Flitwick could say he had a bit of tunnel vision. It works wonders in the Dueling Circuit, as one can easily let the world drop around them and just focus on their opponent. It can also be a bad thing because he was so focused on getting his students to keep such a high level of academic excellence, that he missed the harm he had been doing to them and how they took out their frustrations. He hated the part he had played in Luna Lovegood's bullying, even if it wasn't his choice that led to her pain. It had taken a wonderful new student to show him the problems within the Ravenclaw dorms and fix them. Ever since then he knew that Rhea Black could often serve as a Barometer of sorts. If she was happy and carefree, the entire Ravenclaw Tower felt it and was swept up in it. It was strange but ultimately no one really cared how it came to happen, they just cared that it did and they were along for the ride. Rhea Black's good moods were often and the Tower felt far more welcoming than he ever remembered it being.
So when he saw the entire Ravenclaw Table turn to Rhea with a look of sheer terror, he knew something was wrong. He took one look at Minerva's copy of the Daily Prophet and knew instantly why his Eagles were panicking. Because he too was panicking as he followed the oddly mechanical way Rhea Black left the Great Hall. He knew she could Occlude her mind better than anyone else, probably even better than Snape or Dumbledore. He also knew her mind tended to work in weird ways, despite her clamping down on her feelings. It made for some interesting attempts at conversation after she returned from Yule Break last year, where any questions addressing her former life turned into either a debate on philosophy or a discussion on colours and how visualization works on altering colours in casting Transfigurations or Conjurations. So when he turned the corner and saw Helena lifting up Rhea and helping her walk towards the stairs, he knew this could end really poorly. Occluding one's mind to the point motor functions failed completely was a horrible sign and the girl's magical reserves were a thing of beauty. Right now the thought of the raw magic in her filled him with dread.
"You can help me get her up to the Seventh Floor Professor, but you better pull on your Goblin Magic and wrap yourself in it. Otherwise, you might as well just stay behind." Flitwick knew not to debate with Helena of Ravenclaw. She might have spent over a millennium indulging in self pity but the student currently under her care had woken something up inside of her. She had been much more willing to talk ever since. The moment he placed himself as the support of Rhea Black, he instantly knew why Helena had told him to use Goblin Magic. He had been in the presence of Dementors before but the cold magic leaking from his student was making his body ache in ways he never knew he could. For the first time in years, he felt like had just stumbled out of a life or death battle. The way up to the Seventh Floor was long and painful. They eventually reached a rapidly expanding door that he had never seen before, along with the other three House Ghosts standing by it.
"Simon, Nicholas, Terrance. Round up the other Ghosts. This corridor and all adjacent ones are to be off limits to everyone but Ghosts. Make sure the Hogwarts Elves know and comply. Professor Flitwick, you should go to the Headmaster's Office. I fear this day will not end well if you do not inform the Lord and Lady Black of their daughter's safety." A screech stilled everyone as Nyx flew amongst them before landing on the professor's shoulder. His entire body sagged in relief as his student's magic gathered into her Familiar. Helena nodded, "Nyx, go with him. Your presence alone may still prevent Lady Black's hand from harming those present, as her bond with the girl must be driving her insane with worry. Go. Rhea will be safe and well with me." A quickly solidifying Helena pulled Rhea into the double doors before they vanished. The Bloody Baron bowed to the professor.
"I will escort you out of these corridors, follow me." Flitwick and the Baron would soon reach the closest point to the Headmaster's office when a cold chill raced down his back. The Baron became more defined and seemed to sigh in relief. "You are fortunate to only feel that chilling touch Professor. Were you human alone, the cold that had seeped into your bones from touching her could have cut your life quite short? Beware the cold that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go, Professor. Beware the cold embrace of the grave. To those with Fae Blood, it is painful but not deadly, but to the rest, it can mean a swift end." Flitwick shivered at the Bloody Baron's parting remarks. He made his way towards the Headmaster's office and hoped the Black and Potter families wouldn't descend into war. In a war between them, no one doubts now who would win, only who else would survive.
Sirius had certainly expected many things when he arrived at the Headmaster's Office via Floo. James Potter's fist headed for his face was among those expectations, hence why his wife sent the moron careening back a few feet into one of Dumbledore's book shelves full of trinkets. His Sabrina's words cut through the stunned silence, "If you dare to try and harm my husband again Potter, I will happily send you to an early grave myself." Sirius shivered at the barely contained rage in his wife. Kreacher had been left a lot of repair work at the family table this morning. He had felt magic from furious wixen before, but the Magic that radiated from Sabrina had felt like a living thing; confused, violent and itching for release. His home took a pounding when the paper arrived and when Rhea's connection to her mother went haywire. He watched Lily pick up her husband as Albus tried to play peacekeeper, while his eyes were glued on his wife. Everyone else in the room was threats, but his wife and daughter were everything to him. He would keep his ladies safe.
"Now, now my Lords and Ladies, I am sure we can all be civilized here." James glared at Sirius, "I told you to stay out of it!" Sirius growled as his wand slipped into his hand, magic crackling around it, "and I will tell you, James, that you have no say in this, not after the stunt you pulled before she was even 5 years old! You lost any say in the matter on that day!" Dumbledore tried to lower the tempers again, "Now, I am sure young Halley-" Sabrina couldn't let the moron dare to say his next words. Her daughter detested that name. Goddess she wished she could feel her through the link but right now it felt like Samhain. She was safe at least. She hoped. "Halley Evans is dead. You saw fit to that twice over. Or did you not read Rita's article all the way through? You declared her dead within days of abandoning her and magic itself declared her dead 7 years later! So don't you dare call our daughter by the wrong name again Dumbledore or I will personally deposit you right next to your imprisoned lover's cell in Nurmengard."
That certainly made Dumbledore reach for his wand, only to find Sabrina's pointed right at his eyes, a purple spell literally itching to be released. "Do dare and try it, old man. My family has been itching to pay you back for impeding our call for justice in 1945, we would be more than happy to collect now." The tense nature of the room remained until Flitwick opened the office door. Fawkes lets out a soft melodic call, trying to calm the room, while Nyx lets out an ear piercing screech, not amused with the phoenix. Fillius looks at the scene and awards some Galleons to himself. He knew that the Lady Black would be the scariest person in the room as her magic literally coiled around herself and her wand. Her daughter's terrifying nature had to come from somewhere and Sirius Black could be scary, but the wild energy leaking off his wife was unmistakably dangerous. If there was any doubt she was worthy of being the Lady Black, it's gone now. "My Lady Black, I wish our current meeting was under better circumstances. I am happy to inform you that your daughter is in a safe location currently, and is likely to remain there until she is feeling better."
Dumbledore sits down on his high-backed chair, though Sabrina's wand never lowers from its intended target. "Fillius, while I am certain you have the matter well in hand, perhaps it's best that Pomfrey and some Healers from St. Mungos attend to the girl. I am sure the shock of finding out about her birth pa-" Sirius refused to let the bastard insult him and his wife to their faces, "Our daughter has known about her parentage from long before this morning, Albus. Unlike some people, we don't keep secrets from our loved ones. The only shock she is under is that now she has to deal with morons like you thinking you know better than she does about what she is feeling. Her name is Rhea Black, by blood and magic and if she were here right now she'd show you personally not to get her confused with who she is not." Fillius really wanted to applaud Sirius' choice of words. The man certainly knew how to put Dumbledore in his place, and he was certain the girl would likely shatter any of the Headmaster's defensive spells if she were present. His discussion with Moody made it clear that few if any shields would stand up to her raw power.
The old man, however, didn't take the hint. "Typsy." A Hogwarts elf popped into the room. Flitwick noted that neither the Blacks reacted to the name. Interesting. "Yes, Headmaster Whiskers." Oh, that certainly damaged Albus' ego a bit. Sirius did his best not to react to the elve's pet name for the old man. Albus' eye had a definite twitch to it from hearing that spoken in said company. "Could you bring young Miss Potter here to meet her family?" The elf stared at the Headmaster. "Sorry Headmaster Whiskers, there is no Miss Potter in the school save Lady Potter here." Dumbledore sighs, "Could you please bring Miss Black here? Her family wishes to see her." The elf shakes its head, "Typsy can't bring Miss Black here. Miss Black needs her rest. Hogwarts says so and Hogwarts overrules Headmaster Whiskers. Typsy is going now. Typsy has work to do for Hogwarts." The elf pops away and Sirius is doing his best to keep a straight face. So is Fillius. Albus just stares at the spot where the elf had been, trying to figure out how a castle could overrule him.
Nyx takes this moment to fly into the room proper and lands on Sabrina's outstretched arm, her red eyes fixed on Sabrina's. Nyx eventually jumps onto Sabrina's shoulder after a silent conversation passes between the Death Omen and her Mistress' mother. "Thank you, Nyx. You send our girl home when she's ready." The Familiar hoots. Sabrina turns her now glowing eyes towards the Potters. "Lady Potter, you should read up on what exactly your husband did when he "disowned" his child. I am sure you will then understand exactly why neither of you has any rights at all when it comes to Rhea. She is a Black and the entire House has recognized her as such." She turns to look at Dumbledore. "She is also a Prasinos, recognized by our Matriarch and the entire family as of our blood. We aren't fooling around here, Dumbledore. Our family has had a score to settle with you for almost 50 years now. We would love to collect. Neither your Ministry, your Order or that stolen stick of wood you carry will spare you of our family's judgement."
Sabrina's mention of the Elder Wand sends cold shivers down Dumbledore's spine as he wasn't aware how anyone else would know about it. He knows he has lost this day. "Very well. We will not force the matter. But young Miss P-" Dumbledore choked on his words as Nyx lands on his desk and screeches at him, causing even Fawkes to make a conciliatory chirp. The Death Omen glares at the Phoenix who hangs his head quietly. "-Miss Black has the right to interact with the Potters if she wishes to." Sirius looked at James and gave him an evil grin. "Do those interactions include jinxes and curses? She's been dying to test a few she learned from her Aunts Andy, Cissa and Bella. She especially liked a few Dorea left behind for the Blacks to use on the would be family members." James paled visibly, knowing just how violent his mother could get when pissed. Dumbledore sighed, "We will ask all involved to keep their wands away." Sabrina couldn't help but add, " … until they are called for. Be sure to never give our Families a reason to fight, Potter. We will be happy to finish it quickly. We actually have things to do other than jumping at shadows. Like caring for our own."
The Blacks left soon after Sabrina's last words through the Floo, as The Potters and Flitwick left a pensive Dumbledore to his thoughts. Lily looked at the Charms Professor with pleading eyes, "Fillius…" Flitwick sighed, "While you were a favoured student of mine, do not think I will break my word as Head of House to aid you and your conscience. I suggest you look at yourself and realize the blame you carry. I believe she has made her choice about speaking to you clear many times since she arrived at this school from her refusal to spend even a modicum of time with you and I doubt anyone will change her mind. As for your son, she doesn't blame him for the role he played in your lives." He saw a bit of hope come into their eyes. Best not to feed it. "She blames you for the role you forced upon him. And she won't ever let you forget it."
Hermione cried. She couldn't help herself. Rita may have exaggerated and fed Henry's ego, but the article in her hands came with all the proper documentation. Everything was in order. Rhea had once been Halley Potter. That she had all but accepted in her heart after breaking down in the study group's classroom. No, she cried because the abandonment, disownment and near death in 1988 hadn't been the sum of Halley's troubles. Rita couldn't find any medical evidence or record of Halley's state, but the eyewitness statements made it clear. Hermione's parents were dentists and they had taught her what they had learned, to read between the lines. As dentists, they saw their fair share of children and would need to inform Child Services if they ever spotted the signs. Abuse. Years and years of abuse at the hands of her guardians after being abandoned and neglected by her birth parents while her only remaining family remained imprisoned in Azkaban for 9 years. She was thankful to Rhea's mom for saving her friend.
Every time she read the eyewitness accounts, she saw Rhea in her mind. Her friend was smiling and laughing with everyone, just like all of them. Then she remembered all the somber facts Rhea would occasionally mention, bits of cold hard wisdom that left her stunned. Her cold assessments of the world, her blunt description of Henry's character flaws and her adamant refusal to be directly involved in aiding him. Rhea hadn't helped Hermione with planning for the First Task because of Henry, but only because she had asked it of her. The signs had always been there, just underneath the words and actions. She had just failed to see it. Like they all did. Now they all knew and Susan was bloody right. It's worse knowing. And who knew what other horrors Rhea was hiding, buried deep… Hermione's mind snaps back to the moment Rhea had fainted in October. How she would disappear over long stretches of time and form a relationship with Fleur, one that still showed her hesitating to be physical with her girlfriend and where they still kept all physical displays of affection minimal. Even at the Ball, while their dancing was close and clearly enjoyed, it lacked any of the physical closeness some of the dances were famous for.
She remembered what she had read about Veela after Ron had so blatantly stated that Fleur had to be of their race. The Allure would draw out the desires and urges of all who find women attractive, pulling them into fantasies built on by desire and experience. Hermione had laughed when all Ron could describe was that he wanted to take Fleur to a broom cupboard and snog. She had blushed when she had once caught herself fantasizing about kissing Fleur while close to her. But Rhea had an adverse reaction, similar to a panic attack. Fantasies are built on desire and experience. Systematic abuse of a minor for years. Could they have… Her heart started to crack as she realized why Rhea had been absent so long. Rape. One of her friends had been raped before coming to school. And she didn't see the signs. Hermione smacked her head against the table repeatedly until she felt someone's hands pull her away. She looked into Daphne's worried eyes. "Hermione, whatever it is your thinking about, you have to stop." Hermione's eyes watered, "But… " Daphne shook her head, "No buts. Stop thinking about what she went through, stop drowning yourself in guilt for not seeing the signs. Stop trying to figure out what else could be wrong with your friend."
Hermione was pulled into a hug. "Rhea came to my house and saw my sister in pain. She didn't ask why, she may have guessed the how, but none of that mattered. She only cared about helping my sister, about being there for her, making sure she felt like a kid. She helped her because it's what she wanted to and knew how. Let Rhea come back and be herself again. Let her be just another gifted student. If she asks for help, give it. If she looks like she needs it but won't say anything, then give it. But stop looking for scars she has already healed or has found a way to heal herself in her own way. Let her be your friend. Let her just be Rhea. Everything else will come at it's own time." Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat. Daphne was right. Rhea hadn't asked them for help because they wouldn't be able to. They were all kids, how could they help her? At least not directly. She had friends, all of whom made her feel normal. Made her feel alright. For now, that would have to be enough.
Lunch after the chaos at breakfast was a subdued affair. Rhea was still missing, Dumbledore had not come down from his office to eat and Professor Potter looked utterly heartbroken. Hermione could see why she still showed up though. She was sitting next to him. Henry looked absolutely devastated. He had called the article a lie at first, until his own mother came to him earlier and explained to him that it was all true, as far as they knew. Hermione couldn't blame him for feeling horrible. He hadn't realized it until everyone else did, but he had been verbally assaulting his twin sister for over a year, accusing her of trying to kill him. He had ignored her all year and had even threatened her at the start of it. Yet here he was alive, and mostly fully healed. All because of her. Hermione could literally watch the guilt building inside of him. She hoped it helped him realize what kind of person he had become. She hoped it made him a better person.
That particular hope ended when the Lunch crowd parted and started heading for class and Henry went straight for Draco. What had Rhea called him after Hermione told her about them breaking into the Slytherin Common Room with a Polyjuice Potion; a self righteous egotist. Hermione had to give it to Rhea, she could certainly read people. "You stay away from my sister Malfoy. I won't have her join you and the other Junior Death Eaters!" Draco actually sighed, "As much as I would love to spar words with you Potter, we do have a class coming up and while you may plan to ride your fame into the ground, some of us actually want to do something with our lives. And I am sure you noticed, but my dear cousin is more than capable of taking care of herself. She is a Black after all." Hermione could see Henry was about to hex Draco and grabbed his arm.
"Henry, please think. Hexing the cousin she spends her weekends with won't make Rhea look at you for anything except hexing you back." Henry stilled and eventually allowed himself to be pulled away. They eventually made it to Binns classroom and started pulling out their note taking materials. "Hermione… do you think Halley will ever come back to us?" Hermione sighed as she sat down next to Henry. "I think you need to not think of her as Halley. She reacted poorly to the front page of the article and I don't think it was because she discovered a secret like you did. I think she reacted poorly because she knows what's going to happen now. People are going to expect things from her that she refuses to be. She's not a Potter, she probably doesn't see herself as your twin and she probably hates her name. If you want something more between you besides glares, maybe start by remembering her name is Rhea Black, and treat her and her family better."
Henry looked at her and shook his head. "Hermione, you haven't heard what we have heard. They forced a review of the laws banning Blood Magic and even Necromancy. No good can come of that. They are helping the Dark get stronger and when Voldemort returns, it just means more people to fight, more senseless killing. We can't let that happen." Hermione sighed. "Whatever is happening, there isn't much you can do. You can't force people to think the way you want them to. You'd be no different than Voldemort, just from the other side." Henry stared at Hermione, "Don't joke about that Hermione. I am nothing like that monster." Henry stopped talking to her for the rest of the day after that. Hermione desperately wished Rhea would get better soon. She really wanted to see her friend again.
Rhea shifts into some very comfortable sheets and frowns. She hadn't gone to bed that day. She remembered breakfast, that stupid newspaper and then the Come and Go Room. She opened her eyes and sat up, taking in her surroundings. The place looked and felt like the Ravenclaw Common Room, but it looked more like a private apartment. It sort of reminded her of her room aboard the Nile River Cruise. It was spacious, well decorated and filled with personal touches. It felt like a home. She saw an almost solid looking Helena stand up from a chair sitting close to the bed, the beautiful lady placing a book on the table before sitting beside Rhea on the bed, her hand pressed against Rhea's forehead. "Your Death Magic seems to be fully settled, though I can feel it closer to the surface than before. You may wish to check your books on Necromancers, but I think this is a normal happening as you grow into your magic."
Getting a feel for her throat and finding her voice box isn't wrecked, Rhea responds. "I think I remember something about Necromancer bodies running differently than typical magical and non-magical bodies. Running colder was definitely mentioned, but my heart literally stopping wasn't on the list." Helena thinks about it. "My aunt never mentioned it and she was under a lot of stress, so if anything would have triggered it, she would have lived it. You may want to check the Peverell Journals, as their connection to Death is certainly… unique amongst Necromancers." Rhea nodded before she stretched, feeling a lot of bones popping into place. "So, how long was I out and what have I missed?" Helena shrugged. "Two days and nights. You had a lot of Death Magic built up and you actually spent most of the first day and night in the Room of Requirement. You've been here for the time afterwards. Typsy." The elf pops in with a tray of food. "Mistress Helena said young Mistress would be hungry, Typsy asked young Mistress' Kreacher the lady's favourite meal. Kreacher helped Typsy prepare it for the young Mistress."
Rhea blushed and made plans to get some thank you gifts for Kreacher and Typsy. "Mistress thanks Typsy for her care." The elf beamed before popping away. Helena looked amused, "She is going to drive the Elves up the walls with that. For the Mistress of Hogwarts to recognize her work and speak as the elves do, you could see a lot more elaborate meals at your table." Rhea groaned. "Remind me to catch up to them and to either get the food spread out amongst the students or ask them to save it for when I am not eating at the Great Hall. I am going to have enough attention on me already as it stands right now." Helena hummed, "That is already underway. Your parents almost killed the Headmaster as he tried to strong arm his way through the situation. The Potters left a bit dejected and if word among the students is accurate, they have been making waves at the Wizengamot and the Ministry."
Eating into some delicious blueberry pancakes, Rhea gathered her thoughts. "I imagine they won't get far there either. The Noble Families will be disgusted with them and The Ministry can't make any illegal moves while they are quite literally under greater scrutiny. Dad must be enjoying himself while Mom… " Rhea opens up her link to her mother and feels her sudden elation " … has been worried sick." Rhea finishes her breakfast and explores the chambers for a bit, trying not to think about what a mess she might walk out into. There was always the Disillusionment charm. The books on the bookshelves are all in Old English and a few in written Celtic, which surprised her since so few Druids ever wrote their knowledge down. The place features a massive bathtub, several closets filled with really old looking garments, an old potion's lab with jars of ingredients that have already gone inert over the centuries, a small ritual chamber and a workshop filled with wandmaking and enchanting materials. Rhea turns to a watchful Helena. "This is our family's chamber in the castle, isn't it?"
Helena smiled and nodded. "Mother designed the rooms, though she and my Aunt added aspects of the Room of Requirement into it after it was completed. You should be able to expand it and add a kitchen, guest rooms and others with but a thought and the family ring against the walls. Getting plumbing to work will take a bit of creativity on how to connect it though, as the castle predates the bathroom by quite a lot. The old massive pipes that Salazar laid down were for his Basilisk, not the nonexistent bathrooms." Rhea's eyes focused on a moving painting in what she felt was the family room. In the centre of it were two women, clearly sisters, one holding a baby while a little girl cooed at it. A man with a massive mane of red hair and a thick beard was arguing with a slightly older man with a well trimmed beard and moustache. Two of the women around the sisters could be seen cooing over the baby before looking at the arguing men and sighing, before descending into giggles. Rhea's hand touched the painting gently.
"This…is why you came back, isn't it? Why do you refuse to leave?" Helena looked on with a sad smile. "There isn't much left of us in the world. Salazar's family suffered after he lost his wife and later died. Godric's line may linger, but the Family Magicks that tied them to the school died away. Helga never had children of her own and didn't take any as Heirs. You and I are all that is left." Rhea reached out and rubbed Helena's back. "I would love to live here in our family's Chambers, but for now I need to keep my inheritance secret. While Dumbledore's powerbase outside of Hogwarts remains intact, I can't expose myself." Helena nodded, "Even so, Hogwarts and its denizens will protect you, my lady. Never forget that."
"Look Amelia, this is private business between me and Sirius. Stay out of it." The growl he got in response made James Potter take a step back. He had seen Amelia angry or annoyed before, but the witch in front of him was at another level of rage. "It stopped being private the moment you petitioned the Ministry to reclaim rights over your former daughter. You don't get to hide behind the excuse of family business anymore! Now sit down before I stun and bind you myself." James sat down reluctantly. Amelia went over the papers on her desk. "Let me start this off by saying that you have almost no chance of reclaiming custody. Her Gringotts Test makes it clear that she was blood adopted fully by both her parents. The Family Magick of the Blacks recognize her as Heiress and she is even registered in the ICW as Rheannon Sabrina Black-Prasinos. Even if you somehow get custody here, the ICW would rule against you and that would end all further attempts." James grunted. "Amelia, I can't just let this slide. They stole my daughter from me!"
Amelia dropped a folder in front of him. "Let's get this out of the way James, you disowned her! She literally stopped being a Potter before she started primary, so you have no claim to her. Your wife could have claimed her if she hadn't been Blood Adopted by a mother but she was. Worse, even if you could claim Lily Evans had custody over her you'd then have this!" A much bigger folder was dropped in front of him. "The Lady Black isn't stupid James, she documented every injury her daughter sustained at the Dursley's care. Every single one! I only managed to go one page before my stomach turned and I had to stop at the second before I was tempted to go to your office and curse you. If your in-laws were alive right now there would be no court in Magical Britain that would for one moment charge any Wixen should they be found dead the next morning. While a good number of the public are not sure what to make of the accusations levelled against you, about half would be glad to get a curse sent out your way on sight." James lowered his eyes at that. He had read the accusations in Rita's article but he had no idea it was that bad. He went to reach for the folder before Amelia pulled it away.
"This was sent to me with the understanding that it would never see the light of day. The Blacks' trust in me is the only reason I even got to see it. I am showing you that the file exists as a bloody courtesy Potter. You try to force the Blacks to surrender custody, you somehow potion the girl into forgiving you, or Goddess forbid Dumbledore pulls every favour in his entire life to get her back in your possession and I will personally charge you and your wife with accessory to every single crime here. I don't care if you slip the charges, I don't care if Dumbledore bails you out, I will happily drag you and your wife to hell itself if I have to for that girl. The Blacks are not personally interested in ending you because as much as they want it to be otherwise, Henry is still family and they refuse to make an orphan out of your son after what you did to your own daughter. Do you understand me?"
James nodded, feeling sick to his stomach. "Amelia, you need to understand. I never wanted any of this to happen. Lily believed Petunia would care for the girl. We were sure she had no magic, that Voldemort had stolen it from her. Petunia would have no reason to treat her badly." Amelia stared at the man. "James, if you speak another word that isn't strictly necessary I will spell your mouth shut. You could have raised her at home, and taught her to be a successful muggle if necessary. She could have lived a good life, even ignoring the fact that her magic is back and has been able to surpass any expectations that anyone could ever hope to have. The Unspeakables are literally salivating at the idea that she could join their ranks and Croaker is doing his best not to piss off Sirius by keeping his eggheads in line. You are singularly responsible for every single terror visited upon that girl. I don't have to tell you how your own parents would have taken this."
The wince that James experienced practically cracked his jaw. Charlus would probably have stripped him of every knut and forced him to work for the rest of his life, while Dorea would have gone creative. He may have loved his mother but she was very much a Black. She may have tolerated his pranks but he always dreaded stepping over a line. He was sure she would have skinned him alive. For this… his soul literally shook. "So I should just drop it? Let them keep my daughter?" Amelia glared at him. "You declared your daughter dead in 81. Congratulations James, you got your wish. Rhea Black isn't Halley Potter, she isn't Henry's sister or even your child. She is the very happy daughter of Sirius and Sabrina Black. If you wish to live long enough to see your grandkids or even great grandkids, you will leave her alone and you will drop this matter entirely. As much as I would love to fire you, you have been a great Head Auror and after the incident at the World Cup, I simply can't afford to lose you. Even with half of Magical Britain out for your head. Now go before I change my mind and Hex you and decide to promote Scrimgeour to Head Auror. Steer clear of Hogwarts too. Word is that Moody likes the girl and you just painted a target on your back."
James left soon after, returning to his home. He buried his face in his hands and sighed. Dumbledore had been so sure that her magic was gone. Could the Blood Adoption have saved it? Is that how she came to be at Hogwarts? He honestly didn't know. He didn't know what to do. His wife had been furious when he explained why he disowned his daughter and Henry had been utterly heartbroken. He said that for the longest time, he had wanted a sister. That it had felt as if actually had one and that somehow, one day that feeling had ended. When he asked his son when that was he dreaded hearing that it had been 6 years ago in Samhain. He said it had felt longer than that, but couldn't place it. Magical Twins are said to have a link tying them together. Raised together, the children could practically think the same thoughts at the same time, and even communicate across distances. The Weasley Twins could tell when the other was hurt and could switch words in a sentence effortlessly. What Henry must have felt was that link breaking permanently.
He looked at the photo on his desk of his son and wife happily visiting the Hebridean Black Reserves in the North. He had no choice. For Henry and his family's future, he had given up on his daughter, ending her connection to the family permanently. He had made his choice and now he would have to stick to it. He started writing his letters, cancelling all his petitions. James would do what he decided to do in 81. He would care for his son, the future of his family and the Light's hope against the possible return of the Dark Lord. He just hoped his wife forgave him.
Sirius finished writing his last letter for the day and had it with the rest transferred by mailbox to Gringotts. The chaos in the Noble Families was simmering down and he wasn't about to let mail interceptions stand in his way. Gringotts will make sure the letters are received safely. James had initially requested Rhea's guardianship be revoked in front of the whole Wizengamot, which made his blood boil and Sabrina's magic crackle on her skin. Ted represented the family and Rhea's interests and brought forward all the documents they were willing to share. The full medical workup Sabrina had produced when she took her daughter in was a last resort, one they knew wouldn't be entirely admissible but it was enough to force the issue against the Potters. Rhea had come a long way from the beaten down and traumatized little girl that was rescued from near death and she wouldn't want to be associated with James or Lily, with Henry doing a poor job of being approachable despite her being civil. Ted presented the evidence of disownment as recorded by the Ministry and by Gringotts, making it clear that James Potter had disowned one Halley Potter prior to her 5th Birthday, thereby negating his claim of still being the girl's father. This caused a great deal of ire thrown James Potter's way, as he had effectively ceased any childcare payments with that stunt. Half of the Light faction looked like they wanted to murder their fellow Lord.
Ted then presented the documents detailing Sirius Black's status as sworn Godfather and having named her his Heiress, which automatically made her the concern of House Black after the disownment and then presented all the legal documents that the family filled in 1991 confirming her identity as Rheannon Black, detailing her Blood Adoption and the full guardianship documentation filled listing her as the Child of Sirius Black and Sabrina Praesinos. The Potters tried framing the actions of Sabrina as kidnapping and even murder, accusing her of killing the Dursleys. He had to hold back his wife as she dared James Potter or anyone else to say that again, as she'd happily drag them into an Honor Duel right now on the Chamber's stage. The Magic leaping and crackling across the wards that protected the Black family Seats made everyone, including James, cringe. No one dared to repeat that statement. Rita wisely kept it out of her report on the Wizengamot session the next day too. The matter was settled when a Gringotts document was presented listing her as Rhea's mother via magical bond prior to the Blood Adoption. All the Lords and Ladies looked at Lady Black in amazement as a Magical Bond between a parent and child was considered the envy of any family. Bonds were rare enough between siblings alone.
Lastly, they provided medical evaluations done by Andromeda, Lady Abbott, as well as Pomfrey's mental evaluation of Rhea upon entering the Healers elective, all of which left no doubt that Rhea Black was well adjusted, stable and that she was a happy member of the Black Family. Dumbledore's face when Madam Pomfrey's sworn testimony was read to the Chamber had been priceless. Rhea was initially left as a Black family ward as the DMLE looked into the matter but that ended a few days later when Amelia presented her findings and James Potter retracted his request. Amelia would confide in Sirius that she had warned James personally to back off. She had taken the report of Rhea's abuse hard, confessing to reading it with a lot of alcohol on hand. She would protect Sirius' daughter from any illegal activities by the Ministry and the Wizengamot for as long as she could. Rhea was finally officially recognized as a full Member of the Black Family and the Potter's had no rights to claim guardianship ever again. The Potters and Dumbledore were lucky they didn't get served a restraining order after the amount of effort they went through to even get the matter before the full Wizengamot. Sabrina had warned that any attempts at potioning or obliviating their daughter would bring the entire House of Black on their heads. Everyone cringed, knowing that the infamous Black Sisters were all a part of that threat. They had been a terror at Hogwarts and no one wanted to see them in open war on the same side.
Keeping Sabrina's mood swings over her missing daughter in check had been a bit harder after the mess in the Wizengamot. Her bond had gone quiet as usual whenever their daughter slipped into the Veil, now that she knew what it was, though the connection's existence itself kept her from getting too depressed. His thoughts on how to keep his wife upbeat were interrupted by Nyx landing on his desk. While Nyx was added to the wards, it never ceased to terrify him how easily the Death Omen could just appear in a given room with no windows or doors open. Then again, there is no way to ward against the Veil and Rhea had explained that when Nyx felt so inclined, she would just travel across the Veil rather than in the skies, bypassing all physical restrictions. Safe to say, no letters she carried could ever be intercepted or altered by anyone. That was always a relief for the family. "Sabrina, our daughter sent a letter!" Sirius waited for his wife to arrive before he opened the envelope.
Hi Dad, Hi Mom
First things first, I am perfectly fine now. Helena has been keeping an eye on me and making sure I didn't hurt myself. I am really, really sorry about how I reacted. I thought I had prepared myself for when the bloody news would get out. I haven't stepped out into the school proper yet, but I know Kreacher and Typsy got my favourite breakfast ready. Need to get something else as a present for Kreacher other than that locket Regulus left him. Heard Mom almost butchered the Meddling Goat in his office. Can I please get a copy of that memory? Nyx doesn't want to share hers, something about not wanting to think about the singing overgrown, overcooked chicken in the room. By the way, I know I could say this in words but they get lost in translation, so I am writing it down. When I have kids, I will be thinking of being as caring and awesome as you Mom as my inspiration. When I have to deal with the idiots around me, I promise to keep your lessons in mind Dad. You are the only parents I ever want in my life. Nothing will ever change that. Needed to write this down otherwise my brain would just go with "I love you both so much!" See you soon and teach the meddlers a lesson!
Love, Rhea
P.S. Nyx said Mom asked her to do something for you. She says "Never breaking my word!" ;)
Sabrina was really teary eyed as she finished reading her daughter's letter when the promise clicked in her head. That and the hug she and Siriua got from behind was a good clue. "Is it bad I don't want to go back to school?" Sirius barked out a laugh as he hugged his daughter back, kissing her hair. Sabrina kissed her cheek. "Usually I would say yes, but I think we can make an exception for today." Their daughter would spend some time talking about the Ravenclaw Chambers and the neet stuff in there, including a moving but silent painting of the Founders. Sirius got his little girl to go scarlet when he asked if she was excited to have her girlfriend back and Sabrina just sat back every once in a while to just take in the sight. She really loved having her family back together again.
Hermione and everyone else were sitting down at the Study Groups table, preparing to cover the last History assignment Binns set for the class. While Henry, Neville and Ron had hated the change in Binns, Hermione had been ecstatic. While she was one of a few people who could survive the old Binns droning lectures while staying mostly awake, the Binns of the last year was a great teacher, often clarifying how certain events get twisted and warped by propaganda, popular beliefs and even outright rewriting of History. His lesson on the story of King Arthur, Merlin and Morgana had been really riveting, as it all but shattered what the stories she had read, even after joining the Magical World.
The Slytherin's had been disappointed that the Merlin mentioned as being from their house in the chocolate frog cards and elsewhere wasn't the original Merlin but a possible descendant who happened to be the last of the Emrys line. How Morgana hadn't started out as a Dark Witch but had been a strong advocate for the Rights of Magical Creatures and including them into the decision making in Camelot. How Arthur had initially hated Magic because he had always been told his mother had died because of it and his father had gone on a crusade against all magic, embracing the Roman import of Christianity in the process. The most interesting thing Binns said was that Morgana gaining the last name of Le Fay wasn't as a family name or an attempt to distance herself from her brother, but had actually been the acknowledgement of Magical Creatures faith in her, calling her one of their own. It had been a title and a privilege.
Hermione was just thinking that Rhea would be mad that she missed such an interesting class when she looked up and froze. There, seated opposite of her, was Rhea, pulling out her notebooks and fountain pens. She noticed Hermione staring at her and smiled, a genuinely warm smile. "So, what did I miss these last three days?" The entire room stopped, looked at her and suddenly bursted into a cacophony of noise. Draco got pulled into a hug by Rhea as she just listened to her friends telling her what she missed, the smile remaining clear for all to see. Hermione looked over towards Susan and Daphne, who smiled and nodded at her. They were right. This. This right here was what Rhea wanted from her friends. Hermione pulled out a list of assignments from the courses she knew Rhea didn't take any advanced studies in and passed it along. Rhea looked at it and laughed. In that moment, Hermione knew that her friend was alright.