1998 - Hogwarts
Hespera folded her hands together serenely in front of herself while tears blinded her.
The gleaming silver of the pensive was bright against the sudden pallor of her face as she made sure not to stumble.
"My dear girl…" she heard Dumbledore's whisper coming from his portrait and felt the blood rush to her cheeks.
Little sparks emanated from the tips of her fingers as she faced him.
"You knew all along?" she said to the man who ruined her life, letting the words come out as a low and dangerous snarl.
"I…It was for the great…" Dumbledore stammered and she growled. "If you finish that sentence I'll burn your bloody painting." Hespera closed her eyes and took a deep breath trying to hide the storm wreaking havoc in her mind.
"I'll do it but not for your greater good, absolutely not. I'll let Riddle kill me because I believe that Wizarding Britain still has good witches and wizards who deserve a second chance. I'll do it because I can't survive the knowledge that a piece of Riddle lives in me. I'll do it because I'm tired. Riddle, the Ministry, and your treachery ruined my life and took everything I hold dear. I'm done Dumbledore and I pray to Mother Magic that if reincarnation is real, our paths will never cross again."
With that last bit, Hespera pushed one hand behind her and lifted the handle. She gave Dumbledore one last bitter look before she slipped outside.
Once the door was closed, she leaned her head against the cool wood and exhaled a rush of breath. Her clenched hands, white-knuckled around Draco Malfoy's wand, shook so vehemently it startled her.
"I'll make sure that you'll pay Dumbledore, you ruined everything," she whispered mechanically, repeating the words like a mantra.
''Why I am surprised? I should've known all along." She harrumphed, though she managed to make it sound fairly sarcastic. "So... to Voldemort we go." And, having that settled in her mind, Hespera took her cloak out and draped it over her body.
She was suffused with anger and resignation, a part of her clawing inside, seeking retaliation. However, she knew that she didn't have time for her personal grudges.
Hermione, Ron and Neville would take care of Nagini and Voldemort. Without his precious Horcruxes, he was vulnerable.
The fool was already so far gone he didn't even register the fact that numerous parts of his soul were no more.
She made her way to the Great Hall carefully avoiding getting noticed. She took one last look at Hogwarts' fighters and sadness filled her heart. They deserved a second chance, they deserved to live and start over.
As for her, she was done with this life.
Her story was but a mournful dirge, a hollow chapter she didn't want to be a part of anymore. Maybe she could find the happiness she had always sought in the afterlife.
Voldemort's minions were garrisoned outside the school and she knew it was only a matter of time before they attacked.
Even her death wouldn't stop his madness, only his destruction could rid the world of his evil.
Outside, there was nothing but darkness as far as the eye could see. Hespera shuddered but kept walking. She could feel Voldemort's presence nearby.
When she was sure that she couldn't advance without being noticed, she took out the snitch from her pocket and put her lips over the words that damned her life.
'I open at the close.'
The Resurrection Stone gleamed in the darkness as it hovered in front of her entranced eyes.
Assaulted by the subdued whispers of thousands of long-lost souls, Hespera shook her head and whispered with a stricken voice:''Come to me..."
Her words were uttered, coming from the deep reassesses of her soul, yet she couldn't prevent the gape-jawed look she assumed as three ghosts appeared in front of her.
Shock could not convey the depth of her emotions.
Her parents and Sirius were looking at her with pity-filled eyes and she couldn't hold her tears anymore.
"Mum, Dad…Siri…" she mumbled hoarsely and was rewarded only a heartbeat later as the three ghosts surrounded her, their coldness giving her a kind of warmth she hadn't encountered before.
Lily Potter moved purposefully, her eyes piercing and focused on her. ''You are so brave Hespera, you endured so much during your short life. I'm sorry I left you alone. I wish I was there to protect you when you needed me."
Lily let her head drop down and Hespera rushed to retort. ''No! I don't blame you Mum. It was your love that saved me. I…I don't blame you or Dad, it was never your fault."
James cleared his throat and smiled faintly. "I know you don't know much about us but I want to remind you that we had always loved you, Hespera. Even restricted by Death, you never left our thoughts. You were and you'll always remain our dear Prongslet, our one, and only Hespera."
Hespera couldn't muffle her sob. James raised a hand as if he intended to comfort her but dropped it immediately when he recalled his limitations.
"You know, it was my Aunt Dorea who named you. You were born in the evening hence Hespera,the evening star. She believed that you will be the one to unite the two families and I wanted to honor Sirius, my brother, and your godfather.'' James' words trailed and her greedy eyes sought the one she couldn't forget about.
How sweet had been the scent of his robes as he hugged her lovingly in his arms, how overwrought her joy at the sight of him smiling kindly, it was simple and unpretentious and as clear as a spotless blue sky.
A full minute passed in which she did not move, only let his presence warm her and adore her. It might be her last chance at filling her heart and her soul with his memory, but she didn't care. Seeing him even for a fleeting moment was all that she needed before she put an end to her story.
Hespera bit her lip unable to resist the urge to move closer, telling herself she needed to hear as well as see more.
"Pup…" Sirius said with a barely discernible thick voice.
"Siri, I'm sorry I …" she offered breathlessly, her chest lifting and falling.
"Shhh, please say no more Pup. I never blamed you for what took place in the Ministry and I would do it again if it means you'd be safe. I wish I'd taken you away from this forsaken country when I had the chance. Why do we have to sacrifice you? Look at you! You're still a child, a pup,my pup." By the end, she wasn't sure if he was trying to reason with her or with himself, but he was unable to keep the harshness from his voice.
Hespera shook her head and her lips wobbled as she stated. ''I cant and you know it. Call it my saving people thing like Hermione says or my Potter luck but I can't handle the guilt of dooming Wizarding Britain to a fate worse than death if I don't fulfill the prophecy."
When she remained stalwart in her decision, Sirius growled low his anger and snapped with heat. "I swear to Merlin I'll make them pay, Dumbledore, Riddle, and everyone who hurt you. Only if I get a second chance…"
"Sirius..." Lily interrupted her friend gently. "Don't add to Hespera's burden. She knows and understands your feelings."
Lily turned and gave her a single nod. "We'll be there with you all along the way. Have faith Hespera and never despair, good people are always paid for their deeds and you're the best, my dear."
"Of course, she's the best, she's a Potter!" James inserted cheerfully and she knew that he wanted desperately to hide his grief. It seemed she inherited that habit from her father.
A maze of tangled emotions rose within her, not least of all a great happiness for her loved ones' presence. But then, Hespera entertainedhope…hope that she might find happiness even if the price was her demise.
"Please, stay close," her eyes begged as she let go of the words conveying her fear.
Lily, James, and Sirius' expressions became solemn as they nodded and followed silently.
'Avada Kedavra'
Whatever the words Voldemort snarled with glee, Hespera neither saw nor felt the curse coming at her.
She didn't get time to react, to scream, or to struggle; she accepted her fate with a calmness she wasn't aware she possessed. She was so quiet, so serene, and had shown not a whit of worry or fear.
She welcomed Death like a true Potter.
Time was frozen, as was the furrowed forehead of the monster watching her for the space of a second until she dropped to the ground.
The last thing Hespera saw before darkness took hold of her, was her parents and Sirius' wet, ghostly cheeks.
When she opened her eyes, she got her first look at the spacious bare room she was in. A thick white mist made the view blurry and she barely discerned a thing.
Shivering from the cold, she hugged her arms around herself and blushed when her hands came upon her naked skin.
''Don't they respect dignity in the afterlife?" Hespera murmured sullenly.
She gasped when she was covered by long, silk-white robes at once. Sighing in delight, her eyes scrutinized the room but she found nothing bar an endless, white void.
"Hespera Potter, finally we meet," a toneless voice startled her.
Hespera turned instantly to address the speaker. She shuddered as she beheld a tall figure wearing hooded pitch-black robes. She couldn't make out any features on what was supposed to be his face.
Darkness clung to him like a shadow and gave the impression that he was floating rather than standing.
"Who are you?" she blurted, her curiosity eclipsing her wariness.
The otherworldly being, who could never pass for a human, stated in a matter-of-fact voice. ''I am Death.''
Hespera's heart lost a beat before she nodded and drew in a deep and settling breath. "So I am dead indeed."
Trying to mask her disappointment, she blinked several times, before she asked slowly:''Can you take me to my parents and Siri, please?"
At last, she would have the family she had always wanted: her parents, Remus, Tonks and most importantly Sirius.
She loved her family dearly but…
Sirius was the first adult that took her under his wing and showed her the meaning of parental love.
She had never been wanted or protected until she met her dear godfather. And even though their time together was cut short and filled with darkness and grief, he wasthe father of her heart; no one could take his place.
She knew that James and Lily were her biological parents but all her life, they were but an idea, an escape from her hollow reality, something she yearned for but couldn't have.
She only understood the meaning offamilywhen she met Siri. It was the reason why his death devastated her the most and shattered her soul. Even after these years, she couldn't forgive herself and move on.
Now, she would have it all: she would meet her real parents and get to know them and she would have her Siri,forever.
Maybe this was a blessing in disguise; no more Voldemort, no more deaths and pain and loss…
Finally, she was free.
"Hespera Potter, you are not dead. You still have a choice. The curse killed the Horcrux but your soul is still intact. Furthermore, you collected my three gifts. I know you are aware of the Peverell brothers' tale."
Hespera regarded Death with wide eyes, a storm brewing in her mind. ''I'm not dead? And what does the Peverells' story have to do with all this?" She managed not to stammer, which was a feat considering her confusion.
Death approached her soundlessly and she battled the need to take a step back. "Hespera Potter, you are Ignotus' last descendant, the rightful Heiress of the Peverell family. I know you heard the partially true tale; you are now TheMistress of Death. The choice was always between you and Tom Riddle, but he abused his power and dared to challenge me. It doesn't mean that you can order me around, but for uniting my trinkets without seeking power or glory, you aremy chosen. You have two options; you can continue your destined path and destroy the Horcruxes fulfilling your duty asmy chosenand ensuring peace and prosperity or you can pass theGate of No Returnand spend eternity with your loved ones."
Awash in boatloads of indecision, Hespera tipped her head back and looked into the abyss that was Death's face. She had always wanted to have a choice; it was her heart's dearest wish. All her life, she was told what to do.
Yet now, she was conflicted…
To go back and have her revenge on those who slighted her and destroyed her life, or to join her family and let go of her past.
Her pride stomped along calling for blood. She had been silenced for too long. She was abused and belittled and spurned more than once.
'A true Potter' her father said a while ago, only if he saw her begging for scraps.
Her awakened Potter temper shoveled coil on the fire of her bitterness and she knew which path she would follow.
Wearily, with watery green eyes, she mumbled almost unintelligible for the choking fragility of her voice. "If I go back, I won't be able to meet them again, right?''
Death surprised her as he offered, with no small amount of amusement, making her question her hearing. "There is a way. You don't have to go back to the moment you were killed."
She could go back, she could meet her parents and Remus and Sirius…
She could have the father of her heart again.
"I want to go back," she said in a steady voice, decision made, ''I want to meet them all and have Sirius by my side. I'll fulfill your mission and collect the Horcruxes."
Death raised his hand and traced her scar with a bony, ice-cold finger. She felt a flutter in the place he touched."I'll take you back. I see your soul Hespera and I know your heart's dearest wish. I'll make you happymy Black won't suffer again; you'll take care of him as he did with you. Good luck Hespera Peverell." His body flickered and he started disintegrating.
''Wait!" Hespera cried, ''but I am Hespera Potter! Where are you taking me? What will happen now? Will I see you again?" she asked further.
After a length of grim and stiff silence, Death's voice was a scratchy whisper as he elaborated. ''Hespera Potter died on the forest floor. You are from now on Lady Hespera Peverell. You will have the life you had always yearned for. I will give you the family you deserve and I know the one who can help you. Don't forget to collect the Horcruxes. Until we meet again,my chosen."
Finally, the gravity of what she did took its toll.
She chose the unknown, leaving her friends and all that she was familiar with behind.
Hespera's knees buckled and she hit the floor sobbing brokenly
She felt a gentle tug at her core and couldn't care enough to raise.
Keeping up her head in the wake of what just transpired was as fatiguing as the weight of the truths that were revealed that day.
When she heard the deep voice filled with contempt, she could swear she heard it before.
Lifting her head slowly and eyeing her surroundings carefully she wanted to laugh and cry at once. Nothing had changed, she thought drastically, yet everything seemed different and …alive.
She blinked several times but couldn't take her eyes off his face.
She whispered the first name that came to mind 'Sirius' even though she knew he was not.
Even if she hadn't seen his picture before, she had never seen her Sirius this lively, this healthy, and good-looking despite the uncanny resemblance between the two wizards.
Orion Arcturus Black was breathtaking.
He was a bit intimidating with his icy demeanor, raven silky hair, and trademark silver-grey eyes. He looked like a fallen angel, replete with all the dangerous male beauty that Lucifer could devise. It occurred to her that such a man would be a fitting ally and companion for what she had in mind.
Death wasn't playing around when he promised her a second chance when he proclaimed he recognized her heart's deepest wish.
The echoes of her thoughts gave her instant relief.
Rising from where she was lying, she smoothed her robes and instinctively looked for her wand, to find her pocket empty.
Good Godric…she was defenseless.
'Never Mistress, I reckon your wand is waiting for you. In the meanwhile, you can use my power.'A Soft voice murmured in her head and she shivered.
'Don't tell me you're taking residence in my mind. I had it with Tom's Horcrux.'
'As you wish My Chosen.' Death's chuckles made her stifle a sigh at her predicament.
She was reminded of her audience when Orion Black stiffened and stealthily gripped his wand.
"You're so different, yet so alike,'' she couldn't suppress her smile as she remembered how much Sirius abhorred showing weakness, he used to fake boredom or nonchalance when he was distressed.
"I asked you a question, who are you and how did you manage to break through the unbreakable Black wards?" Contempt twisted his lips as he asked again.
For some reason, the sight of his ferocious scowl elicited a twitch of amusement at the corners of her lips. There was something so endearing about the proud man.
"I am Hespera Po…Peverell," she cursed her stutter. She wasn't used to her new name yet.
A mask of calmness slid over his excruciatingly perfect face, his gleaming eyes giving nothing away.
She felt a weight on her forefinger and her eyes widened as she assessed the ring she had seen once it was destroyed. The Resurrection Stone sparkled in the barely lit room and for a strange reason; the whispers coming from its hub didn't bother her.
She felt the presence of an endless amount of souls giving her company, lending her their strengths and corroborating her mission.
It seemed Orion Black was taught his history well, for he lifted a brow and drawled. ''Are you going to answer my questionsLady Peverell?"
Hespera couldn't hide her devious grin:''With pleasure, Heir Black."
His eyes flared for a split second before they narrowed again. "How do you know me? I don't remember ever crossing paths with you."
Hespera chanced a step forward and maintained eye contact as she started. ''I know many things, Heir Black. I know your past and your future."
He seemed surprised by her admitting so much freely.
"How?" he demanded rather than asked.
"Let me show you. You know Legilimency?"
Sirius told her that his father was a prodigy in the Mind Arts, he was also a staunch traditionalist which incited her to hold on to the titles while addressing him.
"I swear on my magic that everything Heir Orion Arcturus Black will see in my memories is the truth and nothing but the Mote Be It."
Hespera took the vow Sirius taught her, wanting to extinguish all sparks of doubt at once. If she wanted to start over, she needed allies, Black allies in this instance.
Death chose Orion asthe onefor a reason she didn't know yet, but she had faith in his decision.
Death was the only one who told her the truth, who saw her for what she was, who read her heart without her lips uttering a letter.
Death was her past and the future of her enemies.
'That's the spirit Hespera, let's show them.' The bastard whispered and she knew she had to learn Occlumency as soon as possible.
'But it won't keep me away.I am a part of you now.' Came the smug answer.
Hespera shook her head exasperatedly and looked at Orion. "What do you say?" She had no notion where the idea of sharing her memories has come from, but she couldn't find it in herself to regret her hasty decision.
She needed him and he … needed her to flee Walburga's clutches.
She knew of their turbulent relationship, she knew that he hated Walburga. He was forced to marry her and it made him resentful, hence ignoring his children and their suffering.
Sirius blamed him for turning a blind eye to their abuse but didn't really hate him, at least not as much as he despised his mother.
"With your permission, Lady Peverell." Orion seemed excited at the prospect of gathering some precious information, his greedy Black blood no wonder looking for more ammunition to suppress the family's enemies.
She felt the moment he breached her mental barriers gently and started wandering around. She relaxed and let him get his fill.
The more he saw, the more he paled. She pitied him. It might be hard to witness your whole line's demise. The Blacks were a close-knit and one of the oldest Wizarding families, she couldn't even imagine what he might be going through, though she had a hunch.
In her past life, She was the last Potter.
When he was done with his harrowing trip in her memories, he sagged on his bed and raked his shaking fingers through his fine black locks.
Hespera took a seat by his side and used a clipped tone of her own, suggesting:''Let me help you, Heir Black."
"Orion, call me Orion…" came his hoarse permission.
Hespera leaped at the request. She was not familiar with Pureblood traditions, but she was ready to learn if it meant giving her the power to make this world,her new world, a better place.
"You may call me Hespera," she returned softly.
Orion closed his eyes and murmured:''What a blithering idiot, I was. I acquiesced and contributed to my destruction, to my children's demise. I…I am not a good wizard, I'm not worthy of my name.''
Hespera's stomach gave a sad leap at the self-deprecation she heard in his voice. At that moment, he seemed young and lost, even though there was nothing sensitive or remotely boyish about him. ''Orion, we were but victims in our past lives. Let's make this new one better. Let's make everything better."
He lifted his head and pierced her with his gaze. His pale eyes glittered like rare diamonds from the necklace of a queen; beautiful eyes that showed so much emotion despite the stifling silence.
She recognized the moment he came to a decision. Orion took her hand in his with something akin to reverence and gazed his pale lips over her cold skin.
Hespera was not a romantic. She never believed in fairytales or white knights, all she wanted was tosurvive.
But at that moment, she couldn't suppress the giddiness she felt. Something peculiar was happening to her, she felt the thrill of her magic as slight sparks left her fingers.
"Hespera Peverell, would you help me rid our world of this evil and avoid our families' demise? Would you share this burden with me? Would you stand by my side as my Lady?" Orion's direct gaze didn't waver as he waited for her answer.
His Lady?
The thought found purchase inside her head. She was never in love, and never felt attracted to one of her schoolmates.
Orion was…different.
He was Sirius' father…
Could she entertain the idea of forging a future with a stranger, a man she just met?
Death's words played in her mind again.
Her heart…
What her heart yearned for was Sirius and her family and Orion could give her both. She wouldn't be alone anymore; she would have the Blacks and many other families backing her.
She might even extend a hand to the….Potters and protect them.
It was time to look for herself, to see to her own needs and her thirst for revenge was too great.
Without hesitation, she reached out slowly, as if he was a wild animal that might bolt if startled, and her soft fingers laced through his with careful lightness.
Brushing aside the swath of a stray hair from his eyes, she said in a low tone."Of course, I will, but first, let's get rid of your supposed fiancée."
Her reward was Orion's devastating smile as he kissed her knuckles again.
Their moment was ruined as a sound came from the doorway and caught their attention.
"Master Orion, Master Arcturus is calling for you. Master Arcturus says they are waiting for you," a female house elf bowed before she informed them.
"Thank you, Tally. I'll be down in a minute. Please do refrain from announcing my guest's arrival, I want to have the pleasure of doing it myself." Orion smirked and Hespera grinned sharply.
To see Walburga's dreams crushed.
Tally's eyes widened as they raked her but she bowed respectfully and popped away.
"Are you ready Lady Peverell?" Orion asked in a pleasant voice that was underlaid with iron.
''You have no idea, Heir Black. I was born ready for this moment." Hespera replied with such cheerful arrogance that they couldn't contain their chuckles.
All Credits Go To: NinnaMaya-AO3