The Empress of Magic

Yule was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow. The lake froze solid and Fred and George were punished for bewitching several snowballs so that they followed Quirrell around, bouncing off the back of his turban. The few owls that managed to battle their way through the stormy sky to deliver mail had to be nursed back to health by Hagrid before they could fly off again.

Thankfully Jade and Jasper were spared such Fate.

No one could wait for the holidays to start. While the Ravenclaw common room and the Great Hall had roaring fires, the drafty corridors had become icy and a bitter wind rattled the windows in the classrooms. Worst of all were Professor Snape's classes down in the dungeons, where their breath rose in a mist before them and they kept as close as possible to their hot cauldrons.

Thankfully their lessons had already ended and Celestia was currently busy sitting on her bed, a Letter from Klinge in her hold and her Trunk packed for the Holidays at the foot of her bed.

Lady Grindelwald,

it is my pleasure to inform you that the renovations on the Pendragon castle have been completed and you are now able to live there. We wish you a happy Yule.

May your Gold forever flow, and your enemies lay dead beneath your feet.

Account Manager, Klinge

She smiled quietly, happy to receive such good news.

All her friends, except the twins, were also leaving Hogwarts for Yule.

She had invited them to come with her, seeing that they only had their brother Percy here, Ronald refusing to talk with them after he had seen them around Celestia and the Slytherins.

But they only smiled, promising her that they'd be fine and not to worry about them...

It didn't quite make her worries disappear, but she was sure they would contact her if the situation was dire.

,, 'Tia!" Hunter called out, peeking his head inside the room. ,, You ready? Professor Flitwick is going to walk us down to Hogsmeade station soon." He asked, looking around to see if she had packed everything.

,, In a moment." She assured, standing up and walking towards her window.

Nodding he left her alone, and Celestia opened the window, before getting Jade out of her Cage.

,, Fly to Pendragon castle... I'll be there soon." She said, smiling as Jade nibbled her ear before flying off.

Letting out a small sigh she looked around her room, Chrome on her shoulder.

,, It's weird isn't it ?" She asked, Chrome tilting his head at her.

,, For the first time in our lives, we have somewhere we can call our home.............." She said, smiling faintly. ,, It has such an unreal feeling to it..... Sometimes I can't believe we're here and not at St. Peter."

Chrome nudged his head against her cheek, making her chuckle. ,, I'm not sad....... not much at least." She said, petting him.

,, I just have to get used to this.." She muttered, more to herself than to Chrome.

She took her Trunk and walked out of her Chambers, ready to make a final stop before leaving Hogwarts.

So she quickly made her way towards the Gryffindor Common room.

,, 'Tia!" The twins cheered, smiling brightly at the sight of the white-haired girl waiting for them near the Fat Lady's Portrait.

She smiled at them, chuckling quietly. ,, Hello Gred, Hello Forge."

,, What are you doing here ?" George asked.

,, Isn't the train going to leave soon ?" Fred asked.

Celestia nodded. ,, I just came to say goodbye... Well, that and to give you these." She said, handing them two neatly wrapped presents.

,, It's not much, but I think you'll like it either way." She said, smiling at them.

They blinked in surprise, before grinning lovingly. ,, Ah... We really have to adopt you now, you know ?"

She chuckled and saw the desperation in their gaze, so she decided to get out of her comfort zone and open her arms to them.

Not having to be told twice they quickly jumped at the opportunity to hug her, not minding the slight awkwardness emitting from Celestia as they did.

,, Happy Yule to you." She said as they finally let go of her.

,, Happy Yule to you too!" They replied, grinning.

,, And don't worry-"

,, We'll keep an eye on Ickle Ronnikins and little Potter." They promised, their group having noticed how the two boys with the help of Hermione Granger found out important pieces of information concerning the mystery of the Trap door beneath the Cerberus.

Celestia nodded, turning to walk away. ,, Don't open those until Yule or I'll send Peeves after you!"

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

,, Celestia, Regulus." Xavier greeted them, standing next to Rita Skeeter and a rather disgruntled-looking Mundungus Fletcher.

,, Grandfather / Lord Lestrange." The two greeted back, Celestia not flinching back as he gently laid his hand on her shoulder and checked her over.

,, Aiden! Look at you, these Robes are disastrous!" Rita said, a look of horror on her face as she took her son into her arms.

,, I know Mother, Hogwarts does not appreciate the turn of the modern times." He said, letting his mother do as she wished.

,, Father..." Hunter curtly greeted, Mundungus only nodding at his son.

Those two had a relationship perfectly described by the words Hate-Love.

,, Ah! And these must be your friends." Rita said, looking at the three children.

Aiden blushed, before taking a step back. ,, Mother... These are Hunter Fletcher, Regulus Black, and Celestia Grindelwald-Lestrange.."

Rita smiled brightly, shaking each of their hands. ,, A pleasure! My Aiden has written back so much about you three! I hope you'll stay good friends."

Aiden turned as red as a tomato, while Celestia let out a chuckle, amused by the Mother and Son duo.

,, Lord Lestrange, I assume we'll be staying with you ?" Regulus asked, looking at the older man.

Arcturus had written him and Celestia a Letter, asking them if it would be all right if they spend Yule together since he had to work within the Wizengamot.

He glanced down at Regulus. ,, Not quite." 

Regulus tilted his head in confusion, at which Xavier glanced back at Celestia, who was saying her goodbyes to Aiden and Hunter.

,, The Goblins have reached out per Letter to me..." He began, watching his Granddaughter as she offered a beautiful close-eyed smile at her friends. ,, Pendragon Castle has been brought back to its former glory at Celestia's request and wishes..... It is her Ancestoral home, which means she'll live there from now on."

,, Pendragon castle ?" Regulus repeated, quite surprised. ,, I thought it had been destroyed in the first War..."

Xavier shook his head, remembering how Theseus had once shown him the beautiful castle.....

,, Gellert Grindelwald may have been known as one of the worst Dark Lords to ever walk the surfaces of the earth, but even someone like him couldn't destroy something his beloved wife and daughter cared so much about..." He said, having seen the look of pure devastation on the man's face after he was told the castle got burned to ashes.

,, It was of course a lie... Nobody, but those with Pendragon blood will be able to decide who passes the Wards. " He told him, gaze returning to Regulus as Celestia made her way towards them. ,, And I assure you, Theseus Grindelwald would have never let Dumbledore and his Alliance of Light Wizards enter his family's grounds."

Celestia arrived a moment later and together the three made their way towards the Floo-Network, where they quickly Flooed to Pendragon castle.

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

Celestia blinked, getting her eyes adjusted to the bright light.

, Merlin... Why do Wizards have to travel this uncomfortably ?' She asked, glad that the Elves cleaned everything.

,, Well, it's less time in-taking.. So I guess it isn't minded as much..." Tom answered. ,, Just cast a Cleansing-Charm and you should be all right."

They exited the Floo and Chrome gave a sneeze, shaking his head in discomfort as he looked around.

Instead of a living room or an Office, they had landed in a Dark Foyer..

Suddenly a loud Pop was heard and a number of twenty Elves appeared in front of them, all of them looking at Celestia with awed expressions.

,, Miss has returned to the castle ?" One of them asked.

Celestia looked at them, noting that those were not normal House Elves.

Unlike them these were slightly taller and had more humanoid features, their skin an almost deadly white and they each had a Mop of hair on their head.

And a very good addition, they wore uniforms and dresses.

, Interesting......' Both she and Tom thought as she stepped forward.

,, My name is Celestia Grindelwald-Lestrange." She introduced herself, smiling politely. ,, You've kept the castle in a very clean condition as the Goblins have told me... I thank you for your hard work."

The Elf's eyes turned glossy, before they suddenly burst into tears, shocking the three Wizards and Niffler.

,, Waah! We have been waiting for so long!" They cried, making Celestia blink.

This was definitely not how she had imagined herself to be greeted.

,, The castle has been losing its usual beauty since Lady Violet left us..." One of the Elves, which was slightly older said, stepping forward while brushing away tears.

,, I am the Head-Elf, Oreon. It is our pleasure to welcome you back home, my Lady." He said, smiling tearfully at the girl.

Celestia slowly came out of her shock and smiled at him in return. ,, It's good to be back, Oreon."

,, Oh! Where are our manners!" He said, snapping his fingers.

Three Elves stepped forward and took the luggage of the three, before Popping away.

,, Let me give you a tour of the castle. Lunch will be prepared as we speak." Oreon said, the other elves bowing before Popping away as well.

As they began walking Celestia noticed that Xavier and Regulus still stood frozen at the Floo-Point, which made her title her head. ,, Are you coming ?"

Snapping out of it they quickly followed after her, Celestia chuckling at them as she continued walking.

Oreon fulfilled his promise dutifully, showing them everything there was at Pendragon castle.

From the beautiful Gardens which held Statues of Magical-Creatures and all flowers imaginable, to the Ballrooms perfect for holding Celebrations.

Regulus and Celestia had to pretty much be dragged out of the Library by Xavier, which was bigger than Twelve Hogwarts Libraries combined, though the man was very hesitant to leave himself.

,, This here is the room used by the Lord or Lady of the castle." Oreon said as they reached the fifth floor.

He opened the door, revealing a beautiful room painted in white and Black.

The bed was made and looked incredibly comfortable, with cushions lined up against the Headboard and decorated with small bits of Magic, making it seem like Stars were falling onto them.

Like her Chambers at Hogwarts, the ceiling was bewitched to show the Nightsky, though it also showed bits of Avalon and the realm of Death specifically.

It was also incredibly big, probably two-thirds of the Great Hall.

, It's beautiful......' Celestia thought, walking further inside.

She took a closer look at the Wall, smiling faintly as she felt the Magic flow through her body as if welcoming her back home after a very long time....

Chrome sniffed it, only to jump back when suddenly small figures started appearing on the walls, one of them a Zouwu which playfully snapped its jaw at them.

,, This is beyond incredible.." Xavier said, looking around the room as Regulus joined Celestia's side, the both of them fascinated with the Magic flowing through the castle.

Oreon chuckled, nodding. ,, Queen Eve, King Xavier, and Merlin constructed the castle with their very own Magic, similar to how the four Founders built Hogwarts. Every room holds something special and this one was created by Queen Eve, who wanted her children to see the world beyond the one known to us." 

Queen Eve had indeed been a wonderful Queen, and an even better mother, always putting her children's happiness first before anything else.

,, Heir Black, your room will be right beside that of the young Lady, followed by Lord Lestrange." Oreon informed them, bringing the focus back to him. ,, I hope it is all right with you ?"

,, Of course." Xavier quickly agreed. ,, We couldn't ask for more." He said, not even sure how he was ever going to repay Mother Magic with such a gift.

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

On the morning of Yule Celestia woke up to someone shaking her shoulder gently.

,, 'Tia, wake up." Regulus' voice fell on deaf ears, Celestia simply rolling over as Chrome grumbled and hid his head under one of the many pillows.

,, Tom, what time is it..?..." She asked, having spent the last night connecting his Program with the castle.

The Goblins had honored her request by installing Computers and Internet Routers, and Celestia could have kissed them in thanks.

,, It is currently 05:12 am. The sun has yet to rise." He answered, which made her hum, ready to fall asleep again.

Regulus though was not pleased. ,, Celestia, wake up." He said once more, crossing his arms.

She shook her head, burying her head further into the blankets. ,, It's too early........." She mumbled.

,, Either you wake up on your own or I'll do something you won't like." He told her, but she wouldn't budge.

,, Fine then.." He said, grabbing the nearest pillow available and swinging it down on her face.

She sat up with a start, staring at Regulus in disbelief, who held a neutral expression on his face, the pillow still in his hold. ,, .............. Did you just throw that pillow on my face...?.."

,, I did." He said, his Grey eyes twinkling in amusement.

She blinked, before taking another pillow and throwing it at him.

Now it was his time to look flabbergasted, his eyes wide as he blinked.

Chuckling she dodged the pillow and the two broke out into a massive pillow fight.

When Xavier came up to see what was taking them so long, he did not expect to see the both of them sprawled out on Celestia's large bed, laughing with pillows thrown everywhere.

When he looked closer he even saw Chrome laying on one of them, looking very much like he was annoyed.

He shook his head in amusement, never having suspected something quite like this.

,, You two seem to be having fun, this morning." He said, making his presence known.

,, *Chuckle* Good morning, Grandfather." Celestia greeted, sitting up and dragging Regulus up with her.

,, Good morning, Celestia." He greeted back, finding this scene very much familiar.

After all, he had oftentimes found Rodolphus and Rabastan in the same situation when they were younger, both of them trying to wake each other up in the most creative of ways.

Sighing at the memories of his two sons he looked at the two children so very different from their parents, yet so similar to the rest of their family. ,, Let's go downstairs. The Owls have been delivering presents since Nightfall."

Celestia smiled softly..

This would be the first time celebrating Yule since the passing of Sai....

Sure they couldn't do much being Imprisoned, and there weren't many presents being given, but it was the gesture that counted.

So she was rather excited for this day.

The three made their way toward the smallest living room in the castle, which was mostly used as a welcoming Lounge for guests.

The Elves had decorated it beautifully, presents lined up and filling the room with color.

They sat down together and began opening presents, Chrome inspecting everything from Xavier's shoulder.

Susan's was the first, the box neatly presented in yellow wrapping paper and a cute black bow, obviously an omáge on her House.

She had sent her books about Wizarding Politics and the history of the Wizengamot and its Pure-blood customs.

A nice gesture concerning the fact that Susan didn't know how well-educated Celestia was on the subjects.

Hannah had sent both her and Regulus some sweets and empty Journals with a Self-Filling Ink-Set, something she had found while going shopping with her mother, and a cute little Bowtie in the Ravenclaw colors for Chrome to wear.

Then came Hunter's, who for one reason or another decided it would be a funny idea to send them a Howler that sang Merry Christmas in a very loud and obnoxious voice, attached to a Hungarian-Horntail Leather Wandholster that had runes stitched into it, which made it appear invisible from everyone besides the one carrying it.

Xavier had set it on fire with a very annoyed look on his face.

Aiden on the other hand wanted to do something special and sent her a Handmade pair of Satin Gloves, having noticed her not having a pair and always tugging on her sleeve to hide her hands. ( He wasn't exactly right, but Celestia was still very happy about the gift. ) His Mother had made sure to put a Self-cleaning Charm on them, so she wouldn't have to worry about getting them dirty.

The last three Boxes were from Blaise, Theo, and the twins..

Though when she opened the two boxes with very obvious Slytherin designs on them and found some expensive pieces of jewelry in them she nearly dropped them.

,, Did they send this to me by mistake ?" She asked, in disbelief.

Sure she was very wealthy and her Vaults held more jewelry than a single woman could ever wear, but these were some very expensive pieces!!!

,, No... They very much intended to send them to you." Tom said, sounding very much peeved.

Xavier looked at them as well, before his expression shifted to one of annoyance. ,, Of course, they just had to do this now......."

Celestia grew even more confused, turning to Regulus who, albeit slightly annoyed, seemed otherwise normal, for answers.

,, ....... 'Tia... You know about betrothal Contracts, right ?" He asked, his Grey eyes set on the two pieces of expensive jewelry as if he wanted them to catch fire.

The girl blinked.

Betrothal contracts...............

Even though Wizards lived almost twice as long as No-Majes, most married within five years of finishing their education.

Celestia may have only been eleven-years-old, but she was the Heiress and Lady to some of the most well-respected and followed Pure-Blood lines....

People would have gladly made a fool of themselves back in the time of the Founders of Hogwarts just to be glanced at by her.

Sending such expensive gifts was an obvious way to sway her attention towards them and keep them in mind for when the time comes for her to receive marriage proposals.

, Oh my..........' She thought, a faint dust of pink covering her cheeks.

,, Lady Zabini seems to like you to a great extend......... Or else she wouldn't have made her son send such a ....gift...." Xavier said, not happy about the fact that his Granddaughter was being sent such things.

, Merlin.. Rodolphus would have chased those poor boys to Asia and back just for thinking about wanting to marry his daughter...' He thought, remembering how the male had looked after they had joked about Celestia marrying once she got older.

Not to mention Rabastan and Barty..

Alone the thought of it made him feel Apologetic for the poor soul Celestia was going to marry one day.

,, Theo's Grandfather as well.." Regulus said, having had his own fair share of meetings with the older male...

Theodorus Nott despised everything not Pure-Blood or None-Magical with a great passion, so much so that Regulus was sure he could give his Grandmother Walburga a run for her money.

So for him to encourage Theo to send such a present to Celestia meant the man was serious about considering her as a future in-Law or Ally at least.

Celestia, put them aside for the others, not wanting to be embarrassed further, and grabbed the last gift send to her by her friends.

The paper was a mixture of Orange and bright purple, something usually very weird, but not surprising when you knew the Weasley twins.

She opened it and chuckled as she took out a plush Niffler that looked just like Chrome, wearing a cute little outfit that awfully resembled a certain Poltergeist at Hogwarts.

,, Do you think they might want to suggest something ?" Regulus asked, glancing at Chrome with his usual expressionless look.

Chrome looked at him in disgust. 

While those two silently argued Celestia picked up the letter placed inside the present, taking out a book about Hogwarts Prefects and their later Careers.

Dearest 'Tia and Reggie, ( We know you'll show him the Letter )

We want to thank you for the lovely Zonkos Items and the funny little Muggle Prank Gadgets you've sent us. ( You know us all too well! ) Percy also liked the book on Workplaces in the Ministry you sent him and sent you a present as well. ( Probably something to do with Prefects. ) Nothing much has happened at Hogwarts, though we think we've found out something very interesting concerning our, fluffy friend ' on the Forbidden Corridor. A few nights ago Peeves spotted Ickle Ronnikens and little Potter sneaking around the Restricted Section in the library when he was trying to escape the Bloody Baron. He kindly informed us that those two were searching for someone by the name of Nicolas Flamel... ( We suspect that whatever Dumbledore is trying to hide has something to do with that Wizard. )

Anyways, happy Yule and see you back at Hogwarts!

With Love, 

your Demon Twins

Celestia frowned at the mention of the name, finding it awfully familiar.

,, Reggie, the twins have written back something interesting." She said, handing the boy the Letter.

Regulus rolled his eyes at the lack of formality, before turning serious once he got further.

,, Nicolas Flamel........ I've heard that name somewhere before." He said, the both of them at a loss...

,, Nicolas Flamel you say ?" Xavier repeated, sitting down on one of the many chairs. 

,, Do you know something about him, Grandfather ?" Celestia asked, turning to him.

He gave a small hum, nodding. ,, I do indeed......... He was and is one of the most famed French Alchemists our world has had the pleasure to get to know... Though you probably wouldn't know much about him, since his time of prime was well over six hundred years ago."

,, Sixhundred years ago ?" The two repeated, baffled.

Sure, Wizards could age quite a bit, but well over six hundred years old !?

,, But how is that possible, he must have-" Regulus suddenly stopped, a look of realization dawning upon his face. ,, He's the creator of the Philosopher's Stone...."

Xavier nodded, while Celestia tilted her head. ,, The Philosopher's Stone ?"

,, The Philosopher's Stone is a legendary substance with incredible powers my dear....." Xavier told her, a serious expression on his face. ,, Whoever holds the Stone in their power is able to create the Elixir of Life, making them almost immortal."

Celestia now knew what they were talking about. ,, So this is what it's called in England.......... I was always under the assumption that it was named the Sorcerer's Stone." She muttered, her brain filling in the gaps.

Joan and Camila had talked about it with her, though they only ever used the name Perenelle when it came to its creation.....

, Perenelle Flamel..... She's probably Nicolas's wife........ ' She thought, grasping the Pendant of her necklace..... , But for what reason would Dumbledore need something as valuable as the Sorcerer's Stone if not for his own gain....?.....' 

A small frown made its way onto her face. , And why would he put it in a school with dozens of curious children that would gladly stick their noses into everything.....?....'

Her body suddenly froze, and her gaze became less focused.

A Chessboard was in use, the Queen moving forward and striking the Bishop with her sword......

Flying Keys and a locked door, brooms lined up and ready to be used..............

Blue Flames, roaring in anger...

The only way to pass is by drinking the right Potion, the rest will be poisonous or mean immediate Death..........

And Finally a room with a mirror in the middle...

,, Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi..." A voice whispered, as suddenly a Black Fog rose from a fallen body, screeching in agony, going right through her and sending her into darkness, the last thing she was able to make out was the glistening of a beautiful Ruby Stone.

She opened her eyes wide, Xavier holding her gently as Regulus held her hand, the both of them saying something to her that came out as gibberish to her ears, though it was probably French.....

As she tried to calm down a single thought rang in her mind. , By the Mother of Magic....Albus Dumbledore is trying to kill us all.'