Disclaimer: Yup still no profit.
AN: Thanks for reading and reviewing. To all of you, Happy Valentine's Day.
AN2: Had to reupload due to scene break errors.
Chapter Twelve – Young MoonsSelena woke on Sunday morning in gradual degrees. At first she heard the soft breathing of someone sleeping beside her. Her body felt heavy and very relaxed as she lay burrowed under the soft blankets. Breathing in she smelt something faintly sweet with a hint of spice. That's what woke her, an unfamiliar scent teasing her nose to discover what it was. Opening her eyes she saw that Missy had kindly slept with her keeping the nightmares away.
Carefully she eased out of the bed not wanting to disturb the Home Fay. Glancing at the alarm clock she saw that it was seven o'clock Sunday morning. A thrill shot through her body as she remembered that today she was to watch a Goblin Smith create a knife.
Looking around the room she noticed the sparkling box catching the sun's diluted light through the curtains sending prisms of colour everywhere. Her hand clapped over her mouth before the giggle could escape then she walked forward to examine the newest gift.
She picked up the flower, inhaled its wonderful scent and smiled brightly. Her guardian angel had left her the flower she had picked as part of her tattoo. Laying the flower aside she sat in her desk chair and marveled at the box. Delicate golden filigree held each stone in place and she realized it was a design of a Japanese Dragon.
Curiosity now filled her and she opened the box to see a four piece hair and dagger set. Each piece was black and had a gold serpent dragon inlay. There were two Kogai, a matching Kushi comb and an eight inch long kaiken.
The Kogai were about seven inches long including the sheaths. When the sheaths were removed the Kogai tapered to a sharp point. The Kaiken was basically a dagger with a rounded sheath matching the hilt.
Closing the lid of the box Selena bit her lip and wondered as to the meaning behind the gift. She would need to talk to Missy and the Goblins to see if they could explain it.
Sitting on the floor at the end of the bed Selena closed her eyes to meditate. She entered her Fire Castle walking the halls and randomly entering rooms. Suddenly she realized that she was at her hidden secret memory. Abruptly turning away she decided to play with her imagined 'cat'. The cat took her flying through the air of her mindscape and she looked down to see the different terrains far below.
Opening her eyes Selena glanced back at the bed and saw that Missy had already left the room. Swiftly she got dressed into plain robes then went downstairs. Missy was just placing Selena's breakfast on the table as she entered and Selena expressed thanks for the breakfast and for her presence last night.
They discussed the presents Selena had found and Missy promised to place the flower in water. It was soon time for Selena to leave and she did so using her Gringotts ring.
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Selena was sitting on a wooden three-legged stool watching in fascination as the large hammer struck the long red-hot rod of steel as it lay on the anvil held in place by long large tongs. Sparks flew into the air as over and over the steel was beaten, heated up and beaten again. It was called forging, hammering the metal, and then folding the metal when it was heated to beat it flat again.
There was, in fact, a whole team working on blades to create weapons. Two Goblins took turns beating the metal rod folding the metal about three hundred times or more. Then the grinder/polisher shaped the blade which could then be engraved or plated with other metal, such as gold or silver. At this stage jewels could also be added and a hilt of bone, metal or wood. The final Goblin working on the blade would be a tanner who either created a leather grip for the hilt or scabbard to hold the blade.
All in all it could actually take weeks or longer to end up with a worthy blade to be kept or sold. Today was just a small glimpse of the effort put into their creations so that Selena would enjoy and appreciate the blades she would soon be training with.
One thing that deeply interested her was seeing the magic each Goblin worked into the blade, whether it was deliberate or not.
Before Boaxum and Selena left, she made a point of greeting each Goblin in their language with an individual special greeting. Most just nodded or called her Goblin-Witch in reply. It was a special privilege for her to see their forging and Selena expressed her appreciation of the honour most of all to her Teacher.
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Arriving home just in time for supper Selena ate quickly telling them of her time with the Goblins. Doug was very interested and asked many questions some of which Selena could not answer.
Doug, Selena and Petunia biked to the park so that they could play for a little while. Petunia surprised them by going down the metal slide and swinging with them. They had never seen her as carefree and happy as that night playing with them. It was a memory Selena would treasure for the rest of her life.
They left the park after about an hour as it was another early night for Selena. She was slowly becoming used to her training schedule and the necessity of an early bedtime.
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Monday was exciting as Teacher Snipbue met her in the Warrior Training Hall at the end of her lesson. He gave her the Mithridatism schedule and after she again acknowledged that she wanted to proceed he gave her the first injection.
It stung and there were side affects; at the injection site, tenderness, redness, some swelling and a painful tingling inside the flesh but numbness of her skin. By the time breakfast ended the injection site was back to normal. Selena's next injection was to be the following Monday as Teacher Snipbue wanted to proceed with extreme caution.
Missy brought Doug to Diagon Alley so that he could have lunch with Selena and Grandpa Hugh. Due to Missy now being a Home Fay, she had to either be heavily cloaked or magically disguised when she appeared in public. No one was to known of the changes Selena was making in the Wizarding World. They especially did not want Headmaster Dumbledore to hear of it and search for Selena or 'Harry'.
That evening Missy and Selena visited Riddle Manor to spent some time with Frank. He gave them a tour of the place, including his home. The repairs were almost complete and the Wards were in place.
By the time they finished the tour Selena's face held a contented smile, her 'Riddle home' was beautiful far beyond her expectations.
She called the House Elves to attend her in the front salon and once they had done so, she asked each one if they wished to remove the curse and become Home Fay like Missy. They all gratefully accepted and Selena had to make sure she said the particular Family House they served. After they were changed, one fearful male Fay knelt before Selena asking if his wife and children could be changed as well tonight.
Selena was upset over her thoughtlessness and was hard pressed to stop her tears from escaping. She huskily said, "Of course, I am only sorry I did not think of it. Is there anyone else who has a spouse or children needing to be changed?" When the others answered that there were none she turned to the married Fay and asked, "Do your children work for the Family House as well? I don't want them to be placed in service if they are too young or wish to serve elsewhere."
The Fay answered that his family would only serve the Shadow Mistress and that the children were taught to serve when they were very little so that they were trained properly.
In just a moment his family appeared. Selena took the time to talk with each one before they were changed. After Selena had removed the curse from the littlest Fay, she had a hard time saying goodbye to them, but it was past time for her to leave.
When they returned to the Evan's home, Selena asked Missy to order more Family House Crest grooming sets. Once Missy received them Selena would personally deliver them to the Home Fay.
Missy only smiled and said that maybe they could get a discount or that Selena might want to buy the company instead since she would be spending a small fortune considering the number of House Elves that served her properties. Laughing Selena told Missy to speak to Manager Nagnut about it. Missy looked shocked for a moment before laughing as well.
It was a very good night and whispers of the curse being lifted had reached many of the House Elves, though they would never mention it to their Masters or Mistresses. None wanted to remain cursed or be forced to tell about their Shadow Mistress. If need be, they would rather die cursed than to have the Wizards harm her.
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On Tuesday Selena started her Language studies. Aunt Andi started with Gobbledegook, which pleased Selena so much that she gave an unexpected hug to her Aunt. Since Selena had already started to study on the Goblins' written words and symbols Aunt Andi thought Selena would be more motivated and take far less time learning it as opposed to starting another.
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Selena had been missing two particular Goblins, even if they were still advising her by parchment, so she sent a note to Manager Griphook and Manager Nagnut to join her for lunch in her Gringotts room on Wednesday. They had accepted and the three enjoyed a witty lunch together. Selena requested that they have lunch together, if possible, every Wednesday. Griphook and Nagnut accepted and in the future, would let her know if anything prevented their attendance.
That afternoon was another Potions lesson in the Evan's home with Aunt Andi teaching from the wonderful beginner potions book. They were having fun and learning during the process. Andi gave them two chapters during the lesson seeing as they had missed a couple of lessons the past two Saturdays and also because they were very eager to learn.
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That afternoon far away at a beach with a dock called Blackpool pier, a blonde haired hazel-eyed boy gasped for breath as he waved his arms attempting not to drown.
He was pulled from the water by muggles who had seen him struggling while they shot nasty glares at the strangely dressed older man who stood upon the dock frowning. Soon they would not remember the man pushing the boy off the dock or the little boy who had almost drowned.
Neville sat on the beach hunched over as he shivered under the blanket. It was his worst birthday yet, even worse than last year when his Grandfather and Grandmother had forgotten his birthday entirely.
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It was Thursday, July thirty-first and Selena was officially six years old today. Instead of her usual pureblood lessons Selena had the day off. It was her first birthday party since she was one year old and she was both excited and nervous.
She had decided not to invite any of her friends from school as they had lost touch when she had spent the ending of the school year at home recovering. Then too she would not be returning to school with them in the fall, so she allowed her friendships to wither away. Her life was now very different from theirs and always would be.
Selena giggled at seeing more than one flower in the vase on her desk. It appeared her guardian angel had left her a few more. Selena carefully looked around but didn't see a present for her birthday or a new robe.
Slightly disappointed she followed her normal morning routine but didn't wake Doug to spar with her. She just wanted this quiet time alone. After a few minutes she mentally scolded herself for her disappointment, shocked at how easy it was to start expecting her guardian angel to give her presents. She had survived without presents for five years and she had already received so much more than presents to open.
Finishing up her exercises Selena was in a happy mood and brightly smiling as she sat at her desk to write to her guardian angel. She had many things to be thankful for and chiefly amongst them was her loving family and magical friends.
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Petunia had insisted on preparing the birthday breakfast for her daughter while Missy was allowed to contribute by creating the birthday cake. Supper was dining out to which Missy would be disguised as an 'older' sister to Doug and Selena.
Missy had decided that birthday parties meant decorations and she had done so after everyone was in bed. Petunia had to admit it was better than what she had planned of a flimsy 'Happy Birthday' cardboard sign. Now there were flowers, floating balloons and a 'Happy Birthday Selena' silk banner. Of course the house was spotless as well.
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Ted, Andi and Dora Tonks arrived through the floo early that afternoon. Thankfully they had arrived before Sally and were already in the decorated back yard chatting when she entered through the gate. Missy had donned her 'human' appearance and was sitting next to Selena.
Sally sailed in and gave Selena a big hug then as she was handing off the present to Petunia whispered, "I am so glad that Selena invited some girl friends to her birthday party. Now tell me names, do the girls live close by?"
For a brief moment there was stillness from everyone present then the chatting and laughter continued. Petunia gaving a smile to hide her nervousness as she replied, "Oh do let me introduce you to everyone."
Petunia guided Sally over to the Tonks and stated, "Ms. Sally Litstone, this is Mrs. Andromeda Tonks, who is tutoring Selena and beside her is her husband, Mr. Edward Tonks."
Both Andi and Ted shook her hand telling Sally to call them by their nicknames instead, Sally reciprocating with her given name.
Still continuing with the introductions Petunia gestured towards the 'children' and said to Sally, "This is the daughter of Andi and Ted, Dora Tonks."
Dora smiled and gave a wave which almost knocked over her punch but Doug caught just in time. Dora just continued smiling and said, "Hi, nice to meet you." Then she glanced at Doug, "Thanks Doug and good save."
Doug just smiled back, gave a wink to Dora and said hi to Sally.
The easy interaction between the two told Sally that they were also friends and she was glad for it, although the pink hair was a bit shocking at first.
Continuing on with the introductions Petunia's voice softened as she said, "Sitting on the other side of Selena is Missy, a friend who just moved in down the street. They are best friends almost sisters really. If we could we'd adopt Missy."
Sally looked curiously at the small thin little girl. She had big shiny blue eyes and long dark brown hair which was striking against her pale skin. Sally's breath caught and she murmured, "You remind me of a fairy…"
A blush appeared on Sally's face and as Missy smiled at the complement, Selena said, "Oh I know, that's what I thought when I first saw her. It's magical just being around Missy."
Doug and Dora rolled their eyes at Selena's comment, though they were careful to be outside of Sally's vision when they did so.
Sally smiled appreciatively at Selena for making her comment seem normal and not out of place, then she said, "It's so nice everyone could make it to your birthday party."
With a partial smile Selena said, "Well, almost everyone. We met a really nice older man who looks just like a Grandfather ought to and we've kind of adopted him. His name is Grandpa Hugh. He doesn't get out too much anymore just mostly works in his leather shop. He couldn't come but Doug and I will have lunch with him tomorrow and we'll take him some cake."
Raising her eyebrow at Petunia, Sally silently enquired about the newest addition to the family. Petunia nodded her head reassuringly and said, "He really is a very nice old man all alone in the world. Like the sign you gave me Sally, 'Family are those you gather into your heart'. Everyone right here and Grandpa Hugh are our family."
Everyone relaxed and it was a grand day. Sally came along for the supper, but the Tonks went home. At one point Sally turned to Petunia and looking at Missy said, "She's a very helpful little girl isn't she?"
Petunia just smiled as she commented, "Yes she is."
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Missy hadn't realized before exactly how much she took magic for granted until that afternoon and evening. It had been hard on her to not 'help' and it had been slightly disturbing being a guest.
Only once had Selena placed a hand on Missy's arm to stop her from cleaning up and fixing the broken plate Dora had bumped into. It had also been strange for Missy to join in on the 'children's muggle games', but she did and they all had fun.
Missy had always been devoted to the Potters and especially so once Selena had removed the curse from her, but now she knew she was part of the little family.
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At one point during the day Selena quietly asked Missy, "When is your birthday? And if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"
Missy had a twinkle in her eye as she answered, "Oh my birthday is December twenty sixth 1942. I'll be turning forty-four this year, but I am still considered quite young by the Fay."
Blinking in shock Selena responded with a strangled, "Oh!" Then the two laughed and Selena decided that she would ignore Missy's age as it had no relevance to their relationship.
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After getting ready for bed, Selena and Missy went downstairs to say goodnight to Sally and Petunia. Doug had already gone to his room for the night and since it was a 'birthday sleepover' Sally didn't question why Missy was still there.
Selena hugged Sally and then her Mum. "Thanks for the best birthday party. It was perfect."
Petunia laughed then said, "It was good that most everyone made it. I'm glad that the Tonks came."
Smirking Selena walked towards the stairs as she said, "Yeah it helps to not have lessons if you invite the Teacher to your party."
Sally and Petunia laughed then called out a final goodnight. They visited for another hour as Petunia told Sally as much as she could about her life now, while trying to fit it within the acceptable muggle world. She told how Andi would eventually be teaching her how to make specialty lotions and creams, which she could sell.
Changing the subject Petunia asked Sally if she would be up for having a movie night out together with Andi joining them. Sally was enthusiastic and had spent quite some time talking with Andi about what she was teaching Selena.
Needless to say Sally had been very impressed with what Selena was and would be taught before she left to attend an exclusive boarding school in Scotland, when she turned eleven. Andi had reassured Sally that as soon as Selena had been born, her name had been registered to attend. Sally was further impressed to know that Andi had also attended that private school and would ensure that Selena would be fully prepared.
A friendship had struck up between the three women and Ted was pleased to see his wife's world changing from sad loneliness to laughter and friendship.
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The next day, Doug and Selena sat at an outside table of Florean's in Diagon Alley waiting for Grandpa Hugh to join them. Selena was distracted by watching a girl about her age licking an ice cream cone. The girl had long dirty blonde hair, a thin wispy body and silvery grey eyes. The girl was dressed in an unusually bright yellow robe and a butterbeer cork necklace.
Turning slightly to see what his sister was so interested in, Doug sighed and got up from his seat. He approached the girl and gently asked, "Would you like to sit with me and my sister?"
The girl turned her unfocused eyes upon Doug and gave him a vague smile. In a distant dreamy voice the girl answered, "Oh all right then. The corks will keep the Nargles away." Doug's eyebrows rose at this statement but he still smiled and led her to the table.
After introductions were made, Selena gave a delighted laugh and said, "We almost have the same name, Luna."
Luna carefully studied Selena and then shyly smiled. "Do you dance under the moon too?"
Selena giggled then said, "No, not yet but I think I would like to. It should be out in the open, like a field or even the woods if the trees let the moonlight through."
"Oh yes but no shoes. You can come to my house and we can walk in the moonlight. We have fields and a forest nearby."Luna was very excited; her face was rosy, eyes sparkling and her lips curved into a sweet smile.
Touched by the innocence of the girl Selena got a bit misty eyed and said, "Thank you I would like to." Then she got a bit sad thinking that her life was very busy already.
In a serious voice Luna stated, "Just to be safe we won't go during the full moon though, oh, and Lughnasadh Blessings to you."
Doug and Selena glanced at each other and then Selena tentatively said, "Lughnasadh blessings to you as well Luna."
"Yes, same from me as well Luna." Doug didn't have a clue what Luna meant but 'blessings' usually meant good things so he was willing to go along with it. He was curious that Selena didn't know either and rather relieved actually.
At that moment Grandpa Hugh arrived and they ordered their lunch including Luna as well. They were just starting to eat when an adult version of Luna, except she had silvery blue eyes and no butterbeer corks, appeared at their table.
"Oh thank Merlin Luna! How you do wonder off." The woman turned to the three strangers and introduced herself as Mrs. Pandora Lovegood, Luna's Mother. "Thank you for looking after my daughter and feeding her. I'm so terrible sorry for the inconvenience."
The gentleman in Grandpa Hugh rose to the occasion as he hastily stood to reassure her that they were enjoying Luna's company. Then he introduced himself and the children, but he did not use last names. "My name is Hugh and I owe the Trunk Shop. These are my grandchildren, Doug and Selena. Please do join us for lunch, we have just started and enjoy meeting new friends."
Pandora was immediately put at ease and joined them for lunch. She studied Doug and Selena for a moment noticing the rich clothing Selena was wearing then said, "It is so kind of you to speak to an unknown child. Perhaps you wouldn't mind if Luna sends you an owl occasionally."
Selena was quick to take up the gift of communication and enthusiastically said, "Oh yes please! I have two other friends who are girls but they are not as close to me in age. Perhaps Luna and you could come for tea on Sunday, if my Mother agrees."
Pandora was charmed and thankful for two children who did not mock or treat her daughter cruelly. Most adults and children thought Luna was a bit odd and it hurt Pandora deeply when they were mean to her. She intended to encourage this acquaintance as much as possible, especially as she saw an interested spark in Luna's alert eyes.
Luna piped up, "Mother, can Selena come over to walk in the moonlight please?"
Her Mother hesitated and gave a cautious glance at Selena and Grandpa Hugh. She saw that Selena was looking hopeful and Grandpa Hugh curious. "I suppose that would be alright, but I would need to discuss it with Selena's Mother first." To her great surprise the two girls beamed at each other.
It was then that they exchanged floo addresses and the girls promised to talk tomorrow at ten in the morning. Shortly after that the little party split apart and Luna went home to tell her Father about her new friend. Pandora wished with all her heart that it would be a true friendship, but she steeled herself to comfort a disappointed daughter if ten o'clock came tomorrow morning and the floo was silent.
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That afternoon Andi and Selena spent some time purchasing some history books. Andi was determined that Selena should learn to research in order to form her own opinions. To that end they spent quite a few hours reading the history of Salazar Slytherin.
The House Spirits were gleeful and M2 was quite talkative relating many stories about the famous co-founder of Hogwarts. Selena insisted that Andi take her to a public library to research the muggle world history during his lifetime as well. Andi was intrigued with the notion and the two were so caught up in their research that they cancelled the dining training in order to continue on with their study.
It was getting on towards eight o'clock that night when they laid aside the books and took quill to parchment to lay out then discuss what they had learnt.
Salazar Slytherin was a product of his life and times, influenced by the increasing witch hunts and the destruction of the life he had known; he had turned his justified fear into magical exclusivity. The two had discovered far more than just a few times when a muggleborn or half-blood had exposed the magical world resulting in magical deaths every time.
With this understanding they were better able to see the logical progression to pureblood superiority that had developed over time. In his own way Salazar Slytherin had attempted to protect those who were magical from death by muggles, who feared then hated anything and anyone to do with magic.
Selena asked, "But why didn't Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw understand him and help him through his pain?"
Andi had no answer and instead said, "Maybe they tried and he wouldn't listen or maybe they were too stuck in equality for all. Perhaps they didn't see the dangers and deaths that Salazar had. They all had very strong personalities with differing opinions on many things; this was one subject that together the three were against him. We may never know Selena, but we can now better understand his point of view."
Selena nodded thoughtfully and then asked, "Oh what is Lughnasadh blessings?"
Blinking in shock then letting out a chuckle Andi said, "I had forgotten, it's been many years since I celebrated. Basically it is the celebration of the beginning of Harvest Season. It is Gaelic in origin and it is always celebrated August first. If someone wishes you Lughnasadh Blessings it means they wish you a plentiful harvest, good fortune and health. It is named after the god Lugh and many people held festivals, contests and trading. It is one of the four main festivals the magical community celebrates. The others are Samhain, also known as All Hallow's Day on November first; Imbolc or Grighid's Day, which is the beginning of Spring on March twenty-first; and Beltane, the beginning of Summer on May first. It is getting late Selena and we will discuss this another time. Thank you for the reminder though and Lughnasadh Blessings to you."
Returning her greeting Selena smiled at her Aunt happy that she had learnt so much today. She'd have to share this with Doug tomorrow.
That ended their evening but over the years they were to have many conversations that would lead them to search for answers and a close bond grew between them.
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It was five minutes before ten o'clock in the morning and Petunia was fervently glad she no longer would get migraines as she patiently listened to her daughter whine. "But Mum, please! You've got to let them come for tea tomorrow and I have to floo Luna. You've just got to let me go over…please!"
"Selena Lila Evans Black Potter …Peverell…" Petunia huffed in frustration as she tried to remember exactly the correct order of last names her daughter-with-too-many-names went by.
Selena giggled then laughed out loud at her Mum's confusion. When those eyes glared at her and the lips thinned, Selena quickly sobered and softly said, "I'm sorry Mum. I'll just sit and be quiet."
Rolling her eyes knowing that she was being played, Petunia gently led her daughter to the sofa. They sat together while Petunia swiftly braided Selena's hair. Quietly Selena handed her one small fabric hair elastic to fasten her hair, which she had magicked. Quietly Petunia said, "Apology accepted. Now I will floo call the Lovegoods and after I have spoken to Mrs. Lovegood, you may speak to Luna."
"Yes Mum" said the happy voice.
The floo call went well between the two women and Selena was ecstatic to note that her Mum had invited the Lovegoods over for tea on Sunday. When Petunia took her head out of the fireplace they were dismayed that the 'call' had terminated. They giggled at themselves and their muggle assumptions that magic would know they weren't done speaking yet – it really wasn't a telephone.
Before Selena could floo Luna, a green fire appeared and Luna's smiling face was seen. The girls had a short but nice talk together, cementing their friendship a bit more.
At the Rookery, Pandora was humming happily that her fears had not materialized as she puttered about the house putting it to rights. Now if they can accept Xenophilius, I will be able to rest easy in this friendship.
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A bit later that morning Selena looked at a memory vial with her Mum. Missy kept watch over them, like last time.
It was a nice memory of Lily meeting a young boy her own age, who was a wizard. He had black longish hair, dark eyes, pale skin and a large hooked nose. His clothes were scruffy and he was slim, almost too thin. It was a collage of scenes showing the two of them alone together either playing or practicing a bit of magic, although a few had Petunia as well. Unfortunately Petunia seemed rather rude and said hurtful things to them, usually calling them 'freaks'.
A few of the scenes were of Lily bandaging the boy while saying, "Oh Sev, you've got to tell someone. Get him to stop hitting you and your Mum." The boy would shake his head and look away, his face set and hard.
The memories ended as Lily was excitedly packing to go to Hogwarts.
Once they exited the memory Petunia sat with Selena explaining how she had been so jealous and frightened, not understanding that she was pushing her sister away. She explained that she had wanted so badly to go with her sister that she had sent a letter to Hogwarts begging to go. She had received a reply that she could not attend as only Wizards and Witches were allowed. She confessed she hadn't noticed the boy was being abused by his Father.
Selena hugged her Mum and whispered, "I love you Mum for always."
Petunia smiled and hugged her daughter back while she said, "And I love you too forever and a day."
Shortly after, Doug arrived at home hungry for lunch after his football practice; the three females and lone male quickly put together a meal.
The rest of the day was spent on Potions with Andi, flying, playing and preparing for their guests tomorrow. Selena and Missy also delivered the Family House Crest grooming sets to the newest Home Fay late that afternoon then visited with Frank.
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The adult Malfoys were sitting at their breakfast table on Sunday morning. Fine china plates held their favourite foods dished from gleaming silver bowls and platters. The cherry wood table was covered in fine white linen which complimented the peacock blue walls of the cozy room.
Narcissa patted her mouth with her napkin, took a sip of tea then addressed her husband, Lucius. "How is Draco coming along with Occlumency?"
Lucius smiled at his wife as he answered, "Fairly well, we've been setting up his mindscape and we have started organizing his memories. He's been a bit distracted though."
Cissy questioned, "Oh? What is he distracted about?"
Laying aside his fork, Lucius paused and a faint frown appeared on his face. "The girl, it's been a month and I have seen his recent memories. Did you know he greets her picture every morning and says goodnight every evening?" Cissy looked startled then concerned as she slowly shook her head. "Throughout the day he talks to her picture too. He shares with her what he does all day and what else everyone else is doing."
Arching her eyebrow Cissy asked, "He is still that involved with her?"
Nodding his head Lucius added, "Yes and quite frankly I'm becoming more concerned as it continues. After our last encounter, I can't justify the risk to his safety if they meet again."
With a thoughtful look Cissy slowly said, "Perhaps a distraction is in order."
Looking intrigued Lucius gave a short nod. "Yes, she is becoming an obsession for him; perhaps a week or two with Severus will help."
Cissy reached for Lucius' hand and softly said, "I will send a note today for Severus to dine with us tomorrow evening."
Lucius lifted Narcissa's hand, kissed the back of it then murmured, "Thank you my dear." They shared a loving smile and then continued their meal.
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That afternoon saw Selena pacing anxiously in the living room while waiting for the Lovegoods to arrive. Missy had disguised her appearance and it seemed strange and wrong to see her as she used to look like.
Petunia caught her daughter into her arms then softly asked, "Daughter what has you so flustered? This isn't like you at all."
Selena let out a big sigh then said, "I know, it's just she's special, magical and close to my age. I just want to be best friends with her, but I'm scared. What if I mess up and she finds out how weird I am?" Tears were forming in her eyes and Petunia hugged her daughter.
Kissing Selena's head Petunia nodded then said, "I understand better now. What you are feeling is normal. Most everyone feels that way when making a new friend. Just relax and be yourself, if she is worthy to be your friend she will be. Remember not everyone is going to be your friend and not everyone should be. Friendship is a relationship that needs to be worked on. You both need to be the right type of friends for each other. Don't try to force a friendship, start off slow and then build it."
Nodding her head Selena rested against her Mum listening to her heart. After a brief moment the floo flared green then swooshed letting the Lovegoods enter their home. Selena stepped away from her Mum to greet their guests.
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The tea went well and Doug was fascinated with all the stories Mr. Lovegood told. When it was discovered that the Lovegoods owned a newspaper there was the briefest instant of shocked stillness and then questions were asked to cover it up. The Lovegoods noticed nothing and after awhile the children went to the park to play.
For their part the Lovegoods were astonished to find themselves in a muggle home and that Doug and Petunia were squibs. Shocking them further was that a House Elf was living with them but treated as family. They could honestly say they had never met anyone like this family.
When Petunia had let slip that Selena was a Black and her niece but being raised as her daughter, there was a short but strained silence. Petunia sighed then gave a pleading look at the Lovegoods, "Please don't print any of this information in your paper, I beg of you. Selena has had a difficult life so far and she will have to face it all when she attends Hogwarts. Please just let her have a childhood while she still can."
Xenophilius gravely nodded his head promising that he would not tell anyone or print anything of their connection to the Blacks.
Petunia gave a faint smile and then cautioned, "Thank you but are you still okay with Luna being friends with Selena? If not I understand and if that is your intention, we should stop this friendship before it develops further."
Pandora looked at her husband then quietly said, "I have never seen Luna so happy. You are raising Selena and she has not been raised as a Black, so I think we should allow their friendship."
Hesitating Petunia said, "That's not strictly true. I am raising Selena and have done so for many years, but she is being tutored by Andromeda Tonks née Black. I don't know if that will change your opinion."
Looking surprised Pandora answered, "Andi is tutoring Selena? She was the only Black who turned completely away from the Black Family. No, we will not change our minds. Now the girls would like to come to our place to walk in the moonlight. I figured the sixteenth would be best as it is a few days before the full moon so they will be safe and yet have enough light. I will go with them of course to ensure they are safe, though we haven't had a werewolf sighting in our area for many years. But it is better to be safe than sorry."
Petunia looked shocked and stammered, "W-w-werewolf?"
It was left for the Lovegoods to explain about the truth of magical creatures in the Wizarding World. Xenophilius tried to sneak in a few make-believe ones but his wife just laughingly corrected him. He pouted a bit then brightened as he revealed that Dragons were real and rattled off the various species and their unique features. Pandora just nodded reassuringly at Petunia.
The children had arrived back home and listened with wonder. The Lovegoods were persuaded to stay for dinner and eventually left for their home. Just as they were ready to leave Petunia asked Pandora, "A couple of friends and I were planning on a movie night in the muggle world. I was wondering if you'd like to come with us. It would be my muggle friend Sally, Andi Tonks and me, most likely this Saturday late afternoon and evening."
Pandora hesitated then gave a smile as she said, "Yes, thank you. I would like to come, but what is a movie?"
Petunia explained as best she could and let Pandora know she would owl the details when they were finalized.
Luna and Selena hugged goodbye. Once the Lovegoods had flooed to their home the Evans, Selena and Missy settled into their usual evening rituals.
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Monday, August the fourth started the week's lessons as it usually did; Warrior training, venom injection, breakfast with the Goblins, Mind training, lunch with Hugh and Doug then Pureblood training with Andi.
In Warrior training Boaxum was training Selena to use intuition and knowledge to find an opponent's weak areas. He was also teaching her how to decide which weapon would be most effective against which enemy, when to sneak an attack or boldly step forward in challenge. That week they also discussed armour types and which areas of the body needed armour and defense.
Selena had brought her hair and dagger set which Boaxum was impressed with when she showed it to him. He explained the uses of each and told her he would set aside some time for her to learn to throw the Kogai properly. It was then that she learned that each piece was a weapon except for the Kushi comb.
Selena smirked at Boaxum, "Very sneaky to hide weapons in a girl's hair."
Boaxum solemnly replied, "Yes, and the Kaiken is easily hidden. It is used for personal defense and ritual suicide."
Nodding her head Selena commented, "Very Goblin of them." Boaxum only smirked in response.
With Snipbue, Selena continued to organize her memories of being at the Dursleys also she practiced her disassociation from her terror as they viewed them. Snipbue was very careful that he was not causing Selena to become desensitized to cruelty. It was a fine line but Snipbue was pleased with Selena's progress.
That afternoon Andi gave the promised lesson regarding the four main celebrations held in the Wizarding World. Selena was fascinated and when Andi said that she would discuss with her Mum about taking her to the All Hallow's Eve and All Hallow's Day celebrations, Selena had the biggest smile on her face.
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That same Monday Professor Severus Snape came to dine with the Malfoys. Draco was pleased to see his Godfather and they spent a bit of time before and after dinner talking, well mostly Draco talked to Severus.
After Draco had been sent to bed, Lucius and Narcissa visited with Severus in Lucius' study.
Narcissa prepared their tea and as she was handing out the tea cups said, "Severus we were wondering if you had the time to take Draco for a visit this summer, perhaps a week or two if that works for you."
Severus accepted his tea then studied the couple. "Is there something I should be aware of? He seemed fine at dinner." He was further suspicious when Cissy and Lucius shared a look.
Putting her teacup down on the table Cissy answered, "It was nice to see him appear as his usual self tonight. Unfortunately that has become a rare occurrence lately." Lucius, who was sitting beside Cissy clasped her hand. Giving Lucius a faint smile she continued, "He has been distracted lately, almost pensive. Lucius and I believe a complete change would do him good."
Knowing that some information was being hidden from him, Severus narrowed his eyes, "I suppose you will not tell me what has distracted him. It seems highly unlikely that I will be able to help him if I do not know what has occurred. He seems fine physically."
Showing his agitation, which shocked Severus, Lucius stood and began to pace. "It is not something we are at liberty to share due to a promise we have made. I have no doubt that you will be able to entice Draco to tell you about it. It would be best if Draco was kept busy including a change of scenery. Unfortunately I do not believe it would be as effective if Narcissa and I were with him, besides we would only be able to leave for a day or two at this time."
Lucius returned to his seat, took a sip of tea then said, "I have been teaching him Occlumency and have become concerned with his almost obsessive actions. We shall be away during the winter and hopefully that will help Draco as well."
Becoming deeply concerned as Lucius spoke, Severus nodded his head. "I will take him tomorrow and return him on the seventeenth."
With a grateful smile Cissy said, "Thank you Severus, we are very relieved that you will help him."
Arrangements were then discussed regarding Draco's visit and where Severus intended to be during that time.
After Severus had left Lucius gathered Cissy into his arms and they comforted each other with reassurances that they were doing everything they could for their son's wellbeing.
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Selena was enjoying her Tuesday morning language lessons with Andi, although they would soon have to select another language as Selena was now starting to be able to read Gobbledegook. It was now after lunch and Andi was sitting with Selena in her living room.
"Selena I have something very serious to discuss with you. As I have expressed, I have concerns about being the right teacher for you regarding Head of House duties. Please think about what I am going to say and let me know your decision soon, but not today."
Andi paused until Selena nodded her head. "I would like your permission to approach Lord Black and request that he teach you. I will not tell him who you are, not even your name, but I will need to tell him that you are of Black blood and a Half-blood. It might also help if I tell him that we have proof regarding Sirius' innocence of betraying your Mother and lack of a trial. If he agrees, you would need to take your lessons in his home as he rarely leaves it now. It is a Pureblood home and therefore very different than other magical homes that you have been exposed to. There will be Dark Artifacts and Magic there, but I believe he is your best option."
Nodding her head Selena replied, "I will think on it, but you should know I am a Pureblood. My Mother was born from Purebloods and squibs. She was adopted by muggles but not Blood adopted. Her House kept their existence hidden from the Wizarding World. I am…unsure about Sirius but he is innocent of the betrayal and should not be in Azkaban for that. I don't want to see or meet him though."
Andi closed her eyes for a moment then let out sigh as she shook her head, "You still manage to surprise me with your secrets. Thank you for telling me your blood status, it will help our request. I will do my best to not allow Sirius near you, though it will most likely occur at some point if he is released and returns to Lord Black's home. Let me know when you have reached a decision and now let's move on to acceptable Pureblood arts and hobbies. We'll start first with needlepoint, drawing and music…"
They continued the lesson and by four o'clock Selena was back home. She spent some time with Doug playing at the park then after dinner with both him and her Mum playing games in the living room for an hour or so. The rest of the evening was spent in the usual manner.
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On Friday Selena met with Andi at one o'clock for her usual lesson, but this time she said, "Mrs. Tonks, I have spoken with my advisors and I give you permission to speak with Lord Black requesting that he teach me Head of House Duties. You are free from your vow to speak to him and whomever you need to in making this request. I trust your judgement and discretion."
Andi gave a beautiful smile to her 'niece', "Thank you for your trust Heir Black, I will keep you informed as to my progress."
With that accomplished the two returned to their less formal relationship and commenced with Pureblood lessons.
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Saturday dawned sunny and warm, Petunia and Selena looked at another vial of Lily's memories mid morning. This time it was a tour of Hogwarts, from the train station in Hogsmeade, the carriage ride, the Hogwarts gates, the Great Hall, the moving staircases to the Gryffindor dorm. Then snippets of classes were shown from the deepest dungeon to the highest tower then outside to the greenhouses. Also shown were the Black Lake, the Owlery and the Quidditch Pitch.
Petunia and Selena had big smiles on their faces when they exited the memory. Doug did not have football that day and so they insisted that he join them in the memory. Reluctantly he did and afterwards he was happy he had done so.
Selena was very happy and excited that she would be attending a school like that. She was also relieved that her Mum and Doug would now have a better understanding when she spoke or wrote to them of her life there.
After lunch they had a short Potions lesson with Andi as she and Petunia were going to be busy getting ready for the Ladies Movie Night.
Missy would be looking after Selena and Doug that afternoon and evening. Petunia had already given her permission for them to fly at the Potter Manor and visit the Riddle Manor, if they decided to. She had ensured that they had their bracelets on and the children did likewise with her.
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Andi and Pandora flooed to Petunia's home and then Andi would apparate them, one at a time to an alley near the National Film Theatre in South Bank. It was arranged that Sally would meet them there.
Petunia felt it was best to introduce them to the classic movies first so she had picked, 'You Can't Take It With You', a 1938 Frank Capra black and white film. After the movie they were going to eat a late dinner.
Everything went smoothly and the four women had a wonderful time. It was going on eleven by the time Petunia checked on the children and then rested her head upon her pillow. A smile graced her lips as she fell into a deep peaceful sleep.