Chapter 7
Severus Snape sat at a small corner table placed in a decent sized office on a comfortable black chair drinking a steaming cup of coffee. On the other side of the room stood a large oak desk laden down with an assortment of research papers, potions magazines, and old potion stained tomes. Just behind the desk is a large window looking out into a area filled with various green houses, wild plants, animals and potion stores for the more elementally touched potions ingredients. What was left of the walls were covered in book shelves and a personalized walk in storage closet right next to the desk.
This was his office provided by the Potters Potions labs on the islands and if he were being honest with himself this room had quickly become his haven especially after his first day. He often spent his mornings and afternoons within the confines of his office and personally provided labs exploring his passion and avoiding the endless prank war that the lady of the island herself had started. It had all started the day he stepped through into the Potter home to be slurred at by a rabid dog bringing the woman's ire down on both him and the flea bag.
Cordelia had proceeded to procure the help of young Miss, Potter and the shewolf in an all out war. Now Severus knew if he were up against just the hot headed mutt or even a combination of the mutt and wolf he would be just fine knowing most of their tricks from their formative years in Hogwarts. Yet that was not the case with Lady Cordelia Potter added into the mix dragging with her a young protege and prank established wolf to target both himself and the flea bag.
The woman was a dangerous combination of cunning and bravery, Slytherin and Griffendor to be able to combat anything both the flea bitten ex convict and loath as he was to admit it he himself could come up with on their own. It pained Severus greatly to admit that he was on a loosing streak with no signs of the winning party even offering up an olive branch. He was slowly coming to the conclusion that if he wished to come out of this with even a bit of his pride in tact he would need to swallow a large chunk of it and ask the mongrel for assistance. Yet there was the root of the problem.
Sighing through his nose pinching the bridge where his nose had healed incorrectly causing a distinctive lump in the bone. He truly detested the demented man who he firmly believes has a touch of the so called black madness creeping up on him. The man had almost gotten him killed back in their Hogwarts years but it was high time he get a leg up on the seemingly unbeatable combo of the females in the home. To add to the chaos it had come to Snape's attention that by this afternoon the home would be visited by the elder Weasley and five of his seven children who would be spending the night here and celebrating Yule with them in the morn. Let's not forget Cordelias strict command for him to join in the festivities both tonight and in the morning with the hoard of rambunctious monsters disguised as children.
Downing the last of his coffee Severus stood and gracefully walked out of his office as his black robes flitted behind him like a bats wings. With quick measured steps the black clad man made his way down and out of the building into the hitting cold. Winter winds nipped at his exposed flesh turning it a striking red where it burned a temporary mark upon his person. The snow under his boots crunched as he followed the path to the main house joining in the with the unrelenting sounds of nature waking up around him.
Scowl deepening the closer he got to the back door Snape stopped right before the door glaring at it as if it had just insulted him. Although knowing that as soon as he passes through the threshold he would need to find one of his most despised childhood headaches did not help his sour mood. Giving his head a slight shake he straightened his spine and stride through the offending door and made his way up the short back steps and into a spacious kitchen.
Stopping short Snape blinked at the changed kitchen in as close to utter bafflement as his strict countenance would allow. Ever since his first day within the Potter home hidden on the side of a mountain on a remote island Severus had been completely baffled by the home. It had an annoying habit of changing its interior make up at the drop of a hat causing confusion to those not used to the quirks of the building or not blessed with Potter blood.
Just the previous night when Snape had left through the back door he had left through a small storage area filled to the brim with drying goods hanging from twine. Meats sealed in a smoke engulfed chambers hid in the corners with blocks of salt sitting on metal tables standing over low glowing embers keeping the space warm as the salt cured whatever meat was hidden within. Off to one side were lines of barrels filled with fermenting fruits sitting in sugar making sweet jams and wines. Last but not least was a wooden table liberally coated in flour with rows of rising breads of various shapes and in some cases colors awaiting their turn in the large brick oven at one corner of the room.
Yet now, now he stood within a round kitchen filled with the smells of baked bread and biscuits. In one section of the kitchen a wooden butter churning worked away before floating up and depositing butter onto a cheese cloth allowing the butter milk to drain through into a bowl. It then filled with more cream and began its work once more as the cheese cloth wrapped itself around the chunk of butter squeezing the excess butter milk from the lump before storing both items for later use. Some butter was mixed with dried herbs and garlic while others were left unflavored or just salted as they all flew about the room.
In the far corner of the room next to the stairs leading up into the main house sat a small round table filled to the brim with bushels of dried herbs that were stripping themselves of their leaves and being ground into flakes before being stored in individual mason jars. It was as he approached the table that Snape realized that these were the same bushels of herbs that were hanging within the store room he trekked through the previous night. There were bushels of Thyme, Rosemary, Basil in various shapes and colors, and even some dried garlic being ground into power with a pestle and mortar alongside some dried onions.
Nose twitching from the onslaught of fragrant herbs being traumatized causing their scent to permeate the air Snape quickly made his way up the steps to look for the mutt. It didn't take long to find the emaciated man snickering to himself in a corner twisting together some contraption no doubt meant to cause havoc.
A sharp sneer twisted Snapes face as he slowed his pace rethinking the necessity of the mutts assistance in taking down the women in their bloody prank war. Yet he knew he would have to join forces with the moderately unhinged man to take on the apparently volatile combination of Slytherin cunning and Griffindor bravery. Taking a fortifying breath Severus took the last few steps to the hunched man stopping just behind his stooped form and speaking in his usual deep drawl.
"It would seem that what little brain cells were left after your time in Azkaban if you think sitting in the middle of a hallway giggling to oneself is being sneaky."
Sirius turned so fast he stumbled back tipping a bowl of rainbow colored glitter and thick clear glue all over his head bringing forth a litany of unsavory words not fit for young ears to hear. All the wile Severus stared dispassionately at the animagus who was currently attempting to scape thick globs of sparkling glue from his wavy mane.
Glaring heatedly at Snape, Sirius after struggling with the sticky concoction currently making its home in his hair he violently dug into his pocket for his wand. He had yet to invest in a new wand holder since his bone thin wrists and arms would be filling out with the sudden influx of good well balanced food. Not to mention the straps had a tendency to irritate unhealthy skin as a side effect of the dragon hide that most holsters are made of. It's an odd quirk discovered with the first application of dragon hide as a holster of even clothing. Dragon hide causes purposeful irritation on unhealthy tissue within the body. Sadly this only happens with topical and muscle problems which are normally fairly easy to find without the use of such a rare and pricy substance.
"What do you want Snivelus can't you see I'm in the middle of setting up my next great prank. I don't need your greasy arse hovering over my shoulder as I work my marauder day magic on these virgin halls."
Snapes brow rose slowly as a derisive snort escaped from him.
"Listen Black and use those few brain cells attempting to function normally and listen for once to your betters."
A small thrum of satisfaction slithered its way through Snape as he watched Sirius puff up on indignation at his words. Smoothing his features into a blank mask of in deference Snape continued to speak in his low baritone before Black could even finish opening his mouth to attempt a witty insult.
"It is against my better judgment yet it has come to my attention that if I wish for any modicum of peace in order to brew we will need to work together."
A disgusted sneer twisted Sirius's sunken in features as he flicked his wand up his person cleaning the mess coating his hair and cloths. He narrowed his eyes in distaste sneer still firmly plastered on his lips before snorting.
"What makes you think I'd want to work with you Snivelus? I am perfectly capable of pranking the girls without you."
It was Snapes turn to give an inelegant snort of derision.
"I think not mutt. We are currently fighting against the smart one of your merry band of misfits, and a child brought under the wing of a chimera in human skin. Cordelia Potter was and to this day is a legend in Slytherin as being the perfect balance of sly cunning and reckless bravery. She has a plaque in the Slytherin common room dedicated to her merits within the school including bringing the four houses to heel and keeping a modicum of peace between them . She is the reason the houses choose, be it on purpose or subconsciously a representative for their entire house when dealing with another house. Tell me Black how do you plan on wining against a woman who could even fight against Dumbledores manipulation durning her school years."
Snape paused to let his words sink in, watching in fascination as the ex convicts face melted into thought before horror dawned in his eyes mixed with resignation. Giving a short regal nod Snape turned on his heals as he spoke knowing the mutt would follow.
"Now we need to find a place to plan our counter attack away from where any of the women could happen upon us. There is no telling when and where the lady of the island would show up to thwart our efforts."
Sirius blinked slowly as he walked in a slight daze behind the potions master when a discussion from tea time yesterday popped into his head.
"She's not on the island right now. Last night during tea time she got a message from a ministry owl about a representative coming to check out the island. Not that they can get on the island thanks to the wards being fed from the lei lines. There is a smaller man made island not far off the western coast. It's where the dignitaries and wizengamot members portkey in when they have their yearly meeting here. This island is considered neutral grounds for every country and it's the only international wizengamot meeting that everyone attends. She is going to be there attending to the ministry puppet today."
At that same time off the western coast on a small man made island that silvery blue eyes opened with a small, soft smile twitching on her lips. Cordelia was currently leaning against one of the posts leading into a spacious chamber. The chamber itself was filled with carvings of different animals and magical creatures each with a different gem where the eyes would be on the image. The gems were made when the island was created for unwanted visitors each having a chamber carved into the shape of a rune within them and filled with various herbs and minerals to increase the strength of the runes. These gems made the chamber a blank zone for people to apparate into. The runes made it so that only travel magic can be used within its confines in order to keep dignitaries from warring countries safe during international meetings when many would be in the same room.
Yet today it was no foreign dignitaries that the lady herself was waiting for no it was worst. She was sitting there currently waiting for a representative of the British ministry and knowing Fudge she had a fairly good idea as to whom he had chosen for such a job. She became even more certain of her hunch when the meeting time had passed and still no sign of the representative.
It wasn't until a half hour had passed from the meeting time that the eyes of all the carved animals flared to life indicating someone was incoming. In a single fluid movement Cordelia had straightened herself from her relaxed position and smoothed her thick winter cloak wrapped around her body down and smoothed out her thick fishtail braid laying on her left shoulder. Her face smoothed into a mask of boredom as she tiled her head slightly making it look as if she was looking down her nose at whoever was coming into her territory.
Once the light subsided standing in the middle of the room is a short plump woman dressed all in eye searing pink with a small bow in her short curly hair. A sickly sweet smile was plastered on her toad like face as her eyes squinted at her through bunched up cheeks. The click of pink heals on tile echoed through the room as the ministry worker approached the daunting figure of Cordelia Lyra Potter. Aquarius appeared from behind her settling himself comfortably onto her shoulders eyeing the woman approaching his mistress with a protective predatory gleam in his ocean blue eyes.
"Welcome madam Umbridge to my humble island what is it that I can do for the ministry this fine day of pre celebration?"
Her smile never wavered as she stopped a few feet in front of the Lady of the island giving a slight hum as she moved her hand to her chest.
"Now, now it is lady Umbridge my dear and I am here to make sure the island is appropriate for the young heiress Potter to reside on. After all one cannot be to careful with all those mad beasts running around now can we?"
Aquarius hissed in displeasure his spine spikes flaring up in his agitation only to settle when his mistress placed a comforting hand on his warm body. Although resettled on her shoulders Aquarius still gave off angry hisses here and there as he continued to eye the toady woman as if she were going to be his next snack if she continued.
Cordelia just raised a brow giving a small hem hem causing the pink clad woman's own brow to twitch in annoyance. She then crossed her arms over her chest bringing her winter cloak in to show off her curves she had inherited from her mother.
"Is that so? I'm curious madam Umbridge how might I ask is it any concerns of the ministry what goes on on my island which might I remind you is only registered with the British ministry because it is owned by a British born wix family. Other than that Potter island falls under the international laws which speaks of equality to all sentient creatures with a certain level of intelligence. I can promise you this madam Umbridge that a large portion of the villages population are quite intelligent."
Umbridge gave a slight scoff twisting her nose up into the air at the mention of the small village residing on the island. Oh how she wished she could burn the village to the ground with every last one of its inhabitants sealed within their homes. In her eyes they were nothing but beasts needing to be put down along with their defenders. Yet she kept her thoughts to herself as she quickly flashed another of her sweet smiles to the woman in front of her.
"Now, now Miss, Potter that was before you gained custody of the wizarding worlds shining jewel. We cannot have bad influences mucking up the future lady Potters views of the world and the ministry now can we?"
Cordelias eyes narrowed and her magic crackled around her causing Umbridge to take a small step back in apprehension. Ignoring he palpable fear coming off the toady woman Cordelia folded her hands behind her back as she slowly stalked her way around the pink clad woman shivering slightly under her gaze.
It didn't take long for Umbridge to crack displaying false bravado as she puffed herself up like a frog or toad puffing out its chest to croak.
"What!?"
Cordelia stopped her circling to stair the woman down her silvery blue clashing with Umbridges beady black eyes.
"I was just thinking if I should add exotic toads to my island but then I remember that my poor creatures living on the north side of the island wouldn't appreciate the stomach aches. Also I would not wish to anger anyone for the sudden extinction of a rare breed not that I think many would miss this breed of toad but I digress."
Umbridge puffed up in anger her eyes practically burning with pure hatred for the young woman standing before her.
"What goes on on my island is none of the ministries concern regardless of my nieces unwanted fame. Honestly those who follow behind that girl who lived tripe disgust me celebrating the day a child lost her whole world like cannibals celebrating a group of tourists wandering into their territory. We both know the true reason you are here instead of anyone else madam Umbridge and it is not because of my niece.
No you are here because you wanted to feel a sense of superiority because you feel as if you were meant to be amongst those in power. If I remember correctly your father gave up the possibility of his children gaining a line of family magic to marry your half-blood mother. That must have stung something deep if your here it also explains your hatred for all things creature or half blooded."
Tilting her head Cordelia watched the curious sight of Umbridges face turning an unusual shade of red in her fury. Her cheeks were puffed out as she grit her teeth and her nails dug crescent grooves into her palms. Deciding she had enough of the pink toad being near her haven Cordelia leaned down slightly making the slightly shorter woman's nostrils flair with pure rage and her eyes dilate.
"Now get off my island and tell Fudge that next time he wishes to bring up my culpability in raising my niece to send Amelia Bones. Anyone other than the venerable Lady Bones will be immediately chucked into the unforgiving waters of the ocean beyond my first layer of wards and trust me they will not like it."
Straightening her spine and tilting her head up so she could once again look down her nose at Umbridge, Cordelia flashed her own cold smile to the woman causing an involuntary shiver to go down her spine.
"After all were the only island around for miles and there have been sightings of sharks in the area wouldn't want anyone getting hurt now would we? So ta ta for now."
Giving a jaunty wave Cordelia activated the runes once more within the room sending Umbridge back down the residual stream of her previously used portkey. Satisfaction thrummed through her as she turned while petting Aquarius who was hissing and purring happily on her shoulder. Taking the few steps she needed to get out of the chamber Cordelia allowed her magic to take a grip on the humming energy of the wards before sending it down the lei line disappearing from the small man made island.
It was as if she had walked into existence like a ghost in the night showing itself to any person invading its resting place. It was one of the benefits of allowing ones magic to meld with the lei lines in a specific area. It allowed a person to travel the interconnecting web of magic powering the wards of their chosen connection to travel without the loud pop and feeling of being shoved through a small straw.
Making her way up to her home she was suddenly grabbed on both sides and hoisted slightly up to the sound of laughter in her ears. On instinct she struck out with her elbows causing her assailants to huff out what little air they had in their lungs and releasing her from their grip. Brow scrunched in concentration Cordelia whirled around only to come face to face with a pair of auburn haired twins with mischief shining in their russet colored eyes. A small smattering of freckles dusted their noses as they both rubbed at the spot she hit them.
"Fabian and Gideon Prewett what the bloody hell were you two thinking sneaking up on me like that. You boys gave me quite the fright with your antics don't you know."
Both young men straightened up at her roaming eyes knowing she needed to see for herself that they were both fine. They allowed this knowing that ever since the day she felt the islands wards bend with the ancient portkey's made just for Potter island carrying the both of them on deaths door she had the need to mother hen them. During the blood wars in her worry for two of her closest friends Cordelia had given Fabian and Gideon one of the islands special portkey and they couldn't be more thankful she had done this. If it weren't for those portkeys they both would have been killed in an ambush by five death eaters rather than scared.
Satisfied she looked to the left hand brother who had a scar running up the length of his neck until it reached just under his chin and raised an eyebrow at him. Fabian the quieter of the two ducked slightly under her scrutinizing gaze scratching at the scar under his chin as had become habit for him.
Rolling her eyes Cordelia put her hands on her hips and eyes Gideon who was nervously scratching the back of his head releasing the leather thong holding his hair back revealing a missing left ear. A small twitter of sadness vibrated in her as she eyes the missing ear before shaking it off and beaming at the brothers.
"You two are early. Arthur and the children have yet to floo in and I dare say the twins will be beyond themselves when the find out who I have haunting my home right now. You boys are going to be having some competition for the adoration of your miniatures."
The brothers blinked at her before grins split their faces practically in half as the both sidled up to her sides both holding out their arm closest to her. This caused Cordelia to give a small giggle as she shook her head taking an arm in each of her own before leading them forward to the large doors leading into her home.
"Well quite the gentlemen you two are. Although this makes he worry for more mischief than my poor home can handle. Really boys I need you two to behave we have a sensitive soul residing within these walls and I don't need her relapsing now that she has gotten more comfortable within these walls."
The brothers looked at one another over Cordelias head silently communicating with each other.
"G: No worries Cordi girl.
F: Yeah we'll be on our best behavior we promise.
G: Now tell us-
F: how many of our darling nephews-
G: are going to be here this year?"
Cordelia glared at the twins annoyed with both the shortening of her name and their twin speak. It didn't help that they had taught Fred and George Weasley to speak the exact same way passing down a bit of the knowledge of their family magic. The Prewett family is known for having twins and this being the foundation of their family magic. The Prewett family heads are always a pair of twins with whichever twin had twins first getting the titles of next heads. Right now Fred and George Weasley are the Prewett family heirs until either Fabian or Gideon settle down and have children of their own.
This is because their family magic deals purely in the bond born between twins except a pair of twins with Prewett blood running through their veins bond is ten times stronger. It is said that the first head of the Prewett family was a twin and that his twin brother had trouble controlling his magic thus his brother would cycle their magic together calming his twins more volatile magic. After that each generation of Prewett twins would be born with this issue and solve it the same way making their connection stronger.
Now with the family magic fully established and rooted into their family the connection can be used by either twin to travel to each other's location no matter what wards they are sealed behind. It is rumored this connection can even cut through the fidelus charm but no one has tested this theory as of yet. There is most likely more to their family magic but the connection is the most well know aspect.
"You two and your twin speak. Really can you two give it a slight rest until maybe next year, and no I'm not talking new year I'm asking until next Yule. Who knows maybe by that time Arthur will finally have convinced your ever so lovely sister to come along with the two youngest to our celebration."
Cordelias nose wrinkled as she spoke of Molly Weasley nee Prewett the eldest child of the Prewett siblings. Although the overbearing woman loves her brothers anyone who knows her could see a deep seated resentment that she didn't inherit the Prewett headship. Ever since the birth of her first born son William Arthur has been bringing his boys to celebrate the olde ways on Potter island with his father.
He had managed to continue this tradition with all his children until the birth of their sixth child Ronald. It was after the birth of Ron that Molly had put her foot down stating that he being the youngest son had no need to learn such archaic things and refused to allow him to come with his father and brothers to the island. A year later when young Ginerva was born she had once again put her foot down and coddled the child away from the olde ways.
"Our sister still giving you troubles?"
Cordelia snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Fabians rough voice rattling around in her ears causing her to huff.
"Your sister will never like me boys. She for some odd reason still has it in her head that I'm still interested in Arthur and am trying to steal him from her clutches. Sorry to say boys but I am not interested in red heads. Besides Arthur is my third cousin through our mothers and growing up with family that close just didn't sit well with me. Mind you one can't toss the coin far from the family tree and not find a Black in the bloodline no matter how light orientated a family says they are. Pure poppycock if you ask me."
The twins chucked as they entered the foyer only for the trio to stop dead in their tracks at the sight displayed in front of them. Hanging from the chandelier tied to one another with what looks like reinforced silly string were Aster and Remi while Severus and Sirius were struggling on the stairs where their shoes were either glued or melted to the marble. Both pairs were covered in slime and glitter glue and each sported a different eye searing hair color that flashed horribly with their painted skin.
Fabian and Gideon burst into peals of laughter as Cordelia covered her mouth and flicked her wrist releasing her wand from its holster within her sleeve. Flicking her wrist with her wand in hand she cleaned up and reversed the spells on the two hanging from the chandelier and waved her left hand towards the boys on the stairs as she pulled it away from her mouth doing the same for them. She then moved through the foyer and crouched down in front of Aster's small form with a gentle smile softening her features. She watched as the little girl shuffled her feet nervously with her eyes downcast worried she had done something to anger her aunt.
"Did you have fun?"
Asters head whipped up so fast it made most of the adults flinch as the sudden movement hoping she didn't strain anything in her neck. She studied Cordelias face to see if her words were genuine before a beaming smile split her lips and she nodded several times.
"Absolutely! Remi and I were we were in the library when we suddenly heard a big boom and, and, and then we ran downstairs only to suddenly be hanging upside down! That's when we heard uncle Siri laughing from the stairs and Remi glared at him and uncle Sev who was standing there smirking. It was then that Remi's magic went bump bump like a heart beat and the trap we set up earlier trapped uncle Sev and Siri. It was wicked!"
Smiling Cordelia reached out and ruffled Asters wild locks ignoring the flinch before looking towards the men now freed from the stairs. Cocking a brow in their direction Cordelia smirked at the two school time enemies.
"I see you two finally figured out why I was so relentless in my pranking. Glad to see that you two can get along even if it's grudgingly."
There was so much exasperated sarcasm lacing her words that both Sirius and Severus looked away from one another slightly abashed by their behavior. Before anyone else could respond to her words a tingling sound echoed through the building followed by a loud whoosh of the floo going off in a room off to the right. Everyone waited as the sound of a cane clacked against the hardwood floor of the room echoed into the foyer.
It didn't take long before an elderly man entered the room, his cane gripped tightly in his right hand as his left arm was folded behind his back. Blue eyes twinkled with happiness with a small ting of sadness hidden in the deepest parts of his soul. His once pure flaming red hair is now almost completely peppered with grays and whites and slight flashes of its previous vibrant Color hidden in its depths.
"Welcome once more to my humbled abode Septimus Weasley I offer you safety and friendship while within my home."
The now christened Septimus gave a wrinkled smile to Cordelia before giving a regal now to the young woman and responding.
"I take your friendship and safety in good faith and return the same for any time you should enter my own home. Now that pleasantries are finished where is that scatterbrained son of mine and his little demons he calls sons."
As if summoned the floo flared several more times before a symphony of noise came from the room followed by a tumble for four red headed children. The eldest sixteen year old William Weasley was at the bottom of the pile having been pushed into by his younger brother fourteen years old Charlie Weasley. On top of the two eldest brothers were the most likely instigators of the whole dog pile the twins eight year old Fred and George Weasley. Coming up behind the struggling pile of red hair and limbs is a slightly chubby red haired man with a young curly haired red haired boy clinging with one hand to his pant legs. These two were the third oldest ten year old Percy Weasley and his father Arthur Weasley.
Septimus just chuckled while shaking his head at the antics of his grandchildren raising a brow at his son. He loved his son dearly but did not agree with his choices in recent years when it comes to his wife and family. He had told Arthur years ago after the birth of his second son that he would continue the stipend he was giving to him and his wife so long as they had no more children. He wanted his son to be able to take good care of his family and grow in his department before venturing into having another child.
It was one of the few times Arthur had put his foot down with Molly who wished to have a daughter with all her heart. That is until five years later when she finally got her way to have another child before they were ready to support a third child. From there it was as if a barrel had been opened and tipped over resulting in three more consecutive pregnancies all within a year of one another until Ginerva was born. This irresponsible action had angered Septimus enough to cut Arthur off from his trust and to pay for only their schooling fees and food cost to help his sone stay above the water.
Septimus adores ever single last one of his grandchildren with the fire passion that only a Weasley could display. He just wished deep within his bones that his son had been more responsible in order to take the best possible care of his children without having to fully depend on his trust funds. Yet his dear sweet boy allowed himself to be cowed into submission by his wife in order to get her coveted daughter. It was at times like this that he wished dearly that the young Potter daughter had been the one to accept his sons heart.
"Boys is this anyway for a Weasley to act? Up the lot of you let me see how you all have grown."
The four boys in a dog pile on the ground quickly scrambled to their feet and held their heads high to allow their grandfather to scrutinize them. Percy had quickly released his fathers pant leg where he had stayed to stay out of trouble and joined the ranks between Charlie and the twins in a line up. While the five boys stood in line the twins Fred and George kept nudging one another with cheeky grins stretched on their lips and mischief shining in their eyes.
Linked crinkled at the edges is Septimus's eyes as he looked over five of his seven grandchildren and couldn't help but feel a deep well of pride. William and Charlie stood straight with their eyes ahead and hands behind their backs as if they were in the military getting looked over by their superior officer. The main difference is the playful light twinkling in their eyes and their lips twitching to stay serious.
Then there is ten year old Percy who stood trying to copy his brothers and doing a fair job at it except for the occasional shuffling of his feet. The young child is a stickler for the rules and sometimes gave a feeling of being inadequate that the Weasley patriarch fully blames on his daughter in laws obsession with obtaining a daughter. No matter how well the child could bury those feelings her could never hide it from a fellow Weasley.
Like the Prewett family the Weasley families family magic deals in emotional connections except instead of a singular powerful connection between twins a Weasley will always know the state of a fellow Weasley. Weasleys have always had large families connected with intense love and understanding. Weasleys are the only pure blooded family to never dabble in marriage contracts of convenience. They always married for love and deep understanding which is something they had cultivated into a full blown family magic. No child or adult under the name Weasley can hide their deepest darkest feelings from a fellow family member.
The rat Percy had found had helped him tremendously in keeping those feelings of inadequacy at bay but now that the rat is gone they seem to have bloomed into a slight obsession with being the good child. Luckily for Septimus he knew that Cordelia has a special gift for both Percy and her young niece that should curb those feelings at least for a while. Giving a small shake of his head Septimus nodded in satisfaction at the boys breaking them from their stiff postures to start messing around once more.
Sharp clapping brought everyone's attention to the mistress of the island who smiled softly to those she considers friends and family.
"Alright everyone we have a long day ahead of us to prepare for Yule but first Bill, Percy and Aster I have a special early gift for you three. Bill for gaining the prefect position on top of being eyed for head boy for his seventh year. Don't ask how I know this, just know you have greatly impressed your professors this year and I have no problem celebrating a year and a half early with a special present."
Bill beamed at Cordelia feeling a bubble of pride at her words and a well of curiosity at what she was going to give him. He watched as her eyes moved to his little brother Percy and couldn't help but feel grateful that she had no problem in including his mature beyond his years little brother. Don't get him wrong Bill loves and adores his mother but even he could see that she favored his two youngest siblings a bit. Ron for being the youngest boy and a bit of a glutton and Ginny for being the only girl and the daughter she had always wanted.
"As for you young Percival I have spoken with your father and grandfather who both agree you are mature enough to handle this responsibility. I'll admit your mother wasn't to happy but your father and grandfather put their foot down and overruled her. She will have no part and be unable to go anywhere near this special present so you have no need to worry for her to get rid of it. It's a bit of an I'm sorry for your rat gift."
Winking at Percy who continued to stare at Cordelia with wide eyes filled with wonder, excitement and a bit of apprehension as she turned her gaze to her niece. She had been mulling over giving her this gift for the last month yet in the few weeks she's had her niece she has seen a responsible young girl who loves to care for the few animals she keeps near the estate. Young Aster adores animals of all sorts and she adores taking care of them especially giving Aquarius's scales a brushing with a soft bristle brush to get rid of loose scales.
Young Aster has shown a maturity beyond her years forced upon her by the cruelties of the world and the shortsighted jealousy of a woman who once called herself a loving sister. It was thanks to this jealousy and shortsightedness that had forced a little girl to age before her time and taste cruelty when she wasn't ready to block it out and process the darkness and turn it into a light to power her heart and soul. So Cordelia planned to give her a very special gift normally given at age ten to be Asters light in the darkness where Cordelia herself couldn't even hope to touch and guide her out of.
"As for the rest of you the house elves have set up everything within the parlor on the family floor to decorate. Go get a start on that while I take these three out for a pre Yule gift."
Percy nervously looked to his father who nodded at his third oldest child that it was ok to fallow his aunt Cordi. Yet nerves at what his mother would think of him if he accepted something that she didn't agree with twisted his stomach into knots taking his breath away from his lungs. It was in that moment that a small slightly calloused hand slipped into his making him startle and turn to stare into a pair of bright emerald eyes framed by thick, long black locks on one side and a thick strip of auburn on the other. She flashed him a small gentle smile before tugging his arm lightly making him follow her to where his eldest brother and aunt figure stood waiting at the door.
Warmth flooded through Cordelia as she watched her niece calm the nervous boy even though she had never met young Percy before. It filled her heart with hope that Aster will recover from her trauma and proud that she had maintained a soft and gentle soul. She gave her hand a small wave causing small sparks of magic to light around it that twisted into warm winder cloaks, boots, scarves and gloves for the three unprepared children.
"Alright you three follow me."
Turning sharply on her heals Cordelia led the way out of the house into a continuous thickening of snow that crunched under small booted feet. Turning left she lead the way back to the crossroads leading into the mountains that she had taken Aster to a week ago when the young girl was having troubles sleeping. Since that night the youngest Potter has slept peacefully in her bed snuggled up to a large plush stag that Cordelia had snuck into her bed after their flight through the cold winter night. Her head would be buried into the plush snitch that her father had made for her as a baby and breath in deep the scent of her parents.
Once at the crossroads instead of heading down to the far left path Cordelia led them to a path that lead up and a bit around the mountain. They followed the twisting and winding path listening to the crunch of their boots in the virgin snow before Bill broke the semi silence with a question.
"How is it your so proficient in wand-less magic? I mean all the teachers at Hogwarts and most adults say it's near impossible to do major feats of magic without a want yet you transfigured all of our clothes into winter wear with a wave of your hand."
Cocking her head to the side as she continued walking Cordelia kept her gaze trained on the path ahead of them and the frosted water vapor pluming in front of her face.
"It wasn't just my magic, In any place of immense amount of natural magic like Potter island and Hogwarts herself one can borrow the magic. I know you want to get into curse breaking when you graduate and I encourage you to take the courses through Gringotts to achieve this. They will give you a more in-depth course on this but I can tell you the gist of it. In place of high magical energy is where most major magical centers are. The reason for this is the lei lines that run through Mother Earth like a large interlocking spider web. Different lines sometimes cross into a knot of magic which witches and wizards will lock their wards into.
Take Potter island for instance, when my ancestors discovered this island it had three major lei lines locked into a knot at the center of the island making it generate its own minor shield. It had attracted many magical creatures to its shores and woods to bask in the untamed magic of Mother Earth and our blessed mother Hecate. From there my ancestor created the five ward stones surrounding this island and connected the three original lei lines to those stones and enticed two more to power the wards on the island.
It is important to remember William that warding is one of the most dangerous fields of magic out there because of mother Magic's nature. She is a playful spirit in her wild form but she is like a child taking in the quirks of those who are able to entice her into their enchantments like here on the island. It's what makes curse breaking so dangerous, you are fighting the willful spirit of mother magic after she has absorbed a piece of the person who was able to entice her into their service.
Here on the island the heart of the wards is to protect those who fall under her veil from any and all forms of threat. To use the living Potter of blood and name as an extension of those protections. This piece of the original creators wish when building these wards is what had enticed mother magic to bless these lands. It is that magic that I had used to change your clothes to fit the environment without a wand. It wasn't just my magic but the magic connected to me through the wards my ancestors have build generation after generation. Remember these quirks William and you will do amazing things in the field of curse breaking."
After that statement the group of four rounded a bend into a small clearing leading up to a massive tree standing proudly in front of a small waterfall. There is a path that leads up to the massive trunk of the tree where an opening that could fit three people through at a time was carved into the base. It's roots were twisted slightly above the ground before sinking into the supple earth below with water trickling down and around each thick root.
The water pooled at the base of and under the roots before flowing down towards the left into a small creek feeding an array of plants and trees clustered around its edges as it twisted out of sight. At every branch a small hole was carved into the tree itself partially hidden by thick semi iridescent leaves making the tree practically glow in the warming light of the sun reflecting off both the snow and leaves. Peaks of greens, browns, and grays flashed their colors from beneath the blanket of white around the small waterfall. These peaks of color brought even more attention to the shimmering tree making it seem even more enthralling.
Entering the large opening the group cam upon a twisting stair cast that curved along the inside of the tree all the way to the top. White black spotted feathers littered the ground in a blanket of down and the chorus of barks in various pitches and fluttering wings assaulted their ears. Looking up Cordelia gave a sharp whistle bringing silence to the tree before the wing beat of three large birds glided down to them.
On two of the several perches that climb the staircase two large white owls stood regally their once black spots a dull gray. Wise dull gold eyes looked out of slightly droopy feathers at the group as if judging them. These two owls were the lord and lady of the roost of snowy owls bred by the Potters since the beginning of the Potter line. They are a large breed of owl with an unrivaled intelligence and loyalty and are extremely protective of their charge and their mail. Pity the poor fool who decides they wish to steal a post from the famed Potter family snowy owls.
There are very few breeds of owls that could compete with the famed snowy owls one of which belong to Gringotts and the other two living on Potter island. One of the main revenue of the Potter family is renting out their owls to purebloods and the ministry who use them to send important documents and in the purebloods case as a show of wealth.
Something that few outsiders know about the snowy owls bred by the Potter family is what is called a mimic bond. Every Potter born or married into the family is allowed to raise an egg from the roost. Once the chick hatches the snowy owl will form a bond similar to the fabled familiar bond and only listen to their owner.
It was the reason that their group was there on this cold winter morning being judged by the leaders of the roost. Slightly off to the side where she had Stepped Cordelia stood watching the two ancient owls that belonged to her parents as she ran her hands through the soft feathers of a much younger owl. Like the two larger and older owls this owls feathers were mostly white with black spots smattered on its wings. The main difference between this smaller, younger owl and the elderly ones is a small array of black markings at the corner of its left eye in the shape of the rune sowilo. This beautiful owl is Cordelias personal owl Moondew that she had raised from a chick all those years ago.
A bark jolted her from her musings as her fingers stilled in the soft feathers of her precious companion. Looking over the larger of the two ancient owls was puffed up looking down his beak at Cordelia as if scolding her for not paying attention to the preceding's. After a small pause he nodded his head before both he and his mate fluttered their way back up to the main roost where the eggs awaited their time to hatch or be hatched.
"Looks like you three passed the test. At the foot of the steps are specially made bags each of you are to take one that appeals to you and then carry it up the steps into the main roost. I cannot follow you up for this is up to you and your magic to find the egg that is meant for you yourself. All the eggs up there are due to hatch within the next couple of weeks and it is your job to keep the egg in the pouch and near or on you at all times until it does hatch. From there you will raise the chick into adulthood which takes about fifty days. It may take a bit longer before they can carry your mail but that is purely up to you and your companion."
As the group of two children and one teen walked over to the wall next to the steps to choose their incubation bag Cordelia turned her attention to her feathered companion. A small huffing laugh escaped her as she watched Moondew eye Aquarius who in turn was eyeing the leather harness that all active owls wear. The harness is made of the same material as the traditional garb that Cordelia had worn to the wizengamot meeting. It protects the owls from most spells and is apart of the reason the owls are such good messengers.
"Moondew please guide them up the steps and help them once they have chosen their partner."
Moondew gave a small bark of confirmation before rubbing her head against her mistress's cheek before flying off to the group of youngsters. She fluttered around the groups heads before gliding off and up the steps. The children followed after the white owl and ascended the steps nervously as butterflies fluttered in their stomachs. Both Bill and Percy knew they were being given an honor that not many not born into the Potter family get. They get the honor of raising and establishing a familiar like bond to one of the best breeds of postal owls within the wizarding world.
Once at the top the three youths looked around at the roosting area for the snowy owls where at least sixty different owls were flying in and out of the roost. The roost itself was made to look like a collection of large boulders and small hidden holes on the ground where various clutches were bundled together with leaf litter and twigs. Various female owls were huddled Oder their eggs or sleeping on their clutches as the males fluttered around their mates bringing food to the roosting mothers.
The boys went off into the roost in a slight daze as if something was tugging at their magic beacon if them to come and take them. All the wile Aster shuffled her feet in the shimmering leaf litter her nerves keeping her back from from following her own tugging magic. That is until she felt a weight on her shoulder and gentle claws digging into the fabric of her cloak.
Sitting on her shoulder is her aunts owl Moondew piercing Aster with her sharp golden eyes calming her slightly. Nodding her thanks to the beautiful owl Aster took a deep breath before slowly making her way deeper into the roosting area looking around in a daze at all the different birds who watched her go by with bright eyes. It didn't take long until she was at the heart of the roost where a large boulder that overlooked the whole roost stood proudly above all the other boulders.
Sitting proudly on the large nesting rock were the regal pair of ancient owls that had assessed the three the second her aunt had whistled for them. The pair were huddled at their nest a single egg warmed between their bodies. It was from this egg that she was feeling the strong pull on her magic. She knew it was the egg for her and that the owl within was born to be her mail owl and friend.
Slowly Aster approached the proud pair of birds and bowed low under the sharp gaze of the leaders of Potter owls. Once she heard the quick bark from the larger of the two owls she lifted her gaze to the birds who had both stood and backed away slightly from the egg. It was the only nest with a single egg in it as the small bit of sun light filtered into the room and lay upon the nest like a spot light shining down from the heavens.
Once up on the large rock Aster gently cupped the warm egg under her hands and brought it close to her heart feeling the warmth of a connection accepted and sealed with a simple touch. She took in a deep breath of the smell of leaf litter and musk before opening her eyes that she hadn't realized she had closed. Bowing once more in thanks for their trust in her to raise their what seems to be last chick before gently placing the egg into the soft dark blue incubation pouch hanging at her hip from a strap thrown over her shoulder.
Sliding her way down the large rock she quickly yet gently made her way back to the stair well where she was met by both Percy and Bill each cradling their incubation bags close to their person. Giving a small nod at their questioning looks the small group made their way back down the staircase until the reached the bottom where Cordelia had remained playing with Aquarius with a large feather. When she noticed them approaching she placed the feather in her braid as Aquarius clawed his way up to his usual perch on her shoulder.
"I see everything went well. Congratulations on your first step in your own personal postal owl. Now while incubating the little egg must remain in the pouch and on your person at all times. I suggest on occasion reaching in and petting the egg and letting your magic run through you and into it. This process will happen naturally you just have to not fight the small pull you will feel it tugging at your core. Now come along let's get back to the main building before they get to many of the decorations out and cause to much havoc."
Later that night after a fun day filled with decorating the main rooms and everyone's personal rooms they all had stuffed themselves full of the delicious food made by the house elves before making their way into the sitting room once more. Once everyone was settled with a warm fire crackling in the hearth and everyone enjoying their time soaking in the heat Charlie looked over at Cordelia who had been quietly reading a runes book while petting an content Aquarius. He had a question that had been bothering him for some time and he figured now was as good a time as any to ask so he mustered up his Griffendor courage and got the formidable young woman's attention.
"Hey aunt Cordi I have a question."
He waited for her to hum in acknowledgement as she gently closed the large book in her lap giving him her undivided attention.
"In all the years we've been coming here this house has always been a bit weird and I was just wondering. How is it possible that the place changes form on the inside so much?"
Cordelia gave an inelegant snort when she realized that many in the room had leaned in closer to hear the explanation. It was true that the manor on Potter island was beyond quirky and often times changed form within its confines.
"Well Charlie that would have to do a lot with one of the Potter ancestors and the beginning of wha is now known as the fabled Potter luck. This particular ancestor had a penchant for getting himself into a variety of sticky situations that should have never happened but did. He was also known for getting himself out of said situations in the most strange yet amazing ways possible.
You see children because of our family magic Potters have a hand in most major events that have happened in the wizarding world. We are guardians we have always used our magic to protect magic and her people thus our magic will put us into situations that make it possible for such things to happen. In this particular case this very Potter had somehow managed to find himself wandering into a clearing with a particularly large dragon asleep and soaking up the suns rays.
Now mind you Potters are often curious creatures and this particular one had the worst case of curiosity ever documented with a Potter. For some odd reason the motioned popped into his head that he should see what would happen if one were to tickle a sleeping dragon."
Cordelias voice had trailed of into the most bland and sarcastic tone she could muster as she spoke those last few words making most jaws drop slightly at the notion. Yet Sirius had a contemplative look etched on his razor sharp features before his eyes lit with mixture of mirth and admiration.
"I know this Potter! James used to tell me all the time about him. He's the one that died at the age of eighty nine because he wanted to see if he could still tangle with a Veela woman in bed for three days straight right!?"
Cordelias brow twitched in annoyance while Remi glared at the dog animagus currently laughing himself sick on the couch next to her. In her annoyance she cast a stinging hex at the man making him Yelp like the dog he could change into. He looked around the room spying the bright red faces of both Arther and Bill and the slightly confused faces of the rest of the kids before moving his eyes to the arm chairs where both Cordelia and Snape sat. Cordelia was looking at him with a face that spelled disaster for the ex convict if he were to continue that line of thought while Snape looked as if he swallowed a lemon.
Once cowed Cordelia looked to the ceiling as if praying for patience for the previous intense hormones of the male species to remember such a crude fact about a family member. This particular Potter did in fact want to see if at the age of eighty nine if he could still hold his own during sex with a Veela in their prime for a three day marathon. His heart had given out on the third and final day of their escapades shocking the Veela at the sudden demise of her bedmate that she had accidentally dropped the contraceptive charms unique to their race. Nine months later she gave birth to a beautiful half Veela girl with the blessings of the Potter family and a hand in friendship if she were to ever need their aid.
"Yes Sirius it was that very same Potter but that is not the reason behind this story and not something for young ears."
She looked pointedly at the man before flicking her eyes towards the small puppy pile of children watching and listening with innocent ears. Sirius paled slightly at the thought of what Lily would do to him in the afterlife if he continued his crude segment of the story so he begrudgingly nodded and settled back into the couch.
"Good now as I was saying this Potter decided to see what would happen if one were to tickle a sleeping dragon and let's just say it is not a smart thing to do and leave it at that. Luckily for him a small caravan of magicals were passing by and managed to save his life by getting him away from the now awake and furious fire breathing dragon. Now he couldn't just leave them after they had saved him so he invited the small group to Potter island and after much deliberation they agreed to come.
Now once on the island he had then proceeded to invite the group to his home which was quite the puzzle of random rooms, hallways that lead to nothing and rooms filled to the brim with clutter gathered from generations of Potters bringing home souvenirs. This clutter annoyed the pure blood sensibilities of a dark haired emerald eyed young man who in his annoyance used this house as the test subject for the spells he wished to incorporate into the school he and his three fellow teachers wished to build."
A smirk flicked onto her lips as dawning comprehension came onto the older children and the adults faces on who these travelers were.
"That's right the enchantments on this house were the experimental enchantments that the founding four of Hogwarts wished to use on their school once they established it. Although they did decide to tone down on a few of the enchantments since they had a bit of a mind of their own and they didn't wish to confuse new students with moving classrooms. It was also thanks to this Potter that the school motto was created to never tickle a sleeping dragon."
Sirius was the first to burst into his bark like laughter only to soon be joined by everyone else but Snape who looked completely fed up with the Potter brand of madness. It was this light hearted atmosphere that everyone went to bed that night dreaming of a messy haired young man on quests to gain answers for the most unusual questions. Like what would happen if one were to tickle a sleeping dragon.