The Empress of Magic

The next day Exams were finally in order, and their group quite relaxed and stress-free now that the Sorcerer's Stone was somewhere Dumbledore wouldn't ever be able to reach it.

Chrome's pockets.

It was sweltering hot, especially in the large classroom where they did their written papers. They had been given special, new quills for the exams, which had been bewitched with an Anticheating spell, that Hunter immediately wanted to crack but Aiden stopped with a well-aimed throw of a book to the head.

They had practical exams as well. Professor Flitwick called them one by one into his class to see if they could make a pineapple tap dance across a desk. 

Something very curious, but not the weirdest thing to ever be found at Hogwarts.

Professor McGonagall watched them turn a mouse into a snuffbox -- points were given for how pretty the snuffbox was, but taken away if it had whiskers. 

The Head of the Lions wasn't very keen on Slytherins, but even she had to admit that Regulus's silver snuffbox with a Basilisk and Horned Serpent pattern was indeed one of the most beautiful ones she had ever seen made.

Snape made them all nervous, breathing down their necks while they tried to remember how to make a Forgetfulness potion.

Thankfully Slytherin and Ravenclaw were mixed and Celestia was paired with Theo, the two of them finding working with one another shockingly easy.

Their very last exam was History of Magic.  

When the ghost of Professor Binns told them to put down their quills and roll up their parchment, Celestia breathed out a sigh of relief.

, This marks the end of our first year.....'  A small smile fell on her lips at the thought.

To think that it's almost already been a full year since she entered Hogwarts........

A full year since she had left the past behind and gained new friends and a family..

Chrome poked her cheek, at which she smiled, letting him rub his snout against her.

,, 'TIA!!!!!!!" She had mere seconds before she was lifted into the air, eyes wide as she came face to face with the twins.

,, George? Fred ?" She asked, grasping their shoulders for dear life. The last thing she needed was to slip out of their hold and break her neck.

,, We did it!" They chimed, grinning.

,, The exams were way easier this year!"

,, Old Minnie looked so proud of us too!" 

,, Fred, George !!!! What in Rowena's name are you doing to 'Tia !?" Aiden yelled, sprinting towards them with the others following close behind.

The twins shared a mischievous grin, before grabbing Hannah and Susan and lifting them into their arms as well. They than quickly made a run for it, with Chrome hanging on for dear life.

,, OI!!!!!"

,, Come get us little Raven!" They called back, the others looking flabbergasted, yet not surprised.

The twins were after all the most affectionate and spontaneous out of their group, and not exactly shy with displaying such acts in public.

The three girls shared looks before laughing out loud, holding onto the twins and letting themselves be carried to who knows where.

,, Those two...!!!!!" Aiden said, looking furious, he then turned to the others. ,, Come on! We have to catch up!" 

Hunter grinned. ,, Ya don't have to tell me twice!" 

The Ravenclaw grasped onto the nearest person, which had been Blaise, and dragged the italian with him, while Aiden did the same with Theo and Regulus, the three Slytherins too shocked to comprehend what was happening.

Theo and Regulus looked at their friends, Hunter and Blaise arguing as they ran ahead to catch up with the twins....

Both boys had been raised by former followers of the Dark Lord, always having believed it was their fate to be damned alone with only their childhood playmates to speak and associate with....

,, Come on!" Aiden urged, all of them entering the castle grounds.

And suddenly it was like a chain breaking, and they forgot all about their Pure-Blood customs and expectations, sprinting across the grounds to follow the rest of their friends.

Celestia was laughing freely, enjoying the feeling of the wind hitting her face.

,, All right, Ladies-!"

,, This will be the final sprint!" The twins informed them, picking up speed as they ran up toward a tree right beside the Black Lake.

Chrome squeaked in surprise, now clutching on his spot like a lifeline.

As they reached the tree the others had finally caught up to them and Fred and George held grins on their faces that were the definition of Shit-Eating.

,, *Huff* Y-You two....-!!!!" Aiden was breathing heavily, his hair sticking out in every direction and his glasses barely hanging by, his Robes tousled.

,, Ohoh... Catch-!" The girls let out squeals of surprise as the twins suddenly threw them toward the others.

Not having expected this they all toppled to the ground, groaning in pain.

,, Ouch......"

,, Theo get off me-!"

,, Merlin you're heavy-!"

Celestia blinked, not having fallen on the ground as she expected to.........

Instead, she felt a pair of arms around her waist, her face pressed against Robes which were decorated with a Green tie, curls of Black hair in her line of sight.

She lifted her upper body and opened her eyes wide when she saw Regulus underneath her, his eyes blinking rapidly as he tried to figure out what was going on. 

Seeing the confusion on his face she couldn't help herself and started laughing, the sound of it as gentle as sound of chimes in the wind.

Regulus looked at her face, her eyes closed, and a rose-colored flush on her cheeks.......

A small smile made its way onto his own face, as the others burst out laughing at the sound of her's, the twins laying down beside the rest of them.

That day Hogwarts students were all left to question each other about the curious sight of the Weasley twins sprinting through the castle with Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, and Celestia Grindelwald-Lestrange on their backs, Aiden Skeeter, Hunter Fletcher, and the three Slytherins Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott and Regulus Black hot on their heels.

When Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout heard about those rumors they merely shook their heads and began chuckling, reminiscing about old yet familiar times.

Who would have thought those children would grow up to be so different yet so alike to the generation before them...

,, Did you hear ?" 

,, Hear of what ?" Pomona Sprout asked, turning to Fillius Flitwick, both just having sat down for an afternoon tea.

,, Mister Crouch and the two Lestrange brothers were seen sprinting away from a furious Miss Bellatrix Black and young Regulus Black this morn. Ran along the whole castle grounds, before Eliza Grindelwald, Narcissa Black, and Lucius Malfoy caught up with them." He told her, making her eyes widen comically.

,, Running away from them? Why by Merlin's beard would they do such a thing ?" She asked, having always been under the impression that they got along well.

At that the Charms Professor chuckled, making her rise and eyebrow. ,, *Chuckle* It seems like they thought it would be a funny idea to kidnap Miss Violet Grindelwald."

,, What ?" She asked, highly amused.

Oh, she knew that if someone were to take Violet Grindelwald away from Regulus Black of all people the wrath of Bellatrix Black was going to hunt them down sooner than later. Those three had always been as thick as thieves.

Some things just never seemed to change.

Chrome only watched his humans, the Niffler looking highly unimpressed by the sight of chaos set in front of him, their group unaware of a red-eyed Professor who was making his way up towards Ravenclaw Tower with a Letter in his hands, or the fact that he was going to enter the Forbidden Corridor just a few hours after delivering it.

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

The next evening news of Harry Potter facing Lord Voldemort and being sent to the Hospital Wing spread like wildfire.

,, So he really was the one those traps were made for." Hannah said, all of them sitting together at the Hufflepuff table, the rest of the Hall muttering excitedly about the adventure Harry Potter had only an evening prior...

Honestly, the boy had killed a teacher and broke countless school rules, yet they thought nothing of it ?

Not to mention his two little minions Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley.

For being two of the most hated students at Hogwarts just days earlier they were suddenly acting very much like they owned the castle itself.

It was embarrassing to the point where it got ridiculous.

,, It's not like we suspected anything different..." Blaise said, the others nodding as they continued on with their meal, ignoring the whispers surrounding them...

As well as the twinkling eyes of a certain Headmaster, who was looking down at the group in sheer glee.

He continued his meal, his mood seemingly greatly improved.......

In fact, he was so relaxed that he hadn't noticed a pair of Bi-colored eyes which were directly set on him, Celestia's expression turning dark as she heard his thoughts.

,, Everything all right ?" Theo asked her, sitting on her left side, Regulus as usual occupying her right.

She gave a hum, nodding. ,, Yes....... Just an old Headmaster who can't keep his thoughts quiet......"

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

Three days later Celestia was calmly walking along the corridors of Hogwarts, having just said goodbye to Peeves and the other ghosts, promising to come back next year.

Regulus was next to her, not having left her side all that much over the past few days or maybe even weeks.

They had grown closer, so close in fact that Fred and George liked teasing Regulus about having a crush on their little Ravenclaw.

Whenever they did though they were met by a pair of stone cold grey eyes and Stinging Hexes following them for the rest of the hour.

,, We must hurry if we want to make it to the End of the Year Feast." He said, walking faster than usual so they wouldn't be late.

,, Yes, yes... If you want to complain do so with Helena." She said, matching his pace as she carried Chrome in her arms.

Helena, or as she was better known, the Grey Lady, had kept them there a little while longer than the other ghosts, the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw wanting to make sure Celestia would be safe over the summer break.

Regulus rolled his eyes, continuing to walk.

,, You just want to see your House win the House Cup, don't you ?" She asked, a knowing tilt in her voice.

Slytherin had won the House Cup six years in a row, this year being the seventh if they had counted the points within the Hourglasses correctly this morning.

And even though Regulus was by far someone that usually couldn't be bothered with Competitions and useless games the Houses set up, he couldn't ignore the feeling of lingering Pride when it was made clear that Slytherin had won the House Cup once more.

It was the only time in all of the school year where Slytherins got praised and celebrated, not hated or Hexed.

Regulus didn't say anything, but the pink curls in his otherwise black hair gave her enough of an answer to know that she was right and she chuckled.

But as they hurried through the corridors, neither could have predicted that the door to the Hospital would abruptly open to reveal James Potter and his wife Lily, their friend Remus Lupin just a few steps behind them.

And thanks to James opening the door so suddenly, he and Celestia bumped into each other.

,, Whoops!" He quickly grabbed her by the shoulders so she wouldn't fall, making her freeze up and clutch Chrome tighter in her hold.

,, Sorry kid, didn't see ya!" He said, rubbing his neck as he gave a nervous chuckle under Lily's glare.

,, It's.. fine.." She said her voice tense as she held her head down, not wanting to be recognized by them.

Regulus noticed her troubles and quickly came to her aid. ,, Lord Potter, I think she's uncomfortable with you touching her.... Don't you think it would be for the best if you let her go ?"

James blinked and took his hand back. ,, Right... sorry.."

He then turned to Regulus, watching closely as the boy stood closely beside the girl, almost protectively at that point.

He grinned, his eyes filled with mischief as he looked at his Godson. ,, Hey! You didn't tell us that you've got yourself a girlfriend, Regulus!"

Lily sighed, shaking her head, but didn't say anything.

Remus though took a step forward and placed a hand on his old friend's shoulder. ,, Prongs.. Let the boy be."

,, Oh come on Moony, you're just as interested as I am." James said, turning back to the two children. ,, I mean since when has Regulus of all people been interested in making friends with someone on his own?-" His eyes went to her blue tie. ,, A little Ravenclaw no less!" 

Regulus's expression hardened at the words of the former Gryffindor.

Oh, how he wished to strangle his father for befriending this stupid bigot and making him of all people his Godfather.

, If Azkaban and the Dementors didn't already ruin him, I bloody will someday.' He thought, clenching his hand so he wouldn't be tempted to take out his Wand.

,, Lord Potter...... By all means, we must get going or else we'll be late for the End of the Year Feast." He tried once more, just wanting to get himself and Celestia as far away from the Potters as he could.

,, What, no introduction, Regulus ?" James asked, frowning at his Godson.

Sometimes the male forgot that Regulus was more alike to his uncle and nothing like Sirius.

Lily rolled her eyes, looking at the girl.

Well... The only thing she could muster up was the fact that she had white hair and that it was beautifully braided and adored with Accessories.

A Ravenclaw no doubt with the color of her Tie.......

But that was it.

Deciding that it was for the best to introduce herself if she was an important friend to Regulus she smiled and said. ,, Hello, I'm Lily Potter the man beside me is Remus Lupin and the man who just ran into you is my childish husband James."

,, Lilyflower!" James complained, turning to her.

Celestia glanced at them, feeling sick.

These were supposed to be her relatives...?....

A Muggleborn Witch that made no effort in acting at least a little bit like a woman of her Status and a man who was more of a child than a functioning adult.

What by Merlin's beard had Dumbledore accomplished?!

Regulus looked at her. ,, You don't have to answer them... We can always find an excuse to leave." He whispered.

Celestia turned to him, looking directly into his grey eyes.

His normally cold eyes held a small bit of worry in them.....

Going through her options she made the decision that it was for the best if she introduced herself and pretended she didn't know them..

Lifting her head she looked directly at them, Remus's eyes widening when he saw the pair of Bi-colored eyes and the small beauty mark on the left side of her face, recognition and pain quickly clouding his own.......

,, Good meet Lord and Lady Potter, Sir Lupin. My name is Celestia Grindelwald-Lestrange." She said, giving a small bow.

The two Potters froze, James paling a significant amount as he looked at her.

,, ...James.....?......" 

,, Lord Potter ?" 

James blinked, the image of his deceased sister turning back into the girl standing before him.

He gulped, offering a tense smile. ,, H-Hello Miss Grindelwald... It's nice to see Regulus making friends with someone other than Harry.............."

Regulus gritted his teeth, keeping quiet even though he wanted to yell at him that he and Harry only tolerated each other because they unfortunately were Godbrothers.

Celestia only smiled politely, her eyes empty as she looked at the man who was supposed to be her uncle.....

, What a Pathetic excuse of a Lord.....' She thought, seeing him wearing loose Muggle clothes in a school.

She held nothing against Muggle clothes, Aiden having made her watch countless Fashion Shows and Design Campaigns with him, Blaise, Hannah, and Susan.

But James Potter was a Lord of a Noble House......

If he had to wear Muggle clothes it should have at least been something Elegant.... and not this.

Brushing those thoughts away for a later date she gently tugged Regulus with her as she took a few steps forward and away from the three adults.

She gave them another smile and said. ,, It was a pleasure to meet you. If you will excuse us now, we must hurry to the Feast unless we would want for our friends to become worried about us."

And with that they disappeared, leaving behind a shocked Witch, a frozen Wizard, and a wide-eyed Werewolf.

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

,, There you are!" Aiden said, spotting Celestia walk towards them, Regulus giving them a nod as he walked to the Slytherin table.

,, Where were you two? We've been worried something might have happened." He said as Celestia sat down next to him, Chrome making himself comfortable on her lap.

,, Don't worry.... There was a slight hold-up near the hospital wing, nothing more." She assured him, as suddenly the doors to the Great Hall opened once more..

Harry walked inside and there was a sudden hush, and then everybody started talking loudly at once. 

Dumbledore arrived moments later and with his arrival, the babble died away.

"Another year has gone!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "And I must trouble you with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully, your heads are all a little fuller than they were... you have the whole summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts..."

Celestia and the others rolled their eyes.

"Now, as I understand it, the house cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-two."

A storm of cheering and stamping broke out from the Slytherin table. All of them were happy beyond words to have reached their goal.

"Yes, Yes, well done, Slytherin," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account."

The room went very still. The Slytherins' smiles faded a little and the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws frowned.

Celestia glared at the Old Goat..... , He wouldn't seriously dare.......' 

"Ahem," said Dumbledore. "I have a few last-minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes...

"First -- to Mr. Ronald Weasley..."

Ron went purple in the face; he looked like a radish with a bad sunburn.

"... for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."

Gryffindor cheers nearly raised the bewitched ceiling; the stars overhead seemed to quiver. Percy could be heard telling the other prefects, "My brother, you know! My youngest brother! Got past McGonagall's giant chess set!"

The other Houses began muttering.

,, Is the Headmaster serious ?"

,, Fifty points for that ?"

,, Is he even allowed to give out points at this time?" 

The last question came from Hunter and was directed at Celestia, the girl looking calm on the outside, but even an idiot could tell that she was seething in anger from the inside.

,, No..... The Rules of Hogwarts clearly state that once the sun has reached its highest point in the afternoon at exactly twelve o'clock, points are not to be added to the Hourglass or given to students." She said, deeply offended that a Headmaster was disrespecting the rules set up by her ancestors......

They had carefully crafted those rules for a reason, so that every student may have the opportunity to experience the same joy and accomplishments as their fellow pupils. 

Disregarding them meant disregarding the hard work of the children who he swore to guide and protect.

At last, there was silence again.

"Second -- to Miss Hermione Granger... for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."

Most of Ravenclaw was glaring at the Headmaster for that.

It felt like their work and all the times they had helped other students were for naught if a Gryffindor girl was awarded fifty points for the use of her brain.

Gryffindors up and down their table were beside themselves -- they were a hundred points up.

"Third -- to Mr. Harry Potter... " said Dumbledore. The room went deadly quiet. "... for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house sixty points."

The din was deafening. Those who could add up while yelling themselves hoarse knew that Gryffindor now had four hundred and seventy-two points -- exactly the same as Slytherin. They had tied for the house cup.

Hufflepuff was worriedly looking at Slytherin, Celestia seeing Regulus' eyes flash red.

This was not good......

Dumbledore raised his hand. The room gradually falling silent once more.

"There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I, therefore, award ten points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."

Someone standing outside the Great Hall might well have thought some sort of explosion had taken place, so loud was the noise that erupted from the Gryffindor table. 

"Which means," Dumbledore called over the storm of applause from Gryffindor, the other three Houses in too much of a shock to do anything. "we need a little change of decoration."

He clapped his hands. In an instant, the green hangings became scarlet and the silver became gold; the huge Slytherin serpent vanished and a towering Gryffindor lion took its place. Snape was shaking Professor McGonagall's hand, with a horrible, forced smile.

The rest of the Hall was deadly quiet, the other Professors looking at Dumbledore indecorously.

Slytherin had worked endlessly to gain those points........

And it all that work was ruined because of Albus Dumbledore.........

While Gryffindor celebrated loudly, the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws stood up and made their way towards the Slytherins, Celestia in the front, with the Prefects just behind her.

,, What? Do you guys want to laugh at us too ?" A Slytherin asked, most of them glaring at the table and food while clenching their fists.

Celestia took out her Wand and let one of the Gryffindor Hangings fly towards them and turned it Green, a Serpent replacing the Lion.

,, No.......We want to congratulate the actual winners of the House Cup." She said, smiling gently at them.

,, Yeah, congrats!"

,, We have a lot to catch up to next year....."

,, It was really weird for Professor Dumbledore to suddenly award so many points to a couple of first years, you know ?"

,, Looks like we have to beat you at Quidditch and the bloody House Cup...."

,, You guys did well, but we'll beat you next year!"

The Slytherins stared at the other Houses with wide eyes, surprise flashing on their usually blank faces.

,, ..You...... aren't going to mock us....?.." A second year asked, shocked since there were countless times where they had butted heads or went against them as well...

,, Nope-" Hunter said, stepping forward. ,, We just wanted to congratulate ya...... That and declare war for next year."

Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs alike either smirked or grinned.

,, Next year one of our Houses will win, just you wait!" 

The Slytherins blinked, before slowly returning to normal, equal smirks and grins appearing on their faces.

,, Fine....... But you guys better come prepared." Marcus Flint said.

,, Yeah.... We won't give in as easily."

,, Wouldn't have expected anything else." Cedric Diggory said, Roger Davis beside him nodding.

The three Quidditch Players shook hands, students of all three Houses sitting down and talking with each other.

Professor Sprout and Flitwick smiled, expanding the Slytherin table so all of them could fit, proud of their Houses for staying with the Slytherins.

As they sat back down Professor Snape turned to them for a brief moment and said. ,, Thank you." before turning back to his own meal.

Both Heads of their Houses blinked, before chuckling.

The other Professors watched with fond expressions, seeing three of the four Houses standing united and strong......

And right in the middle of the table sat the group consisting of Celestia Grindelwald-Lestrange, Regulus Black, Aiden Skeeter, Hunter Fletcher, Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Hannah Abbott, and Susan Bones who made it all possible in the first place.

The twins, later on, joined the table as well, stopping in front of Marcus Flint for a brief moment to shake his hand, the Slytherin Captain chasing them around the table and making most of the other students laugh after it turned out that the twins had used the exact moment to use a small electroshock on him.

Celestia chuckled, hiding her face in the shoulder of an amused Regulus as Chrome walked down the table and received pats from all of its occupying students.

While they celebrated they had almost forgotten about the results of their Exams, but they did come.

All of their group had received top marks, Celestia and Regulus respectively sharing First place for the best grades of the first years, followed closely by Theo and Aiden in second. The rest of their group had all placed high up as well, which made Hermione Granger land in seventh place overall, the Muggleborn heatedly glared at them, her eyes especially set on Celestia.

The twins to the shock of Gryffindor turned out to have received fifth and sixth place of the third years, making their older brother Percy incredibly proud of them.

And suddenly, their wardrobes were empty, their trunks were packed, and Chrome was once more situated on Celestia's shoulder; notes were handed out to all students, warning them not to use magic over the holidays; Hagrid was there to take them down to the fleet of boats that sailed across the lake; they were boarding the Hogwarts Express; talking and laughing as the countryside became greener and tidier; eating Chocolate Frogs and Pumpkin Pastries as they sped past Muggle towns; pulling off their wizard robes and putting on jackets and coats; pulling into platform nine and three-quarters at King's Cross Station.

It took quite a while for them all to get off the platform. A wizened old guard was up by the ticket barrier, letting them go through the gate in twos and threes so they didn't attract attention by all bursting out of a solid wall at once and alarming the Muggles.

,, You must write to us this summer-" Susan said, turning to all of them. ,, All of you-We'll be sending an Owl." Hannah continued.

They all passed through the Gateway in groups, finally entering the Muggle Platform.

,, Fred! George!" Mrs. Weasley called out loudly, the twins wincing at the way Muggles and Wizards alike were glaring at the woman.

,, We'll-"

,, See you guys-"

,, At the end of summer!"

They said, hugging the group of first years.

,, Promise that should your mother say anything you'll write.... You'll always be welcome to stay at Pendragon castle." Celestia said as the twins wrapped her in a tight hug.

They smiled, squeezing her gently. ,, We will.." they promised.

And with that they parted ways, all of them saying their goodbyes before it was only Regulus and Celestia left, Chrome hiding in the girl's pockets.

,, Let's go.... Lord Lestrange is probably already waiting for us." He said, extending his hand for her to take.....

She looked at him, his grey eyes filling her with a sense of security as she gave him a soft close-eyed smile and took his hand with a nod.

,, Let's go then."

And together they made their way across the Platform, where they found Xavier Lestrange and Arcturus Black already waiting for them.

Xavier smiled and greeted Celestia with a hug, nodding at Arcturus and Regulus, before Apparating away.

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

When they reached Pendragon castle and Celestia began unpacking she rose an eyebrow at the sight of a neatly folded Letter that fell from her DADA book.......

She carefully took it into her hands, and sat down on her bed, opening it only to be met by a singular, neatly written sentence.....

The Beast lays in the Chamber of Secrets...

- T.M.R