Chapter 9

Hogwarts, December 15

Less than a week left until the Yule celebrations, and Regulus Black already knew it would be another year in which, instead of celebrating the traditional magic festival, Hogwarts would be celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas. Sometimes he wondered what was causing it. Was it an attempt to please a section of society that was of Muggle ancestry? Or was it the fear that old rituals might help unfold magic into unsuspecting members of the magical community?

He knew there was something wrong since he began practicing magic according to a textbook found in the recesses of his family library. In fact, it wasn't a textbook in the literal sense of this word. More like a diary. Notebook with notes. According to Hyperion's thoughts, the purebloods are actually better than the rest of the wizards, but not because of the blood. Because of keeping tradition. It's just that, following his line of reasoning, there are currently almost no families that would maintain this tradition. One of the guiding principles of ancient society was to assimilate Muggle-borns so that their entire world was confined to the wizarding world. Even if it meant bringing their closest family members into society.

- You're wondering about something again. It wasn't even a question. Narcissa Black was specific. She only spoke when she was sure of something. The only exceptions were her fiancé and Severus Snape. She could talk to them all the time.

He had to come up with a plausible lie quickly. This witch wasn't so easily fooled. - I'm thinking of what if we should join the training camp that old fool Albus Dumbledore set up for us.

- Training camp? - Cousin sat down next to him and began to stare at him. - What do we mean?

- How else could I call it? Most of what we learn in preparation for a tournament should be in the curriculum. After all, we're gearing up for a war against dark wizards.

He saw Narcissa reflect. They both grew up in a similar environment. Both had clear instructions as to the suitability of non-purebloods. However, Severus Snape also stood in the way of both of them, and he was stronger than many pureblood adults. His attitude, views and beliefs have undermined the beliefs of many Slytherins. But not hard enough to do anything about it. He knew that future Mrs Malfoy was about to change her view of the purity of blood. He just hoped she wouldn't turn prejudice against Muggles into prejudice against people who weren't "comfortable" for her. So did Sirius, who was the only one to break free from the enchanted circle of their family. However, what he once directed towards Muggle-borns, he directed towards the Slytherins. And he was more cruel at it than many Slytherins.

- I don't understand Dumbledore. - he suddenly heard his cousin's voice. He didn't say anything. He let her speak freely further. - First, he completely ignores us to the point where we could kill each other and he wouldn't care, and now he acts like he's possessed by something. Do you know that he asked my sister if she knows where Severus is now?

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Durmstrang, December 15

Helena loved watching Severus test his spells. It wasn't because of the spells themselves, but because of the trust he had placed in her. She knew that at Hogwarts a group of troglodytes had used his own spell against him. He felt broken because he knew it was because of his ex-friend. She didn't understand why she turned away from him. One word destroyed years of friendship...

- Honey … - she felt a gentle kiss on her cheek. - Don't worry. I know we have exams soon, but you shouldn't be so nervous. You're better prepared than I am.

She smiled. Without a moment's thought, she hugged her husband's body. Future husband. - That's not what I get upset about. I'm just thinking about the fact that after everything that happened between you and Miss Evans, you've made up your mind to trust me.

She knew his soul was slowly healing. Not long ago, at the mere mention of the red-haired witch's name, there was visible pain on the wizard's face. Today it was just a little disgust.

- I trust you because I love you. - He rested his forehead against hers. - I can't otherwise. You won my heart. Don't destroy it.

She knew she would be faithful to him. Ever since she saw him, she felt drawn to him. On the day they underwent the Swap Ritual, she was aware that there was no turning back.

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Hogwarts, December 15

Albus Dumbledore was nervous and desperate. He didn't think that when he finally got interested in Severus Snape, he would disappear from his radar. He couldn't believe he had missed that this boy was a veela. He couldn't believe that in pursuit of the support of James Potter's family, he had lost not only the support of that family, but also the opportunity to examine a male veela. It was his another mistake. He missed the young wizard capabilities once again. The same thing happened with Tom Riddle. He hoped that wherever Mr. Snape was now, he would never meet the current Dark Lord.

xxx

Durmstrang, December 15

Tears were streaming down his face. Helen filled the hole in his soul and in his heart, but her presence couldn't erase the memories. At first he wanted to go back to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament, but now he wasn't so sure. He wasn't sure if he wanted to open wounds that hadn't healed yet.

Unbeknownst to Severus, his tears were being watched from afar by Evan Potter. The professor was concerned about this boy's mental state. He reminded him of himself when he was younger. He was similarly lost after his parents cut him off. He knew that he should help him, but he had to get closer to him so that he wouldn't think that he was doing it only for his nephew.

- Have you been there for a long time? - the young wizard's question surprised him.

- How long are you aware of my presence? I thought you didn't know I'm here. - Evan sat down next to his student. He saw his hands tremble.

- It isn't difficult to learn to be observant when your every step is watched by those who want to attack you or by those who want to laugh at you.

Evan Potter watched as Severus Snape without shame wiped the tears from his eyes and stood up without a word. Only after a while he nodded goodbye to him and left. Evan was ashamed that his family had been involved in breaking the wizard's will to live. He just hoped that this boy would finally get up and show what he was capable of. He will teach him everything he can. If necessary, he will go to his former teacher and beg HIM for help.

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London, December 15

She heard the sound of pounding on the door. They weren't expecting any visitors, so she didn't know who might be standing outside. She preferred not to risk it, but she needed to know who was trying to break into her house. Following the instructions given to them by Ivanovic, her husband with the help of the Floo went through the fireplace. She waited. She was standing in the fireplace with the powder in her hand. All she has to do is see who the intruder is and she will be able to go straight to the office of the Director of the Durmstrang Institute.

After a while she saw him. Dark blond hair. A scar on the face. Red irises. Lyall Goyle. The boy who tried to rape their daughter. The boy who was to be her lifetime partner.

- Where she is? - he growled, baring his fangs. He looked as if the transformation had stopped between the human and the werewolf stages.

Jean Granger dropped the powder and at the same time said one sentence with a smile on her face. - Out of your reach, magically bonded to another wizard.

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Durmstrang, December 15

They waited anxiously for Helen's mother to pass through the fireplace. They knew from her father that their home was under attack. He didn't understand why Mrs. Granger didn't follow her husband right away. Something must have happened. He understood the need for information, but it was taking too long.

- Jean! - the man's scream was frightening. In slow motion, he saw Richard rush over to his wife.

- Merlin, don't touch her! - the director of the institute froze the man. - Mr. Snape, do you see what I see? I think we'll have a chance to test your potion's effectiveness sooner than we both expected.

The woman's hand bore claw marks. Either they could heal her or they had to teach her a new life. But judging from the fact that she had survived an encounter with an adult werewolf as a Muggle ... He was pretty sure that she would be extremely strong after the transformation.

xxx

Another chapter. How did you like it? What would you change? What are you missing in this story? Feedback is appreciated. Regards, katie-krum