Chapter Nineteen: Courting
Hadrian always was under the impression that the Quidditch stadium that the National Bulgarian Quidditch team always practices at is just that—just a mere stadium. He couldn't be anymore mistaken in his misconceptions when he realised that sometimes, due to late night training, or even overnight training sessions, there were dormitories built for players of the National team so that they have somewhere to sleep if they're too exhausted to go home.
Though it seems like the National team has some very generous sponsors, due to the fact how there are also various recreational facilities, and even an indoor and outdoor bath installed. There is even a garden built at the back—complete with flowers of all kinds, a fountain, a pond and even a veranda.
Hadrian almost itched to get his painting supplies out when he saw how the garden looked, especially with the sun's rays reflecting the surface of the pond, with the occasional koi fish leaping out of the water.
For several long moments, neither one of the two said anything, with Viktor leaning against one of the support pillars of the veranda as he waited patiently for Hadrian to speak. The petite omega is just staring at his feet as if seeing something particularly fascinating there—which frankly, amuses Viktor in a way.
"So, uh…" Hadrian finally broke the several long minutes of silence after the ten minute mark, finally looking up and meeting with Viktor's eyes. "I heard about it from Viviane a few days ago, and she mentioned that you and Lucas' older sister both were scheduled try-outs with the National Bulgarian team today?"
Well, that explains how Hadrian knew how to find him, then. If his little sister didn't have her heart set on becoming a professional violinist, she could have become an Unspeakable, or even a reporter.
Viktor gave a small smile and nodded. "We're just trainees and reserves at the moment, considering our age." Viktor explained. It is also part of international laws that the World Court had implemented centuries ago that a frontline player on a National team must be at the minimum, at the age of fifteen, considering how dangerous a game of Quidditch could be in the professional circuit. Not just Quidditch either, but sports like broom gliding and the like are also answerable to that rule. "Though considering that their current Seeker and one of the Chasers are already looking at retirement in a year or two, chances are good that Natasha and myself could likely be on the main team after our Fifth Year. We might even be able to go to the Quidditch World Cup if we do well." He added.
Hadrian made a non-committal sound in his throat.
"I can't give you an answer just yet." Hadrian said suddenly, and Viktor only blinked with the sudden change in topic. The omega looked down at his feet again. "I don't know what I feel for you. I don't know whether what I feel for you is 'like' or 'love'. It won't be fair to you if I…we…proceed with whatever this is until I can be certain of what I feel for you. So until then, Viktor." Hadrian looked up again. "Will you wait for my answer?"
Viktor will be lying if he said he isn't disappointed, but then again, he will be surprised if Hadrian actually accepted him at this point. Besides, Hadrian isn't exactly saying no to him at this point. He just wants time to determine his own feelings—something that Viktor can accept.
While Viktor already knew and is well aware of his own feelings for Hadrian since he was about eleven, he knew that most twelve-year-olds won't. Heck, for some, bonding and marriage is as far from their mind as possible.
Viktor nodded. "…Yes, I'll wait," he responded. "I'll wait until you have an answer for me. Even still, I will still like to court you, and to get to know you better, and vice versa. Will you permit me to do that, Hadrian?"
XXXXXX
"What is the counter spell for the Disintegrating Curse, again?" Lucas Michaelis was very confused, looking through the books currently in front of him at Grim Manor, with Mikhail Vasilev, Viviane Krum and Draco Malfoy doing much the same thing.
Ever since Draco, Lucas, Mikhail, Viviane and Hadrian have become friends, they have often spent their summer holidays over at each other's homes. It helps that all of them have homes in the Alinea District which makes it easier to visit each other. The fact that their older siblings (Viktor and Natasha) and cousins (Alec) were also best friends is a bonus.
Though it sure did come as a surprise to most of them that Mikhail is actually Alec's second cousin, with their mothers being cousins. It did however explain lots of things to the older students just why Alec tends to watch out for Mikhail at school though.
Today, the group of them, minus Hadrian who is gone to who knows where, is currently working on their Dark Arts and Defence homework.
"Uh…"
The clueless looks that Mikhail, Viviane and even Draco exchanged with each other is very telling, and Lucas gave a groan, letting his head fall with a light thud atop his books.
"Where's Hadrian?" Mikhail sighed, looking at Draco. "He's top of the year when it comes to Defence. We can use his help."
"He said something about buying something from Liese's shop for his upcoming heat." Draco answered, his nose buried in one of the books around him, but none of his friends were fooled—they could see how pink that Draco's ears have gotten. "And I believe he also said something about visiting Viktor."
"Why are you blushing, Draco?" Mikhail teased the blonde who spluttered, causing half the table to laugh, as they know exactly why Draco is so embarrassed.
"Didn't we already have that Sex-Ed talk in Cultural class?" Lucas chimed in next, grinning like an imp. "You should know what goes on during heats and ruts."
"Can you both stop talking for a second?" Draco cried out, burying his head beneath his book. "There are things I would rather not know about my cousin, thank you very much!"
The sound of the door to Grim Manor opening caught all their attention just then, and as one, they turned around.
"What's this about me?" Hadrian Potter asked with confusion, looking at his cousin and his friends. "And is there a studying session that I've forgotten about?" He blinked doe-like eyes at his friends, with Viktor behind him that is looming rather like a very scary and tall butler, much to Viviane's amusement.
"Nah, I was just hanging out at Mikhail's house this morning, and then Viviane mirror called me, asking about some homework questions. So we decided it a good idea to do our Defence summer homework together." Lucas answered with a grin.
"What are you doing here, big brother?" Viviane asked, a grin on her face as she looked at her brother.
Viktor muttered something beneath his breath, his ears turning red. "None of your business, scamp." He grumbled, only making Viviane grin wider. "Where's Sirius?"
"In his study." Draco pointed upwards with his quill.
The group of twelve-year-olds only watched silently as Viktor and Hadrian walked up the stairs that leads to the upstairs rooms, and even Sirius' study. Viktor and Viviane not only lived next door to them after all. They also grew up together. Viktor and Viviane both were frequent visitors to Grim Manor as much as Draco and Hadrian have been to Krum Manor.
Heck, Hadrian's bedroom window overlooks Viktor's!
"You know, I think I can use a break." Draco declared, suddenly getting to his feet.
The other three exchanged grins before nodding. "Yeah, us too."
XXXXXX
Sirius Black was cooped up in his study as usual, looking over the various papers that is pretty much a summary of what had happened during the last Wizengamot meeting that he had attended, and proposals of new bills that are currently in discussion to be passed or rejected.
Even prior to his unlawful imprisonment at Azkaban when he was in Britain, Sirius had started attending Wizengamot meetings at Britain with his grandfather when he'd turned fifteen to prepare himself for his future role. This never stopped even when he'd left home and had all but moved in with the Potters. Heck, James had attended those meetings with him even.
Hence, Sirius is quite well-versed in politics and the politicking that went on during those 'debates'. While Bulgaria's political scene isn't quite as bad as the one in Britain where you have people plotting against you everywhere, it is still a shark-infested sea to navigate.
The house is quiet that day; unusual, considering that it's the summer holidays.
Remus is currently who knows where—muttering something about an appointment earlier that morning when he had left the house, whereas Narcissa is out meeting a client.
With Draco now having gone off to school, Narcissa is now actively working at her career as an event planner—something that she had gotten the license for not long after they've moved to Bulgaria, but was only doing it on a part-time basis due to her priority being the children—Draco and Hadrian. She does also assist Sirius with the duties of the Lady of the house, since the latter isn't married—a duty that Narcissa is more than happy to hand off to someone else if the way that she had been on a bit of a matchmaking spree for Sirius and Liese is of any indication.
The kids, which Sirius knew from his head house elf, Lina, is currently having a study session in the sitting area, minus Hadrian whom Sirius knew is out getting some stuff for his upcoming heat. He still gets angsty if he lets Hadrian out of his sight for long, but Sirius is trying his best to let Hadrian spread his wings a bit and become more independent, like what Liese had suggested to him, as it just isn't healthy for them both.
Sirius, as Lord Black, also controls the wards on Grim Manor; hence, he is well aware of the moment when Hadrian had returned home, also with Viktor with him. Thus, he isn't too surprised when there was a knock on his study room door not long after their return.
"Enter."
The door swung opened, and Sirius smiled even as Hadrian scampered over to him, and the former engulfed the child into a hug, inhaling his scent of apples and peppermint. Hadrian adores his hugs, and Sirius willingly indulged the child, thanks to everything that had happened over in Britain. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that young omegas crave for close skin contact with those whom they trusted. It tends to get a lot worse the closer they are to their heat.
"Hey Bambi." Sirius murmured into the soft hair. "Welcome home."
"I'm home." Hadrian murmured in return. "Viktor is asking to have an audience with you." He blinked doe-like eyes at his godfather.
"Oh?"
When Sirius set eyes on Viktor, he felt the ends of his lips curling into a smile with the unsure look on the face of the Krum heir. He had a feeling he knew what Viktor is here for, and he is both dreading and looking forward to it when he knew of Viktor's feelings for his child.
Viktor cleared his throat nervously, shifting on his feet. Come on, Viktor, out with it! He scolded himself mentally. "Lord Black, I'm officially requesting and informing you of my intentions to court your Heir," he said, relieved when his voice came out steady. "Will you grant me that chance?"
Sirius fought very hard to keep his face straight. He already knew that this day is coming for awhile now. Only a blind man can't tell that Viktor had been carrying a torch for Hadrian since they were small. Viktor too is from the Krum family, pretty much the equivalent of what the Blacks and Potters have been in Britain. He is part of the House of Lords, and knew of the Old Ways and the courting practices that were still practiced amongst them.
A courting gesture is a very time honoured tradition—one of the old traditions that even Magical Britain and Dumbledore were unable to strip away, no matter how much the latter had tried. It is a very honourable gesture that a wizard can offer, and which tells everyone that he is entirely serious about the person whom he is courting, and fully intend to marry them at the end of it.
Courting gestures can last as little as six months to a few years. And considering Viktor and Hadrian's ages, Sirius is half inclined to make it a few years, since he seriously doubt that his Bambi even understood what he is feeling for Viktor at the moment.
"I guess I owe Marko and Anastasia twenty Galleons. Even Rean and Lord Crow," was all that Sirius said. Viktor and Hadrian only blinked owlishly at Sirius. "I was wondering when you are going to ask, Viktor." He gave a small smile at the boy. "You got until Hadrian's seventeenth birthday to put a ring on his finger." He said briskly, and Viktor's eyes widened. "Exclusive."
Sirius's ears pricked up as he heard the delighted squeals from right outside his study door that sounds suspiciously like Viviane and Lucas, and the hisses to be quiet that sounds like Draco and even Mikhail.
Viktor's eye twitched when his alpha hearing picked up the sounds from behind the study door, and Sirius grinned to himself.
"I won't disappoint you." Viktor vowed, tapping a fist against his chest.
Hadrian smiled, looking between his godfather and Viktor before turning around slightly in Sirius's arms to look at the man. "Where's Remus, by the way?"
XXXXXX
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
The silence is almost apprehensive and uneasy.
It had taken awhile for Rean to even arrange it for Remus since the latter had asked it of the former all those months ago, but Rean had finally managed to get in contact with Fenrir Greyback when the werewolf had to handle some pack business with the Shadowcloaks, and had to make a visit to the headquarters.
Unlike how it looks, there is more to being a pack leader or clan leader than just leading a whole bunch of people, as what Lord Crow had explained to Remus. Crow never really talked about it much, but there is a reason why he and Rean travelled so often back and forth to Romania where his homeland is in between whatever jobs that they are in the middle of doing.
Fenrir Greyback, as the representative for Britain's werewolf packs, likely had the most to do out of all the werewolf pack leaders, considering Magical Britain's stance towards Downworlders, and most especially, werewolves and vampires.
There was already talk amongst the Shadowcloaks to move all the Downworld clans out of Britain—considering the prejudice running rampant.
Right now, Remus is in one of the rooms that the Shadowcloaks used mainly for interrogation purposes, as it is one of the few rooms in the entire place that is heavily warded to prevent any form of heavy damage or magic usage, sitting across from a very unamused Fenrir Greyback who had two fingers drumming repeatedly on the surface of the table in between them.
Two of Lord Crow and Rean's Shadowcloaks' friends aren't far away from the room, Remus knew, just for insurance sake. They won't interfere with whatever that Remus wanted to talk with Fenrir about, but they will also step in if things get out of hand.
Finally, after the ten minute mark, Fenrir Greyback groaned, looking upwards at the ceiling before turning his eyes back towards Remus who seemed to have trouble looking him in the eye. "If I'd known you'd called me here just for us to stare at each other in silence, I would have brought my paperwork to do," he grumbled, finally breaking the silence. "I don't have all day, pup. Just say what you came to say. You got a tongue for a reason."
Frankly, if Fenrir had it his way, he wouldn't be meeting with Remus at all. He can't deny that it hurts, when he had kept tabs on his lost 'pup' over the years only to learn what Remus had thought about his own kind and even about Fenrir—mainly due to Lyall Lupin and Dumbledore's brainwashing. His hopes to bring Remus in and educate him properly about their kind and ways were evaporating faster with each year until Fenrir had totally lost all hope after the war had ended.
If not for Rean's very convincing arguments, and the fact that Fenrir does owe the omega and his alpha mate several favours, Fenrir wouldn't even be here at all.
While it is true that werewolves and vampires don't tend to get along as a general rule, mainly due to their conflicting natures; Fenrir does hold a grudging respect for Lord Crow and Rean. The vampire lord is the head of the most influential and powerful vampire clan in the Downworld, but he is still very down-to-earth, and obviously adores his mate to bits, with how protective he is over Rean.
Lord Crow's clansmen too obviously loved their lord's consort, with how protective they are over him, and the way they fussed over Rean whenever the couple are back in Castle Armbrust.
"Just listen to him, Fenrir. I managed to get his side of the story, and it really explains a lot of things, and also why Magical Britain has quite the fuss going on there now."
Fenrir recalled the words that Rean had spoken to him when the latter had managed to convince Fenrir to at least meet with Remus and hear him out. His beta too had informed Fenrir of the huge fuss going on in Magical Britain for months now, and how the current head of the Wizarding Child Services office had been arrested for money embezzlement. It is made complicated, because the money that was embezzled was money that was set aside for Downworlder children. And it seems like Remus was amongst those children whose money was stolen.
It does explains a few questions that Fenrir had over the years, though, if that is the case.
Amelia Bones is on the warpath, and from the rumours going around, it seems like Maria Rivers might be handed over to the Shadowcloaks organisation to face their brand of justice. Many of the Downworlder clan leaders that contributed generously to the fund set aside for Downworld children to get an education were in no way amused.
"Rean…" Just as Fenrir is about to get to his feet, Remus spoke, though he was unable to look at Fenrir in the eye. "He told me some stuff. He told me that you paid for my education, though I was led to believe that it was Dumbledore who waived my tuition fee for me. And that… You set up a vault for me."
Fenrir didn't give anything away even as he gazed at Remus coolly. "Yes, it is the news around the Downworld right now. As far as I know, many Shadowcloaks agents were furious, and there were demands for the perps to be handed over to us to face our brand of justice. Lady Aurelia is furious as well, and you don't want to face that force of nature when she's angry or in a bad mood." Fenrir cleared his throat. "Ultimately, it would be Lady Aurelia who would be making the decision whether or not the perps would be facing our court system or not, as it is the Downworlders that are affected. It honestly explains a lot of things though, when I heard about this piece of news, like why you always look like you're starving even as a young pup, and even now."
"But why would you help me?" Remus wanted to know.
Fenrir looked annoyed. "Because, you impudent pup, I might have done it initially as revenge against your father, but I bear you no grudge. I was the one to turn you, so you're one of mine. My pup. And like any parent, I have a responsibility to see to you. Downworlders takes care of our own. We don't abandon or turn on our own, and it is a very rare case for that to happen."
Remus can only stare at Fenrir throughout the entire speech. He might be 'brainwashed' his entire life to hate Fenrir Greyback and all Downworlders, but even he had a few encounters with the other werewolf throughout the war. Fenrir Greyback had the uncanny talent to make him lose his temper with just a few well-chosen words, but he had never once lied to Remus.
And it is true what Fenrir had said: that Downworlders would never turn on their own.
Remus had tried during the war, but no werewolf or Downworlder had ever given him their time of day, let alone ally with them. In fact, there were several occasions when he swore that more than one of them looked to be a moment away from flying at him.
Knowing what he knows now however, he knew that it is only Fenrir's word that had kept him from being torn apart.
Apart from the few rogues that have allied with Voldemort during the war, no Downworlder had ever sided with either side, and for good reason. Even Lord Crow and Rean, despite the amount of help and information that they have imparted to Remus during the war, had stayed neutral. And even the Downworlders on Voldemort's side had never attacked or killed one of their own.
The Downworld has a set of rules—a code of honour, so to speak, Rean had explained it to Remus once not long after they've relocated to Bulgaria permanently, and had taken up a position at Bulgaria's Ministry of Magic as a historian. There aren't a lot of them, but one of the most important is to never turn on your own.
While a part of Remus still wanted to rage and rant at Fenrir for everything bad that had ever happened in his life; a small part of him—the unbiased part, knew that Fenrir had acted in accordance with Downworld rules when he had turned him as revenge for what his father had done.
The rules of the Downworld are vastly different from those that governed the magical societies, and for good reason. In the end, they aren't human, even though a good portion of them looks it, especially a good portion of the vampire population and the werewolves who were once human themselves. Thus, they have different beliefs and values.
If someone—whether they be human or Downworlder, commits a great sin or wrong against a Downworlder, said Downworlder does have every right and the law on their side to exact their revenge. That is what Fenrir did to Lyall, and why he wasn't lynched alive by the Shadowcloaks when they normally have quite stringent rules about turning a child into one of them. Even back when Lord Crow had wanted to turn Rean when the pair were still students, he had to directly approach Lady Aurelia and inform her of his intentions before he had gone ahead with it.
The only thing that could be laid at Fenrir's feet is the fact that he didn't take Remus away with him and raise him, as is part of Downworld law.
"I wanted to hate you. I wanted to blame you for everything." Remus said at last after several long moments have passed after Fenrir's little speech. Remus didn't look up at Fenrir, but he could feel a pair of intense eyes practically boring holes into him. "I…I was raised to hate the Downworld. To hate werewolves. To hate you." Even Marko and Anastasia have pointed it out to Remus prior to that disastrous meeting. That what Lyall had done to Remus is essentially a form of grooming or even brainwashing. It's a form of abuse in a way, just a lot worse than physical abuse. "But…"
"But?"
"Rean laid it to me straight." Remus finally found the strength in him to meet with Fenrir's eyes. Eyes are the windows to a person's soul, Remus, even for Downworlders, Rean had told him once. You can tell a lot about a person just by their eyes alone. And Fenrir's amber eyes are clear and strong; rather similar to the look in Lord Crow's. "He told me about your childhood. And even… What my father did to the Downworld population in Britain." Remus whispered, ashamed. He had gone digging into the Ministry archives for hunter activity in Britain, and the numbers that had turned up is enough to cause him to be sick. What would you have done if you had been Fenrir? Lord Crow had asked Remus once, but he didn't have that answer back then. "And if I had been in your position… I would have probably done the same thing." He whispered. But Remus would never have survived it, he knew.
He isn't like Fenrir who is an alpha werewolf. Even as far as dynamics goes, Remus is a beta, and he had never felt the urge to form his own pack or bare his neck to anyone, so he doesn't fall into either the alpha or omega category. He doesn't have the mental or physical strength and fortitude that Fenrir had.
He would never have survived everything that Fenrir had gone through.
Remus knew enough from both Lord Crow and Rean, and even from the few Downworld liaisons within Bulgaria's Ministry of Magic to know that even as far as werewolves goes, Fenrir is one of the strongest—not just in physical strength and influence, but also in mental fortitude.
Fenrir sighed a long, low sigh. "Pup, look at me." Remus looked at Fenrir with surprise; the voice didn't have disgust or even anger laced in it; not unlike all the other times when he had encounters with Fenrir over the years. "When you speak to me, I want you to face me and look at me in the eye. Understand?" Fenrir was firm, and Remus couldn't help but nod, trying to fight the urge to cower in submission. "If I'm being honest, I did wrong you that night. I had many different ways that I could have used to exact revenge on your father. But I chose to hurt him in the way that it'll hurt him the most—by using his son, and ending the Lupin family's reign and influence over the hunter system in Magical Britain. I did save all the Downworlders by sparing them from your father who is the best hunter at that time, and also paving the way for the Shadowcloaks organisation to end the hunter system in Britain. But I did destroy your life at the same time. You weren't wrong to hate me. I also could have taken you away with me the moment I bit you, but I didn't. So I did the next best thing I could by ensuring that you would want for nothing by at least providing the funds to ensure that you had an education and even a vault to ensure you'll have a future after you finish school. Money can't bring back your life or the, I'm pretty sure, horrible childhood that you would have under the hands of your sire. But it's the only thing I can do."
"Then you showed up again one day as a grown up, ranting about the evils of the werewolves, and in particular, me, at one of the more neutral werewolf strongholds, during the war. And I won't deny it. I was angry. Furious at you even. But you are still my pup. I turned you. I won't help you. But I won't let any wolf harm you either. At least until we knew about the embezzlement of funds that had been going on for decades. And then…" Fenrir sighed. "Everything just made sense then."
Remus only nodded slowly. He won't deny that a part of him still wanted to resent Fenrir. Years of 'brainwashing', as how Lord Crow puts it, can't be ended just like that, when he's been practically spoon fed about the 'evils' of Downworld society by not just his father, but also by Dumbledore.
And yet… And yet…
He's done more for you than you could have anticipated, Rean had told Remus months ago. Regardless even if he is Fenrir's 'pup', Fenrir could have just ignored him and pretended he didn't exist—like how Lyall did to him nearly his entire childhood.
But Fenrir didn't.
Sure, the money was stolen from Remus, and he might have only provided for Remus protection against the werewolf packs and monetary support. But it is more than what Remus had gotten from Lyall all his life.
Before you decide Fenrir is a soulless monster, try to get to know him first and his circumstances. Lord Crow had suggested once. You call me and Rean monsters long ago before getting to know us. Shouldn't you also afford Fenrir the same courtesy? He is not only your sire. He is also of your kind.
"What is it you want, pup, when you got Rean to set up this meeting for us?" Fenrir was honestly curious about what his wayward pup is thinking. His scent kept alternating between anger, sadness, jealousy and even envy.
Now well away from the influences of men like Lyall Lupin and even Albus Dumbledore, and living in a magical society that actually has liaisons and working relationships with the Downworld and the Shadowcloaks' organisation, Remus is starting to get an understanding and inkling of how Downworld society works.
But he will never truly accept the wolf part of himself unless he gets to know how werewolf packs functions and live.
Fenrir's pack is one of the largest in Britain for a reason, and it's because he mainly helps new and young werewolves to transit to the change.
Unlike what the rumours like to state, Fenrir is only responsible for turning three people in his life, and two of those is because they were dying, with the third being Remus. Much like the pure-blooded vampires that can turn a human into one of them or creating a 'familiar', depending on how much blood was given, when someone is turned into a werewolf, it can cure any and all diseases that they've been suffering from.
Their wolf side would never tolerate any form of weaknesses. This might just be part of the reason why Remus had suffered for so long, especially when he had relied on the Wolfsbane when he was in Britain.
That poison cuts the werewolf off from the wolf which only causes more pain.
"I…" Remus tightened his hands into fists on the table. Get to know him. Rean and Lord Crow's words kept echoing around his head.
Heck, he knew from Draco and Hadrian too that there were more than a few Downworlders attending Durmstrang with them. There is even a pure-blooded vampire in their year, and a few Veelas and someone with fey blood attending as well.
There were also about three werewolves in some of the senior years—hailing from one of Bulgaria and even Romania's werewolf packs. One of them, from what Hadrian had told Remus, is also the full-blooded son of the alpha of Romania's werewolf pack, with said alpha being Romania's representative for the werewolf packs, even.
Downworlders don't have offspring often, thanks to their longevity; hence, the Downworlders are the minority in Durmstrang, and even in the various magical schools around the world save for Hogwarts. But they are accepted, and learned and live alongside their human peers. That is how Lord Crow and Rean have met, Remus knew.
There is the occasional person that discriminates against Downworlders still, even in Durmstrang that values power and strength. But they are of the minority amongst the student population, and the Downworlder's friends often stuck up for them.
"I want to learn more about Downworld society, and how the werewolf packs works." Remus blurted out, with Fenrir raising an eyebrow. "I won't deny that I am prejudiced against werewolves in particular, considering I am one myself. I…want to learn more. Get to know more."
For several long moments, Fenrir stayed silent, eyeing Remus thoughtfully. And during those long moments, Remus wondered what Fenrir's answer would be.
XXXXXX
The bell tinkled somewhere in the shop even as Liese looked up from where she had her head hunched over the magical sewing machine that she had been using to create one of her many products that she had for sale in her shop.
Thanks to magic, she could easily produce many of the products she had for sale in her shop with no time at all; though for certain items like the comfort stuffed toys, as well as heat and rut condoms and birth control potions, she outsourced them from other businesses—mainly from France. Sirius' prediction from so long ago when he was trying to convince her to move to Bulgaria is true. Liese did indeed have quite the booming business from the first moment she set foot in Bulgaria to the point that she's seriously considering opening another branch soon, with the number of international orders that came her way from all over the globe.
Business was so good, that Liese even had to hire two assistants to keep up with the workload—though those two have to sign iron-clad contracts to ensure that they wouldn't be able to leak the methods and techniques that Liese uses to produce her products.
Liese had already managed to pay her Gringotts loans fully within the first year of setting up her business in Bulgaria. And with advice from Narcissa and Sirius, and the assistance of her account manager at Gringotts, had even made several careful investments that have also been helping her own wealth to grow.
It is nearing evening, and hence, it is at a slower hour; with her two assistants having been sent home just an hour earlier. Liese herself too is about to close her shop for the night once she'd finished with the pattern on the comfort blanket that she is making.
It is a new test, especially with the runes that she is experimenting with when weaving the patterns into said blanket to ensure that the omega using it will feel safe and comforted, and also regulate their body temperature. There is even an experimental pattern that could allow different scents to be absorbed into the blanket—something very useful for an omega in the throes of heat—especially if they didn't have an alpha, or their alpha is unable to share their heat with them.
Liese had half a mind to gift this to Hadrian as a gift, but she had a sneaking feeling that Viktor Krum might be making a visit one of these days to buy one as a courting gesture. Sirius and Liese, and even Remus, Narcissa, Marko and Anastasia have a bet going on for a few years now just when Viktor will confess or ask for a courting gesture.
And with the way that Hadrian had ran out of her shop like his robes are on fire earlier that day, Liese is certain that Sirius and her might have won the after mentioned bet.
"Welcome—" Liese felt her words get stuck in her throat when she recognised the smiling young man standing at her shop entrance, looking around him in awe at the products lining the shelves.
She recognised Michael Fawley immediately, with the number of letters and even floo calls as well as mirror calls that they've made to each other over the years, with Michael trying to get to know his distant cousin well the moment he'd learned of Liese's existence when he had first taken on the Fawley heirship. Considering his age, he might have taken on the lordship now. But considering the dire straits the family name itself is in, Michael wouldn't have quite a lot of influence just yet.
He had the dark-purplish hair that is almost a signature hair colour amongst Fawley members, with silver eyes. He is even dressed in a set of casual wizarding robes, with dragonhide boots on his feet. And while Liese isn't certain, she could swear that Michael had daggers or weapons of some sort hidden under his clothes.
"Michael?"
"Hi, Liese." Michael Fawley gave a smile. "It's nice to see you in the flesh at last, and not through a floo call or mirror call. I told you that I'll make a visit the moment I could."
"Aren't you in the middle of your rune apprenticeship?" Liese was confused, watching her cousin walk around her shop, looking with interest at the products. She knew that apprenticeships aren't easy, especially apprenticeships like Potions, curse-breaking and even runes. It can take a few years for one to get their Mastery. And as far as Liese is aware of, Michael should be about three or so years into his rune apprenticeship with a Rune Mistress from France, the last time they have talked.
"Yeah, about that." Michael grinned. "I'm doing my final year of apprenticeship with Gringotts' Egypt's branch. I do have a promised position waiting for me upon getting my Mastery, and I guess Gringotts thought it a better idea if I get to know my curse breaker partner better so we can work better on the field once the time comes."
Liese nodded slowly. While not a very well-known fact, she knew that Gringotts often paired their curse breakers together with a rune specialist on the field, thanks to their jobs in raiding tombs that have very nasty curses and hexes on them. Often, those aren't curses either, but rune traps that only a rune specialist or a Rune Master would be able to identify and disarm.
"And your…curse breaker partner wouldn't happen to be a certain Bill Weasley, would he?" Liese had an eyebrow raised at Michael's sheepish expression.
Nearly half of her conversations with her distant cousin over the years often involves Michael's best friend from Hogwarts. The pair have still kept in constant contact despite being in different countries when pursuing their respective careers and apprenticeships. Liese honestly isn't surprised that Michael had taken up a position at Gringotts, even if part of the reason might just be related to said best friend.
Liese had never met Bill Weasley in her entire life. But she felt as if she knew the boy as well as she knows Michael by now, thanks to Michael always talking about his best friend.
"Well, it'll be nice to see Bill again, and even work with him." Michael admitted sheepishly. "I mean, I was tempted to remain in France and actually take up a position at Gringotts' Paris' branch, given how I actually made many friends there. But you never truly forget or leave behind your first friends, you know?"
Liese nodded with understanding. She does know. The Fawley name had been really dragged through the mud since the time of the war. She is technically a bastard child when she was a student, and even she suffered the brunt of it when she was in school. Liese can't imagine how bad it must be for Michael, since he actually carries the name and was named the Heir when he'd turned eleven, as there is simply no one else that can take on the Heirship, despite Michael being from one of the branch families.
The friends that Liese had made during her time in Hogwarts—if they're actually still alive, does still stay in contact with her, even if the majority of them have lived overseas to escape the war back when it was still brewing.
"That, and with the way that Bill described it during one of our weekly calls, it seems like the tombs at Egypt can be really challenging. Lots of new and unknown runes are always getting discovered in the tombs." Michael's eyes were bright, and Liese tried to stop herself from giggling.
"Are you sure Bill is just your 'friend'?" Liese had an amused smile tugging at the ends of her lips even as she leaned her elbows against the surface of the counter as she conversed with her cousin. "You sure talked a lot about someone who is a supposed 'friend' to me over the years than anything else."
Michael blinked owlishly at Liese for several moments, as if confused about what she's actually implying. Then, his brain caught up, and he gave a shudder.
"He's my best friend! And like a brother to me!" Michael spluttered. "Besides, we're both alphas!" Alpha to alpha relationships are just something out of a fantasy erotica novel these days, same with omega to omega relationships. It almost never happens. "Thinking of Bill in that way is just urgh!" He shivered, and Liese giggled.
"A best friend who pretty much called out both his parents, and had also been at odds with them for years for you," she pointed out.
Michael grimaced, before looking guilty, recalling the few Howlers that Bill had received throughout their Hogwarts' years because of their friendship. And even the number of times that Bill had opted to stay at Hogwarts during the Yule holidays because he knew Michael didn't really have anywhere else to go.
It's not like Michael can just go to Bulgaria during that time, where Liese is, thanks to the bad blood between Britain and Bulgaria at that time. And when he was still in Hogwarts, he only had an old distant aunt that didn't really care about him, but was given Michael's guardianship as she was his only relative still in Britain. Said aunt had died when he was in his Fifth Year, however. And Michael had spent the next few years after that until he had come of age and graduated by staying at the homes of his friends during the summer holidays, or even staying at the Leaky Cauldron.
One of those homes had been the Tonks family whom he stayed at the most, despite the fact that Nymphadora Tonks is actually a few years below him, and is more Charlie Weasley's friend than his. Michael is thankful to the Tonks family for helping him out during what would have been very challenging years for him, and had even asked Andromeda Tonks to sit as his proxy for Wizengamot meetings when he had taken up his Lordship.
Honestly, his communications and letters back and forth with Liese when he had learned of her existence is likely the only thing that had helped him to maintain his sanity, outside of Bill. Old Aunt Agatha had lots of nasty things to say about Liese and her parents until the day she had died. And Michael had taken it as anyone that Agatha didn't like being okay or nice people, and had promptly done the exact opposite of what Agatha had told him not to.
And from Michael's letters and calls with Bill lately, it really seems like his Great Aunt Muriel is fast losing patience with his mother. From how Bill put it, it isn't going to take much for Bill and his brothers to take on the Prewett name, at the rate that this is going.
Not for the first time, Michael seriously questioned the common sense of Bill's parents. He recalled the fight that Bill had described to him that he had with his mother when he said that he will be undertaking Gringotts' placement tests for apprentice curse-breakers, and then later when Bill had passed those tests with flying colours and would be taking up a position at their Cairo branch.
Charlie as well, from what Michael had learned from Bill, had faced the same thing when he had taken up a position at Romania's dragon preserve even though he honestly could have easily taken up a position with England's National Quidditch team.
It's honestly not a mystery to Michael why the two eldest Weasley brothers have jumped at the chance to leave Britain behind. And even why Charlie had kept his relationship with Tonks quiet, with likely only a few friends of theirs, as well as Bill, Percy and the twins knowing about that relationship.
Michael sighed. It honestly isn't the first time that someone had mistakenly assumed that Bill and Michael are dating. They're likely the fantasy and wet dream of half the school during their Hogwarts' years.
"I know what it looks like, Liese, but I assure you, Bill and myself—we both prefer women," he assured. "Bill is seriously just like a brother to me. I helped him a lot through that shit storm when his mother pretty much caused his family to be on the outs with the Blacks. And he had helped me a lot during our time in school when I was forced to live with Aunt Agatha."
Liese grimaced with the mention of said aunt. Suffice to say that she likely had encounters with the old woman that is the very epitome of what people assume the Fawleys to be, and is also the reason why both Liese and Michael have such a difficult time in school.
More Liese than Michael, however, as the war was already raging on when Liese was a student. And at least a good half of the Fawley family have pledged their allegiance to the Dark Lord. There is a reason why at least half of their number are either dead or in Azkaban, and the once large Fawley family could only count two amongst their number right now.
And Liese doesn't even use the name.
"Well, you're Lord Fawley now, and it's honestly your choice whom you want to court or marry in the future." Liese said gently, and Michael flushed. "No one caught your eye in France when you were doing your apprenticeship? I heard that France has lots of beautiful women, particularly Paris." She teased her cousin lightly. "They don't call Paris the city of love for nothing."
Liese had taken her degree in Business Management in France, after all—for both the mundane side and the magical side. It's also where she got her contacts for most of her suppliers.
"No one yet." Michael assured, taking his cousin's teasing in stride. "And I'll rather concentrate on getting my Mastery first anyway before I worry about any relationships that comes my way. What will come, will come. I'll leave it to the Goddess' blessing if I'm ever lucky enough to meet my soulmate."
XXXXXX
In Lyon, France, in the Evans' household, a certain girl sneezed.
Her brother who is curled up on the couch not far from her looked up at her over the book that he is reading, with a raised brow. "Caught a cold, Fiona?"
"Nah. It's probably too dusty." 'Fiona' waved off the concerns, reaching for a disposal tissue to blow her nose. "I'll probably clean up a bit before Dad comes home, and before my mentee from Beauxbatons comes over. It's honestly surprising how quickly she'd caught up with things, considering she only enrolled in the middle of the year."
Her brother was about to say something when there was the sound of the doorbell.
"Can you get that, Dud?"
"Sure."
The boy looked way too eager to be getting the door for their guest, in Fiona's opinion, even as she had a raised brow as her brother went towards the front door to open it. A smiling brunette about the age of her brother stood at the doorway, a shoulder bag over one shoulder.
"Hey Hermione!"
"Hey Dudley!" Hermione Granger beamed; all traces of her trauma from her frankly horrifying period in Hogwarts nowhere to be seen.
Florence Evans, or Fiona as she's known as, had definitely done a frankly terrific job in helping her junior as Hermione Granger's peer mentor, as what Fiona's roommate and best friend, Fleur Delacour had stated. Headmistress Maxime was very proud of Hermione's progress, considering she shot to the top of her year in just a few months; and Beauxbatons' curriculum is definitely tougher and more challenging than the one Hogwarts uses. And to think that the headmistress and even several of the teachers and students at Beauxbatons were doubtful that Hermione could even keep up when she had first enrolled, considering that she was originally at Hogwarts.
Now, the once awkward British girl who is still frankly traumatised from what had happened to her at Hogwarts is blooming in her place at the French premier magical school, and is also growing as a person, thanks to Fiona's guidance; and had even made lots of friends.
Fiona had suspected that what might just be a trial basis for Hermione's parents originally might turn France into their permanent residence, from how pleased and happy her parents were during the last Parent Day at Beauxbatons a few months ago before the end of the academic year.
In Beauxbatons, students who were in Third Year and above were often assigned a younger student to watch over and guide. Fiona was chosen as Hermione Granger's peer mentor when she had enrolled into Beauxbatons, mainly because like Hermione, she too was originally from Britain before her father had relocated to France for work, and Fiona too had parents who had mundane origins. Just like Hermione, Fiona too is the first witch in her family.
Though from what she had heard from her father when she'd first gotten a visit from a French official from the Ministry of Magic to invite her to Beauxbatons, it seems like her father's cousin was also a witch, but had died years ago. Thus, he wasn't really surprised when they have gotten a visit from an official from the Ministry of Magic.
In fact, Simon Evans was half expecting it, considering the few strange things that happened when Fiona was growing up. That, and being a high ranked military officer in the British army prior to his retirement before he started running a private security firm in France; when Simon had taken in Dudley, Simon was actually 'let in' about the secret years prior, with his superiors not realising at that time that Simon already knew about magic, thanks to his cousin also being a witch.
"Hey Hermione, glad that you're here." Fiona went towards the front door, smiling at her mentee. "Did you find the place okay?"
"Dad sent me here before he had to attend a dental conference. He just dropped me off awhile ago." Hermione said, smiling. "Can I come in?"
XXXXXX
The team that was assembled to hunt down the Horcruxes as requested by Sirius Black years ago stood around a table where various blackened artifacts were placed. A large map was even spread across the length of the table where a very obvious dark dot was moving.
Crow and Rean exchanged looks before looking towards the other team members. Machias Regnitz sighed before ticking off points on his fingers.
"The diary of Tom Marvolo Riddle which we managed to get Lord Black's house elf to retrieve from the sealed off Malfoy Manor. The Gaunt family ring from Little Hangleton. The locket of Salazar Slytherin at Grimmauld Place. The cup of Helga Hufflepuff which we negotiated with the goblins of Gringotts for, and was given in exchange for one request made by them to Shadowcloaks within limits. The diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw that was discovered in Hogwarts of all places." Machias made a nasty sound at the thought of something so obviously evil being in a school full of innocent children.
George's invention to track down the Horcruxes by using the soul shard found in Hadrian Potter's scar is honestly a lifesaver. The only places they actually had difficulty accessing to retrieve the Horcruxes are actually Malfoy Manor and even Grimmauld Place. Sirius had merely asked for Dobby, who still had access to the manor to retrieve the item for them.
Even with a house being sealed off by wards until the heir comes of age, house elves are still able to enter and clean up.
With Grimmauld Place, Sirius merely hired a team of goblins to go through the house for him and to retrieve said locket, and to also cleanse and renovate the entire place. From what the goblins have informed Sirius later on when they have presented the locket to him, they were forced to kill the lone house elf remaining there who had tried to attack them for taking the locket, especially with the portrait of Sirius' mother screeching the place down.
(Sirius had cheerfully accepted the goblins' offer to take down the portrait of Walburga Black and burn it when they have offered)
"We got most of them now." George Nome said grimly, looking up from where he is studying the map carefully.
"And not forgetting the pseudo and likely accidental Horcrux that the Dark Lord likely made in Hadrian Potter's scar that was thankfully discovered and removed when he was a mere child." Crow said grimly. If said soul piece had remained in Hadrian Potter until he was older, it would be almost impossible to remove without killing him.
"To think he even used priceless artifacts like these as soul containers." Jusis shook his head with disgust. "These artifacts should be in a wizard museum of some sort! Not be used as tools by some human with delusions of grandeur. And now because they've been tainted with Black Magic, the only option is to destroy them. Not even a full ritual cleansing can cleanse something tainted with Black Magic."
Rean sighed and nodded sadly. "Emil was hoping to get back the Gaunt family ring. I guess it's hopeless now. His only option is to get Gringotts to craft a new one for him."
"Oh, so he finally decided to claim the Gaunt and Slytherin lordships?" Towa Herschel gave Rean an odd look.
Emil Michaelis' unwillingness to claim the Gaunt and Slytherin lines for years, even though he knew that his side of the family had a stronger claim than Voldemort had been the topic around the Shadowcloaks organisation for awhile now. Both the Gaunt and Slytherin lines were patriarch-run, and much like the Black lordship, can only be claimed by a male. And while it is true that Voldemort too had the blood from both family lines in his veins, the truth is that he is only related to them through his mother, unlike the Michaelis family who had a stronger claim to it, as they were directly descended from Ominis Gaunt who had been the younger brother of Marvolo Gaunt.
Emil hadn't claimed it for years, much to the goblins' annoyance who disliked seeing prominent family lines and vaults lay unused and stagnant. The Shadowcloaks have however suspected that Emil's reason might be Voldemort. If Emil had claimed those lines, it would be akin to painting a target on his entire family, as Voldemort can no longer claim he is Salazar Slytherin's sole remaining heir.
Crow had been trying to convince Emil to claim his family birth right and family magic for years now. It is only after Crow and Sirius' visit to the portraits of Ominis Gaunt and Aria Michaelis before Emil seemed to be considering it, and had actually asked for the ancient Gaunt family ring to be retrieved if it is ever found.
The Slytherin family magic runs strong through the members of the Michaelis family, considering their control and gift over Parselmagic—a type of control that even Voldemort had never been able to achieve. Though knowing what they know now with how Voldemort had been splitting his soul since he was a teenager, chances are that he had ruined his chances to claim the Slytherin family magic the moment he'd made a Horcrux.
The Slytherin family magic would never have accepted Voldemort after he'd split his soul.
"I think Emil is seriously considering it, yes." Rean nodded in response to Towa's statement, his expression grave. "Headmistress Niamh Fitzgerald had been hearing alarming things in Hogwarts from her other portrait, which she in turn had informed Emil about, and even Aria and Ominis' portraits."
Crow sighed. "Well, ultimately, whether he wants to claim the Slytherin and Gaunt lordships or not is Emil's decision," he decided. "Though it's also true that right now, they have the strongest claim. The Slytherin family magic is obvious in them to anyone who knows how to look."
Rean rubbed at his eyes, as if recalling a phantom pain. "Tell me about it," he said wryly.
His friends exchanged grins around the table. With Rean having mage sight, it must be tiring for him to have to gaze upon the members of the Michaelis family. To Rean, it must be like seeing giant fireflies or something, unless he switches off his gift.
"Gringotts isn't happy that we have to destroy such priceless artifacts, but they understood." Towa reported, and there were nods around the table. "Creating Horcruxes is taboo even for them. The ultimate sin."
"So all that is left…" Crow trailed off slowly, and as one, several pairs of eyes looked at the dark dot moving across the map on the table.
"The snake, Nagini." Jusis prompted. "We might need the assistance of Newt Scamander for this. From what I heard, her circumstances are really unusual. And it sickens me to think that Voldemort had been using her for years as some kind of pet."
"I'll reach out to our contacts to see if we can locate him." Towa promised, making a mental note to put that on her list of priorities.
"It might honestly be a better fate for her if we kill her." Rean offered, grimacing at the thought of the current fate of the witch turned snake. "Let her know the Goddess' embrace, and hopefully have a better life in the next one."
"We'll cross the bridge once we comes to it." Crow reassured. He gave a long, low sigh, looking from face to face. "It's been a long job. But we're about to see the end of it."
The dark dot on the map that signifies Nagini's position glowed almost ominously, as if signifying what is soon to come.