'Hold on.'' Orion held Hespera's arm gently as she headed toward the door.
She raised her eyes questioningly, causing his pulse to leap, and he struggled to take a deep breath. He was still working on wrapping his mind around what transpired that fateful night.
He was just moments away from ruination; fortunately, it seemed that Mother Magic took mercy on him.
Hespera's presence by his side fed his determination. Her gaze was forthright and guiltless, something he sorely missed. The dim light seemed to catch on her pale eyes, causing them to gleam like two thoroughly polished jewels and he knew that he made the right choice.
The path ahead of them was charged with hurdles and a good many hazards yet one look at the heart-shaped face that radiated a force of will both exciting and unsettling gave him all the reassurance he needed.
Against every rule of property, he plighted his troth to a witch he just met knowing he became honor-bound to keep his promise.
His father's discussions with his Uncle Pollux did not count as he never consented to the betrothal. His magic had always been repulsed by Walburga's and he knew he could never grant her access to his heart.
Their reunion would have been a cold one where there could never be a real bonding according to the Olde Ways. Even though he respected his father and held his family's name above everything else, Orion could never betray his magic.
He felt little remorse for embroiling Hespera in this clutter. Although he had done it under the guise of a simple alliance, that hadn't been the only reason. The truth was he had never been so entranced by anyone as he was by this stranger.
To his consternation, he knew he wasn't willing to let her go even after they fulfilled their vow to see to their enemies' end. The heart-wrenching memories he glimpsed inside her head were grueling and fascinating at once.
No one could suspect the power this slip of a girl was harnessing inside her small body. He was taught to respect power and Hespera Peverell's vigor was unrivaled.
There was that great capacity for love, also. He was amazed by the kindness and compassion she was able to show despite her unsavory past. She was never nurtured or cherished, yet she loved deeply and forgave time and again.
Had he been treated likewise, he would've used all his resources to seek vengeance and see to his foes' grisly demise.
''Orion?" Hespera called and a flicker of excitement he hadn't felt in years awakened in his heart.
"Wait a moment, please.'' One corner of his mouth curled with amusement as he skittered across the room and took a small box from his drawer.
An abundant spark of pure Black magic exuded from the velvet box and Orion knew that he took the right decision.
Hespera stared at him in confusion as he handed her the box for inspection. He wanted to inundate her with lavish gifts, and make her understand that she would never regret choosing him but he gathered from her memories that it wasn't what attracted her attention.
Hespera was a woman of actions; shallow words and opulent jewels meant nothing to her and he would show her how thankful he was with time.
She gasped as she lifted the lid. ''Orion, this is…"
''Lady Ursula Flint Black's engagement ring, my great grandfather Phineaas Nigellius' wife. I reckon you met him," he clarified, enjoying her surprise.
"It's beautiful," her fingers tightened around the box and he grinned. It was beautiful indeed.
His father asked him to retrieve the ring as his mother -who was gifted Hesper Gamp's ring- wanted to keep it for his sister.
Ursula's ring was the only one unclaimed in the main vault. The thought of Walburga wearing the legendary ring made his stomach churn with disgust. Ursula was acknowledged to be a virtuous and proper witch. She supported Phineas when he broke tradition and choose to teach. She remained steadfast and unwavering even when he became Hogwarts' Headmaster. She raised her four children with love and care and never let their father's absence hinder their magical and mental growth.
Even her ring spoke of her character. While witches of her status plumped for glamorous displays of wealth, Ursula chose a simple black diamond surrounded by tiny star-shaped stones. It marked her devotion to her new family for since the day she accepted Phineas as her husband, she embraced the Black traditions and ideals.
He knew that Walburga could never understand the ample history behind the unpretentious heirloom, so he hid it and asked Lucretia to buy a garish ring for their dear cousin.
He took the ring out.
His eyes glued to Hespera's, he said. ''Our union might be an unconventional one, but I will never disrespect you. You have my word, Hespera. With this ring, you get my tangible pledge that I'll be always there for you. You don't need my protection, I understand. You are from a different world where witches have more freedom but rest assured that I'll never thwart your plans and your freedom. From this day on, we are the same. I pray that the future will show you the truth my vow holds."
The ring fit her finger like it was always meant to be there. Nudging her chin gently to make her look at him, he smiled as he caught sight of her misty eyes.
He knew how lonely she was and he hoped that the abundance of family members he had would fill that hole in her heart.
"As much as I want to stay here and get to know you better, I know that Father is not the most patient man," Orion muttered and Hespera snorted.
"Sirius used to tell me about his grandfather. I believe he loved him deeply. He reported that he was a stern man." Hespera admitted tracing the collar of her robes.
The fabric was stretched to her every move like liquid silver and he was certain that it was not an ordinary one. He sensed the enchantments weaved with every thread of silk. Death would never leave his Mistress unattended.
His eyes flew to her head and he pondered on his next course of action as she flipped a long lock of hair over her back. It was improper for women of her status to walk about with their hair hanging down. Hespera had such a wealth of heavy dark locks he reasoned she inherited from the Potters.
With his limited knowledge, it would be an ordeal to pin it all up in the intricate coiffures his mother and sister fancied but he couldn't let her embarrass herself in front of Walburga and his Uncle.
"May I arrange your hair? I'm not sure if you were taught the Olde Ways, but a witch can't go about with her hair unbound. I…" he struggled to find the words knowing that he was talking to a witch from a more evolved world, with different customs and beliefs.
"I don't mind," Hespera surprised him as she complied, "I want to fit in. I can't raise any suspicions and I don't want Walburga to find any fault with me."
Orion barely managed to suppress his snort as he professed. ''As if she could ever measure up to you. You are an amazing woman Hespera, never let anyone tell you otherwise."
He enjoyed the splotches of pink that dusted her cheeks when he drew his fingers idly through her hair, gathering it at her back.
His magic sang appreciatively and he felt weightless and free.
With a twirl of his wand, he arranged it in a smooth bun knowing that he couldn't do more. He was not cut for hairdressing, hopefully, his mother and Lucretia would see to Hespera's education later.
"Just remember, we can't divulge the truth. Let's adhere to the sudden encounter story. Father will never refuse our union with that ring in your hand and I believe he was not eager to marry me off to Walburga, he's acting in accordance with our ways." Orion reminded her as he threw his new black robes over his shirt.
Hespera's eyes followed his moves before she muttered:''Your customs are dreadful. How can they force you to bond with that horrible woman?"
"At least you were here to save me, my dear Lady. Let's head down." Orion smirked and she shook her head.
Orion's lips quivered with a repressed laugh as the eyes that followed their progress widened dramatically.
He felt the moment Hespera froze and he knew she recognized the younger Walburga.
Said witch's eyes were throwing daggers at his companion, but Hespera clang to his arm and ignored her.
He guessed that she was scrutinizing the guests and trying to connect the younger faces with her memories.
Alphard raised a questioning brow and his eyes shone with mirth as they swiveled between him and Hespera, then went to Pollux and Walburga, to land finally on Arcturus.
Orion bowed respectfully to his father and then to the guests and Hespera followed suit.
"Orion? How come the wards hadn't announced the arrival ofyour guest?" Arcturus asked curtly, his grey eyes studying the witch with care, no wonder trying to find something that could help him deduce her identity.
"Father, the wards hadn't warned you of my companion's arrival because they considered her a part of this family,mein this instance," Orion declared calmly.
His father's eyes narrowed slightly but he kept silent. He was not known for brash actions. He seldom did a thing without a solid reason.
His mother, on the other hand, tilted her head and her eyes flared with hope. He knew she understood him well like he knew she would support his decision no matter what.
Lucretia was whispering something to Alphard while Cygnus kept trying to eavesdrop. Even though they spent seven years together in Hogwarts, they weren't close like he was with Alphard.
Cygnus III wasn't bad per se, but he never bothered with others' feelings and troubles. All that mattered to him was his gain.
He hoped that he could be saved before he followed on his father's path and sold his future daughters, reducing the precious Black stars to trophy wives and condemning them to fates worse than death.
It broke his heart how Andromeda was banished while Bellatrix surrendered to the Black Madness and Narcissa suffered from a frigid marriage.
Pollux looked constipated as he stood up carefully. "What's the meaning of this Orion? How can this woman be a part of you?"
So the old coot wanted him to voice the news. Even though he was aware that he understood his words very well, he didn't mind doing as he was asked.
"Lady Hespera Peverell is my fiancée, my chosen. We are to bond in the future and I shall have no other witch,"
The silence that followed his confession was downed out by an anguished roar as Walburga jumped to her feet. "That's not true! How can Orion choose this scarlet woman over me? I'm sure that she doused him with Amortentia," the harpy shrieked and he winced fearing for his ears' safety.
She shrank as her father gripped her arm harshly. "Mind your manners Walburga. Orion is Heir Black, his ring will always protect him from harmful potions,'' his words became a hiss as he gritted out, ''can't you see the ring she's wearing? It's the Peverell ring. No one but its rightful owner can put it on. Do you want to start a Blood Feud with her family? Shut your mouth and sit down at once."
''Such breach of manners,'' Hespera tsked as she adjusted her rings, enjoying Walburga's apparent turmoil, ''you shouldn't act so gracelessly Miss Black it's unbecoming of someone of your upbringing. You'll attract nothing but enemies, powerful enemies in this case."
Walburga huffed with outrage and he knew that Hespera had no patience left to cope with her. She had a very eventful day after all.
A sharp gust came from the open side of the balcony, whipping the front of Walburga's robes apart. The diamond-encrusted first button slipped free and hovered in front of her startled eyes, the sharp tip was a breath away from her forehead. Gripping the edges of her robes, she turned fearful eyes to her father.
Pollux wasn't faring any better and he couldn't blame him. The thick fog of Dark magic that cloaked Hespera was something frightening.
Pure tendrils took the shapes of daggers and he knew that had anyone she considered a threat approached, he would be stabbed on the spot.
"You will apologize now. I don't appreciate being called a scarlet woman and treated poorly by the likes of you," Hespera's voice was cold and unyielding and he shivered from the onslaught of emotions her magic and her voice provided.
He looked at his best friend and smiled despite the grim circumstances when he noticed how much he was enjoying his father and sister's humiliation.
Both used to belittle him for being different.
Alphard was a kind and soft wizard. He didn't fancy confrontations and political games. All he wanted was to spend his time in his lab creating new potions and reading journals.
"Walburga. Do as she asks," Irma made her presence known. Her voice came weary and strained and he pitied her.
He was aware that her opinions were trampled by her husband. She had no saying in the children's education, except Alphard who clang to her despite the horrendous punishments.
Walburga pursued her lips but Pollux dragged her up. He was an old fox, well acquainted with political hierarchy.
The Peverells were considered royalty among commoners. To slight one of them was suicide, more so now that the long-awaited Heiress emerged after the seat remained vacant for centuries.
Every Lord and Lady would work himself to the bone, plead and grovel to win an alliance.
He predicted a fight the moment she would step into the Wizengamot chambers. Everyone would be eager to have her on their side.
"Apologize properly," he instructed icily.
Walburga's stiff fingers were fumbling with the button that dropped in her hands.
"I'm sorry Lady Peverell,'' her voice was scratchy but she averted her gaze and waited for her father's next command.
Pollux cleared his throat. "Arcturus, I believe we have no reason to remain here now. Once again, you disappointed me and aborted any truce I had in mind. Hopefully, Lady Peverell will be the daughter-in-law you dreamed of for I know how much you love your dear son. Come, let's head home."
Alphard rolled his eyes and mouthed. ''Later." His eyes sought Hespera for a heartbeat before they returned to his and the prat had the gall to wink.
He expected a fire call later that night.
The fireplace flared after his uncle's family left.
"Take a seat Lady Peverell. I apologize for what took place with my niece. I believe she needs a firmer hand. She was spoiled as the only daughter and I regret how much that ruined her character." Always the mediator, his mother offered with her customary gentle smile.
Her Hufflepuff core never failed to make its appearance in times of turmoil and he was once again thankful to her.
"Thank you Lady Black. You may call me Hespera," Hespera sat by his side and folded her hands on her lap, mimicking his sister.
"My dear brother, while I was fearing for your welfare, you were plotting and keeping Lady Peverell all to yourself?" Lucretia drawled ignoring their father's reprimanding glance.
"I assume there's a story behind tonight's show and I'm eager to hear it," Arcturus finally spoke and despite knowing that it was coming, he was filled with trepidation.
He hated lying to his father. He was his dearest person, his role model, his strength but he had to for the future was not something to be trifled with. The fewer people learned of Hespera's secret the safer they would be.
"Our story is not a complicated one, Father. As I was leaving Gringotts, I stumbled upon Hespera. She used to live abroad with her relatives since her parents died when she was very young. She was not made aware of her birthright until recently, so she returned to Britain to claim her inheritance and hold her seat. I helped her with the goblins and we felt at ease in each other's company. I tried to tell you about her but you were firm in your decision and wouldn't listen to me. I apologize if I caused you more trouble with Uncle Pollux but I don't regret my choice. Hespera is the right witch for me and our family. Together, we can do miracles.''
Orion paused taking inventory of the various expressions playing on his father's face.
He might not believe him fully, but he wouldn't pester him with more inquiries. Arcturus believed in giving things time, he had faith in his children and trusted them implicitly.
"I don't see how we can break this betrothal now that she's wearing Lady Ursula's ring. Do you understand what you promised Orion?" Arcturus lifted a brow waiting for his answer.
"I do and I will honor my pledge."
"Then welcome to the family Lady Peverell and don't worry about Pollux and Walburga, I'll take care of them. This rivalry had been going on for years and it's time to put an end to it," he seemed resigned to his fate and Orion pitied him.
His love for his family was his weakness, something Cygnus II then Pollux exploited. It was indeed time to stop them.
"Thank you, Lord Black. I appreciate your kind words and you may call me Hespera."
"Hespera then. Your name fits splendidly with our family's tradition," Arcturus smirked and everyone grinned.
"Enough with the talking. We can't act like uncouth people in the presence of Lady Peverell. Tally!"
Tally popped in seeming tired. "Mistress Melania called for Tally."
"Are you fine, you look worn out," Melania wondered, her brows furrowing with distress.
"Tally is fine Mistress Melania. It's Kreacher Tally worries about. He was sick all day but Kreacher won't listen to Tally. He left his room and keeps muttering strange words."
"I'll have a look at him later, leave him be for now I reckon he's with fever."
"As you wish Mistress Melania. I'll bring refreshments," Tally bowed and popped away.
His mother and Lucretia kept exchanging small talks with Hespera while they waited for Tally.
Orion was thinking about their next step. He surmised an urgent trip to Gringotts was a must to put everything in order.
He was jolted from his reverie when Kreacher popped in holding a large silver tray.
He recalled his loyalty to Regulus in his previous life and his heart bled with affection.
Yet, the soft thought flew away the moment Kreacher's eyes caught sight of Hespera.
He dropped the tray, and the priceless tea set, and leapt at her feet.
Everyone stood up alarmed as fat tears ran down his seemingly sick face. The elf kept sobbing and repeating. "Mistress Hespera, you're back. You're back!"
Hespera was openly crying too as she knelt and hugged her former elf with all her might. The moment the two connected, a bright light surrounded them.
"Merlin's Mercy!" His mother gasped, "They're bonding."
"Bonding? But Kreacher is a House Black elf, he's to become Orion's personal elf." A shocked breath escaped Lucretia as she looked for an answer.
"This is not a normal bonding between a witch and an elf. This bond is as deep and eternal as a soul bond, nothing can break it. It's blessed by Mother Magic," Arcturus sounded amazed as he explained.
"That…" Lucretia couldn't go on as Kreacher's sickly appearance changed.
He looked younger and way better. His arms remained linked around Hespera's neck as she stood slowly. She whispered something for his ears only and he buried deeper into her neck and nodded.
"Kreacher! What are you doing you ungrateful elf?" Tally sounded scandalized as she joined them.
"Let him be, Tally." Hespera's voice was hoarse and broken.
Orion hurried to her side and murmured. "Are you alright?"
She nodded and he was blinded by the joy shining in her expressive eyes.
"He remembers me," she whispered softly and a deep flutter went through him.
At least she wasn't alone. He couldn't imagine leaving his world and everything behind and starting from scratch in a strange dimension, so he understood what Kreacher's memories meant to her.
Sliding a hand to the center of her back, he guided her toward his father.
"Father…"
"Orion, I don't want to sound like a prying old coot but things aren't adding up. How could Hespera manage a Sacred Bond when she never met Kreacher before? To establish such a miraculous link there must be a history included."
He feared that his father wouldn't stay silent for long and this unheralded surprise hastened his need to know.
"I can explain," Hespera offered, her hand patting Kreacher's back with maternal care.
"As the last Peverell, I was granted special gifts. Kreacher was always destined to be mine, hissoulwas promised to me long ago. Nothing can tear us apart. I can give you any compensation you want Lord Black but I'll never go against Mother Magic's is mine."
Everyone remained flabbergasted as they mulled over her words. It wasn't just that no one contradicted Arcturus Sirius Black,ever, it was what she divulged.
Orion wanted to rub his temples. Hespera just admitted that some of the myths surrounding the Peverells were true. Mainly the rumors about their link withDeathandsouls.
"Hespera." He groaned and she looked at him for a moment before what she disclosed dawned on her.
"It's fine, Kreacher will be Hespera's elf. I know that he won't mind helping you too, son," Melania, bless her heart, cleared the tense moment.
"So be it," his father smirked, "Congratulations Hespera, you won yourself a most loyal friend. I believe whatever force bought you to us is looking for our House's welfare. You're a special witch and I'll be honored to call you daughter."
Hespera pursued her lips in a despairing attempt to keep her dignity, but her eyes gleamed with happiness.
"Mother, I think Hespera is tired. Why don't you show her to her room?" Orion managed to ask, his pulse in his throat.
"But I…" flustered, she interjected.
"Of course, you'll stay with us. You are new to this country and I don't fancy the thought of you alone in a huge manor," Melania said firmly.
"Mother is right. I've always wanted a sister and now, my dear brother gifted me one. I want to get to know you better Hespera, please do stay," Lucretia fluttered her eyelashes, a tactic he was immune to which Hespera seemingly wasn't.
His poor witch.
As inviting as the plush bed was, sleep evaded Hespera. She tossed and turned in the vast bed for hours, all the while thinking about what happened that night.
The weight of the rings adorning her fingers and Kreacher's soft snores attested that she did indeed time travel, land in the Grimmauld Place sixty years ago, and accept Sirius father's proposal.
She did put Walburga in her place too, which was a bonus.
She raised her head and looked at Kreacher who insisted on spending the night with her, fearing that she might disappear again.
''He will be fine,'' Death materialized from the shadows and she sighed.
"Good Godric. Should I expect nightly visits too? You're awfully clingy for a Deity."
"I am your guardian and your best friend. I am here to alleviate your worries. You did well today Hespera, considering your brash nature. You won a strong alley and a handsome partner if I might add," Death's voice was oozing smugness.
"You…Don't you have souls to steal somewhere else?" She mumbled.
"I have minions for that sort of menial tasks. It is my challenger's soul I'm seeking," He said curtly and she understood the importance of his visit.
"What should I do?" her voice was small as she sought his guidance.
"Tomorrow, you should go to Gringotts. I'm not sure when I'll visit next but you have to secure your position within the Wizengamot. You are the Heiress of Death. They must know of you, they must witness your power and show you the reverence you deserve. Tom Riddle will come eventually. He's like a niffler, he can't ignore the lure of gold," Death said without a pause and she heard the logic in his reasoning.
"Will I be ready when he comes?" she wondered. She didn't want to engage in another war, she had enough to last for ten lifetimes.
"Who said anything about him surprising you? Never forget who you are now. Death doesn't wait for his preys, he stalks them,"
She swore that he purred the last words but it was hard to be certain when all she heard was her own heartbeat.
All Credits Go To: NinaMaya-AO3