quite lucky your father is caught up with business with Gringotts and is not present for lunch." Raising a raven dark brow meaningfully at the two bickering boys, the beautiful older witch gracefully flicked manicured fingers, wandlessly levitating a plate of miniature pies closer to Newt's seating place, "Do have a try of the elderberry pies, Mr. Scamander."
Newt, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, hurried to say, "Oh, thank you, Lady Black. Elderberry pies are my favorite." Quietly, he marvelled at Lady Black's careless use of wandless magic, so very similar to Lycoris.
Lady Black smiled pleasantly at Newt's surprised delight. She was a successful socialite after all; such small matters as being aware of her guest's preferences was practically second nature.
Feeling eyes on him, Newt looked up and met the mercury silver of the young boy sitting across from him. The boy, who must only be Lycoris' younger brother Regulus, smiled shyly at him, so very different from Arcturus' polite quirk of the lips and Lycoris' indolent smirk.
"I heard from Lycoris that your family breeds hippogriffs. I've read all about them. Are they truly that prideful?"
Newt's eyes lit up at talking about his favorite subject. And Regulus was a very scholarly conversationalist despite his young age.
The rest of lunch passed by in pleasant conversation and appetizing foods. Newt found himself relaxing as he realized that the Blacks were quite welcoming and pleasant, even Lady Black in all her aloof elegance.
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"Lycoris, are you quite sure about these robes? I feel like a peacock….." Newt tugged uncomfortably at the silk cravat that felt like it was trying to strangle him. He looked enviously at the younger boy's robes.
Lycoris adjusted a silver button carved with the Black Family coat of arms, not bothering to deign a response to the Hufflepuff's nervous bemoaning.
Unlike Newt's peacock blue robes that had draped wide sleeves and attached hood, Lycoris robes were a dark forest green and despite the luxurious brocade velvet, accented black lace and exquisitely carved silver buttons, they appeared very much more practical and militaristic in style.
Newt couldn't help keeping his gaze from being drawn to the upright and imposing figure his Slytherin friend cast in his dress robes. He had noticed for a while now that despite being a wealthy pureblood, Lycoris' preferences differ vastly from the extravagant tastes of his peers. Of course, his clothes and belongings were made from fine and expensive materials but little details like the cut of his robes or the design of his wand holster hint at the practical and efficient nature of the younger boy. There was a fascinating quality about the discrepancy between the luxurious materials and the minimalist, practical cut of the dress robes.
Lycoris looked just as ready to participate in an Auror raid as he was ready to attend a high society ball.
"There you are! Lycoris and Scamander, we've been looking all over for you!" A loud, pompous voice dragged Newt from his thoughts and he shifted his gaze from his young companion with not a lack of guilt.
The quiet corner of the Malfoy ballroom that he and Lycoris had found was soon invaded by Lycoris' friends, led by the Malfoy heir himself.
"Honestly, has the Hufflepuff rubbed off on you or what? You're usually at the center of any gathering, Lycoris." Alistair remarked with sly amusement.
Lycoris rolled his eyes and replied with jest, "Hardly. Besides, this is Aurelius' party. I wouldn't want to steal the attention from the host."
Everyone looked at the blonde wizard with a shared amusement that had him flushing an indignant red and Newt looking with curiosity at his company.
Phoebe, noticing Newt's cluelessness, helpfully filled him in, "It was how Lycoris and Aurelius first became friends. Lycoris had attended Aurelius' seventh birthday party and ended up stealing the attention from the birthday boy so Aurelius, being the spoiled heir he is, picked a fight." Covering a grin with a lacy gloved hand, the Selwyn heiress continued, "Of course, Lycoris won that little scuffle and Aurelius ended up becoming the other's biggest fanboy."
Newt's eyes crinkled in a smile. He couldn't help but feel a little envious of them all, having known each other for years and having made countless childhood memories already.
"Don't laugh! No one's allowed to laugh!" Aurelius exclaimed, equal parts indignant and embarrassed. It was quite obvious that the others had not let the Malfoy heir live down his silly childhood moments.
Taking pity on the blushing boy, Regina stepped in, "Alright, you lot. We're at a ball right now. We should at least get in one dance." Turning a sweet smile at Lycoris, "Won't you ask me for a dance, Lycoris?"
Lycoris smirked, "Why, of course, my dear Regina. May I have this dance?"
And as if they were given a signal, the rest in the group broke off into pairs or went off to search for a partner.
At a loss of what to do, Newt watched as Lycoris led Regina to the dance floor, Aurelius pompously accepted Raphael's invite to dance, Cyprian and Alistair paired off and Timoteous asked a slightly older witch nearby.
A delicate cough startled him from his bewilderment.
Phoebe watched him with a slight smirk. "Well, I usually pair with Tim but seeing as this is your first time at a function Lycoris thought it prudent if one of us lead you through the steps." Arching a dark brow pointedly, "Go on, ask me for a dance."
Awkwardly, Newt took the offered dainty hand and led the other to the dance floor. Lycoris and Arcturus had drilled the steps to the waltz into him that afternoon but he was still nervous. He couldn't help feeling thankful that Phoebe was wearing gloves otherwise he would have no choice but to subject the other to sweaty palms.
And just as he feared, Newt managed to step on his partner twice and nearly crashed into another couple nearby.
Wincing, Newt looked apologetically at the auburn haired witch. Phoebe rolled her eyes at the Hufflepuff. "Honestly, Scamander, if you were a little less nervous perhaps there would be less blundering. I'm quite sure Lycoris already taught you how to dance."
"Sorry!" Newt nearly tripped in his attempt to avoid stepping on the other again.
"It looks a bit painful there. Should we lend a hand, Lycoris?"
A bell-like, tinkling laugh had Newt looking up towards the source. He found himself flushing even redder when he met amused verdant that glittered like emeralds.
"Poor Phoebe does look a little worn." Lycoris agreed idly as he twirled Regina skillfully.
The next moment Newt found himself in a firm hold and face to face with a smirking Slytherin. "If I knew you were such a klutz at dancing with a lady I would have thought better of setting you on Phoebe."
Newt found himself being skillfully led through the dance steps that he had struggled so much earlier. Despite the Slytherin's shorter height, he did an effortless job of leading the taller Hufflepuff in the dance, slender hands stirring him in a familiar fashion that brought him back to earlier that day in the Black Keep's ballroom. Newt couldn't help but sigh in relief now that he wasn't expected to lead the dance. Or be in close contact with the female species.
Newt grinned sheepishly at Lycoris and then apologetically at Phoebe who was now dancing with Regina next to them. "I don't think I could ever do well if I'm leading the dance. No amount of practice will do, I have that much self-awareness."
"No excuses from you. I'm unconvinced you can only dance if Lycoris is leading you." Phoebe scolded playfully.
"Yes. By the time we're done with you, even the clumsiest Hufflepuff will be able to dance gracefully." Regina joined in with a wicked glimmer in blue-green eyes.
Newt turned wide eyes at Lycoris in hopes of finding support. Unfortunately, Lycoris only smirked in Cheshire amusement, "You heard the ladies." Catching sight of two blonde heads, Lycoris called, "Oi! Aurelius, Raphael! We have a Hufflepuff in desperate need of dancing practice!"
Newt's feeling of foreboding mounted as not only Aurelius and Raphael moved closer, but Cyprian and Alistair also appeared in the vicinity.
And as Newt spent the next hour being passed among the Slytherins that have him surrounded, he knew he should have hightailed it when he caught that Cheshire smirk on Lycoris' face.
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Newt collapsed on a velvet settee in the resting area. He didn't even react when a finger poked him in the shoulder.
"Oi, Scamander. It was barely an hour. You shouldn't be that exhausted." Cyprian commented, unable to keep the laugh from his voice.
"Poor little 'Puff. Can you blame him? Passed and spun around like a sneakoscope among you lot." Timoteous might have sounded commiserating if not for the hint of wicked amusement.
"Here, Scamander. Have a glass of fairy mead." Raphael offered helpfully, touching the cool glass to the Hufflepuff's flushed cheek.
"Thanks." Newt grumbled. The evening was nearly over and if there was something he was going to take away from the Malfoy Yule Ball, it was sore feet. And the very knowledge that Slytherins were truly as evil as rumored.
"Well, with all the tutoring, what do you say about raising his dance grade from Troll to Acceptable?" Lycoris chimed in lazily.
The most evil one being one Lycoris Black.