Exams were finally over and nobody was happier about it than Jackie and Toni. The girls had all met up in their dorm room, they had pushed their beds to one side of the room to make room for Olivia and Pandora who would be joining them for their christmas party. They had already gone and packed their trunks as they would be boarding the Hogwarts Express in order to go home.
"How were you able to get a hold of all these treats?" Jackie had transfigured a small table in the center of the room to hold their drinks and snacks
Gwen grinned to herself, her eyes flickering to her trunk where the invisibility cloak laid. "I just asked."
Toni came into the room, "the train leaves tomorrow at ten but the carriages leave at nine thirty."
Jackie groaned, "I would like to sleep in for once."
"Like you don't already?"
She made a hmph sound, causing Toni and Gwen to laugh. Toni transfigured more blankets and pillows around the table of snacks. Jackie dug through her trunk for the pile of gossip magazines that she got monthly.
Taking a final glance at the room, Toni's eyes scanned the well-prepared party before them, a sense of satisfaction filling their being. "I have matters to attend to, so I'll catch up with you all later," they announced to their companions.
Meanwhile, Gwen skillfully cast a preservation charm over the delectable snacks, ensuring their freshness until Olivia and Pandora's arrival, which was scheduled for later. The two friends needed to pack their own trunks for tomorrow.
Waving off the other girls, Gwen departed the dormitory, her mind focused on the task at hand. A note from her cousin's owl had requested a meeting at the courtyard—a chance to catch up and exchange thoughts. They had both been swamped with exams lately, making their encounters scarce. Curiosity stirred within Gwen as she pondered why he couldn't wait to discuss matters until they were back home. Perhaps he was overwhelmed with commitments during the break.
The chill in the air prompted Gwen to adjust her scarf, wrapping it snugly around her face. The castle's stone walls and floors intensified the cold breeze, making her yearn for the warmth of her own house. Determined to swiftly reach her destination, she hurried towards the courtyard.
Upon entering the courtyard, Gwen's eyes immediately fell upon her cousin, who sat bundled up beneath the shelter of a towering tree. His expression spoke volumes—anger and contemplation mingled on his face, piquing Gwen's curiosity and concern.
"You look as if you just lost a quidditch match."
Jack glanced at her, "I warned you about Black." his voice filled with frustration.
"Pardon?"
He thrusted a crumpled letter into her hands. Putting it together, she realized what had happened. Deciding to read the letter, she took care to open it.
Congratulations, and well done! You've managed to avoid completely tarnishing our reputation. Lucius Malfoy has brought to light your connection with the Donoghue heiress. I must say, I'm impressed by your change of heart and your willingness to heed my guidance on persuading the young lady to join her family with ours.
Gwen paused her reading. Smiling, she couldn't help but feel appreciative that she had followed her instincts and had trusted that Sirius was indeed telling the truth. He had made it known to his mother that he was not going to help her.
I can't wait for your much-anticipated homecoming during the festive season! I've arranged a special treat for both you and Regulus – we'll be attending an opera together. But that's not all! Brace yourself for the grand Winter Solstice Ball, hosted at the Malfoy Manor. I implore you to charm and persuade Lady Donoghue to accompany you. With the presence of the press and Lord Malfoy's explicit mention of the esteemed Donoghue family attending, if she were to grace the event on your arm, it would not only eclipse the fact that you were placed in that unforgivable house, but also restore your family's honor. The honor that you tarnished due to your impotence and lack of responsibility.
Her Mother was a snob. Best to remember when you are speaking with her Daughter. She could have inherited it from her.
Don't forget to write back to your Father.
- Walburga Black
Sirius had told the truth.
As she finished reading, Gwen couldn't ignore the underlying coldness and disgust in Walburga Black's words. The mistress of the household treated her son as if he were disposable, devoid of any warmth or maternal love. The letter felt more like a business correspondence laced with passive-aggressiveness, leaving Gwen with a bitter taste in her mouth.
Despite the mixed emotions stirred within her, Gwen couldn't deny the truth that Sirius had revealed. With determination in her eyes, she vowed to not only put the older woman in her place but to make anyone else involved pay the price for their schemes and lousy attempts.
Firstly, though.
Jack blinked in confusion as he was asked, "How long have you had this letter in your possession?"
He hesitated for a moment before responding, "A couple of weeks."
She clicked her tongue disapprovingly and questioned, "So you've had this letter for weeks and only decided to bring it to me right before our holiday? When and how did you come across this intriguing letter?"
With a sigh, Jack explained, "I bumped into Black, who seemed quite flustered. The letter must have slipped out of his pocket, and I picked it up."
Taking a moment to compose herself, she carefully folded the letter and placed it in her pocket, ignoring the questioning look in Jack's eyes. "Coincidentally, the day you crossed paths with Sirius was the same day he came to me and revealed everything. He brought this very letter as evidence of his mother's ambitions for our family name." The tension in the air grew as Jack clenched his jaw, preparing to speak, but she cut him off gently, "I appreciate your concern, but I'm not angry that you kept the letter from me. I understand that you were acting in what you believed to be my best interest. However, I kindly ask that you allow me to trust my own instincts and make my own decisions."
He deflated quickly, realizing that he had no need to go on the defense and explain his behavior. "You are my family. I will always be concerned for your well-being and those who would do you harm."
She smiled, "I share that sentiment." Pausing, she looked towards the white expanse of snow, "I do require your assistance over the break."
"I feel as though you have agreed to Uncle's plan."
Smirking, she fluttered her eyes towards him. A mischievous glint in them, "We will call this a side question in this plan of his."
Jack pushed off the tree, "just as long as we are in agreement."
"Indeed we are."
As soon as she stepped back into the dorm, she wasted no time in snatching her cozy pajamas, indulging in a steamy, revitalizing shower, and returning to the room adorned in her festive attire. To her delight, the other girls had already gathered, engaging in lively conversation around the table.
With a burst of excitement, Jackie clapped her hands together, exclaiming, "Our final guest has finally graced us with her presence! Now we can delve into these quizzes from the pages of Witch Weekly and Sorcerer Magazine, which I've been saving for this very moment!"
Finding her place between Toni and Pandora, she eagerly reached for the vibrant magazine boasting a bewitching witch on the cover. The model, Apolline, a stunning Veela with shimmering silver-blonde locks and piercing blue eyes, instantly caught her attention. If her memory served her right, she recalled Jackie's numerous rants about Apolline being a French witch who attended Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.
"Oh my gosh, these quizzes are actually a blast!" Olivia burst into laughter, surprising everyone around her. "I owe you an apology for thinking they were a waste of time."
Jackie's face lit up with joy at Olivia's compliment and sincere apology. With a mischievous smile, she passed Olivia yet another magazine, eager to keep the fun going.
Instead of buying individual gifts for each girl, the group decided to do Secret Santa this year. As the name drawing took place, Gwen found herself tasked with selecting a gift for Pandora. It proved to be quite the challenge, considering Pandora's kind and spirited personality and her deep passion for plants and creatures. After much contemplation, she settled on a set of lavish paints, knowing Pandora's fondness for venturing to the Astronomy tower at night to capture the beauty of the starry skies on canvas.
Gwen was never quite accomplished in that area. If anything, creating art was one of her weaknesses as her artistic abilities seemed to always fall short. Her art deserved to be locked in a trunk and buried in the dungeons of the Donoghue Manor, to never see the light of day.
Pandora had gifted Jackie with an exquisite spider silk dress crafted by a renowned French seamstress. Not to be outdone, Jackie surprised Olivia with a brand new Quidditch playbook, carefully chosen as her Secret Santa gift. Meanwhile, Olivia had gone above and beyond for Toni, assembling a personalized makeup kit after Toni's own had been lost weeks before. Toni turned out to be Gwen's Secret Santa, and she presented her with a cherished first edition copy of Jane Austen's novel "Emma," accompanied by a heartfelt note written in enchanted ink that only she could see.
The night unfolded with laughter and joy as the girls delved into quizzes from their favorite magazines. As the hours wore on, their stash of sweets dwindled, and they found themselves sprawled on the floor, limbs entangled beneath cozy blankets enhanced with warming charms.
With a gleam in her eyes, Toni exclaimed, "I can't wait to spend the holidays in Italy! My cousins have already returned home from their own schools."
Curiosity piqued, Jackie inquired, "Which part of Italy?"
"Tuscany," Toni replied with a smile. "My uncle happens to own a beautiful vineyard there."
"We absolutely must plan a trip," Olivia interjected, her voice brimming with excitement despite her sleepy yawn. "Italy has been a lifelong dream of mine."
Pandora's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Oh, the tantalizing flavors of Italian cuisine!" she exclaimed, her cheerfulness contagious.
Although Pandora appeared to eat sparingly, her secret was far from what it seemed. She possessed an insatiable appetite, devouring meals with a voraciousness that defied all logic. Her stomach, akin to a bottomless black hole, never failed to rise to the occasion of savory foods. It made Gwen wonder if she was a cook herself.
Closing her eyes, she could only think about being home. Visiting her Mother's grave and telling her all about her adventures at Hogwarts so far.
The journey to the Hogwarts Express flew by in a whirlwind of excitement. Once they tidied up their dormitory after the epic party, they wasted no time in preparing themselves and gathering their trunks for the ride. Once on board, she found herself sitting beside Lily in a cabin, relishing in spending some time with her childhood friend after hardly spending time with her the last couple of weeks. Despite the thrill of the trip, Lily couldn't help but fret over leaving Severus behind during the holiday break. However, he reassured her that staying at the majestic castle was a far superior choice than enduring his parents' constant bickering.
James and Sirius had come by once to bother the red head, which only resulted in her slapping James. He seemed to be stunned and concerningly excited by the girl's reaction to his teasing and outright brash behavior. Luckily the trolley came by and distracted the boys, who chased after it needing chocolate frogs and licorice wands.
Her eagerness to be home made her quite excitable. A trait that she didn't show often.
Frost and snowflakes littered the window that she sat by, she had changed into a blue petticoat and matching hat. She had written to her Father that she would be stopping in London for some Christmas shopping before she'd be home. He would be finishing up his final report which was perfect timing.
"I hope that Tuney will forgive me," she chewed on her bottom lip. "She has refused to write me letters back. Mum told me that she received them but will not bother to open them."
Gwen and Petunia never had a problem with one another, they were always civil towards each other. That had changed when the raven haired girl had written to HeadMaster Dumbledore and pleaded with him to allow her to attend Hogwarts as well, despite the obvious dangers.
After the rejection she had received, it was as though a switch had flipped for her. She had gone out of her way to be rude and downright passive aggressive to Lily. It only progressed more when she had started to collect her things for her First year at Hogwarts that Petunia had gone as far as being outright vindictive to her.
Deciding to change the subject, she closed her book. "You are still coming to my party right?"
Lily brightened up immediately, "I am excited to go." She frowned, "even if that toerag cousin of yours is coming."
She bit back her grin, "I do admit that he is over dramatic and a pain in the arse."
The two girls laughed at that. "I am looking forward to going as I haven't had the chance to talk to Remus for a couple of weeks."
At the mention of Remus, Gwen found herself frowning but quickly smiled in an attempt to hide it. "I imagine he has had his nose in a book these past few weeks due to our exams."
In the following weeks, however, since the confrontation, the weight of Remus's secret began to strain their friendship. Gwen, though understanding and compassionate, couldn't fully fathom the depth of Remus's pain. She saw him withdraw, growing distant as the full moon approached. Remus's fear of losing control overpowered his trust in their she knew that her words alone couldn't heal Remus's wounds. She needed to show him that she stood by his side, no matter the circumstances.
Sirius gave nothing anyway, except that Remus was not angry with her. That did little to comfort her however.
The redhead girl hummed, "quite right. I still feel as though I missed quite a few questions on our Charms written exam."
"You could have joined Logan and I as we both studied for our Charms exam," she paused. "Actually, I take that back. Logan is quite behind in charms so it was more teaching than review."
She giggled, "I'm not that great at charms either. I prefer potions and Herbology." Standing all of a sudden, she set her book aside. "I'm going to the bathroom and then to see Alice, I'll be back soon."
It had only been a couple of minutes since Lily had left their compartment. She watched as the scenery blurred past when a familiar face appeared in the compartment doorway. Remus stood there, his expression a mix of trepidation and longing.
Gwen's invitation was irresistible, beckoning him with warmth and understanding in her eyes. Remus approached cautiously, burdened by uncertainty and shame weighing heavily on his heart.
With a reassuring touch, Gwen's hand rested gently on Remus's arm, silently conveying her unwavering support. Though his self-perceived monstrosity had created a rift between them, Gwen was determined to bridge that divide.
"Remus," she spoke earnestly, her voice brimming with sincerity, "I want you to know that I'll always be here for you. While I can't claim to fully comprehend your struggles, I'm willing to learn, to listen, and to stand by your side no matter what."
Their eyes met, and in Gwen's gaze, Remus glimpsed a glimmer of hope. The burden he carried alone seemed to lighten, knowing that someone was willing to bear it with him. Yet, he knew an apology was necessary.
"I'm sorry for avoiding you these past few weeks," Remus confessed, his voice tinged with regret. "When you revealed that you knew my secret, it sent me spiraling into panic and fear. I was afraid you would no longer want to be my friend. It was easier to accept others knowing the truth, but you... you're different." He paused, his gaze drifting towards the window. "You've always been special to me. Your opinion holds more weight than anyone else's. I didn't want you to see me with fear, to view me as a monster. The monster I believe myself to be."
Gwen's brow furrowed, and she gently took his hands in hers, guiding his gaze back to her. "There's nothing you could ever say or do that would change how I see you," she insisted, her voice filled with conviction. "You're my friend, not a monster. You didn't choose to be bitten. If anyone is to blame, it's not you, it's the circumstances. And I refuse to let those circumstances define either of us."
Remus seems to finally give in to her words and affection.
Sirius's earlier words rang through her head. "Be careful of the strays that you take care of… you might never get rid of them."
"Perhaps I wish to keep them.."
That includes you as well Remus.
With mischievous grins exchanged between Sirius and James, Remus boldly ventured off to reconcile with Gwen. Now, the trio of boys seized the perfect opportunity to delve into the discussion about their grand strategy concerning Lupin.
The genesis of it all could be traced back to their Transfigurations class, where inspiration struck like a bolt of lightning. James had been pondering ways to aid his werewolf friend, and as his eyes fell upon Professor McGonagall's graceful transformation into a feline, a brilliant notion took shape in his mind. What if they too could become Animagi? By sharing Lupin's nightly ordeal, they could offer unwavering support, shifting alongside him under the full moon. After all, werewolves had a natural aversion to Animagi.
Once James explained the idea to Sirius, his best friend immediately hopped on board. Peter, however, had reservations at first, but eventually agreed after Sirius taunted his lack of courage and bravery as a Gryffindor.
James then revealed that both his Uncles were Animagi, and that they could learn the art by seeking their guidance. Although Sirius had never met them, the tidbits he had heard from James led him to believe that they would embrace their audacious plan to support their friend.
"Should we let Gwen in on our idea?" Sirius pondered, finishing up his licorice wand.
James munched on his chocolate frog, savoring the moment as he contemplated. "I'm not entirely sure how she would react. Gwen is known for her meticulous nature and calculated approach, so she might weigh her options carefully."
"We should definitely fill her in and give her the choice to join our incredible Animagus journey," Sirius pondered, his eyes filled with anticipation. "It's crucial not to leave her out, as it would undoubtedly hurt her."
A brief pause consumed James's thoughts before an unexpected chill raced down his spine, sending a shiver through his body. "You're absolutely right. We must inform her about our plans and clarify why we're keeping it hidden from Remus, at least for now."
Ever since Sirius confided in James about his complicated encounter with Gwen, he couldn't help but notice the tension between them. He empathized with both parties, understanding the difficult choices Sirius had faced. Nevertheless, James strived to maintain a neutral stance, even though his allegiance leaned towards his cousin. However, witnessing Remus also avoiding Gwen forced James to take matters into his own hands. It was time for both of them to confront the truth and acknowledge that Gwen deserved nothing less.
Peter, with a mischievous grin, interjected, "Why should we spill the beans to her?" With a flick of his hand, he nonchalantly tossed his wrapper onto the table. "After all, she's just a girl."
James and Sirius exchanged knowing glances, their eyes rolling in unison, before shifting their focus to the exciting activity they had in store for the upcoming holiday season. Their attention turned to the mock game they had meticulously planned for the Donoghue Manor's extravagant Christmas party.
With her shopping bags in tow, she embarked on a whimsical journey through various shops, diligently ticking off each person on her list as she secured their perfect gift. It had only been a few hours since she disembarked from the enchanting Hogwarts Express and settled her belongings back at the Manor. After savoring a steaming cup of hot tea, she bundled up warmly and ventured into the bustling city of London for her Christmas Shopping extravaganza.
Earlier, she had received a heartfelt letter from one of the devoted house elves, bearing her Father's words. Unfortunately, she wouldn't have the pleasure of his company until dinner, as he was engrossed in tying up some last-minute loose ends.
As she gracefully collected the pre-ordered bouquet, she marveled at its exquisite composition. Bluebells, white roses, and pink daisies intertwined to create a stunning masterpiece. These were her late mother's favorite flowers, a sentimental reminder of the blossoming love story between her parents. Each bloom symbolizes innocence, kindness, and beauty.
To honor her mother's memory, she always added carnations to the arrangement, the very flowers she used to lovingly present on her mother's birthday and Mother's Day. It had been six long months since she last visited her mother's resting place, where she would pour out her heart and talk to her as though she were still there. The ache of missing her mother was immeasurable, mere words could not capture the depth of her longing.
She had managed to reach the grand manor just as the snow began to fall heavily, carefully handing a bouquet of vibrant flowers to one of the mischievous elves before retreating to her room. Gwen had requested the kind house elves to prepare one of her all-time favorite dishes while she busied herself with wrapping the meticulously chosen presents she had purchased.
The anticipation for her intimate Christmas gathering tingled in the air, but it was still a few days away. Until then, Gwen planned to cherish precious moments with her father, indulging in heartfelt conversations and paying homage to her late mother by visiting her resting place.
Glancing up from the task of expertly wrapping the final gift, she was met with the sight of her father leaning casually against the door frame, his three-piece suit exuding an air of sophistication. "I must admit, this might just be the messiest I've ever seen your room," he teased, his arms crossed over his chest.
Pausing in her tracks, she rushed toward him and leaped into his waiting arms. Gwen delighted in the warmth and comfort her father's embrace provided. Arriving home to an eerily empty manor made her feel even more isolated, as the echoes of her mother's laughter were conspicuously absent from the walls.
"I've missed you, my dear," her father murmured, leaning down to plant a tender kiss on the crown of her head. "Join me downstairs for dinner once you're finished. I want to hear all about your time at Hogwarts."
Gwen beamed, reluctantly pulling away from their embrace. "I'll meet you downstairs," she replied, her gaze lingering on her father's disheveled and slightly torn Auror uniform. His loosened tie added an air of ruggedness to his appearance.
With a flurry of swift motions, she hastily wrapped the remaining gifts, determined to finish the task. As she tidied up the mess, she couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Moving into her bathroom, she refreshed herself, feeling rejuvenated. Exiting her room, she stole a quick glance at the open trunks that she had brought home, noticing that her friends' gifts had been carefully stowed away.
A playful remark escaped her father's lips as she settled into her seat across from him at the table. "You've grown taller since the last time I saw you," he teased, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Seems like you might just catch up to James."
She rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a snort. Suddenly, a plate materialized in front of her, accompanied by a chalice of gillyweed water. Grateful for the elf's service, she turned back to her father, only to find him silently observing her.
"You remind me so much of your mother," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia.
Caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation, she involuntarily glanced at the portrait hanging above the fireplace mantle. Her mother's gentle smile greeted her, a cup of tea in hand.
"I had hoped we could visit her grave after dinner," she murmured, struggling to hold back tears. "I made arrangements, but if you're busy, I can go alone."
Her father shook his head before she could finish, his expression determined. "I've taken leave so that we can spend time together while you're home, before you have to leave again."
A smile played on her lips as she raised her glass in the air. Her father followed suit, their glasses clinking together. "Animo benignus esse," she toasted.
He echoed her words, and Gwen listened intently as her father delved into the project he had been immersed in for the past few months. It revolved around a wizard who required extra security, being the lead researcher studying the enigmatic time turner.
The topic intrigued her, and she resolved to inquire further later. The anticipation to don her coat and visit her mother was growing stronger within her.
With the bouquet held tightly in her hands, she felt her father's reassuring grip as they departed from the cozy refuge of their manor and ventured into their backyard. The vast expanse of the thirty-acre open yard was blanketed in a pristine layer of snow, creating a serene backdrop as the young girl made her way through the garden lovingly cultivated by her mother and herself. Nestled in a secluded corner of their property stood a mausoleum, gracefully positioned next to a graceful willow tree and a tranquil lake. It was a sacred space built by her father in honor of her beloved mother, adorned with delicate white roses that elegantly climbed the walls.
Intricate blood magic enchantments were woven by her father, ensuring that only their family could access this hallowed sanctuary. Stepping inside, she found herself captivated by the majestic stained glass depiction of her mother, her gaze eventually settling on the solemn grave below. Above the nameplate, the distinguished Donoghue crest proudly stood, accompanied by her mother's cherished house motto inscribed in Latin. The placard on her tomb bore the poignant inscription:
Roselyn Appleton Donoghue
December 25th, 1935 - March 25th, 1971
Beloved Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, and Niece.
"Animo benignus esse."
Her voice filled with love and longing, she softly greeted, "Hi mama." With delicate care, she replaced the withered flowers with fresh ones, tending to her mother's resting place. As she picked up the stray leaves and petals, fallen like whispers of remembrance, she spoke to her mother's spirit. "I've come home for Christmas, just as you always loved. Father must have told you that I, like you, am now a proud Ravenclaw at Hogwarts. It's been six months since I started my magical journey there. Jack and James have helped me navigate this world. And oh, mama, the friends I've made! Jackie and Pandora, they embody the warmth and kindness that reminds me so much of you."
Her delicate hand gently caressed the icy surface of the tomb, her eyes squeezing shut as she battled against the overwhelming surge of tears. "Oh, how I long for you, Mama," she whispered, her voice tinged with a poignant ache.
A comforting presence settled upon her shoulder, instantly recognizable as her Father's. The familiar aroma of burnt wood and ashes filled her senses.
Sniffling, she continued, her voice cracking with emotion. "I've made two incredible friends, and I hold them dear to my heart. They're Gryffindors, you know. One is an uproarious soul, always making a ruckus, while the other is a silent force, hiding mischief within. They are true troublemakers, just like you would have adored."
Time seemed to blur as she stood there, pouring out her heart amidst the tears. Unbeknownst to her, the bitter cold had seeped into her bones, leaving her exhausted. As if in a dream, her Father carried her back to their ancestral Manor. Weary and bleary-eyed, she nestled into his comforting embrace, grateful she had changed into her soft pajamas before descending for dinner.
Gently placing her in her own bed, he tenderly pulled back the covers and helped her settle in, removing her coat, scarf, and shoes. Setting them aside, he sat by her feet, his gaze fixed upon her. The flickering flame cast dancing shadows upon her Father's face, revealing the beginnings of a beard that had grown during her absence.
"My beautiful daughter," his voice resonated with profound sorrow. "I am deeply sorry that your Mother was taken from us so prematurely."
Gwen's mind wandered back to the moment her Mother's breath had ceased, her final smile etched upon her face. Her Father had rushed into the room, only to find his beloved wife in a stillness that shattered his heart.
She vividly recalled the moment when her world shattered, collapsing to the floor amidst a symphony of screams and sobs. The intensity of her grief was like a relentless storm, consuming her whole being. Even though she had known her mother's fate was inevitable, nothing could have prepared her for the vast void that followed. The feeble grasp of her mother's hand served as a poignant reminder of the sheer strength she had possessed.
In the aftermath, she found herself inconsolable, lost in a sea of sorrow. Her father, desperate to provide solace, offered her a calmness draught in the hopes of granting her respite from the incessant tears and loss of appetite.
Ten months had passed since her mother's passing, yet she still struggled to navigate through life. Eating and sleeping became arduous tasks, often forgotten amidst her overwhelming grief. Self-care had taken a backseat as she often relied on potions to help her.
As if attuned to her somber mood, her father's smile broke through the gloom. "Tell me, who are these troublemakers that have become your friends? The ones you mentioned in the letter about pink feathers?"
Amused, she nestled herself under the warmth of the blanket. "Indeed, they are the ones," she replied, her hand instinctively reaching for the green silk handkerchief on her bedside table, its touch offering her solace. "Their names are Sirius Black and Remus Lupin."
Her father's gaze held a hint of surprise. "From the Black family?"
"Yes," she yawned, her exhaustion seeping through her words. "Sirius has become my closest companion."
Her father's eyebrows furrowed. "He's been kind to you, but I suppose that's to be expected from a Gryffindor," he mused.
"Indeed," she confirmed, her grip on the fabric tightening. "Sirius Black, from the esteemed House of Black, is a proud Gryffindor."
A thoughtful silence hung in the air as her father absorbed this newfound information. "So, besides them, have you interacted with other purebloods who aren't your friends?" he inquired, clearing his throat in an attempt to hide his surprise.
"Lucius Malfoy," she recounted, her eyes finally surrendering to slumber as she nestled deeper into her bed.
Deciding to delve further into her friendships and connections, Declan resolved to have a conversation with her after breakfast. Leaning forward, he planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, dimmed the lights, and observed as she peacefully settled into the embrace of sleep. With a content smile, he softly closed the door behind him, leaving her to rest.
The next morning unfolded in their cozy reading room, a haven of intellectual pursuits. With breakfast and morning tea fueling their conversation, she recounted the audacious attempts of Lucius Malfoy to win her over. His persistent greetings and offers to help her study for exams were met with polite declines. Then, she delved into the saga of Walburga Black, revealing Sirius' confession and the letter clandestinely passed on by Jack.
Her father, typically stoic and indifferent to gossip, was a man of few words. However, when it came to matters of family, his emotions ran deep. As he clenched the letter in his hands, his anger surged. He read and reread Walburga's words, outlining her plan to exploit their only child for the sake of their name. The insult to his wife and the manipulative attempt to teach their son about honor and responsibility fueled his fury.
"Did he ask you to accompany him to the ball?" he inquired.
She shook her head, emphasizing, "Remember, he lost the letter before confessing everything to me. Even now, he remains oblivious to Jack's discovery and my knowledge of its contents."
Lost in contemplation, Declan sipped his tea, his mind racing. "I wish to meet this young man."
"I've invited him to the Christmas party. Both James and Jack have extended invitations for him to participate in the mock Quidditch game," she informed him.
"Intriguing," he mused, setting his teacup aside.
Expressing her disapproval, she clicked her tongue and fixed him with a stern gaze. "I implore you to behave yourself."
Raising his hands in mock surrender, he chuckled. "I won't terrorize the boy... too much." Handing her the letter that lay between them on the table, he added, "This one is addressed to you."
Twirling the letter in her hand, she suppressed a snort. It was a missive from Abraxas Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy's father. "What are your thoughts on my invitation to the Winter Solstice Ball?" he inquired.
Her father pondered for a moment, his gaze shifting towards the flickering fireplace. "You are old enough now to make your own decisions about entertaining those individuals. I have made my stance clear, but you and your cousin Jack represent a new generation."
"Do you think they are after us solely because of our name and lineage, or could they be aware of our family secret?" she wondered aloud.
Her father continued to watch the flames dance, using nonverbal magic to replenish the dwindling fire. "We must consider all possibilities. However, until they state otherwise, it's wise to exercise caution and assume the former."
Gwen hummed thoughtfully. "Are you certain they won't sense it within me?"
"Your mother never detected anything during her pregnancy or after your birth. If I hadn't revealed it to her, she would have remained oblivious," he assured her.
Slipping the letter into her pocket, she grinned. "I'll be venturing to London today for some dress shopping."
He nodded in acknowledgment. "The ball is tomorrow night, I recommend that you visit Miss Montoya and ask her to tailor me a new suit and robes."