First week of June 2024
Three months had passed since everything had been revealed and the Weasley trio had been removed from the Wizarding World. If you asked Bella, the world was a shinier place without the filth. When their wands were destroyed and they were escorted to their muggle cottage, she really wanted to go but she took the high road and flipped them off from inside the border of Diagon before Teddy, Kate and Draco apparated them out of there. She tried to plan a celebration party the evening they left but Hermione reminded her about the concept of humility which she never did enjoy. The girls had owled her multiple times to let her know that everything had settled down at school and the Gryffindors were apologizing like crazy to Ember. Everything was as it should be and Bellatrix couldn't be happier, "it's about time the Blacks are back on top."
Andy laughed, as they sat inside McDonalds for their weekly sister lunch. They had been doing their lunches for a few years now but this past year, they hadn't kept up with them. After everything went back to normal, they were able to restart their lunches. "Excellent choice," she took a big bite of her quarter pounder. "We haven't had a good maccers in ages."
"Is Cissy gracing us with her presence today? She's been so cranky without her wife around."
"Only a few more weeks of school and Aviya will be back."
Bella shrugged, "yeah but is she coming?"
"Yes, until I told her that we were going to McDonald's then she said she would have to check her work schedule."
"What a cunt."
"That's not a nice thing to say about your baby sister," Bella didn't bother to turn around. "The least you could do is acknowledge my presence."
"Oh," Bella looked up from her chicken nuggets. "My apologies, are you lost, madam?"
"It seems a lady has wandered over to our table. Should we invite her to join us?"
"Well," Bella pretended to think, "I suppose we could be charitable and let her join us."
"I mean," Andy smirked, "she has to eat a Big Mac or she can't join us."
Cissy was over the antics, "you two at the worst. Scoot over." She slid into the bench next to Andy. "What is this Big Mac?"
"The Big Mac," Bella handed her a box. "Is so delicious. You will hate it."
They sat in silence and watched as their youngest sister examined the burger. Narcissa poked at it a few times before bringing it up to her mouth and taking a tentative bite.
"She hates it," Andy whispered across the table.
"Or she hates us."
Cissy chewed her bite and swallowed it, washing it down with a drink from Bella's cup, "that was an experience. And yes I hate you both."
"You are trying to tell me that all these years and Ms. Hart never tried to take you to McDonalds? I don't buy that for one second."
Andy cackled, "she probably enjoyed it then. We aren't fucking her."
"Well?" Bella looked at Cissy with some sort of expectations.
"It's not the worst thing I've had in my mouth and yes I have been here with Aviya and the company was much more enjoyable."
"They fucked in the bathroom," Bella grabbed the Big Mac back. "Go get your own food."
"Here," Andy slid her own tray which had extra food on it. "Help yourself. It sure is hard being everyone's favorite sister but somehow I manage."
"Excited for this weekend?"
Narcissa sighed, "what do you think, Bella? I'm a nervous wreck."
"Well you are coming, aren't you?" Bella looked between her sisters. Andy had the same look of curiosity that she did. "You can meet us at the Manor. We will leave around 2. Cass is very excited and owled us right away when she found out."
Cissy was taking a sip from Andy's milkshake, "after what happened to Cassiopeia, you can see my hesitation."
"Ember is finally making it off the bench and stepping up into the big leagues."
"Andy is right…" Bella saw the look on Andy's face, "don't let it go to your head. Besides, what happened to Cass was premeditated and a crime. The criminal is no longer around."
"She's just a child."
"But she's a Black and flying is in our blood."
"Maybe for you and Bella but when's the last time you've ever seen me on a broom." Cissy was never known for her flying skills. She didn't enjoy Quidditch especially when her sisters would always make her play Keeper just as an excuse to throw Quaffles at her. "I couldn't believe when Fred let her on the team last year regardless if she actually played or not."
"Of course Junior Superior let her on the team. Talent recognizes talent." Bella waved off any more objections to the subject, "besides… It's Cass's last game at Hogwarts. You haven't been to a single one of her games. Don't you want to be a good auntie?"
"Hold on a minute," Andy was talking through a mouth full of fries. "I've held this coveted spot for 18 years. Blondie can't just swoop in and come to one game thinking she's going to place me as favorite auntie."
As she spoke a piece of fry flew out of her mouth, landing on the table, "charming. Don't worry. I know you and Cass have a weird invisible umbilical cord thing going on."
Bella cackled, "recognize it from the one you share with Draco?"
"Oh stop. The two of you are the worst. I don't know why I continue coming to this lunches if I'm just going to be ridiculed the whole time."
Andy shrugged, "if your sisters can't take the piss out of you then who can?"
"Enough about you two cunts. We are here to discuss how in a few short months, maybe even weeks… my baby girl is going to be leaving home," Bella put down her Big Mac with a small frown. "There's no doubt she'll be offered a contract. Probably multiple."
"Humble," Andy whispered.
"The season starts in the fall so I'm sure she'll be leaving before them for training and orientation."
"And you don't know how you'll be able to cope with her in the house?" Bella nodded so Andy continued, "after Dora died I didn't think it would be possible to move on without her. And yes I'm aware this is very much a different situation because Cass won't be gone forever just moved on. I thought that I'd never be okay but then I had Teddy to care for and when his time came to leave… I thought it was going to be hard. And it was but he called to check in every other day and texted daily. He wasn't truly gone and neither will Cass. There's no way that girl won't be calling her mummy."
Bella regarded her before speaking, "but she won't be home. I'll miss her terribly."
"How is Hermione holding up?"
Bella chuckled, "she's convinced herself that Cass won't move far from home. We will both be a mess when she actually moves out. We are all a bunch of saps."
Cass had been pacing around the dorm for over an hour, only stopping when a small stuffed dragon came in contact with her head, "what the fuck was that for Minnie?"
"If you keep pacing like a mad woman you won't have any energy left for the game tomorrow," Minnie settled back onto her sister's bed, getting comfortable. "Why are you so worked up anyway? It's not like you to be nervous about a game." Cass mumbled something that Minnie couldn't quite hear, "what was that?" Instead of speaking louder, Cass mumbled again. "Sit down, Cassiopeia Bellatrix."
At the use of her full name, Cass stopped in her tracks, "you full named me? Salazar you are turning into mummy."
Minnie laughed, "it would be worse if I used your full title. Future heiress."
"Don't start," Cass flopped down on the bed next to her sister.
When Cass turned on her side away from her sister, Minnie immediately assumed the big spoon position. It wasn't uncommon for them to cuddle up together because it usually helped Cass with processing her emotions. "Are you okay, Cass? Like truly okay? You seem a bit wired over a Quidditch game and yeah I know it's an important game but you are you and the Gryffindors don't stand a chance."
"The game is in the bag, Min."
Minnie felt her sister begin to relax in her hold, "then what's bothering you?"
"I'm graduating."
"And? You'll be off to whatever great offer you get from the scouts."
"Exactly. I'll be leaving and well I really want Sam to come with me."
Minnie squeezed her hand, "have you asked her?" Cass shook her head no."Why ever not? That girl is so in love with you. It's actually rather disgusting. You could ask that girl to jump off the astronomy tower and she probably would. Don't do that though. I've grown quite fond of her."
"Do you really think she'll move away with me? What about her future?"
"You are her future, you idiot. She can do her herbology stuff anywhere. Merlin, she could probably even get some sort of potions internship with the team if they have anything for her. There is always a need for herbologists."
"When did you get so wise?"
"Mummy says I get it from mum," she laughed. "Plus, I know what's best for you."
"Oh ha ha," Cass turned to face her sister. "So I should probably go talk to Sam."
"She's probably thinking you won't ask. You've waited until practically the last minute."
Cass's eyebrows shot up, "you don't really think that, do you?"
"No, well I don't know. I think you should probably go talk to her. If for nothing else, you'll have a clear mind for tomorrow's game."
"She's probably in the library studying for her newts. Honestly that's where you should be."
Cass smirked, "naturally smart. No need to study. I know I'll get all top marks." She stood up, walking over to the mirror to give herself a once over. "Well do I look like an 18 year old who is responsible enough to move across the country somewhere with her girlfriend?"
Minnie cackled, "absolutely not."
"Perfect," she grabbed her wand and headed out of the Slytherin common room. Just as Minnie had predicted, Cass found Sam sitting in a quiet corner of the library surrounded by texts. She was sitting cross legged on the floor, completely unaware that Cass had sat down next to her. "What are you studying?"
Sam jumped, grabbing her heart, "Merlin Cass. You gave me a fright. When did you sneak in?"
"Only a few moments ago. You looked so cute studying I didn't really want to disturb you."
"Did you come to study with me?"
Cass watched her girlfriend try to curb the blush that always appeared when she gave her compliments, "no. I just missed you."
"All right then," Sam turned back to her transfiguration text.
"Actually," Cass grabbed the text from her hands and cast it aside. "I kind of needed to talk to you about something."
"What is it?"
"Well…"
As Cass was gathering the courage to discuss the future, Madam Pince came around the corner and cleared her throat, "Cassiopeia you have one week left here. Please don't spend it in detention with me."
"Aww don't be like that," she smirked, "you know I'm your favorite student." The look the librarian gave her was enough to have her on her feet. "Message received. Sam let's go." Before her girlfriend could protest she picked up the Hufflepuff's texts and began dragging her through the castle until she came across an unused classroom. "Alohomora," she waved her wand and the lock sprung open. Pushing the door open, she waited for Sam to enter the room first before closing the door and dropping the texts on the first table. "Never been in this room before."
"I think it was an old muggle studies classroom." Sam started looking around the books and papers, "oh look." She summoned Cass over and handed her a few papers. "Professor Granger. I think this was your mum's classroom. I didn't know she taught here."
"Yeah," Cass shrugged but held onto the papers. "She met mummy here. I've heard the story once or twice. McGonagall asked mum to teach muggle studies while she finished her last year. They hated each other and fell in love. You know the type of story."
"A true love story," Sam handed Cass more of the items that clearly once belonged to her mother. "So what did you want to talk about?"
Cass cleared her throat but immediately began pacing, "yeah about that." This was a big moment for her. Her insecurities were starting to settle in. If Sam didn't want to come with her then it would most likely mean the end of her very first significant relationship and she wasn't ready for it to be over but Quidditch was her life. "Fuck," the steps intensified.
"Whatever it is you can tell me," Sam knew eventually the conversation of their future had to happen. She decided she wasn't going to be the one to bring it up though and whatever Cass wanted she would support. "Please?"
"So the big game is tomorrow right?"
"Oh," that was not what she was expecting. "Yeah of course. You will be brilliant."
"Well yes but that's not…," Cass made a frustrated noise, "this isn't going well." She finally stopped pacing but refused to meet eyes with Sam. "Tomorrow is the last game meaning if a scout wants me then offers will roll in. I'll be having to make important future life decisions. What team to play for, negotiate a salary, where to live… all that important stuff." She took a moment to breathe, attempting to gather her thoughts. "And I thought about you and us. And how we are a couple and I'd like for us to still be a couple but I'm definitely going to move away and it's not fair to you to ask you to put your life on hold to go with me. I don't think I'd like it very much if we broke up. It wouldn't suit me at all. But trust me. I want you to move with me. Wherever I end up will be home if you are there, not just a place to pass a few years. You know?"
"I think I'm following along. You are very cute when you get flustered."
Her jaw dropped, "I am not flustered."
"Flustered and rambling."
"That's absolute rubbish," Cass started pacing again. "I'm not good at this. I don't think I'm making myself clear."
"What are you asking me, Cass?"
"Umm," she chuckled, running a hand through her thick curls. "Would you maybe be want to move with me? Start a life together? I can't promise a plethora of job opportunities for you where we go but I will take your needs into consideration when picking a team. And if you can't get something right away it's cool because we will have my salary plus my muns are loaded. But I'd really like to help you find something because I know how much you love herbology and potions and stuff. We can pick a cute little cottage or apartment to start out in. We can work that into the contract that the team has to pay for our relocation costs. Is that maybe something you'd like too?"
"Cassiopeia Bellatrix Black you are such an idiot."
"Oh," her shoulders dropped. "Got it," she nodded and started heading towards the door.
"I've been waiting months for you to ask me to come with you. I even already started looking for jobs around the general areas of some of the teams. Minnie and Pandora have been helping me. We've just been waiting for you to pluck up the courage to ask me."
Cass turned back around, "I'm sorry. Did you just say yes?" She ran back over to Sam and cupped both of her cheeks, resting their foreheads together. "You'll come with me? You and me? We are going to do this adult thing together?"
"I'm with you as long as you'll have me."
Cass's smile could've lit up a million night skies, "forever then."
Bella and Hermione exited the floo into Bella's old Professor chamber a few minutes early. Andy was waiting back at the house for Narcissa and Teddy to get there before they came through. The dark witch had been up since the early morning hours with butterflies in her stomach for her daughter. "Can you believe we only have one more year coming back here?" She took a seat on her couch knowing there was time before they had to be at the pitch. She nodded her head motioning for Hermione to take a seat.
"Well," she took a seat next to her wife, sitting on the far end of the couch. "We will have to come back for Ember if she wants. But yes, I'm sad that our babies are all grown up. The time flew."
"And I haven't aged a day," she smirked. "Remember the first time you came over here? You looked so scared of me at first then I got you drunk and we watched friends? You were such a lightweight."
"Was not," Hermione pretended to be offended even though it was 100% the truth. She remembered her first time here fondly. It was the night she subconsciously started to fall for Bella. "You were just heavy handed when pouring my glasses of fire whiskey."
"Mmm," She pulled her wife into her arms. "Is that why you kept inching closer to me all night? Because I was heavy handed?"
"Oh we aren't going to have this who was crushing first again conversation are we?"
Bella smirked, "you kissed me at the Yule Ball. Not the other way around, pet."
Hermione turned slightly so she could see Bella, "and I wouldn't change a thing about it."
The dark witch leaned down and kissed her cheek, "if we weren't expecting guests coming through the floo I'd take you into my old bed chambers and fuck you properly."
As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Cissy stepped through the fireplace, "suddenly I'm having a flashback to when I saw your naked ass in that room."
"Talking about Bella's ass again? Is she naked? I'll stop Teddy," Andy peeked out from behind her sister. "No," she stepped aside for Teddy to come through, "nobody is naked."
"Thank Merlin for that," was all Teddy said as he made his entrance. "Big day for Cass. Any idea which team she has her heart set on?"
"Not a clue," Bella truly had no idea. Cass had stopped talking about her possibilities after her accident because she just assumed it wouldn't be her future anymore. "She always did fancy the Harpies though so if she sweet talked them into what she wanted, I wouldn't be surprised if that's who she picked."
"A solid choice but I could see her anywhere," Teddy gave his nod of approval.
"So are we going to go out there or are we waiting for you two to start snogging?"
"Oh stop," Hermione stood up as her wife flicked Andy off. "Let's get out there before someone starts to worry about us."
Andy fell into step behind Cissy, "they would only worry about the three of us. Everyone else would assume the two of them stopped off for a quick shag somewhere."
Cissy laughed, "wouldn't be the first time. I'm going to go find my wife. I'll catch up with all of you in the stands."
"Salazar," Andy wrapped her arm in Teddy's. "Married people are so boring."
Teddy laughed, "you were married."
"And I was never boring," she nudged their shoulders together. "Can't say the same for your mother. Promise me you won't turn into an old boring married man."
He put his arm around his grandma's shoulders, "that I can absolutely promise you, Granny."
"Salazar they are slow," Bella and Hermione made it to the pitch well before the others and they immediately saw Minnie standing with Pandora between the Slytherin and Ravenclaw bleachers. "Wait, pet. Watch," she pointed to the pair. "Cahoots with a Potter. What kind of morals have I instilled in your daughter?"
"Our daughter," she watched Pandora reach over and tuck a brown wave behind Minnie's ear. They were standing awfully close for a pair of friends before Minnie shook her head and took a step back. She noticed her daughter looked sad, "well that doesn't seem too pleasant."
"Want me to go slap Pandora? She's 17 I can smack her around a little."
"She's 16, so you'll have to wait a few more months."
"Damn," Bella watched her daughter start to walk away when Pandora reached out to squeeze Minnie's hand before letting her go. "Was that a break up? Or a rejection? Should we ask?"
"I have no idea and no we shouldn't. If Minnie wants to talk about it, she will. Come on," she grabbed Bella and pulled her towards the bleachers. "We don't want her to know we saw that."
"Speak for yourself, pet. I want to know why my daughter looks sad." She tried to turn back but her wife had a strong hold on her hand.
"Pretend you didn't see it," Hermione turned back and they saw Minnie notice them and they waved. Their youngest took off in a run to embrace both of her mothers.
"How is my bean?" Bella gave her wife a side eye knowing damn well if she wasn't there she would get the information out of her daughter.
"Preparing for finals but okay. It's been busy." She held on for a few extra seconds before finally letting go. "I got some good news. Well I'm not supposed to say anything but I can tell you two."
"What is it darling?"
"McGonagall is still feeling guilty for ignoring my feelings this year and giving me all those detentions."
Bella cackled, "as she should but what's the news?"
"I'm getting to that part," Minnie set her with a look silently asking for no more interruptions. She waited a moment before continuing, "you are looking at the future head girl for Slytherin House." She shrugged one shoulder, "even if she wasn't feeling guilty I'm the smartest person in my year so there's no way I wouldn't have gotten it. I think she just told me early so I wouldn't keep trying to guilt more house points from her."
"Bleed her dry," Bella hugged her daughter. "Take everything she'll give." Then she whispered, "I'm so proud of you."
"That's amazing news," Hermione kissed her forehead. "I am not surprised at all and I'm very happy for you. We will have to get you something as a celebration for the hard work."
"A new car?"
"Just because you got your license to drive one of those muggle death traps doesn't mean I'm going to let it happen," Bella rolled her eyes at the thought of buying a car.
"You and Cass are still just jealous because I passed the test and you two didn't even make it past the first lesson," Minnie knew she wasn't wrong about that. Failing wasn't something that was taken lightly in the Black household. "Plus, if I have my own car I don't have to worry about flooing or getting someone to drive me places."
"You are selling this awfully hard, sweetheart. Your mother and I will have to discuss it."
Minnie's face lit up, "but it is up for discussion?"
Bella sighed, "fine. It's up for discussion. This summer."
Minnie squealed which shocked everyone. This was not a sound she had ever made, "best mums ever." She threw her arms around both of them and squeezed, "okay gotta go join the house. Go Cass!!" She waved her little Slytherin pennant and ran back in the direction of her house bleachers.
"Look," Bella pointed out when they sat down in the professor's bleachers. "She sat a few seats away from Pandora." They watched her watching the blonde before moving down another seat closer. "Who is going to break it to her that she into that girl?"
"Oh you see it too?" Luna and Harry must have gotten in right behind them. "I thought they already would have announced their engagement by now."
Bella laughed a little too loudly, "please. My daughter? Get married? At 16?! Who are you kidding?"
"I think Minnie likes Pandora but she's just very shy," Hermione joined the conversation.
Harry shrugged, "I still thought they hated each other. Women. Am I right?" All three women turned to look at him, "tough crowd."
"I agree with whatever uncle Harry said," Teddy and Andy joined them.
"Bad move," Andy whispered. "I also agree with whatever Harry said."
Bella glared at her sister, "don't stir the shit pot Andromeda."
"What are we talking about?" Aviya and Cissy were the last to arrive. "I've missed your shit stirring."
"Luna thinks her daughter is going to marry Minnie." Andy and Cissy shared a look which Bella obviously caught, "what the fuck is that look about?"
The Headmistress snuck in behind everybody, "I believe my dear Bellatrix, your sisters are sharing that look because everybody appreciates a good enemies to lovers story."
"Lovers? Oh no… not my daughter."
Hermione laughed, "it's a phrase, love. I think everyone except maybe Harry thinks that they are destined to be together."
"I mean I can see it," Harry shrugged. "I just don't really want to think about my daughter fancying anybody, boy or girl."
Aviya patted his shoulder, "said like a true dad, Potter."
"Thanks?"
"Shhhh," came the dual response of Bella and Andy as the Quidditch announcement began and the teams took to the skies. Cassiopeia looked so happy to be announced as the returning star chaser of the Slytherin team. The crowd erupted into cheers as Cass took off passing by to wave at her moms before flying over to the Slytherin stand, stopping just long enough to give Sam a kiss on her cheek. The hufflepuff finally joined Minnie, Pandora and Lyra in the stands. Cass laughed and flew away when the stand started whistling. They could see the color on Sam's face from where they were sitting.
"Cheeky little witch," Cissy remarked. "Takes after you, Bella."
Andy started laughing, "I remember when she did that to Rose and almost fell off of her broom."
"Rose?" Hermione's tone came out a mixture of curiosity and jealousy.
"Shh," Bella waved her off. "Nobody you'd know. Oh look! There's Ember." She was not about to divulge that her first girlfriend was a woman Hermione already didn't seem too fond of. She would have to curse Andy later for bringing it up.
"She looks scared. Is she safe up there? Can't we get Ms. Weasley to pull her? She shouldn't be flying if she's nervous."
"Calm down Aunt Cissy," even one was surprised when it was Teddy that spoke first. "She'll be fine. She's a strong flyer. It's probably just first game jitters."
"He's right," Harry followed suit. "Don't write her off until she's had a chance to play. Look how long it took James to get his footing. He's brilliant now."
"She'll be fine, sweetheart," Aviya grabbed her wife's hand. "I've been watching her practice with the team and she's quite good. I know you are nervous but it's going to be okay."
Bella leaned over to whisper to her wife, "a point for Ms. Hart. It usually takes longer to deescalate Cissy like that."
"See she's not so bad."
Bella laughed, "your words not mine." She quickly scanned the ground and noticed a few people sitting down where the team stands where, "look pet, the scouts"
The game started and Cass was flying her best game she had ever played. Missing the entire season didn't slow her down at all. She dodged every bludger and scored 8 goals for the team. One loud shout came from her as a signal to James that she saw the snitch. Holding onto the quaffle, she started to fly around the Gryffindor Seeker for a few circles in order to let her buddy get a head start, "whoops. Thought you were on my team. Good luck, champ," she winked at the seeker before going to score another goal right as the crowd erupted and Ginny blew the whistle. James had caught the snitch, Slytherin won the Quidditch cup 7 years in a row. Cass had never felt so accomplished in her life. She didn't know where to look first. Her mums. She wouldn't be here without them. Bella had the biggest smile on her face. Cass knew she never got the quidditch dream she wanted. She without a doubt knew her mother was proud of her. Both of them. She then let her eyes wander over to her friends and family in the Slytherin stands. Sam, Minnie and Lyra were jumping around, hugging each other. Cass did that. She provided that happiness to everyone. She looked over at James smiling. Okay, he helped too but it was mostly her. She looked down and saw Ginny waving everyone back to the pitch.
Cass gulped nervously seeing several men and women standing with Ginny. She landed next to James and waited until Ginny spoke, "this is Cassiopeia Black and James Potter. Follow them guys." They both looked at Ginny who was just smiling at them, "go on. They won't bite. It's all good news. I promise."
Cass looked at James before shrugging and pushing him to follow, "you first. That way if it a a set up they stun you and I can run."
"Ha. Ha," James pulled her next to him. "Nice try. If we go down, we are going down together."
"Don't try to confuse me with your fancy muggle song lyrics," Cass scowled at him, following the people into the Slytherin changing room.
Twenty minutes had gone by since Bella watched her daughter follow James into the changing room with the scouts. She was finally dragged down onto the pitch to celebrate with everyone but got even more nervous when James emerged with no sight of Cass. The boy looked pale even for a Potter. He walked over to where everyone was standing, "someone check on that child. He looked a little peaked."
"I'm okay Madam Black. Have you seen my dad?"
"Potter!" Bella shouted, "get over here before this one passes out."
"James? Are you okay?"
James nodded, "the Appleby Arrows made me an offer."
"Brilliant," Harry took the paper from James and read it over. "It looks amazing, son. Is this what you want?"
"I have no idea. They said I have until July 1st to give them an answer."
"Well I'm proud of you either way. Let's go tell your mother and sister."
"Hey," Bella stopped them, "have you seen my daughter?"
"She almost passed out in the changing room. Professor Weasley had to get her an ice pack or something. Bye!"
"What?" She saw everyone still deep in conversation so she made her move into the locker room. "Cass?" She quickly entered and saw Cass sitting on a bench with multiple papers in her hands. "Kitten? Are you okay?" Cass shook her head no. "Who do you need me to go curse? You can't tell me those assholes were too blind to see how brilliant you were." Cass shook her head no again which had Bella moving to sit next to her. She took the papers from her daughter's hands. "Kitten, there are four offers here."
"There's more," she handed her another few stacks of paper. Cass finally looked up at Bella with tears in her eyes, "it's too much, mummy."
"Kitten," Bella pulled her into her side, "nobody deserves this more than you."
"They are offering long term… and money… and houses. It's too much."
Bella used her free hand to flip through a few of the offers, "you don't have to decide anything today." Cass nodded. "You played a brilliant game. Best I've seen you fly. Looks like the scouts thought so too. Some of these offers are really too good to pass up."
"I don't even know where to begin."
Bella kissed the top of Cass's head, "your mum and I can help you sort through these when you get home."
"Sam's coming with me."
Bella smiled against the top of her head, "finally asked her, did you?"
"She already started looking for possible jobs. I guess she should have some say in all of this," she pointed towards the stack of offers.
"Tell you what," Bella shifted, causing Cass to sit up and face her. "Today, we will go into Hogsmeade and celebrate your victory. I'm sure the team wants to do something for you and James. Then you'll finish the week and when you get home, we can all sit down together and figure this out." She stood up and held her hand out for her daughter, "come on, kid. There's a load of people waiting outside to congratulate you."
Cass shook her head clear, taking Bella's hand. Just as they were about to exit the locker room, Cass threw her arms around her mom's neck, "I did it, mummy."
"I never doubted it for a second. I'm so proud of you, Cassiopeia."
September 1, 2024*
"You two didn't have to come all the way to the train station just to see me off," Minnie had insisted this many times over the past couple of weeks.
"No way," Cass and Sam walked beside her with Bella and Hermione trailing behind. "We couldn't miss your last send off. Plus, if I didn't come who would've teased you at breakfast about being the biggest nerd in Slytherin house, head girl?"
"I hate you," Minnie rolled her eyes.
"No you don't."
"No," Minnie punched her shoulder, "I don't." She was going to miss her sister something terrible. Not only was she going to Hogwarts alone but today was the day Cass and Sam were headed 3 hours south of London. "Are you excited to move to Dorset?"
It had taken Cass over a month to decide on Puddlemore United. She had always seen herself playing for the Harpies but she already knew she was the best female player. She wanted to prove herself as the greatest Quidditch player of all time. So, she went with a higher team in the league and truthfully they were offering her a cottage, a great salary and they even threw in an internship for Sam at a local wizarding hospital so she could work as a healer with the team. Having the pull of the Minister for Magic didn't hurt with the offer for Sam. It was too good to pass up. They were both nervous to move so far away but Bella had assured her that they would come as soon as they called. So, yes she was nervous but she knew they would be fine. "So excited. Apparently there's a lot of sheep around."
"If there's a guest room for me, keep the sheep out," Minnie directed that at Sam.
"I'll try my best but you know your sister. She'll be too busy training. We were already supposed to be there. I can't believe she talked them into letting her wait until today. The season starts in three weeks."
Cass smirked, "they were willing to do whatever for the best and they know I'm the best."
"Of course they do," Bella finally joined the conversation. "Nobody better in the league than a Black."
"Mummy," Minnie rolled her eyes. "She doesn't need her ego inflating anymore. She won't fit in Sam's car."
"Oy," Cass flicked Minnie on the forehead, "let the woman speak."
"Girls," Hermione's mom voice came out. "Not at the train station."
"You are right," everyone turned to stare at Cass. "I'll save it all up for when we see each other next. It'll make the teasing more meaningful."
"You are coming home for Christmas right?" Minnie had a hard time accepting the fact that her sister was leaving. This would be the longest they've spent apart except for that first year Cass went to Hogwarts.
"We wouldn't miss it," Sam gave Minnie a hug when the first train whistle blew. "Have a great year, Min."
Minnie said goodbye to Hermione and Bella leaving her sister for last. She pulled her slightly away from everyone, "you have been an epic pain in my ass since the day I was born."
"That's a pretty shitty way to start a goodbye."
Minnie slapped her shoulder, "could you stop. I'm working up to it."
"Us Blacks do have a problem with emotions. Go on."
Minnie threw her arounds around her sister, "I'm going to miss your stupid face so much. Promise me you'll keep in touch." She was actually willing herself not to cry, "Hogwarts won't be the same without you."
Cass relaxed into the embrace, "I'm going to miss you too, Min. If you think I'm going to move away and not call or annoy you every chance I get then you don't know me very well. I'll keep in so much touch that you'll hope I lose my phone." She calmed slightly when she felt Minnie laughing, "enjoy the hell out of your last year. And maybe ask Pandora out. I know you like her."
"Never going to happen," she chuckled when the response of "we shall see" came from Cass. She pulled away, wiping the few tears that escaped from her cheeks, "stay safe. And I'll see you soon?" Cass nodded. "I love you."
"I know."
"Say it back."
"Fine," Cass smiled, "I love you too. Now go on before you miss the train."
The four of them stood and watched as the Hogwarts express pulled away from the station. Minnie, Ember and Pandora were at the window waving to everyone and Cass had to keep herself from letting any tears fall. "We should probably get going to. We were already supposed to be on the road."
"They waited two months, they can wait another 3 hours," Cass laughed. "Walk us to the car?"
"Of course, sweetheart." Hermione had to pull Bella. She knew this was Bella's hardest goodbye of all. "Let's go, love."
"Of course," she gave one last look to the empty train station before following them to the street where Sam had parked. The car was full of boxes most things were shrunk down with magic to fit but the car was stuffed full. She turned to address Sam, "drive safe. Seat belts and all that fancy stuff. And for you, the parking laws are not a suggestion."
Sam laughed, hugging the dark witch, "I'll be so safe." She whispered, "I'll take good care of Cass and I'll make sure she keeps in touch and doesn't get too stressed out with the team."
"Thank you," Bella kissed her on the cheek before pulling away, noticing Hermione crying while talking to their first born. "Are you sure you have to leave today?"
Sam gave her another hug, "it's going to be okay." She walked over to say goodbye to the Minister leaving Cass to go speak with Bella.
"Mummy. Please don't cry because if you cry then I'm going to cry and I really don't want to cry on the street around all these muggles."
"I'll try my best, kitten but I won't make any promises." She pulled Cass into the tightest embrace she could ever remember giving her. "I have loved you since the day you were conceived. Nothing could've prepared me for this day."
"Mummy," Cass warned, feeling the tears start to well.
"No," Bella hugged her tighter. "Just listen. I never knew how much I needed you. You were the biggest wish I didn't know I had. I have been nothing but proud of you since the moment I knew I was carrying you. You are so funny, smart, talented and you will go so many places in life. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I will always be your biggest fan, kitten."
"My turn?" She waited for a break in Bella's speech. When her mom nodded she started, "I can never thank you enough for always being there for me. You have loved me endlessly even when I was being a little shit. This past year with my accident… your unwavering support meant more to me than you'll ever know. You might be proud of me but I've looked up to you my entire life. I am so proud to have you as my mummy. You are my absolute favorite person in the whole world. I'm going to miss you so much."
Bella felt her tears but couldn't stop them even if she wanted to. The two of them standing in the middle of the street blubbering like idiots had to be a sight, "I love you so much, Cassiopeia."
"I love you too, mummy."
Bella pulled back enough to kiss her on the cheek, "you will be brilliant. And remember if you fail to keep in touch with me then I won't hesitate to move in with you. I've already discussed it with your mother and she agrees. Don't bother asking her."
"I will call you so much. It's going to be borderline stalker."
Bella smiled, wiping a few of her daughter's tears away with her thumb, "it better be. Go on. Take care of Sam and call us when you get there."
Cass kissed her once more before giving Hermione another hug goodbye. She got into the passenger seat, rolling down the window to say another quick "love you" and waved as they pulled away. Hermione walked over and hugged her wife as they watched the car disappear down the street, "are you okay?"
Bella chuckled, "no. Not even a little bit. Are you?"
Hermione shook her head, "that was harder than I thought it would be. And we get to do it again when our Minnie leaves next year."
Bella groaned, "nope. She's not allowed to leave."
Hermione smiled, "you can be the one to deliver that news." They started walking down the street back towards Diagon Alley. "What should we do now?"
"The girls are gone. Andy is at work…"
Hermione smiled, "are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting?"
Bella smirked, "my three favorite Fs. Florean Fortescues. A Friends Marathon. And of course… fucking."
Hermione could only shake her head as her wife's cackle turned heads, "you are insufferable."
"But you love me."
Hermione squeezed her hands as they reached the Leaky Cauldron, "that I do. And I'll be here for as long as you'll have me."
Bella tapped her wand on the bricks watching the wall open to the Wizarding World. She turned too smile at her wife before lightly kissing her on the lips, "forever then."
Author's Note: come back for the epilogue... 10 years into the future so we can say our last goodbye to this family!
