CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT
It came as no surprise to Harry and her friends that the empousa fiasco was not forgotten over the next few days by neither staff nor student. Indeed, the Gryffindor first years were especially excited and enjoyed regaling their friends from Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and also Slytherin about how they helped to keep the empousa weakened enough for the sixth and seventh years to hold her down. However, though the staff were still in shock, they were most insistent on making sure that everything got back to as normal as possible relatively quickly. What the staff could not curb, was the spike in interest from the younger years into Defence Against the Dark Arts, duelling and Care of Magical Creatures; many of the third and fourth years now even considered taking Ghoul Studies as an extra for their O.W.L.s. Indeed, the Duelling Club soon had some new initiates on their hands and Professor Merrythought had to decide whether she was proud or concerned that her younger students started to take her subject even more seriously than they did previously.
Madam Ellis was one of the members of staff not as happy as her colleagues, insisting that some of her Dark Creature books were not appropriate for eleven and twelve-year-olds to read, let alone try and take out of the library. To keep the librarian happy, sixth and seventh years offered to supervise the younger ones with the books, which mellowed her only a little.
However, if there was a group of people who were not taking the situation as well as the students and the staff at Hogwarts, it was the parents and the Board of Governors. For around two to three days straight, Dippet was forced to go on the political offensive as his office was inundated with angry Howlers from several furious parents who had received excited and enthusiastic correspondences from their children regarding the events. It was safe to say that many of the Headmasters and Headmistresses – Elizabeth Burke most of all – enjoyed watching their successor having to deal with the mass hysteria.
"WE DEMAND AN EXPLANATION AS TO HOW AN UNDEAD GOT INTO THE SCHOOL! THIS IS QUITE UNACCEPTABLE! FIRST DEMENTORS ON THE GROUNDS AND NOW THIS!"
"I WAS ALWAYS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT ASIDE FROM GRINGOTTS THAT HOGWARTS IS THE SAFEST PLACE IN ENGLAND FOR OUR CHILDREN! APPARENTLY, WE WERE ALL MISINFORMED!"
"WHATEVER SECURITY YOU HAVE INSTALLED, HEADMASTER, IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH AT KEEPING DARK CREATURES AWAY FROM OUR CHILDREN! WE HAVE TWO WARS RAGING – WE DO NOT NEED EXTRA STRESS!"
On and on it went; soon Dippet felt himself nursing a rather humongous headache as he wrote reassurance letter after reassurance letter. Inside, the Headmaster shared the frustration of these parents better than almost anyone. He knew that Hera Evans's Cursebreaking job was a dangerous one, but it was one thing for his student to be dealing with a Dark artefact that did not affect or concern anyone else, and another if the Dark object in question was a prison for a dangerous Undead that posed an overt threat to everyone else. Especially if it meant that the Ministry threatened to interfere at Hogwarts.
Which they did, judging from a rather clipped-toned letter from Mr. Horner.
Dear Headmaster Dippet,
I fear I must apologise in advance for the unpleasant nature of this letter, however the Minister felt it would be remiss of us if we would hold our silence any longer on the concerning number of unorthodox events that are occurring at your school. While it is true that we did not remark on any of the other occurrences, an Undead breaching the hallowed walls of Hogwarts is not something the Ministry can no longer ignore. Not just simply because of the safety concerns regarding the children, but also because of the damage it could do to Hogwarts' reputation internationally.
We are aware of Lady Hera's Cursebreaking contract with Gringotts. We are not permitted to interfere in Goblin business; to do so would bring a third war forth and that is something we can ill afford. However, Minister Spencer-Moon wishes to make this clear: if you cannot keep a closer eye on your charge and the assignments that Gringotts is giving her, we will find someone who will.
Yours sincerely,
David Horner
Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation
Armando Dippet did not mind admitting that he did have the inclination to Incendio the letter instead of replying to it, but he was old and wise enough to know that such a rash action was not going to help matters. This particular battlefield needed to be navigated with the most extreme caution. Not since the days of King George III did the Ministry have the audacity to meddle in the affairs of Hogwarts and Dippet refused to be the Headmaster to see a return of those days.
He would never live it down – Phineas and Elizabeth would take sadistic delight in reminding his portrait of it at every opportunity that was offered to them after he died. Armando would not put his portrait self through that sort of humiliation.
It wasn't just Hogwarts who had to deal with angry parents. A few of them – the Weasleys, the Smiths, the Mallorys and the Huxleys amongst them – were foolhardy enough to think they could lecture the Goblins themselves. At first, the Goblin King was rather amused but after the third letter, he had lost his patience and had each Howler immediately shredded or turned into shouting origami figures the moment they arrived. Rosberg, Ironfang, Griphook and Snowfell enjoyed setting the Howlers alight if their King was not there to receive them.
All the while, Harry had hoped that Herio had done one thing right as a service to them all and that Valentine's Day would be largely forgotten this year. After all, Dippet had given Gryffindor and Slytherin's Quidditch match an extension on training because of the empousa nonsense. However, with each passing day the castle became decorated with effigies of Aphrodite and pink wreathes were added to torches and gargoyles, which ultimately killed Harry's hope. The only saving grace was that she did not need to worry about cringey and embarrassing love poems being written to her anonymously.
Altair and Tom were all too happy to publicly give them to her, as they had no qualms to do at breakfast. A few of the first years – Eileen, Octavius, Oizys and Heather amongst them – did write poems for the older years, meant to be deliberately funny instead of serious offers of courtship. Harry appreciated these ones, and actually burst into peels of laughter as she released love birds up into the air after opening Oizys' one. There were a few protests from staff and students alike, especially as the enchanted love birds started to pair people off. Apparently, the birds had been enchanted to sense 'connections' between people with some rather amusing results. More than a few people giggled uncontrollably when the birds tried to match Professor Merrythought and Professor Griffiths together.
"Oizys, you clever little Mooncalf!" Malum laughed, shaking his head at his sister.
"It is not April Fools, Avery!" Billy laughed, while still applauding. "Well done, though!"
"Oh for the love – I forgot about April Fools!" Caius suddenly exclaimed dramatically as he looked up from the morning's copy of the Daily Prophet. "Hogwarts is not yet safe from the pranks while Harry Evans is still here yet!"
That earned him a few muffins to the face, courtesy of Atty and Artemis, while everyone laughed heartily. Harry simply sat there with a plotting, evil smirk upon her countenance.
"Everyone, check your shoes and trunks on that day very carefully," Heron stated with a grin. "You never know if you get covered in glitter and feathers."
"Why are you giving her ideas?" Felix paled.
"Pffft," Harry commented dismissively as she continued to poke at her porridge with her spoon. "As if that idea was not in my head already! Besides, it is one that has gone in the mental fireplace because frankly, it is too boring."
"Exactly, Harry is-"
"-a connoisseur of the-"
"-pranking arts! She-"
"-is no mere-"
"-amateur!" the Weasley twins agreed happily.
"Yeah, yeah," Felix grumbled, rolling his eyes at the pair of them. "Drama queens, the pair of you."
"We try our best!" Septimus and Octavius smirked.
In the meantime, Harry had spied with her very-well trained Seeker eye something rather interesting. Caius had gone back to his newspaper, intently shaking and grumbling softly at the idiocy of some parents thinking they can send Howlers of complaint to Gringotts and expecting anything to change, while Arcturus – who had strategically placed himself next to Caius that morning – seemed to be eyeing him for some reason in regular intervals. The detective senses in the young Cursebreaker started to ring quite loudly in her head; Arcturus was waiting for an opening to ask Caius something.
Maybe to spend Valentine's Day together? That was highly likely since Arcturus had once again showed little to no interest in any of the Valentine's poems that he had received from interested boys and girls. Only the prank ones from the first years had gotten any kind of reaction from Heir Rosier. Harry decided to keep her fingers crossed.
Suddenly, there rose excited chatter and Katie Huxley called, "Evans, your family ravens are back!"
Ravens, plural. That made Harry look up from her own breakfast to see that, indeed, two ravens from House Peverell had flown into the Great Hall, and were headed straight for the Gryffindor table where she and her friends were sitting. One was carrying a package and a letter, and the other, was carrying only a letter. Harry frowned to herself, half guessing at what her family of portraits could be sending her now – but did not know for certain why two ravens was needed.
The answer came soon enough: one of the ravens was not meant for her. One of them landed directly in front of Caius, who still had his nose in the papers, this time, trying to solve one of the puzzles in the back. Harry gaped, unable to help herself and she was not the only one. No one had expected a Peverell raven to head for Dolohov. The raven was quite put out that Caius did not look up; she showed as much with a very indignant caw that was also ignored. Dolohov must have believed that caw had been for Harry because he needed a sharp jab in the ribs from Arcturus to get him to look up.
"OWW! Rosier, what was that – oh! Hello!" Caius greeted the raven with a lopsided, apologetic smile. "I didn't mean to ignore you." He gestured to the letter the raven was carrying. "Is that for me?"
"Caw!" came the affirmative answer.
"Maybe it's Harry's uncles asking for their books back?" Malum suggested with a half joking tone.
Caius paled a little at that. "I haven't been using them that long and I still haven't finished the essay yet. There are one or two things that I still need to check!"
Artemis rolled her eyes. "Calm down. Might be nothing, but you won't know unless you open the little bugger so stop panicking before that raven starts pecking your fingers to encourage you."
The glint in the raven's eyes indicated that Artemis was indeed reading its mind. The Russian Knight had no interest in losing any of his fingers so as quickly as he could manage, he untied the letter from the raven's leg. Caius gave the corvid an apologetic smile before opening the envelope and dropping it in surprise as crystal butterflies shot forth from the envelope, causing many at the Gryffindor table to jump about five feet into the air. Harry, though, found herself smiling as she suddenly realised what this was.
The crystal butterflies turned themselves into a letter, one that Caius was very unwilling to read out loud. Judging by the annoyed expression on Arc's countenance, Harry gauged that Zagreus once again decided to push the Rosier boy's buttons.
"Weeeell, Dolohov?" Tessa voiced everyone's curiosity as a grin formed on Caius's face. "Who is the new suitor?"
"Some new girl your mother found?" Felix added, smirking only even more.
"No new suitor," Caius answered with an extremely red countenance. "It's from Zacharias Rollins."
That just turned Arc's irritation into jealous fury that he was attempting to keep under control. Harry wondered if finally the straw would break the camel's back. Tom was just as amused, noticing the uncharacteristic change in Caius. "And? What does he write?"
"He … he wants to spend time with me for Valentine's Day," Caius informed, a slight blush entering his cheeks.
"No surprises there!" Druella commented, looking rather gleeful. "Are you thinking of taking him to Kelpie's Hollow?"
"I was actually," Caius confirmed. "Less likely to be spied on there."
It was at this point the jam got roughly spread on toast by Arcturus.
"Arc, what crime has the jam committed?" Altair demanded, raising an eyebrow.
Fortunately for Arcturus, before his dignity could suffer in public, the raven before Harry had gotten rather fed up with waiting patiently for Lady Peverell to notice its presence. However, instead of squawking as its friend did, this raven decided to skip straight to the I-nibble-your-finger-to-get-you-to-notice-me option. It was fair to say that it indeed did the trick. Harry gave the cheeky bird a warm smile. "I'm sorry. I have been ignoring you, have I not?"
"Caw!"
"Well, my apologies," Harry continued as she untied the package and the letter from the raven's leg. After the corvid and its friend had been fed some extra bacon as an extra apology, both took off again, leaving some very curious students and staff in their wake. Fortunately, most of the attention was on Caius Dolohov and the obvious courting letter that he had received, which meant Harry could open the letter from her Uncles – for it could only be them – in peace.
Darling Niece,
Perrie was kind enough to write this letter on our behalf; we mention this only because we have been driving her 'up the wall' as people in the 1940s have the tendency to say. You may already have an inkling what this concerns and what is inside the package we have sent you but you will be pleased to know that your dangerous project to fool a Dark Lord after the Hallows is well under way for your wand is finished. Anthony wants to make sure that his objection is noted that we send it to you now while you are still under the watchful eye of some meddlesome people, however Cadmus and I know it is better for you to have it within reach if you suddenly find yourself in the need to hurry your plans.
Nicholas and Perrie also wish for you to write to them as soon as possible as they want to hear the account about the Undead that managed to get into Hogwarts from your own hand. Or your own lips if you wish to call via your two-way mirror. Either way, Perrie is in full mother hen mode – she is frowning while writing this but she knows it's true – and it would be best if you reassure her yourself.
My goodness, Niece. You really do have a talent for trouble on par with Evren. I was under the impression Headmaster Dippet asked for you to NOT give him and his staff a heart attack – Perrie, I saw you add that!
Your loving Uncles,
Anthony, Cadmus and Ivar.
Harry found herself laughing softly and shaking her head. Typical – but unsurprising. Her decoy Elder Wand had been finished in shorter time than she had imagined. But then again, Antioch was a master Wandsmith and was very used to working with deadlines. The Mistress of Death did feel a little bit guilty that she had not written to the Flamels to reassure them that everything was all right.
Sometimes, Harry still was not entirely used to at the fact that she had a family who genuinely cared for her. She folded up the letter and then tucked it and the package safely away in her bag.
"Oh? You're not going to open the package?" Orion commented with a surprised look on his face.
"Orion," Druella stated warningly. "I think that package might be related to family business. Thus, not our business so keep that nosy Black nose on your face please and well out of Harry's business."
"A bit too late for that, don't you think?" Ophelia found herself commenting with a knowing undertone to her voice.
A few people cleared their throats at that; Felix and Caius frowned a little bit in concern as the majority of their friends suddenly had spontaneous coughing fits. Druella pinched the bridge of her nose, since it was not exactly the most subtle of actions. Ophelia, though, for once was entirely unrepentant, which did make Harry giggle as Ophelia preened while pealing her apple.
"Are we missing something?" Billy asked with a frown.
"Nope!" came the very quick chorus from the majority of Harry's friends. "Nothing!"
"Then why are you acting so strangely? What's going on?"
"Billy, eat your porridge before it gets cold."
"But Tessa-"
"Now, Billy!"
Billy pouted, but did as his sister commanded. While everyone was distracted by their amusement, Harry stole a glance at Loreley. The Malfoy heiress once more had a look of knowing carved on her countenance. She gave Harry a curt nod, and with that one gesture Harry knew she had set the course on the right path. The counterfeit Elder Wand was going to be critical in the future.
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There were very few moments in his life where Lord Arcturus Black could say with absolute certainty that he was taken by surprise and he had not seen the event in question coming. Being who he was, his father and mother had ensured that he had been trained from a very early age to smell a plot from a mile off, deduce someone's intentions from a mere smile or something in their body language.
However, on this particular morning, the Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black had been confronted with a rather Confunding sight. He had admittedly not believed Lucretia when she had unceremoniously entered his and his wife's bedchamber, looking disgruntled and announcing that there was a visitor awaiting the presence of Lord Arcturus Black.
A rather impatient visitor, Lucretia had added coolly, with very little time on his hands. That had been about as clear as mud to Lord Black as he summoned his valet to get him ready – there were plenty of candidates who fitted that description these days. Moreover, this guest clearly was no ordinary one or his eldest daughter would never have had the gumption to storm his bedchambers uninvited and without knocking.
That alone said enough. Hence, why Lord Black actually made an effort to jump to it that morning and skipping his breakfast until the matter was dealt with. And very soon, he realised that the matter would be a complicated one, for sitting in the morning parlour with two aides and his Senior Undersecretary, was none other than Minister Spencer-Moon himself, looking rather the worst for wear. Indeed, Lord Black's trained eyes spied the bags under his eyes from under the make-up.
It was almost safe to say that Arcturus Black nearly skidded to a halt in surprise. "Minister?" he asked in a manner as though he were addressing an apparition of sorts. "To what do I owe the honour, pray?"
"Diving straight into business as usual, my Lord," the Minister answered with a deceptively bright tone. "Good, good! Please close the door and ward it for us, would you? The business I am here to discuss is … sensitive, shall we say."
That woke Lord Black up in an instant. He closed the door behind him, locked it for good measure and then placed several complex wards on it. After all, he was his father's son. Once finished, he turned back to his guests. "What is this about, sir?"
"The Lady Hera Evans."
Now that answer should not have been as surprising as it had been to Lord Black. The new Lady Regnant was still a hot topic of gossip for many in the society circles; Arcturus himself could easily admit that his son's best friend was still a fascinating set of contradictions and with each letter Orion sent home, that fascination only grew instead of shrunk. But there was something in the tone of the Minister and the eyes of the aides and the Senior Undersecretary that made Arcturus Black suddenly keep his guard up.
"What about her?" he replied. "What mischief has she gotten up to this time?"
"Oh, plenty!" Melissa Shelby gave a short laugh. "You will hear soon enough from your wife or your son, I would wager, my Lord. Some damn fool at Gringotts sent a Dark artefact into Hogwarts with an Undead inside it to Her Ladyship, putting her and the entire school at risk! However," she took a deep breath, "that is not why we are here."
"Then would you kindly enlighten me?" Arcturus really thought it was too early in the morning for this kind of cloak and dagger nonsense. "Because I do have business that needs to be attended to today, sooner rather than later."
"I assure you, Arcturus, I would not be here unless it was a matter of significant importance," Minister Spencer-Moon reassured easily. "However, once you hear what this may be about, I am quite certain you will agree with me that this matter is deserving of your attention." The Minister paused for a moment, almost for dramatic effect. "Have you heard any rumour, along the grapevine or from your son, that Lady Hera Evans may not be called Evans at all?"
Two surprises in one day. Arcturus started to ponder to himself whether or not he was losing his touch. Indeed, he must not have been good at keeping his countenance, because Melissa Shelby was overtly smirking. "My, my, I never thought I would see the day that Lord Black would lose his words!"
That knocked Arcturus back into his senses, his brow furrowing. "I have not heard any rumours of any kind. The only whisperings I have heard are jealous grumblings. Or in the case of my son, glowing praise," he responded crisply. "What has a rumour got to do with this, Leonard?"
"Everything, I am afraid," Minister Spencer-Moon sighed deeply. "I know what you are thinking. Why am I concerned about a rumour when we are in the midst of two World Wars? Well, because, my friend, the rumour goes that Lady Hera is not some mere half-blood Lady Regnant. She's a Peverell."
Strike three.
"What?!" Arcturus really could not contain himself at this point. A Peverell! How?! How had this girl gone undetected for so long? Why would she hide who she is?
"That was our initial reaction as well," the Minister continued. "After all, the rumour originated from a lawyer's office. You see, Farkas Greyback went there to have a meeting with the Averys. His brother overheard one Joanna Lupin muttering under her breath about a will she was executing for her client and one of those benefactors named in said will was a Lady Hera Peverell. Greyback asked the Averys, the Averys then asked the Lestranges, Lady Rhiannon asked Lady Praxilla during a bridge game where Melissa was also in attendance."
That was about a quarter of magical Britain already. Lord Black suddenly had the urge to summon Kreacher and ask for an Anti-Headache mixture. Arcturus found himself pacing up and down the parlour. "And … you believe there is something to it?"
"A lie in a legal document renders it null and void. A will cannot have an alias or a fake name in it," Melissa Shelby pointed out. "Not only that but ever since his meeting with the Lady Hera, the Minister has tried to find out about her past. We found nothing, except some very troubling indications that she was indeed a child soldier."
Arcturus nodded despondently and then a thought struck him, which caused him to turn his full attention onto his old friend. "Why do you care about this rumour now?" he demanded.
"Oh I am sure you have one or two ideas, Arcturus," Minister Spencer-Moon replied with a wry smile. "However, I have an interest now because if that girl is indeed a Peverell, there are more people in Britain who would want to know. Namely, Winston Churchill and the King himself."
"The King?!" Lord Black spluttered. "Why would he care about a girl who is old enough to be his daughter?"
"Because of the link between the Peverells and the Crown," the Minister reminded him. "Those old stories, Arcturus, are not mere stories. They're true. The Peverells were once the go between us and the Crown. Though that role greatly diminished with the Statute of Secrecy, a lot of their duties remained the same. Considering that the Empire is on the precipice of being dissolved and that Winston does not always tell His Majesty everything we discuss, I am willing to bet my new automobile that he would want to know if a Peverell is back."
Arcturus knew he could not refute that point. He considered for a moment. "You wish to be sure before telling Churchill and the King anything," he stated. "It is also very unlikely that the Lady Hera would divulge anything and if Orion knows, he certainly would not tell me or he would have done so by now." An idea then sprung into his head. "Why not ask one of her guardians to tea? To see if they accidentally let anything slip?"
The Minister quite liked the sound of the idea, judging by his smile.
"That could work," Melissa agreed. "But if her guardians know, won't they be just as guarded?"
"If they are, it could indicate you may be on the right path," Lord Black pointed out. "After all, people often tell one more with unspoken language than with spoken language."
"Indeed! Would you mind arranging it, my Lord?" the Minister asked brightly. "You have a much better acquaintance than I do with that family. A letter from you, would not arise too much suspicion."
Though he did not agree, Arcturus kept his doubts to himself. He acquiesced to Leonard's demand, his head spinning from this possible new information. If it was true, if the Lady Hera was truly a Peverell, it would mean that nothing in magical Britain could ever be the same again.
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"I thought you were joking…"
"Since when have you known me to joke, Perenelle?" Melinoë pointed out to the Immortal Sorceress.
"Well, there is always a first time for everything!"
"Nicholas!"
Unlike the Alchemist, his wife was not taking the current situation lightly. The situation in question, was that the Evren Estates were currently playing host to Persephone herself, who was currently going from one end of the house to the other while Zagreus was attempting to keep his mother from violating the privacy of the currently Lady Regnant of House Peverell. The shock of seeing the Queen of the Underworld house-exploring like an excited child was something that even Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel could safely say that they had not ever seen in the centuries they had been alive.
"I do not mean to be rude, but why is Persephone here and why did you bring her into Lady Hera's home?" Perenelle demanded, looking set to scold the Goddess of Ghosts.
"Well," Melinoë suddenly looked exhausted. "Mama wanted to spend the few days left for her on the overworld with us for once and she was curious about Harry and well-"
"You couldn't say no to your own mother," Nicholas finished, looking and sounding more amused than ever.
"No! I told her under no circumstances that it was going to happen and that we would disturb Harry on her damn whims but when we refused to bring her here," Melinoë started massaging her temples while Thanatos and Hypnos looked just as tired, "she threw one of her tantrums."
"I had pomegranates all over my living room at the end," Thanatos grumbled.
"Oh good gracious," Perenelle paled.
"We caved and then brought her here," Hypnos finished, shaking his head. "Unfortunately we cannot offer any of our friends the Underworld fruit or their souls will immediately be forfeited to Hades and I guarantee the goblins will not be happy about that."
"Indeed not!" Perenelle sniffed. "I have half a mind to ask you for them and bake them into a pie to send to the Grindelwald child."
That statement got a silent assent from the gods and her husband.
"His favourite pie is plumb but pomegranate is a good addition," Melinoë supplied.
"Melinoë!" Thanatos scolded, but only lightly and a smirk etched itself onto his countenance.
It was at this point Persephone returned with Zagreus, hot on her heels and looking haggard. The Iron Queen did not notice the state of her son, however. "As quaint and as comfortable as I expected it to be! I do say though that the Lady Hera does need to get one or two decorators in here but other than that it is not a bad place to live."
"Mama!" Zagreus protested.
Persephone waved him off dismissively before she continued. "And what is this that I hear that you are courting a mortal, Zagreus?" she turned on him for the first time since she arrived, eyes dancing with calculating, playful mischief. Zagreus paled. "When were you thinking of telling your dear Mama?"
Zagreus spluttered. "First of all, Mama, that is none of your concern and secondly, I am merely assisting the Lady Hera in a scheme to get the mortal who is interested in Caius to finally get off his high horse!"
Persephone smirked. "Oh? It's Caius, is it?"
"Mama!"
"Let me tease! You never have lover long enough to allow me to tease. It is almost as though you do it deliberately, darling," Persephone pouted. "It is the least you can do for pretending to court someone and getting your dear Mama and Papa's hopes up. How very dare you! Makaria at least has her sights on some darling little Army medic and even Hypnos has finally set his sights on a new consort."
"I am not interested in having children!" Zagreus protested as Hypnos flushed beetroot.
"Well, now you know what your sisters have had to put up with," the Goddess of Ghosts sneered. "And here I thought it was just because you are Mama's little favourite."
"Not interested in giving me and your father grand-demigods," Persephone could not help stoke the fire even more. "Just like Melinoë."
"Mother!"
Nicholas decided to step in when he saw the irritation in the eyes of his friend. "Now, if everyone will just calm down-"
It was safe to say that it was a case of saved by the owl when suddenly the tête-à-tête was interrupted by vigorous pecking from a very refined looking creature with very short patience. The owl was very red and none of the immortals recognised it but were thankful for the interruption. Hypnos opened the window with a swish of his hand; the bird cooed as it swooped in and stuck its leg out to Thanatos for him to untie its mail. A letter with the wax seal of House Black.
One could hear a pin drop in the house; not even Persephone asked who the letter was from and why the Most Ancient and Most Nobel House of Black was writing directly to the Lord of Death himself. Thanatos broke the seal and unfolded the letter, thinking it was perhaps another invite from Melania Black for luncheon.
It was not.
Dear Mr. Thomas Burke,
Before you have the inclination to groan, sir, or Incendio this letter in the mistaken but understandable belief that this letter is a call to you to join the idiotic brouhaha that the recent Undead fiasco in Hogwarts has caused, let me make it clear to you that it is not. I understand that I myself am barely acquainted with your family, your ward and yourself despite the close ties between my Heir and the Lady Hera. Under these circumstances, you would not be under any obligation to reply but I wish to change such matters.
I wish to formally invite you to a gentlemen's club that I enjoy frequenting. There is someone who is rather anxious to make your better acquaintance after meeting your delightful ward at the Malfoy Ball. Before you consider refusing me, I would like to warn you, sir, that the man I am referring to is not used to being refused.
Yours sincerely,
Lord Arcturus Black
A drink with Lord Black himself and a mysterious second.
"Bloody Tartarus," the Primordial grumbled under his breath.
"Another summons from Lady Melania?" Melinoë teased with a smirk.
Persephone lit up at that. "Who is that?" she asked eagerly.
"Mother of one of Hera's best friends," Thanatos answered quickly to make sure the Queen of the Underworld didn't get any ideas. "And no, it is not the Lady Melania. It is her husband this time."
"Lord Arcturus Black?!" Hypnos was genuinely baffled. "What does he want?"
"A drink. To get to know me better and introduce me to someone from the Malfoy Ball who is interested in Harry."
"OK, so that means we have a list of at least thirty people,"the Goddess of Ghosts grumbled. "That just about narrows it down."
Persephone took the letter from Thanatos's hands and scanned the letter herself before smiling. "Well," she purred playfully. "Who do you know who met the Lady Hera and has enough power to scare Lord Black?"
Oh no …
That was the thought that crossed Thanatos's mind. There was only one who could hold any sway with Lord Arcturus Black. The Minister for Magic – Spencer-Moon. The Primordial of Death scoffed quietly. "What could the Minister for Magic want with me?" he voiced out loud.
"Whatever it is, be on your guard," Perenelle answered simply. "Politicians are like mercury; they will slip through any tiny cracks that are open to them."
"Oh I know," Thanatos reassured grimly.
"Do you think he could be after information on Harry?" Nicholas asked.
"I will not bet money on it, Nicholas, because I am almost one hundred per cent certain he will be."
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If there was something Athenaïs knew she had gotten pretty good at, it was watching the behaviour of the human hatchlings and reading the language that none of them said out loud, and today the lucky wizard who was the Gargouille's favourite to read, was none other than Tom Riddle. Athenaïs knew that there had been something going on with him regarding Rubeus Hagrid, but what the Gargouille could not say exactly. Frey refused to speak of the matter so once again, Atty found herself resorting to her old espionage methods.
The majority of the day Tom seemed relatively normal, even if she had caught him multiple times looking out across the grounds in the direction of the Groundskeeper's house. Mr. Ogden's old house. The look of conflict on his countenance was the most overt indication that Tom was once again fighting an internal battle.
The dragon did not known precisely why Hagrid – and it had to be Hagrid because Tom couldn't care less about Gerald Alsop – would be causing so much turmoil in the last Gaunt but Atty knew it had to be bad. Some left over guilt from when Tom was a whole lot more stinky than he was now. But she also knew that it was very likely that Tom did not wish to wait long to deal with whatever it was.
Atty had been right on the money.
During one of his free periods, Tom managed to shake his friends with an excuse that he needed to see Professor Merrythought about some advice on how best to improve his next lesson for the Revision Club, which Atty was surprised that the hatchlings believed, and hurried his way down towards the grounds, straight for the small house where the Groundskeeper and his apprentice lived. Athenaïs made sure to follow at a safe but discreet distance.
The last thing she wanted was to be accused of spying or mollycoddling. But the curiosity did kill the cat – well, dragon in this case.
As for Tom himself, for once he had no idea that he was being followed, nor did he sense anything. It was safe to say he was too focused on his goal to care that he was being tailed. The Heir of Slytherin knew perhaps this would be a fruitless trip; he was the one to frame Rubeus and his giant spider. It was likely Hagrid would send him away almost immediately and frankly, Tom did not blame him for a second.
But Tom felt he needed to try anyway.
When Tom got to the tiny brick and thatch building, he found Rubeus tending to the pumpkins. A rather big, black hound was nearby, lazing on the ground and snoring like a bear, which was impressive considering the hound was still quite young. Thanks to hearing Care of Magical Creatures revision happening around him, Tom gauged that the dog was a hybrid of some kind. Perhaps Grim or Stygian, but it definitely was not a purebred. Suddenly, Tom ground to a halt, uncertainty causing through him.
The only sound around them were the February winds and the scraping of the gardening equipment in the ground. That, and Hagrid's incoherent babbling to his dog – Fang, Tom caught the name – as he worked. Tom very nearly smiled when he heard the name of the dog. Just by looking at the creature, Tom knew a fluffy bunny rabbit had far more fangs than the hound.
"The garden looks good."
The words had left Tom's mouth before he had even known it. The last Gaunt very nearly winced at how utterly foolish and pathetic, not to mention down right stupid, those words sounded. The garden was just being planted, for goodness' sake! However, the words did the trick, for Hagrid stopped moving. The half-giant went very rigid, carefully and slowly putting his equipment down. Then he turned around.
Tom found Rubeus had not much changed in his countenance nor his way of dressing. Rough and ragged, with an almost irritating gentleness in the eyes of the boy, only now they danced with something colder, much harder. Determined, almost. He had on giant trench boots, a coat made of fur and black clothes. His hair was shoulder length and unkempt. Where Tom had once felt like sneering and teasing, it now made no difference to him.
"Hello, Ruby," Tom found himself saying.
"Tom," Rubeus Hagrid answered coolly just as Atty poked her head around the legs from one of the nearby scarecrows. "What … what are you doing here?"
At least he hasn't sent me away immediately …
Tom cleared his throat and awkwardly looked at the ground for a moment.
"Are ya here to see Mr. Alsop 'bout somethin'? Because Mr.-"
"No," Tom cut across lightly and winced at what he believed was too much of a harsh tone. "No. I am not. I … I am actually here to see you."
Hagrid could not hide his surprise at this statement. "M-m-me?" he spluttered. "What in the name of Merlin could ya 'ave to say to me?" he demanded with a slightly steely tone.
The Heir of Slytherin really tried not to fidget at this point; for once in his life, Tom hated being put on the spot in such a manner. "I have … plenty to say," he started carefully, his fists clenching and unclenching subconsciously. "I know that I am the last person you might wish to speak to but …"
Tom clenched his teeth for a moment before forcing the words out. "I am sorry."
Once more, Hagrid did not conceal his surprise. "Wha'? Sorry?"
"Yes. Sorry," Tom repeated as patiently as he could manage without trying to sound condescending. "Sorry that I … that I got you expelled," he swallowed. Athenaïs's ears pricked up fully at this point, barely daring to breathe at this point. "I … I should have given you a chance to defend yourself, and your spider. I am sorry that you lost … your home. I was afraid. Afraid of losing the only home I had ever known and through doing so, I robbed you of yours."
Tom bowed his head as his tongue was once again tied, frustration boiling in him. Athenaïs wondered if she should intervene and advocate on her friend's behalf but Hagrid got there before she could.
"I know ya were afraid, Tom," Hagrid answered gruffly. "'Twas the only thing that did not make me … angry at ya. Now that I think abou' it, keepin' Aragog in an abandoned classroom was a little stupid…" The half giant swallowed. "But yer right – ya did take me home from me, and I'm angry at ya fer it. Less than I were, but still."
"I understand," Tom responded. "I didn't come here expecting forgiveness, Rubeus. I … I just wanted to say it."
For a moment, Hagrid once more kept his silence. Fang and Athenaïs watched the pair with silent interest; once more only the howling of the wind and the rustling of nearby trees made any noise. Tom suddenly felt a little awkward and the silence and he begun to turn away.
"Did yer lady friend have anythin' to do with this?"
The question stopped Tom in his tracks and he turned back quite sharply, a confused frown on his face. "What?" was all he managed to ask.
"Hera Evans," Hagrid patiently clarified. "Professor Dumbledore told me everythin' that has changed while I … was away and he told me abou' Hera Evans and Altair Nott. Evans came ta see me, ya know … she's really nice. She's good with creatures. Fer a Snake – she feels more like a Lion than a Snake." The half giant stopped himself rambling. "So, did she … ask ya to come and see me?"
Tom caught onto Hagrid's meaning immediately. "No, she has no idea I am here. Harry also doesn't know that I am here. Though, I think she will soon enough," at this point, he did look back and smile at Atty, who was very glad that she couldn't blush. Tom turned back to Hagrid. "This apology is unprompted and … overdue."
"You have never apologised fer anythin' in yer life, Tom," Hagrid looked extremely conflicted.
"Not before I met Harry, that's true," Tom conceded. "But I have learned to give apologies that are earned and long overdue."
"So ya haven't gone completely soft?"
The Heir of Slytherin couldn't help but smile quite brightly at the cool tease from Hagrid. "Certainly not, Ruby."
Hagrid huffed. "Wish ya would stop callin' me Ruby. I ain't no girl!"
Tom chuckled with genuine mirth. "I would never dare to suggest you are," he reassured. This time he did turn away, not wishing to overstay his welcome. "I have to get back. Thank you for hearing me out."
"Yeah … sure. Bye, Tom."
Athenaïs came out of her hiding spot, causing Hagrid to grin. "You too, Atty! Don't be a stranger! Ya don't have ta hide the next time, ya know?"
The Gargouille chirped happily before she followed Tom back up to the castle, a new spring in her step. Tom couldn't help but laugh at her antics and shook his head despondently. "Honestly, Atty. What were you worried about?"
Athenaïs gave him an extremely pointed look that clearly translated to you-know-what-precisely-mister. Tom sighed, knowing fully well he could not contradict her for a single moment. "Fair enough," he conceded out loud.
###########################################################################
"Ah! Harry and Orion! You-"
"-are right on time-"
"-as always!"
Harry and Orion had gotten a message via Patronus from Septimus Weasley to meet him, Octavius and two 'surprises' at the Quidditch pitch just as they had been prepared to tuck into their lunch. The pair had been more than happy to take their lunch to go, however, when their friends and a few curious Hufflepuffs started asking them what the meaning of the message was. Both Harry and Orion already had a slight suspicion, and neither of them wished to divulge their plans.
When they had arrived at the pitch, Septimus and Octavius had been up in the air on their broomsticks, looking extremely smug with themselves. In complete sync with each other, Harry and Orion folded their arms and gave the twins a pointed look.
"It had better me good to warrant all of us freezing our limbs off out here!" Harry mock threatened them as the wind started to pick up around them for good measure.
"Oh Harry! How painful-"
"-thy mistrust is!" the twins chorused dramatically. "We assure the Queen of Slytherin that her and her most faithful Knight's time is will spent on our audience!"
Harry and Orion shook their heads fondly at the pair.
"Come on, out with it, you two!" Orion stated impatiently, his eyes shining eagerly while he was bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet. "What is so important that it had to be done out here?"
"Well, there are two things," Septimus confessed, his smirk only growing. "One that is known between the four of us-"
"-and the second is a task you gave us!" Octavius finished with a flourish. "Lady Hera, Heir Black, may Septimus and I present to you the potential heirs to your commentator thrones-"
"BILLY PREWETT AT YOUR SERVICE!"
"OIZYS AVERY PRESENT!"
Much to the amusement of the Weasley twins, Harry and Orion nearly jumped out of their skins as the voices of Billy and Oizys echoed around the pitch, causing both of them to giggle straight into the microphones. Once the current commentators recovered, they both started to laugh in disbelief.
"So, you found our heirs," Orion chuckled.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Harry could not help but tease as she looked up at them. "We may need to put them to the test during the finals to see if they are truly up to snuff."
"My Lady, I was hoping to hear those words!" Octavius stated as he pirouetted in the air with his broomstick.
Harry, still smiling, turned her attention fully onto Billy and Oizys. "AVERY!" she shouted. "I MUST SAY THIS IS THE LAST PLACE I EXPECTED YOU TO BE!"
"YOU AND ME BOTH!" Oizys answered still using the megaphone. "APPARENTLY, I HAVE QUITE THE KNACK FOR THIS KIND OF HOBBY! WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT?"
"I DIDN'T!" Billy quipped quickly.
Harry chuckled even more. Oh yes … with some training, these two could be moulded into a decent comedic duo. Very likely with their own flair – that was almost a given. The Lady Peverell shook her head despondently. She raised her voice again.
"WELL, SEPTIMUS AND OCTAVIUS CHOSE YOU FOR A REASON! SO THE BOTH OF YOU WILL JOIN ORION AND MYSELF FOR THE FINALS – WHERE YOU WILL GET SOME ACTUAL PRACTISE!"
"YES, MA'AM!" Billy and Oizys chorused eagerly.
"BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO STICK TO THE GUIDELINES OF OUR ROUTINE!" Orion added.
"YES, SIR!"
"Oooo sir! I could get used to that!"
"Orion!" Harry shook her head fondly at her preening friend. "Careful you two before you inflate his ego a little too much!"
Orion pouted playfully at this. "Mean as always, Harry!"
Harry gave him a playful shove, which he immediately returned. Septimus and Octavius took hated to disrupt them but they were rather excited to get the next phase of their surprise underway, but for that, they wanted total privacy. Which was why they turned their brooms towards the commentator seats.
"ALL RIGHT YOU TWO!" Septimus yelled.
"WE NEED A PRIVATE AUDIENCE WITH THESE TWO!" Octavius added.
Though the disappointment was obvious in Billy and Oizys, judging by their playful pouting, they did comply and gathered their things, heading back to the castle together, chatting boisterously. Harry could hardly believe her eyes; the Oizys she first met was hardly recognisable in the young girl. Plus, the young Avery genuinely seemed to enjoy Billy's company and it was wonderful to behold. Harry could hardly keep the smile off her countenance; Orion too had a glint in his eyes as he watched Billy and Oizys depart.
"Who would have thought it," he commented quietly to Harry, thinking the exact same thing as his sister-from-another-family.
"Indeed," Harry could only concur.
"We are glad-"
"-you two approve of-"
"-them! They were-"
"-the best of the bunch!"
"We believe you," Orion assured as he and Harry turned back to the twins. "All right, you two. What did you want to discuss where there are no witnesses?"
Both Weasley twins' smirks grew at the question, causing slight concern as well as excitement in Orion and Harry. Septimus and Octavius, however, did not provide them with a verbal answer. Instead, Octavius reveal from inside his cloak a Quaffle; Harry and Orion watched as he zoomed towards the Slytherin side of the pitch and threw the ball directly into the middle ring. Seconds later, both of them were met with a display of gold and red light, the visage of a proud lion appearing in the light, throwing back its head and roaring triumphantly to the sky.
Before either Harry or Orion could react or recover from the surprise, Septimus had summoned the Quaffle to him and was heading towards the Gryffindor side of the pitch with the ball. The moment that the ball had been sent flying into one of the goals, a display of silver and green sparks began to light the Quidditch pitch, a snake head forming in the sparks. The snake hissed loudly with pride and joy, hood flaring silver.
"Merlin's unkempt beard! You did it!" Orion was the first to recover, beginning to jump and dance for joy, laughing. "You finished our runes!"
"You don't mind?" Octavius asked, sounding a little concerned as he and Septimus joined them again. "We had some time to ourselves the night that Undead wretch came into the Tower. Sept and I thought we could surprise you – you really don't mind, do you?"
"Mind?! Boys, you're miracle workers!" Harry reassured, happily gushing.
Once more, she was quietly reminded once more how much the pair looked and acted like Fred and George. It only made her smile wider. Both Septimus and Octavius flushed as red as their hair with pride.
"We're glad you're pleased," the pair chorused, grinning. "Let's give the school a show they will never forget."
"And our parents too!" Orion reminded everyone, eyes shining. "I got a letter from Grandfather yesterday evening that it's confirmed that most of our parents and guardians are coming for the match. He even said there is a rumour that the Minister for Magic wishes to attend as well but I think he was just joking."
Harry paled. Something told her that might not be a joke … She hoped to anyone who would listen that it was, though. Putting on a show for the parents and guardians would be stressful enough – Minister Spencer-Moon might just give her a silver hair or two!
"Orion, I doubt he can find the time to go the lavatory these days, never mind come to a silly school game of a bunch of children he has no relation to," Harry tried to sound as nonchalant as she could manage.
"Oh I don't know about that, Harry," Septimus smirked. "Everyone in Gryffindor has been writing to their families, telling them about the last shows you and Orion put on. I think there are more than enough people who would want to see the madness for themselves."
"Gods help us."
"Oh come on, Harry!" Octavius chuckled. "Having the Minister witness how you two demolish Professor Dumbledore without consequence and have the entire stadium dying of laughter – that would really be something, wouldn't it?"
"I suppose," Harry could not argue that point.
"Speaking of making a truly lasting impression," Orion smirked. "I actually had another idea. How about we also arrange some refreshment and snacks for the spectators? Like in a proper Quidditch game?"
Harry could see the gears in the head of her best friend whirring and it only made her smirk too. "Do tell."
"Uh oh," the Weasley twins giggled maniacally. "This should be good!"
"Oh it's nothing too insidious," Orion reassured blithely, eyes twinkling. "I just need to find that recipe book I saw in Zonko's."
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Something was awry and badly so. Anne Underwood knew she was not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but even she could smell a fish when it was close enough and bad enough and currently, the trouble she was smelling was worse than rotten mackerel. Matteo was acting strangely, skittish and snappy, refusing to tell her what was bothering him – he had never kept secrets from her until now. He also was not visiting her as much, saying he had important business to take care of.
Anne could only ponder about what it could be and she really did not like the direction her mind started to take her to.
Was someone in the Wizengamot blackmailing Mattheo? And if so, what about? Did someone find out about them?
Was one of Mattheo's allies being difficult and demanding a particularly gnarly favour?
Was Mattheo perhaps … having second thoughts about them? Was he perhaps thinking of caving to public opinion and finding excuses to not find grounds for divorce from Amaris? Perhaps he was indeed afraid for his reputation …
Anne's jaw set and she shook her train of thought off that particular track. No. It could not be that. The youngest Underwood heiress started to pace up and down her sister's parlour; Anne had now been waiting for her older sister for a good forty minutes. It really was typical of Diantha to keep her waiting in such a fashion. Sometimes, Anne believed it was Diantha's manner of punishing Anne for the choices she made.
Anne had no idea why she even agreed to accompany Diantha to an afternoon soiree. It was true that Anne hardly showed her face in public anymore, but that was by her own choice. However, on this occasion, Diantha had been most insistent that Anne join her.
"Mother and Father have been getting questions about you, as have I. People fear you might have consumption or something of the like," Diantha had said, her voice edged with her usual sneer. "I think it is best if you join me for afternoon with those cantankerous gossip mongers so as to put a halt to all the inane questions."
Inane questions. If Diantha could make anything illegal, it would surely be that. Anne could not count the number of times her sister had made a brouhaha over the fact that someone had dared to subject her to a boring conversation. Even when they were children, Anne remembered how Diantha had tried to escape from dinner parties on the account of the people sitting next to her being too tedious. Anne had always managed to keep herself composed and find ways to shift conversation to more stimulating matters but Diantha had not the patience for it.
It amused Anne greatly that her elder sister had such a social profession, when Diantha herself could not stand being amongst crowds of people, especially people she did not know very well.
Of course, Anne did not wish for people to start asking more awkward questions and complied to Diantha's request. But now, standing in one of her best periwinkle blue dresses, white lace gloves and a black overcoat, she was regretting her decision somewhat. Especially when Diantha did not tell her who would be at the soiree.
"Just some of the usual members of the upper echelons," Diantha had answered dismissively the first time Anne had asked.
That is about as clear as mud, Anne had wanted to sneer but she had held her tongue.
The youngest Underwood was knocked out of her mulling by the arrival of Diantha, dressed in an expensive blush pink dress, lace gloves and her best over cloak. She had her hair up in a style more suited to the Edwardian era than the modern one. Anne found herself smiling a little. Her sister in pink and she in blue – it was almost like old times …
"Are you determined to come fashionably late?" Anne could not help but ask with a light teasing tone.
Diantha huffed as she grabbed her wand. "It is you who is determined to always come too early, little sister," she shot back lightly. "Besides, it is very likely we will not have missed much when we arrive."
Anne gave a noncommittal hum. "So, are you finally going to tell me who is coming today or am I to still be left to see for myself?"
Diantha huffed. "The Blacks will likely be there, knowing Melania. I know Rhiannon Lestrange is coming." Anne flinched a little but as always Diantha was oblivious as she continued. "Lady Malfoy, Regina Avery – Dorea Potter too, which makes for a pleasant change. I hear Melanie Rollins might be there too. A few others. Come on, otherwise we will be too late."
Anne had no idea why, but she suddenly felt her gut clench. Her sister was definitely keeping something from her. Who else was Diantha keeping off the list?
Before Anne's mind could wander into places where it might wish to run away from, she and Diantha Apparated to Diagon Alley and headed towards one of the minor side alleys towards the Singing Melusina. Anne tried to keep her countenance at the sight of the rather middle-class establishment – indeed, she had no idea why any of the Noble ladies would willingly set foot over the threshold. The red brick Victorian building was handsome, but there was a scent of forced egalitarianism about it that Anee found insufferable. She had half expected Diantha to start her usual spiel about 'how she was always somehow invited into the lower-class establishments'.
Nothing on this occasion. Nothing about the self-gratification or the pusillanimity of the wives of some of the most powerful men in magical Britain. Indeed, Diantha's expression was as sugary sweet as she could manage, even to the door elves, which made Anne almost question her sister's sanity. Diantha never saw the point in pretending to be polite to the 'help'. Anne was almost in a dazed trance as she followed her sister into the entertainment parlour of the Singing Melusina. However, soon Anne was forced to tear herself away from questioning her sister and onto the people in the room.
The offensively black, green and blue room with Baroque furniture was filled by the usual culprits. Melania Black was present with her daughter, Lucretia, Callidora Longbottom and Lycoris Black, of all people. In their company was a young woman whose countenance Anne had only seen briefly at the Malfoy Ball but whose haunting eyes and gaze and naturally powerful aura ensured she had stayed clear from her. Melanie Rollins – such a drab little name for a witch who clearly was anything but. There was more to Lady Hera's guardian than met the naked eye, of that Anne was certain. Dorea Potter and Praxilla Malfoy were also amongst the group, standing behind Miss Rollins's armchair like two guards.
What really made Anne almost halt in her tracks, was seeing the rest of the company. Rhiannon Lestrange was sipping a cup of tea with Regina Avery, Cara Prewett and … Amaris. Indeed, Mattheo's wife was there, dressed in burgundy and gold, looking as prim and proper as the rest of her ilk with no meekness in sight. No – there was something different in the eyes of the Macmillan scion. Something that almost made Anne want to gulp, but she steeled her own nerves and tried to maintain her composure. Sooner or later, Amaris would be disgraced by her so-called friends for being a divorced woman, and Anne would take her rightful place by Mattheo's side. Her own son Wren his proper heir.
Almost as soon as the Underwood women had been clocked, all eyes turned to them and the atmosphere had turned rather cool.
"Ah! Diantha! You and your sister have arrived at last. How lovely!" Melania Black seemed to be as oblivious as ever to the sudden tension that had entered the room, though Anne was certain it was a front. No one could ignore how everyone in the room suddenly seemed poised to strike, like hungry cobras after a nice tasty lizard for lunch. Lady Black beckoned them over. "Lycoris was just regaling us on her latest composition idea – Miss Anne, if I am not mistaken you play do you not?"
"A little, ma'am, and very poorly," Anne responded diplomatically, refusing to look so much in Lycoris's direction.
"But you had lessons, yes?" Mrs. Longbottom questioned with a smile.
"We both did. Mama insisted on it," Anne replied carefully.
"Yes! The Notts were most gracious as to allow us to use their piano forte and their tutor," Diantha huffed. "A dull and rather drab creature. He made such a beautiful art feel like a chore. I stopped piano because of him but Annie was rather determined to play."
"Ah! Fergus! There you are!" the interrogation was halted momentarily by the arrival of one of the male hosts. Lady Black beamed at him. "Perfectly timed as always. We would like some more tea and some cakes since our party has grown a little."
The male host bowed his head. "Right away, my Lady," he responded before setting down the tray he had been sent to fetch already and making himself scarce.
Anne took this moment to prepare herself mentally for even more questions. Considering how little she went out these days, it was little wonder that the nosy biddies of the upper echelons were keen to question her to see if they could loosen any secrets from her. The youngest Underwood wanted to scoff. Her mother had taught her well on how to hide all the secrets that no one should ever know.
"We ordered tea because we supposed everyone still drinks that," Regina Avery piped up as she swirled her spoon in her tea. "I take it that you still drink tea, Miss Anne?"
"Yes, I do," Anne answered coolly as Dorea Potter already started to pour some more rounds. "What kind of question is that, Mrs. Avery?"
"Indeed!" Diantha nearly laughed as she took one of the empty armchairs. "That would be like asking an Irishman if he likes a drink!"
"Forgive me," Regina purred with a slight smirk. "We see so little of Miss Anne these days that one cannot help but wonder how much and how little has changed."
Anne could not help but hear an underlying suggestion in the lawyer's voice.
"People do not change at the core that quickly, Mrs. Avery," Diantha replied rather blithely.
"No, they do not," came the very easy answer that once more made Anne feel a little uneasy somehow.
The dip in atmosphere was more than noted. "Come now, Regina! We are not in a court room at present," Mrs. Longbottom joked lightly, though there was something in her eyes when she looked at Mrs. Avery that Anne could not read.
Why do I feel like I am currently on trial though? The thought crossed Anne's mind quite easily. This nagging whisper soon gave the permission of the other whinging feelings to start poking at the forefront of her mind.
Do some of them know …?
Had Amaris finally broken her silence…?
Have they figured it out …?
"How about a game of cards?" the offer from Dorea Potter knocked Anne of her doom-bound train. "Any of you ladies game?"
"Oh yes, please!" Regina Avery volunteered immediately.
"I am game," Cara Prewett added.
"If Cara plays, I will not I think," Lycoris pulled a little bit of a face. "The last time I played a game against her and her children, I lost a good number of Galleons!"
"Well, we all know where Billy and Tessa get it from then!" Lucretia laughed.
Mrs. Prewett looked incredibly smug at this.
"I should not either. My agent believes I may have a problem and I am not permitted to touch cards," Diantha sniffed, looking miffed. "However if someone would oblige me a game of wizard's chess-"
"I would," Melanie Rollins volunteered quick as lightning.
Anne suddenly found herself panicking internally a little bit. She needed to throw any potential wolves off the scent – she did not wish to play cards or stay in this hostile room any longer but Anne also knew that would ensure questions were asked. Questions neither she nor Diantha wanted. Anne swallowed and plucked up what little courage she had. "I will risk losing my money to Mrs. Prewett," she volunteered carefully.
Mrs. Prewett had a rather evil smirk on her countenance at this point. Anne almost regretted this decision already.
"I think I will join in the fun as well," Rhiannon Lestrange added.
Anne tried not to flinch or wince at this statement. Part of her had perhaps hoped to avoid Lady Lestrange as much as possible – and now this woman was going to be breathing down her neck, along with her long dormant guilt …
"Wonderful. We have a full house, so to speak," Dorea grinned as she already started to move to a table in the back, followed by the players and the people wishing to watch. Unfortunately, that included Amaris. Just Anne's luck! Fortunately Amaris seated herself close to Regina and Rhiannon, opposite Anne. Not breathing down her neck.
"So ladies, which first? Blackjack?" Mrs. Prewett asked eagerly as Dorea started to shuffle the pack of cards.
"I am not too fussed," Regina replied easily, her eyes holding Anne in an unblinking gaze. There was a look of a challenge in those eyes; what kind, the youngest Underwood could only guess at, but she refused to allow herself to be intimidated.
"Neither am I," Anne reassured.
"Well then, we could do a prediction game," Dorea suggested.
"Seer's Gamble! Yes please!" Mrs. Prewett lit up even further.
Anne could not disguise her concern at the suggestion. Divination had never been her best subject at school. There was a reason that she had dopped it within the first month during her own third year! Her look of concern was once more noted.
"Do you know how to play, Miss Anne?" Lady Lestrange asked with a sickly-sweet tone to her voice.
"I know how to play," Anne reassured. "One places a number of coins on a selection of cards that predicts where the dealer is going to put the card while he or she wears a blindfold."
"Then why do you look as though you are about to convulse?" Amaris, surprisingly, jibed lightly.
Anne felt her jaw set slightly. "Because Divination and I do not mix well."
"Oh you will be fine," Dorea stated with a grin. "If not, I am fairly certain Cara is going to walk away once more with heavier pockets!"
"What can I say? I know my cards and have a direct line to Lady Luck," Mrs. Prewett chuckled.
Just as the cards had been dealt, Fergus had returned with the tea and extra trays of cakes, causing sighs and cries out of relief. Anne herself kept herself composed but she could not deny that the tea and cake had come at exactly the right time. Hopefully the tea and cake would settle the nervous fluttering in her stomach that simply would not settle.
Unfortunately, it seemed that someone wished to rattle her today.
"Have you been baking again recently, Anne?" Regina inquired as Dorea started to lay out the first few rows of cards.
For one reason or the other, a chill ran down Anne's spine at this question. Anne forced herself to meet the eyes of one of the most feared lawyers in magical Britain. All she saw gazing back at her, was a look of icy contempt. This made Anne really freeze in her chair.
"One or two things," she eventually admitted, swallowing shallowly. "Nothing worth putting in my grimoire."
"So no catering for any parties?" came the odd question from Rhiannon Lestrange.
"No," Anne responded coolly.
Cara Prewett seemed to sense a brewing storm and decided to try and quell some of the growing waves. "Well, if you would be open to it, I am sure Lady Rosier would appreciate any help with catering for the up-and-coming nuptials of her daughter to Cygnus Black."
"Well, if Lady Rosier requires my assistance, I would be more than happy to oblige," Anne reassured, grateful for the distraction.
She kept her eyes to her cards for the rest of the game, feeling the eyes of Regina Avery, Rhiannon Lestrange and Amaris Nott bore into her for the rest of the game and the rest of the afternoon. By the time, that she and Diantha had managed to leave and make their excuses to Melania Black and make their escape – somewhere before five – Anne Apparated home and rushed to lock herself in her bathroom, running the bath.
She was in such a hurry that Anne did not heed the calls of Nanny Braithwaite for her to come and greet her son and daughter. No, at present Anne had far more important things to consider.
Regina Avery and Rhiannon Lestrange knew about her and Mattheo. For once, it was not simply the talk of her paranoia. Anne could read their expressions as clear as day – the disgust was too evident to deny. Amaris had finally gained some allies and while that was frankly quite irritating at best, it could not endanger her and Mattheo's plans. However, Anne had an underlying feeling that it was simply more to it. The hate – she could feel it radiating off both of them.
The kind that made Anne suspect they indeed knew or at least suspected that beneath all of that lurked a darker secret. A secret not even Mattheo knew – a secret that Anne knew would put all their dreams to the pyre if discovered. Anne glared at her reflection, breathing heavily. It did not matter what any of those hags suspected. They had nothing concrete on her and without hard evidence, the courts would throw out the case.
Anne simply had to make certain that her secret stayed buried.
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The clouds above Nurmengard grumbled uneasily and irritatingly, once more reflecting quire accurately the mood of the occupant. Gellert Grindelwald set down the copy of The Daily Prophet with a disappointed huff and shook his head despondently to himself. Not even Chopin could lighten the mood for the Dark Lord, for Gellert had a sneaky suspicion that the Undead had not been dealt with by the Lady Peverell alone. That simply would not do.
How could he properly gauge the competency of his enemy if irrelevant nuisances got in the way? It was really quite inconvenient, not to mention rude! How dare people interfere in something that was absolutely none of their concern!
Queenie and Vida watched their leader in exasperation, quietly debating on whether or not they even dared to bring his evening tea and cookies at this point. Someone had forgotten to get Gellert's favourite brand again and now they were stuck with some butter cookies instead.
"Are you really gonna throw a huff about this, darlin'?" Queenie could not help tease lightly. "I mean, what did you really expect? To send an empousa into a school is not somethin' that can be hidden easily from any competent adult."
Vida scoffed. "As if that school ever had a history of being competent when it comes to their students! Dippet is not one of the worst but clearly, he is not one of the best either."
Gellert glared at the pair of them. "How are we supposed to accurately assess the little Lady's abilities if insufferable busybodies keep putting their noses into other people's business?" he retorted. "I do not think the pair of you are taking this seriously enough!"
"Well then, how about you send something that can put this girl to the test and not put anyone else in danger?" Vida rolled her eyes.
"But that is not fun, nor a real challenge as you fully well know!"
Vida rolled her eyes once more and Queenie pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to find some words that would not get her killed but also express aptly to Gellert that if he wanted to test the Lady Hera alone, he was going to have to show some modicum of self-restraint. However, before either of them could say anything else, Gellert frowned.
"Where is Credence? Is he back yet?"
"He is, darlin'," Queenie confirmed gently.
"Excellent! Why has he not come to report?" Gellert demanded, sounding perhaps a little petulant. Like a child who had not been the first to receive hello kisses from a favourite family member.
"Because he went to see his stupid snake friend first," Vida sneered. "Merlin, why you never allowed me to skin Nagini I will never understand."
"Now, now, Vida," Gellert chastised lightly with a slight smirk. "Settle."
"That snake was trouble when she was human and I am telling you, she is still trouble now!" Vida hissed, not heeding the warning for once. "The sooner we are rid of her the better – especially Credence! While she lives, he still has a damn weak point. One that he cannot afford and neither can we!"
"So you enjoy reminding us all at every turn," the Dark Lord responded in a dangerously quiet tone as he poured himself a brandy. Which promptly got turned an ugly shade of yellowish pink by the Elder Wand, which was about to set him off.
However, Vida wasn't finished ranting. "I know I sound impertinent but that damn snake will one day strangle us all in our sleep!"
Lightning flashed outside, lighting the room in silver light as Gellert turned the Elder Wand onto one of his best Generals. Queenie flinched for a split second but soon she was forced to bite her cheek when the Wand put a giant, bright flower crown onto Vida's head before the Dark Lord could incant a spell.
Then – a thought struck Gellert Grindelwald as quick as the second bolt of lightning flashed.
Strangle us all in our sleep.
Sleep.
The state in which everyone from immortal to mortal was at their most vulnerable.
As a diabolical idea started to grow in his mind, Gellert started to chuckle softly and pace up and down the room. Though Vida and Queenie were relatively relieved at the apparent reconsideration of punishment, both could not wonder at what had distracted their boss this time.
"You have that look in your eye again, darlin'," Queenie pointed out carefully. "What are you up to now?"
"Vida, you will be limited to buying only five new hats this month and only two pairs of gloves," Gellert answered, his tone low as though he were still mulling over his ideas in private. Vida did not respond; she knew that once more she had escaped with her tongue and should be grateful to keep it. "Queenie, my dear, would you be a sweetheart and get me Elois from the guest rooms please?"
Queenie felt her heart skip a few beats. She knew precisely whom Gellert was referring to: Elois d'Huart, an old associate of the Flamels with a very particular talent. The General felt her feet turn and head out of the room to fetch the gentleman in question from the dungeons, already dreading what Gellert was going to put the young Peverell through.
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Gods I have missed this story… I know that it has been a very long while since this story got an update and I apologise for that. If you do not follow Delivery for the Death Eaters, I am afraid I have had a rather turbulent set of events in my life regarding my mental health and some financial issues. It was an endless source of frustration but I am so very glad to be back and wish to thank everyone for their continued support and patience with me! I cannot express properly how good it feels to be back.
Orion: We love you Umbreon! You just needed a break, and that's OK.
Harry: Could not have said it better myself!
My own characters are kinder to me than I am to myself … Gods I have a strange mind!
Kingmaker'sUmbreon