Merry Christmas everyone. I'm so sorry this is a couple of days late, but I was so busy cooking and baking for Christmas that this is the first time I've sat down in front of my laptop in two weeks. This chapter got really long, like really long. I actually had to cut it in half because it was at almost twenty pages, crazy right? I'm posting this chapter as I feel awful its so late and the next chapter will be out before New Years Day. Promise, cross my heart and hope to die.
Enjoy
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Chapter Six – October 15th
Orion, Abraxas and Charles Potter all walked together as they entered Hogwarts heading towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts room. Sirius had been raving about Lady Peverall's classes since the start of term and Albus had complained enough that the Board decided to send someone to inspect her class. It was besides the point with Hariel having the backing of all of the Hogwarts Founders Heirs and being the Lady of two of the bloodlines herself, it wasn't like the Board could fire her. Not to mention so many people were in awe, it wasn't everyday you met Merlin's acknowledged heir and the voice of Arthur Pendragon. All wix had grown up on the legends and myths of Arthur and Merlin but for the first time, it seemed that the prophecy could potentially come true.
It was said when Albion needed him most, Arthur would rise from Avalon and take his place as the Once and Future King. There had never been an inkling of it happening but since Hariel's pledge to Hogwarts and the return of the Round Table, Orion had clearly felt a shift in magic around him. It had been stronger, more powerful and many teachers had been reporting power surges in the children. This news had been greeted with joy by many parents, Orion among them but it also worried him. He knew more about the Dark Lord that many would expect, given Walburga had gone to school with him, and while he had previously agreed with Voldemort's agenda, he didn't agree with the way he was going about it.
Many magicals had been murdered on this mans quest and Orion didn't want to see magical blood spilt.
Hariel seemed to get it. She had made sure they were allowed to celebrate their holidays and give thanks to Lady Magic, something that had been looked down upon for decades. She was working with the children about light, dark and grey magic, which was more than most teachers had done in a long time. Her anti-bulling policy had seen a decrease of parental complaints to the Board practically vanish. The only one who seemed to have an issue with Hariel was Dumbledore. The Slytherin's in Orion's grade had nicknamed him the 'Great Manipulator', but it seemed like Hariel was able to run circles around him and it was pissing the old man off something fierce.
The Black children had been sending letters home during the term, absolutely raving about the Lady Slytherin-Ravenclaw-Peverall. The rift between Sirius and Regulus that had erupted last year after his heir was sorted into Gryffindor seemed to have vanished after Teddy Peverall had befriended his youngest son. Walburga had been singing with joy that their son was friends with the Peverall heir, muttering about recruiting the boy for the Dark Lord but Orion knew, with just one meeting of Teddy, that the boy would never turn to the Dark. Not to mention, Orion was sure Hariel would burn Britain to the ground should anyone try to hurt her son.
Over the weeks, Orion had been in various meetings with those families of the Dark and Grey block. It was clear that the Grey Block would return to power, with Hariel's voice now among them, as the Peverall's were known as a truly grey family. Many families in alliance with Orion's had been talking and whispers were spreading about Hariel and her potential in their world. Merlin's heir and Arthur's voice would be a prize to anyone. He was concerned about what could possibly happen to Hariel, and had promised himself, that he would meet and speak with her about it.
That was one of the reasons he had come to Hogwarts with Abraxas, who was the elected inspector for Lady Hariel's classes. They had met Charles at the entrance and for the first time since they were children, there had been no animosity between the Potter-Black-Malfoy's. They had simply greeted each other and then began their journey, passing children in the halls as they transferred classes and nodding to the few professor's they saw.
As they approached the classroom, Orion checked his pocket watch and noted that they were five minutes late for the beginning of Sirius's second year Defense Class. Sirius had said that Lady Hariel had wards on her door, that refused people entrance once class began and wouldn't open until the hour was up. Even ten feet away, the three men could feel the magic of her wards as her magic hung like a cloak around the room. It was warm, grey, offering compassion, patience and warmth, making Orion's magic shiver in response.
Charles chuckled, "Lucky you lads showed up when you did. This is a Potter ward, there is a small hidden secret in the spell," he said, reaching out and knocking on thin air. Only, his hand did not hit air, instead a gleaming golden ward appeared, sparking as Charles hand tapped against it, sounding just like a door knocker. Orion raised a brow in curiosity and Charles understood his upspoken words, "Only a fellow Potter, or rather Peverall, with no ill intent, can touch the ward. The spell then relays my intentions to the caster. If she is agreeable, a doorway will open."
No sooner had he finished speaking, the ward sparked and split, like curtains opening, and the defense classroom door swung open with invitation. Abraxas chuckled, "That is a handy bit of magic Lord Potter," he said as he took the first step forward.
Orion nodded his agreement and followed, only to stop cold just past the threshold. Sirius second year class was in session. All the children were gathered at the far side of the room, around the blue mats Hariel used as a dueling arena, and standing at attention, supervising a duel, was Hariel. She was dressed in skintight dragonhide armor, her long hair was pulled in a Dutch braid down her back and green eyes gleaming like the shining light of the killing curse. She looked stunning and his mouth dried as his eyes followed the curve of the armor that was wrapped around her body.
Morgana, she was beautiful.
Those eyes locked with his own for a brief moment, before her attention was pulled back to the group in front of her. His eyes followed and widened. Sirius was partnered up with James Potter and across from them was Lucius and Rodolphus. They were all dressed in their school uniform, though their robes were missing, and they bore no wands. James was attacking the other two, while Sirius propped up a shield, while Lucius was holding the shield on the other side and Rodolphus was attacking. It seemed to Orion, the purpose of the lesson, was to see whose shield lasted longer.
He shared a look with Abraxas and Charles, both of whom looked incredibly proud of their sons, and they moved to join the crowd. The other children were calling out encouragement from the sidelines, standing in pairs, obviously waiting their turn. Hariel's lion Godric was laying in front of her desk, eyes flickering between his chosen and the children, every watchful to make sure no one was getting up to any mischief. Orion couldn't hear the voices of the children beyond the barrier, so the large clock that was counting down, told him that the group inside the circle time was almost up. Sirius obviously noticed that to, because he said something and James Potter instantly started throwing his spells faster, the lights stronger as his determination to win colored the power and push of his magic.
Under the onslaught, Lucius's shield charm shattered, and it was only Hariel's hand movement, that stopped the Malfoy heir from taking a stinging curse to the face, as her shield slipped between spell and boy the moment his shield fell. The moment their shield failed, Rodolphus's stinging charm shattered Sirius's shield and Orion's wands snapped faster than anyone could blink to protect his heir. The spell bounced off and Sirius's eyes snapped over and widened at the sight of his father, Lord Malfoy and Lord Potter all gathered in the doorway.
"Hello everyone," Charles greeted them cheerily.
All those present, obviously benefited from the Wizarding Tradition Class being reinstated, as many dropped into bows and curtsies as the children realized there were three Wizengamont Lords present in their classroom. The four boys on the mats, instantly dropped their wands and bowed to their respective Lord, Sirius eyes shining with delight as he saw the pride in his fathers eyes as he straightened, earning himself a secondary nod of approval from Lord Potter.
Hariel smiled as she turned to them, "Lord Potter, Lord Black, Lord Malfoy, welcome," she said with a slight bow of her head in greeting. By the ancient laws, Hariel did not have to bow to anyone. She was Merlin's heir and the voice of Arthur Pendragon, which technically meant she was the Regent of Albion, Queen in all but name to the Throne of Camelot. Hariel was now every wix's superior.
The slight bow of her head was merely a respectful gesture to a fellow Peer.
Abraxas spoke first, "That was impressive High Lady," he said, with a gesture to the children, which had just tested their wandless shield and stinging hex.
The witch agreed, "Yes, the children are progressing much faster than I anticipated. What brings you to my class today?" she asked as she gestured for Sirius, James, Lucius and Rodolphus to return to their seats, the children having sat down when the men had entered the classroom.
The men moved farther into the room and Orion shivered as Hariel's magic brushed against his own and they sparked before meshing together playfully, tugging and rubbing against each other like a kneazle's in heat. Orion couldn't help but smirk when he saw her shiver and the pupils of her eyes dilate as their magic teased each other. He knew nothing could come of it, but Morgana, her magic was intoxicating. He wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch her, merge their magic together for real, but he was old fashioned and had to much respect than to do such a thing, especially in public.
He got control of himself as they came to Hariel's desk and her was able to speak, "I came to speak with you. I am unaware of why Lord Potter is here, and Abraxas is here for an inspection on your class as Dumbledore has filed no less than ten complaints with the Board of Governors and the Ministry since Monday," he answered with a roll of his eyes.
As it was only Tuesday, ten complaints in one day had to be a record, Hariel mussed.
She ignored that though and looked at Lord Malfoy, who was watching in amusement, both of them knowing that Abraxas couldn't do a damn thing even if Hariel wasn't teaching the subject correctly, given she was Lady Ravenclaw-Slytherin and the Regent for Gryffindor and Hufflepuff until the heirs of those bloodlines came of age or were able to claim the lordship. She could be teaching the Dark Arts, and no one would be able to tell her to stop if she so desired.
"I see. Well Lord Malfoy, please pull up a chair. Lord Black, Cousin, is this an emergency or can it wait until lunch time?" she asked as she shifted her position.
Orion shrugged, "I have something to discuss with you and so might require your lunch hour. Lord Potter?" he questioned, looking at Charles, who was watching his cousin, Hariel with soft hazel eyes. The question started the man, and he straightened abruptly, "I am actually here to squirrel away my heir," he replied with a nod towards James, who looked confused as it was rare for children to have a meeting with their parents in the middle of the school year.
Hariel nodded, "Very well. Would you like to stay for the lesson?" she inquired.
Both men nodded eagerly and Hariel wandlessly conjured three chairs to the left of her desk and took her spot at the front of the classroom, all eyes turning back towards her. The three men settled in and waited as the chalk floated up to the black board and waited, making Orion quirk a brow with curiosity.
"Ok everyone, well done to Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, Mr. Lestrange," she began to speak, leaning back on her desk beside her lion Godric. "Mr. Malfoy, your shield fell first. Can you please describe what it felt like?"
Lucius rose to his feet and all eyes turned to him, "It felt like a pin prick against my skin at first, but the more spells Sirius sent, I could feel the shield vibrating and the more times it was hit, the more painful the prick became. The last one felt like a bludger against my shield," he described slowly, trying to put what happened into words. Abraxas was full of pride for his heir as he listened, as trying to describe your own magic was difficult. He was surprised to hear Hariel ask such a question.
Hariel looked to the Gryffindor boys, "Did you feel the same Mr. Black?" she asked as Sirius rose to his feet.
The boys uniforms were ruffled but no one single hair had fallen out of place on his sons head, which made Orion smirk, as his heir was extremely handsome with his long black hair and silver-grey eyes. Even at twelve, Orion could see some of the girls and even a few of the boys eyeing him and his heart ached that his son would grow up. They were only just getting on and Orion was not ready for Sirius to break out on his own.
Sirius tilted his head slightly, "Yes, it felt exactly like a bludger going right for me," he said, eyes curious.
A smile crossed Hariel's face, "That doesn't surprise me. As many of you will know, magic is twenty-five percent intent, twenty-five percent visualization and fifty percent determination. Mr. Black was determined to protect Mr. Potter, which fueled his intent for his spell. Where Mr. Malfoy was visualizing his shield, powered by his determination not to fail. Rodolphus wanted to win and so in those final hits, he was urging more magic into his spell. You must feel all three to produce the most powerful shield. For example, if a mother is protecting her child from a spell that will end her child's life, what do you think would happen?" she asked.
Lily Evans raised her hand and Hari pointed at her, "She would want to protect them no matter what, which would give her intent for a shield," she said unsurely.
But Hariel nodded and the chalk wrote it down on the board.
Another hand rose and Hari wasn't surprised to see it was Severus, "Yes Mr. Snape?" she asked, curious about what she would say.
"A mother would visualize her body as the shield, because she would stand in front of her child to save them," he said firmly and Hari knew his mind was on his own mother, who had done exactly that.
Hari smiled brightly at the boy, making him blush, "Well said Mr. Snape. Five points to Slytherin for speaking the truth of mothers everywhere," she complimented, making his blush deepen and Lucius, who was sitting beside him, smirk. More hands rose and Hariel called upon Marlene McKinnon, "She would be full of determination for her child to live, which would give the shield more power," she said and Hariel nodded, "Good, ten points to Gryffindor to both of you girls," she said looking between Lily and Marlene.
She then looked at the class as a whole, "All three are correct. If your child is in danger, be it a mother or a father, your magic will react to your emotions. They would want to protect them. The magic reacts to those instincts. A parent will place their body in front of their child and draw their wand to cast a spell. A shield is the most instinctive piece of magic you will ever learn, because it offers protection, it is usually the first spell someone will use when faced with danger," she lectured.
The three lords present were enthralled because this was something, even they had never really thought about. It was true about the shield charm; the spell became almost instinctive after if was taught and learned. That didn't normally happen until fourth year but in her syllabus, she had sent to the board of governors, she had explained her plan to teach it earlier given the rash number of disappearances that had been happening. Abraxas especially, approved, given Tom's upcoming plans to start attacking the families that refused to join him, including the children.
It made his heart ache, to see the boy who had once been his friend, become what he now was.
It shredded him to know magical blood would be spilled, all in the name of Salazar Slytherin. Even though Tom was not the Lord of the bloodline, like he had assumed.
The shield charm was the most powerful piece of magic that could ever be taught at Hogwarts. It could save lives and Abraxas highly approved of Hariel teaching it to the children, especially his own son. It was also something that Abraxas would not be telling Tom, even under threats of death. He wanted their world to thrive. He agreed that it should remain separate from the muggle world. But Tom's way to do things was extreme and his new orders, to gather information on the homes, families and wards of those who opposed him, made Abraxas extremely uncomfortable.
It didn't help that Hariel was making such big waves in their society within only months of joining it. For the first time, since he was a boy, and witnessed Tom show his power when he attacked to defend himself from Marius Flint the head boy at twelve years old and realized Tom was not who he portrayed himself to be, Abraxas hoped that maybe there was someone powerful enough to stop him.
Sirius raised his hand, "How powerful can a shield charm become Professor?" he asked curiously, making many people lean forward in their seats, also wanting to know the answer.
Hariel smiled, "How about a demonstration?" she asked, receiving an enthusiastic response from the children.
She turned to the three men present, "Lord Black, if you would?" she asked, gesturing to the mats.
Orion raised a brow as he rose to his feet, "Why me?" he asked, having seen Abraxas and even Lord Potter's eyes shine with interest.
Hariel smirked, "The Peverall and Potter magic's are too similar, it would be difficult for us to fight against each other," she said, and Charles had to acknowledge that with a nod. "The Malfoy magic is a more defensive magic that offensive, because of their Oaths so long ago, to be the shield against Camelot. The Peverall's and the Black's had been long standing allies since the time of Camelot. They were sworn to each other. Our magic's are two sides of the same coin."
Orion and Sirius both looked at her in surprise, "The Black's are allies with the Peverall's?" Sirius asked with shock.
Green eyes looked at them confused, "You don't know?" she asked softly, eyes wide.
Both shook their head, "What do you mean we were allies?" Orion asked as he stepped onto the mats of the dueling area.
"They didn't teach you anything of Albion in History of Magic?" she asked, looking between the past and present students of Hogwarts.
Charles shook his head, "No. Professor Binns had been teaching nothing but goblin rebellions for almost two hundred years," he confessed, just as confused as the Black's.
A dark look crossed her face, "By Morgana," she swore as she shook her head, and then looked at everyone who was staring at her greedily, knowing she knew something they didn't.
"Very well," she said softly, as she gazed from one person to the other, a sign coming from her. She leaned back against her desk and crossed her arms over her chest. "As you know, Arthur Pendragon was born of prophecy claimed by the druids as the Once and Future King, who was going to welcome magic back to Albion and unite our worlds. Merlin was a great mage, and he was named Emerys, a boy who was supposed to make sure Arthur claimed his rightful place as King.
Everyone is aware that Arthur's father Uther turned on magic when his wife died in childbirth. Magic was forbidden and all users found practicing were burned at the stake. It was like that for many years. However, when it was discovered that Uther had a child our of wedlock, born three years before his own son, a daughter, everything changed. Morgana Pendragon was infuriated that Uther had not claimed her as his own and felt that as his firstborn the crown and throne, belonged to her.
She turned on Arthur and thought to kill him, where soon after, Arthur discovered Merlin was a mage. When the boy, someone Arthur thought of as his servant, saved his life, it changed everything Arthur thought her knew. There was a terrible battle for the throne of Albion and when Arthur was victorious, he revoked the law on magic and gave titles of reward to his Knights of the Round Table, many of whom, were born from commoners. The First Knight of Camelot was called Sir Leon Peverell. Peverell, in the old tongue, the true but forgotten tongue of magic, means prevailed," here she paused as gasps echoed from everyone gathered.
"The First Knight of Camelot was a Peverall?" Rodolphus asked in awe.
Hariel nodded, "Yes. Just like the other Knights make up the first families. Leon was the first Peverell. Gawain was known as the first Weasley. Percival was known as the first Black. Elyan was known as the first Potter. Leon and Percival were best friends. They swore vows, to always stand at each others side. Leon was Arthur's left hand, but Percival was Leon's right hand. They both married druids and their children had magic, which began the bloodlines. Leon son, the first Lord Peverell, was known for his battle magic, good of offense and defense. Percival son, the first Lord Black was known for defensive magic. They swore to always guard Camelot and were allies through the centuries.
The true names of the bloodlines have been lost to time, because after Arthur was taken to Avalon to sleep and Merlin vanished, invaders from across the sea came and they could not pronounce the true tongue of magic and so the name became what they now are. As a horrible war came to Albion with the invaders arrivals, our ancestors decided to keep the names, to protect the magic of their bloodlines," she explained.
The children were stunned and Sirius and James, wondered if the way their magic interacted, was because once upon a time Black's and Peverell's were allies and James did carry Peverall blood, a few generations removed.
"Professor, how did Peverell's become known as the Dark and Light Lord Defeaters?" Lucius Malfoy asked curiously.
A half smile crossed her lips, "We became known as Dark Lord Defeaters when the invaders came. The came with a man called Morgoth, who was so entrenched with Dark Magic, it killed the earth beneath his feet with every step he took on land. He had heard tales of Merlin, Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and came to claim Arthur's throne, claiming he was Arthur's magical heir. Lord Owen Peverell, Leon's son and Lord Sirius Black the first, called the Knights of the Round Table together and they made an Oath, to protect Albion from all those who wished it harm, until Arthur returned. The final battle was between Morgoth and Lord Owen and Lord Sirius. It was called the Battle of Cloddian," here she was cut off by Lily Evans.
"But professor, that means Stonehenge. I thought Camelot was in Wales?" the girl exclaimed.
Many purebloods rolled their eyes and Hariel was shocked that a girl who loved to read and wanted to know everything about the magical world, would not know the truth. She frowned at Lily, "Miss Evans, England, Scotland, Ireland, everything called and claimed the United Kingdom, was once Albion. Where Stonehenge stands, is where the castle and throne of Arthur Pendragon once ruled," she said slowly, seeing the disbelief on many of the muggleborn and muggle raised students. It didn't surprise her; muggles had no idea of the true history of their own kingdoms.
Many thought Arthur a myth after all.
"What happened?" James Potter demanded excitedly. If everything she was saying was true, James wanted to know every word.
Hari smiled at him before it faded, "They won, and Morgoth died at Lord Owen's hand. But upon his death, he cast a terrible curse, that none may lay claim to the throne of Albion and one day his heir would return to Albion and take up his mantle to be King of Albion. Not ten years later, a druid rose up to again try and claim the throne. Once more, those of magic came together to fight them and Lord Owen was called upon to be sword and shield of Albion as he had been once before. He was successful but upon end of the battle, Merlin returned and claimed to all, that Camelot must be hidden.
He called up all the Lords of Albion and their heirs, Houses Peverell, Black, Weasley, Potter, Longbottom, Malfoy, Lestrange, Nott, Prewett, Bones, Greengrass, Lovegood, Flint, Ogden, Ollivander, Yaxley, Rookwood, Scamander, Warrington, Zabini and ordered them to provide their magic to hide Camelot. They created a ritual circle around the lands which Camelot sat on and using their blood, sent the castle into a pocket dimension where it would be kept safe. He ordered Lord Peverell to hide the locations, and that Camelot would only return when Arthur once more walked among us. It has been the Peverell's duty to hide the secret and keep the balance until it was time, named as Arthur's voice and Merlin's heir, to carry on their work, since then.
A light Lord rose next, swearing to eradicate all dark magic, hoping Arthur would rise if he enforced only light magic. His name was Aaron Ogden, and he was the heir to the Ogden name, until he betrayed his vows. In his quest, he almost wiped out three houses, reducing them to only a single member and they were House Lestrange, Bones and Yaxley. Once more, the lords of magic, came together and Lord Owen Peverall son, Fredrick, one in single combat against the Light Lord. Over the course of centuries, every time a Dark or Light Lord has appeared, the Head of the Peverall family is called once more to restore balance to Albion."
"Professor, everyone knows the Peverell's married into the Potter family. Why didn't the alliance between the Potter's and the Black's continue?" Thaddeus Nott asked from his spot in the back of the class. He was reeling from the information that his family was one of the first and they had participated in the ritual to hide Camelot from all others.
A sad look entered Hariel's eyes, "Everyone of course knows the tail of the Three Brothers, I trust?" she asked softly, eyes scanning from face to face, before her green ones locked with Orion's. Lord Black, understood with just that glance, that something horrible had torn their alliance to shreds.
Many of the children nodded but a few of the Muggleborn's, Lily included, shook their head. James looked to Hariel to ask if he was allowed to explain and once, she nodded, he quickly summarized the story for them. All of them were incredulous, Death didn't truly exist. An argument erupted between Lily and all the purebloods in the room, James among them as the Potter heir defended the magical world.
Hariel rolled her eyes, "That story is only partly true. Everyone sit and I shall explain what happened," she commanded, easing tensions. Everyone returned to their seats, Charles watching his son with concern as he saw Sirius shuffle him back to his chair, their faces red with anger at the naïve muggleborn's words. He knew James had a small crush on the Evan's girl but given her words at this moment, Charles was of the mind to put his son off her. Lily Evans would not make a good Lady Potter. While they didn't hate muggleborns nor look down on them the way some of the dark families did, Charles was still a pureblood and still celebrated the magical traditions of his forefathers. James did as well and his wife or husband, would have to be someone who would respect their ways and honor the Potter family magic.
Lily had just insulted everyone in the room, wither she knew that or not.
Hariel's voice drew everyone's attention again.
"Over a thousand years ago, before Hogwarts came to be, a Dark Lord rose far more powerful than any in history. His birth name and family were and are not known. He is known throughout history as Vader. He was taken in the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black, as a ward, when he proved he only wanted to respect magic, when he was ten years old. He was raised side by side with the then Lord Black's heir, Altair, who was the same age as the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord was the apprentice, to the then Lord Peverell, Antioch,"
Here she paused as gasps echoed throughout the room and she smiled bitterly, "I see you know the significance of that name," she murmured.
Sirius made a noise in the back of his throat, "That's the oldest brothers name from the story, the three brothers, he's the one who asked for a wand more powerful than any other," he said excitedly.
She nodded, "You are correct. Antioch treated Vader like a son, he loved him and shared everything he could with him. But though he knew it not, Vader became jealous and power hungry. He craved what the Lords and Ladies of Albion had. He wanted to be one and instead of trying to gain a lordship or even marry for status, he decided to take what he wanted. Heir Altair followed his adoptive brother, because he had been denied the hand of Ignotus Peverell's daughter, Iolanthe and he wanted revenge for the slight, even though he was already betrothed.
A terrible war came to Albion, worse and more terrible than any before it. If you would not join the Dark Lord, you would die. He wiped the main branch of two families, entirely from Albion, when they refused. Antioch was enraged from the betrayal. First a boy, he treated as a son, turned his back on all that he had been taught in the name of power. Second, the boy promised to his daughter, who Antioch had watched grow up as the son of his closest friend, shamed her before all when he broke their betrothal and wed a maiden from the House of Yaxley in order to gain Vader alliances. The Peverell's were once more called upon to end a war but this time, something was different, as the Dark Lord they were fighting, was using their own magic against them, magic that Antioch had taught him behind his brothers backs."
There were gasps from the children and even Abraxas, Orion and Charles were on the edge of their seat, as none of them had known this history.
"When Vader dared to actually harm a member of the Peverell family, he went after the middle brother Cadmus and his family," her she paused again and swallowed harshly, many faces falling as they realized something back must have happened. "Vader and Altair slaughter his whole family, baring only his infant daughter and when he tried to save them, he was almost killed. It was the timely arrival of Antioch and Ignotus that spared him as though Vader had grown so magically powerful, he was not powerful enough to go against the three Peverell brothers at the same time, who ere in the prime of their life. Vader fled and Ignotus decided it was time to go to the druids for aide.
They set off on a lonely winding road at twilight. They walked day and night for three days, and at dusk on the third day, they came upon a river, to treacherous to swim across. This river was not any ordinary river, but a magical one, that hid the Isle of the Blessed from muggle eyes. You could never cross without the aide of magic. Having been raised in the magical arts, they simply waved their wands and created a bridge. As they began to cross between the veil, they found their path blocked by a hooded figure, cloaked in shadows. It was Death; and he was furious. Vader was destroying order and Death, with the aide of Mother Magic, devised a plan.
He appeared before the brothers and congratulated them upon their magic. Ignotus, the youngest brother, was elected as the spokesperson to speak with the great deity. He inquired why a deity would appear and what he wanted. Death could sense Ignotus's good heart, and he explained that Vader must be stopped before the balance of magic tipped forever, and Arthur would be unable to fulfill his destined purpose as the world would fall to shadow. The brothers begged for aide, and Death granted each of them a boon, to return balance to the world.
The oldest brother, Antioch Peverell, asked for a wand more powerful than any in existence. He needed something that Vader would not be able to combat against. So, Death went over to the elder tree upon the Isle of the Blessed and plucked a branch from one of the limbs. He fashioned it into a wand and added Antioch's blood, where Death then pushed a sliver of his power into the wand, solidifying its power. Antioch accepted the wand, now bound to his bloodline and patiently moved to the side to wait.
The second brother, Cadmus, asked for a way to recall their dead ones from the grave. He wanted to say goodbye to his family and offer others the same option. With sympathy, Death went to the riverbed and plucked a stone from the water. It was not an ordinary stone but one that had been bathed in the power of life of the earth but had soaked in the light of the dying sun and rising moon on the longest days of the years, for over a thousand years. He breathed life into it and handed it to Cadmus with the promise the man would be careful, for he was alive and though he could see those he lost, they belonged to the realm of the dead. Cadmus too stepped to the side to wait.
Ignotus stepped forward last, humbled by what he witnessed and bowed to the deity. He requested a way to hide from anyone, even death himself, needing a way for his family line to survive so Vader had to be unable to find him. Death, cut a piece of its shadows and fashioned it into a cloak of invisibility, unlike any every seen before, and presented it to him. When Ignotus draped it over his shoulders, even Death himself, could not see him. The three bothers bowed to Death and imbued with his power, went forth from the Isle of the Blessed and returned to the war.
Antioch traveled to a distance village, where Vader's army was gathered. He mounted a one-man battle against Altair Black, insulted about what the boy had done to his daughter, and slaughtered him and all of Vader's men. That night, during the celebration, Antioch bragged about his wand and a spy hidden in the tavern, heard him. While passed out drunk, the spy slayed Antioch while he slept and claimed the wand for their own, not understanding that only someone of Peverell blood would wield it to its full potential.
And so, death claimed the first brother as his own.
Cadmus returned to his home village in Godric's Hollow, where he turned the stone thrice in hand and was reunited with the spirits of all those who had died in the war against Vader, including his wife and children. The power of Peverell blood and the power of Death, allowed them to interact with the mortal world but soon, Cadmus wife grew saw for she did not belong there anymore. Cadmus was driven mad with hopeless longing and when Vader returned, he summoned the ghosts of all who had died and set them upon Vader's forces before he allowed a spell to claim his life. He saved his home village and Vader was repelled. Death claimed the second brother and the stone of resurrection was passed down to his daughter.
Death then turned his attentions to Ignotus.
Ignotus was the smartest of them all. He too retuned home and he gathered his allies, Lord Black, Lord Potter, his left and right hand and they planned and plotted. With his cloak of invisibility, Ignotus sought out Vader and his army, learning of their plans and countering them, until there was only the final battle left. However, Vader now bore the Elder Wand, but as the power of Death had only claimed one bloodline, no one was aware that the Elder Wand could not be used against it's true master. In the final battle, when Ignotus lifted his wand against the Elder Wand, the Deathstick rejected Vader, and the Dark Lord met his end.
By the time the war was done, Ignotus was old. He made arrangements for his family. It had become clear in the war to Ignotus that House Peverell was too well known. Many of Dark and Light Lords wanted them out of power because House Peverell was blessed with luck, powerful magic and now the power of Death. It would only grow worse as time went on. So, he and his allies would hide the bloodline, until it was time. His daughter Iolanthe would wed into the House of Potter, and she would never use the Peverell name, even for her second born son, leaving everyone to believe that the Peverell's were dead.
Antioch's daughter was already hidden by the time. She was supposed to wed Altair Black but when the boy turned to the Dark Lord, Antioch wed her into another family. Cadmus had one daughter left, Melinda, who was send to her uncle Silvanus Slytherin. Upon majority, she was wed into the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black," Hariel smirked at the enthralled faces of her second-year class. Everyone single person was focused on her and on her final words, Lucius Malfoy choked out, "What?" in shocked disbelief.
She nodded, "Yes. Cadmus wife was Sorina Slytherin. Their daughter Melinda was wed to the then Lord Black's heir, who was Altair Black's youngest brother, Regulus the First," she explained.
Abraxas sputtered, "But that would make them heirs to the Slytherin name," he choked, wondering how Tom was going to take this news.
Hariel shook her head, "The Black and Slytherin families have only joined once. As they wed each generation, into many different families, eventually going into incest, they've bred the Slytherin bloodline out of themselves. It could ignite if someone was to wed into the bloodline once more but as far as I know, there are only three members of the Slytherin family at the moment. That is myself, my son and my cousin Tom," she said, eyeing Abraxas, knowing he was one of the Tom's first Death Eaters.
The blonde Lord signed thankfully, "That makes sense," he mussed quietly.
Sirius interrupted, "Professor, what happened between the House of Peverell and the House of Black?" he demanded, staring at her with grey eyes that flashed.
Hariel shook her head, "Thank you Mr. Black, I'm getting off topic," she huffed to herself before she continued, "Well. Once arrangements were made, Lord Black asked what he could do to mend the breach of trust his son had caused. Ignotus demanded that he honor the oath sworn; to bind their bloodline in matrimony and join their families in an alliance stronger than any magical oath. Only the union of a daughter of House Peverell to the Lord of House Black, could mend the rift that Altair created.
However, there has been no Peverell daughter born, until me. Ignotus did not suspect that House Potter would be unable to birth daughters, and House Slytherin would soon die out until only the Gaunt's remained, where they would only wed their own bloodline in order to preserve their magical gifts, this making them unable to fulfill the promise. My great grandfather was the brother of the then Lord Potter and he wed Sarah Gaunt, who was the heiress of the bloodline by magic, it reunited the Peverell bloodlines and by a stroke of unbelievable Potter luck, my father wed Lady Selyse Nodrín, who was the carrier of Antioch's family, thus uniting the three bloodlines and making me Lady Peverell," she said softly.
Sirius looked at his father and then back at her, "So, my father was supposed to marry you?" he asked cautiously.
She raised a brow at him, "Technically speaking, yes," she raised her hand to cut him off before he could speak again, "but it's not a written contract. It was simply a vow sworn on magic. Your father had no idea I existed; thus, the vow does not hold to us. If I were to have a daughter, before you were married Mr. Black, you would be expected to wed her to fulfill the promise."
Laughter broke out at the look of horror on Sirius's face and Orion couldn't help but feet a stab of pain. Had his father known about Hariel, there was no way, he would have forced Orion to wed Walburga. Arcturus had tried everything to get Orion out of the contract but had been unable too and now… had they known of this ancient pact… he mourned what could have been.
"Oh," Sirius said, glaring at the desk darkly.
It would have been worth it; he scowled to himself.
If there was a contract, father would have had no choice but to divorce Walburga and marry Hari, Sirius thought morosely. Then father could have been happy, he and Regulus would have had a mum, and they would have gained a younger brother.
Life wasn't fair, he sulked.
"Then what happened?" Rodolphus asked.
Hariel smiled wearily, "The wand was buried with Antioch, where Ignotus hoped it would remain lost to time. The Resurrection Stone was trusted to the Slytherin family, no one is sure what happened to it. And Ignotus made sure his family would be well and shed his cloak one final time. He gave it to his grandson, Iolanthe's child, Henry Potter, where it has been passed down the bloodline. Once the cloak was shed, Death came for him and Ignotus departed this life as Death's equal," she finished, leaving her class completely stunned.
Orion, Abraxas and Charles couldn't blame them.
The three lords were just as dumbfounded. All this history of their families that they did not even know. All these alliances and promises that had been forgotten. It was clear now; just how much Professor Binns had harmed their world.
They all swore, they would do something about it.