Diagon Alley
To say that Celestia was surprised would be a lie.
The girl had always known of her fortune and her family's position, Joan having prepared her in these matters.
She also knew she had a Biological Family since the only way to get into St. Peter's is getting sold to them.
What she did not know was that her Godparents were imprisoned and that she was their Heir...
,, .....Is there a way to contact my Godmother and Godfather? Perhaps even my Great-Great-Grandfather ?" She asked, not caring if it was Tom or Klinge who answered this specific question.
,, Since you are underage, you are not allowed to visit them without your Gurdians' permission.." said Klinge, before a grin made its way onto his face. ,, But Albus Dumbledore was made so without your, or your family's, consent which makes it possible for you to choose your own Guardian and send letters if you wish."
She gave a nod, looking at the names again...
Her Godmother Narcissa was still alive and unimprisoned, the same being able to be said about her Uncle Lucius and their son Draco who was only a few months older than her...
,, Lucius holds a high position in the Wizengamot and the Ministry. Though a good choice, I would suggest that you seek out your Great-Uncle Arcturus, should he still be alive. He was the Head of the Black Family at the time of your birth and held was highly regarded under even the most influential of Pureblood circles. He would make a fine By Proxy for one the many Houses you are Heiress to." Tom suggested, and Celestia gave a small hum, turning to Klinge.
,, If not too much could you contact my living Family Members, besides the Potters, please? I would like to talk to them on this matter myself." She requested, the Goblin nodding in understanding. ,, Of course, Lady Grindelwald. The Letters will be sent out as we speak."
She gave a small smile nodding.
,, But first-" He said snapping his long fingers at which fifteen Boxes appeared in front of her. ,, You will have to accept your Lady-and Heiresship to gain access to your Properties and Vaults."
Nodding once again he opened the boxes, Chrome pretty much jumping in excitement as he sniffed each of the rings, looking at them with sparkling eyes.
Celestia guessed he was picturing which one he could pocket the quickest without the Goblin or her noticing...
,, Put them on and you shall officially become the Lady or Heiress of the House if accepted by the family Magic." He explained, instructing the girl to go for the first ring on her left.
She did as told and after each ring was put on one after the other, and then carefully put back, she could feel the Magic in the air vibrating, and struggling to fight its way toward her Magical Core, to which she took out her Handkerchief and let out a small cough into it, tapping it gently against the corners of her mouth once done, and resisted the urge to look at the blood it had gathered.
Though her Core is able to adjust itself in most cases, the different types of Magic and the sheer amount of it made it extremely difficult for it to catch up on the workload piling onto it...
Even now she could feel a Strange yet familiar Aura coming from the Gaunt Ring, because of the electrifying spark of Dark Magic it was shooting up her fingertips and straight to her spine.....
,, It's another piece of my Soul....... It was my second Horcrux, my dear." Tom informed her, as she looked at the Ring whose Stone held the symbol of the Three Deathly Hallows... ,, I put a Curse on it and hid it inside the Gaunt Shack, though I never expected the Goblins to get it after my supposed passing... I guess I should have thought of it since you are my closest blood relative and obviously still walking amongst the living. The curse I put on it does not work on you, because of the night of Samhain when a part of my soul connected itself to you."
Humming at the given information, she looked at the other Rings, brushing her knuckles across the small Diamonds, at which it began emitting a soft glow before it absorbed every ring beside the Gaunt family Ring, the Three Deathly Hallows forming a symbol on her open palm, and disappearing once it had given a single pulse in the form of a shining light.
, ...... How peculiar....' thought the girl, tracing a finger along her palm, where she could still feel a lingering amount of heat.
Usually, Symbols like these stayed on one's skin, to serve as a reminder of the power you were able to acquire or the protection it has granted you.
It was interesting how they had not done the same to her...
,, And now to the Crowns." Klinge snapped her out of her inner turmoil, her focus traveling back towards the Goblin.
He opened the last two Boxes showing a pair of four Crowns, one for a male and one for a female.
,, Once you find a Spouse, may it be a husband or a wife, they will automatically share your titles. Though not holding as much power as you, they will assist you and play the role of a protector." Klinge explained, handing her the two Crowns for the Queen..
She put on One, before taking it off and putting on the other..
Both accepted her, the Two Dragon Heads of the Crown of Avalon a sign that even if the House of Pendragon had once been separated, they still held some of the same customs.
Seeing this Klinge bowed his Head, a smirk tugging on the ends of his mouth. ,, It is my pleasure to be at your service, your Grace."
Celestia chuckled, slightly embarrassed about being called by her highest Title, the sound of it still somewhat unpleasant to the ear of a girl who had only known the life of a prisoner ... ,, You have my gratitude, Klinge..."
Her eyes then went to Chrome, who was already staring at the Crowns as if he would pounce on them at any second....
Sighing, and knowing that he would keep them safe she let go of him and said. ,, Go on, take them."
Chrome didn't need to be told twice, jumping across the table and stuffing the two Crowns in his pockets, before looking at her Rings.
,, That's a no, you know I can't take those off Chrome." She said, picking him up and setting him down on her lap.
He gave a huff, but immediately stopped pouting when he heard her next words. ,, I will also require assistance.... For I am in need of you to carry some items from the Vaults around. I'm certain Klinge thinks so too."
She then remembered something important, turning to Klinge again. ,, Say does Gringotts invest in Muggle companies ?"
Klinge grinned brightly..
Oh, how he already loved making business with the young Grindelwald.
-----------
,, Here we are." Klinge said, holding onto a lamp so they would be able to see so far beneath the ground, as Celestia and Fillius stepped off from the cart. ,, Vaults 00001 and 00002."
The Head of Ravenclaw gave an excited squeak, in shock after his Student had returned, telling him that her family had the blood of both House Pendragon and Le Fay flowing through their veins.
And as she asked him to come with her to look at the Vaults he didn't even hesitate to agree.
After all which Ravenclaw would say no to such an offer?
The two Vaults were in the deepest part of the Bank, protected by Seven Dragons, two Nundu, and a Chimaera, ready to strike should anyone besides an individual with Pendragon blood try to take something out of the Vaults.
He pressed his entire hand against the lock while turning three Keys, which made the Vault open up very slowly.
,, Does every Vault have this system ?" The young witch asked, her brain already working on ways to use the newly obtained knowledge for her own projects..
,, It goes from having to use Keys to using both my finger and a Key. The higher the security, the more safety precautions there are." He said, Fillius once again smiling as he spotted the signs of a true Ravenclaw in her.
As far as he knew both Eliza and Violet had been sorted into Slytherin, Violet for her great ambition to gain knowledge and power, and Eliza for her ambition to prove herself and protect those closest to her.
Theseus Grindelwald had been a fellow Ravenclaw, his late wife Ye-eun a Slytherin after having transferred from Seoul Institute to Hogwarts in her fourth year.
And Fillius knew that Celestia would either enter his House or be sorted into Slytherin if her ambition succeeded in her will of learning and her creativity, though he was pretty sure it wouldn't.
His eyes went back to the Vaults, both his and Celestia's opening wide in surprise as they were met with two gigantic Marble rooms which were filled to the brim with Gold, Silver, and many other things.....
,, Good Rowena...." Fillius let out, Klinge chuckling and handing the girl a pouch with an endless bottom so she could store everything she needed inside as she requested.
,, Take a look around, there are quite a few things you might stumble upon." He offered, and Celestia looked down at Chrome, who was staring at her with pleading eyes..
..................
..........
....
..
.
,, Go for it." She said, setting him down.
Not even a second later the Niffler had leaped at one of the many piles of Gold, burying his body in it.
The girl chuckled, quite sure that if someone ever wondered what a happy Niffler looked like she could answer by pointing at Chrome, who had just found his Paradise in the shared Pendragon and Le Fay Vault.
,, I'll stay here my dear." Fillius said, smiling at the young girl. ,, You go ahead and take out what you need."
,, Thank you, Professor." She said, quickly walking inside.
,, I would suggest searching for your Ancestor's Journals and the many items they have left behind. You could also look for their Portraits, though I'm quite sure King Arthur's will hang at Pendragon Castle." Tom said, the girl walking for a bit.
After having talked to Klinge she had agreed to invest in some Muggle Companies that she was quite sure would one day make great progress.
She also let Gringotts keep 45% of the shares, having enough money to last her family over the end of time, not even adding the amount she would make in the future.
The Goblins were more than happy to agree, quickly taking a liking to the little Witch who treated them with respect and offered them almost half of the income of her future investments.
Celestia had also agreed to move into Pendragon Castle after it took both Klinge and Tom to convince her..
She knew she couldn't live in her Prison cell any longer, but she felt hesitant, having lived her entire life there. Not to mention that the Graves of the people she considered her family were there...
,, It will take 'till Yule for the Goblins to finish restoring the Castle. Until then you can pack everything and make sure you leave nothing behind." Klinge had said, having finished writing down the additions of requests Celestia had asked to be added or taken care of in the Castle.
After a good ten minutes, Celestia had returned to her Professor and Klinge, the Journals, Wands, and other items, not including the many books she had taken from the shells, stored inside her pouch.
,, Everything found ?" Fillius asked, the white-haired girl nodding before looking around, trying to find Chrome.
Fillius realizing what she was searching for, gave a chuckle, pointing at the top of a Chest with the Pendragon Crest on it.
Chrome was laying on it, dead asleep with his pockets filled to the brim.
She picked him up and put him back in her dress's pocket, before walking out of the Vault with the two men.
-----------
,, Now that this matter has been taken care of, it is time to get your Wand." Fillius said, smiling at Celestia, the two walking towards a less crowded part of Diagon Alley.
,, Where exactly will we be going for it, Sir ?" She asked, noticing how the area around them grew darker and how fewer Wizards were walking around.
He nervously looked around, putting the Hood of his cloak over his head. ,, Normally I would have taken you to Ollivander's.... but I know for a fact that a Pre-made Wand will not work for you, my dear... Which is why we must go to Knockturn Alley. Place your Hood on and don't look at anyone, all right ?"
She nodded, placing her Hood over her Head, and making sure her white curls were hidden as she walked close to him.
Tom had told her about Knockturn, having once worked here.
Celestia knew she would probably be here more often than not, Esmerald's influence having her made her more curious about the Darker Arts.
Also, many of the items she usually needed could not be found at Flourish and Blotts.....
After all, Celestia wanted to read nothing but the truth, and books written by those who have achieved victory never held much of it.
The two entered a small Shop, and immediately took notice of a middle-aged Witch with roots from the Middle East standing behind the counter. Her Raven Black hair was braided, part of it in a Headband, and she had a Piercing in her nose, a pair of Green eyes staring at them.
,, Hello." Fillius greeted, taking his Hood off.
,, You want a customized Wand, I assume ?" She asked, at which he nodded. ,, For the Girl ?" He nodded once more, at which she gave a single hum, turning to Celestia.
,, Alright Missy, come to the table. I'll Blindfold you and place a couple of things in front of ya. You just gotta stretch your Hand out and let your Magic guide you to what ya feel most comfortable at." She said, and Celestia nodded, taking her Hood off.
The woman rose an eyebrow, humming. ,, You a Veela ?"
,, Half." Celestia briefly replied, the woman nodding, satisfied by the answer.
,, Veela usually have very curious Wands. Once had one that had a Mix out of Four Woods and Two Cores." The woman said, binding the cloth around the girl's eyes.
She then took out different Wood types, placed them down in front of her, and watched as Celestia's hand moved over them...
She noticed the Ring with the Symbol of the Three Deathly Hallows on her Middle-Finger but decided not to say anything..
All the while Celestia could feel the different Woods respond to her Magic...
Some were more responsive than others, but none really spoke to her......
Until she reached the very End.
,, Yew and Elder Wood...Not bad." The Witch said, smirking, before taking the two Woods and replacing everything else with different Core types, many of which Fillius was wise enough to not ask about how exactly they were obtained.
Celestia's hand once again made its way across the table, this time stopping multiple times.
Humming once more the older Witch picked everything Celestia had stopped upon and said. ,, Dark Phoenix Feather, Thestral-tail-hair, Basilisk Venom, Dementor's Cloak, and Horned Serpent Scales Core. Tricky, but I love the combination, makes it sound dangerous. Oh, ya can take the Blindfold off now."
Celestia did as told, handing the woman the piece of cloth back.
,, Now last thing, which Hand do ya use more ?" She asked, a measuring tape floating next to her.
,, I'm Ambidextrous." Celestia simply answered.
,, 'Kay. Both arms forward." Celestia did as told, the Tape measuring her arm length, before flying back. ,, 15 inches it'll be then..."
,, What will the Price be and how long exactly will you need to finish it ?" The young girl asked.
,, Hmm......... Normally I would've charged extra for the rare Woods and Cores, but I like ya, Missy. So how 'bout Twenty Galleons, Wand Holster, and Wand Polish Set included? And it'll take me about two hours to finish."
,, It's a good Price, especially concerning the fact that you have some of the rarest Core types of all." Tom said, agreeing with the Price.
,, That would be all right." She said, taking twenty Galleons out of her pouch and handing them to the older Witch, who bit down on one of the coins to see if they were real.
,, We'll be back in two hours then, come on out Miss Grindelwald." Fillius said, making sure her Hood was up before exiting the Shop, not noticing the Witch smirking as she heard the girl's last name.
,, A Grindelwald, eh ?" She muttered, before turning around, ready to get to work.
--------------
After getting her school books, the Professor and the young girl made their way to Madam Malkin's, a small Boutique where most people bought customized clothes and more commonly, their Hogwarts Uniforms.
,, Hello dearie, Professor Flitwick, what can I do for you today ?" A small, plump Witch came to greet them, smiling at them.
,, Hogwarts Robes.....and a Full Wardrobe-" Celestia added, having seen the look her Professor had sent her. ,, With Charms to make them grow as I do, please." She had only ever been allowed to wear white dresses with white shoes, the only different clothes she had were the ones she stole from the closet of the others or former Prisoners, and all of those were also white and oftentimes did not fit her frame.
She was too thin, all the years spent under the roof of her cell with hundreds of others in the same position, caused her to become incredibly malnourished.
,, Of course, Dear, just Hop onto the Platform and hold still for me." The small Witch instructed, the Girl holding as still as a human possibly could, her body not moving in the slightest as the tape measure went across her body.
,, Oh! What colors would you like for your clothes, dearie ?" The woman asked, Celestia thought for a few moments. ,, Black, Blue, and White... You can choose the rest if you wish."
The woman nodded, quite happy with choosing some fitting clothes for one of her customers, but left her shortly after to greet a few new customers.
A middle-aged couple with two boys who looked about the same age as her.....
,, Lord Potter! What a pleasant surprise!" Celestia sighed.
Great..........
Out of every possible family it just had to be the Potters...
,, We're here to get some Hogwarts Robes for the boys! Finally getting to Hogwarts in September!" Lord Potter loudly proclaimed, his wife smiling brightly.
Celestia glanced at her relatives, unimpressed by what she saw.
Both James and Lily Potter were dressed in expensive, but very unsuiting clothes, the same going for their Son Harry, who looked so much like his Father that he held the same Arrogant and cocky Aura as him without even trying.
The second boy though, she could not recognize.
He had curly Black hair, and dark Grey eyes, similar to her own eye color. Even for his age, she had to admit he was rather handsome, with pale skin and a nicely Structured face.
He also, unlike the Potters, wore a Dark Pure-Blood attire.
,, Probably a son of a distant family Member of the Blacks." said Tom, as she looked back towards the front, while she waited for the Tape to finish measuring her.
But before long the two boys had joined her on each side, the two adults happily catching up with the Charms Professor who gave polite answers in return.
Sure they once were favorite students of his, but after the many years of their Fame as the Family of The-Boy-Who-Lived and seeing the conditions they left Celestia in, he really wasn't sure who these people were anymore.
,, You going to Hogwarts too ?" The boy on her right, with a Lightning Bolt Scar on his forehead asked, not minding manners in the slightest.
,, Yes." She answered shortly, not sparing him a glance.
The boy on her left who noticed it, held himself back from smirking.
It was obvious that she did not want to talk to Harry, something which was a feat on its own since usually people would flock towards him because of his title.
,, I'm Harry Potter by the way, Boy-Who-Lived, and who are you ?" Harry asked, his cousin rolling his eyes at his showcase of fame. Again.
Celestia didn't answer him, making him huff. ,, Rude.."
Well, wasn't this just interesting...
She ignored Harry, noticing the gaze of the other boy on her, yet she continued to say nothing.
The three of them had finished at the same time, all stepping down from the Platforms.
The boy turned to Celestia offering his hand. ,, Regulus Black, of the House of Black."
She turned to him, and he now was able to see her entire face.
She was very pretty. Pale skin, a nicely shaped face which was framed by her white hair, and a pair of Bi-colored eyes, which did not focus much on his own. He suspected that she had Veela blood in her, by how potent her Aura was...
Knowing she couldn't refuse she grasped his hand, shaking it. ,, Celestia-..." He rose an eyebrow at her name, recognizing it. ,, Celestia Grindelwald, of the House of Grindelwald."
Surprised, he didn't even notice that she had taken her hand back, too much in shock.
Regulus of course knew about his long lost, distant cousin, his aunt Narcissa having told him stories.
Everyone knew the Potters had left her somewhere in the Muggle World after Dumbledore declared her a Squib, but by the looks of it and by what Regulus could tell Magic was flocking around her in enormous amounts............
He was only shaken out of it when she turned to him a final time, already having paid for everything. ,, You've got a piece of red fabric stuck on your left forearm. Just to let you know."
His head snapped to his forearm, and indeed there was a red piece of fabric with a Gryffindor Crest stuck to his sleeve.
Regulus sneered, shooting Harry a glare, who by no doubt had been the culprit.
But when he turned back around, Celestia and the Head of Ravenclaw had already left.
--------------
Later in the evening, Celestia sat in her bed, Chrome on her lap as she read through her school books, her Wand placed on her Bedside Table.
The material was rather easy to understand, and there were also a lot of Spells she had already learned and used over the many years of being here.
,, What do you think Chrome ?" She suddenly asked, making the Niffler look at her. ,, About all of this? We've been living isolated from everyone, only the creatures in the forest nearby...... And now we're being thrust into a completely new enviorment, with no one we know..."
He climbed up her shoulder, rubbing his snout against her cheek as if saying not to worry.
She smiled, hugging him back. ,, Thanks Chrome......... I can always count on you to be at my side."