Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, only the Archard family and other OCs belong to me. The French words/phrases will be italicized, as well as the spells. Reviews are appreciated!

Chapter 16: I'll Be Home for Yule

Esme POV

~Dream~

Do not fear the darkened pit, but only that which wanders it.

Only its master it will obey, never to hesitate or betray.

Shut your eyes, shut them tight, for the gaze is as deadly as the bite!

~End of Dream~

Despite still taking the Sleeping Draught every night, I continued to wake up in the morning with my heart racing. While I still remembered little of what I was dreaming about, I knew a voice was calling out to me again, though I couldn't recall the words - and I didn't want to. Remembering wouldn't make the nightmare stop, so I didn't care what it was actually about. What good would it do? Absolutely nothing besides making me terrified and exhausted from lack of sleep, and everyone was already scared enough.

Ever since the double attack on Justin Finch-Fletchley and the Gryffindor House ghost Sir Nicholas, the churning uneasiness and concern amongst the students had turned into simmering panic and biting fear. It was one thing for a student to be petrified, but another for a ghost to be as well. What could possibly petrify a ghost? No one knew (not even a little birdy had whispered into Blaise's ear), everyone was clueless and scared over what had the terrible power to harm someone who was already dead.

Barely a day after the attack Blaire called a family meeting for the same reason that all of us made sure we could make it no matter what - we all needed to see one another. The five of us and Ernie gathered in the courtyard together, each sharing a longer than normal hug (though the boys mostly stuck to hands on the shoulder or in Ernie's case, getting his hair mussed). I had noticed that George Weasley had either come up with Blaire or had followed her down because he was hovering at the edge of the courtyard, absent Fred. If the mood hadn't been so somber I would've loved to tease Blaire over her own 'little shadow', as she always did with me about Janette.

As we huddled close together, no one was really talking. I didn't even know what to say in the first place. Poor Ernie had been nearly inconsolable as he stared dead-eyed at nothing - unsurprising considering Finch-Fletchley was his best friend. I didn't know what I would do if Daphne was attacked and petrified. We had all tried what we could to help our only cousin, and it was Dustin of all of us who managed to finally get Ernie to stop holding in his emotions. Like a bubble popping when you poked it, Ernie burst into tears, expressing his anger, guilt, and sadness over Finch-Fletchley's attack.

I didn't know if he felt better or not (since afterwards he hadn't utter another word), but I was less worried he was about to lash out in anger should even the tiniest thing set him off. I was surprised when Ernie had also expressed a deep anger for Potter. My only cousin never gave me the impression of an angry person, being the shy, nervous person he seemed to be. Yet, under his negative view of himself for not protecting his friend better, Ernie was convinced Potter was the vengeful Heir of Slytherin. So naturally, he was also upset that Potter hadn't been expelled or punished in any way.

Ernie wasn't alone in this opinion. Almost the entirety of the students of Hogwarts were convinced Potter was the Heir of Slytherin yet had somehow managed to wiggle his way out of being expelled. Wherever Potter went students would skirt around him (and any who was with him), afraid he would attack them or mark them as his next victim if they were to get too close to him - though this didn't stop the more bold students from outright hissing at him as he passed.

Most of my Housemates were still absolute in their belief that Potter wasn't Slytherin's Heir. The common thought floating around was that Potter may be attacking the students on his own anyways and was simply assuming the mantle of the Heir of Slytherin out of convenience. Despite this perceived grand insult of Potter attempting to claim a title he was unworthy of, many still enjoyed seeing Potter lose all of his popularity. Draco especially had been enjoying Potter's fall from grace.

I didn't care about all that and remained firm in my belief that Potter wouldn't attack anyone, especially like this - though he certainly wasn't doing himself any favours. I had thought after the incident on Samhain that Potter would know better than to wander about the castle on his own. But alas, it was not something that seemed to have sunk in.

The only other students who appeared not to care about his social downfall (besides Weasley and Granger) were Fred and George Weasley. Whenever George wasn't hovering around Blaire, I saw both him and his twin marching ahead of Potter down the corridors calling out, "Make way for the Heir of Slytherin" and "Seriously Dark wizard coming through". Their clear teasing of the situation helped lighten the heavy mood in the corridors - and I found it funny when one of them tried to ward off Potter with a clove of garlic. Draco and his posse weren't amused by the Weasley twins' antics, yet Draco didn't try anything to make them stop; though that could've been because Draco didn't want the Weasley twins to turn their teasing and pranks on him.

However, despite their efforts, the Weasley twins couldn't dispel the rumours circulating about Potter. While Blaise had heard little gossip about Salazar Slytherin's monster, everyone was talking about how Potter managed to avoid being punished in some way. Some said it was because Potter was Dumbledore's Golden Boy, while others thought Potter used Dark magic to make the staff not do anything. Some others even believed as the Heir Apparent of the Noble House of Potter, Potter couldn't be punished without further evidence besides being found at the two scenes of petrification.

Blaise had once again heard the truth from a little birdy - Hagrid had vouched for Potter, having been with him around the time Finch-Fletchley and Sir Nicholas were attacked. Honestly, if Hagrid hadn't done so, heir or no heir, I think Potter would've at least faced an inquiry. Obviously Hagrid's words didn't stop the students from thinking the worst, but short of the actual attacker being caught in the act Potter would remain guilty in the eyes of the gossip mill of Hogwarts.

With winter break now upon us, I was sure Potter would be reprieved from the whispers following him around as the castle would be particularly empty. Carlisle and Dustin had mentioned that all the students who had previously chosen to remain at Hogwarts during the break had quickly made other arrangements so they could escape. Blaire had noticed this as well, recounting that many Gryffindor students had asked her to pass along to Professor McGonagall that they weren't staying over the course of winter break after all.

I was glad today was the day we were all leaving Hogwarts. While I was uneasy over how Papa would react when Alaric finally told him everything in person, I needed a reprieve from the castle and its tension-filled air. The grounds themselves had been transformed from dreary mud to snow-covered winter beauty, which I felt lightened some of the stiffness. Yule had always been a happy occasion, no matter anything else that had or was happening.

Daphne, Tracey, and I were happily chatting about our winter break plans while we packed up our things in our dormitory, ignoring Parkinson and Bulstrode at the other side of the room as they ignored us in return.

"-so she's really excited to finally learn how to ice skate on the pond. Mother has already promised to have one of the house-elves watch us in case either of us fall and hurt ourselves," Daphne finished explaining.

"I should hope so, as you seem the type to hide an injury if it would interfere in your attendance of a ball," I commented, pulling up my blanket to make my bed.

Daphne giggled. "Oh no I'd say something about the injury, but I would hide the amount of pain it was causing because after all, 'a lady hides her discomforts with a smile in High Society settings'."

"Did your mother really tell you that?" asked Tracey in a quiet voice. Lately she had gotten more confident in taking part in our conversations.

"She did, though I don't think she truly meant for Astoria or I to hide anything serious just for the sake of decorum." Daphne finished folding her clothes and shut her trunk with a click. "All that aside, I really am looking forward to the Winter Ball. Astoria wrote to me that the Black family will be hosting it this year."

"I know they're an Ancient and Most Noble House, but is there another reason the Black family hosting is significant?" I asked as I carefully stacked my books inside my own trunk. It sounded like this was bigger news than it appeared to be on the surface.

"It has been almost a decade since they last hosted," supplied Tracey, as she lifted a pile of clothing to place inside her trunk.

"There's that," agreed Daphne. "But most importantly it means that the Winter Ball will be held at Black Castle! I've never been there myself, but Mother says the grounds are absolutely gorgeous and the ballroom is always breathtaking."

"I look forward to seeing it then."

A scoff then sounded from across the room. Rolling my eyes, I turned around to address the source. "Something you'd like to say?"

Parkinson squared her shoulders as she faced me. "Of course you'd be looking forward to seeing Black Castle, Archard. It's the grandest Wizarding property in England. Much better than whatever hovel your family managed to get their hands on."

I felt my eye twitch slightly but then smiled with teeth. "You're one to talk, Parkinson. I can't imagine the state of the cottage your family lives in since, after all, your father is not Lord Parkinson."

Parkinson's face tightened as she turned red, but before she could retort I added, "Save your comments for someone who actually cares. Now, best hurry along and gather your things. You wouldn't want to miss the train because you couldn't do something as simple as pack."

I then turned my back on her, signalling my clear dismissal of the conversation. I could practically hear Parkinson grinding her teeth, but she chose to remain silent - likely unable to think of a retort and having long learned to keep her wand away. I quickly finished and locked up my trunk. My friends and I then bundled ourselves up in our winter cloaks and scarves before leaving the dormitory. Blaise and Theo had already made plans to sit with the other Second-Year boys on the train, so we didn't bother waiting for them in the common room.

The three of us were able to claim a horse-drawn carriage for ourselves, so we shamelessly all huddled together under a large blanket for warmth despite the obvious presence of a Heating Charm on the seats. Halfway into the journey down to the Hogsmeade train station, I noticed Tracey kept sending me glances out of the corner of her eyes. She clearly had something to say but her shyness was acting up again and it was keeping her from voicing whatever it was.

"Something on your mind, Tracey?" I asked as I gently blew warm air into my mitten covered hands.

Still Tracey hesitated, so Daphne reached over me to hold Tracey's hand. "Remember, you can always speak your mind with us."

"I just wanted to say…I really admire you, Esme."

I blinked in surprise - I was not expecting that.

"You're always so confident and strong. You've always been able to stand up against Pansy, be it an exchange of quips or even spellfire," Tracey said slowly. "I admire it all and wish I could be that confident, so sure of myself, so unafraid to stand my ground."

Daphne arranged our hands so all three of us were now holding hands. "There's no denying that both Pansy and Esme have strong personalities, but that doesn't make you lesser in any way, Tracey. Besides, you just need time and practice and confidence will come."

"She's right, ma amie. Give it time, and I think you're stronger than you give yourself credit for. I mean, you endured Parkinson for years." This got a laugh out of all three of us. "Merci, Tracey, for your kind words."

I had to thank her for more than one reason. Tracey's words…they unintentionally cut me deep. She called me strong when most of the term I'd been anything but. I'd been hiding behind the safety of the Sleeping Draught because I was so scared of the nightmare haunting my sleep. I'd been so weak and scared against the thought of whatever I was repeatedly dreaming about. But now, I felt like I needed to try and be who Tracey saw me as. If I expected Tracey to try and be confident, then I needed to live up to my family's words, Dubort Fort - We Stand Strong.

I felt the burning embers of determination in my chest - I would stop taking the Sleeping Draught and face my nightmare, no matter what it was about, no matter the uncomfortable implications a recurring dream implied.

The rest of the chilly carriage ride passed in relative silence, all three of us sighing in relief when we climbed onto the blissfully warm train. The Hogwarts Express was as packed as it was at the beginning of term, so it was rather difficult to find an available compartment to sit in. We ended up sitting in the communal seating carriage amongst many of the Upper-Year Slytherins. Thankfully, the Upper-Years didn't mind us and even let us join in several rounds of Gobstones - a game that was more fun to watch in my opinion, as I greatly disliked being hit with the putrid liquid at every lost point.

Before I knew it, Alaric had shown up in the carriage looking for me. "Allez, petite papillon. It won't be long before we arrive in London."

Alaric waited nearby while I gave quick goodbye hugs to both Daphne and Tracey, the latter of which blushed red but accepted the hug nevertheless. He then securely tied my scarf around my neck before leading me out of the carriage and into another. Through the windows I saw the Hogwarts Express was pulling into King's Cross Station. Before the train came to a complete stop, Alaric had led us to the far doors where Blaire arrived shortly after with Carlisle and Dustin in tow.

After a lurching stop, the five of us stepped off the train, being one of the first few to do so. Alaric and Blaire kept me between them as we walked over to where the trunks were being unloaded by some house-elves. Being one of the first to arrive ensured that we collected our belongings within moments and quickly pushed our trolleys away in search of whoever it was that was picking us up this time. I was half-expecting it to be Papa once again, but against my expectations Alaric spotted Maman waiting for us in the crowd, politely chatting with some other parents.

The moment she saw us, Maman respectfully excused herself and made her way over to us. "Hello, my darlings!" greeted Maman with her usual bright smile. "Are we all set to go?"

We all replied with "Yes" or "Oui".

Maman then led the way to the barrier to exit into Muggle London where the old guard stood letting people go through one family every few minutes or so. Thankfully we didn't have to wait too long before the six of us travelled through the barrier.

Same as it was last year, there were hardly any Muggles rushing about, so we easily made our way out of King's Cross Station to where a black Ministry car stood waiting at the curb for us. Alaric and the twins took charge and loaded all our trunks into the boot of the car. Meanwhile, Blaire and I helped Maman load the pet cages into the backseat. While the cats and other owls were all fast asleep in their various carriers, Flèche was nipping at the latch on his cage, clearly wanting out.

Sticking my finger through the cage bars, I petted his soft feathers as I shushed him. "Easy there, Flèche. We'll be there soon and then you can stretch your wings inside the greenhouse." I hated having to keep him cooped up but I didn't want to risk his health flying right now - it was far too windy for him in my opinion, and flying him at a Muggle train station would likely attract unwanted attention.

Once my brothers were settled into their seats, Maman tapped on the closed window, signalling to the driver we were ready to leave. As the car smoothly pulled away from the curb, Maman clapped her hands together once. "So I am sure you children were expecting your father to be the one to collect you, but I felt it would be better if I did."

"May we ask why, Mother?" asked Blaire from beside me.

Maman's smile faltered a bit and soon vanished as a serious look overcame her face. "Your father did not take the news of students being petrified well, even more so because the Ministry were the ones to inform him and not any of his children attending Hogwarts."

The slight reprimand in her voice caused all of us to wince.

"Rest assured I did talk him down so none of you will be punished for your lapse in judgement, but your father remains quite…tense about things. So for now please do not broach the subject with him until I am able to talk him through a bit more."

I had questions I wanted to ask, but Maman's tone was firm and final - indicating the end of the conversation.

Her bright smile suddenly returned to her face. "You'll be pleased to hear that Reginald and dear Ernie will be joining us again for our Yule Feast."

I smiled at the news, happy that we would get to spend more time with Ernie, but also hopeful that we'd be able to have fun together on such a happy holiday. We all needed our minds taken away from the happenings of Hogwarts.

Maman continued to keep the conversation cheerful and light as she checked in on how our social lives were going, teasing Blaire about George before immediately questioning my brothers if anyone had caught their eyes, and then finally asking how we were liking our classes. Time passed quickly and before I knew it, we had finally arrived at Heaven's Garden.

Similarly to last year, the manor grounds were richly decorated with garlands and shimmering golden lights providing a soft glow which pierced through the darkness of the night. Sparkling snow covered everything except for the manor's long driveway. A large fir tree once again stood in the middle of the front lawn fully decorated with balls of gold and silver lights with moving red sparks circling the boughs. Nearby the unfrozen fountain shone from the holly-decorated candles floating in its waters as garlands hung along the outside.

The car came to a stop in front of the steps. As I climbed out with Flèche's cage in my hands I took in the slight differences in decorations. While every window still held a wreath woven with shining sparkles and red ribbon, a candle now rested on each sill underneath the wreaths. The stairs had garlands on each rail, but instead of small fir trees there were two small snowmen. They were humorously dressed in small robes and pointed hats.

Leaving our trunks in the car for the house-elves to collect, we all made our way up the snow-free steps behind Maman. The front doors opened for her without a touch, leaving my siblings and I to eagerly follow after her into the warmth of the manor. As the cold was chased away, I also felt some of the weight on my shoulders slip away. Being here surrounded by the beautiful Yule decorations reassured me that despite all that had happened at Hogwarts, we would still be able to have a happy time over winter break.

I carefully set down Flèche's cage, hoping he wouldn't be too agitated by the time the house-elves released him into the manor's small rookery. Part of me expected us to be swarmed by our younger siblings but there was surprisingly no mini stampede of feet.

"Tipper?" called out Maman.

The small house-elf popped into existence. "What can Tipper do for Mistress?"

"Please collect our cloaks before joining the others in sending the children's things up to their rooms."

"As Mistress commands," Tipper said while bowing low to Maman.

With a snap of the house-elf's fingers, our cloaks and scarves were gently removed and floated away behind Tipper, who walked away without another word.

"Come along, my darlings!" cooed Maman she wordlessly spelled our shoes clean. "Both dinner and your siblings are waiting for us."

We all followed Maman once again as she led the way to the dining room. Seated at the head of the table was Papa, who was looking over various pieces of parchment. Isabelle and Henrik had their heads together as they whispered quietly while Janette appeared to be listening avidly to something Gérard was saying. Fain was the first to notice us.

"They're here!"

With that simple declaration, they all turned to us, bright smiles on their faces, but none dared to move a muscle from their chairs, though the twins and Janette clearly wanted to. Papa had no doubt insisted they wait here for us - hence why they weren't waiting for us in the foyer like last year. Part of me was disappointed to not receive the warm welcome as we did last year, but as Maman had told in the car, Papa was upset, so we all had to tread carefully.

Papa stacked the parchments he had been reading into a pile. "Take your seats," he commanded while waving his wand, sending the pile of parchment flying out of the room - no doubt back to his office.

We all silently obeyed and took our designated seats on both sides of the table. Passing by my younger siblings, I sent them each a warm smile in greeting. Janette gave me a smile wave and smile in return, but I hadn't been able to catch Henrik's and Isabelle's eyes; they were focused on someone else. Taking my seat between Carlisle and Gérard, Fain and his twin both sent me bright smiles, Gérard reaching under the table and to grip my hand.

Without command, Honny and Dimper appeared with floating trays of food. Once Papa took the first serving, we all carefully dug into the delicious food. There was a tense silence sizzling through the air, with only the sounds made from everyone eating attempting to fill it. This was worse than meals together were before we came to England. At least then there was some sort of conversation, not this uncomfortable silence.

Papa was the source of the tension. He sat stiffly in his chair with his movements appearing to be overly controlled. I felt Maman had downplayed how upset Papa was with him like this. Looking down at my plate, worried bubbled inside my chest - how would Yule be if he continued to be upset with us the whole break?

Part of me wanted to ignore Maman's warning and broach the subject to try and attempt to settle things before any celebrations began, but another part of me knew it would be a foolish thing to do. Looking to my right to the twins and triplets, I felt unsure if they were even aware of all that happened. In the end it didn't matter as I didn't want to start the conversation in front of them anyways. Either I would then have to tell them of the terrible things and frighten them or by bringing it up I didn't want to hear whatever reassurances would be told to them; any reassurances would be lacking or false.

Most likely, our youngest siblings weren't even aware. I mean, Papa and Maman hadn't told us about those attacking our family in France, so it didn't really make sense for them to tell the youngest five anything now. I restrained the part of me that wanted to break the tension and instead focused back on the food.

Without any sort of conversation, dinner ended rather quickly and Maman sent all of us to bed. Without a polite good night given to our parents we all filed out of the dining room. Once we left, Janette raced over and latched onto me. "I'm glad you're back, Esme!"

"Me too, petite ombre." I told her as I wrapped my arm around her small shoulders. "I missed you."

Janette's voice then quieted with a sadness added to it as we began climbing the stairs. "Papa has been like that for almost a week now."

"Whatever it is, I hope it passes quickly. We can't even pull a prank when he's like this," complained Fain while Gérard nodded along.

"You two shouldn't be pulling pranks to begin with," snapped Dustin from up ahead of us.

"The things you pull are far too dangerous, either for yourselves or for others," added Carlisle over his shoulder.

Before the bubbling argument could continue Blaire stepped in. "That's enough! Everyone needs to be on their best behavior until further notice."

"Things aren't going to get better soon are they?" asked Henrik resignedly.

Alaric sighed as he paused at the top of the stairs. "No, they aren't, but be reassured it has nothing to do with you five."

This appeared to reassure our younger siblings, but sharing a look with Dustin I knew this wouldn't be the last time they would ask about what was happening. Isabelle especially could only restrain herself for so long before she would burst and demand to know everything.

I first walked Janette to her room and we shared a long hug - both as a welcome home and a good night. Taking the strength Janette unknowingly offered I finally separated myself and headed to my own room. Tonight I wouldn't take any Sleeping Draught, finally facing whatever was haunting my sleep. I wasn't looking forward to it, but still my determination burned. I could do this, I would do this, because I was an Archard and We Stood Strong.

Ma amie = my friend (female)

Merci = thank you

Dubort Fort = We Stand Strong

Allez = come along

Petite papillon = little butterfly (female)

Oui = yes

Petite ombre = little shadow (female)

Extra POVs

Harry POV

Since the last attack, everyone had scrambled to book seats on the Hogwarts Express to go home for Christmas - not that many had previously planned to stay to begin with. I was honestly glad that most people were leaving. I was so tired of everything. Tired of people skirting around like I was dangerous, tired of all the whispers and staring, and tired of everyone thinking the worst of me.

Sure, Fred and George helped a bit with their antics in the corridors, but so few people still found the idea of me being the Heir of Slytherin to be ludicrous. While I wasn't sure what she believed about me, Blaire had at least stood up for me against the other Gryffindors, getting those who wanted to kick me out of Gryffindor Tower to simply ignore me altogether. With the term ending and winter break about to start, I was looking forward to the peace that was surely to come with a practically empty castle.

Hermione was especially happy the castle would be nearly empty as it limited the risk of our rule-breaking potion brewing being discovered. She had already started brewing in the second-floor girls' bathroom in order for the Polyjuice Potion to be completed by the time everyone else returned for next term at the start of January. I would've preferred to sneak into the Slytherin common room when there were less people there to find us out, but, as Hermione had predicted, Malfoy wouldn't be staying over break once again - leaving like many of the Purebloods did.

Weirdly enough, I'd received a rather odd bit of mail the other day. It was dropped in my lap by an owl I didn't recognize before the dark hawk-lookalike swooped up and flew away with the scarce few other owls that had arrived. I felt cautious about opening it - I never received mail after all, especially from an owl other than Hedwig.

It was a thick-sort of off-white parchment with expensive looking details along the edge in black and shiny gold. I had first thought the owl had somehow brought the envelope to the wrong person since it was addressed in curvy script to Heir Apparent Potter, but I was the only Potter to my knowledge and I remembered Malfoy's father calling me that months ago in Borgin and Burkes. I carefully broke the black wax seal on the back, half expecting something to come shooting out of the envelope, but all that was inside was a matching piece of parchment.

As I carefully unfolded the folded letter, Hermione asked, "Who's that from, Harry?"

Looking towards the bottom of the parchment I read out, "Alphard Black," from amongst the titles surrounding it.

"I've read about the Black family in Notable Magical Names of Our Time. They're one of oldest Magical families in Britain."

"And wron dof the Darkfests," spoke Ron through his mouthful of food.

Hermione made a disgusted face. "Honestly Ronald, swallow before you speak!"

He quickly did so and repeated, "The Black family are the worst of the worst of those in Slytherin. Every last one of them has been Dark. What does he want?"

I quickly scanned the words on the parchment and realized it wasn't actually a letter. "It's an invitation to something called the Winter Ball."

"I've never heard of that," Hermione painfully admitted, looking as though not knowing about something really was physically painful.

"I have. It's a stuffy party the hoity-toity Purebloods hold every year just after Christmas. My brother Percy dreams of attending, but it always sounded boring to me." He then curled his nose up at the invitation still resting in my hands. "Honestly, I'd just throw it out. They're probably only inviting you because everyone thinks you're the Heir of Slytherin."

My stomach curled at the idea - no way would I ever want to attend some Pureblood Supremacist party. Ron was probably right, this Lord Black did probably just want to connect with Slytherin's Heir; the invitation did say 'to deepen the neglected bonds between our families'.

"Harry couldn't go anyways," Hermione added. "Not when we'll be brewing all through the break. Our plan is much safer to gather information than trying to learn something at a ball. Though I can't help but imagine what it will be like - an actual ball in this day and age. I wonder if there's anything in the library about it. I know it's not mentioned in the book Esme got me last year…"

Hermione continued to ramble about research and such, but both Ron and I stopped listening out of habit. I was still stuck on the fact that even adults outside of Hogwarts were now thinking I was the Heir of Slytherin. At this rate I would be stuck with the title and associated with Slytherin forever, or at least just until we could prove it was Malfoy. Next term couldn't come quick enough.

Diaspora POV

Once I was sure the children were all far enough away from the dining room, I finally addressed my silent husband. "Was your utter silence over dinner entirely necessary?"

Ashton wiped a drop of wine from his lip before setting his napkin on his empty plate. "I gave you my word I would not shout at our children. And with the sting of disappointment still heavy in my chest, I had little else to say to those freshly returned home."

"While I appreciate you keeping your word to not yell unnecessarily at the children, passive aggressive silence is not the answer either. I am as upset as you are that none of the five deigned to inform us of what has been happening at Hogwarts, but still I speak to them and not let it cloud all else. Your stubborn silence will only dampen what is supposed to be a time for celebration and will make our youngest worry - something we both agreed to prevent."

I sighed as I walked to his side and placed my hand on his shoulder. "Before either of us know it, winter break will be over and our eldest shall return to school. You must make peace with them before then, or you will regret the words left unsaid."

"That will not be an issue as the children will not be returning to Hogwarts for the second term," Ashton said as he rose from his chair with his back facing me.

"I beg your pardon? You cannot mean-"

"-I have made my decision and it is final. I will not have my children placed in harm's way."

"This is a decision that affects the future of our children. One that should be made by the both of us. Instead you are doing so alone and from a place of fear!"

"Of course it is from fear!" Ashton snapped, frustration colouring his tone. "I brought our family here thinking it would be safe, but instead I sent the children to a place that has been anything but! Last year there was a troll released into the school by a faculty member in a bid to steal the Philosopher's Stone for himself and this year some unknown person or group are outright attacking students with no signs of stopping anytime soon! I swore I would keep our family safe and I have done the farthest thing from it!"

I hugged him from behind, squeezing my arms tightly around him when I felt him shudder. "You have not failed in any capacity. You protected us from those who wished us harm until justice could be wrought against them."

Ashton turned in my arms and held me close to his chest. I snuggled close as I breathed in his comforting scent. After a few beats of silence I spoke again. "Even back then when the children were at more risk, when they were being specifically targeted, we still sent them to Beauxbatons because we agreed their education and social interaction with other Magical children was important. I still believe this to be true."

Ashton remained silent, so I continued, "I know you read the letter Dumbledore sent. He swore on his own magic that no one would die from this and the culprit would be dealt with, or else he would personally see to Hogwarts being closed."

Still Ashton remained silent. I pulled back and cradled his face in my hands to force him to look at me. "You trusted Dumbledore to help us. Now all I ask is you to trust him again - even if you cannot trust in our own children's skills to protect themselves."

Ashton released a great sigh before kissing me gently. I returned his gentle passion with my own. Pulling back he rested his forehead against mine. "The children may return to Hogwarts for the second term under the condition that they keep me apprised of the situation, and should I decide to call them home neither you or they may argue."

I giggled softly as I pecked his lips quickly. "Darling, our children may be obedient and respectful, but even they would still argue if you dared to take them away from their friends, Quidditch, and their education."

"They get it from their mother, for who else is daring enough to move to a foreign country for a wizard she recently met."

"I would say they get it from their father as well, who stood against the waves of expectations to marry a foreign witch he hardly knew."

Ashton kissed me once again. "Ma lumière et mon coeur, je t'aime."

"I love you too, mon amour."

Ma lumière = my light (female)

Et = and

Mon coeur = my heart

Je t'aime = I love you

Mon amour = my love (male)

Special thanks to my Beta-Readers: Anonymous and TheSparkler!