Chapter 3
Chapter 3
November 5, 1994
So, after brooding and complaining to her best friend Alicia, Angelina decided against telling George.
She did, however, send a potions vial with the memory to Fred and George’s grandfather, whom she had never met but they were related. After all her mother was Fred’s paternal cousin. Which should have made her wary of falling for the confident Beater, but hearts are funny things…
Angelina had never really had the intention of bonding to Fred; after all, her grandmother was born Charis Black who was Cedrella Weasley’s younger sister.
She had determined that their blood was too close to really consider that…
Angelina had also sent her father a copy of her being named champion…
She knew she was related to Medi-witch Pomfrey but she was disappointed with how she had failed Harry. Not that Angelina hadn’t missed the signs herself at first…
The last thing that she expected was to meet her father in Hogsmeade where she was hanging out with Alicia and Lea trying to distract Fred. George was likely on a proper date with Theo somewhere or holed up wherever it was they spent their ‘free time’.
“Alicia, Lea, I will need to borrow Angelina.”
“Of course,” Lea nodded.
Angelina had known him forever it seemed, like the O’Shaneseys, the Jordans raised true Irish Wolfhounds, only they bred for blacks instead of white.
Alicia was less involved in canine breeding but that was alright, she needed a best friend who was a Quidditch mad as Angelina herself was.
Her father led her to a private room in The Three Broomsticks where Angelina was surprised to find Fred’s grandfather Septimus and a wizard about her father’s age but who looked like an older version of Fred and George.
“My daughter Angelina, Lord Weasley and Lord Prewett.”
Angelina was surprised, she had been under the distinct impression that Fred and George’s mother was the only living Prewett aside from her distant cousin-in-law Jason who married Gwenog Jones the famous Beater Captain of the Holyhead Harpies.
“Lord Weasley, Lord Prewett,” Angelina said with a curtsy.
“Lady Angelina…”
“Is this regarding the memory I sent?” the elder Gryffindor Triwizard champion frowned.
“Yes, we are quite pleased with how you defended our heir.” Lord Septimus smirked.
“The Headmaster is quite wrong, I have no interest in bonding to your grandson. Fred is a very good friend and his affections are elsewhere.” Angelina shrugged. “Besides, my grandmother was your sister-in-law so our blood is far too close.”
“You’ve thought about it.”
“Fred is an intriguing person, he is quite popular,” Angelina said dismissively.
“We wished to thank you, Lady, for informing us of the Headmaster’s slander.” Lord Prewett mused.
“It seemed the right thing to do. I did hope that you would support Mr Lupin’s petition to have Harry exempted from the Tournament. He would never have entered and truthfully, no one I know would dare enter him. Out of my friends, I presumed that I was the only one who would be eligible. I did not expect Fred to be able to enter, the Headmaster clearly only limited his ‘Age Line’ to check for the Trace instead of by birthdate. Had he spelt it to only allow those of age instead of those affected by the Trace, Fred could never have entered.” Angelina tossed her braids in annoyance.
“Georgius is usually led by Fridricius, I was surprised that he didn’t enter.” Septimus frowned.
Angelina snorted, “That might have formerly been the case but for the last year or so, George has come into his own. He passed his OWL Exams with higher marks than he showed his mother and he is now my counterpart since Kenneth Towler moved to America. I’ve always been one of the few who could tell them apart.”
“What precipitated this deviation? With my own twin, it was my feelings for my cariad.” Lord Prewett asked.
“It is possible that a similar incident sparked that.” Angelina said nonchalantly.
“A diplomatic answer, I like this girl. A pity that you aren’t meant for our Fre…”
Inwardly, Angelina flinched. She really needed to get over Fred…
A witch, likely a Muggleborn, appeared with a tray of light sandwiches and tea.
“Now, what can you tell us about Hogwarts? How is it being run currently?” Lord Prewett said as he poured them all tea.
Sipping her tea Angelina told them about the Forbidden Corridor, Hagrid’s Cerberus and the Philosopher’s Stone- which was an open secret from her third year. Her Fourth Year involved the Opening of the Chamber of Secrets which was due to Ginny, who wasn’t related to Slytherin as far as Angelina knew. Last year, Sirius Black was able to gain access to the castle only to expose that Ron’s pet rat was a Death Eater and betrayer of the Potters. One did not keep secrets in Gryffindor, their House was the nosiest after all and Fred seemed to have a keen ability to decipher truth from fallacy in the Hogwarts rumor mill.
“Is there anything we can do? You’re members of the Wizengamot, can you join Mr Lupin in arguing that Harry shouldn’t be forced to be a a champion? He’s already suffered so much, he shouldn’t have participate in a tournament he didn’t enter.” Angelina asked the wizards beseechingly.
“My nephew Bartimus is a stubborn… wizard,” Lord Weasley frowned.
“He has a dim view of persons who flout the rules, he threw his own son in Azkaban without trial after he was named as a Death Eater and his magical signature was found on the Longbottoms.” Her father shook his head. “Granted Barty was one of Bella’s enforcers in Hogwarts and he quite enjoyed tormenting Muggleborns.”
“Something that very few dared to speak up against, Flitwick had a no tolerance policy for bullying. It always happened where he would be unaware of it and to victims who were to afraid to speak up.” Lord Prewett sighed.
“Of course McGonagall is blind, she didn’t protest Harry being a champion at all and seemed unaffected by the revelation of Harry’s abuse. Only Snape seemed concerned at all about Dumbledore nearly dislocating his shoulder and shattering his wrist. Snape of all people was more on Harry’s side then anyone else. The poor kid offered to take veritaserum to prove his innocence only to be ignored.” Angelina grumbled.
“McGonagall was top of her year and had great skill in transfiguration but I am hard pressed to say whether she would have been better off remaining in the Department of Magical Law or as a professor. She apparently lacks keen observation skills.” Lord Weasley scoffed.
Angelina continued to impart her observations especially regarding the professors, but she did give Snape credit. He apparently had some sort of epiphany over the summer after his supposed disappearance towards the end of Spring Term. He was fairer in his teaching and no longer singled out students for ridicule. Angelina was aware that Adrian Pucey, the Slytherin Boys’ prefect in her year had been assigned to tutor Neville Longbottom. Without Quidditch, it seemed that the other had more time. She often saw them in the library sharing a table with Brecc Montague, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.
Despite Ron’s foul mouth, she saw no issue with Harry, Hermione and Neville spending time with Montague and Adrian. The two Slytherins were top of their year with George close behind. Being a Pucey, Angelina knew that Adrian took his duty seriously. He would tutor Neville to the best of his ability, he might not be George who had a natural gift for potions but he was patient.
Angelina would have to be blind to not notice the looks Harry had sent Malfoy over the years and the ‘surprise’ of their new found friendship hadn’t been a shock. Malfoy was an clumsy with friendships as Fred was.
They finally ended their conversation only to enter the pub’s large dining area in time to see a panicked elf arrive and.
Angelina watched as Theo became viciously angry only to have George calm him and then leave by house elf with Theo.
“You left something out Miss Angelina…” Lord Septimus frowned.
“Their relationship is still new sir, though it is a deep one. I did not feel that it was my place to tell.”
Seamus appeared panicked.
Angelina excused herself to speak with him.
“I knew they were worried about their sister…but Heraclio is a puppy! He wasn’t meant to be a protector! Just a companion…” Seamus said eyes shining with tears.
“He’ll be fine…” Dean said worriedly.
“What happened? Heraclio, that is Abby and Niall’s puppy…” Angelina said joining them.
“Theo’s sister was attacked.” Dean said after raising a privacy barrier. “He tried to defend her.”
Angelina stiffened and waved over her father with his companions.
Once the adult wizards were inside the privacy barrier she addressed them. “Lord Weasley, please fetch Healer Smythe. I expect that an injured child will be arriving at Hogwarts soon. Father and I will met the in Slytherin.”
Her father frowned.
“That puppy from last spring, it tried to defend its mistress. It was injured and angry, I suspect that it will resist being cared for and I am not properly trained.”
“I should inform Severus…” Lord Prewett frowned.
“I will fetch Smythe, Emelia and Aurora.” Lord Septimus nodded.
With Fred and George’s relations setting off to fetch assistance, Angelina led her father, Seamus and Dean to Hogwarts.
“You missed it…” Dean said with false brightness as he tried to lighten the mood.
“Missed what?” Angelina said distractedly.
“Charlie and Blaise’s disasterous first date.”
“Disasterous… how?” Angelina asked glancing at the wizard who could have passed for a member of her own family.
“I think Charlie was worried about their age gap and wanted to take things slow to get to know one another.”
“Blaise is in your year, is he not?” Angelina mused.
“Yes and Charlie graduated just before we began our First Year, making them around seven years apart.”
“Which wouldn’t be too horrible if they were both of age.” Her father interjected.
“Blaise thought that Charlie didn’t want him and tore out crying. Apparently, he was practically abandoned on his second step family after his step father died. He feels as if he is a burden and unwanted…”
Seamus squeezed his hand, “You’ll always be wanted by me…”
Angelina knew very little about Dean, the quiet but studious Fourth Year was very good at keeping his hme life to himself. Just as Harry had, making her instantly worried.
Seamus must have sensed that and smiled sadly at her, “Don’t worry, Dean will be just fine. He’s my grandfather’s ward; along with his sister, Mal Prewett and her brother Mark.” The tiny Irish wizard’s eyes filled with pain, “We have no intention of letting anyone hurt them.”
Angelina chose to take his word for it when Dean shushed him. They were drawing closer to the castle and were surprised when Snape and Lupin appeared to meet them.
“Where is he?” Snape growled.
“Who?” Angelina asked with a forced laugh.
“Gideon Prewett.” Lupin said trying to calm the furious Slytherin. “We were in a meeting when the patronus interrupted us.”
Angelina stiffened, “We apologize…”
“It was regarding one of my Slytherins, I am just surprised that Gideon isn’t dead. His body was buried, or so we thought. Polyjuice? If someone was Polyjuiced when they died, they would not return to their own form without a heart to pump.”
“That is a topic for another time…”
“The message mentioned an injured animal?”
“A puppy,” Seamus pipped up. “One of ours. The Johnsons have been caring for O’Shanesey dogs for generations.”
“Very well. We’ll wait in the Fourth Year Dormitory.” Snape frowned, “Where is Potter and Malfoy?”
“With Blaise I suspect.” Hermione’s voice came from behind them.
Angelina spun around to find Hermione clutching the hand of a Slytherin witch. “Hermione! You…when did you get there?”
“I was worried… since figuring out Harry’s home life I’ve been paying more attention. I wanted to be sure that Theo’s sister was alright.”
“Miss Granger, you and Miss Prewett will be informed later. Remus, if I remember correctly Lyra was Miss Nott’s godmother. Please use our floo to summon her.”
Remus leaned over to brush his lips over Snape’s hair before vanishing into the castle. That was a surprise given how antagonistic that Snape had been with their Defence professor last year. Snape had seemed to have his personality rewritten over the summer, he was almost… pleasant.
Angelina was allowed to accompany them because of her experience as her father’s assistant. She was aware that Hermione and Mal continued to shadow them to Slytherin despite being told to clear off.
Snape didn’t speak the password but did touch the hidden entrance, causing it to shimmer into sight. Was that a professor thing or an ability because he was Head of Slytherin?
The mixed Gryffindor and Slytherin group were led by Snape inside.
However, Seamus’ Niall and Dean’s Abby began whining and ‘pointing’ towards a room off the common room.
“What?” Mal murmured.
“Why would they be using the Slytherin Baths?” Snape muttered.
“Perhaps, they felt it was unsafe at home.” Dean mused.
“With both the Slytherin Court and the prefects likely in Hogsmeade, it would be empty.” Snape nodded. “Very well,” he glared at Angelina, “Keep these students in here, especially the nosy girls.”
Angelina sighed, like she would consider entering a boys’ bath or allow it. “Of course, professor.”
Hermione made no sound of disagreement and allowed Mal to lead her to a black leather settee. While a worried Seamus likewise tugged over to share it.
Angelina was surprised that the place was far more comfortable then Ron’s tale had implied…
She perched on the back of the settee and proceeded to wait.
XoooooX
Severus Snape breezed into the boys’ baths and was surprised to be met with two very distinct growls.
“Get out Death Eater!” Theo Nott snarled.
“Theo!” George Weasley hissed, “He brought a healer for Heraclio.”
“Your Grandfather went to fetch Smythe as well.” Miss Johnson’s father spoke up.
“Heraclio won’t let us care for him sir,” George said quietly as he attempted to calm Theo who seemed to have grown in both stature and broadness since Severus had seen him last.
“What happened?”
“My father, one of your ilk decided to try to attack my sister with the intention of removing her from the family tree!” Theo snapped.
“I never joined willingly, I was pressed to it by the Headmaster. With Potter’s mother and Lupin as my best friends, I am belatedly surprised that I was accepted.’ Severus’ eyes narrowed, “That mad man used cutting curses on a child?”
“He has hated my sister since she was born without cause! I’ve been responsible for shielding both Ned and Gracie from him. Now I don’t need any help!”
“Theo, creature inheritance or not, you are still not yet fifteen. No Ministry advocate would consider you responsible enough to have custody. Gracie needs a responsible adult! Your mother was a Prince, she has extant family. Surely one of them,”
“She also has godparents…” Severus mused, “although I was unaware that we were related.”
Alfred Johnson, Angelina’s sire had managed to soothe the giant puppy and spell him into unconsciousness to treat him.
Gideon must have assisted in fetching them because Emelia Bones, Aurora Greengrass and Smythe arrived around the same time.
“A boys’ bath? Why would they be here?” Aurora’s voice could be heard from outside the baths.
“I will speak to Emelia and Aurora. I am sure that you would prefer that your sister is treated by a healer.”
Severus watched as George levitated the small injured girl and conjured a blanket before he pulled Theo away. Spelling them into dry, clean clothes before pressing his body into Theo’s and trying to calm him with his presence.
“Theo is overwrought, if I could keep him from killing his father for this, I’m sure I can keep him from losing his temper,” George said with quiet assurance.
Severus nodded and went to let Smythe inside before leaving.
“What is going on?” Aurora snapped. “All Lord Weasley would say was that there was an injured child!”
Severus paused to erect a privacy shield, “I do not know all the details, all I know is that Theo Nott, one of my students brought his sister here. She and her familiar were attacked by their sire, he brought her here to treat her injuries. Miss Johnson overheard that they were attacked, at the time I believe she was meeting with her own father as well as other Lords who assisted her in summoning help. Alfred Johnson is treated the puppy, they were attacked with cutting curses.”
“Someone attacked a child with cutting curses?” Emelia gasped.
“I believe she is eight or nine-years-old and it seems that the puppy is shockingly only a few months old.”
“Shockingly?” Aurora frowned.
Severus shrugged, “It’s an O’Shanesey wolfhound…”
The witches nodded, as if understanding that it was already rapidly growing.
Lyra burst into Slytherin in the company of Remus and surprisingly, Charity Burbage.
Severus cursed under his breath.
Aurora treated him to a disapproving glare while Emelia merely frowned in confusion.
“Remus?” Severus grumbled.
“Charity is their mother’s cousin and we are both Charis’ godmother.” Lyra said dismissively.
“Smythe is tending to them; both the girl and the puppy. It seems that the trauma of his sister’s attack forced an early creature inheritance. Theo had fangs and scales so I presume that he is Chuvash, as apparently is his mate. George Weasley is trying to calm him and wisely realises that creature inheritance or not, at not yet fifteen, that he would not be given custody of either of his siblings.”
“As Lucius’ mate, he has guardianship of Blaise despite it being granted to me.” Lyra frowned.
“He has a dim view of Death Eaters, he is convinced that his mad father was one.” Severus gave a snort of annoyance.
“You already have custody of Harry Potter…” Aurora mused.
“With the presumed Lord Nott ineligible for custody, they should temporarily revert to the custody of their mother’s birth house.” Severus sighed.
“I am not bound by any work related or political obligations, I can look after the girl and ensure that she receives the proper care.” Remus offered, “That is, if Severus is granted custody.”
The tentative couple exchanged a meaning-filled look.
“I am not bonded,” Charity admitted painfully, looking away. “I may only be a junior professor and not of a core speciality but I would not be able to provide the same attention. I think that Severus and Remus would make excellent parents.”
“I will remand custody to Professor Snape and his fiancé. I still expect that you are bonded quickly.” Aurora sniffed.
“I will need to speak to Healer Smythe and Alfred.” Emelia coughed.
“I have no objections. I suspect that Hyrum will wish to remove Gracie to St. Mungos to better treat her. I am unsure how Alfred will wish to care for the puppy but I doubt that Hyrum would take it to St. Mungos.” Severus mursed.
“Once Charity and I speak with Charis… Gracie, we will see about setting up a room for her here.” Lyra murmured.
“Yes, I would be glad to have an active part of her life. I knew she had not perished with her mother because my magic was not returned to me. I had hoped that I could reconnect with her when she came here. Oran was never very welcoming and I was turned away from Mansfield after Eileen’s death.” Charity said quietly.
Alfred emerged with the large bandaged puppy, “I probably should take him with me but he will be furious about being separated from his mistress. With Severus’ permission, I might leave him with his dam and sire. Their familiar presence should calm him, Angelina has some training and can check on him. If needed, she can send for me. He will need rest, but unfortunately, his injuries while caused by magic will need to heal naturally. He may be a familiar but unlike a magical human, some spells can’t be used.”
Since none of them were familiar with healing injured animals, they had no choice but to take his word.
The door to the Slytherin Boys’ Baths was opened, “It’s safe to come in.” came George Weasley’s voice.
The adults clustered in the corridor outside minus Alfred Johnson who left to speak to the students that Severus had left in the Dungeon Common Room.
“This child will need to spend at least the weekend in St. Mungos’ paediatric wing.” Smythe said gruffly.
“I will accompany her. It might be disconcerting for her.” Remus offered.
Luckily, it was far enough from a full moo, so Severus knew that he would be comfortable with spending that time at St. Mungos’.
“Theo may visit her tomorrow and join us for dinner the night she returns here.” Severus offered.
Theo growled but George shushed him.
“We will see about her pre-Hogwarts education, after she is healed of course. Given how advanced Ned and you are, Gracie will likely have to be tested.” Severus mused.
“As a pureblood heiress, she will need to have lessons in art, music and deportment. I have more free time since my charges are all Hogwarts students or attend a wizarding primary school.” Lyra said quietly.
“We will have to build a proper curriculum between us.” Remus offered. “I did teach some of my acquaintances’ children before my year at Hogwarts.”
“A pity that your health at the time made it impossible to finish out the year…” Emelia murmured.
Remus said nothing, merely squeezing Severus’ hand before taking hold the portkey with Smythe and Gracie.
Leaving Severus to finalize the arrangements with Aurora and Emelia to interview a still mostly feral Theo…
XoooooX
It was sometime before her father returned with a thankfully unconscious Heraclio…
The puppy resembled a mummy far more than a dog, it made Angelina’s heart hurt and worry about the state its mistress.
Hermione, who had never met either Gracie or the puppy burst into silent tears at the sight.
Seamus paled, Dean stiffened and their dogs began to whine.
Mal’s expression iced over but she pulled Hermione in closer.
“I have treated… Heraclio; however, due to the shock I am unable to heal them magically. He will need to heal naturally, I doubt he will be pleased when he wake up. While I could take him with me, I suspect that due to his separation from his mistress that it would be best if he stay with his dam and sire. They are the mostly likely to calm him, if anything can. Angelina knows how to change bandages and I know that Seamus has a natural gift, if anything unsual happens, I can be sent for.”
Angelina was pleased her father trusted her so much but was greatful that he had tended Heraclio’s injuries himself. It would be best to levitate the puppy up to Gryffindor Tower, luckily, she was a prefect and in instances of urgency was allowed to use magic in the corridors.
She waited anxiously until Professor Snape appeared, not surprisingly in the company of an agitated Theo Nott and George.
“Still here? I had thought that you would have harred off to Gryffindor to put the puppy to bed.” Snape drawled.
“We wanted to be sure that the girl was alright…” Dean pipped up.
“She is expected to be, she is spending the weekend in St. Mungos to heal. I suspect if all goes well, she will return sometime Monday.” Snape drawled.
“Their father?” Angelina asked quietly.
“He tried attacking me,” Nott growled, “I didn’t stand for it. The only reason he isn’t dead is because George wanted to avoid my committing patricide and losing my inheritance. He cast first and I defended myself. It’s not my fault that my spell was empowered enough to blast him down a staircase.”
Nott didn’t sound very apologetic; however, given what his sire had done, Angelina couldn’t fault him. Not everyone was lucky enough to have relatives that cared about them.
George excused them and dragged Theo out of the Dungeon common room likely to escape to wherever it was they spent their non-school or meal time.
Angelina couldn’t remember when George was last in Gryffindor Tower…
As much as she cared about her friend, given their newly formed bond and Theo’s feral state, she was not going to demand that George return to the Tower.
Rather, with the news of the Nott heiress’ expected recovery, Angelina extracted a begrudging promise to inform her as of the injured girl’s health before escorting Dean Seamus and their dogs as well the still unconscious pup that was still lying on a levitating but clearly conjured cot.
Mal led Hermione away and the two adult witches Lady Malfoy and Professor Burbage who had hurried past them earlier followed Professor Snape to their Potions Professor’s office.
Angelina was hopeful that the Nott girl ended up with a caring guardian like Harry had; she knew that he was now Professor Snape's ward since they were family and family meant a lot to titled families. After this near tragedy, the girl needed it…