Chapter Eleven

Disclaimer: Harry Potter world is the property of J. K. Rowling.

I am merely playing in her imagination.

I appreciate all constructive criticism and would like to apologize for my inconsistent updates and poor grammar. I do need a beta.

Cassiopeia had enlisted the house elves help and begun to obsessively check and double check to make sure they had everything they might need. All the Nine-Tailed Kneazles had their tags two for Maggie (They'd formed a familiars bond with her after the blood adoption) seven for Aurora, they had their paperwork licenses, healers reports, and colors with leashes on. Same for the all the Pegasus, and house elves that would be going with them. All the paper work and boat tickets were tucked into easy to an easy to access file and stored in her purse and Caellum's going away present was in Orion's room in its own crate.

Cassi stood with a check list as she called "Three enchanted multi-compartment trunks packed with personal belongings: heirlooms, jewelry and case, make-up, perfume/cologne, brooms, riding gear, cauldrons, potions ingredients, loose crystals, crystal balls, telescopes, Athame, bowls, candles, bathe salts, oils, lotion, soaps, shampoo, conditioners, Towels, bathe robes, washing clothes, regular clothes and shoes" were packed up, along with a full set of school uniforms with winter ware each. They checked there book cases to make sure they had the class list and the recommended list all there and packed. "Three mundane trunks with all of the enchanted trunk/doors? And are we sure you've all separated your doors into the correct piles no one has forgotten any have you? Everyone check you have your bathrooms packed up neat now. No need to slosh water everywhere."

Rolland pointed out that Aurora had an extra door, one that was glass and designed different than the others.

"That's her kitchen, no one else is bringing one of those." Maggie told him.

"Smart, planning your meals all together like that."

"Nah she's just the only one we trust to cook and not poison anyone."

"Like I said, smart."

"Caellum should have an extra door too. Unless he's forgotten to pack his greenhouse." Aurora called.

"I didn't forget. I had to take care of the venomous tentaculus this morning. I'm putting it in now."

"Good, Good, and Good!" Cassi exclaimed going over everyone's packing. "Now your carry on cases, do you all have them? Do a quick check. Pic-nick baskets their should be enough in their to feed the whole family for the entire journey. Three tea sets eight cups a piece one for you and each of your cousins. A chess board and a deck of cards a piece."

"Wonderful, that's everything, if you three would come here a moment We'd like a small word." Cassi beckoned them toward her, Rolland and Orion were already there.

Orion began "We just wanted to say that no matter what we are proud of all three of you. Each of you are independent, responsible, and brilliant. Together your capable of anything you put your minds towards. Traditionally when a child goes off to boarding school parents impart to them some gifts they hope will treat them well. I know I'm not your father Caellum, Aurora, but I love the two of you anyway and hope you don't mind me standing in for them one more time."

Grandma Cassi pulled a long rectangular box out from side table, leaving the door to it open, she passed the gift over. "Maggie my darling granddaughter this is for you." Maggie opened the box to find a hard backed leather covered book. "Its your own personal Book of Shadows, We've started you off with a few simple rituals and spells passed from mother to daughter and mother to son through out our family and hope it will serve you well. Look again." Maggie sat the book beside her and returned to the package removing it's false bottom she gasped as she found the largest most beautiful Jewelry set she'd ever seen. "There blue Sapphires, and Blue Diamonds, we thought they'd look breath taking on you and we were right. Each piece is engraved with the Black family crest for our branch of the family." Maggie slid one of the chokers around her neck and a bracelet around her wrist before closing the box up.

Another box not to different from Maggie's was pulled from the drawer and Cassi closed it after this time, handing the package over to Orion. "Aurora, my god daughter, my niece. This is yours." Inside was a small booklet that turned out to be a photo album of her mother growing up a few even contained her father and Sirius's Father together looking like best friends. The photo's changed after Charis was sold, pictures depicted her, Caellum and Maggie's fictional upbringing with Orion and Grams. Under her photo Album was a granite covered book of shadows just for her.

"Caellum, my dear nephew, I can't even begin to tell you how much joy you have brought me in my final days. These were my brothers, your grandfathers, and now they are yours." Rolland handed over a money bag the top had gold metal clasp engraved with the Lestrange coat of arms. "The money bag is enchanted it will hold more than you'll ever need and in fact I never emptied it so your grandfathers belongings are still in their, Its got the best anti-theft wards ever done and all you'll need to do is add a drop of your blood on the crest." Next Rolland handed over an elaborate gold and silver tie clip with ruby in the center. "This is a family heirloom passed down for the last ten generations, It's a portkey among other things, I've written down how it was made and what all it does in your book of shadows."

Cassi handed him the book like the girls his was personalized to reflect his personality the green stone covering both ends of the book gleamed and his name was embossed over the side.

"One last thing." Orion told him smiling. "Since the girls have their cats." Here Orion grimaced it was not a secrete that they didn't exactly get along with him. "I decided that you deserve your own pet. I've noticed that you share my enthusiasm for the felines, and have there fore gotten you something a little different." Orion summoned a crate from behind the couch and opened its top up. Reaching in he pulled out a puppy so ugly it could only be called cute. All three heads were butting each other, its little body wriggling around and its tail was wagging. "He's a baby Cerberus." Orion added unnecessarily. "He'll get huge eventually and you can use him to guard your greenhouses, but that's many years off right now I figure he's just the right size to spoil and play with. I've packed enough food for the year here and several toys too. All the paperwork for him is in your file case if anyone asks he's all caught up on his healer visits too, so he's perfectly legal." Orion handed the puppy over to a smitten looking Caellum.

"Well lets load everything into the Carriage so we won't have anything to do in the morning but leave."

The next morning came all too soon for just about everyone. They were up, washed, dressed with their hair perfect by five-thirty. Each of them loaded up with a thermos of their preferred hot breakfast beverage. For Neville, and Orion that was black breakfast tea. For Aurora it was roasted Arabian coffee. She hadn't been wake enough to either hear or particularly care about anyone else's drink. Cassiopeia's flying carriage house and Pegasus took them to the dock were they would board the war ship that would take them to school.

Cassi directed the elves to load them up, stowing the Pegasus crates and Trunks into the cargo haul, and showing their tickets including the extra she'd paid for the large cabin to the men directing everyone. Their tickets were marked and they were led to a large but plain door with a big yellow sign marked 'reserved BLACK' the man waved his wand and opened the door for them tipped his hat forward to them and left.

The spacious cabin was empty save for some old seats. Cassi with a wave of her wand cleared the seats away and brought out her own. In minutes, the room was full of chaise lounges, luxurious chairs and small tables. A few more spells cleared away all dust and cleaned the windows. She handed the small case she'd had the furniture miniaturized and stored away in to Aurora there were some floating candles in it still that could be used for later. Orion and Cassi stayed long enough to introduce them to their cousins before they said their goodbyes and departed.

Caster was sixth year like them, his younger brother Phineas was in the fifth year advanced classes. Virgo, was an aloof seventh year who had already taken her INEWT's. She was going back to school to work on her charms mastery. Libra was a fourth year quiet girl who was dressed like a porcelain doll, perfectly. Finally or so they thought, Arcturus was in Seventh year and seemingly couldn't wait to get away from his parents and presumably them. He slid gracefully onto one of the chaise's in the back turned on his portable wireless and preceded to ignore them. Before the adults could leave however they were drawn to another Black one they hadn't expected to see.

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Draco Malfoy was having the worst summer of his life. He was sure nothing could ever be so awful or tragic. First his mother had whisked him away the moment he was off the train. She'd taken him straight to the vacation house in Italy. Unlike the last time he'd been here, there were no extravagant parties or visitors to impress. No visiting famous places or famous restaurants just to be seen. No they stayed inside and the only visitors were lawyers and house-elves.

His mother read the papers to him every morning and talked about the ramifications of this law or that proposal so it was almost normal in that regard than the day after they learned his father would be released from Azkaban and he'd convinced mother to go home the following day, the papers announced Potter had gone missing. Mother insisted they stay here in case the aurors wanted to accuse them of having knowledge of his kidnaping. His father's official release was postponed because of it any way. Then after father had been home for a week and had sent for them. Narcissa had received troubling news about Children from dark families who'd supposedly died in the first war, that were being found alive and mostly well living with their enemies.

Rumor had it Dumbledore had been behind it all. His mother had flipped her lid. She'd lost her gob stones. He thought he'd have to call a healer, for the fist time in his life his mother had yelled at him and decided he would not step foot in Hogwarts while that 'wrinkly goat loving buffoon' ran it. She'd meant it. His father had written, floo'd, and finally visited himself to try to talk her into coming home and to her senses. He argued that Dumbledore was under surveillance. He told her that the Dark Lord had ordered him to introduce Draco to him, that only made things worse, so changed tactic. People would gossip about them if she changed Draco's schooling at this time. All Draco's allies and friends went to Hogwarts. Nothing had worked and Lucius had not only lost an argument with his wife but been cursed bald after he'd called her unreasonable and implied she was hitting menopause. He gone home in defeat with a new found fear of his wife.

Narcissa had decided that she would send Draco somewhere better than Hogwarts and she'd done quite a bit a research to that end a friend of hers had once remarked that her niece went to school with a couple of children from the Black family. So Narcissa started her research there. Draco had had private tutoring in the summers since before he started Hogwarts so it wasn't to hard to catch him up to the International standard. He'd taken the tests and gotten far more acceptable grades then she'd have liked but still a good set of grades and enough to get him into Athena school of the Arcane. He'd have to take a few remedial classes but she was sure if he put his mind to it, he would do just fine.

Draco was looking in horror around the ship that would take him to his new school. It was a large ship that stopped at several ports including Athena's. The new school was hidden away and only those contracted like the captain of this vessel knew how to reach it. Unlike the Hogwarts express going to the school was just one of its many jobs, it had no luxury seats or pretty compartments you could spend more to rent a cabin but they'd all been taken up when his mom had looked into it so now he just had to find a seat or stand the whole time.

"Narcissa? Narcissa Black is that you?" Draco and his mother turned toward the voice, the man reminded Draco a bit of the pictures he'd seen of his mothers family. The Woman with him could have been his mothers twin were his mother a few decades older. "I don't know if you remember me I'm Orion Septimus one of your Uncle Orion's many illegitimate kids. I saw you once when we were very young."

"It's good to see you." Narcissa meant it and she knew anyone that heard her would be able to tell it. She'd just been feeling so lost standing here unsure of what to do or where to go really. "Are you here on business or do you have kids to send off? This is my son Draco, he's just transferred to Athena's."

"Well don't just stand there then come on in we have a cabin this way." Orion took Narcissa's hand placed it in his arm and led her through a door labeled 'reserved BLACK' into a finely furnished room. This was much more on par what Draco was used to. "Children this Narcissa and her son, Draco, I'm sorry I didn't catch your last name son."

"Malfoy, sir"

Orion smiled at him and gestured around the room "Draco Malfoy. Please meet your second cousin and my daughter Margose, or Maggie as she prefers. Your first cousin Caellum Lestrange" Narcissa gasped and turned to stare at the boy. "I recovered him after Bellatrix was already in Azkaban, your third cousin Aurora Slytherin-Black. Then these are a little more distant though none by more than sixth cousins. Caster, Phineas, Libra, Virgo, and Arcturus Black."

"Why don't you make yourself comfortable, I'll help your mom get your stuff settled." Orion directed Narcissa to him and together found one of the men working the loading area and got Malfoy's stuff loaded up next to his cousins.

Orion and Narcissa made small talk as they walked back and Narcissa learned that he'd raised Aurora, Margose, and Caellum mostly on his own. Mostly because as he told her his mother Cassiopeia had been a great help. Narcissa in return told him about her husband, his insistence on raising Draco in the proper Malfoy way. She informed him that the dark lord had taken up residence in her English manor home and that she'd refused to go back when she realized Draco could be in danger from both sides.

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The Black cousins spent an excruciating hour in near (Arcturus's wireless was still playing wizard rock) silence. Figuring she might as well try Maggie pulled out her carry-on. She spoke in Fae Latin figuring it wouldn't hurt to start early…. "Any one up for a game of cards?" Libra the doll volunteered. Maggie pulled out her wand and maneuvered a table in front of her as Libra moved seats so they could sit opposite each other.

Following her lead Aurora pulled out her own bag moved two of the larger tables to her side and started setting out the brunch tea set and food. She conjured a few extra cups and plates for Draco's sake and began serving everyone. Caellum pulled out an elaborate chess set made of colored glass. The black set was different types of Dragons and the blue set meant to stand in for white was made of various types of Pegasus. He sat up as he asked "Any takers?" Virgo and Draco both moved to join him Draco after a moments pause gestured for Virgo to go first announcing his intention to play the winner.

Aurora began to sing along to Arcturus's music and happily asked caster if he wanted to dance. To her delight he said yes laughing as she pulled him to an empty floor space. The did a modified tango laughing and making small talk about their favorite music and memorable dance moments. Even embarrassing stories of learning to dance.

Soon the music was replaced by an amateur broom race. As Aurora played on the professional circuit she wasn't too worried about catching the results for this race. Her season was over for the next month still. She was still practicing of course but was also enjoying her down time. De Lancret Racing had happily renewed her contract for another season with a huge bonus if she raced two races for them in England and did another publicity stunt there. She'd agreed because both races were after Yule and she would only be their for a few hours each day. In addition she'd be traveling with the company and have plenty of security guards around her.

She was familiar with the course they were racing it was one of her favorites. She wasn't able to hold back the sigh as the announcer yelled that they leading man had taken the fourth turn on the inside. "He's going to loose a full five seconds for that one." She told them at their questioning looks she told them "The Obstacle right after it needs to be entered at the outside wide or else you take the whole fourth off and have to fight to keep on track."

"What would you know about racing?" Draco asked. The Wireless announcer yelled that the leader had fallen behind and was about to be passed. Draco flushed slightly but still glared haughtily in her direction.

"You are kidding! Right?" Virgo turned fully to give Draco a look of disdain. "If you actually knew anything about professional racing you'd already know the answer to that!" Draco looked around and quickly realized all his cousins knew something about this that he didn't.

"She's a professional racer." Arcturus told him slowly in English as though he doubted Draco's ability to comprehend simple words.

Draco blushed darkly, giving her a startled look. "I only followed the English circuit. I'd never needed to know the others. I don't supposed your high ranked?" He was clearly trying to save face.

"She came in second in the World Broom Racing Spree!" Caster told him sounding very much offended on her behalf. She still thought she should have won that but she'd kidnapped Caellum three days before hand, Sirius had Blood adopted Maggie the day before and she had been distracted by worry of Caellum's health and Maggie's core changing darker with her inheriting Purringtongue.

"I missed that this year mom drug me off to Italy for the whole summer." Draco told them. "And the year before I wasn't able to attend because Dad had to work, and the year before that I was at the world cup."

"I attended the World cut in England that year." Aurora spoke up, deciding to change the topic. "I found it highly disappointing the most entertaining thing to happen wasn't a part of the game but seeing the besotted referee try to impress the Veela mascots!"

"I was there too, mind you I was too busy flexing my muscles and trying to impress the Veela myself to pay much attention to the game!" Arcturus admitted. That caused a bit of laughter amongst them. From there conversation flowed sometimes things got awkward or heated as disagreed or let their pride rear it's head; but Maggie and Aurora made a concentrated effort to smooth ruffled feathers and keep things going smoothly. It was pattern that worked well through a late lunch and well into the evening. Caellum reminded them when diner time was fast approaching and Aurora and Maggie got everyone moving as they put the many tables together with a bit of magic to form one large dinning table. Maggie set the table with Libra volunteering her help. Virgo assisted Aurora in pulling the food out of their cold storage basket. They quickly started heating up what needed it then siting it out on the center of the table where everyone could reach it.

Large pots of lobster bisque and baskets of rolls. Pies and other delicious delights were sat aside and covered for desert. They sat around the table eating and discussing classes. Arcturus was telling them how housing was arranged. When a comment he made off hand set Draco off. "What do you mean there are FEA there?" Draco's eyes were wide and his face looked horrified. Arcturus on the other hand looked maliciously delighted.

"And werewolves, Sprites, Dhampir's, and Shifter's." Draco looked more disgusted as he went and conversely Arcturus looked happier.

"But Dhampir's drink blood!" Draco screamed. "Werewolves are blood thirsty monsters who'd keep them in a school!"

"They're only blood thirsty once a month." Virgo said dismissively. If Virgo thought this would calm Draco they were mistaken.

"Dhampir bites cause orgasms." Arcturus said as he wagged eyebrows suggestively. Draco started to hyperventilate. "Most boarded early this morning too, so they should be good and hungry by now." Arcturus's voice was somewhat wistful and he gave a longing look towards the door.

Draco gave a frightened squeak backed further from the door and squealed "When my father!" Caellum burst out laughing.

Caellum gave Draco a shark like grin. Clearly he was going to join Arcturus in needling Draco. "What is it exactly would your father do? The Malfoys are only prominent in England. The only extended family you have are pig farmers in France!" Caellum gave Draco a look of mock pity. "But sure go ahead and complain I'm sure Athena's will kick out half of their students just for you."

"But you're all there too, in danger too!" Draco exclaimed looking for support from the other Black children. "Why would your families let you consort with monstrous half-breeds."

"Who said anything about monsters?" Maggie quickly asked.

"I hope you don't mean the Fae." Virgo said looking somewhat shark like. "Considering my mother is a Shadow Sidhe."

"Aren't they also called the 'fallen'?" Caellum asked. Sparing a scared speechless Draco the need to reply.

"Yes." Virgo replied happily. "For a good reason too. They are still praying for forgiveness."

Maggie took the opportunity to change the subject and get them back on somewhat friendly ground again. Draco remained quiet the rest of the trip. Aurora, Arcturus, and Virgo talked about the advanced courses, and how Aurora would keep up with them while still racing. The school allowed students to go home on week-ends so long as they maintained their grades anyway, but were working with her for the cases where she might need to miss classes, her letter told her the teachers would be talking to her individually about it when classes started.

Caellum and the other boys were discussing Herbology and Caellum's personal greenhouse. Maggie however stopped all conversations with opened the carrier case for her kittens and then had to introduce Aurora's seven, and Caellum's Cerberus. The puppy was happy to lick everyone who wanted to pet him and collapsed into Virgo's lap on his back. His little leg's sticking up and twitching as she patted him on his tummy.

They remained in companionable conversations up until the Captain announced they had reached Athena School for the Arcane port. Students should be ready to depart in fifteen minutes. Every one stood up as Aurora and Maggie began to pack everything away and everyone gathered their carry-ons and got their paperwork to receive their Cargo.