Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has commented. Chapter five is almost completely finished, just waiting for it to be proof-read and I'm hoping to have it out by the weekend. The holidays hit me hard and I have been absolutely swamped with no time to write. However, the next chapter will include more of the social dynamics to arrive and Harry's political career will start to take off.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of it's affiliates.
Enjoy!
Malfoy Manor was every bit as exquisite as Harry has expected - and it looked so eerily similar to the same room that she had once been held prisoner in so very long ago. She couldn't even allow herself a moment to process the sudden rush of emotions through her as a duo, presumably Lord and Lady Malfoy stood at the floo network to greet their guests. She stepped forward, just in time as she narrowly missed causing a disruption as Tom appeared. Lord Malfoy half-bowed in such a manner that he was greeting her as an equal, something that she didn't bother hiding the gratitude from her face. It would have caused a bit of a scandal but it meant that she was officially accepted with the big dogs as the Blacks and Malfoys were among the highest of society in England. "Welcome to Malfoy Manor, Lady Peverell and Heir Peverell."
"Blessed Yule, may the light of the sun shine upon your family this season." She greeted back, bowing her head, before speaking again, "We thank you for your generous welcome and have brought an offering to the Goddesses." Harry brought out the wrapped gift, presenting it to Lady Malfoy who bowed her head and with a snap of her fingers the item disappeared, presumably to where the rest of the Yule offerings waited. She noticed that both the Lord and Lady had done a quick sweep of Tom before registering the changes that had become more pronounced as time passed. Tom had mentioned that he had spent previous Yule holidays with them though he hadn't been invited to attend the party, until he had been blood-adopted as a Peverell.
Hearing the floo activate behind them, Harry bowed once before placing a hand in the middle of Tom's back and lead him into the large dance hall. Already there was different congregated groups: a large gathering of ladies, another smaller one with women on the outskirts of the group, a unorganized collection of Lords who all had separate conversations going on and a fourth group of the teenagers all of Hogwarts age, who gathered together. Tom needed no instruction, sending a deep nod in her direction before going to intermingle for the first time with his classmates since his renewal.
Harry surveyed the room, noting the large altar table in the middle of the room. A Yule log was placed directly in the middle of it with a winter-themed altar cloth covering the table from view. Surrounding the log was various gifts and offerings from the guests and three separate candlestick holders made of the finest silver were placed with one on each end and the third next to the Yule log. There was a large table close to where the young adults stood that held a variety of refreshments. All in all, the room certainly boasted of wealth and elegance.
As someone came to a stop by her, Harry turned her head slightly before nodding in greeting. "Blessed Yule, Lord Nott."
The man, tall and regal, gazed dark brown eyes in her direction before the slightest hint of a smirk graced his lips. "Blessed Yule, Lady Peverell. I see you just arrived."
"Yes, it is my first time here, so I thought it would be most prudent to take in as much of the room as possible so that I may view it later in my Pensive." The man's eyes momentarily lit up as he turned to face her fully. It seemed she had caught his attention with the mention of the familial pensive, they were hard to come by, and those who had them often charged a fortune for someone to use.
"It is most grand, Lady Peverell, though it pales in comparison with your mere presence." He stated, looking even more pleased when she didn't even bat an eyelash at his flattery. She supposed it was hard, being a young Lord without a wife. From the gossip she had heard, Lady Nott had died in childbirth along with the child she carried and he hadn't taken another bride yet. He was handsome enough however, that he shouldn't have too hard of a time. Though if his marriage had been arranged, he could be looking for someone who matched him better. Sandy brown hair, dark brown eyes, aristocratic facial features that so many of the Purebloods boasted, and scholarly, from what she had heard. "If I may be so bold to ask," He started, pausing for a moment for her to nod to continue, "what made you attend this gathering? I do not recall seeing your presence among any of the others the past several years."
Harry allowed a soft smile to appear on her face as she directed her gaze to her Heir who already had established himself as the leader of the group. "I decided that my Heir deserved to see a proper Yule, one not plagued with muggles." She allowed the brief sneer to appear before quickly disappearing, it wouldn't do for a respectable young woman to show such coarse attitudes yet the man simply nodded in agreement at her sentiment, "As he is a proper young Pureblood now, he should learn the correct way to celebrate Yule, among his peers." She genially motioned towards the group of young Heirs, Scions and Ladies who were all resembling a much younger version of the adults. "The late Lord Peverell wished for me to be well-traveled and unfortunately, his untimely passing did not allow me chance to come back until recently. I am most thankful, however, for the knowledge I now possess." She finished, clasping her hands loosely in front of her.
The wizard hummed in the back of his throat, the two taking their moment to simply gaze about the dance hall in silence. Several minutes passed as music began to start up and couples began to enter the middle section of the hall. Lord Nott turned towards her once again, holding out his gloved hand, "Lady Peverell, would you allow me the honor of the first dance?"
Harry paused for only a moment, any longer would be considered her rejecting him in a rude manner. Instead of verbally answering him, she placed her hand on his and allowed him to lead her to where the others had already began dancing to the music. The slow tempo allowed the couple to jump into the formation without missing a beat, and Lord Nott was quick to begin leading his dance partner in the beginnings of the waltz. Relaxing at the familiar dance, she allowed the man to take charge, escorting her and matching her without making a fool of himself or her - something she was very keen to note. From the corner of her eye, she could see one young man, most likely just past the age of Hogwarts, attempting to dance with a similarly young lady, and failing miserably. Her poor feet would be bruised by the time the first dance ended, if she allowed it to continue.
Time passed like a whisper, with several young Lords replacing Lord Nott as her dance partner, ensuring that she never spent longer than a couple of minutes dancing with the same person. At one point, a softly flushed Abraxas Malfoy was her partner before being quickly replaced by a larger but slightly younger man, who had introduced himself as Heir Rasmus Flint of the Noble family of Flint. Unlike his descendent, he was marginally attractive and lacking the large disfigured teeth the other had. He too was quickly replaced by her Heir who simply gazed at her for a moment before slightly tilting his head and raising an eyebrow in question.
Harry kept the soft chuckle that threatened to erupt in her chest as she smiled bemusedly at him in return. He had thought that she had needed saving, considering how young the young Heirs and Lords were now approaching her. The duo continued dancing, even as the beat slowly began to speed up, and an older Lord soon replaced her darling Heir. The man was well beyond the age of sixty with only the slightest hints of grey beginning to show in his blond hair. His smile however, was wide and friendly, certainly a welcome change compared to the many stiff and reserved expressions on everyone else's face. The young witch had a grand time finishing the dance with him, curtseying in his direction before clapping along with everyone else to the small band that played in the corner.
Lord and Lady Malfoy both stepped forward, with Lady Malfoy having exchanged her dress robes with ceremonial red robes. Lord Malfoy glanced once around the hall before speaking, ensuring everyone was paying attention. "We thank our guests for their wonderful gifts to offer as well as coming together to share in this glorious moment. If you will all gather around the altar, we will begin."
Taking his word, as a collective group, everyone surrounded the altar, with three witches standing out. A young woman, bearing the Malfoy features and being no older than thirteen, was dressed in a pure white robe and stood to the east, her obvious part being the Maiden, holding one of the three candlesticks. Lady Malfoy had moved to stand in the south, bearing the second candlestick and easily being recognized as the Mother. An older witch, most likely Lady Malfoy's mother or mother-in-law, was dressed in a black robe and veil, symbolizing the Crone, as she took her place to the west. Harry watched in fascination as a fourth woman, possibly one of the oldest she had ever witnessed herself, dressed in a shimmering High Priestess robe, stood center.
Silence fell across the room as the older woman raised her hands, her eyes blind with age, with a voice deepening with the use of magic, Harry watched as everyone suddenly stilled in their movements as if transfixed. "It is the season of the Crone, the time of the winter goddess.
Tonight we celebrate the festival of the winter solstice,
the rebirth of the Sun, and the return of light to the Earth.
As the Wheel of the Year turns once more,
we honor the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth."
The Maiden walked forward, holding her candle as she brought it to the High Priestess, who raised a finger and lit the wick with nary a thought. The High Priestess turned as the Mother walked forward, reaching her own candle out and watching as it was lit. The Crone was quick to follow afterward, repeating the same process. The High Priestess spoke again, voice thick with something that tingled the base of Harry's spine. "O Crone, the Wheel has turned once more.
It is time for the Maiden to claim what is now hers.
As you lie down for the winter, she is born once again."
A soft chill rose in the room, sending goosebumps to every inhabitant. The Crone reached upward, removing her veil before turning towards the Mother and placing it on her head. A moment passed as the Crone stepped back before speaking, "The days will now get longer, now the Sun has returned.
My season has ended, yet the season of the Maiden begins.
Listen to the wisdom of those who have come before you,
and yet be wise enough to make your own way."
A sudden rush of heat overcame the chill, warming everyone to the bone. The Maiden then said after the Mother then copied the Crone's movements and took off the veil before placing it on the Maiden's head, "Thank you for the wisdom of your years,
and for seeing the season through to its end.
You have stepped aside that the new season may begin,
and for this we give you honor."
There was a pause as everyone waited for something to happen before the High Priestess began speaking again, "We make these offerings tonight,
to show our love to you, O Goddess.
Please accept our gifts, and know that
we are entering this new season with joy in our hearts."
At those words, a sudden rush of air swept through the entire hall, ruffling the hair of everyone and sending each person suddenly blinking rapidly at the experience. All of the Yule offerings that had once rested on the table had disappeared with the wind. The entire gathering of purebloods bowed their heads, silent prayers towards Mother Magic being given at her obvious pleasure of the offerings. Harry had gathered a small trendle of her magic in a glass bottle before wrapping it up, knowing that it was one of the most intimate offers one could give. Magic was her lifeline and it wasn't a hardship to offer the deity her most sacred part of her beside her soul.
It was several hours later that Tom and Harry were finally able to part from the celebrations. Already, she had had several Lords come speak to her about possible business negotiations and Harry was pleased with the success of the night. Tom had performed splendidly, she had had no doubt of that. She half expected to receive several betrothal contracts in the next several days concerning him and several infatuated witches - who had simply been waiting for him to be deemed acceptable by their parents standards and the Heir of the Royal house was certainly acceptable.
Harry stretched as she draped her dress robes over the back of an armchair in her study, revealing the simple white cloth shirt and dress pants underneath. As she walked towards her desk, a small cup of hot tea popped onto it, causing a loving smile to appear. "Thank you Sipsy," the witch spoke into the air, knowing her Elf would hear it. The next day would be another eventful one as she planned to sit Tom down to discuss their lineage and exactly how their family was royalty. For the next several hours, she sat diligently at her desk, going over the scrolls and family trees and gathering the necessary material she would need to provide proof that they indeed were descended from royalty - and that they had a legitimate claim to the current government. It was only the prodding of Sipsy that she finally went to bed, late in the night but satisfied with her planning and preparations.
The next morning after breakfast brought Harry sitting Tom down in her study, dressed in casual, comfortable robes. She raised a hand, ruffling her hair in thought as she leaned back against her seat, trying to decide where to start. Tom watched her with curious eyes, sipping on the warm tea the House Elves had provided. "I have a book that I'll let you read once we have finished talking so you can read the true events of how everything took place - all the drama and actions and betrayal. But before that, I'll start at the very beginning - of what is recorded at least. Back before the witch trials and everything that came along with it, magicals and muggles lived together peacefully (or at least as much as they could during the times of war). This all changed however, when Queen Igraine passed away giving birth to her son, Arthur who would become king. King Uther blamed magic for it and set about murdering every magic practitioner in his country, effectively beginning the witch trials that the churches would pick up and continue later on. This resulted in many people fleeing to safe havens across the developing Europe. After years of persecution, a young wizard named Myrddin Emrys or as he became known as an adult, Merlin Ambrosius, befriended the young prince Arthur and together after the death of Uther, brought the country to prosperity. If you want to learn more about how it happened, the books I have here go to great lengths to discuss it, you can read it at your leisure later on.
"Let me just start by saying that most people in that day and age are hypocrites." Harry stated with an eye roll, prompting a smirk from Tom. "King Uther had three children, one out of wedlock, who became known as Morgan Le Fay, though he never realized that she was his daughter. King Arthur, Uther's first and only son, married the lady Guinevere, who begat Lohot, their only son. While King Arthur was at war, combining the lands under one rule, which would later become Great Britain, Lady Guinevere raised Lohot alongside Knight Lancelot who had become her lover. What is not commonly known, besides historians and genealogists, is that King Uther and Queen Igraine had a daughter before Arthur and after Morgan Le Fay was born, who was named Gwyar. She was hidden away by the King and Queen as they feared for her life after an assassination attempt when she was a newborn. She was hidden away with some nuns who secretly practiced magic by Queen Igraine, who was magical herself. Through some really awful and disturbing situations which I will not go into detail about, King Arthur bedded his own half-sister, Morgan Le La Fey who ended up with child, who was named Mordred who would become the man to cause the death of King Arthur.
"Princess Gwyar, was later betrothed to King Lot of Orkney, who had a son and daughter, Gawain and Itonje. It is unknown if Itonje's line continued as she disappeared after being sent to her own husband in the Middle East. Gawain, whose wife is unknown, had a single daughter, Gwly who married Sir Owain Peverell, thus beginning our line of ascent. Seeing as Prince Lohot was murdered as a child by Mordred who was executed for his treasonous actions that resulted in the death of King Arthur and Prince Lohot, Princess Gwyar's children and their descendents are the last royal line of the Pendragon's, unfortunately, the goblins hadn't made the first contract to build the first wizarding bank until later on, so none of the Pendragon fortune was saved however it is widely acknowledged that should our household wish, we hold considerable weight to reform the current Ministry of Magic."
Tom leaned back in his seat, lips pursed as he thought over everything he had just learned. "What would happen to the household of those who marry into our family?"
"The House that manages to snag a marriage with either of us, has the potential ability to raise their standing even higher than its current status. As such, it is more imperative that should you find yourself sweet on someone, be extremely careful about your actions. Seeing as your birthday is coming soon, I will let you know of one gift you will receive. I am having it tailor-made to alert you should someone try to poison or slip you a potion without your knowing, so that no one will think of giving you a love potion or something equally horrendous in an effort to trap you in a marriage because you get someone pregnant."
There was significant pause before Tom slightly bowed his head, "I thank you for your forethought, Harry."
Harry sent a smile filled with understanding towards the young man. "I would do whatever it took to keep you safe, never forget that." She paused, setting her tea cup down on the table and turned to look at Tom, having noted the slight flash of disbelief that had momentarily crossed his face. "Unlike some Lords and Ladies, I truly care for your health and wellbeing. You are observant, you have probably already noted that on holidays, certain aspects of your fellow students might have changed or they will seem off when they go to perform magic. Unfortunately for them, their parents have decided that the use of blood magic and rituals to alter them are much more important than their health." Tom's eyebrows creased as he stared at her and she quickly explained, "While the occasional or even certain blood rituals are okay, having too many done to you or even, too many rituals to change who you inherently are, has very negative consequences. Take, for example, the Goyle's and Crabbe's, while intelligence has never been their strong suit, the Lords of the two Houses keep adding rituals to their children to make them hardy and strong - while the ritual's consequences result in the reduction of their magical cores, making them little more than squibs. I suspect that a few more generations will pass before they lose their cores for good, essentially destroying their family lines. Unfortunately, too many Lords believe that the only way to make their Heir acceptable of the family is to alter them."
She shook her head in frustration, "Often times it is to remove an unacceptable trait they carry or to change their physical appearance permanently. The worst and unforgivable part, however is how they go about it. When one commits a ritual, they place a part of themselves up as a sacrifice, sometimes a bit of your magic or blood. However, most Lords simply make their own child give up their bits and because it isn't usually willingly, magic will forcibly take it because it is offered. We were willing for our ritual, and that resulted in us being granted our magic back but intertwined. It is because we respected each other and magic herself for her wondrous gift to us, something so many forget to do besides on the solstices and equinox." A soft sigh escaped, "They don't wish to pay the penalty and instead their children end up suffering for it. It is reprehensible."
The Lady of the House sniffed in outrage before continuing, "The Lord or Lady of an Ancient House often has to complete several blood rituals throughout the years - especially more if there are numerous family lines that have branched out - such is the case with the Blacks, which is commonly why they are referred to as one of the craziest families still around. The Black name has become synonymous with insanity but because of how little purebloods remain in Britain, it has been increasingly difficult for everyone to find someone you aren't related to." A sneer graced her face, "If everyone simply pulled their heads out of their ass, they would find that other countries such as India and China and Japan have pureblood families whose history stretches longer than anyone in England but instead, unless they are English Purebloods, they don't 'count'". Harry made a point to face Tom, placing her hands in her lap, "If you find yourself wanting to travel the world after Hogwarts, I will happily support your endeavors, and if you happen to find someone you are interested in, just know that I shall never judge you for their race or heritage, should they be pureblood, halfblood, muggle-born, muggle or even a being."
"I. . . appreciate your sentiment, Harry." The young man replied hesitantly, looking at her for a moment, seemingly confused by the turn of conversation.
Taking a moment to find the right words to answer his statement, Harry picked up her tea cup to hide a smile that threatened to show. "The world is changing and despite the War going on, the muggles are advancing rapidly - much quicker than the Wizarding World can cope. I hope that our world can keep up as muggles will soon have ways to find us unless we do something soon." The witch lowered her cup to her lap as she looked away, her gaze turning pensive. "We do not need another witch trial but we can't remain as stagnant as we have. You yourself have first hand experience how quickly they are developing as compared to us. They have automobiles and light bulbs, televisions and rapid advances to medicine."
"They are quite assuredly advancing." Tom agreed, taking a sip of his tea, eyes growing dark at the reminders of having to hide in the bomb-shelters during World War Two while the area around the Orphanage was being bombed by the Germans.
Harry leaned forward, placing a hand on his knee, face creased with worry. "You shall never have to go back there, ever. You are home."
Tom glanced away, unsure of the feeling he gained at her words.
Pulling her hand away, the witch withdrew a piece of parchment paper and a quill and with a quick charm, had them floating in the air beside them so he could look it over. "So, what would you like at your party? There will be the formal one and the one for close friends after the formal event."
He blinked in surprise.
The next chapter will also feature some love interests for both Harry and Tom so look forward to that! Let me know what you think!
