Chapter 44
Ring a Ring o' Roses
Evelyn's POV
The inner circle all got notes as they woke on the morning the train for London was scheduled.
The advisors of Hogwarts court are requested to stop by in the second cabin of the 4th coach of Hogwarts Express post the train departure at the earliest.
Regards,
The Ruling Council
Of course, Evelyn had known of this in advance. The primary announcement was Solus. Cordelia wanted to do it away from the prying ears and eyes of the castle lest the adults accuse them of something like fear-mongering or being paranoid for no reason.
Evelyn just was not sure how they planned to fit so many people in the cabin. It was unluckily Orion who voiced that question, and Tom snapped at him in irritation before waving around his wand. With an undetectable extension charm, the cabin expanded 5 times its size. It would be a slightly cozy fit, but it would do.
Cordelia followed and started conjuring furniture, and Titania and Odgen followed her lead.
Solus was but one announcement. They formed more committees with people who would graduate.
Burke was going to work into Gringotts and Cordelia assigned him a whole pillage of notes on researching Goblin Ownership Laws and Norms.
Odgen was entering the family business, and Cordelia requested that he consider attending Wizandomot alongside his father if he already was not. They needed a closer eye on any tidbits that adults kept from their younger years.
Gambol was going into Auror training and Cordelia requested that she hold a few sessions in the summer on self-defense.
Titania was going on to a Ministerial office; the department of magical international cooperation.
"I hope they realize what they are gaining." Cordelia had simply said, "And an evil part of me is hoping they won't realize what they have been hit with."
Titania cracked a rare smile and inclined her head and added, "I will pass on any news I hear on the war front, however insignificant my bosses think it might be. It should supplement anything Odgen finds in Wizangomot and we find from our families."
Most of them would come to the wedding. So, they dispersed at the beginning of the ride without much aplomb.
Evelyn's POV
She had asked Cordelia to quiz her one last time on wizarding genealogy so they were by themselves in a cabin.
"How are we related to the Weasleys?" Cordelia prompted.
It was a rather simple question in comparison to some she had answered.
"Your great aunt Cedrella is married into them. Her son is called Alexander."
Cordelia nodded as she seemed to think of a question. She was idly playing with the Slytherin locket.
"You will miss him," Evelyn noted.
"Duh, of course, I will miss him." Cordelia looked outraged that anyone would think otherwise.
Evelyn gave her an indulgent look, "It is but a week. It will be over before you know it."
"A week!" Cordelia's eyes were wide as saucers, "Oh no, Uncle Rion and Abraxas are scheduled to arrive on the 4th morning. As Tom is staying with them, he will also arrive at the Chateau alongside them."
"Then what are you worried about? That is even better than what I thought?" Evelyn could no longer sympathize.
"When you are so used to spending all your time around someone Evelyn, separation is a misery. No rationale can beat the feelings." Cordelia said sagely, with a lovelorn sigh, but then straightened herself up, "But that is neither here nor there, let's proceed!"
"How am I related to Edmund Bones?"
"That is a trick question. You are related to his cousin Benedict. Benedict was not only your father's apprentice, but his mother was a great-niece to your grandmother?"
"Partially right," Cordelia acknowledged, "His wife is the niece of my grandmother. He is from the generation of Edmund's father."
"I am never going to get it," Evelyn wrung her fingers.
"Honestly, Evelyn, all you need to know is the family names of people. At best, names. Most people will not stop to speak to you. Most important people will not. It will be society aunties, and you are not speaking to them without a chaperone. You are worrying too much. If you do not trust yourself, trust me. If that is not possible, then I have never seen anyone win over Burga so quickly. All my cousins like you. That by itself is a stamp of approval."
Evelyn sighed and looked anywhere but Cordelia's face.
It was then that she spotted a second ring on Cordelia's finger, right beside her Heir Ring.
"What is that?" She could not help but ask.
Cordelia looked a bit frazzled, and she moved her hands and fingers around in unholy patterns, "What is what?"
"There was a second ring on your fingers," Evelyn said.
Of course, now the only ring on those fingers was the ring of Heiress of House Black.
Cordelia did not respond, decidedly ignoring her words.
"I could swear," Evelyn muttered and looked at Cordelia, who was pointedly looking out the window. Evelyn had studied wizarding traditions well, which is why she could to a great certainty say that it had been a promise ring.
The door to the cabin opened and in came Tom and Abraxas.
"Evelyn, Walburga is looking for you? Sorry, Corrie, I do not fight that person in your family." Abraxas gave Cordelia an apologetic look and offered Evelyn his hand.
She grabbed it, got up, and marched outside. Sorry, her foot. Cordelia was probably glad for the intervention.
"She would not, she would not be so reckless," She thought.
"What was that?" Abraxas asked. Or maybe she had thought aloud, just softly.
"Nothing. Where is Walburga situated?" She asked him.
"Oh, she is not actually looking for you. Tom was moping and I expected Corrie to start moping soon. Believe me, you are better off with Walburga. They are two coaches down, in the first few cabins. I can escort you." Abraxas gestured towards the galley.
And when Evelyn thought about it, he did have a point.
Evelyn's POV
Adler House, London
2nd day of the break
Mother was tense. Father was less so. He had been corresponding with Altair Black for a few months now, and the written word of a man told you much.
Evelyn was certain that her mother had read all the letters that came in and all the letters her father sent out. Her opinion had always been invaluable to her father.
Today, she was going to host Altair Black and Cordelia for a brunch though. Her mother had always taken hosting very seriously, so Evelyn was not terribly surprised.
Evelyn also realized that their disdain for wizards had not just thawed for Cordelia and her father, but her mother deemed them worthy enough to fret about whether five different jams were sufficient and whether the vast selection of teas would be passable for them.
Mother still had that thing on her shoulder, her back straight in pride, as if daring the incoming duo to voice any complaints with her meticulous preparation. However, her lips twitched ever so slightly if the napkin was slightly askance, and when the first batch of flowers was not suitable for esteemed guests. She cared.
Cordelia and her father arrived in a motorcar.
Her father had informed her of that fact. She also had the details from Cordelia. They would arrive at Leaky Cauldron at Charing Cross, and use the motorcars used by the Barrister service that handled the warding contracts of Mr. Black.
She knew her parents appreciated the discretion and the effort. It was very jarring for the staff to see people come and disappear out of nowhere. Though the staff of noble houses was trained to see and hear things, and not repeat them; it was still a bit silly to expect that it would not be a hot gossip.
Cordelia wore a day dress, a version of Kitty Foyle with a hat. Her father a business suit in muggle style with a fedora. Good choices for summer.
Her mother's eyebrows did a thing and Evelyn hid her smile. She knew her mother was dreading the wizarding robes, should their guests wear those.
Mr. Black and her father had a firm, friendly handshake. He inclined his head to Mother and kissed her knuckles, "Thank you for hosting us, Lady Adler. Please meet my daughter, Cordelia."
Cordelia gave two quick, graceful, and very respectful curtsies.
Oh, this was going swimmingly well. Acknowledging her parents' important status was a very good step indeed. He also forewent Cordelia's title. She knew Cordelia had made the request, "I do not want them to think that I am bullying them with it. I would like it if they use my name. They are my sister's parents."
She received a wide, warm smile from Cordelia's father, "It is good to see you again Evelyn. Cordelia has not exercised any restraint in expressing her joy about your stay with us."
"Likewise, Lord Black. I am equally excited." She returned a curtsy for his greeting.
Evelyn's POV
Evelyn gave Cordelia a tour of the property. It was not as huge as the country estate, but still sizeable, and then joined the parents.
The fathers had retreated to the parlor. She knew mother was won over when Mr. Black did not blink after mother stayed long after pouring the tea, and involved her in conversation.
The housekeeper announced the brunch.
The jams were lovely for the summer. The teas were appreciated, enough that Mr. Black requested the origin of the blend to procure for their household. Mother preened.
Cordelia had already made her mark, by engaging her parents in a rather complicated discussion on muggle politics and infrastructure.
It showed her nuance, of course. And her regard for muggles.
Of course, they had heard it all from her. Her requests for the visit to a muggle hospital, and chartering a muggle plane were obviously Cordelia's doing.
However, it was exceedingly hard to speak to Cordelia and not be wonderstruck by her personhood.
It was simpler to research and write things, though effortful.
Cordelia managed all tangents her parents took in the conversation; society pages, Cricket, and most notably recent embroidery patterns that had come in Women's Own several months ago.
Evelyn had never seen Cordelia do embroidery, so she was not sure why she would read that magazine.
"We used the one with paisleys and pearls on Lucretia's wedding gown." Cordelia admitted, "French magical seamstresses are much more relaxed about using muggle origin ideas. The neckline is something she saw in Grazia months ago, and we mixed it with a collar idea that she had."
She added to Evelyn, "Collete has all of them. She gets all the issues. I only get a few, the rest I learn anyway through her chatter. Recently, she sent me a 4 feet description and sketches of a rather fetching dress. One page was just on the hues and how it would go well with my eyes, and I should reconsider my dress for the wedding."
"What are the colors of the bridal party?" Her mother asked.
"Green and Gold," Cordelia smiled, "We tried to blend in as much as we can. All the bridesmaids including Evelyn are wearing green. All the groomsmen are doing Green Robes with gold pocket squares."
"Papa, would you believe Ignatius protested so much green at the wedding party. I told him he was welcome to dress all of them in gold robes. It would be garish even for the Lions." Cordelia addressed him.
Lord Altair (you will confuse my brother, Evelyn) simply hid his laughter behind a cough.
"What are you wearing?" Her mother had not bothered to hide her smile.
"A gown in pale gold. I tried the green but it was too striking with my eyes and it is Lucretia's day, which is what Colette's issue is. She wanted green."
"That is courteous of you." Mother complimented.
Cordelia gave a simple smile, "It is the least I could do."
It was. Though, I could not imagine Cordelia looking any less beautiful in the pale gold gown.
Evelyn saw it when Cordelia moved her hand to serve herself some of the tropical fruits, the Promise ring she had been so sure she had seen was indeed proud and visible on Cordelia's hand.
When Cordelia noted her noticing, she just smiled widely and murmured only to her, "Apologies Evie, I could not confirm it to you without telling my parents."
"How did Lord Black take it?" Evelyn nodded but asked sharply in concern.
"Sputtered," Cordelia admitted as she popped a piece of Mango into her mouth.
Evelyn wanted to give Abraxas Malfoy money, or maybe to his father because Cordelia certainly managed to find trouble without Evelyn whatsoever.
"But ultimately, mother and father were okay. They had seen it coming, and they knew about the courtship. They like Tom. Mother set Uncle straight. Something about he was blind* if he had seen this coming from far away. In the end, when I considered the fuss reasonable, I redirected their energy to the wedding. They could not be so callous as to worry about a promise ring when we had an actual wedding in a few days. The matter was shut."
Cordelia told the story with some delight. Or perhaps she had really liked the mango, "These mangoes are exquisite Lady Adler. You must compliment whoever takes care of procuring your produce. Alphonso's** from Bombay?"
"Indeed. You are well informed with an excellent palate, Heiress Black." Mother had a smile, "We order certain fruits ourselves. You must try the variant from Oudh*** next time. That comes a little later in the season so it should be here once you come over in a couple of weeks."
Mother had used Heiress Black deliberately. Cordelia deserved the title and owned it, and Mother was giving due respect without Cordelia asking for it.
Her mother and Cordelia's eyes met. Cordelia had earned it and they both exchanged a brief nod. Mother called her Cordelia for the rest of the meal, maintaining the intimacy Cordelia wished, but Cordelia's messaging in not using her title, and her mother bestowing it of her volition was not missed.
"We should be off. We have the portkey to France scheduled for the evening and any delay will not be good." Altair Black said after patting his mouth clean of any crumbs, "Next time, Cordelia is over, I will see about someone to come in and install the flu. Ministerial staff is terrible at speaking to non-purebloods, so Cordelia as a liaison should help it along. It works much like the telephones and in fact, recently, letters have been sent via fire also, so the telegram as well."
Evelyn stared at Cordelia. Altair Black had shocked her with all this modern knowledge.
"Father often has to liaison with muggles on warding. Most builders are not magical, so we do need the schematics and the like from muggles of the neighborhood and the building itself." Cordelia whispered to answer Evelyn's question.
Of course, Cordelia was not simply an anomaly. Her father's interests and knowledge might be limited on muggles, but it was not absent or incorrect.
"Until then, here is the card for my barrister. He has both the phone and the floo. In case, owls would take too long, he should be able to get me a message faster. I have dropped your contact details to him, so he knows what to do. Although rest assured, Evelyn will be safe, valued, and well taken care of, I do understand parental worry."
This made Evelyn almost tear up. Dumbledore, the stupid …. Had not even told his parents how to contact her once she left for Hogwarts. Evelyn would be gone less than a week, but it was really thoughtful of Lord Altair to offer it.
Cordelia bumped her elbow into her side lightly and gave her a reassuring blink. Evelyn smiled back.
Evelyn's POV
Dorea had been right. Black Chateau was beautiful. It was a country residence, the estate was fortified with walls and wards, but the garden and the manor house were palatial and welcoming.
Suddenly, Tom and Kyran's innumerable jokes about her being a goddess to house-elves made sense, because Cherry fussed over her the minute she entered.
"Hogwarts also has Duncan, my darling. He took good care of me." Cordelia calmed her down eventually.
Cherry sniffed but conceded yes, Duncan's reputation preceded him and he must have done an adequate job.
Cordelia's chambers were a duplex. The bottom floor has seating areas, her vanity, her bed, and her bathroom. The top floor was more of an eclectic lab cum recreation space.
She had an entire wall of photographs. And one of the first tasks that they did was her taking out another stack and adding to the wall.
Tom featured prominently and a photo of the couple went to her bedside, but Evelyn featured heavily too, almost as much as Abraxas and more than some Black cousins.
"Uncle is a stickler about not doing it in Black Manor." Cordelia scoffed, then proceeded to try to arrange the hundreds of them into some sort of coherent mosaic with little descriptors below.
"This is the room we are using for the bridal party's dress and makeup, and although it is family only, I want to double-check before I let Auntie Cassie inside." Cordelia muttered and then pulled her to the attached terrace, "It looks down on the orchards. One of the old elves does a couple of barrels every year, but we just mainly use the produce for the compound because we grow things other than grapes. I plan to throw it open as well. I can block anyone's eyes through a temporary ward. Colette and the seamstress are due to arrive in the evening for the final fitting."
And on it went.
Evelyn's POV
Cordelia's courtship was a popular topic, much to Cordelia's chagrin. She pushed away the conversation on the day of the fitting.
But somehow the next day found all the women sitting in her vast chambers.
Evelyn could tell how annoyed Cordelia was because she was sitting in front of the mirror, rhythmically brushing her hair, with a tight set to her mouth.
Evelyn was surprised that it was not apparent to others.
Aunt Cassiopeia was needling Cordelia about all the courtship presents Lord Slytherin had given her, and something about the cackling tone seemed to grate at Cordelia. It put Evelyn on edge too, but so far, any attempts on getting Evelyn alone had been met with a sharp glare from Cordelia, and her aunt had backed off.
Cordelia did end up telling everyone about the present. She mentioned and emphasized the warding stones for how much she valued the gift.
Her mother was absent, busy arranging things with local vendors. Ideally, Aunt Cassiopeia should have been spending time and effort on her daughter, and on the event but she seemed nonplussed about it.
Lucretia looked resigned, Walburga was standing stiffly, and Dorea's stance was of an alert prey.
Suddenly, Evelyn realized that all the Black sisters were uncomfortable, and this probably happened before and they were all used to what it entailed. Cordelia was the only one who was handling it diplomatically, or rather she was taking up space to give breathing room to all her sisters.
Cassiopeia was going on and on about how Cordelia had done the coup of the century, gesturing at the Slytherin locket.
Evelyn was disgusted. And suddenly, Walburga's words echoed. Cordelia protected her own. She had probably been doing this for years, deflecting attention from others by taking up space even if she was uncomfortable.
Suddenly, Cordelia froze and dropped her brush.
"What happened dearie?" Cassiopeia looked at her in alarm.
"The locket was not a courtship present Auntie, and Tom is here. Wards just alerted me." Cordelia gave a measured response before she rushed out of the room in a whirlwind.
Evelyn followed her because Cassiopeia scared her, but also because Walburga'e eyes did a thing to direct her to the door as if saying, "Escape while you can."
And Evelyn rushed out. She could not match Cordelia's pace because Cordelia skipped and flew down the grand staircase towards the entrance hall, and hugged Tom from behind.
Evelyn stopped as soon as she saw that. She knew she probably did not want to see what happened next. She only looked up when she heard other footsteps to see Cordelia hovering up in the air as Tom had picked her, and their mouth on each other.
And a little the sideways, Lord Malfoy and Abraxas were entering leaving the floo room.
Oh, they would be in such trouble. Abraxas simply rolled his eyes; he did not seem so concerned.
Hyperion Malfoy actually looked impish because he had a look of mischief in his eyes, and he loudly cleared his throat.
Cordelia did not leave the liplock but did extract her hand from the embrace and did a very rude gesture to her uncle.
Mother would kill Evelyn for even knowing what it meant.
Lord Malfoy just loudly guffawed.
"Let's go meet your aunt. These two will take their merry time." He told Abraxas and he simply left Tom and Cordelia alone.
"Oh, good evening, Evelyn. We did not see you." Abraxas spotted her.
"Good evening," Evelyn replied weakly, and then remembered her manners and curtsied, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Malfoy."
Lord Malfoy, "A pleasure, Ms. Adler. I have heard a lot about you from my niece and my son."
"Did I not tell you she will find trouble on her own? Lord Black wrote Father a howler about the promise ring as if Father conspired with those two to make it happen." Abraxas shook his head.
"I would have if I had known." Hyperion Malfoy harrumphed, "Tom is surprisingly nifty with all the traditions."
"You did, I was actually thinking of what you said when I found out," Evelyn admitted.
That seemed to make Abraxas happy and he beamed.
"Auntie Adelaide should be in the back, near the stores. We were expecting you tomorrow morning," She informed them gently.
"I must take the blame. I arranged it urgently with Altair. I thought I should give Arcturus a much more equivalent target to bash his head against. I did not think Tom or Abe would have protested." Lord Malfoy said with some enjoyment.
"Stores, you said? Cassiopeia and Ariel with her?" he asked as an afterthought.
Evelyn knew the brother and sister were close, and Lord Malfoy was protective of Lady Adelaide and Cordelia. Had he come over simply to take the heat away from them?
"No, Lady Black and Lady Cassieopeia are upstairs in Cordelia's rooms," Evelyn confirmed. She looked askance towards Cordelia, and the couple had come apart and were speaking in low tones with each other.
"Well, would you mind escorting us to the stores? I know the way, but I cannot in good faith send anyone back to the harpies." Lord Malfoy said seriously. Evelyn's eyes buggered out.
"Father!" Abraxas groaned.
"Okay, uh, I suppose Ariel is fine if a bore." Lord Malfoy conceded.
"I don't comprehend all the family dynamics yet, " Evelyn channeled all her diplomacy, "But yes, I can escort you to the stores."
Evelyn's POV
The wedding was splendid.
Lucretia shined. Cordelia had used the muggle tradition of something old, something new.
The dress and shoes were new.
Cordelia lent her an heirloom gold hairpin with a Slytherin coat of arms, which covered both old and borrowed.
Lucretia had protested, but Cordelia had confirmed that it was both her and Tom's wish, and they would be honored if she wore it.
And Lucretia had said, "Of course Corrie."
Evelyn had met Cordelia's eyes and a dark look had passed between them. Ignatius will know the message. He was also messing with the House of Slytherin if he did anything to Lucretia.
Lucreta's garter belt had traces of blue. And Cordelia had somehow hunted down a silver six-pence that they stuck to the shoe with a cushioning and sticking charm.
When Cordelia had thrown over her gown towards the end and rushed out with slightly tamed ringlets and a thin delicate necklace on her neck, Evelyn had thought that Lucretia was incredibly brave to want Cordelia by her side on her wedding.
It was hard to outshine that woman even when she was trying to be less striking. But of course, Cordelia also made others look better by proximity and perchance Lucretia was more mature than Evelyn to realize that earlier.
The Slytherin locket was still on Cordelia, it had been repurposed as a hair ornament alongside a bunch of yellow roses that Tom had gotten delivered to the room this morning.
People had cooed about their love; Cordelia had blushed lightly but shooed them away by citing the long list of things still left to do. She had weaved some of the roses in her hairdo of course, but the rest went carefully in a vase with water.
Evelyn had a good time. She spoke to limited people that Cordelia or the Black sisters or a couple of times Abraxas introduced her.
Most of the gathering was taken in by the announcement of the courtship between Tom and Cordelia. Abraxas had been right that Cordelia not only found trouble, but she also successfully deflected attention.
Evelyn felt cherished. This was the same as protecting the Black cousins from the anarchy of Aunt Cassiopeia. So Evelyn's evening went very well, she got introduced to society at a big event but still had a tapered exposure.
Cordelia probably danced as much as Lucretia. She was a popular dance partner. She danced with her Papa, her uncles, her cousins, and Tom. But that did not end the list. She danced with everyone in the groom's party and more and more people.
Evelyn danced with Alphard, and Lord Altair and Malfoy both took her to the dance floor. She danced with Tiberius who had made an appearance, and also with Abraxas and Orion.
When all was said and done, Abraxas, Tom, Cordelia, and her met in the astronomy tower of the chateau.
Evelyn reached to find Cordelia sprawled over Tom in an embrace, while he rubbed the soreness away from her feet.
Abraxas did not say a word about it, so Evelyn followed his lead.
They all drank more summer wine and chatted slowly.
Cordelia was the first to fall asleep, unsurprisingly. She had run herself ragged planning for the whole thing.
Tom called Cherry to pop them both away.
As if Abraxas could sense her unasked questions, he told her, "They share a bed sometimes. Aunt Adelaide told me when I found out and wanted to strangle Tom. He has nightmares, and being beside Corrie seems to help. Corrie told Aunty herself, and that is why Tom's room is aloof. Corrie offered to keep the door open with silence spells, so Auntie knows it was just sleeping. Auntie told me to accept that my cousin is growing up, and this was very responsible, wanting to help Tom, but also to keep Auntie in the loop."
Evelyn did not know what to say. The situation was a bit alien to her sense of propriety but it also seemed reasonable when Abraxas put it like that. Also, she had too much wine. So, she gave a simple, ginger nod.
Abraxas sighed, "We should head to bed too."
This in unbetaed, so all mistakes are my own. The focus is also more on storytelling without fussing too much about getting it exactly right.
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