Chapter 9
Tuesday January 20th, 1998
Wiltshire, England
Malfoy Manor
The Gardens
11:42 a.m.
"Good morning Lady Josephine."
Looking up from where she sat in the gardens writing in her journal, Josephine smiled at the sight of Thomas, "Good morning Thomas, I believe Lucius is in his study…"
"I have no doubt, it seems to be his sanctuary," he nodded, "But I did not come to see your brother today."
"Oh?" she raised her eyebrow, "You know," she smiled, "For being a dear friend of my brother's, and having been here every day since the Ball, you haven't been spending much time with him." It was true, he had been there every day since the ball, joining her wherever she was at, and quite honestly distracting her from a great many of her duties, but honestly she didn't mind all that much. They spent hours just talking, about everything under the sun, there was just something about him that drew her to him, a peace she hadn't had since her past life when she had taken a vow of silence and devoted her life to the Goddess within Avalon's shores, so many generations before. And there were still a great many mysteries about him that she did not know, though that did not stop her from slowly giving her heart to him, when she had never given it to another in the past… Something that she knew could become a very dangerous problem for their was no future for them, he was not titled, however much he might be a friend of her brother's, she could never marry one not of the nobility…
"Can you blame me, when I can spend my time with so lovely a lady?" he smiled as he sat down next to her. "I actually come today for your advice, and to make a request."
"Oh?" she asked curious, waving a hand so her journal moved from where it had been hovering in the air so she could write in it. "Do tell my friend and I will give any advice I can."
"I have learned that there is an heir to a title that has lain dormant for many years, and I'm unsure if I should come forward with the information."
"You have?" Josephine frowned as she mentally ran through the list of dormant titles, "Which title?"
"Peverell," he spoke quietly.
Josephine sat back in shock, "Impossible, the last Earl died over a hundred and fifty years ago, not even a bastard child has come forward to attempt to lay claim."
"The Founders of Hogwarts were nobility weren't they?" he asked curiously.
"Oui..." she agreed slowly.
"Salazar Slytherin was a son of the Earl of Peverell."
"How do you know that? None since those days knew of what noble family he was descendant of..." Josephine asked as she rose to move away from him, keeping her eyes on him though.
"I asked your brother actually, if he knew what family Slytherin was from."
"Why?"
"He's my ancestor," Thomas answered, causing her mouth to fall open.
"By the Goddess herself, Voldemort..." she spoke when she finally found her voice. "How did I miss it? A friend Lucia never spoke to me about, the name Thomas..."
"Would you judge me because of my actions to those you do not know?" he spoke evenly as he watched her.
"How dare you," she hissed, "You have no right to speak to me in such a manner, you have been lying to me from the moment we met."
"Are you saying if we had simply told you I was Thomas Marvolo Riddle, Lord Voldemort himself, you would have even spoken to me?" he countered.
"Obviously my brother does not know me as well as I thought, if he did he would have known I would have taken it in stride. I follow the Goddess and know that all life is sacred, but that does not mean that I do not have my own anger towards those who would judge us, treat us with the disrespect that they do. And I do bear my own anger with the Muggles who still for the most part treat the Goddess like dirt under their feet, I might not agree with your actions in killing them, or in killing the Muggleborns, but I can understand why and notjudge you for your actions, it is not I to who you will be held accountable."
He remained silent for many minutes as he stared at her, and she in turn watched him, her anger at the actions both he and her brother had done evident in the way she held herself. Finally he nodded slowly, "It was wrong of us to treat you in such a way, I would beg your forgiveness Milady de Winters."
Josephine snorted before moving back to take her seat, "I could never stay angry at my brother, it seems that has passed on to you as well," she muttered while rolling her eyes. "So... you're wondering if you should lay claim to Peverell I take it."
"That would be my question, though I will admit there is an underlying motivation to my desire."
She raised an eyebrow once more before shaking her head, "I will not ask, but my advice, it will not be easy, to prove that you are a descendant of Slytherin, you will have to bring your claim not only before Lucius and I, but the other families of those who were once members of the Great King's inner circle. Though the fact you have claimed to be Slytherin's heir for a great deal of time would no doubt be helpful..." she mused.
"If I pass their tests..."
"Then you can take your place as the Earl of Peverell, and lay claim to the lands and holdings, and the vaults within Gringott's," she shrugged. "You mentioned a request though..."
"My request is that one who I certainly do not deserve, might consider taking me, with all my faults, as her own. If she would, I would give everything, my very title should I be able to claim it."
Josephine sucked in a breath, reading through the lines in what he was saying, Taking a deep breath she looked at him, before glancing down at her hands, "I will not marry for any prize a man can give to me, save for his heart."
"It's yours, with all of me," he answered quietly.
She looked up at him then, smiling softly, "You must realize, this promise made here today will only be possible if you can lay claim to Peverell. Lucius would never allow me to marry beneath my station, even someone he considers as good a friend as you..."
"Therein lies my true reasoning for attempting to claim the title I was born to," he smiled.
Josephine laughed, "You are a very interesting man Thomas."
"Josephine..."
Looking away from Thomas, Josephine frowned as she watched Jozséf hurry towards them, "What is it?" she asked as she rose.
"Word has just come; the Duca di Piancenza and the Countess of Rosewood are missing."
"Missing?" Josephine stared at him in shock, "What do you mean they are missing... have they tried to track them using spells?"
"Even those which are only known to the nobility," Jozséf answered softly, reaching out to catch her as Josephine's legs gave out, Thomas shooting up to help her sit as well.
"Josephine?" Thomas asked softly.
"I need to see my girls..." she began as she looked up at Jozséf.
"I've already sent for them," he answered, "Eva is on her way."
"I need to find her, find him..." she whispered as she focused her attention to the horizon, and the two men exchanged worried glances.
Wednesday January 28th, 1998
Riviera Côte D'azur, France
Malfoy Chateau
Josephine's Study
3:18 p.m.
It had been just over a week since the news that Blaise and Ginny were missing had made its way to the Manor, two weeks with still no sign of either of them, and speculation running rampant about the two. Those in the nobility were surprised, but had said it was a good match if the two had indeed run off together, though the idea that Blaise had simply left everything that was required of him seemed exceedingly odd, the fear that something had happened to the two was shared in every one of the noble families, but never spoken of to the Countess de Winters or her 'companions', those who were closest to the Countess of Rosewood and the Duca di Piancenza…
Those outside the nobility were on two sides in regards to the matter, those who respected the nobility, were worried about the two, the fact that Ginny was the Countess of Rosewood leaving many surprised but still concerned. Many of the older families looked upon the nobility much as it had been hundreds of years before, with love, true they might complain once in a while, but the truth was if anyone were to suggest having their titles stripped or some such thing, they would be the first to defend them, to fight for them. The other group, those like Albus Dumbledore and Molly Weasley, blamed the nobles for Ginny's disappearance.
The rest of the Weasley family was a bit of a surprise, following the discovery, the last thing anyone had expected was for Bill, Charlie, Fred and George Weasley, with Fleur by their sides, to appear at Malfoy Manor seeking an audience with the Countess de Winters. It seemed that Molly and Arthur had neglected to inform them of anything regarding Ginny during the months she had been training with Josephine and the others, or that they were nobility, even after Ginny's disappearance, they had only learned when the article about it came out in the Daily Prophet. Instead of confronting their mother and father, when the four contacted each other, they made the decision to go to the one who might have the answers they needed.
Josephine had seen them, with Eva and Jozséf by her side, telling them the story of their family, of how she ran into Ginny in Hogsmeade and offered her the chance to claim the title that thanks to their mother, had no heir. Explained that they were nobility and how much their grandparents had loved them, even taken the four to Rosewood to meet them through their paintings as she had done with Ginny. The four, surprisingly, yet still not really that much of a surprise, were angry with Molly and Arthur, they had never understood Molly's feelings on the nobility, they hadn't really cared one way or the other, but had simply seen the nobles as people who no doubt had a great deal of expectations upon them, who did the best they could to help others, and true they thought Lucius Malfoy was insane for siding with Voldemort, but other than that… They had even gone back to the Burrow, confronting Molly for how she had treated her parents, denied them their grandparents, and made them live in the poverty that they had when their grandfather had offered financial support for the sake of his grandchildren, but her anger, that they could not understand, had kept her from taking it even for the sake of them. How she had reacted to Ginny when she wanted the chance to learn what Molly had denied them all…
They had left the Burrow that day, as their mother and father both yelled, threats of never letting them back into the family if they did what they were planning. Ron declared them insane for their actions and feelings… but they didn't care quite frankly, they wanted to find their sister, and a chance to learn about the family that had been denied them, the life that had been denied them, and sought out Josephine once more, asking for her help, that they might be taught as well simply as a way of knowing the family they had lost. Josephine had smiled, knowing that if they did indeed choose to acknowledge their family, there were trusts the late Earl had left for each of his grandchildren or their descendants if they came seeking the life they had been denied, but kept that knowledge quiet for now, and arranged for them to be trained by Jozséf's brother, András.
The only thing that worried her though, was the relationship between Bill and Fleur, Fleur had admitted to being nobility, having to when Josephine had called her cousin, Bill was far from happy at her lying about such a thing… But there was hope for them she supposed, Fleur had become a better woman since marrying the eldest Weasley, she would never be recognized by her family as an heiress again, but who knew, Ginny and Blaise's disappearance left everyone re-evaluating the meaning of family.
Josephine found other ways of keeping her mind off the disappearance of her beloved cousin and dear friend, throwing herself into helping Thomas in his quest to reclaim the Peverell title, and they had gone before the 'High Council' the day before, she had given her approval, as had Lucius and now it depended upon the decisions of the other Lords. Thomas had continued to spend a great deal of his time with her, she wasn't quite sure how he managed to, manage she had guessed one could put it, his other activities but he had, she had heard of an attack on a Muggle town in southern England the day before and like she had told him, she wasn't going to judge; it wasn't her place in life.
"Josephine," Thomas' voice drew her from her thoughts and she looked up at him curiously from her spot on the window seat of her study. "This just arrived," he held up a scroll with the seal of the High Council.
"Well," she smiled, "Open it, we're not going to know the answer until you do," she teased.
He chuckled, before breaking the seal and beginning to read aloud, "Thomas M. Riddle, in regards to your petition to lay claim to the Earldom of Peverell, and after much research, the Council has come to a decision. We must make clear that this decision is final, and cannot be reversed or challenged. It is the decision of the High Council, that as of the first day in February, in the one-thousand nine-hundred ninety-eighth year Anno Domini, the Earldom of Peverell shall be passed to you…" Looking up at her he grinned as he dropped the paper and walked over to lift her from the window seat in one move, spinning her around as she laughed. "You realize what this means?"
"Of course I do, you're an Earl in a few days," she teased.
"I was thinking more along the lines that this means I'm titled and high enough so that I meet your brother's requirements," he countered with a smile as he set her back down upon her feet.
Josephine just smiled, "Then I leave it to you to approach my brother kind sir, I have things that need to be cared for."
"Anything I can help with?" he asked curiously.
"I'm afraid not, they are related to my business and things I must attend to on my own. Please don't take it personally," she added quietly.
"Of course not my lady, after all I have things that I do not wish for you to be involved in, how can I begrudge you having things that require no other be involved."
"You are a good man Thomas, regardless of how many feel about you, and the view you hold that so many disagree with, you are a good man," she smiled.
"Thank you kind lady," he smiled before raising her hands to his lips and kissing it, "Until later."
"Until later," she echoed before he left the house. Sighing she turned to send a message to Eva to meet her at Camelot, she had to make sure everything was well there before continuing on to Avalon, and she knew Eva would enjoy visiting the land of the Goddess herself, and perhaps, just perhaps, someone might have seen something in regards to Ginny and Blaise.
Monday February 2nd, 1998
Wiltshire, England
Malfoy Manor
The South Wing, Narcissa's Wing
6:24 p.m.
"I still say we shouldn't be bothering your mother Draconis," Josephine looked over at her nephew.
"You just don't want to be around Mother," he countered with a smirk.
"I don't know what you are talking about," she countered as they approached Narcissa's door. Frowning when she heard the sound of moans, she shot a quick glance at Draco, the woman wouldn't be stupid enough, or brazen enough, to be with her lover without casting silencing spells… wait, yes she would, "We should leave her be, if she misses dinner it's not the end of the world…"
Draco shot her a look, "Its dinner with the Marqués and Marquesa de Castile, the Duque and Duquesa de León, and the Earl of Peverell. This isn't just a dinner between friends they're here celebrating the Earl's reclaiming of Peverell, and it's obvious to all of us the relationship between you two..."
"Celebration with the Duke of Grey, Countess de Winters, and Marquess of Wentworth, the Duchess of Grey's presence isn't necessarily a requirement, your mother often does not attend dinners," she countered as she grabbed his hand to pull him away.
"Josette what is your problem?" he stopped and forced her to stay as he refused to move, "I know that you and Mother have issues but to put up this much of a fight… it's just ridiculous," he continued before the scream came from the bedroom. Before she could stop him, he had spun on his heels and was opening the door to Narcissa's rooms, quickly she raced after him, not wanting him to face what she knew was behind that door alone. "Mother…" he began as he rushed to the bedroom thinking she was in danger, before stopping in the doorway at the sight that greeted him; and Josephine behind him.
"Snape…" Josephine stared in shock at the man still joined very intimately with her sister-in-law. Seeing them both reaching for wands she called upon the Goddess to protect the two of them from any spells they would cast.
"Obliviate."
Blinking at them, Josephine tilted her head to the side as she regarded them, "You really thought that would work?" she asked, rolling her eyes. "Draco," she focused on her nephew by her side who was still staring at his mother and Professor, "Draconis, go get your father."
"But…" he focused on her finally before looking back at the bed.
"Mon neveu (nephew), tesoro (treasure), I need you to go get Lucia, you need to be away from here."
Draco stared at her a moment before nodding and turning to leave and find his father, Josephine watched him go before sighing at the obvious shock he was in, focusing her attention on her sister-in-law and her lover, her expression hardened. "I warned you Narcissa, over seven years ago I warned you to not bring shame to my brother or our family. I was never blind, I never hid behind the fact I didn't want to see what was obvious, that you have had a lover since you married my brother, though I'll be honest the last person I expected was you, Snape," she looked him over before shaking her head. "You have made my brother a laughing stock for too many years, I thank God that now my brother and nephew will be free of you."
Narcissa laughed as she rose from the bed, "You think Draco will turn his back on me? I'm his mother, he adores me."
"You're a whore," Josephine countered with disdain, "My nephew is a true noble, unlike you, unlike your pathetic lover. You married up when my brother took you as his Duchess, why my Pére chose you as Lucius' bride I will never understand. Draconis will not side with you in this; you should have known he would never forgive you if he learned of this. Family is everything to a Malfoy, something you never understood, and the shame you have brought upon Lucius he will never forgive, for he ishis father's son."
"You little bitch," Narcissa yelled as she lunged towards Josephine, managing to wrap her hands around Josephine's neck as her momentum rammed Josephine against the wall, the crack echoing in the room.
Josephine clawed at her hands as Narcissa tightened her hold, suddenly wishing very much that she hadn't told Seraphine to stay with Eva, or left her wand in her study earlier that evening. Reaching out she raked her nails across Narcissa's face, but even that didn't force her into letting go, instead merely tightening her grip. Shooting her eyes across the room she looked at Severus who was sitting up on the bed watching the scene, as the edges of her vision grew grey then black, the darkness closing in as her inability to breathe began to take it's effects.
Just as she finally stopped fighting, as the last of the light faded from her vision, the last thing she saw being Narcissa's sickening grin, she heard the familiar 'yell' of her familiar, something knocking Narcissa enough to knock her off her feet, Seraphine she knew, though she was sure the last thing her familiar expected was for Narcissa to merely pull her down with her, not releasing her throat, her last thought before everything went black was that she hoped Seraphine made her suffer.
Monday February 2nd, 1998
Wiltshire, England
Malfoy Manor
The Downstairs study
8:16 p.m.
"She's coming to," Eva's voice echoed as Josephine started to wake, blinking her eyes against the light and seeing Eva's face hover above her, to be joined by Lucius', Draco's and even Thomas'. Swallowing she winced at the soreness in her throat before Eva's wand appeared and the pain disappeared. "We didn't cast the spell until you woke up, we were more concerned with getting you breathing again, and the crack in your skull, you're not as thick headed as we always thought," she explained, teasing at the end.
"What happened?" she asked softly as Thomas helped her sit up on the chaise, Horacio appearing with a glass of water.
"Draco came and got me, at the same time Seraphine suddenly shot up and raced from the room, we got to Narcissa's chambers in time to see Severus using a spell to send Seraphine flying across the room, she's fine," he interjected into his own explanation, "The spell was to get her away from Narcissa, her hands were still wrapped around your throat," Lucius explained gently, "I'm so sorry i miei cari angioletti (my beloved angel), I refused to see her for who she was all these years and it nearly cost me you."
"I can't believe you tried to kill mother," Draco shook his head.
"I can," Lucius smiled, "The Gods know you were always… precocious," he chuckled.
"Oh shut up," she rolled her eyes, not concerned with propriety with her sister figure and adopted parental figures the only witnesses, well and Thomas. "Where are they now?" she returned the conversation to the two.
"Jozséf took them to Camelot to the dungeons to await judgment from the Council, there are two of the more trusted Aurors there as well taking statements and watching over them so the charges can be brought for attempted murder after we are done," Horacio explained.
Josephine nodded before focusing on her brother and nephew once more, "I'm so very sorry…"
"Don't be," Lucius interrupted, "The signs have been there for years, I just chose to ignore them. And its better in a way that it did come out eventually, at least now we all truly know where Narcissa's loyalties lie."
"Funny thing is, I've been saying that for years," she grinned before ducking the pillow Draco threw her way.
"Yes we all know you're a know-it-all Josette," he smirked.
"It's a gift," she smiled innocently.
"A family trait if you ask me," Eva snickered before getting hit by the pillow Draco had thrown at Josephine. "Oh no we are not having a pillow fight…"
"Why not?" Elena Álvarez smiled as she threw a pillow at her daughter.
"Oh yes, now it's on," Josephine grinned as she found another pillow and the war began, everyone teaming up on Lucius and Thomas when they tried to not participate. "That is the best way to relieve stress," she sighed as she collapsed on the chaise with Eva when they finally called a truce.
"So true," Eva agreed with a smile. "So, I vote for ice cream sundaes and truffles from France to continue this good mood we are all in."
"Sounds wonderful, a break from reality is mandatory right now," Elena smiled as she looked over at her husband, "Diego, will you go get the truffles?"
"Am I to become the royal chamberlain to the three beautiful women in the room?" he asked curiously.
"Of course," Elena smiled.
"Well, I suppose there could be worse jobs than seeing to every whim of three of the most beautiful women in the world," he shrugged before rising, "Draconis, Horacio, Lord Peverell come with me, Horacio and I can teach you two a few things I'm sure," he instructed before heading towards the door, the four following him.
"You know, I love having your papa around," Josephine tilted her head back to look at Eva.
"You and me both mi hermana del corazón (sister of my heart)," Eva grinned. *
Eventually the night's fun drew to a close, and reality set back in, Eva and Horacio chose to stay at the Manor, Eva not about to let her best friend out of her sight after so close a call, while her parents prepared to return to Spain. Thomas went with Lucius to see Narcissa and Severus, and make the arrangements for the upcoming 'trial' before the High Council, Thomas going along just so Lucius would not be alone during this, not because he had any rights to participate in the actions of the High Council. Draco in turn had returned to school, leaving Josephine with the job, though it was by no means a hardship, of seeing the Marqués and Marquesa out.
"You must come visit us in a few days, have another break from reality my dear one," Elena spoke as she hugged Josephine, "And never scare us like that again, there will be no more nearly dying anytime in the future, if you do I'll come find you on the other side when I pass and you will never hear the end of it."
"Yes Elena," Josephine laughed as Elena stepped back, "Don't worry I intend to be around a very long time and spoil my godchildren rotten for years to come."
"And seeing as Horacio and I are in no hurry for children, she's not going anywhere," Eva teased.
"I swear, I will never have los nietos (grandchildren)," Elena sighed dramatically.
"Who knows, the way things are going, Lucius might be el abuelo (a grandfather) before me," Diego chuckled.
"Bite your tongue, I'm not ready to be a great-aunt," Josephine shuddered.
"You were an Aunt before you were seven, and you expect to not become a great-aunt all that soon?" Eva smirked.
"Stop making me feel old," Josephine grumbled.
"But it is such fun to tease you," Elena laughed.
"We must go though," Diego took her arm, "Josephine my dear, there will be a meeting tomorrow, now that Narcissa is to be out of the way…" he trailed off and she nodded, all mirth gone for the moment.
"Let me know when."
"Of course, until tomorrow then my dear," he smiled, "Eva, Horacio, we shall see you soon."
"Goodbye Papa," Eva smiled before the two disappeared with a 'pop'. "Well we should go get some rest," she looked at her husband and best friend.
"We should," Josephine agreed, "Things are going to be very insane over the next few weeks… as if they weren't crazy enough," she added on a sigh.
"Everything will be fine in the end, you'll see," Horacio countered as he took her arm in one of his, Eva on his other side, "Things will be made right, and we'll find Blaise and Ginny yet, do not give up hope."
"Hope is the only thing I have left," she answered softly as they made their way up to her wing.
Wednesday February 4th, 1998
Wiltshire, England
Malfoy Manor
The Gardens
11:47 p.m.
It had been two days since Narcissa's infidelities had been revealed, she having no shame in telling Lucius and any who would hear how she had been involved with Severus since before she even married him. The woman seemed to think it would make Lucius look bad, when in reality all it did was make the other nobles think worse of her, and Severus as well. They had been taken before the High Council the day before where she was stripped of her title and Severus was renounced by his family, lower nobility they might be, they still wanted nothing to do with him. The Harrington Earldom was passed to Draco, to be held in state for his children as he had no desire to become the Earl of Harrington, even if it meant more prestige, he was content to be a Marquess for the years to come.
Yesterday had also seen the culmination of twenty years work; all that was left now was for her to talk to Lucius, to set the final steps in motion. How exactly she was going to explain things to her brother was still beyond her but she had hope that it would come to her when the time came.
And there was still nothing on Blaise and Ginny.
Earlier tonight she had asked Thomas to come over, her mind finally remembering things that she needed to speak with him about, and she asked him if he knew anything of what became of his school diary, sharing the story of what the small piece of him locked within its' pages had done. Not surprising, as she had doubted the man she had fallen in love with could really do such a thing, Thomas had been horrified at the knowledge. True he had his issues with Muggleborns and Muggles, but Ginny… The best they could figure was that the small piece of him, locked within the pages for so long had simply been driven mad. Something that left both of them a bit concerned of what would happen if he was ever to loose his mind again.
After the initial conversation that had taken much of their time and thoughts, they retreated to the garden, Josephine hoping time out in the night air, and among her roses, would give a break even for a short while. Thomas had disappeared inside when Zeta appeared to tell them that Lucius needed to speak with him, and she found herself enjoying the quiet for a while, Seraphine not far from her side. Her companion hadn't let Josephine out of her sight since that night with Narcissa, Josephine just shook her head and didn't argue, and really she was rather enjoying the constant protection.
Hearing footsteps on the path, she looked up warily before she saw Thomas coming around a corner and smiled, "My brother is done with you?" she asked with a smile.
"Our business is finished yes," he smiled as he joined her. "How are you doing my lady?"
"Better," she shrugged, "It's quiet, I'm doing my best to not think and simply be."
"Is it working?"
"Some," she admitted with a sigh. "My mind refuses to stop racing in circles, so many things demanding my attention, Ginny and Blaise, the things with Narcissa, my duties, it seems to never end some days. The only good thing is that Grandmére hasn't come to give her input on the situation with Narcissa."
"I think Lucius actually received a letter from her as I was leaving, I've never seen him that particular shade of white and green at the same time before…"
"That was definitely a letter from Grandmére then," she chuckled lightly. "The woman is insane, how Pére turned out normal is beyond us."
"Something tells me she would not approve of what I'm about to do," Thomas mused, smiling when she looked up at him confused. Sinking to the ground in front of her, he produced a lavender long stem rose, "You of all people should know the language of flowers my lady, and this one's tale is true, for I did fall in love with you at first sight. None of us know how many days we might have left on this earth, technically speaking I have already died once, and you nearly died just two nights ago. I know that tradition has that a couple must court for six months at least, and be engaged for another six months, but I've never been one to quite follow the grain. Marry me Josephine, and not in six months, marry me as soon as possible, life is short, let's seize the moment because the Gods know, tomorrow we might be dead," he shrugged slightly.
"You know, that is very far from the most eloquent or romantic proposal I've had in my life," Josephine smirked before taking the rose from him and brushing the very tips of her fingers along the petals, "You've asked my brother for his permission?"
"Yes," he answered slowly, not quite sure what she was going to say, not having expected anything other than an immediate yes or no.
"Hmm," she nodded, still focused on the rose. "You realize that if we marry there are things I could never tell you unless there is a drastic change in the near future. And you can never bear my title; you will always be the Earl of Peverell and consort of the Countess de Winters."
"I don't care, about either of those things. We both know I will not discuss with you aspects of my business."
"But that's because you know I don't want to hear it, not because you are forbidden to talk of it."
"It still doesn't matter to me Josephine," he countered, "I love you, the things that make you the woman you are, not the things you do, your joy and kindness, your caring, you see people for who they really are, you never let someone convince you otherwise about someone. I've never met someone like you. I've seen things you couldn't imagine, and done things I prefer you didn't. When I say I love you it's not because I want you or because I can't have you, it has nothing to do with me. I love what you are, what you do, how you try. I've seen your kindness and your strength, and I know one thing, you're the one for me."
She looked away from him; shaking her head as she chewed on her lip, "You're insane you realize that right?" she turned back to him with a smile. "How in the Goddess' name am I going to plan a wedding on top of everything else?"
"Was that a yes?" he raised his eyebrows.
"Yes, you idiot, that was a yes," she grinned, wrapping her arms around his neck as he rose and stepped back with her, spinning them around on the path.
"I do love you Josephine," he smiled as he set her down.
"I know," she smiled, "I love you too Thomas, though you realize you can call me Josette like everyone else."
"No, you'll always be Josephine to me, my Lady Josephine," he smiled before capturing her lips for the first time. "We should go see your brother," he whispered as he rested his forehead against hers when the need for air drove them apart.
"And Eva will kill me if I don't tell her," she giggled as he took her hand and they turned towards the house to share the news. "You realize you have to face my Grandmére with me," she teased.
"The Gods save me," he grinned, and her laughter echoed through the gardens as they slipped into the house.
Friday February 6th, 1998
Wiltshire, England
Malfoy Manor
Lucius' Study
9:07 a.m.
It took until Friday morning for her to finally be able to get a chance to talk to Lucius alone, and as she made her way up to his study, she once more asked the Goddess for her guidance in giving her the words she would need. "Lucia?" she called as she entered his study, finding him bent over paperwork.
"Not now Josephine," he answered without looking up, "There are things I need to get done."
"Yes, now," she argued while closing the door and placing extra charms to keep prying eyes, ears, and bodies out
"Josette," he glared at her.
"Oh stuff it, you think I would leave what little time I have to plan my wedding Thomas insists on having in just over a week if it wasn't important?" she grumbled, "Lucia, shut up," she hissed when he opened his mouth. "Now, before you start yelling at me, you need to listen," she moved to sit down across from him. "Over the last twenty years there's been a… movement I suppose you could say. Excalibur was released from the Goddess' side, returned to the chamber of the Holy Relics twenty years ago in one weeks' time."
Lucius had sat back in his chair the moment she mentioned the legendary sword, shock taking over his features the more she spoke, "No one has seen the sword since it was thrown back into the lake the day Arthur died."
"I know."
"Merlin claimed the sword would only be revealed when it was to be claimed by the King."
"I know."
"Say something besides 'I know'!" Lucius snapped before rolling his eyes when she smiled. "Josephine… please I'm exceedingly confused right now.
She nodded in understanding, "When it was revealed, Aunt Aurora was still protector of Avalon. She choose to remain quiet and keep it secret from you, you had enough to deal with at the time, and went instead before the higher nobles of the High Council. The Earl of Rosewood was the first to suggest what it no doubt meant, that this might be a sign that the Goddess felt it was time for Camelot to be returned to its former glory."
"Why hasn't anything been done to reach this goal, if it is the will of the Goddess."
"They refused to have Narcissa as Queen," she answered on a sigh, "When I was fourteen when Aunt Aurora died, and I was made guardian of Camelot and protector of Avalon, I learned of everything. They wanted me to step up and be the one to lay claim to Camelot's throne, I insisted that the throne of our ancestor belonged to you, I would only claim it if you were no longer of this world. As you can imagine that was met by a great deal of frustration on their parts…"
"And they of course couldn't talk you out of it," he nodded slowly; processing everything she was saying and what he knew she wasn't. "If Camelot were to return, things would be drastically different in the world. We have no way of knowing that the people will accept a monarchy instead of a democracy, let alone the other wizarding societies throughout the world… Why are you smiling?" he frowned as he watched a smile grow wider on her face.
"Because while I would not take the throne, that didn't mean we weren't busy at work on things behind the scenes for the day that either Narcissa was out of the picture, or Goddess forbid, you left this life and I took your throne instead of merely taking that which would be mine as High Queen by your side and guardian of Avalon while you rule as High King from Camelot's halls over all."
"Meaning what exactly?"
"Each of us who are part of the council behind the movement, have been making contacts we know we can trust most in the world, finding support for the movement, during my own sabbatical I put out feelers and found members of the American Society who have joined the movement, every country save our own welcomes the return of Camelot, many still wish to be able to lead themselves but believe there is a way to work things out so they will still follow Camelot. Obviously with the mixed feelings here about Nobility, the hatred for our kind that Dumbledore and Fudge encourage, we have not received a true, 'yes'. But you know as well as I do, when they see Excalibur, and Camelot glowing within the morning sun once the magic hiding it from sight has been released, the select few might still fight, but the majority will follow, will welcome the return of Camelot with open arms."
"And you want me to what…"
"I... we," Josephine corrected herself, "Want you to take your rightful place as King Lucius, your birthright," she explained softly.
"And yet I have no Queen," observed Lucius sarcastically.
"Well, we both know my feelings on that matter Lucia," she countered with a slight shrug. "The question for you is when, because I refuse to believe we will not find them, Ginny and Blaise are found, what will you do?"
"Nothing."
"Oh for fuck's sake," Josephine groaned as she let her head fall to bang against the desktop
"What exactly would you like me to do Josephine? Since our cousin, who I remind you is a year older than the Countess, disappeared alongside her, it is quite obvious, at least in my mind anyway, that that is where she has chosen to place her loyalties."
"I would bet my house in America that the only reason she choose Blaise was because he offered her a chance to hopefully escape you. I do not deny that he cares for her, loves her even perhaps, but for the love of all things holy Lucia, she's your true mate, you're bonded for crying out loud."
"I think it's time for you to leave Josephine. Don't you have a fiancé waiting for you?"
Josephine sighed heavily, "I'll stop with the thing about Ginny mon frère (brother), but please, consider the other matter at hand. I fear that as much as I would prefer the throne go to you, time is running out and I will have no choice but to take a title I do not want," she spoke softly before rising to make her way from the room.
Tuesday February 10th, 1998
The Isle of Avalon
10:29 a.m.
It had been four days since she had approached Lucius about Excalibur and Camelot, three of which she was ready to scream bloody murder, trying to plan a wedding for the coming Saturday, plan a coronation for Friday though just who was going to be crowned she hadn't known at the time. She didn't want to be High Queen over all and take her brother's birthright, the idea of being High Queen by his side and being guardian of Avalon was more than enough for her. But just the same she knew that come Friday someone would be crowned to rule Camelot, the twenty years would be up and the Goddess would take Excalibur back to her side once more, to wait until the people were ready and willing to accept her.
In the midst of that as well was the knowledge that it was coming up on three weeks since Ginny and Blaise had disappeared.
The Goddess must have been smiling down on her because first thing that morning Lucius has sought her out and told her his answer was yes, but made it very clear that there was nothing to be said on the subject of his Queen Consort. She sent the messages to those who needed to know, already the news about Excalibur and Camelot had been released world-wide in preparation for the Coronation, and now the news that it would be both the High King and High Queen, and in turn the return of Avalon as well was making its way through the world.
Eva had volunteered to work on a few of the plans for the two occasions, giving her a break and a chance to go to Avalon to inform the Lady and the Priestesses of Lucius' decision. She had done so already, and now was taking a chance to explore the Tor and find a small moment of peace. The last thing she expected however; was the sight of the lion making its way up the hill towards her. Grinning she walked to meet him, Aslan, the great King of Narnia; like Avalon and Camelot, Narnia was believed to be a legend, but she knew the truth, like the women before her who watched over Camelot's halls, guarded Avalon's shores, she knew that Narnia did exist, and had known the creator of those blessed lands since she was a child.
"Good morning Lord Aslan," she sunk to the ground in a curtsy before rising, "It has been many years since you have walked these shores."
"Lady Josephine," Aslan replied. "I have come to Avalon in search of you."
"Oh? Does Narnia have need for Avalon?" Josephine frowned slightly, "Whatever it is you know we will help..."
"Narnia is not in need of Avalon's help. In fact Narnia has begun the return to its golden age. It is almost ready to rejoin this world, along with Avalon and Camelot."
Josephine tilted her head to the side as she regarded the lion she considered a close friend, no matter how little they truly did see of each other, "Narnia is returning to the Golden Age... I thought it was believed they could never return to the Golden Age after the death of Rylian, none wanting to follow Caspian's and in turn the Great Kings and Queens' ways."
"It depends on the Great Kings and Queens they are being asked to follow. A Queen now sits the throne at Cair Paravel that none in Narnia could deny. She is a Queen that has long been awaited, much the way her great grandfather and his brother and sisters were awaited."
"Peter or Edmund have an heir?" Josephine asked surprised, "You have never mentioned that before..."
"Peter's only surviving daughter left Narnia and married amongst your nobles. Her granddaughter now sits the throne at Cair Paravel."
Josephine frowned as she thought over her knowledge of the nobility before her eyes shot towards Aslan, "Can it be... is it..."
Aslan smiled, "It is Ginevra."