Abandoned
After a month, Eileen left Potter manor, without her son. Her mother had been furious, a sentiment shared with her father.
The anger in her washed away, replaced by something else.
He turned cold and distant. He cried angry tears when he thought no one was looking.
Lilith didn't understand. How could his mother just leave him?
Maybe he deserved it.
No, that wasn't it. No one deserved that.
Two weeks after Eileen abandoned her son to the Potters, Lilith set a potions book by Severus.
She ignored the odd feelings of hate and made her first overture of friendship.
Traditions
Thomasina struggled to grasp the intricacies of the world she now lived in. She felt stupid every time Sebastien corrected her actions or words.
"Once you start at Hogwarts, all eyes will be on you," he had explained, forever patient. His patience infuriated her.
Thomasina did not rebel. She studied harder, worked harder. She memorized the proper etiquette for formal and informal situations. She perfected her curtsy. With the help of a governess, she learned proper feminine care and established a structured routine.
All eyes would be on her come Hogwarts, and she refused humiliated herself. She refused to fail.
Reunion
"I see you are well," Sebastien stated, teacup in hand.
"I am well," Eileen responded coolly. "Now, you may leave."
He smiled. "I am glad you are well. How is your son?"
"I have no son." Sebastien hummed thoughtfully.
"I see." He set the cup down and rose from his seat, still smiling. Eileen stared coolly at him. "I shall take my leave then." He bowed politely before allowing an elf to escort him to the fireplace.
He absently rubbed the mark that rested on his right hand.
Eileen snubbing him all those year ago was truly for the best.
Patronage
Mention of Severus's muggleborn friend always made Lilith's brain itch. She felt familiar in a personal way.
Lilith suggested to her parents becoming the girl's patron family. She'd pled her case, as they had taught her. No fluff. Her parents didn't care for it.
It would be a political risk, one that her father would be hesitant to take.
Towards the end, Lilith casually mentioned the potential the news would have on their families. Charlus quirked an eyebrow. Dorea remained blank.
Leaving them to think, Lilith smiled.
The Potters would endorse the muggleborn witch. Lilith couldn't wait to meet her.
Alliance
Charlus gazed at the parchment DeLisle had handed to him. It was the illustration of a soul mark, drawn with magic. Charlus knew the ritual needed to acquire this information. He had yet to perform it on Lilith.
Charlus kept his face blank. The mark was identical to the one on his daughter's forehead.
He returned the parchment to his visitor. Sebastien carefully folded and tucked it away.
Charlus called for a drink. Two filled glasses appeared. Charlus raised his glass in a silent toast.
It would appear this "lowly French family" truly did have something to offer the Potters'.
A/N: More happenings as the girls grow up. I wonder what else is in store for them.