The Empress of Magic

,, Celestia!" The voice of Xavier Lestrange rang through out the castle. It had been a good few weeks since summer break had begun, and at his granddaughter's insistence he had let his hair turn into its natural grey color, making it quite easy to spot him within the hall.

,, I believe the Princess is in the library again." Perenelle Flamel said, smiling lightly as Xavier turned to the woman.

For someone well over six hundred years of age, she looked like she had just turned thirty at best.

Her appearance was that of a healthy young woman with beautiful platinum blonde hair that went down her waist in gentle waves.

Xavier had been shocked when the Flamels had revealed that they mostly used a Glamor to hide their actual appearances, not wanting to be bothered by the younger Generation, Nicolas more so than Perenelle.

Instead of a pair of frail-looking old Grandparents, they looked just like they had six hundred years ago, their appearance frozen in time with their age.

,, Thank you Perenelle." replied Xavier, bowing his head before making his way toward the castle's library.

But not before Perenelle called out. ,, And while you're there make sure Nicolas doesn't encourage her to help in his newest experiment ! Merlin knows that last time was bad enough."

The event Perenelle was mentioning to happened two weeks into their stay at Pendragon castle and the beginning of the summer holidays for Celestia...

Nicolas had been over the moon when he learned of Celestia's fascination with Alchemy and Arithmancy, not to mention the fact that the girl was able to combine Muggle Technology with Magic!

Together they had been working on a Project Celestia had long thought about...

A device similar to a wireless Bluetooth Headset. Infused with Magic, it could open up a whole new world of possibilities and ways of communication for Wizards!

But, since Nicolas had only just started to learn how to work with Muggle Technology and luck decided it would take a break from them, it ended up in a big explosion that was heard through the entire castle and probably beyond.

When the Elves, Xavier, and Perenelle arrived worried sick, Nicolas and Celestia were already talking about starting anew, both covered in soot and their clothes doused in ash.

Xavier chuckled at the memory, nodding. ,, I will."

He began to head towards the library once more, this time not getting stopped by Perenelle.

It was already the end of July, just a week before the birthday of Harry Potter as the Daily Prophet liked to remind everyone that would listen to it.

Celestia had spent most of her time with Xavier and the Flamels, the majority of her friends being out of England for the holidays, only Theo and the twins remaining.

Regulus was taken to France by Acturus for the summer, having to do some business there and wanting to show Regulus some of the properties the Black Family owned.

Blaise had as usually gone to Italy, his Letters filled with complaints about the new man his mother had chosen to marry. 

The Black Widow, a woman whose husbands all mysteriously died just mere weeks if not days after their wedding and leave Lady Zabini with all of their fortunes.....

Everyone knew she played a hand in their deaths, but no one could actually hold her accountable, since it looked like a death by natural cause each time, and no magic was used on the men.

Celestia didn't know if she should be worried or glad that the woman seemed to like her.....

Hannah and Susan's families were spending their holidays somewhere near the Pacific Coast together, and the girls had sent her countless pictures and little gifts after Celestia had sent them a Videocamera so they could film their stay.

Celestia's favorite had been a Pin of a Niffler holding jewelry, frozen in place, most likely having been caught in the act of stealing them.

Chrome had seen it and immediately recreated it, making Penerelle and Celestia laugh for the rest of the evening.

Hunter had been dragged somewhere down the Underworld of Wizarding Britain by his Father, sometimes writing her to let her know that he was well and sending her a package with something he found might be of use for their future plans, some of those items more Illegal than others....

And Aiden had been invited to spend the holidays with his grandparents on his father's side in the U.S, gladly accepting their offer. 

Theo had visited her for a few days at Pendragon castle to help her work on the Bluetooth Headset with Nicolas, the three having managed to at least find out at which amount of Magic it didn't decide to explode and cover them in soot.

The twins were unable to write her much but reassured her that they were doing fine.... Though their mother had screamed and yelled at them after Ronald had told her that they were spending time with , Dark ' aligned families.

Xavier finally arrived at his destination, the large doors opening by themselves and letting him enter.

It didn't take long until he found her.

A fond smile appeared on his face when Xavier spotted his beloved Granddaughter on one of the many ladders that went towards the top of the large bookshelf, which reached the ceiling. Her white hair was styled in a French braid and she was dressed in a dark-colored caro-pinafore dress that reached her calfs, a long-sleeved white blouse beneath it.

,, 'Tia, can you come down for a moment ?" He asked, making the girl turn her head to him, still holding onto the ladder.

She noticed some Letters in his hold, at which she nodded and slowly slid down the ladder, a move that almost gave Xavier a heart attack the first time he witnessed her doing it.

As her feet reached the ground, Chrome jumped onto her shoulder as usual and she took a few steps towards her grandfather.

,, Did you receive any news ?" She asked, at which the older male nodded, smiling the tiniest bit.

,, I did.... The German Ministry allowed us to visit Nurmengard castle with four Aurors being present." He said, showing her the Letter with a seal of the German Ministry at the front.

Celestia had written them at the start of her first year, having stated that she would like to continue the yearly visits her aunt and grandfather had done when they were still alive to check on the single prisoner that resides in Nurmengard....

Also known as Gellert Grindelwald.

,, Good........ Will you inform the Flamels? I'll go and take the , gift ' I prepared from my chambers." She asked.

,, Don't take too long... The Portkey is timed." He said, both quickly leaving the library..

It was time for them to start their very first task in changing the Wizarding World.........

Getting Gellert Grindelwald out of his prison.

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

,, Ah! Lord Lestrange, it is good to see you!" greeted the German Minister, smiling as he shook the man's hand.

,, The pleasure is all mine, Minister Fink.." Xavier said, his Pure-blood Mask on full display.

,, Let me introduce you to my granddaughter, Celestia Grindelwald-Lestrange.." He said, placing a hand on Celestia's shoulder.

,, It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Minister." She said, smiling politely as she curtsied before the man.

,, My..... It is my honor, your Grace." He said, quickly bowing back, a look of admiration on his face, the Aurors around them silently peeking over to get a good look at her..

Ah... Yes.....

Something Celestia had quickly learned from the Goblins was that even though Magical Britain was under the impression that the Royal family had died out, the rest of the Magical World knew about a last Heir remaining..

More specifically a female Heiress.

It was why many of the older students at Hogwarts still kept on bowing to her whenever they crossed paths, even at her insistance that they didn't have to.

Celestia looked at the Minister, a tall, middle-aged man with brown hair and a pair of beady black eyes. 

There were some smaller Scars on his face and hands, showing his experience in the field.

, He definitely was once an Auror himself........ Not to mention the fact that Minister Fudge would look like a bad attempt of a joke if placed next to him.' She thought, her facial expressions showing not even a hint of her actual thoughts.

,, These are Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel, two members of my court." Celestia introduced the pair, the Flamels bowing/curtsying with polite expressions on their faces.

The German Minister and Aurors gulped, bowing back...

,, A great pleasure........ The German Ministry welcomes you and your allies with open arms, your highness." Fink said, looking directly at Celestia.

Celestia smiled in return. ,, You have my gratitude, Minister."

It may have not been obvious, but the Minister had given her reassurance that the alliance between the German Ministry and House Pendragon still exists.........

A well-known fact among those who followed the royal family is that it's better to seek an alliance too early than too late..

Nobody wanted to repeat the mistake Ireland made when they decided they could handle the case of Dragon Pox by themselves..

By the time they had found a cure on their own, over half of the Wizarding World had already been deemed immune or cured, and many thousands were spared from death, something Ireland could not bring forth.

,, Minister, the Portkey is ready." An Auror informed them.

,, Really ? My, time does flies by quickly.... It was wonderful to meet you, your grace."

,, You as well..... " Celestia replied, heading towards the Portkey with her grandfather and the Flamels at her side.

,, Everyone ready ?" They and four Aurors held onto an old Key, Celestia making sure the pocket Chrome and her special package were in was shut. ,, Three, two, one-!"

Celestia felt a tug on her Navel, and closed her eyes, feeling her body spin.

,, Let go!" And with that, they all let go, Xavier grabbing Celestia so she wouldn't hurt herself when they landed.

,, Welcome to Nurmengard Prison, Austria..." With those words Celestia opened her eyes, being greeted by the sight of Nurmengard which was a stone fortress at the edge of a mountain. It had a tower with a cone-shaped top, possibly a watch tower and there was a building connected to the tower that was slim with windows.

Over the years it had turned into a gigantic, towering building made of black rock with high walls, the words "jet-black," "forbidding," and a "grim fortress." describing it fairly well.

The group walked closer and Celestia immediately noticed the slogan "For the Greater Good " carved over the prison's entrance.

, So this is where Dumbledore got his little slogan from.....' She thought, having oftentimes heard the same words swimming in the old Headmaster's mind, like some kind of mantra.

Her eyes wandered around, seeing countless little things that reminded her quite a lot of her lessons in the past............

A little girl no older than four screamed and cried as she was held down on a chair, the leather of her shackles digging into her skin and causing bruises, five men in white coats sitting at the side-line and watching her, while countless others were outside the room, observing......

On a Screen before her flashed image after image of World War II, dead bodies, Gas Chambers, and more.......

Celestia unconsciously played with the Pendant of her necklace, tearing her gaze forward, even as the sight of the Nazi regime castle made her want to throw up.

Entering it the Aurors led them through the many hallways, the once velvet-colored carpet with detailed white lines had turned a deep mutt-like color, holes everywhere and pieces of the carpet torn apart.

,, This way..." Heels clicked against the cold stone as they walked up the steps to the highest tower in Nurmengard.

And finally, they reached the final door, which was guarded by a gigantic black Wolf, its eyes a glowing Avada Kedavra green.

,, What kind of creature is that ?" Xavier asked, looking at the snarling Wolf whose head reached the ceiling, the Aurors flinching back as soon as the creature turned to them.

,, W-We're not too sure ourselves....." One said. ,, It was brought here shortly after his Imprisonment..... As far as we're aware it was found chained in an abandoned Bunker."

Celestia rose an eyebrow at that, finding the description awfully familiar.......

Her Bi-colored eyes scanned the creature before her, searching for any kind of familiarity........

Noticing an off-color at one of its paws she slowly began stepping forward, making all eyes widen.

,, Princess-!"

,, Celestia come back here!" Xavier said, panic filling his entire being at the prospect of losing his granddaughter.

The said girl ignored their calls, eyes remaining on the creature which was snarling loudly at her.

, It's definitely against me coming too close to it.....' She thought, continuing on while slowly removing the glove of her right hand.

,, Chrome." The Niffler sprang out of her pocket, some gold coins falling out of his pockets as he did, though he quickly got onto her shoulder when he saw the large creature.

Celestia stopped mere feet before it, the growling so loud that it would have knocked anyone else right to the ground by how the floor beneath her feet began vibrating.

It bent down showing her its teeth, the low rumbling doing nothing to faze her.......

Slowly lowering her head, showing surrender she lightly pulled on the sleeve of her cloak, just enough so that the Numbers in her skin could be seen by it...

85131

Their audience watched in shock as the creature stopped growling, now staring at Celestia's wrist.

,, .....What......."

,, ..... How..........."

,, ....Impossible..........."

,, You see... I am just like you....." whispered the young witch, Avada Kedavra Green meeting swirling Gold.....

,, They used us.......... and branded us like worthless cattle............. you probably lost a lot of people you care about......" She continued, the Wolf leaning his body down, now just inches away from her...

,, I did as well........... Until it was just Chrome and I left........" Chrome nodded, not fazed as the Killing Curse Green eyes landed on him for a short moment. 

,, But I was freed..........." She said..... ,, And I can do the same thing for you."

Its ears perked up, obviously showing interest in what she had to say.

,, Under one condition." Its ears immediately fell back again and it began snarling at her, trying to bite her, which she dodged and made chains appear from the ground, stopping it in its movements completely.

, That was close.....' She thought glancing at Chrome to make sure he was all right, before walking back in front of it, a neutral expression on her face, though her Wand remained in her hand this time.

,, You didn't even hear my condition, how about you do that the next time, before trying to bite me in half." She said, her Magic making the chains even tighter than they were, which made it growl.

,, I'll free you, under the condition that you serve me." Celestia said, quiet enough so that only they could hear it. ,, My future holds a lot of dangers and I'm in need of as much help as I can get...... You will accompany me wherever I go, basically, act as my shadow and protect me should anything happen."

Celestia put her glove back on, continuing. ,, In return you will be able to live at my home, surrounded by a forest where you can hunt, never having to worry about your next meal, or where you can get water..... You will be placed under my protection, no one would be able to reach you even if they wanted to....."

She extended her hand, golden Orbs shining ominously. ,, What do you say...?... A fair deal no ? All you have to do is become my familiar and you'll never have to worry about a thing from this day forth."

It stared at her hand, thinking about it...........

After a good five minutes, it bumped its Snout against her hand, relaxing its body in surrender as a small smirk appeared on the female's face.

Years ago Chrome had made a familiar Pact with her, though it had been under different circumstances and someone had encouraged them to do so.

, Thankfully I still remember the steps...' She thought, concentrating her Magic on her hand.

,, Tie now the silver thread.

Tie now the roots of our veins.

The holly, so that we may not be separated.

The ivy, so that we may not come apart.

Tie to the yew tree seven times.

Until the day the snake spits out its tail." 

Magic swirled around them, a glow surrounding their connected skin.....

,, From this day on your name will be Fenris." She said, and with that, the pact was sealed, the giant Wolf shrinking down to the size of a slightly bigger dog, the shackles which once held it captive falling to the ground with a heavy thud, dust from the carpet, and ground flying everywhere.

,, Your wish shall be my command...." A male voice rang in her mind, Fenris sitting down in front of her.

,, *Cough* ! Dear Merlin-! *Cough* !" Remembering that they still had an audience Celestia took back the significant amount of Magic that she had released, making her eyes turn back to normal, swallowing the blood that was threatening to spill from her mouth.

The girl then turned to the group of adults in the room, Xavier walking towards her with long strides.

She had expected a scolding from the Wizard, anything really, but not the fact that he would hug her close to himself, burying her small frame with his tall one.

,, .... Don't do whatever it is that you have done again without telling me first................ Merlin, your grandfather will get even more grey hairs from this 'Tia." He said, Celestia blinking in surprise, but slowly returning the hug.

Right...............

She needed to remind herself that Xavier was not that kind of man.......

At least not when it came to her.

,, 'Tia! Dear heavens are you all right child ?" Perenelle asked her and Nicolas quickly caught up with Xavier and checked over the young girl.

,, I am fine, Perenelle...." Celestia assured, Xavier slowly letting go of her, his eyes now on Fenris.

,, What exactly did you do with it ?" Nicolas asked, also looking at the Wolf that now resembled more of a large Dog than whatever it had been before.

,, *Cough* ! That's what we would like to know as well....." The oldest of the Aurors said, all of them now looking at the young Witch.

How in the name of Mother Magic had she managed to turn that Beast into a Dog !?

Celestia simply offered a polite smile. ,, We made a deal and he has agreed to become my familiar."

She then gave them a pointed look. ,, Which means that now there will be no excuses when it comes to putting up decent Guards that will watch over the single prisoner in the entire building.... Should I find out that someone put a Highly dangerous Beast in this castle after today, I will not hesitate to make their life miserable, understood ?"

The adults gulped, Xavier incredibly proud of Celestia as they nodded, fearing for their entire existence. , Rodolphus would be proud to see her put her subjects into their rightful place..'

Fenris watched his new Mistress curiously, seeing the fear yet admiration those around them held for her.......

Such a tiny human, looking like she would never hurt a fly.....

,, Good..." She said, smiling, which made them calm down once more. ,, Shall we go in then ?"

,, O-Of course!" The cell doors were slowly opened, the Aurors holding their Wands in their hands, prepared for anything..........

,, You may enter carefully...." Celestia wanted to roll her eyes at that.

What adult would let a child enter a Dark Wizard's Cell first?

,, Fenris, come." She said, the Wolf walking by her side as she entered the cell.

It was incredibly dark inside.......

Frowning she took out her Wand. ,, Lumos." 

As soon as the Spell activated her Bi-colored eyes met the sight of an old Wizard with chains all over his body, yet he was wearing formal Robes as he sat on a chair, his hair as white as her own..........

His Bi-colored eyes met her own and she let a smirk fall onto her face, seeing the man so many had feared before the rise of Voldemort..........

,, Good meet, grandfather." She greeted, making a smirk tug on the corners of his lips.

He leaned forward, eyes filled with familiarity and a hint of amusement. ,, How nice of you to finally visit me, granddaughter.."

The two Grindelwalds looked at each other, inspecting the other's appearance and small unnoticed details..............

Gellert could see the small scars littering her skin, though most were hidden, it was not very difficult to spot them if you looked close enough.......

But even with those scars he could tell that she was definitely blood-related to him, the Bi-colored eyes and her facial structure the very same as his darling little Amaterasu.....

And that Niffler and Wolf at her side.......

,, That Scamander boy really had a strong effect on our family............it's becoming worse and worse with each generation as it seems." He said, looking directly at Chrome, the Niffler looking at him curiously.

Oh, how he hated those little Beasts...........

Had it not been for Newt Scamanders Niffler stealing the promise, he would have killed Albus in their battle.

,, Gellert......... It's been a few years." Xavier greeted, placing a hand on Celestia's unoccupied shoulder, his gaze directed to the elder Wizard before them.

,, Ahh.......Xavier Lestrange..." Gellert said, turning to him. ,, It's been a while indeed..... How are your sons doing ?"

Xavier clenched his hand, knowing fairly well that this was a funny little game for the Dark Wizard.

,, Still in Azkaban.........." He answered, the air turning tense, though the older Grindelwald merely looked amused.

Seeing that he couldn't anger Xavier all that much he sighed, leaning back in his chair again as he turned his focus back on Celestia.

,, Also.... Wie kann ich dir helfen, kleiner Stern ?" ( So, how can I help you little Star ) He asked, relaxing.

Celestia glanced at the door, Nicolas and Perenelle waiting for her signal.......

She nodded briefly, so that the Aurors wouldn't notice and used her Magic to shut the cell door, at which panic ensued outside, though the trio ignored it.

,, Wie lange willst du uns noch vorspielen, dass du über fünfzig Jahre in dieser Zelle verbracht hast, Großvater ? Auch wenn hier keine Dementoren hausen, und du Gewohnt an die Dunkle Seite der Magie bist, wärst du bestimmt nicht dazu im Stande ein normales Gespräch mit uns zu führen...." ( How long are you going to pretend that you've spent over fifty years in this Cell, Grandfather ? Even if there are no Dementors here, and you're used to the Darker side of Magic, it would be highly unlikely that you'd be able to hold a normal conversation with us. )

Gellert grinned. ,, Good job...... You definitely got your Grandfather's brains." He praised, snapping his fingers, at which the small cell turned into a room similar in size to Celestia's chambers at Pendragon castle.

The chains holding him down disappeared in thin air, and the first thing he did was crack his wrists. 

,, An Illusion Spell...." Xavier breathed out, looking around.

,, Correct." Gellert said, standing up. ,, Did you really think I'd get myself imprisoned in a small cell with a dog guarding my door? Please Xavier, who do you think you're talking to ?" He asked, Wandlessly letting two small glasses of Whiskey fly towards him, one of them landing by Xavier.

He took a sip of his glass, as Xavier just stared at his...

,, Grandfather Theseus helped you, didn't he ?" Celestia asked, already well aware of what must have been going on over the past five decades. ,, You created the Illusion while he made sure that as long, as someone from our bloodline remains alive, the Wards surrounding this room are kept undetected." 

,, Very good, little Star.. Theseus and I created this chamber using Blood Magic." He answered, looking out of the large window near them. ,, It was shortly after his mother died and I was captured............ Albus did in fact not know about Theseus until the boy went to Hogwarts, a large mistake on my part I must admit... I should have let him attend Ilvermorny like he wished to do, instead of coaxing him into that bloody school where that fool could reach him."

,, Grandfather wanted to go to Ilvermorny ?" She asked, blinking in surprise.

She hadn't expected her grandfather to be so cautious at such a young age already.....

,, ..... He told me that being at Hogwarts would bring more harm than good, but since I was still under the influence of Albus, I was blind and ignored his wishes... And what do you know, eight years later a bloody Dark Lord rises up and wants Theseus to join his cause, while Albus tried to do the same." He said, taking a large sip from his glass.

Celestia fiddled with her rings, listening to the story carefully.......

,, Theseus refused them both, which meant he got targeted by both sides......... It was a dangerous game he played, but he always knew what he was doing." An almost fond smile appeared on his face as he remembered his grandson..... ,, He and his wife died protecting Violet and Eliza...... A truly honorable death... Though both your mother and aunt didn't make it through the war in the end." 

,, Aunt Violet died before my birth....... My mother shortly after." She answered his unasked question, knowing the man was never informed at which point exactly they died.

,, Ah........... Is that so....." He said, glancing at her.....

,, You must hear that you look like Violet, very often....." He said, noticing their resemblance as well.

,, Yes....." She replied, letting out the fact about a mini copy of Regulus Arcturus Black being her Best friend since the man probably already knew about it.

,, Hmm.......People just can't let the past remain where it belongs........" He walked up to a small desk at the side of the room, where he lifted a small frame, looking at it, before letting it fly towards her.

Celestia blinked at the picture in it.........

The picture showed a beautiful woman with Snow white hair and Golden eyes, a flower Crown on her head as she held a small boy no older than three at most in her arms, the both of them laughing happily..........

But what shocked her was the fact that the woman looked just like her mother......

Or at least that was how she pictured her mother must have looked like....

,, That is your Great-Grandmother, Amaterasu with a young Theseus in her arms............. I recall the young Scamander taking this picture on one of their many expeditions......" Gellert said, letting the picture float back towards him. ,, You got most of your looks from her, same going to Violet and your mother....... There were countless times both Violet and Eliza were compared to her....."

,, Our family's Gene pole is rather curious, I must say...." She muttered, in disbelief over how four Generations of females could look so much alike to one another.....

Hell, she definetley did not look fully European, her features more Japanese or Korean than anything, even though there were several Generations seperating them, and her father had most likely been either European or American.....

,, It is indeed....." Xavier said, in a similar state to her.

He really hoped that Celestia wouldn't have a mini copy of herself as well........... He'd probably go insane by the time his second Great-Grandchild was born.

,, But still... this is not what you've come here for." Gellert stated once more, turning back to them after he had set the frame down again. ,, What is it you need of me ?" He asked, bringing his glass back to his lips.

Not one to sugar coat things, the half-Veela promptly replied ,, ... I want to overthrow Albus Dumbledore."

And with that sentence, Gellert Grindelwald almost choked on his Whiskey.

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

,, One, Two, Three-!" The cell door got burst open, and two Aurors fell on the ground because they had used force to throw it out of its hinges.

Blinking they were met by the sight of a pair of well-polished shoes, Paws right next to them, at which they looked up and were greeted by Celestia's shocked expression.

They hastily stood up, apologizing.

,, Your highness! Lord Lestrange! My deepest Apologies! We have no idea how the cell could have closed by itself!" The Head Auror said, quickly checking them over to make sure nothing was amiss.

,, It's fine.......... Though I think it would be best if we leave now.." Xavier said, leading Celestia out, Fenris following after them with Chrome on his back.

The Aurors checked the old cell again but found nothing suspicious..........

,, Oi, Grindelwald, have you got something to do with this ?" One asked, suspicious.

,, Me ...?..." The voice of the man croaked, his disheveled self looking at the Aurors with crazed, bloodshot eyes. ,, What could an old Wizard like me possibly do without a Wand? Hehehe-*Cough* !!" 

The Aurors looked at the chained and broken form of the male in disgust..

,, Do something like this again and I'll promise you, no meals will be the least of your worries." He said, walking out and closing the cell doors behind himself....

And while they began their way back towards Pendragon castle, not a single one of the Aurors noticed the fact that a cat with white fur and Bi-colored eyes was sitting on Celestia's shoulders, something she had not carried before entering the cell.