Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, only the Archard family and other OCs belong to me. The French words/phrases will be italicized, as well as the spells. Reviews are appreciated!

Chapter 1: Summer Social

Esme POV

Summers in England were vastly different from summers in France. We'd suffered through the long hot days and the occasional thunderstorm last year, yearning for the pleasant warmth of Paris we thought we would be soon returning to. This year, however, we knew we would never be returning to France, and so, naturally, we had to adjust to infrequent heat waves that bombarded at random.

Thankfully the manor was kept comfortably cool at all times, and the trees outside provided decent shade when walking through parts of the gardens. Still, I missed the pool at the country manor we lived in before coming to England. All Heaven's Garden had was the fountain, and after Fain, Gérard, Henrik, and Isabelle tried to go swimming in it, Maman strictly forbade us from playing in its waters.

The lack of a pool aside, the heat hadn't been too terrible, especially on Litha. We hadn't done more than a feast last year; however, for this Summer Solstice, Papa and Maman arranged for us to spend an entire day together. We dressed in our Litha robes, wearing crowns of roses, elder, marigolds, Saint John's wort, and vervain, and played games around the Sacred Bonfire. Once the sun began to set, the house-elves set up a feast for us in the gardens. It was a long but fun day, especially with the knowledge that Maman and Papa gave up going to the British Ministry of Magic's Midsummer Ball - the very ball they met and fell in love - so they could spend the entire day with us as a family.

Honestly, when we first returned to Heaven's Garden in June, I hadn't been sure what to expect of summer break. I had hope but remained apprehensive if Papa would allow any of us to leave the grounds, as he hadn't ever before. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised when Maman announced at one of earlier mandatory family dinners (even Papa attended once he returned home from working at the Ministry) that we were no longer forbidden from leaving the manor grounds, though strict rules would still be applied.

Besides the full day Litha celebrations, there was a trip to Diagon Alley, aethonan riding with Maman, and Papa even allowed those of us who were school age to see our friends. Papa only allowed Blaire's friend from France, Aline Dubois, to visit the manor, who stayed for two weeks before she went home. Meanwhile, Alaric, Carlisle, and Dustin had to leave Heaven's Garden to visit their friends, though Alaric had less time to do so since Papa had officially begun his heirship lessons.

Papa was noticeably more restrictive with me than with my older siblings. He still let me visit Daphne, but he only allowed it by escorting me to Greengrass Estate himself through the Floo Network. Papa has remained very busy between Alaric's lessons, Wizengamot meetings, and working in the Department of International Magical Cooperation, so he wasn't able to spare a lot of time to escort me to see any of my other friends, let alone visit Daphne again.

Still, the day I spent with Daphne was wonderful. She took me for a tour of the grounds and her family's ancestral home, though some rooms were off-limits to me as a non-family member. We spent time listening to music through Daphne's own wireless radio and talking amongst ourselves. Then Daphne surprised me with afternoon tea in their lakeside pavilion, where her sister joined us. Astoria remained mostly quiet the entire time, still being quite shy around me, but overall it was a wonderful day, and I would treasure the memories forever.

Despite being back with my siblings and getting to spend more time with them (which I have enjoyed), I missed my friends, and I missed Hogwarts - the castle, its secret passageways, and even the classes (though not Herbology - never Herbology). I loved my siblings, but they were not replacements for my friends, who I had grown so close to over the course of my First-Year, just as my friends weren't replacements for my siblings.

I had spent time with Daphne for a day, but had to rely on letters with everyone else, with Daphne and I also exchanging a few letters here and there. I received a letter from Theo practically every week, and I'd been diligently writing back. Poor boy was bored to tears being trapped in his home, Nottington Court, as his father forced him through unnecessarily lengthy heirship lessons - apparently Lord Nott was quite long winded.

Draco on the other hand, had expressed great excitement over his own heirship lessons he'd been having with his father. But what mostly filled his letters was the subject of his dueling lessons. Lord Malfoy had hired a tutor from Russia, an Ivan Poliakoff, who Draco swore was the most skilled dueler he'd ever seen. Draco made a point a few times to mention how useful the book I gave him for Yule had been. I was glad he was enjoying it, especially since I still felt a little guilty our gifts weren't of equal value. This coming term at Hogwarts, I wanted to put more of an effort in being Draco's friend - plus, being closer with him would mess with Parkinson's head.

I'd only recently received a letter from Blaise that I still needed to respond to. His owl hadn't waited for a reply before leaving, so Flèche would have to make the journey himself. I was hesitating to send him because Blaise was all the way in Italy for the summer. I worried over Flèche making such a long trip, plus I would be without an owl for however long he took. Either way, Blaise was at least happy to be in Italy since he missed the chance during winter break. The only downside he'd expressed was his mother forcing him to spend time with his stepfather. Blaise still loathed Giovanni and refused to acknowledge the wizard as anything more than his mother's husband.

The only other person I'd exchanged letters with so far had been Neville. While he was doing well, he stated a few times he missed Hogwarts, but never specifically said why. I'd theorized from his letters that it may have something to do with his grandmother, Lady Augusta. She had been quite the intimidating character at the Winter Ball, and I was fairly certain she scared him on top of her usual strict behavior. There was little I could do to help Neville, besides being an outlet for him to talk and express himself - which hopefully helped him.

I had sent a letter to Potter at the beginning of summer, inquiring how he was doing after what happened with Quirrell and the Philosopher's Stone; however, Potter never wrote back. I had (naively) thought that perhaps he'd gotten over the Slytherin-Gryffindor rivalry after I helped him, hoping we could perhaps rekindle our friendship. His lack of response though was a clear answer - he wanted nothing to do with a Slytherin.

I still felt the bitter sting over what Dumbledore pulled at the End of Year Feast, despite moving past it and being determined to make the coming terms better. Potter probably felt he truly deserved to win Gryffindor the House Cup for his 'heroic' actions. Either way, he clearly was ungrateful for the help I provided and petty over this House rivalry. Potter was a lost cause, so I conceded we would never be friends once again, and I was fine with that. I had plenty of friends in my own House, plus I had Neville - however secret we had to keep our friendship. I did not need Potter.

An additional social event that occurred was the Selwyn-Black wedding, which had occurred just yesterday. Only Papa, Maman, Alaric, and Blaire attended the ceremony (much to some of our disappointment) stating it was an adult event and no place for children. Alaric got new dress robes for the occasion. While Papa was in one of his black dress robe ensembles with a teal silk necktie, Alaric was dressed in a cream suit with a pastel green necktie and a matching robe.

Maman had bought her and Blaire new dresses. Blaire wore a beautiful pastel-green dress with crème vine embroidery. It had flowing sleeves connected straight across her shoulders and flared out at her waist until it was about calf length. Maman let her borrow a pair of crème laced heels and one of her emerald sets. Maman wore a teal blue flowing dress which connected on her right shoulder where it tied into a large bow. She had matching teal blue heels and wore one of her diamond sets. Tipper had spelled both their hair with the sides tied back with thin ribbons matching their dresses.

Both Maman and Blaire had looked beautiful, and I'd been envious I wasn't able to get dressed up once again with them. While I also would've liked another chance to see Daphne, I wasn't too upset I had missed the ceremony itself. I'd never attended a handfasting ceremony before, but from what I read about them, they sounded boring and tedious. Instead I got to spend a fun evening being entertained by the spunky Nymphadora (don't call me that) Tonks. For an Auror-in-Training, Tonks was quite clumsy, but her quirky demeanor made it more endearing than annoying - she did use the Repairing Charm whenever she did happen to break something.

We had all been content to spend the evening apart, doing our own separate activities. Tonks, however, wouldn't hear of it, spouting that if she had siblings, she would play with them every chance she got. Dustin had been fully prepared to ignore her, and started dragging Carlisle off, but Tonks reeled him back in by issuing a challenge: that she could find all eight of us in under an hour in a game of Hide-and-Seek. With the size and sheer number of hiding places in Heaven's Garden, we all doubted she could achieve this. So we all accepted her challenge and proceeded to hide ourselves before Tonks' magical timer rang.

When I heard the chime, I huddled further into the chest I burrowed myself in. Only to startle when not long later it was opened to Tonks' loud exclamation of "Found you!". I climbed out, and to my shock, she had already found Fain before me. I was left to trail behind with my siblings as the Auror-in-Training walked with purpose through the manor, appearing to know exactly where to look without hesitation. She found us all one by one throughout Heaven's Garden, even Dustin who had climbed onto the ledge of the high windows near the ceiling somehow.

True to her word, Tonks found us all in under an hour - it only took as long as it did because we had to walk so far around the manor itself. Clearly she had used some sort of magic. Dustin and Carlisle both accused her of cheating, to which she denied with a wide grin on her face. Janette was the one to finally ask how she did it. Tonks was happy to explain to her captivated audience about magical sensing, something she learned to do in Auror Training. Without the use of a spell, a witch or wizard could use their own magic to sense the presence of another bearing magic nearby. Tonks made it look and sound easy, but if you lacked a natural aptitude or great concentration, then it was nearly impossible to achieve.

Thus our afternoon and evening went, each of us taking turns trying to sense everyone else's magic in a game of Hide-and-Seek. It was both thrilling and frustrating but quite fun. Of my siblings, only myself, Carlisle, and Henrik were able to sense other's magic nearby in varying degrees of success. I personally attributed our success with our ability to actually focus and concentrate with a clear mind. Dustin, Fain, Gérard, Isabelle, and Janette did not have the best attention spans for calm thinking for various reasons, so it wasn't so surprising they struggled and gave up on trying and simply enjoyed the game itself. While it was a useful skill, I doubted I would use it much, especially at Hogwarts. I honestly couldn't imagine playing Hide-and-Seek with my friends at Hogwarts since it was generally considered a childish game.

Tonks was impressed so many of us picked up on the basics so quickly, even encouraging us to consider becoming Aurors since apparently the Department of Magical Law Enforcement was always looking for Trackers in the division. I haven't really considered what I wanted to do with my life, or what to even focus my studies on. I still had plenty of time to consider my options, unlike Carlisle and Dustin, who would be taking their O.W.L.s next year. Yet, I didn't think I wanted to be an Auror.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed the evening spent with most of my family under the watchful eye of Tonks. Despite her own clumsiness, she never allowed any of us to be injured - once using magic to save Isabelle when she fell out of one of the trees in the garden she was hiding in. Papa and Maman returned with Alaric and Blaire a couple of hours after dark, each appearing tired from the day spent at the wedding. We all made sure to say goodbye to Tonks before she left. As far as minders went, she was my favorite, and I hoped she would come back sometime. At the very least she was the daughter of Maman's friend, so we would get to see her again regardless.

I knew Papa and Maman were invited to the Rowle-Evernight wedding, though it wasn't until the end of summer. While it would be before the start of the first term at Hogwarts, Papa already announced only he and Maman would be attending. He didn't specify why he decided this, but his tone hadn't allowed any further discussion on the matter to occur. Though, based on the slight sound of disgust coloring his voice when speaking of it, I thought perhaps Papa didn't think very highly of someone in one or both families. Still, it made little difference as I wouldn't be going, and I wasn't foolish to try and argue the point.

Yesterday's activities had exhausted me more than I realized, as I slept in later than I usually did this morning. Thankfully I still managed to eat some breakfast before the house-elves cleaned up the dining room table at ten o'clock. Since I had about four hours or so before lunch was served (if I missed it then I would have to wait until dinner), I decided to head to the library and work on my summer coursework.

After shutting the large wooden doors behind me, I noticed I wasn't the only one who chose to get some of the summer assignments done. Blaire was already working diligently on the table in front of the bay windows but glanced up when she heard me enter.

"Good morning, petite soeur," Blaire greeted. "Would you like to join me?"

"If you wouldn't mind," I replied as I made my way over to her. I sat down and got out my supplies and books I needed while Blaire pushed aside some of the books she had spread out on the table to make some room for me. I paused when I saw something unusual. "Um...why does your Charms textbook look singed?"

Blaire huffed, and my eyes widened when I saw her hair slowly float and move as if there was a breeze. "Those jumeaux du diable were at it again! They were trying to prank Carlisle and Dustin with some sort of magical device but didn't account for Carlisle holding his Beater bat. Carlisle knocked it aside when it came flying at him and Dustin, knocking it onto my books when I was studying outside this morning. It exploded, and I just managed to put out the sparks before my books were completely destroyed!" Blaire took a couple deep breaths, and I began to relax when her hair went back to normal. "Honestly, I don't know where they even got the thing."

I instantly cleared my face, appearing perfectly innocent and hoped I gave nothing away. Really, it wasn't my fault the twins misused the pack of stink pellets I bought them on our last trip to Diagon Alley. The clerk at Gambol and Japes Wizarding Prank shop had said they were harmless, and the stinky green smoke cleared away in less than a minute. I didn't know what the twins did to it, but they shouldn't have exploded, at least, not in a way that could cause sparks.

"I'm sure if you asked Zimpsy she would fix your books up as good as new," I tentatively suggested.

"Katcher actually witnessed the whole thing when he was watering some of the plants and offered to mend them, but I was too furious at the time and ended up storming off." Blaire let out a deep sigh. "I'll go ask him later when he's done with his chores and apologize if I scared him or hurt his feelings."

Katcher had been with us for years now, so I was sure he wasn't offended by Blaire's anger like she thought he was. Still, I'd better change the subject before Blaire had the chance to realize I supplied the twins with the magical pranking supplies. "I was wondering Blaire, have you and Alaric gotten your O.W.L. results yet?"

"Oh, yes we did. Did I not tell you? Je suis désolé, petite papillon, I didn't mean to leave you out of the loop." Blaire finally began smiling once again so I knew I succeeded in distracting her. "As you know I took ten classes last year, but I decided to take all twelve O.W.L. examinations. I studied on my own time and it paid off! I got ten Outstandings and two Exceed Expectations!"

"Were the Exceeds for the two classes you studied for on your own?"

"They were. Books are all well and good, but classroom experience does play a part in learning material, at least in the case of Care of Magical Creatures. Divination on the other hand...you couldn't pay me to take any of Professor Trelawney's classes. Still, I was very pleased with my results."

"I'm sure Papa and Maman were as well."

"They were, Maman especially. She said couldn't wait to brag that her daughter got twelve O.W.L.s to her friend Andromeda."

"Do you know how Alaric did?"

"Indeed I do. Alaric received nine O.W.L.s for the nine classes he took. He got five Outstandings and four Exceed Expectations, though I don't know what classes exactly he got which for. And before you ask, Papa was pleased with Alaric's scores, and Maman was of course happy as well."

The conversation lulled, but mostly because we each went back to our assigned coursework. While Blaire had already started hers earlier in the break, I still had all of mine to do. I had plenty of time left in summer break to complete it all, but I appreciated that Blaire wasn't too absorbed into her own work, and she was happy to set it aside to help me whenever I needed it. I realized that like Neville, Blaire had a way of explaining Herbology to me in a way I could understand it. The assignment was still frustrating, but with Blaire's help I was able to get a good chunk of it done and felt confident I could finish the rest without her help.

I decided to take a small break when I felt my hand getting a bit stiff, taking the time to stretch it out to avoid cramping. I'd hoped to finish up some sketches I was working on, but that wouldn't happen if my hand was too sore to do so.

"Did you have fun yesterday, at the wedding?" I asked.

Blaire blinked a few times, obviously caught off guard by my sudden question. When she finally gathered her thoughts she replied, "Oui, I did. I'd never attended a handfasting before, but this one certainly illustrated what the books described very well. It was a beautiful ceremony, and Mother Magic did bless the union, sealing Lyra and Ecbert's bond with silver sparks."

"Did Lyra wear a traditional dress or was it personalized?"

Blaire fiddled with her necklace (the one she always wore) as she thought it over. "I would say it was a mixture of both. It was certainly a traditional design on the dress with black embroidered ivy, and she did wear an ivy circlet under her Black family crown. She did personalize things by actually wearing a veil attached to the back of her wedding crown and her dress was gold instead of black or white like people were expecting of her as a member of House Black. Overall, Lyra made a beautiful bride."

"Anyways, enough about the wedding. I heard from George there should be an opening on the Slytherin Quidditch team. Will you try out and join our brothers on the pitch?"

It was my turn to blink in surprise at the sudden question and complete turn from the previous conversation. Blaire obviously was changing the subject, which made me wonder if something happened at the wedding, or if she simply had nothing else to talk about. Either way, I wanted to respect Blaire's privacy, and she did go along with my own change of subject earlier.

"George would be correct about an open position. It's the Seeker position, as Terence Higgs just graduated this last term. While I like Quidditch well enough, I have no desire to play it. I'm nowhere near a strong enough flyer, let alone to be a Seeker, so I'll be leaving Quidditch to our brothers."

"If you say so, though, I would've loved to see how the boys would've reacted to finding out they would have to play against you," she said while giggling at the thought. Blaire then got a contemplative look on her face. "If you'd like to become a better flyer, I'm sure Carlisle and Dustin would love to help you. Any reason to practice flying would thrill them. Maman would be sure to allow it as long as you remained on the property grounds."

I perked up at the suggestion. "That's a great idea! Even if I have no desire to play Quidditch, I'd at least like to be able to be a competent flyer. Flying seems like such a relaxing way to travel."

"Perhaps, but not the safest. Any Muggle could spot you if you aren't careful, and it takes you hours to get anywhere. Flooing is the best in my opinion. It's safe as long as you clearly state where you wish to go, and you get there nearly instantly - without the nauseating feeling Apparating induces."

I shivered in disgust as I remembered the sensation from when Maman and Papa took us side-along to travel to Malfoy Manor for the Winter Ball. "Anyways," I said as I shook off the memory. "So you and George Weasley are obviously writing to each other, will you be visiting each other soon? After all, he's much closer than Aline is, and you made time for her."

Blaire blushed scarlet red all the way to her ears, causing me to burst out laughing. I swear I saw steam rising from her face!

"W-well, I h-haven't seen Aline in over a year!"

I quieted down to soft giggles. "S'excuse, grand soeur. I was only teasing."

Blaire, her face still tinted red, huffed and crossed her arms as she attempted to scowl - though it looked more like a pout. "Euse effrontée," she muttered under her breath.

"In all seriousness," I said as I finally stopped giggling, not at all insulted by her mutter. "Will you plan to see George and Fred Weasley either here, their home, or in Diagon Alley?"

She stopped pouting and released a long breath. "Honestly, I don't know." Blaire turned her head to look out the window, a contemplative look on her face. "I do consider Fred and George to be my friends. But all teasing aside, I care for George in a different way than I do Fred. However, things are...complicated."

"What's complicated about it? You like him. And I know he likes you too, Fred has admitted to it in not so many words."

"Remember how Papa and Maman warned us about who we spent time with?"

Now I was even more confused. "Yes, but George certainly isn't like those people they described. Both he and Fred care little for wealth and power with how indiscriminately they prank people."

"I know they're not, but they get whispered about as is by certain people in Gryffindor, and I've seen looks thrown their way from others. The last thing I want to do is add to it."

While I didn't know why the Weasley twins would garner such treatment, I realized that Blaire's concerns mirrored my own over my friendship with Neville. However, there was a key difference. "I don't think you're giving him enough credit. You say there are already whispers and looks, yet to me it doesn't appear to affect them in any way and if I'm not mistaken, it may even fuel their antics. I think you should give George a chance. If he can't handle it, then that's his problem and he'll miss out on being with my most kind and intelligent big sister."

"When did you get so wise?" Blaire asked, a soft look overcoming her features.

I flipped my hair over my shoulder. "What do you mean, I've always been this great." We both chuckled at my dramatics. "I won't tease you about him anymore…but I really think you should at least go see him soon, he is still your friend after all."

Blaire was quiet for a while, so I turned back to working on my summer coursework. I glanced up when Blaire started packing up her things. She came around and kissed my head. "Thank you, petite papillon."

Without another word, Blaire hurried out of the library, walking as if her purpose was clear. I hoped she decided to give George Weasley a chance. At the very least, I hoped to witness our brothers' reactions when they found out Blaire was seeing someone. I snickered to myself. Poor George wouldn't know what hit him, but I think he would be able to handle it. If not, then he would be a rather poor prankster - if you can't take it, then you shouldn't be giving it in the first place.

Petite soeur = little sister

Jumeaux du diable = devil twins

Je suis désolé = I'm sorry

Petite papillon = little butterfly

Oui = yes

S'excuse = apologies

Grand soeur = big sister

Euse effrontée = cheeky brat (female)

Extra POV

Blaire POV

I was glad when Esme went along with my sudden change in subject without commenting. While I had enjoyed myself at the wedding, there was a small blight which darkened the magical experience.

As soon as we had arrived, I felt eyes digging into me. I had thought nothing of it, simply thinking it was curious witches and wizards. However, the sensation persisted even when the ceremony started and everyone's eyes were supposed to be on the couple in the center of the circle with the officiate.

Casually scanning the crowd, I finally found the source of the unnerving feeling. A young man had his eyes locked on me instead of Lyra and Ecbert. I vaguely recognized him from the Winter Ball, as we had danced once before I excused myself for another partner. I danced and met for the first time so many different people, I honestly hadn't been able to recall his name. Still, all throughout the ceremony, I kept looking back and found his eyes remained fixated on me. It was unsettling.

It wasn't until the reception that he finally approached me, to ask me to dance of all things. I had wanted to say no, but he had already taken my hand and started leading me to the crowd of flowing dancers. To avoid making a scene, I went along with it, but my opinion of him sunk further.

As we danced, he did most of the talking as I refused to engage any further with him than the bare necessary manners and etiquette required of me. This however, didn't seem deter him. The entire time he smirked down at me, despite us being almost the same height; it was all in the tilt of the chin - tilted down created the illusion. He spoke of admiring me (all shallow reasons) and Father (which was smarmy of him), boasting about himself (all of which I doubted was true), and preening about being heir to the Parkinson family.

It was then I remembered who he was - Preston Parkinson, grandson to the current Lord Parkinson, a former Slytherin who graduated the year before. I didn't take much count into someone's House encompassing their personality (there were creeps in every House), but compared to my darling sister, Preston was the mold at the bottom of a barrel that had been left to float at sea.

I endured dancing with him, counting the second until the end of the song, when he dared to actually suggest to me for us to enter into a marriage contract to combine our families together. The nerve of that cretin! It was highly improper for him to suggest it to me unsupervised, let alone have the nerve to think he could charm me into agreeing and convincing Father to go along with the farce.

Before I could react negatively (oh how I wanted to slap him), Father had thankfully appeared and intervened by cutting in. Preston had no choice but to concede (not that even tried to stand up to Father's dominating presence) and slithered away like the worm he was.

Father inquired if I was alright and I wasted no time relaying what the sorry excuse of a male spoke to me about, quietly so no one could overhear us. He had remained stiffly quiet, but I felt the anger churning beneath the mask of calm. Father first made it clear to me that under no circumstances would he ever engage me to anyone without my explicit consent.

After a pause he asked if I wanted to consider this offer. I immediately hissed my denial under my breath. Father was quiet, and slowly I felt his anger recede, as if being pulled deep within him. He finally spoke, reassuring me he would handle it, then to my amusement gave me permission to slap Heir Preston Parkinson if he dared to lay hands on me again.

Father's words had reassured me, but the incident did cause him to decide to only take Maman with him to the Rowle-Evernight wedding later this summer. I knew he wanted to limit my exposure to Parkinson, and I appreciated that, though I was disappointed I wouldn't have the chance to slap him. Still, I didn't want any of my siblings to know what happened to avoid worrying them. Alaric knew and his worry was more than enough. While I could take care of myself, it was always comforting when he reaffirmed he had my back, just as I had his.

Big thank you to my Beta-Readers: TheSparkler and Anonymous!