Rhea yawns as she heads through the castle's outer courtyard well past curfew. She had just spent some time with the Thestrals as she would be heading home soon for Yule. Well, Yule would be in France at the Prasinos Chateau, but still, she'd be with her mom and dad. She really missed them a lot. Pomfrey and Snape are good at what they do and hearing about both her Grandmothers was great, but they could never hold a candle to mom. She loved her and her dad so much. She was going to head inside when she spotted movement in the courtyard. A black panther was drinking from the fountain, its body taught and emaciated. The winter had frozen much of the Black Lake over, but the fountain was enchanted to remain unfrozen. As Rhea approached she could feel the magic coming from the panther.

She used some of her magic to pin the animagus down, dropping her Disillusionment spell and gently rubbing its back. She could feel the panic in the animagus but Rhea needed to help them. "I know what you are. You are starving and likely suffering from goddess knows what. Please, let me get you some food and ease some of the pain. I promise I will let you go on your way." The Animagus panther felt her magic and slowly began to relax. "Typsy." The little elf popped in and was startled at the large feline. "Yes, I know Typsy. Think you could get a basket of food prepared, maybe a month or three's worth placed in stasis charms?" The elf nodded and popped away.

Rhea turned to the panther, its violet eyes looking at her with careful interest. They were very pretty eyes. "I have Healer training and can help you out with your pain, but I can't do it while you're in animal form. I'd need to take a veterinarian course for that. I need you to switch back. I know that you'd rather not and that you probably hate feeling weak and vulnerable, but please, let me help you." The Animagus stared at her eyes and Rhea felt a passive touch of Legillimancy. "I wish I could trust you enough to show you that I mean it but I am not letting anyone in my head. I can give you a temporary oath." She felt the probe of her mind end and saw the Animagus dip its head. Rhea pulled out her wand.

"I, Rheannon Black, swear on my life and magic that I will heal the person who is the Animagus in front of me to the best of my abilities in the given circumstances. I swear I will take no action to impede their escape from Hogwarts grounds and will refrain from informing anyone within the school or with the intention to notify the Aurors of an intruder capable of the Animagus transformation, is or was on the grounds till an hour has passed from them leaving the Boundary Lines a single time. I swear all this on the condition that the person in question takes no further violent action on this night via physical, magical or mental means against myself, other students or faculty members. Any such action is to render my previous oaths null and void. So swear I so mote it be." The point of her wand flashed and the oath was set. Typsy popped in and placed a basket with a handle the panther could hold in its mouth next to Rhea. Rhea smiled, "Thank you Typsy. Don't mention any of this to anyone until I say otherwise. Good night." The elf nodded and popped away, leaving Rhea with an emaciated woman as she took her original form.

Rhea cast some strong notice-me-not charms in a wardline and then cleared the flat stone bench of snow and warmed it. "Please lie down on the bench. This is going to take a lot of work." The woman looked at her but kept her mouth closed as Rhea began to cast diagnostic spells. She was in really bad shape. Usually, Rhea would tell the patient what she intended to do but she knew the woman wouldn't be up to any small talk. So she went at it, healing spell after healing spell, from bone realignment to cleaning out infections, from extending her stomach to handle a bit more food, to cleaning as much of her body as she could. Rhea noted a reading on the woman's abdomen and stilled. "I know you'd rather I work quietly, but I need your consent. You have severe signs of sexual abuse, vaginal infection as well as tearing of both your lower cavities. Any spells I cast here you will feel. May I heal your lower body?"

The woman let out a choked groan and Rhea moved her hand and gripped hers. She looked into her pained violet eyes. "I was where you are now. I needed someone to care and heal me. They did so. Let me return the favour. Let me heal you." The woman shivered (and not from the cold) and sobbed but nodded her head. Rhea began to cast, her wand movements as gentle and light as possible. She felt the woman tense and shake but she pushed on. Eventually, her lower body was healed, though the pain and memories would be with her for years. Rhea would know, the nightmares are gone but the pain would come and go. She did her best to heal what she could with spells and eventually ended. Rhea then pulled a notepad from her bag and began to write instructions as she summoned potion vials from her bag, placed them in a cloth and added them to Typsy's basket with the note. "Those were some healing potions. I wrote down which to take and when and which not to mix. They are all properly labelled. Please follow the instructions."

Rhea took off her coat and transfigured it to the right size before wrapping it around the woman. Those violet eyes stared at her. "Why?" Rhea smiled. "Because you were hurt and I could help. Besides, you are family and while others may cast their family aside, I will always care for mine." The woman closed her eyes and cried, wrapping the coat tightly around her. Rhea hugged her. "I have an idea as to why you are here and what makes you do it. I will have a means of freeing you close to May or June ready, maybe a little earlier. I imagine you are compelled not to seek sanctuary and to kill a certain boy. Can you restrain the compulsion from harming anyone for a bit? The more time you give us the better we can help you."

Bella choked out a response. "I can delay it while I recover, after that, I have to try again. It won't let me stop until he is dead." Rhea kissed her on her forehead. "Oh Persephone, give this child of my house your mercy. Oh Persephone, ye who hold all souls equal, offer this child of our blood a blessing of peace for the coming months. Oh Persephone, daughter of Demeter, bringer of spring, keep this child safe till the spring rains bless the earth. This your speaker asks now in place of her Yule prayer." Bella stills as magic fills her body, a warm glow settling into her stomach. "Go Bella. Take your panther form and the food and run to safety. I have done what I can for you now. I hope I can do more come May. The Goddess' blessing be with you."

Bella didn't think twice. She shifted, grabbed the food and headed for the edge of the boundary lines. She saw the Dementors and was about to change direction when they parted, leaving a path for her to take. She looked back and saw the little witch with glowing cyan eyes waving at her. Her heart ached to turn back and be with what she now knew was a Black, one who cared enough for her to risk so much to help her, but the compulsion kept her from turning back. Bella rushed into the trees beyond the wards, shifted back and Apparated away.

"I am telling you, she had to have helped her! There is no way she got away from us without help!" Flitwick really wanted this term to end, but the appearance of Bellatrix Lestrange in the wards derailed all hope for an early Yule break. "Let me get this right, the four of you have access to a map of the school which shows everyone who is on the grounds, saw Bellatrix Lestrange's name on it, went out looking for her and only notified the staff after you failed to find her and she had already vanished from the map? Am I missing anything children?" The four Gryffindors looked properly chastised. Sadly, the former Gryffindor behind them didn't seem to care.

"Regardless of their poor decision making skills, they do have a point. Both Bellatrix Lestrange's name and Rhea Black's were missing at the same time. It is enough justification for me to interrogate her." Flitwick could feel a migraine building. He could technically let him talk to her but he refused to let her get interrogated. Especially after Pomfrey had warned him about both Henry and James Potter's fixation on her. That was a conflict of interest disaster waiting to happen. He was about to respond when the fireplace lit up, "Filius! Keep everyone's wand aimed away from me! I am coming through."

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody stepped out into his office and looked around. Flitwick was the first at his side, "What was my comment on your OWL Charm evaluation?" Moody bared his teeth, "My Confrigo was as likely to blast my legs out from under me as much as the enemy's if I didn't get my wand half rotation down right. Good to see you keeping up, Fillius." Flitwick nodded. "Always, now, before you say anything I need to ask something from two students outside." Flitwick watched as the two Weasley Twins entered his office.

"Messers Weasley, young Mr. Potter here mentioned that the map had been in your possession and that he used it to try and track Bellatrix Lestrange. Now, Mr. Potter claims that Ms. Black has been helping Lestrange enter the castle. Have you seen Ms. Black do anything suspicious on the map?" Both shook their heads, "No sir…" "we've never…" "seen…" "scary Ms. Black…" on the map." The adults looked at each other, Remus cut in first, "But the map can't lie! How could she be absent from it?" Fillius throws his two knuts worth of wisdom, "Miss Black's father clearly helped in the creation of the map. It's possible he taught her how to avoid being on it."

James raises his voice, "That doesn't change the fact that Rhea Black could be helping Lestrange get into Hogwarts." Moody growls, "That is why I am here Potter. Lord Black has agreed I may interview Ms. Black with only Flitwick at her side. You are staying out of it." James was furious but couldn't go against Bones' orders. Both Flitwick and Moody entered the old assistant's office where Rhea had been waiting, both men were surprised to see her playing a type of game with her owl familiar, both hiding their eyes behind their hands and feathers before revealing an odd expression. "Ms. Black, this is Alastor Moody. He will be asking some questions about last night." The owl jumped on her shoulder and stayed there as she sat down on the table, its red eyes giving the gruff old Auror the chills. "Sure. A pleasure to meet you, sir. Dad talks a lot about you and your safety habits. Learned a few of them myself. What can I do for you?"

"Where were you after 10 pm last night?" Rhea cocked her head. "Heading back to the dorms after spending time with the Thestrals. I usually spend an hour with them every week but since I was going home, I decided to spend more time with them." Moody watched the dictaquill continue writing. "And did you see anyone on the way back to the dorms?" Rhea smiled. "Sure, ran into my cousin looking bad and decided to treat them." Moody stared at her, "which cousin?" Rhea hummed "The one James Potter seems to be looking for. Must be a bad time for Lady Potter, having her man so focused on another woman." Moody couldn't help himself, he snorted. "Have you been assisting Bellatrix Lestrange in entering the castle?" Rhea shook her head, "Nope. Last night was our first meeting. Family prerogative and Healers training meant I had to help her. She was in a bad way. Your DMLE should really check out what the guards are up to in Azkaban."

Flitwick intervened, "Ms. Black, you are claiming Family's Prerogative in letting Lestrange leave school grounds." Rhea nodded. "Yup. I am not a moron though. We worked out a temporary oath that kept me, the students and staff safe last night while I healed her. Once I got done with what I could she left via the Forbidden Forest. Haven't heard from or seen her since." Moody sighed. "Do you intend to aid her in breaking into the school in the future to harm Henry Potter, any other student or staff member?" Rhea tapped her fingers and looked as if she were considering the question. "While Potter is a prat and probably deserves a curse or three, I won't be helping Bellatrix Lestrange enter the castle to hurt any member of the student body or staff."

The interview didn't help ease any tension between Rhea Black and the Potters, but at least Flitwick came out of it getting to know more about his student. The Aurors and the Ministry may be after Lestrange, but she and the rest of House Black see it differently. They are only interested in Bellatrix's well being, and if Miss Black's comment about Azkaban bears fruit then they do have reason to worry. Though why Bellatrix hadn't gone to Sirius Black to seek asylum was a mystery he couldn't quite solve. But then again, odd things and mysteries seemed to be part of the course with Rhea Black as a student of his. At Least with her out for Yule, the castle should be relatively quiet and relaxing. Right?

Of all the people to appear in the Hospital Wing, Severus Snape was by far the most common and the least unusual. He did keep her potions restocked. The unusual part of his visit today was that he arrived without any potions in hand, which made Madam Pomfrey look at him questionably. "What can I do for you, Severus?" Severus looked at her and then at her office door. "A word, in private." Pomfrey placed the warning ward up at the main door and had Snape follow her into the office. Considering how early in the morning it was she served him a drink of coffee, which he downed rather quickly. "Long night?" Severus grimaced, "Most nights in a castle full of dunderheads are long nights. Aside from some of my OWL and NEWT students, Slytherin's dorms are utterly empty and I am very much looking forward to a week of rest."

Pomfrey hummed, silently agreeing with his sentiment. "I know you didn't escape the peace and quiet of the Dungeons just to drink my coffee, even if the Hogwarts elves can't get theirs to taste as good. What brings you here?" Severus grimaced behind his cup. "I may have run into some uncomfortable information. Stop looking at me like that Poppy, the only head I was in was my own." Pomfrey's glare subsided, "and?" Severus closed his eyes, "Have you noticed any worrying behaviour from your student?" Pomfrey eyes narrowed on the man and he squirmed in his seat. "Tread carefully Severus, she is one of the best Healers I have worked with and a bright young girl. You do anything to hamper her future because of your feud with Black…"

"Whatever issues Black and I have, they do not involve his daughter. We have exchanged a few letters and the child and I came to an arrangement that doesn't reveal my hand while also minimising any poor interactions. Believe me, there is joy in having another proper potioneer in the school and I won't risk that either." Severus takes a drink from his mug and sighs. "While in my classes I began to notice certain mannerisms on her that were familiar, though she had a few completely foreign. Before the last full moon, I had her work on Lupin's Wolfsbane potion." Pomfrey raises an eye at him. "Believe me, she made it to standards. Regardless, after she brewed it we had a small discussion and her mannerisms seemed to trigger a memory. The memory was of Lily."

Pomfrey stilled and Severus noticed. He just stared at her and Pomfrey shared her own thoughts. "Lily Potter and her husband understandably entered the Hospital Wing after Mr. Potter's fall during the first Quidditch match. Ms. Black had been there, attending half the other patients when they entered and she just froze up. She cast a noise canceling spell on herself and proceeded to run through any number of exercises to keep her emotions in control. I didn't have the heart to ask why. So, what are you saying exactly, Severus?" Snape really wanted to let it go but if this issue wasn't addressed, there was no telling how the girl would react if the situation was forced on her. Black had outmaneuvered Potter after Bellatrix's second breach of the school grounds but there was no way of keeping him away from her forever. "I believe that Rhea Black was born Halley Potter and that between Halloween of 81 and now she had been all but abandoned by James and Lily. Black and the girl's mother raised her and Blood Adopted her sometime around his release."

The silence in the office would certainly have felt awkward to Snape if he couldn't see Pomfrey's face. The woman had gone through several emotions, including confusion, anger and horror. She rested her cup down and stared. "I imagine that whatever happened between the time she was abandoned and the time Black and Miss Prasinos took her in the girl didn't have a proper living environment. I can't tell you her medical history, but your conclusion does make a lot of questions I had to make sense." Poppy sighed, "I can certainly do my best to limit her interactions with Mr. and Mrs. Potter and young Henry by extension, though aside from his blatant dislike of the girl, she hasn't shown any reaction whatsoever to the boy. I also imagine that you not only came here to me to verify your conclusion but also to enlist me in notifying her Head of House?" Severus's nod was all the confirmation she needed. She went ahead and served Severus a second cup of coffee while also preparing a cup for Fillius.

Fillius stared into the cup of coffee Pomfrey brought to him. So much for a peaceful start to his Yule Break. He looked at the Matron and the Potions Master. "Your speculation certainly holds a lot of merit. It also explains why Lord Black took every possible measure to ensure that none of the Heads of Houses or the Headmaster had any capacity to affect her life within or outside the castle's wall beyond that of academic matters. I also share your concern that both Mr. Potters won't leave the girl well enough alone. I just don't know what we could do to mitigate this fiasco in the making." Pomfrey seemed to deflate in front of him. Snape does keep his head. "Personally I would say that the next thing to do would be to ask Ms. Black. If our hunch is correct, Sirius Black has been doing a surprisingly good job of keeping it quiet. The best approach would be to coordinate within him on this matter."

Fillius stares at Snape, "I don't know what to focus on in that statement of yours. Not only did you complement Sirius Black but you also suggested working with him. The last part I can give you the credit that at least it would be me dealing with Black and not you. I can only imagine what a day you would be having if she had gone to Slytherin." Snape seemed to shiver in his seat, "Either she would have taken over as queen or killed a large share of them. Can't decide which is worst." Pomfrey cuts in, "Yes, we should all be glad that Rhea's ambitions are tied to her studies. I am assuming that we will be organizing ourselves in conjunction with Black should they agree?" Fillius nodded but Severus stayed still. "Have the two of you fully realized what aiding Black in this matter entails, beyond keeping a gifted 13 year old girl from having a breakdown?" Both turned to him and waited. He sighed.

"Black, as you are aware, has been solidifying a block of Neutral Faction members since he claimed his Family's seat. He has already courted more Neutral oriented members of the Light and Dark Factions, including Malfoy. His manoeuvres and actions seem to lead to a return of traditions while also catering to some more progressive ideas. This has squarely placed him in opposition not only to Potter but to our dear Headmaster. If you two decide to aid Black and his daughter, you will be turning your back on Dumbledore. Can you two live with that?" The office went silent. Fillius drank from his coffee. Pomfrey broke the silence first. "Had this been 4 years ago I would have remained by Dumbledore's side. But these last few years have broken whatever faith I had in the man. A troll in the halls. A Cerberus guarding a magical item. A Basilisk running free without alerting the Ministry? And now Dementors wrapping around the school as an escaped felon stalks a student. Albus could use his influence and deal with all of this in a second but he doesn't. What's next, dragons in the forest? I can't bear to see what other horrors may visit our school like this."

Fillius looked over at his clearly rattled colleague. "You right Poppy. These last few years show that something else is at foot. Mr. Potter is right in the thick of it and Dumbledore seems to be playing his chess games with students' lives." He turns to Severus, "The only time he behaved in such a way that I was here for was during Voldemort's war. Is it safe to say that he isn't as dead as we've been led to believe?" Severus shook his head. "Then it's likely things will only get worse. Albus will always focus on his bigger picture and the students will only play a minor role in that vision. Even with one as important as Mr. Potter is just as likely to throw him to the wolves if he thinks the boy would grow into the tool he needs. Severus, is Black aware that Voldemort isn't dead?"

Severus' mouth thinned into a line. "I am not entirely certain, but I believe he is. He has amassed a considerable force of the Wizengamot that includes elements that kept him out of the war or even funded the Dark Lord merely because he wasn't Dumbledore or the progressives. He has likely already stripped a good portion of the Dark Lord's financial support with both Malfoy and potentially Nott. Between Dumbledore or Black, I would say Black is in a better position to counter the Dark Lord, should he return. That and Black has already taken steps to safeguard the school and its students. I don't see the man being as careless with collateral damage as Albus has been so far." Flitwick looked at Pomfrey who nodded her head.

He looked over to Snape again, "I imagine your own position won't allow you to make your support of Black as active as our own?" The amused look on Snape's face said it all. "Then Pomfrey and I will take point on this and approach Miss Black and her father once they return from their Yule celebrations. I will leave it to you, Severus, how you'd like to inform us of anything that we and Black should take notice of, though your supply runs to the Hospital Wing should be a good enough cover. For now, I think we should all take these next few days to rest up. I imagine the next few years will be anything but dull."

"Gotcha!" Sirius had to remove a decently sized ball of snow from his face. Yule at the Prasinos was turning out to be a great idea. He got to meet so many members of Sabrina's family and Rhea could literally be just one more of the kids. Said kids and their parents had decided to go for a snowball fight in the Chateau's massive grounds, which reminded him of many wonderful winters in Hogwarts. There was only one complication with the snowball fight. His 13 year girl was too good at the Disillusionment Spell. She was quite literally a ghost and the kids were using her perfectly. They would do a good push of thrown snowballs with the adults dodging and throwing back, only for Rhea to just smack them all either in the face or on the back of the head. And he couldn't even see any bloody tracks on the ground!

The snowball fight went on for an hour, ending when Seraphina called them all inside. The cheer from the victorious kids was heard throughout the house. Sabrina brought him a towel and a cup of hot chocolate. He could only smile. "She really did a number on all of you, huh?" Sirius chuckled, "It might have been more fair if you had joined us, Mage Sight and all." Sabrina smiled and it warmed his body more than the hot drink. "True, but all of us with Mage Sight did get a visit from the kids and bribed to stay out. Besides, I didn't want to spoil Rhea's fun. Or her surprise." Sirius raised his eyebrows, "Surprise?" Sabrina smiled and pointed at his shoulder.

He looked and froze. There on his shoulder was a little owl, deep black plumage with streaks of bronze running horizontally on its chest and it was looking at him with deep cyan eyes. It let out a musical call and Sirius smiled. "So much for calling you pup." The owl made its kyoot like noise again before taking flight and landed on the floor in front of her parents. A few seconds later Sirius' jaw needed to be manually lifted up by Sabrina as Rhea switched from an Owl to a smallish canine. It looked like a scarier form of a wolf and it took Sirius a second to realize what it was. Before he could voice it, Rhea had shifted back to human form and hugged him. "I'll always be pup to you, Dad." So Sirius followed his family into the large room with so many other families scattered around. He decided to just not talk about his little girl having a Grim as an Animagus form, especially when it was still a cute looking puppy.

The gathering was wonderful as he kept chatting with so many people from all walks of life. A few were even non-magical, who were taught the secret and used their knowledge of the non-magical world to help hide any potential evidence. Cameras and electronics were becoming more widespread and hard enough to counter with magical means alone. After a few moments he spotted Sabrina mear Seraphina and he knew his moment had come. He moved towards her as their eyes met and I gave her his most heartfelt smile as he began to kneel in front of her. Chatter around him ended as he pulled out a small ring box. He knew she would yell and smack him later for how expensive the ring was and he just couldn't care. He opened the box and looked at Sabrina's sapphire eyes.

"Sabrina Selene Prasinos. Four years ago you became a part of my life. You are the most beautiful woman in the world to me and the mother of my daughter. By your side, I have known a joy that I never expected to ever find. When I am near you I can only ever feel happiness and when you smile at me I can honestly say I could die happy. Would you honour me, Sirius Orion Black, by accepting me as your fiance and future husband?" The silence is deafening in his ears and he can hear his blood pumping. Her eyes go to the ring, beautifully shaped platinum with waning and waxing moons down the sides and a sapphire rimmed by smaller diamonds in the centre. He can tell she loves it and wants to smack him for it.

"Sirius Orion Black! I should just say no to you and smack you on the head for what I know to be a truly expensive ring! You waited until I was surrounded by family knowing full well what my response would be!" Sirius swore he saw smoke coming out of her ears but all thought in his mind abruptly stopped when she grabbed him by the tie, pulled him up to stand and smashed her lips against his. He could taste some blood as her teeth pulled and nipped at his lips. Eventually, he broke the kiss and if his higher brain was working he would have noticed a few adults covering their children's faces, though Rhea kept her eyes on them and Seraphina just couldn't deny her granddaughter the sight of her parents getting engaged. Sabrina did notice his brain had stopped working and playfully slapped the back of his head.

"My answer to you Sirius Orion Black is, yes." Their next kiss is loving and tender as the chamber is suddenly filled with cheers and whoops. A black and bronze haired missile launched itself at them and hugged them for dear life. Seraphina was already beginning to make a few plans for the future wedding and the Prasinos family descended on the finances, Sabrina sporting an embarrassed blush and Sirius the biggest grin of his life. Rhea made sure to check around and ask every person in the room with a camera to send her photos of tonight. In the morning presents would be opened and families would laugh, smile and enjoy the Yule season. For three people though, they didn't have to wait till morning. They already had the best Yule present they could ever ask for.

In a cave overlooking the valley where Hogwarts Castle stood, a lone woman could be found eating from a basket full of food, much of it still under stasis spells. When the beautiful girl had pinned her down with magic, she had thought that she was done for. She would certainly get the Dementor's Kiss. Instead, the girl had turned out to be family; Family! She made her an oath that didn't conflict with her orders and Bella had been healed. She was still weak and frail but the potions and food were helping and soon she'd be healthy again. She honestly couldn't remember feeling like this. It was in this happy mindset that a pitch black owl landed in front of her carrying a note and a brightly coloured box.

Hi Bella!

We hope this note finds you safe and recovering. Dad wanted to personally retrieve you as soon as I told him about seeing you but we both know the compulsions would have forced you to flee or kill him and we really need him. My promise to you is still going and we should have a remedy by late April. I know you are likely to go out and hunt a Potter again but if you can work it to keep your hunts at a minimum and stay safe then everything should work out. Oh, and the present should come in handy. Azkaban slacks and the clothes you nicked don't do you justice. I know you won't be able to send letters back but do keep an eye out for Nyx here, she will find you no matter where you are. By the time we meet again could you tell me if you prefer me to call you Cousin or Aunt Bella? Andy and Cissa already gave their votes to Aunt so that leaves you. See you soon!

With Love,

from House Black

Bella couldn't help but cry as she finished reading the note. She thought she had lost her family when her father sold her off to a man she hated. She thought she would die in Azkaban and for the longest time that had been her wish. For the pain to end and just be done with it. But her family was still there. Her sisters were waiting to bring her home! Switching into the run stitched clothing Bella slipped into a dream, tears streaking down her cheeks. For the first time in years, they were tears of joy.

This year was Nyx's first as a delivery owl and she made sure to deliver her packages where her Mistress specified. The woman in the cave's smile would please her Mistress, it was the one package she had worked hard to find someone to get ready. Mistress was only good at poking holes in her fingers with needles. Best keep her away from the warm clothes that make clothes. Her next delivery required her to navigate the castle where Mistress studied and reach the dark place beneath the earth. She found the door belonging to the man with greasy hair. His face made Nyx squawk with pleasure as she dropped off the two books Mistress had sent for him. She then found the office high in the towers where the part goblin who Mistress studied under was. Mistress sent him some books on enchanting parchment and ink. She said the part goblin wanted to copy something and needed a helping hand.

The rest of her day she travelled across the British isle, dropping off gifts to family and acquaintances alike. She let the Black with the weird hair colours pet her feathers and drank from her water. The owl treats were nice! Mistress had sent her some boots made of firebreather scales inscribed with some balance and anti magic runes. Mistress wanted her family safe and she would make sure of it. The men and women behind the heavy wards were surprised to see Nyx drop off gifts to their elves. Most of the old houses would be getting enchanted and engraved fountain pens with different inks for them to write on their papers. When Nyx returned to the Grandmother's place on the continent she spotted her Mistress on the roof, her owl calls making Nyx happy. The two owls would fly in the darkening sky as Nyx taught her Mistress to fly with wings. She only hit two tree branches and a closed window, the last making Nyx squawk with laughter. Mistress still had much to learn.

Draco found himself on the receiving end of a hug. Usually, he would mind but Rhea was an exception. He liked it when she hugged him. "Hello Cousin, did you and your family have a good Yule night?" Draco smiled at her. "We did. Thank you and your Family for the gifts. Father has been trying out the fountain pens and likes them. Mom loved the photos you found at Grimmauld Place of her and her sisters and the gloves and pads for Quidditch feel great!" Rhea laughed, the sound warming him inside, "I am glad you liked your gift and thank you for the hairpins." Rhea noted the appearance of his parents. "Lord Malfoy, Aunt Narcissa, Happy New Year's Eve. Thank you for inviting the family into your home." Narcissa pulled the polite girl into a hug. "You and your family are always welcome here, my dear. Nymphadora is already inside and Andy and her husband should be here soon. Please make yourself comfortable."

Rhea lets Draco lead her to the Family Room in Malfoy Manor where they would all be gathering. Dora barely has a second before her cousin tackles her but she keeps balance. "Where's the fire, cousin?" Rhea beamed, "Yes! You're wearing my present!" Dora blinked at her and smiled. "I have had them on every day and haven't tripped since. Even that cursed Troll Leg at Grimmauld Place left me alone." Rhea stilled and Dora noticed, "What?" Rhea squirmed, "I don't think I should say." Dora just stared at her and Rhea relented. "The Troll's leg wasn't cursed, it was Kreacher putting it in your way. He sorta blamed you for making Bella cry when your mom left the house. I had to sit him down and get him to tell me about any other thing he was doing. You shouldn't have any issues at Grimmauld from now on unless you take the boots off." The last she said with a bit of cheek.

Dora hugs Rhea. "Thanks for that. I guess I should probably spend some time talking to Kreacher. Oh, did you get the book? Any other changes?" Rhea shook her head and Draco frowned. "Changes?" Dora let go of Rhea and he saw her close her eyes and focus. Her Black and Bronze hair became blonde then red before reverting to her two tones. Draco stared, "You're a Metamorphmagus too?" Rhea shook her head, "Not like Dora. I can't change shape at all, or skin tone or eye colour. Mom mentioned how my hair never really needed a haircut and Dora said I could have some trace skills. My hair can change color and length but I have to focus hard. Probably doesn't help that I like how I look so I am not really motivated to shift."

Dora gave her a wicked grin. "Any changes in plumbing yet?" Draco didn't get what she said and based on Rhea's reaction, he probably didn't want to know. Rhea's face turned bright red and she proceeded to chase Dora across the large family room, cursing in what he assumed was Greek and casting wandless stinging hexes at her pink haired and laughing cousin. When the adults arrived they all had a chuckle at seeing the two chasing each other. He had no idea how neither had knocked anything over or why his parents didn't stop them. But he was glad they were there. His house really hadn't felt like a home like that until New Year's Eve. It felt right.