Chapter x

choices - who makes their own?

Author note: I understand that on Harry Potter Wiki, the Black Family tapestry has some death days upon it. Well as you can see some of those aren't being followed here so I don't want to hear about any complaints concerning that.

Shopping, Kinsley Black had not done much shopping in her life. To be honest the only shopping, she ever did was for school supplies. Why her mother wanted her to get a full new wardrobe before the weekend was behind her. Still, the woman was insistent, and she couldn't object, well no, she objected, however, she was being overruled.

At least the good news was that most of their shopping would take place in the muggle world. A certain percentage of her wardrobe had to be appropriate for an adolescent heiress of the Ancient and Noble Family, whatever the hell that meant. She just hoped it wouldn't involve heels or skirts or dresses because it was hard enough addressing herself as a she even in her own brain.

"Here we are, the first shop." Amelia declared, making Kinsley look up while Susan grinned.

Within seconds of viewing the front of the store, her face turned bright red, and she averted her gaze.

"No," she quickly hissed, but it would seem her mother wished to torture her that day.
"Yes, as a young lady you need appropriate items and that means undergarments." Amelia declared before placing a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "I know this can be hard but you really do need these items, Kinsley,"
"Especially with what you got," Susan added in making Kinsley's blush grow especially considering her eyes were looking straight down and unavoidably looking at her sizeable lumps.
"Why do girls torture themselves? She mumbled before regrettably entering the store.

The next two hours filled Kinsley's brain with embarrassing moments of measuring — why did she have to take her top off for that?— talks about bras and their different types. Then came the showing off part, which she was not going to do and refused to do thank you very much. She was just getting used to a girls body and there was no way she was demonstrating it off to anybody.

When they left it was with two red-faced pre-teen girls, one who was ready to hide away back into her room for all eternity. Thankfully the next store was more neutral. They needed to get summer clothes for now and would have to return to warmer clothes when the time came.

"Right I believe you should pick what you'd like to wear, and then we'll appraise it all on and see what it looks like," Amelia declared as they entered one of the many muggle department stores. "So go wild, Susan your clothes still fit, therefore I don't want to see too many outfits for you, maybe help Kinsley a bit."
"Of course Aunty, come on Kinsley, I know the perfect style for you." Susan chirped while pulling at her cousin's hand leading the unsuspecting soul into the wilderness of shopping.

It didn't take long for Kinsley to be surrounded by racks upon racks of clothing. Who would have known there were so many choices of slacks, t-shirts and other things not her that's for sure. As a boy it was so much easier, jeans, t-shirts and long-sleeved maybe a dress shirt now she had skirts, dresses — not that she planned on wearing those — slacks, shorts, capris, t-shirts, tank-tops and long sleeves and all sorts of other stuff.

"This is nuts," she mumbled as Susan began pulling articles from the hangers and showing them to her.
"Because of your eyes being in between blue and green, you can get away with wearing both colours, and they'll both go really well with your hair, purple is also your colour because it looks amazing with red hair," Susan explained, sound excited at the prospect of picking out a whole new wardrobe for Kinsley.
"Don't go too overboard okay Susan, I think sticking to slacks and stuff like that would be good," she mumbled yet Susan shook her head.
"I can't, you need to get used to dresses and skirts too. You're the heiress of the Pureblood family Kinsley you'll be expected to dress appropriately for it and that means dresses and skirts on certain occasions. When you go to your lessons on the weekend, I'm pretty certain you'll be expected to wear at least a dress in a 1-inch heel." The explanation had Kinsley's eye twitching. The last thing she wanted was to wear a dress, yet once again the choice was out of her control just like her life up to date.
"Right," she grumbled eyes going over the shirt. It was simplistic, the colour was blue and it didn't have any real - girly stuff to it. "I like that," she agreed before it was shoved into her arms and Susan returned to the chaos.

Within the hour Kinsley had her arms weighed down by numerous articles of clothing and as they entered the changing room, her mother took a seat on one of the waiting chairs while Susan took the changing room beside her.

Looking at the number of clothing items present she tried not to let it overwhelm her. There was so much discomfort, and she was rather certain most of it wouldn't look good on her.

"Well might as well start with something simple," she mumbled before tugging a pair of jean shorts out of the mix.

When she stepped out, she wore a simple pair of acid wash jean shorts and a royal blue tank top that had a cream lace trim. Looking up at her mother earned her an approving smile that made her cheeks turn aflame.

"That looks good, I approve of it," the older woman agreed before Susan stepped out of her changing room sporting a short jean skirt and a long sleeved white top.
"Oh, that looks really good on you!" Susan exclaimed and although she felt embarrassed she couldn't help but smile. Maybe shopping wouldn't be the total bane of her existence after all.

...

Kinsley was nervous, today she would be going to her Aunt Cassiopeia's home for lessons on the Black Family. Looking herself in the mirror, she tried not to think about what the much older witch would convey. The outfit Susan helped her pick out consisted of a pair of deep purple shorts that had silver detail — fancy in her mind — with a long sleeved white blouse that was slightly longer in the back. The top didn't tie high, so she wasn't scandalous but still looked respectable on a girl her age or so Susan said. Her hair was loose, only styled slightly with the purple bow at the back, and she wore a set of black flats.

She felt far more overdressed then she had ever felt in her life and yet - it was comfortable.

Nodding to herself, she left her room and walked down the stairs. Arriving downstairs she spotted her mother nervously walking back and forth. The site had her curious about what the hell she was about to walk into.

"You're not putting much confidence in me passing like that." She chirped from her place at the bottom of the staircase.

With a startled yelp the older witch turned around her gaze falling on her before she stilled. For a moment she took in her outfit before smiling with a pride in her eyes.

"Susan helped pick the outfit out saying I shouldn't arrive in my normal summer clothes," she remarked, nervously tugging at the sleeve of her blouse.
"You look beautiful Kinsley," Amelia whispered before walking over and gently tugging her into her embrace. "I'm sorry for looking worried. I just - there are very few people of the Black Family that I trust. Thankfully Cassiopeia is one of the ones I trust at least to a certain extent. Promise me you'll be careful,"
"I will, I promise," Kinsley whispered feeling something pull at her heart at the thought that her mother seemed so worried about her.

This was a feeling she wasn't very used to. Worry from an adult wasn't a thing that was in her life, at least hadn't been for a very long time. The Dursley's never cared for her well-being, rather she'd be positive that they'd prefer her to get into more life-endangering situations.

"Right, Cassiopeia has requested that you floo to her residence, so I'm glad we've practised that," Amelia explained as they walked towards the flooring room. "I want you on your best behaviour, although you are heir to the Black Family, she is still your elder. She had one of her elves gather your weekend bag and has assured me that a room is ready for your usage."
"You're worrying," Kinsley teased before smiling at her. "I'll be fine, you'll see and at the end of the weekend I'll be back."
"Just - be safe," Amelia whispered feeling her chest tighten as she was allowing her daughter out of her site for a weekend, the first time since she got her back.
"I will,"

With that Kinsley turned on her heel and grabbed a handful of floo. Announcing her destination, she disappeared through the flames leaving her mother worrying behind her as she left her behind.

Arriving at her destination, Kinsley tried not to let her discomfort at the floo show only shooting the fireplace a mild glare. Surprisingly a soft laugh plucked her from her moment and made her look forward where her Aunt stood.

The older woman looked sturdier than the last time Kinsley had seen her. He solved specked black hair was pulled into a low not of sots, lavender eyes accented slightly with make-up. She was dressed rather elegantly in traditional style robes.

"Welcome to Château Black my dear," she greeted amusement still lacing her voice.

"Thank you for having me aunt Cassiopeia." Kinsley hurried to greet, executing a curtsy like her mother showed her and hating herself for actually getting it right.

"Oh, none of that dear! What did I tell you when we first met; Aunt Cassy will do and no need to curtsy for me, you are the heir to the Black Family." The elderly witch announced before pulling her into a tight hug. "You've changed a great deal from the last time I saw you, Amelia did say she brought you shopping for all the proper ladies wear, and you truly needed it dear, look at that bosom!"

Blush growing darker at the remark, Kinsley didn't know what made her feel more uncomfortable, being somewhere she knew nothing about or remarks about her body when she wasn't even used to her body yet.

"Ah — perhaps I spoke a bit too brashly but you need to be confident in your body, we will work on that if there is one thing a Black is always, it's confident." Cassiopeia declared before grabbing her hand and leading her out of the floo room. "Château Black will be as much your home as Bones Manor is, you'll be coming here on weekends after all, so I will show you about. Feel free to explore the grounds and the Château as well."
"It's beautiful," she whispered, taking note of the hall they now found themselves.

The ceilings were tall, over 12 feet tall and covered with elegant mouldings. Large crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling reflecting beautiful light from the grand windows that were all draped on the sides by midnight blue almost black draperies. The floor was white and black marble, yet a mixture of various stars.

"Indeed, it's one of the more — whimsical Black Family properties," Cassiopeia explained before showing her to one of the grand windows.

Looking out over the grounds, she was met by a site she hadn't seen before, The back garden of the home was vast, and held well-manicured greenery and two fountains. On either side of the property were large trees each fully matured.

"Welcome my dear, to Normandy, France." Her Great aunt declared making her eyes grow wide in shock as she realized she had left England completely behind. "You'll be spending a great deal here, and we have plenty to teach in so little time. I have various lessons planned, and I have called for help from a handful of friends. The future Lady of the Black family will demand respect my dear and as a Black, we do not cower."

"I'm in France," she whispered before following off after her great-aunt as she began to walk once more.

They arrived rather quickly at a grand staircase and walked down the steps to the foyer of the Château.

"Today we will begin with very simple rules. Rules every member of the Black Family will need to know to not appear as a fool when dining in high society. As it is almost lunchtime, we will be learning table etiquette." Cassiopeia declared before looking back at her. "The sooner you learn this, the faster it will go."

Eyes widening in surprise, Kinsley had not expected the lessons to start so swiftly. Still, she kept her mouth shut and gave a nod.

"Wonderful, in order to appear properly at a table when in company, or in public, you must pay attention, three times a day, to the point of table etiquette. If these details are neglected at home and in private, they will be performed awkwardly and with an air of restraint when you are in company. You must make these details habitual, and they will become natural and appear easily." Cassiopeia declared, sounding as though she was rehearsing a speech; she had done in the past many times.
"During Breakfast or tea, if your seat is at the head of the table, you must, before taking anything upon your own plate. Fill a cup for each one of the family, and pass them around, being careful to suit each one in the preparation of the cup, that none may return to you for more tea, water, sugar or milk. If you have a visitor, pass the cup with the tea or coffee alone in it, and hand with the cup the sugar bowl and cream saucer, that these may be added in the quantity preferred."

With that, the older witch opened a set of double doors and led the way into what looked to be one of the grand dining rooms of the Château. Already two place settings were set up, and Kinsley felt her eyes widen at the site of various forks, knives, and spoons. This was going to be a long day.
The hour it should have taken to eat lunch took far more time, with explanations of various forks and knives, their uses and so on, but as the meal came to an end Cassiopeia gave a nod of acceptance.

"You've done rather well considering it being your first time," She assured making Kinsley smile, she didn't want to mention that her Aunt Petunia had forced her to learn some of this stuff because she set the tables during formal meals at Privet Drive and the woman wanted everything just perfect. "Now a final lesson for this section, avoid gesticulation at the table. A well-bred-pureblood Witch will never gesticulate but converse quietly; letting the expression and animation of her features give force to her words. Never, when at the home table, leave it until the other members of the family are also ready to rise."
"Gesticulation?" Kinsley asked weakly, earning a twitch of the lips.
"An animated or excited gesture dear,"
"Right, got you."

And so the day continues with further lessons by the time dinner came about, Kinsley was exhausted and rather angry. Angry that she hadn't learned a good portion of this even as Harry Potter. After all, Harry Potter had been the heir to the Potter family, which was on the same level as the Black Family being an ancient and Noble house.
Before dinner, though she was led to what would be her room during her time at Château Black. Arriving at the top floor, her Aunt Cassy led her down a long hall until they arrived at a set of double doors that were arched. With an amused smile, the older witch allowed her to push the doors open and be the first to step into the room.
The room was large, the ceilings towering over her with mouldings and a large crystal chandelier in the centre of the room. To one side was set a small curved alcove that held numerous floor to ceiling windows, blue drapes were on each side of the alcove with two elegant yet comfortable looking chaises with a small table set up.
The bed was inset into the wall like alcove with more moulding covering the walls; it had an elegantly sculptured headboard of what looked to be gold-leafed and a soft fabric. There were plenty of pillows and blankets on the bed as well as a tufted blue bench at the foot. The floor was covered with carpet that depicted various stars and constellations, most especially the Orion constellation if she remembered her astronomy correctly. A large fireplace was set before the bed, and although it wasn't lit that evening, she knew that once the colder months arrived it would no doubt come to life with flames.

"This is –" "I've changed a few things, adding a bit more feminine vibe to it but the few times your father did some to Château Black this was his room. I know he — has done terrible things, but he is still your father and you should know he wasn't always evil." Cassiopeia remarked, her voice sounding distant as though she was remembering an older time.

Biting her lip, she contemplated something before turning on her heel and looking at the older witch with hope shining in her eyes.

"Aunt Cassy, could you — tell me more about him? My mother tries to keep the subject to a minimum but –""You want to know about your father. I don't blame you for that but right now is not the time dear. Perhaps after dinner yes, why don't you freshen up; your clothing has been set up in the attached closet although it looks like one of the elves has already selected your attire for the evening."

Turning back to her bed, Kinsley indeed spotted the long dress laying on the bed. The dress was one her mother insisted they get her for such occasions, as well as a few others, and she felt her shoulders drop at the site.

"I know you may not enjoy a dress but you need to get used to them to a certain level. Dinner should be ready within the hour; we will be eating out on the terrace in the back garden. I'm certain you'll find your way." Cassiopeia declared before leaving the room.

As soon as the doors shut, Kinsley looked around the room with a bit of wonder before making her way towards the set of windows. The view she had was one that astounded her. Château Black was not far from the ocean and the view she had was a direct site of the vast blue pool of water. She hoped that her time at Château Black would give her the chance to at least go to the ocean.

"Well I guess I better freshen up," she mumbled before moving away from the view.

Fifteen minutes shy of dinner; Kinsley left her room feeling a bit out of place. The dress was long reaching the floor with a slight poof to it the bottom of it had two rows of white fabric with light blue bows at certain intervals. The neckline of the dress was also the sleeves, going to each shoulder tip and was the same fabric and bows as the detail. The corset of the dress was fitted yet thankfully not too tightly. To go with the dress was a set of one-inch high heels that had taken her a bit of time to learn to walk in.
Walking down the steps, she took her time, lifting the hem of the dress to view her feet as she went. She was definitely unused to this and didn't think she'd ever get used to it.

"Bloody dress, why can't I just wear slacks." She grumbled before arriving at the main floor and allowing the skirt to fall back into place.

Walking in the direction of the outdoor terrace, she looked out through the windows as she passed. The sun was still in the sky but dropping slowly and the view was just beautiful everywhere she looked. She had to admit, Château Black was a beautiful place, and she was excited to be able to explore it.

"Ah there you are my dear, you look lovely this evening," Cassiopeia greeted making her cheeks darken with colour, yet she gave the woman a smile of thanks. "The dress suits you dear; however, you wish to see it. I know you do not wear them often."
"I suppose I will need to learn to if I'm going to the Lady Black," she remarked earning a pride smile from the woman.
"Indeed, you will, as heiress of the Black Family you'll be expected to attend various galas and other public affairs that will see you properly dressed. Of course, as you grow older, those standards come more from yourself. You'll find a more natural style to yourself although they best be perfect for the situation and occasion." Cassiopeia explained before motioning to a chair for her to sit down on. "However, it is dinner time, and we can speak of manners tomorrow."

Taking her seat, Kinsley made sure to sit as her aunt had shown her, she remembered the older witch's words concerning social manners and could see that there were several utensils displayed on the round table.
As soon as Cassiopeia took her seat, their first course arrived, and she blinked down at it with a tiny bit of horror.

"That is an expression you won't sport during any dinners," Cassiopeia chided amusement filling her voice and making her look up. "Yes, this is escargot, and I expect you to try every meal set before you when you come to Château Black, we will be growing your food pallet."
"Yes Aunty Cassy," she agreed softly before following the older witches example of how to get the little bit of escargot from its shell. Placing it on a small piece of bread, she took a bite. For a moment, she wasn't certain until she gave a nod showing that she did indeed like it.
"Wonderful, escargot is one of my favourite things to eat, and I am glad you enjoy it as well."

Their meal continues rather well, with light conversation being spoken between both witches. Cassiopeia was taking her chance in learning as much about her future Lady Black. When the main course arrived, a lovely Moules à la crème Normande she brought up the subject of school.

"My mother wishes for me to attend as Kinsley Black and have no mention of me ever being Harry Potter. I understand some of the safety measures that brought her to this choice but at the same time I wish I could have the support of my friends at my side." The teen explained earning a nod of understanding from her aunt.
"You are friends — if I remember the articles correctly — with Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger; one considered a blood traitor the other a muggle born. These are very — different choices in friends for an Heiress of an Ancient and Noble family. I'm quite certain many of those with similar titles were a bit — put off by the choice." Cassiopeia remarked hoping not to sound too offensive.
"Ron was the first friend I ever made, we met on the train. I met his brothers before him. The twins were very nice and helped me with my trunk on the train. The friendship with Hermione came later, Halloween actually."
"Why such a memory of that date?" The question had Kinsley grinning brightly and for a moment, the older witch saw a glimpse of the girl's father appear over her. The resemblance at that moment was uncanny, and she couldn't help but smile sadly.
"We became friends after saving her from a mountain troll. One was brought into the school and although students were evacuated to their common rooms, we knew Hermione didn't know about the troll. We hurried to the girl's bathroom because she was there crying. Sadly, the troll had moved away from its thought destination and found its way to the girl's bathroom Hermione was occupying. We fought the troll, and none of us were hurt but that sort of thing does forge a friendship." The explanation left Cassiopeia in shock and slight horror.

She wasn't quite certain how to react to her niece's explanation of how she became friends with a muggle born. Of all explanations, she had never expected a troll, little alone one entering Hogwarts for that matter.

"I believe my dear, we're going to need to discuss your patent for finding trouble," she whispered earning a raised eyebrow from the teen before her.

"Trouble finds me aunt Cassy, not the other way around." The young Black chirped earning a shake of the head from her aunt.

"Your mother informed me that you'll be taking lessons from Alastor Moody during the summer, or at least pointers. Keep rapt attention during those days but you will also be extending your knowledge here at Château Black. I've allocated a slow in the day to help you with certain aspects of your education. I've taken the liberty of - prowled Harry Potter's school record from the Ministry archives."

That had Kinsley growing slightly paler and looking a little less confident about the entire situation; even her mother hadn't gained that access just yet or moved to gain it at the very least. "We'll be discussing it after dinner," Came the calm remark.
Bowing her head to hide her worry, Kinsley gave a soft nod of agreement. She knew her grades — reflected at least — were not wonderful. She did not like to show off her abilities as much as Hermione did, mostly because she didn't want the trouble from the Dursley's like it caused during her primary school days.
She did love to learn; it was the reason Gringotts helped her with her extra subject choices. She could not be more grateful towards Gringotts considering everything they did for her, since her second time in the Wizarding Bank she had grown closer to the goblin nation.
Still, she was a talented witch and knew more than she let on; perhaps — she would have little choice in actually showing her abilities now that she Kinsley Black. As the heiress of the Black Family, she more than likely had little choice but doing her best.