CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
DISCLAIMER: J.K.ROWLING owns the HP world!
Wednesday, December 25th 1990
Delilah Rosier sat perched on her window in her silver room, staring broodingly outside as her family prepared for their annual Christmas Ball that was to take place tonight, on Christmas since apparently death eaters believed it was a day where they'd be able to do it undisturbed as the blood traitors and mudbloods were safe in their own homes.
She scowled.
Her 'family' consisted of her mum and cousins, most of whom were power hungry mad in her opinion. Her mother's family, the Selwyns were a huge family, though she was thankful her father was only directly related to the Greengrasses and no more. She'd had enough time with crazy relatives without having to add more, though she was pretty sure she was related to almost every pureblood family, wizards being the disgusting people they were, wanting to further their 'pure' line.
A knock on her door before her aunt Fedora Selwyn entered, her silver like eyes pale and cold as they glinted. She was dressed in moonlight black robes that showed off her skin and had her long dark hair that most Selwyns who weren't born blonde had piled up elegantly with jewels. Her face had a delicate touch of make-up that showed off her perfect jawline and strong cheekbones. Carefully arched eyebrows were raised as her lip curled at the sight of her niece sitting in her everyday robes on the window greeted her.
"Delilah," she said softly, always a dangerous sign when it came to her aunt Fedora. Any minute she'd whip out her wand and teach her a lesson on direct disobedience.
Delilah hated her but for the sake of her mother she turned, gritting her teeth," Yes, dear Aunt Fedora?" she asked in a sweet voice.
Aunt Fedora eyes flashed," Why are you not dressed? We leave in ten minutes," she asked coldly.
Delilah refused to react," I said I'm not going. I feel unwell," she replied stoically before turning to the window.
Soft feet crossed the room in alarming speed before a hand reached out to grab her shoulder tightly.
Delilah winced.
Her aunt's breath came at her ear and she flinched," Don't anger me, Delilah. You know how much your mother hates it," she whispered softly, her tone not betraying the underlayer of the threat that was not needed to be said to be heard.
Aunt Fedora raised a delicate finger onto her niece's face and raised her chin to meet her eyes," Get dressed in five minutes and be presentable. Any less than that…well, we wouldn't want that now, would we?"
When she left, Delilah blinked back tears furiously. She had sworn to herself not to cry, not to show weakness infront of her family. Angrily she got up, snatching the beautifully silver made dress robes from her bed and changing into them.
"Ticky!" she snapped and a house elf appeared, looking tired and weak as it nursed a broken elbow and leg.
Delilah stared at the elf," Who?" she demanded.
Ticky trembled," I is sorry, Madam Delilah, but I is not allowed to reveal- "
"It was them, wasn't it? They made you like this, didn't they? Merlin help them when I- "Delilah started, her body shaking from anger but Ticky shook his head frantically.
"Madam Delilah is having only a minute before you is being summoned," Ticky said fretfully before raising a finger and clicking it.
From the mirror across her Delilah could see her face turning instantly pretty with the perfect make-up and hairstyle. With her dress robes and cold face, she looked like the perfect pureblood heiress, Heiress to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Rosier. She looked just like the rest of her family, hiding behind her money and power, abusing their rights.
Pathetic.
She hated herself.
She glanced at the clock in her room and saw that it was time to leave. No doubt her aunt would take pleasure in punishing her. Delilah touched Ticky and said gently," Go to Mother. She'll help heal you."
Ticky gave a squeak before saying fearfully," You is being summoned downstairs, Mistress Delilah."
Delilah let out a small sigh before nodding and taking the elf's hand, and appearing just as the second last family member flooed away.
Her uncle, the Lord Sylvein Selwyn, raised a dark eyebrow and said in a drawl," And the heiress appears, barely on time, as usual."
Delilah didn't bother with a greeting and instead marched over to the floo and flooed away, pointedly ignoring her uncle's boring gaze as she left.
When she appeared in the Malfoys grand manor, a house elf whose condition was not unlike Ticky's greeted her and her heart twisted. She recognized the elf as Dobby, the elf who'd shown her around two years ago and who had assisted her the year before.
She smiled warmly," Hello Dobby."
Dobby's large tennis eyes looked around the extremely large drawing room and instead cleared his throat rather painfully," Mistress, your family is being in the room across the hall," he said nervously with an attempt at smiling, showing bloodied teeth that made Delilah wince.
Knowing that any further conversation would put Dobby into trouble, Delilah nodded with a resigned look and headed towards the Ball room.
The Manor was certainly showing off their wealth, their large paintings and lush carpets, the staircases were grand and royal, though the darkness of the Manor made it more foreboding. Delilah felt as though every step was being watched and she felt unnerved. The Manor was too huge for her liking, lacking the life that a good home should have, it lacked colour to make the place be appreciated and the darkness forgotten. And the entire place was resident to only three people.
She entered the ball room and blinked, not surprised by the vast number of witches and wizards who had attended. The room was roughly the size of the Great Hall, with a corner of the room dedicated to food and the rest of the ballroom for the dance floor. To her right, a small staircase led to a separate set of balconies while the staircase on her left was larger and led to an upstairs view of the hall. There you could choose to peer down or go outside from where you had a better view of the garden.
Not hesitating, Delilah turned to the staircase on her left, where she'd go to the balconies and stay there till the party was over. She climbed all the way upstairs, pushing past the people and ignoring their annoyed grunts. She avoided eye contact and marched to the end of the corridor joining the staircase so she could try to see who had come to the ball and who hadn't.
This time she knew she'd recognize some faces since she started Hogwarts and had made a few friends, and was curious to know who came to the death eater gatherings. Her eyes caught sight of Marcus Flint and Adrian Pucey, around a dozen senior Slytherin girls whom she knew by face and not name. she caught sight of the Parkinsons and Bulstrodes, not to mention Notts, Crabbe and Goyle, the latter two which made Delilah wrinkle her nose in distaste. Their heirs were about as good as flabberworms.
She saw a lot of people from her own family on her mother's side, since after all, the Selwyns was rather large. Her cousins Estelle, Henrick and Eevee were lounging in one side of the ball room, looking completely at ease and incredibly good looking. Estelle and Eevee, who were sisters, had inherited their aunt Gillian's silver blonde hair and had curled it in flowing waves down their back. Their eyes, which Delilah knew were icy blue was probably watching for any potential friends or betroths, since they were after all, 14 and 16 respectively. Delilah was yet again thankful they'd been sent to Durmstrang to study and not Hogwarts.
Estelle Selwyn, Heiress to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Selwyn, stood right next to her cousin Henrick, possibly the only cousin she ever spent time willingly with. Henrick was tall and lean, with dark hair and silver eyes, looking very similar to his mum and Delilah's aunt, dear Aunt Fedora. Being the only boy in the Selwyn family, the only boy who was already of age anyway, he'd be graduating from Durmstrang the next year and would probably look forward to joining the Dark Lord's cause, Delilah thought with a scowl.
Just then, as though feeling eyes on him, her cousin looked up, raising an eyebrow coolly at Delilah and forcing the young witch to glance away, though not after glaring at him.
"Delilah?"
The Heiress Rosier stiffened as she turned, before her eyes caught sight of Corran Slade. She blinked in surprise but her years training with the Selwyns had taught her to quickly keep her guard up and trust no one.
She looked at her year mate disbelievingly, hardly expecting him of all people to have come to a ball of death eaters.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded, ignoring the looks she was getting from the witches and wizard around her who were giving her uneasy glances.
"Well, my family was invited," Corran said tentatively.
Delilah scowled," Your family must be pretty stupid to have accepted the invitation. It would have been better to stay home," she remarked.
Corran stared at her before straightening his back and saying," And why do you say that?"
Delilah paused, her eyes looking at the people around her to ensure they weren't listening before replying," Look around you, Slade. How many light people do you recognize in this place?"
Corran hesitated, his eyes turning to look at the various people that were there. Delilah watched his face closely as she too looked around. The witches and wizards around them and below them all looked completely relaxed about the war outside, they were sure that wherever they were they wouldn't be found. If you looked closely at some of the witches, you'd notice their tense postures, not visible but those to the expert eyes. Delilah knew that look, because it was the same one her mother used to get. These witches were afraid, afraid for their children and their families.
The wizards were the ones who were joking happily, though Delilah knew these were the ones whose name held power in the Wizengamot, these men had wealth and status, and so had nothing to fear. The ones who were from mostly neutral families stayed in one side of the ballroom, carefully not catching the attention of the well-known darker families.
"None," he muttered," only dark and neutral families."
Delilah watched him and asked," Which one are you?"
Corran's head shot to her and he said in disbelief," What, you don't think my family would join these people, do you?"
"And just what do you mean by these people, young sir?" a cold voice said behind them and Delilah groaned internally.
She'd almost wished it was Estelle or Eevee or even Henrick, but this was one of her older cousins at 18, Estelle and Eevee's older sister and Delilah's first cousin, Cerelia Selwyn, the pride of the Selwyn family. Her cousin stood before them tall and elegant, very much the pureblood child with her slim body and long silver hair. Her eyes glinted silver as well, which made her extremely striking. Dark brows were arched carefully and her smile did not convey any warmth.
Cerelia was powerful, Delilah had found that out when she was five and had gotten on the wrong side of her. She'd graduated at Durmstrang Head Girl and top in all her studies, not to mention a skilled duelist. The Selwyn name had been made proud there thanks to her, which is why everyone thought Delilah should follow in her footsteps and make the Rosier name proud at Hogwarts. She snorted. Fat chance when there were people like the Cade twins to compete with.
Her cousin's smile thinned as she turned to her younger cousin and raised an eyebrow," Well, Delilah? Aren't you going to introduce me to your new friend?" she asked with a small smile that fooled no one.
Delilah let out a loud sigh, ignoring her cousin's wrinkle of distaste and turned to Corran," Corran, this is my cousin Cerelia Selwyn, cousin, this is Corran Slade," she said bluntly.
Cerelia extended a long hand for Corran to shake, probably expecting him to kiss it the pureblood way. Delilah resisted the urge to roll her eyes and instead made herself pay attention in case Cerelia tried any funny things.
She saw Corran stumble as he shook it clumsily and Cerelia's lip curled. Delilah knew she only did that so Corran could know who was the more important person between the two.
"Slade? I've never heard of the name before," Cerelia said pleasantly," Are you a pureblood?"
Corran threw a nervous look at Delilah who intervened coolly," He's half, Cerelia, and he's a Slytherin, which I believe is enough."
"Careful, cousin, I was speaking to your friend," Cerelia said, her eyes showing little warning and tolerance.
Delilah ignored her but she tensed when Cerelia turned to Corran with a raised eyebrow," Well, young sir? What exactly did you mean when you said these people?"
Corran swallowed," I didn't-it's not that-I'm sorry if I- "he stuttered so badly Delilah opened her mouth to speak for him but Cerelia shot her a warning look. Delilah shut her mouth, knowing that it might make situations worse for Slade, who was already looking like he regretted coming to talk to Delilah at all.
"Cerelia dear!" a voice said from behind them and Corran had never looked more relieved. Delilah groaned internally as she saw who it was.
Uncle Jarrell. He was her mother's third cousin and took delight in making Delilah's life miserable by giving her long lectures on proper etiquette and pureblood laws and customs and comparing her to her cousin. All this made him favour Cerelia, since the pureblood witch knew and acted upon all of them. Delilah? She made it her mission to go against all the laws that she could break, she earned her a bad name in her family.
Cerelia turned on the perfect smile towards her uncle and said prettily," Hello Uncle Jarrell, how have you been? The last time we had a proper talk was in Mother's tea room and that was ages ago."
Delilah really did roll her eyes at all the talk. Merlin it was getting on her nerves.
Uncle Jarrell grinned. From all the Selwyn family he was the one who smiled the most, though it was funny at how he smiled not at things that were actually worth smiling about.
"I'm quite good my dear. How is Durmstrang doing without you? I heard you visited them this term," he said amiably.
Cerelia gave a vague nod," The school is as good as ever," she replied, though Delilah noticed she didn't say why she visited the school, and she doubted it was see it one more time.
Just then her uncle caught sight of her and Corran and he put his smile back on," Well, if it isn't Delilah! Your mother had said she wouldn't be coming, which made us unsure if the little heiress would arrive. All is well though I see," he said, looking at Delilah with raised eyebrows.
Delilah forced a smile on," Yes, I'm here now uncle, though I have to go. I've just seen Uncle Marcus calling me and it wouldn't do to be late," she left without a backward glance, very much aware of the icy eyes of her cousin boring into her back.
Corran jogged to keep up with her swift pace and he said worriedly," Merlin, that was your family?"
Delilah glanced at him," You'll still be coming to more parties? You saw how Cerelia treated you Slade, do yourself a favour and don't mingle with people you don't know," she advised him bluntly.
A look of hurt flashed in his face and he said bitterly," Easy for you to say. You have it all, brains, looks, power, wealth."
Delilah's silver blue eyes flashed," All of which mean nothing if you knew what came with it," she snapped.
Corran recoiled before he scowled," That's what all you rich people say. Do you ever think about people like us? People like me?" he muttered.
Delilah opened her mouth to retort but Corran seemed to want go away for he left her and made his way down the stairs. Delilah tried to ignore the feeling of uneasiness in her stomach.
Thursday, 26th December 1990
"RYLAN!" Reyna exploded, banging open the door to her brother's room the day after Christmas and glowering at home with her green blue eyes.
Rylan grimaced," It's nine in the morning Reyna. What do you want?" he asked her in annoyance, sitting up groggily.
Reyna scowled," What I want are my stacks of candy that you ate and promised to give me back. Mum said they had to last till we got back to Hogwarts!" she said, her voice rising as she yelled at him.
Rylan grinned sheepishly," Oh, that, I gave some to Cathy since mine was finished. Sorry," he said before leaning back and pulling the covers over him-only to have them snatched straight from him.
"Merlin Queen, you know how freezing it is?" he exclaimed, scowling as he tried to snatch the covers back.
Reyna danced out of his reach, saying in a sing a long voice," You'll only get this after you give me my candy."
"I don't have any. Go get some from the pantry or something," Rylan growled.
Reyna shook her head," My favourite licuorice wand's not there," she said maddeningly.
Rylan got up from bed, and marched out of his room. He went downstairs and into the kitchen, stopping when he saw his mother and Uncle Matthew there. They both paused as they took in his appearance.
"What did you do to your sister Rye?" Jasira asked wearily.
"Morning mum, morning Uncle Matt. Mum, could I go to Diagon Alley today?" he asked directly.
Her mum stared at him before asking," Are you serious? Of course not!"
Rylan frowned," Why not?"
Matthew was looking back and forth and wincing as though he knew that might be next. Jasira raised her eyebrows and said sarcastically," Oh, I don't know, maybe because there's a war outside and it wouldn't be safe."
"But I have my emergency portkeys with me!" Rylan protested and immediately wished he'd shut his mouth.
Her mother's eyes hardened," So what? Those are for emergencies, not for you to go buy some candy that you took from your sister, which, by the way, I cannot fathom since you both had two weeks' worth of candy stashed in there," she snapped.
Rylan opened his mouth but Uncle Matthew said suddenly," I could take him, Jas. I'm free for the day and it'd probably be good to stretch for a bit."
Jasira looked at her brother and hesitated. She shot a glare at Rylan, who looked half grateful yet half regretting getting his mother annoyed first thing in the morning.
Finally, she nodded," Al right. But be careful. It's still fishy that there haven't been any attacks this Christmas," she relented.
Rylan's eyes lit up," Thanks mum! Thanks Uncle Matt!"
"I'll be here while you go get ready Rye. Don't take too long," Matthew called as the young Gryffindor ran up the stairs.
When he was gone Jasira shook her head, saying," I feel like I allow them too much candy."
Matthew chuckled," You also keep a strict watch on their training, so I doubt you have to worry about their health."
Jasira smiled," Well, since you two will be having a boy's day out, I think I'll take Reyna shopping," she decided.
Matthew wrinkled his nose," No doubt Reyna'll like that. She was about as girly as you were back when you were younger Jas."
Jasira smiled wryly," I'll take her to the shops she'll like, though no candy shops since the stack Rylan will probably buy them today will be enough."
"Perhaps Rye and I could have lunch at muggle restaurant not far from the Leaky Cauldron. That'd be good, a bit relaxing to be out of the house for a while," Matthew suggested.
Jasira nodded," Right, though I've barely seen them here the times I'm home. They like spending time in Sergey Manor, especially the training grounds and the Quidditch field."
Matthew gave a sly smile," I seem to recall that those were exactly the two things you and Aidan did when you were together."
Jasira smiled lazily before finishing off her tea.
"Reyna!" Felicity called, waiting impatiently for her daughter to come down the stairs. She heard a series of thump and her daughter appeared, back in glamour state with her thick hair in two low ponytail and clad in mittens and a scarf round her neck. She was dressed in grey jeans and a long sleeved white t shirt with a winter jacket and trainers.
Felicity laughed when she caught sight of the two ponytails and reached out to grab them gently," Merlin these are cute. I used to do this hairstyle along with my sisters in our time at Hogwarts."
Reyna smiled in an embarrassed sort of way," I don't think it'll quite fit in at Slytherin," she chuckled.
Felicity smiled before saying," We'll be visiting Lucy and Regulus for a bit before going out."
Reyna nodded," It's Black Residence, right mum?" she clarified.
Felicity nodded," After you."
Reyna repeated the location and appeared in a whoosh of flames in a plush living room decorated in white and green. Reyna had only been here once but she had to admit her uncle and aunt had good taste.
She moved aside for her mother to appear and dusted herself off while looking around. It was nowhere as beautiful as the Sergey Manor or as pretty as their home but the Residence had a certain uniqueness that made it theirs.
It was located in surroundings where there were barely any neighbors, but a ten-minute walk would cure you of that. Since it was under the Fidelius charm, no one save for the people who knew its exact location could come and go as they wished. The three story manor, which was goblin made thanks to Regulus' connections and job made the house resistant to various plots and dangers. The fact that Regulus had made some of the wards himself made it practically impossible to attack.
Her mum appeared behind her and she turned, looking as her mum carefully dusted soot off her blue pants and knee length loose dress. Reyna had trouble believing she was an adult with how young she looked and dressed. The only thing giving her away was her dark circles under her eyes and her slightly pale skin. The cold made her lose the tan she'd had when she'd arrived.
Reyna was worried about her. She thought her mum was overworking herself but knew that it would be futile. Her mum would brush her off and say that she wasn't. As it was, Reyna was happy for the day to have her mum to herself atleast once in the holidays and she was going to savour every moment.
Felicity scanned the room before frowning," Weird, Regulus should have sensed visitors by now," she commented.
"Maybe he's in his study," Reyna suggested.
Felicity nodded distractedly, muttering," I hope we didn't come at a wrong time."
She gestured at Reyna to follow her and made her way cautiously from the corridors. As they turned a corner they bumped straight into Lucy, who looked slightly surprised but happy nonetheless," Jas! Reyna! I thought you'd be coming in later in the day," she said before asking anxiously," Where's Rylan? Is everything alright?"
"Yes, everything's fine, Lucy, there was a change of plans and we thought we'd come here for a bit," Felicity explained before switching to Kiswahili, though Reyna could still understand perfectly," I wanted to speak to you about something, actually."
Lucy knitted her eyebrows but nodded," Of couse, Reyna dear, the kitchen's that way and there's food in the fridge if you're hungry. Your uncle's in his study if you want to visit him, though it is strange that he hasn't come to greet you by now," she said, looking a bit thoughtful.
"Will you be alright, Reyn?" Felicity asked her.
Reyna nodded reassuringly," I think I'll go to Uncle Reg's office first."
Lucy gave a small nod before leading Felicity upstairs, leaving Reyna alone in the light of the corridors. The young witch turned, trying to remember where her uncle's study was. She thought it might have been down the corridor on her left, then take a side turn. Deciding she had nothing to lose, she followed her thought.
Just when she thought she was wrong and decided to turn back the door infront of her flew open and her jaw dropped.
"Professor Snape?" she squeaked, her eyes turning wide as she stared at her Potions master.
For his credit, Snape got over his confusion quickly, blinking once before saying in an unimpressed voice," Miss Cade, might I ask what you are doing here?"
"Severus? Who- "Regulus appeared in the doorway, looking surprise at Reyna before grimacing at the expression on her face.
"Mum wanted to talk to um, Mrs Black," Reyna offered, mentally cringing at Snape's slight raise of eyebrow.
Regulus nodded before saying," Well, I doubt there's a need to introduce you two, since you obviously know each other."
Severus turned towards Regulus suspiciously, though he didn't see any guilty look and asked abruptly," I was not aware that the two of you had met before."
Reyna said nothing, waiting for her uncle to answer.
"We met this month, actually. Her mother, Felicity Cade is currently staying with Melinda and Darrell and her children are with her," Regulus elaborated.
Severus' eyes clouded and he glanced at Reyna with sudden interest," Where is your brother then, Miss Cade?"
"Rylan stayed back," Reyna answered, trying not to show how uncomfortable she was.
Snape's face was blank before turning to Regulus and giving a curt nod," My business is done here, Regulus, I believe," with that he left.
Regulus and Reyna waited till they could no longer hear his footsteps before her uncle gestured at her to enter the study. It turns out Reyna had been right, though after several wrong turns.
"Well, I'm expecting he'll probably be keeping a watch on you and Rye when you go back to school," Regulus sighed," for better or worse, I am not sure."
Reyna sat down and buried her face in her hands," Of all the teachers to have over Uncle Reg," she groaned.
Regulus shot her a cross look," As you very well know Reyna, Severus is a family friend," he said in a clipped tone.
Reyna gave a sigh of her own," I know, it's just I've already managed to annoy him a couple of times at school, and Rylan's definitely in his bad books and more attention was not what I was looking for," she explained.
Regulus leaned on his table and raised an eyebrow," I visit him at Hogwarts and he once told me of a certain first year who wanted to change Slytherin's reputation," he told her.
Reyna raised her chin defiantly but said nothing.
Regulus continued," Then another time he told me that you mentioned your father as a reason for inspiration."
Reyna said nothing.
Regulus pursed his lips," Look, Reyn, I have absolute faith in your abilities and so does your mother and brother and the rest of the family, but try to lessen down on yourself and enjoy Hogwarts for a while," he said gently.
Reyna glared at his feet," Yeah sure, lemme enjoy school while people die out there and my dad's in a coma. Least I could do is try to make a small difference Uncle Reg. Mum did that and she succeeded," she said with a scowl.
Regulus said nothing for a minute before stating," I asked Severus to tell me the names of the new first years."
Reyna paled and her head shot up to meet her uncle's cool gaze.
"One name in particular stuck out," Regulus said quietly.
"Uncle Reg- "Reyna began but Regulus interrupted her.
"You didn't tell your mother, did you, Reyna?" Regulus asked softly.
Reyna looked at him in the eyes and her shoulders slumped," Rylan told me to but I haven't. you know how she'll react, Uncle, she'll probably forbid me from talking to Delilah," she said miserably.
Regulus shook his head," If that's what you think Jasira will do then you still don't know your mother very well," he said, looking disappointed.
Reyna stared at him," Uncle Reg, you do know who Delilah's father is, right? And that mum hates him, right?"
Regulus threw her an annoyed look," You're judging your mother too soon, Reyna. You forget what she did back in Hogwarts. She gave people second chances. She judged only based on true facts or experiences, but one thing she once told me was that she never judged someone based on their family background or any other factor," he said quietly.
When Reyna was silent he added," Jas would want you to be able to talk to her."
"I know," said Reyna miserably, "but Uncle Reg-"
"Reyna? Regulus?" There was a knock before Lucy entered with Felicity behind her, both woman looking apologetic at having interrupted.
"Hello Reg, I hope everything's alright," greeted Felicity, sending a cheerful smile at her brother in law.
Reyna looked away from her mother's smiling face. How could she ruin her day with her news?
Regulus forced a smile," All well Jas. I suppose you've come to take away my niece?" he said jokingly.
Felicity gave a rueful smile," 'Afraid so Reg. Reyna, would you like a day out or a day in?" her mum asked teasingly.
Reyna bit her lip and rearranged her expression. She faked a sad look at her uncle and said mock forlornly," I'm afraid I'll have to side with mum, Uncle."
Regulus rolled his eyes while Lucy smirked," Off you go then, and make sure you bring your brother next time," he said, wagging a finger at her.
Reyna grinned," Will do Uncle Reg," she hesitated before following her mother and giving her aunt a hug.
"Take care Aunt Lucy," she told her aunt, patting her stomach.
Lucy burst out laughing," Reyna, you girl. Off you go with your antics then," she said with a shake of her head.
Reyna gave her a grin and ran after her mum.
"Would you like to go straight to the candy shop or move around first?" Matthew inquired as they appeared in Diagon Alley through the Leaky Cauldron.
Rylan looked around. The place wasn't crowded and the atmosphere was tense. Shops and banners were flickering lamely while witches and wizards scurried around nervously, wary of any attacks that might happen. The weather was cold and snowing and dark but Rylan felt that didn't bother him.
He shrugged," Honestly, Diagon Alley's giving the impression that it's more of an alley now than before. But I'd like to move around a bit before we buy the candies," he answered.
Matthew looked at him before giving a nod," Al right then."
His uncle took him round the shops, ignoring looks from passersby who were wondering how on earth they weren't cooped up at home from the war. They walked in Quality Quidditch Supplies, Potage's Cauldron shop (though they left the soon after, both claiming the smell of potions was too overwhelming), and Flourish and Blotts, looking for fun books to read.
"You're just like Aidan, reading only when you want to," Matthew told him, a thing which made Rylan beam with happiness.
"Uncle Matt? Didn't Diagon Alley used to have stalls and vendors?" Rylan questioned, a while after they left the shops and had settled in Florean Fortescue's ice cream shop. Matthew had bought them each large chocolate ice creams with sprinkles and pistachio and they sat back watching the deserted streets fill with few shoppers.
Matthew nodded," Aye, back in my time when the war was still starting the place used to have a much more bustling atmosphere, colourful, fun and actually a shopping area. Now 'cause of the war people are too scared to sell outside anymore," he replied, taking a lick at his cone.
"Uncle Matthew, can you imagine a world without the war?" asked Rylan curiously, wondering what kind of answer he would get.
His uncle smiled," I can, very clearly," he said but didn't elaborate.
"How is it?" Rylan prompted.
"Happy, Rye. No more worrying about attacks and people dying, no more betrayals and heartache. Just happiness and worry about smaller, less significant things. A safer world," Matthew answered.
"But not completely safe?"
Matthew shook his head," The world is never completely safe," he said quietly.
Rylan finished up his cone and said hesitantly," Uncle Matthew, do you think we'll ever actually meet the rest of our family?"
Matthew paused," Rylan, what do you think? Do you want to meet Irena and Sam and your cousins?"
Rylan didn't hesitate," I'd like that, but I'm not sure if I could bring myself to treat them normally. I mean, mum never told us exactly what happened, but she didn't hide it either, so we aren't sure. But they're family and they care…right?" his words came out in a babble, seeking reassurance but unsure if he wanted it.
Matthew reached out and squeezed his shoulder," Jas could have chosen any other school for you to go to instead of Hogwarts. She could have chosen to live anywhere but back home. She could have chosen any other work apart from being an Auror. But she didn't," he said gently," I don't know what it looks like to others, but I feel she wants to be back with her family. My sister always liked to be unpredictable, most times she was, other times no so much, but I feel like she has a plan of some sort."
Rylan gave a small nod," She's been working a lot, I mean, like she has some project or something."
Matthew gave a grunt," Jas always has projects," he muttered. He glanced at his watch before saying," It's almost two, we'd better get lunch and grab the candies for your sister. Reyna is too much like your mother when she's angry."
Rylan grinned," Imagine me living with them my whole life," he joked and Matthew chuckled.
Despite his uncle's relaxed attitude, Rylan could see how he stayed not too far from him and how tense his shoulders were when they walked. Even the short distance from here to the Leaky Cauldron was enough to make Matthew Culbert nervous. His eyes scanned the place in case of any suspicious movements and nodded to an Auror, a friend of his at the Ministry. Rylan touched the invisible watch that was on his left wrist reassuringly. The minute danger arose he'd simply mutter the activation charm and be out of harm's way.
As it was, the day went surprisingly well. They finished their lunch in the Leaky Cauldron happily, making light conversation and had fun choosing different sweets that Reyna would or wouldn't like. When they arrived home, Rylan felt that perhaps there could be days when you could be a normal person in the Wizarding World.
"Thanks Uncle Matt," Rylan said happily, smiling at his uncle who was dusting himself.
"Don't mention it, it isn't often I get to take you shopping," his uncle said with a grin.
"It's nearly five and no one's home," Rylan frowned," how long do girl day outs take?"
Matthew laughed," It could go on for a week and girls still wouldn't be satisfied. Are you going to be comfortable alone or would you like to go over to Larissa's? I'm quite sure mum's over at the orphanage with dad, I promised Tilda I'd be back by five," he checked.
Rylan thought for a bit before saying," I'll be at Grandma Larissa's till mum and Reyna arrive."
Rylan hadn't realized how much he'd relied on his twin for company as he wondered round the manor after a quick greeting with his grandmother. He debated going to the pool before dismissing it. Too cold. Dueling was out since he didn't feel like practicing and the library was a definite no-no. That left only Quidditch.
With a sigh he headed to the back of the house, enjoying the way the Sergey grounds looked in the winter season. The manor behind him was beautiful and modern, with its baby blue and cream paint making it gleam like a place in a fairytale. The garden was not large but it was pretty wide and filled, since his grandmother had been a devoted gardener when she was younger.
As Rylan made his way to the Quidditch grounds, the wind whipped at him as the snow fell. He jogged over to the broomshed, grabbed his favourite shooting star before taking off.
He had barely been five minutes when he sensed someone on a broom not far behind. He tensed before making a sharp turn. Rylan opened his mouth to speak before pausing in surprise as he caught sight of Aaron McKinnon, looking embarrassed and slightly abashed.
"Sorry for startling you," he said with an easy grin.
Rylan pursed his lips," It's alright. Are you alone or…?"
"Yeah, Cathy's not with me today and neither's Thora," Aaron answered.
Rylan nodded," What are you doing here?" he asked with a raised eyebrow, holding his broom firmly as they talked in midair, the wind whipping at them.
Aaron hesitated before saying carefully," I guess I wanted to see if you and your sister were here. We seemed to have gotten off on the wrong foot last time, 'sides, it gets a bit boring back in the manor."
Rylan looked surprised," Well, it's only me so I guess there's not much to talk," he said cautiously.
Aaron shrugged," 'S alright, Grandma Larissa told me you were here so I thought I might as well join you. May I, then?"
Rylan couldn't help smiling," The pitch is yours."
With identical grins and a spark of friendship, the two boys flew side by side, both making random antics in the air and trying to see who was the better flier. It was an hour later when they landed on the ground and Rylan felt a familiar vibration in his pocket. He hesitated, not sure if he wanted to check his phone right then infront of Aaron but worried. Where was Reyna?
"I'll return the brooms and be right back," he told Aaron, trying not to show how worried he felt.
Aaron gave a small nod and handed him his broom. Rylan took it and made his way hurriedly to the broom shed and whipped out his phone.
Making a visit 2 Pandora n Luna. Might be back at seven.
Rylan breathed a sigh of relief that they were all right but couldn't help missing his twin. He never went a whole day without spending atleast an hour with her. He slipped his phone back in his pocket, placed the brooms back in their positions and jogged back to Aaron.
His cousin was sprawled carelessly on the snow caked ground, drawing small circles out of boredom. He looked up as Rylan approached before sitting properly, watching as Rylan sat down next to him.
"So where's your sister? Reyna right?" he asked conversationally.
"Mum took her out, I just came back with um, an uncle," he added, looking slightly defensive.
Aaron nodded. He seemed to want to ask something but was unsure. Finally, he blurted," So you're in Hogwarts?"
Rylan smiled," Yep, first yea Gryffindor."
"Cool," Aaron breathed, sounding wistful," I'll bet Reyna's in Gryffindor too, since you're twins."
"Actually," Rylan said, looking carefully at Aaron's expression before continuing," Reyna's in Slytherin."
There was a flash of surprise, slight alarm before confusion and acceptance sank in," Oh, my mum was a Gryffindor but her two brothers were in Slytherin. She always says her brothers were some of the best snakes out there," he said with a shrug.
Rylan felt a small feeling of warmth spread in his body and knew that Reyna would have appreciated not being judged, especially by their cousin.
"How is it? Are the teachers really strict? Do you get many detentions? Do students really hex each other? Have you met Hagrid?" Aaron fired off question after question and only stopped when Rylan gave a small laugh and held up his hands.
"Hold up, Aaron," Rylan paused, feeling weird to be calling his cousin whom he barely knew so casually before continuing," Hogwarts is brilliant. The teachers give us loads of homework but they're only strict if you don't listen. As of now, as sad as it is, I only have one detention thanks to some git and yes, students do hex each other in the corridors. Did I forget anything?"
"Hagrid?" Aaron prompted, making Rylan grin.
"Hagrid's really good, haven't you met him?" he asked Aaron.
Aaron nodded," Loads of times, usually during- "he froze, before flushing," sorry, but he comes at home once in a while."
Rylan hid a smile, sure he would have said order meetings but pushed it away," What house do you want to be in?"
Aaron looked at the snow and gave a shrug," Honestly I don't know. Gryffindor's everyone's first choice but I don't know if that's my house. Mum was a Gryffindor so I guess I'd go there, but dad was a Ravenclaw so I don't know."
"Hufflepuff and Slytherin?" Rylan asked, sounding slightly sly.
"Pretty sure I'm not Hufflepuff material, and though Slytherin's not that bad, I don't fancy going there, no offence," he told Rylan.
"None taken," was the reply.
There was silence before Aaron asked inquisitively," So where were you all this time?"
At Rylan's raised eyebrows Aaron rushed on," I mean, we've never seen you before, you and your sister. I've met a lot of people yet it was my first time seeing you."
Rylan shrugged," We lived in Africa most of our lives before coming here for Hogwarts."
Aaron frowned," Doesn't Africa have its own Wizarding school? Wouldn't it be safer than coming to a place where there's a war?" he asked, sounding slightly puzzled.
Rylan smiled," My mum grew up here and she wanted us to come back," he answered.
"Oh," was Aaron's reply and it was so childish that Rylan couldn't help chuckling.
The younger boy threw him a curious look and opened his mouth to say something when they heard a yell from the inside and a small figure came running towards them. The two boys looked at each other in confusion before standing up.
A feeling of uneasiness settled in Rylan's stomach as the figure neared and Cathy's small form could be made out.
"Cathy?" Aaron said surprise," What're you- "
"Mum's calling for you! Something's happened," Cathy's blue eyes were fearful as they looked at the two boys.
"What are you doing here, then? Where's Thora?" Aaron asked, reaching for his sister's hand urgently.
Cathy looked as though she might start crying when Rylan said," We need to go inside."
Aaron didn't hesitate, he grabbed Cathy and followed Rylan, whose feeling of panic was starting to increase. Where were Reyna and mum?
"Where's your grandmother?" he asked Cathy sharply, the girl's eyes looking wide as saucers.
"Is mum alright?"
"Aaron! Cathy!" a woman's voice said loudly, sounding panicked.
The three jumped and hurried to the drawing room where Irena McKinnon's face was to be seen from the fireplace. She looked relieved to see them.
"Thank Merlin. Kids, floo home right now," she said in a no nonsense tone though her eyes betraying her fear.
"Mum is everything alright? Has there been another attack?" Aaron asked tensely but Irena seemed in no mood to reply.
"Everything's alright here," she said shortly before catching sight of Rylan, who was standing awkwardly and trying to control his racing heart.
"Mum, this is Rylan, the one I told you about," Aaron said quickly and Irena gave a small nod.
"Where's your mother, Rylan?" Irena asked kindly.
Rylan swallowed," I don't know," he said gloomily," and my sister too."
Irena inhaled sharply. She looked at Rylan and her face softened," Perhaps you'd best come with here as well, it's safer."
Rylan shook his head," I'm alright, I'll just floo back home," he said hastily, having already planned to go home and try calling his mother or Reyna.
Irena shook her head," As safe as the manor is staying alone is not an option. Grandma Larissa will be coming over as well so there won't be anyone-"
"But Uncle Rian's here!" Cathy interrupted before her eyes widened at what she'd said.
The look on Irena's face was anything but welcoming as she gritted out," Aaron, tell Rylan the location. I'll meet you all here," before leaving after seeing his son nod.
Aaron frowned at his sister before glancing at Rylan and saying," Just say McKinnon Hall and you'll be there."
Rylan nodded after a brief pause," Cathy'd better go first, I'll go last, there's something I need to take."
Aaron looked at him carefully but nodded," Al right, but don't take long."
Rylan turned and ran from the drawing room, heading straight to the main parlour and jumping in the floo.
"Culbert Residence," he muttered under his breath before disappearing in a whoosh of flames, hoping against hope that his mother and sister were alright.
A few hours earlier.
Reyna had to admit, her mum knew how hot to make a day enjoyable. First Felicity took her to some muggle shops, where she ignored her daughter's complaints, promising that she'd have fun.
They did. They bought clothes for Reyna and Rylan and some shoes, entertaining the idea that Rylan would look good in girl sandals and heels. Then Felicity took a while trying to choose a few house ornaments, finally settling on a red vase and some paintings to add in the orphanage that Darrell worked.
"Will we ever get to go there, mum?" Reyna asked curiously. She'd heard about it a couple of times but had never actually visited.
Felicity glanced at her," Do you want to? It'd probably be a good experience, but I'm not sure…" she hesitated before deciding," I'll talk to your grandfather about it."
"Speaking of Granddad, it's his birthday soon, isn't it?" Reyna said, looking excited.
Felicity smiled," Correct, New Year," it amused her how Reyna and Rylan would switch titles, going with granddad, grandfather, grandpa.
"What're we going to get him?" the young girl asked eagerly.
"Your grandfather's had his eyes on some shoes that he's been wanting, I thought we might get him those," Felicity replied.
Reyna gave a nod," Cake? Sweets?"
The older witch rolled her eyes," You know your grandfather isn't one for sweets, Queen," she chided.
Reyna grinned abashedly," But he's alright with cakes," she said slyly.
"We'll make it as a surprise, though I suppose- "she cut herself off, looking slightly sad.
Reyna knitted her eyebrows," What's wrong?"
"Sam and Alex will probably be there, along with James," Felicity murmured.
Reyna pursed her lips," It'll be alright," she said lightly.
Felicity game a small smile," Come on then, lunch."
They found a nice muggle restaurant and ate a good meal of fried potatoes with cheese and chicken, along with a plate of salad. For dessert they ordered chocolate pudding and ice cream. Reyna had never felt so full, except when she was at Hogwarts.
"You don't speak much about Hogwarts Reyn, how is it?" Felicity asked conversationally.
Reyna tensed slightly but said in nonchalantly," It's really good. I've avoided detention so far and the lessons are good- "
"Reyna," her mum interrupted, sounding slightly exasperated," you told me all that in your letters. I meant how is the school in general? You sound like you're really enjoying it but I wanted to hear your experiences. Your friends, the common room, sneaking out of the castle-don't think I don't know you do, as long as it's not dangerous," she added with a wink.
Reyna's heart sped up slightly but she said," Right, sorry," she cleared her throat and began," I've made friends with a girl names Gianna, Gianna Hill."
Felicity's eyes brightened," Max's daughter!"
Reyna gave a small smile," She's really good, easy going and a bit lazy but she's pretty fun to be with. She doesn't really talk much about her family but she um, her aunt died when she was young. Did you know her, mum?"
Felicity's eyes saddened," I did, she was in the same year as the Marauders' and I, actually. Amanda Hill, we-well, we never really got along, she was in Slytherin and all but she died bravely, didn't want to join Voldemort in the war."
Reyna bit her lip," Another Slytherin forgotten," she muttered.
Her mum looked at her but Reyna continued with her descriptions of her friends. She pushed away the guilt of not mentioning Delilah, though her mother hadn't really asked about the families of her friends. she mentioned Graham and Zach, confiding that she was closest to Zach than the others.
Felicity listened, commenting now and then when she heard about people she knew and whatnot.
"What about the new DADA teacher?" she asked curiously," Is she any good?"
Reyna gave a shrug," She seems alright, though a bit boring honestly. The only lessons me and Rye like are Potions, DADA, Charms and Transfiguration," she answered, finishing off her dessert.
"All the subjects your father and I preferred," said Felicity, leaning back on her chair and staring outside.
"I heard you met Aaron," she said abruptly, turning to look at Reyna, who was suddenly interested in her empty plate," how is he?"
Reyna looked up, surprised.
Her mum gave a dry chuckle," Just because I don't make an effort to be with them doesn't mean I don't care, Reyna."
Looking embarrassed Reyna said," We only met him once, but he saw a bit cold, probably because he thought we didn't really have a right to be in the manor," she couldn't help the small indignant huff that escaped her, ignored her mother's look of amusement and said," he didn't really seem to take the time to be with Cathy, but I feel he's not bad. He actually reminds me of Rye, in a way."
Felicity looked curious," How so?"
Reyna shrugged," Dunno, looks? He does look similar to us, but he holds himself the same way Rye does, sort of cautious and protective," she explained.
Reyna noticed her mum growing quiet after that but didn't say anything. When they'd left, Felicity turned towards her and said brightly," How would you like a quick visit to the Lovegoods?"
Reyna's eyes widened," Really? Last time we went Luna'd gone out with her dad, d'you think there's a chance she might home, mum?"
Felicity grinned," Quite sure, I talked to Pandora yesterday and she assured me," she held out her arm," We'll be there a while, so you might want to text Rylan."
Reyna grinned and took out her phone to text her brother. She had just finished sending a message when they heard an explosion that sent them nearly on the ground.
"What the- "started Reyna, looking alarmed before her mum took out her wand and cast some spells around them.
BOOM!
Felicity turned pale as they looked around for the source of it. Her mum kept a tight hold on Reyna's hand and said urgently," Do you have your emergency portkey?"
Reyna looked past her shoulder where she could see flashes of light and scream starting. It was nearly five in the evening and the sun was nearly gone thanks to winter.
"Reyna!"
Reyna nodded, "I have it mum," she said, her heart speeding up rapidly.
"Say the activation charm and leave. It will take you- "Felicity started but Reyna cut her off.
"What about you? Don't tell me you're going to- "
"Say the activation charm Queen. It'll take you back home. I want you to floo straight Grandma Larissa's, alright? If there's no one there then go to Regulus', alright?" Felicity finished, looking at her seriously.
Her mother was looking worried, casting a look behind her shoulder where she could hear screams and more lights. No doubt more death eaters had arrived.
"Incarcerous!" a spell shouted not far from them and they both tensed.
Felicity gripped her daughter's shoulders," I know you want to help but it's not safe, Queen. Please. Get back to your brother safely."
Reyna blinked furiously," What if you don't come back home?" she demanded, trying not to let the death eater's nearly approaching voices scare her.
Felicity kissed the top of her head," No saying that. I will come back. I love you, Queen, now go," she said, her voice firmer and slightly warning.
Reyna grabbed her necklace and muttered tutum portum, not even able to smile at the ridiculous passcode. Her last image was of her mother letting her go and slashing past the protective charm she'd made.
Reyna appeared right outside Culbert Residence since the wards of the house couldn't allow her to enter completely. She wrenched open the door and ran towards the living room, her heart pounding as she turned-only to bump straight into Rylan.
"Reyna!"
"Rylan!"
Her brother looked relieved to see her and reached out a hand to steady her. His eyes scanned behind him before frowning," Where's mum?"
Reyna blinked several times as she explained trying to control her frightened tone. Rylan's eleven-year-old face turned grim and he said worriedly," I just came from the manor Reyn. Grandma Larissa's somewhere but she has to go and help I think. We need to get mum help."
"Uncle Reg's then," Reyna decided," It's the best we can hope, from what you've said the order members have already been alerted so they might be going there already."
Rylan nodded, looking unhappy at the situation but saying," You go first, I'll be right behind."
Reyna didn't waste a moment, she stepped in through the fireplace and disappeared, moving forth hastily to make room for her brother.
The minute the two of them hurried from the parlour, a spell shot towards at alarming speed. Rylan gave a shout but it was too late, Reyna fell back unconscious and Rylan quickly hurried to catch her.
"Uncle Reg!" he shouted," It's us!"
There was a curse before feet hurried towards them. Pale hands reached down to help the unconscious girl but Rylan moved back protectively.
Regulus' grim face appeared next to him," I'm sorry Rylan, I was expecting- "his uncle cut himself and pointed his wand at his niece.
"What's going- "Aunt Lucy appeared behind her husband, her eyes widening as they caught sight of Reyna.
She shot a look at Regulus, who grimaced and smiled at Rylan, though she looked stressed and questioning.
Rylan explained the situation quickly, finishing with," …and mum said to come here if Sergey Manor's empty."
When Reyna regained consciousness, looking annoyed and disgruntled, brushing aside her uncle's reproachful and apologetic gaze, the young girl said anxiously," You will go and help mum, right?"
Lucy and Regulus exchanged a look before Regulus nodded," Lucy will stay here with the two of you while I go. The manor's protected so I doubt the death eaters will approach."
The twins' face was agitated and upset, barely listening when their Aunt Lucy ushered them to the kitchen, trying to comfort and assure them.
Ideas and reviews are appreciated!