The Empress of Magic

,, What exactly was it that you were reading when you were waiting for our arrival ?" Regulus, who by now was sitting next to Celestia asked, the two of them feeling more comfortable in the other's presence after having talked for the last few hours of this long train ride.

They had actually quite a few similarities, both showing great interest in the darker arts of Magic, as well as bearing a Core suited for Dark Magic.

Both were the type who'd rather stay quiet and observe than engage in unnecessary conversations or arguments. 

And they shared a great love for literature, may it be Muggle or Wizard.

,, It was a Journal-" Seeing that she would probably not be able to lie she decided to tell him the truth. ,, left behind by Morgan Le Fay."

Regulus rose an eyebrow, the journal of the Darkest Witch of all times? In possession of an eleven-year-old girl?

It sounded a bit absurd.

,, An Ancestor on my Mother's side...*Chuckle* It sounds a bit absurd, but it is indeed the truth, for even Rowena Ravenclaw saw her brilliant mind." Celestia spoke, something in her eyes making him see that she was indeed telling the truth.

,, Would you allow me to read through it after you have finished it ?" He asked, at which she gave a small smile. ,, If you hand it with care."

The two shared another smile, their Compartment door suddenly opening.

,, Excuse our interruption." A male voice said, making them turn to the door, where two boys stood, the one who opened the door had natural curly blonde hair and a very structured face, framed by a pair of glasses, he was also rather tall easily towering over all of them, while the one behind him was visibly shorter, Ginger hair and Brown eyes falling into place. ,, Would you mind if we sat down here? We kinda got kicked out of most of the other ones." He looked slightly embarrassed by the revelation, probably having done this for quite some time now.

Regulus and Celestia shared a look, before nodding. ,, Go ahead."

Sighing in relief they sat down on the Opposite of them, visibly relaxed now that they weren't kicked out.

,, If it is not a bother, would you mind telling us why you have been kicked out by others ?" Celestia asked, curious as to why those two boys were sent away by most.

They tensed, unsure if they should answer that..........

Regulus rose an eyebrow. ,, Did you suddenly forget how to speak? Or is the reason that embarrassing that you can't tell us ?" 

The blonde shot him a glare. ,, If you want to know so badly why not ask nicely, Curly-Head ?"

Regulus glared back. ,, Think you can take me on, Blondie ?"

Celestia sighed, shaking her head at them.

If she hadn't met Regulus before, she would have thought he and the blonde boy were life-long enemies from the moment they were born.

She turned to the other boy, who held an expression of amusement as he watched the other two silently glare at each other.

,, I promise we won't make you leave-" The three now turned their attention to her. ,, I am merely curious as to why someone would make others leave a Compartment."

Once again they shared a glance before the boy in front of her answered. ,, It's because of our family names-" He gave her a sheepish smile, rubbing his neck. ,, They are not very well-liked in the Wizarding World."

The blonde gave a huff. ,, Not very well liked my arse, we're hated."

Celestia frowned, Regulus not saying anything.

,, Hated? Why would you say that ?" She asked, not quite sure why someone would hate another person because of their last name.

The blonde looked at her, giving a small chuckle. ,, You weren't raised in the Wizarding World, were you ?"

The girl only tilted her head, waiting for a answer that she could deem satisfactionary.

He sighed, leaning back into his seat once he saw they wouldn't escape this conversation with her. ,, To make a long story short, our parents are not what one would call good people.....They earn their money through lies and using information for their own gain, not the noble work if you know what I mean."

She gave a hum...........

She could understand their reason slightly better now.....

After all, she held the last name of not only the first Dark Lord who terrorized the World but also those of four well-known Death Eaters, who had tortured people into insanity.

Still, this was not the answer she had sought of them.

,, Fine...Shall I introduce myself first then ?" She asked, making Regulus snap his Head towards her.

He knew she hadn't exactly been raised in the Wizarding World, but it was obvious that she was very well aware of who her Godparents and other family members were, and what admitting her true parentage would mean.....

If he were in her shoes, which he partly was, he would have kept quiet and prayed to Mother Magic that nobody heard his name being called at the Sorting.

Celestia offered a polite smile. ,, My name is Celestia Grindelwald-Lestrange-" Both opened their eyes wide, looking at her with a mixture of fear and shock present on their face. ,, and I am the Great-Great-Grandaughter of Gellert Grindelwald, as well as the Goddaughter of the convicted Death Eaters Bellatrix Lestrange, Rodolphus Lestrange, Rabastan Lestrange, and the deceased Barty Crouch Jr."

Regulus sighed, knowing it was best to follow her lead.....

There wasn't much he was going to lose anyway.

,, And I am Regulus Black-" This seemed to shock them even more. ,, Son of the convicted, suspected to be, Death Eater Sirius Black and Former Head Auror Marlene McKinnon."

Both boys were flabbergasted. ,, Merlin's beard...." The one with Ginger hair muttered, looking at them. ,, You definitely have it worse than us then...I mean Sirius Black? Not to mention-" His eyes landed on Celestia. ,, Eliza Grindelwald was described as completely mental by the time of her Death....... Unable to even recognize a single person in front of her."

,, He's not exactly wrong......" Tom said, remembering how Eliza looked the last time he had seen her. Hallow eyes, pale skin, and extremely skinny......She looked like a living Corpse.

And he wouldn't put it past her to have actually become one, from how far her mind had gone..

Regulus shot him a glare at the mention of Celestia's mother, the blonde one slapping the back of the boy's head as hard as he could. 

,, Ouch!" 

,, That is not how you talk about the dead!" He scolded, giving Celestia an apologetic look.

She gave a small smile in return, waving it off. ,, It's fine........My mother after all was indeed not as sane as one might have wanted her to make out to be."

He returned the smile, somehow feeling more comfortable in her presence.

She did not have the personality one would think of when asked to describe a Grindelwald.

At least he guessed so, since she hadn't tried to kill them just yet.

,, Seeing as you told us your names and Heritage it's only fair that we do the same...." The blonde said, looking at them. ,, My name is Aiden Skeeter, I am the Son of the famous Gossip-Reporter Rita Skeeter, and this-"

,, I'm Hunter Fletcher." He said, giving a small smirk. ,, Son of Mundungus Fletcher, known thief and low criminal."

,, Mundungus Fletcher ? I remember him-" Regulus said, looking slightly amused. ,, He once tried to break into Grandmother Walburga's Home to try to steal some of Uncle Regulus' items...Got flung back into a trashcan by the Wards."

Hunter grinned wildly, looking like a miniature madman. ,, Yep, sounds like my old man."

,, Rita Skeeter, a known Gossip Reporter that seems to find something to Blackmail or Publish on everyone. The Last War taught me that she was an unregistered Animagus, a Beetle to be specific. And Mundungus Fletcher, a very well-known thief, and low criminal was a member of Dumbledore's little Army and thinks himself to be in debt to him because the old manones saved him from harm's way, pathetic if you ask me, but he does have great connections to the Underworld." said Tom, voicing his opinion on both of them. ,, It would be wise to get them on your side, especially since they both seem to have gathered at least some of their parent's talents."

Celestia knew that forming a friendship with them would be wise........

Especially if what Tom said was the truth.

So she smiled once more. ,, It's nice to meet the both of you."

---------------

A few hours later, the group of four, now changed into their Hogwarts Robes ( The boys had waited outside while Celestia had changed ) were conversing, soon to be arriving at Hogwarts.

,, Alright, that's it, you're cheating !" Hunter accused, glaring at the Niffler in Celestia's Lap, who was happily stuffing his pockets with the Gallon he had just managed to snatch from the boy's hand.

He had betted that Chrome, who to Regulus' misfortune turned out to like the two boys, wouldn't be able to identify the actual Gallon, having produced an exact replica with his Wand.

Sadly for him he underestimated the will of a Shiny-Object obsessed Niffler named Chrome.

,, If you call acting out on his nature cheating, sure." Aiden said, smirking as he dodged the swat aimed at him by Hunter.

,, Honestly...." Regulus muttered, shaking his head, yet Celestia could see that he did not mind their banter, probably so used to his group of friends which he shared with Draco that he was glad to have found some friends on his own.

,, *Chuckle*" Celestia only chuckled, pulling on the sleeve of her Uniform..

Even though she had mostly worn the same style of clothes all her life, she did not like the fact that the sleeves on the girl's Uniform were shorter than the boy's.......

Because if someone would look down on her wrist they would spot the beginning of the Numbers forever burned into her pale skin..

Right around that time, a clattering could be heard outside in the Corridor and a smiling, dimpled woman slid back the door of their Compartment and asked. ,, Anything from the Trolley dears ?"

Without a second to waste the boys took out some money, each getting something different, while Celestia watched, not entirely sure what those things were.........

Sure she had heard the others mention some of those things when they told her stories about their experiences at their schools, but if Celestia was being honest she had never eaten anything made out of Chocolate or simply said normal Candy in her entire life.

Heck, she only ever got to eat meat rarely, because she had to go ask the Centaurs in the nearby forest to help her catch a smaller animal. Sometimes they were even nice enough to give her some Herbs and Barries as a small extra.

And she couldn't stomach most foods, because... well... her body was unacustomed to spices, and sweet foods.

When the boys sat down the woman turned to Celestia, smiling. ,, Anything for you my dear ?"

Celestia didn't know what to get or answer, which Regulus noticed, and he realized that Celestia probably didn't know what half of the things on the Trolley were.

,, One Chocolate Frog and some Pumpkin Pastries for her, please." Regulus said, handing the Witch some money, for which he took the food into his hold.

She left and Regulus closed the door again, handing Celestia the items as he sat back down next to her. ,, Here."

,, Regulus, you didn't need to buy me anything." She said, unfamiliar with the feeling of someone paying for her..

It felt wrong for her... 

,, Eat it, I already paid and I won't take it back." He said, his expression telling her he was not going to accept anything else from her.

,, *Sigh* All right....Thank you, Reggie." She said, not even noticing that she had used the nickname, which almost made the said boy choke on his own Chocolate Frog, the other two trying not to laugh at his expression.

He was blushing, and his head snapped in her direction, in utter disbelief.

He had heard Narcissa use that nickname whenever she talked about his uncle Regulus, but he had never in a Million years thought that someone would call him that, especially on accident.

Celestia noticed him staring at her, his pale face red, and she tilted her head. ,, Is something wrong ?"

He quickly averted his gaze, shooting Aiden and Hunter, who were snickering, a death glare. ,, It's nothing."

,, Yeah......Pff..." Aiden said, covering his mouth with his hand.

,, ..Nothing at all...kkkkkk..." Hunter continued, holding back from laughing out loud.

Celestia only tilted her head at them confused, before taking small bites out of her Pumpkin Pastries.

Hearing Chrome snicker at him, Regulus shot the laughing Niffler a glare as well. ,, Shut it you Furrball....." He hissed, but Chrome only shot him a smug look, which made the boy hate the Creature even more.

Celestia then opened the Chocolate Frog package, only to jump slightly when the Frog took a leap, Aiden catching it, before it flew out of the window. ,, Woah...Careful there, some of them have a very nasty jump."

The girl found Wizard Sweets extremely weird.......

,, You can have it..." She said, having lost her appetite over that stunt.

,, *Chuckle* Understandable. Now, what card did you get ?" Hunter asked, making her look down.

The boys had told her that in every Package a Card of a Famous Witch or Wizard could be found, some Collectors even paying hundreds of Gallons each month just to get some of the extremely Rare ones.

,, Hopefully, you get a good one. Mother once told me a kid found one of the rare Silver Cards in one of the Packages his friend had left open." Aiden said, and they watched as she took it out.

The sides were see-through, some stars glittering or shooting stars passing by, the Background being Black, and the writing a beautiful Silver.

Xavier Pendragon

Former King of the Wizarding World

Considered the Greatest Duellist of all time, Xavier Pendragon was both brother to King Arthur of Camelot and Morgan Le Fay Queen of Avalon. King Xavier ruled over the Wizarding World with his Twin sister Eve, later to be the wife of Merlin, at his side. He was known to wield a Sword, crafted by his own Magic which he called Nightshade with himself, unable to find a Wand that would suit him. He still inspires many, Aurors taking his example of Ambition and intelligence on the Field to heart when going on missions.

,, Woah!" Hunter opened his eyes wide, looking like a kid in a candy store. ,, You got Xavier Pendragon! He and Eve are the rarest Cards there are!"

,, Really ?" Celestia asked, looking at the image of the man on the Chocolate Card.

He had white hair, which was very similar to hers, and their facial features were also very much alike, showing the blood relation. The one thing Celestia found to be especially interesting was the fact that he had Golden colored eyes.

Not Yellow or Amber, no, it was actual Golden-colored eyes.

The very Golden eyes she got whenever she used a large amount of Magic.

,, I can not believe it....How can one get so lucky on the first try ?!" Aiden asked, mesmerized by the beautiful Card in his new friend's grasp.

Regulus wanted to know the same, having never actually seen the Card....

But by some Voodoo Magic and Celestia's Luck here it was.

,, It's very rare...Though you will be in no need of the money it brings." Tom said.

Celestia gave a hum, her eyes wandering to Regulus. 

She turned to him, handing it to him. ,, Here..You collect them, right? You can have it."

,, What ?" Regulus couldn't believe his ears, the same going for Hunter and Aiden. ,, It's one of the two rarest Cards on the Planet, and you're handing it to me ?" He asked, not sure if she was aware of what she was doing.

She nodded. ,, You bought it anyways, so rightfully it belongs to you... Sure I find it pretty, but I wouldn't find a good use for it. *Chuckle* I also have more money than I could ever need thanks to my inheritance."

Honestly, her Account did not need any more Numbers added to it............

He took it, still wide-eyed, before he let out a small laugh, shaking his Head. ,, Only you would be nice enough to hand a Card worth a fortune to someone with the reason of having enough money."

,, *Chuckle* I guess so." She said, finding his smile contagious.

,, Next time I'm handing you all my Chocolate Frogs." Hunter said, Aiden nodding, both carrying serious expressions.

All four burst out laughing, anyone passing by their Compartment was only able to hear the laughter of Four Friends who were at the beginning of a long-lasting Friendship.

------------------

The train slowed down, before finally stopping, Students of all ages pushing their way out into the cold Night.

,, Brr......it's Freezing.." Aiden muttered, their group walking together, Celestia close to Regulus, their hands intertwined, because he had almost lost the girl in the hoard of students a few minutes earlier and didn't want to risk doing so again.

,, Couldn't even place Heating Charms around the area, could they.." Hunter complained, the four stopping at the sight of a lamp bobbing over the heads of students.

,, Firs' years! Firs' years over here! " Rubeus Hagrid, Groundskeeper of Hogwarts called out, his large stature immediately telling Celestia that he had Giant blood in him.

,, Harry! Yur Mum an' Dad told me ya would be comin' this year! Said to look out for ya- so yur always welcome down at me hut if need be!" Regulus scowled at the mention of his distant cousin, who stood next to his best friend Ronald Weasley, and a girl he did not recognize.

Hagrid's big, beardy face beamed over the crowd of students. ,, C'mon, follow me! --- any more firs' years ? Mind yer step! Firs' years follow me!" 

Careful to not slip and fall on his narrow way, they followed after Hagrid, doing their best to not stumble down, Aiden, Hunter and surprisingly Regulus being thankful that Chrome was here because the Niffler would make certain sounds to tell them whenever to slow down or watch their step thanks to his good eyes and nose.

Some students behind them were also very thankful, doing as the group of four and following the Niffler's sounds as if their life depended on the sounds he was making.

,, Yeh'll get your firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec-" Hagrid called out over his shoulder. ,, jus' round this bend here."

There was a loud noise of multiple students in awe.

The narrow path had opened suddenly and they now stood at the shore of the Great Black Lake.

On the top of a high mountain on the other side of the lake, its windows sparkling in the Starry sky, was a Castle with many turrets and towers.

,, No more'n four to a boat! " Hagrid called out, pointing towards a fleet of small boats sitting in the water by the shore.

Celestia frowned at the form of Transportation.

Wooden Boats that looked like they'd fall apart at any moment and that with no Light beside the Lamp which was carried by Hagrid.

The Quartet stayed together, walking to a free boat, with the boys protectively surrounding Celestia, who had been at the receiving end of many onlookers male and female alike because of her looks.

Regulus did not once let go of her hand until she had sat down and didn't need his support anymore.

,, Everyone in ?" Shouted Hagrid, who had a Boat to himself. ,, Right then- FORWARD!"

The small fleet of boats began moving at the same time and began gliding across the lake's surface, everyone looking at the castle in wonder.....

Well, everyone except for Celestia.

, -And the Mermaids actually understand Sign Language ? '

,, They do indeed, my dear. Should you be sorted into Slytherin you will be able to see them in the common room... That or ask one of your friends to let you in. I am almost certain your two cousins will find themselves in the Snake Pit." Tom answered, smiling faintly.

Celestia often times reminded him of himself when he was younger...

He could still remember how when he reached Hogwarts, he had become fascinated with the Black Lake..............

Tom may never have liked Magical-Creatures as much as her, but he held great interest in things he held no knowledge about.

Regulus glanced at Celestia seeing her smile the tiniest bit as she let her fingers run along the waters of the Lake......

He smiled the tiniest bit as well, before turning to look back at Hogwarts.

Though the peaceful atmosphere got ruined when Hagrid yelled. ,, HEADS DOWN!" when the first boats started nearing the Cliff.

Almost everyone ducked, Celestia and Aiden being in the group of those who did not, while Hunter and Regulus did so immediately, having been raised to do as told.......

,, Why didn't you guys duck ?" Hunter asked, looking at the two, who seemed to now hold an air of mutual respect for the other around them.

,, Tch- That was obviously some kind of weird behavior test to see if we'll behave. Those kids that didn't duck, including Celestia and myself will probably end up in Ravenclaw by the end of the Sorting." Aiden said, irritated by what Hogwarts had shown him up until now.

Some old Boats, a Groundskeeper that looks too gullible for his own well-being, and some kind of behavior Test that made him want to jump out of the boat and willingly let himself drown in the Lake.

,, Aha...And what House do you suppose Regulus and I'll land in ?" Hunter asked, deadpanning.

,, Probably Slytherin, maybe Ravenclaw." They replied at the same time, not even surprised by their synced answer.

Chrome nodded, agreeing with their guesses.

,, Well, at least not Gryffindor. I'd hang myself if I get placed in that place." Hunter said, rubbing his neck.

He held nothing against the lions per se, but he'd rather not get stuck in the same House as Harry bloody Potter.....

They were carried to a Dark Tunnel, which took them right underneath the castle, until they reached a kind of underground Harbor, where they clambered out of the Boats, Aiden carrying Chrome while Regulus and Hunter offered their hands to Celestia so she wouldn't fall down and hurt herself when jumping out. 

Quite a few Pure-Blood boys did the same, all the while ignoring those who fell down, trying to climb down by themselves.

Once down, Celestia noticed a Toad on the ground and picked it up, looking around, before finally spotting a distressed boy who was also looking around.

Noticing that she was about to walk to the boy, Regulus said ,, I'll come with you." jumping slightly when Chrome decided to leap on his shoulder, using him as a jumping board, only to leap on Celestia's.

As she walked in front of him the Niffler pocked his tongue out at him, a smug aura around him.

,, Why you--!" Regulus really wondered if it was allowed to Hex Nifflers.

,, Excuse me ?" Celestia said once they were close enough, bringing the boy's attention to her. ,, Is this your Toad ?"

,, Trevor!" The boy cried out, glad to have found the Toad. ,, Thank you so much!"

Celestia smiled politely. ,, No need to thank me."

Hagrid's voice rang out and Regulus grabbed her hand, tugging her gently. ,, Let's go."

His cold Grey eyes slightly intimidated the boy, but Celestia merely gave a hum, nodding and giving a small wave in goodbye to the boy, as they made their way towards Aiden and Hunter.

,, There you are!" Aiden said, glad to have found them.

,, Neville!" Said boy jumped slightly, turning to the trio he had sat with.

,, Ah..Did you find Trevor? That's good." Hermione said, the boy nodding, his eyes trailing behind the girl who just had helped him and the boy with curly Black hair and cold Grey-eyes next to her.

It was weird, but the two seemed to get along well, even though they looked like direct opposites.

,, Come on! We need to get going or we'll get left behind!" Harry loudly told them, at which they quickly followed after the other first years.