Year 2 Part 5

  … …

  “Chief Dòmhnall, again, you have my thanks for offering protection to my son.” I smiled at Eileen Prince’s words as she curtseyed before me, likely doing so given the public location we were in.

  We were standing in the Locus Collectio station after I had disembarked from the Hogwarts Express along with the rest of the students. While moving through the area assigned for the junior years, she had come over with Severus.

  “There was little need for my protection, Miss Snape. While not a pureblood, Severus has taken well to the ways of our world. Add in that his performances in the first term were astounding for one not formally raised in the magical world, and he quickly showed his talent. The only shame is that Lord Prince will still choose to ignore such potential.”

  Severus had finished in the top seventy of First Year; an impressive performance given his, as I just mentioned, lack of upbringing in our world. While there were sections of his studies that weren’t as impressive as they could be and thus dragged his overall grade down – Care of Magical Creatures and History of Magic being the two main areas of concern – his performances in Potions, Charms, and DADA had ensured his high final position for the term.

  “Sadly, my father’s position on muggles remains firm,” Elieen replied as she stood up fully again. “On that matter, I was wondering if we might converse over the break regarding my son’s future.”

  I smiled, thinking I had a good idea of what she wanted to ask, though she wouldn’t come out directly and say so. That was unbecoming of her stature, even taking into consideration that she was no longer seen as a daughter of House Prince. “I would be amenable to that. Since I have no plans for these holidays, beyond spending time at my home, I will be available to speak whenever is suitable for you.”

  “Then I will send you an owl in the coming days,” Elieen replied with a smile. “Come along, Severus,” she added, placing a hand on her son’s shoulders. The boy in question gave me a nod as a way of saying goodbye and, after I returned it, turned to follow his mother.

  I allowed a small smile to slip onto my face as I watched them head off. Severus had faced a few issues early on due to his status as the son of a muggle and a halfblood, but nothing major. I had stepped in once to speak with a few of his fellow First Years, stating that Severus was under my protection, though that only ensured that he avoided the worst of any harm that might occur. His ability to ignore attempts to rile him up meant that the small group of blood purist students in his year – there sadly were some in every year and not just in Slytherin, though they did seem to congregate in my house – meant they quickly gave up on trying to anger him.

  Severus’ ability in Potions, where he had finished the term second overall, had helped further ingratiate him with his housemates. Several, including a few of the blood purists, had come to him for help with their Potions assignments. That was a little odd as they all should’ve had schooling on the subject before starting. Either they were struggling mightily, or there was more going on, and I’d have to keep my ears open to ensure they didn’t try and sabotage Severus’ position.

  Once James Potter started putting himself about the place, gathering a small group of Gryffindors to his side, and thus insulting all Slytherins regardless of the opinions of their families or their blood status, it was only natural for the Slytherins to close ranks. From what little I knew, Potter had yet to step beyond verbal comments, though some had been bad enough that I’d heard Lily, áine and the other First Years I interacted with complain about his behaviour, and how he was costing the lions points every week because of his lack of decorum.

  Lily had really impressed in her year, finishing a few spots behind Severus, which was a remarkable performance for a muggleborn. She’d finished a dozen places higher than Bradley Cooper had at the same point last year, with my friend ranking eighty-ninth after the first term of Second Year. Lily excelled at Charms, even outpacing Severus there and from what the others had told me, their Professor called her a prodigy with the subject, so much so that he suggested she might well be taken as an apprentice to a Charms Master once she finished at Hogwarts.

  “Dom!” I pivoted at the usage of the shortened form of my name to see the girl in question moving closer. With her were áine MacDougall and the O’Conor twins Assa and Issa. Behind them came their families, and what caught my eye before the small gaggle of girls reached me was the twitching of Harrold Evan’s eye and the way Marcas MacDougall, áine’s uncle and Guardian, seemed to glare at Lily’s back. It seemed that the magic Kadic was applying to the Evan home was working, though with Petunia not present, I couldn’t be certain of how things were going. As for Marcas, I was mindful of him.

  He was the heir to Clan MacDougall, and I feared it would either seek to defeat áine once she passed her OWLs for control of Clan MacDougall or arrange it so his son, Raghnall, married áine and thus his bloodline gained control of the Clan. If áine wished to marry Raghnall, that was fine, but if she didn’t, I would do what I could to intercede on her behalf, though I only had a handful of options, as it would be an internal Clan matter. While my mother had been from Clan MacDougall, I had no right to intervene unless asked by the current Chief or Chiefess.

  There was also the matter that while Raghnall was in Ravenclaw, he seemingly espoused ideals closely aligned with the blood purity faction. That would suggest that his father also believed as such, and meant there was a danger that áine and Clan MacDougall, such as it was, could be dragged into supporting Voldemort once he made his position public.

  So far, there was no mention of increased werewolf attacks or the like, but I was keeping my eyes on reports in the various papers. The moment those reports came in, the sparks for a civil war would be lit, though few would realise it.

  “Hey, Lily,” I said, moving to greet her even as those thoughts on her, those around her, and the wider magical world were considered by a mental partition. “áine, Issa, Assa. Glad to be finished with your first term?”

  “Yes!” The girls all seemed to shout at once.

  “I can’t wait for Christmas,” Lily added enthusiastically with a wide smile. “We’re going to see my grandma.” Her tone seemed to settle her father’s nerves, or at least drive away the tick at the corner of her eye. “What are you going to do?”

  “Those of us who follow the old traditions generally don’t celebrate Christian festivals,” I replied calmly. “We observe the Solstice and prepare for the new year.”

  “Don’t forget your birthday, Dom,” áine added as she moved closer, coming to stand at my side. I caught Marcas’ lips tightening at how close áine stood. I didn’t react, pretending not to realise the issue and instead offered my cousin a small smile.

  “I’m aware.” I didn’t have any plans for the day, though I knew I’d get letters of congratulations and probably presents sent via the Floo.

  “Oh, are you having a party?” I looked at Lily, preparing to shut down the idea, only for áine to answer for me.

  “Yes! He has one every year. I’m sure you’re invited, right, Dom?”

  I turned to face áine, planning to reject the idea. Or at least the idea of anything more than a small get-together with a few close friends and family, such as her. However, the look in her eyes, one mirrored by the O’Conor girls and Lily, made it clear that I wasn’t going to get my way. “I guess,” I said slowly, trying not to appear too irritated or excited.

  “Yes!” Lily shouted, punching the air.

  “Lily!” Her father snapped, seemingly not liking her behaviour while in public.

  “When is it?” Lily asked excitedly. “When should I come over? Should I bring Sev?”

  “What about Annie, Maggie, and the others?” Assa added in.

  Behind the girls, I watched as the adults all gave looks of amusement. While Harrold and Marcas restrained themselves, the smile Assa and Issa’s mother gave me made it clear she understood that I was already losing the battle when it came to denying ladies. I noted that her husband was further back, speaking with his brother, Críostóir O’Conor.

  Críostóir was the Heir to the Most Ancient Clan O’Conor, and while I’d had almost no interaction with him, I had with his youngest son, Ruarc. The boy was in my year in Slytherin and carried a dislike for me, one that was made clear by the frown he sent my way as áine and the others gathered around me excitedly.

  “Fine,” I answered with a weary sigh, “you and all of them can come as well.” The girls all screamed in delight. While I was accepting of them coming, this meant I’d have to alter my plans considerably.

  “Does this invitation extend to us as well?”

  Along with the group, I turned towards the new voice. I had a hint that it was someone important based on how Lady O’Conor and Marcas reacted, but I was surprised to see who the speaker was.

  “Lord Abraxas,” I said, lowering my head in respect. “A pleasure to meet you again.”

  The head of House Malfoy offered me a small smile while his children stood at his side. “Chief Dòmhnall. Forgive the intrusion, but I couldn’t help but hear the rather excited speaking of your female cohorts speaking of a birthday celebration. While we are not as acquainted as I would like, I understand that you and Vesta have become closer this year.”

  “We have,” I replied neutrally, keeping my thoughts on why that was the case buried. “She is a remarkably skilled young witch.”

  The letter that Lucius had given me was, as I’d expected, an offer of betrothal between myself and Vesta. Beyond the alliance it would generate between our families, Abraxas had surprised me by making clear, without ever directly mentioning it, that he knew I had the right to take more than a single wife. That said, his words removed any doubt that he would accept any position but First Wife for Vesta, which, given that she was the daughter of a Lord of an Ancient House, was hardly a surprise. Only the daughter of the Lord of a Most Ancient House, or the equivalent Clan, would carry more importance. Given that my heir would, once they became Chief, see my Clan become Most Ancient, it would make my hand an even more tempting proposition for marriage.

  Abraxas smiled widely at the praise, placing a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “She is very much her mother’s child,” he stated with pride. “Sadly, my beloved wife is busy with other matters today. She had hoped for the chance to meet you, but alas, it seems that will have to wait for another time.”

  Internally, I growled, knowing that I was being walked into a corner by Abraxas. I understood there was no way out of it, but I’d rather not have my birthday turn into a larger gathering. If the Malfoys came, then I would be required to invite the Black. I had already agreed with Arcturus that I would come to Le Domaine Noir for dinner, but it seemed I would have to alter that plan and see them come to Dunscaith for lunch instead.

  “Then, since it seems I will be having a larger than intended gathering for my birthday, perhaps you, your wife and children would be amenable to attending?” I asked, keeping all annoyance from my posture and tone.

  “I would have to examine our calendar, but I believe that would be a wonderful idea,” Abraxas replied with a small smile that hid his pleasure at trapping me in the moment into inviting him. “I have heard of Dunscaith but never had the pleasure of seeing the ancient castle for myself.”

  “Sadly, my home cannot rival the larger manors common with families such as yourself or Lord Arcturus. However, it had a charm to it that I find calming.” My words were said so that I had an instant out if he chose to comment on the style of my home. I didn’t expect him to, but it was wiser to lay prospective groundwork as best I could.

  “As it should. I do hope, however, that it is not as cold as I might fear. I am led to believe that it is located on the Isle of Skye, is it not?”

  “It is, though the castle and grounds are warded so that I can control the temperature as I wish.” Generally, I let nature do as she pleased, finding something relaxing about a cold morning breeze.

  “Oh, Dom… I mean, Dòmhnall,” Lily corrected herself as she butted in, “is this going to be a formal event?”

  “Merlin, no,” I replied instantly, ignoring her faux pas of speaking out of turn while I spoke with Lord Abraxas. “The longer I can avoid such events, the easier my life will be.” I turned back to Abraxas. “Please forgive my friend’s outburst. While she is learning, she has yet to remember all her lessons on the customs and traditions of our world.”

  “Ah, a muggleborn then,” I nodded, and Abraxas turned his gaze to Lily. I watched him carefully, trying to get a read on his opinion of her and those like her, even as he continued. “How are you enjoying your first year at Hogwarts, my dear?” There was nothing in his tone to suggest any dislike of Lily, but I suspected that if there was, he was hiding it because I had introduced her as my friend, and he would know from Vesta and Lucius that I had friendships with several muggleborns.

  Lily opened her mouth to blurt out a reply, but I caught a shift from Assa that seemed to make Lily pause. She then, remembering her lessons, curtseyed and spoke while looking down at the ground. “It has been wonderful, My Lord,” she said softly, not quite managing to keep her nervousness or excitement from her voice. “I’m thankful that Dòmhnall, áine and others have helped me learn and grow my magic.”

  Abraxas’ gaze shifted from Lily as she spoke. “I am pleased to hear that. Far too often, muggleborns enter our world lacking an understanding of how those of us gifted with magic structure our society. They can also be too quick to demand change to a system that has existed for hundreds of years without issue.” He raised a hand to his chin and tapped it. “Forgive me for failing to recognise you, Chiefess-Presumptive MacDougall. I had no idea you had begun to blossom into such a radiant young lady.”

  “Thank you, Lord Abraxas,” áine replied, lowering her head as she spoke. “Lily, here, is one of my friends, along with my cousins. Dòmhnall was the one who introduced us when he happened upon her in Diagon Alley when she arrived to gather her belongings for Hogwarts.” I kept my face calm, though inside I was a little irritated that áine had let that nugget slip. It wasn’t exactly a trade secret, but the fewer people realised how we’d met, the less they might think I was collecting muggleborns like toys.

  “Is that so?” He glanced my way, but I betrayed nothing with my expression.

  “I heard that Professor Flitwick was impressed with your wandwork, Miss Evans,” Vesta stated, speaking for the first time. As she spoke, there was a slight smirk on her face, though what amused her I couldn’t say.

  “T-the Professor was just being generous.”

  “Nonsense!” Assa countered. “You were mastering everything faster than any of us. Even when I and others could do the spell, your control and refinement were better.”

  Before anyone could say anything, áine shifted and had Lily stand from her curtsey. That was a slight overstep, as it should be Abraxas that did so, but áine had never been one to entirely follow societal norms, least of all when in a location such as the station.

  “Indeed? Flitwick is a former duelling champion. To have such praise in a First Year? Highly impressive, Miss Evans.” Abraxas turned his focus back to me. “As much as I would enjoy continuing to speak with you, Chief Dòmhnall, if I am late returning, my wife will be most displeased.” I saw Lucius’ eyes brighten at the comment while Vesta’s smirk shifted into a smile. “Perhaps we might continue to do so via owl?”

  “Of course. I shall also see that the invitation for you and your family arrives by tomorrow,” I replied, offering him a bow which he returned.

  “Good day to you all.” With that, Abraxas turned and led his children away, though as they pivoted, Lucius’ gaze caught my eyes. There was something there that I couldn’t quite decipher, meaning I’d have to add it to the growing list of things about Lucius that I had to learn.

  As the Malfoys walked off, and the girls around me began to chatter, I repressed a sigh. I was hoping for a quiet birthday with only a handful of people, but it seemed that wasn’t doable. I had to give Abraxas credit, though; he had timed his move to speak with me so that I couldn’t deny him and his family an invitation. Irritating, to say the least, but about what I’d expect of a Lord and why I’d have preferred to get out of the station without much interaction.

  Sadly, that hadn’t happened, but at least it was just one day where I’d have to deal with a larger group than ideal at Dunscaith. It wouldn’t, I hoped, disrupt too much of my plans for the break.

  … …

  … …

  I moved forward slowly, cautious that I might miss one of my targets given the weather. While not the worst day so far of the winter, it was still a cold, windy day on Skye. Perhaps I would’ve been wiser to hunt the remaining Redcaps; however, I felt I was ready not just to thin their numbers, but exterminate the entire Gathering of them.

  With the third Pathway unlocked and having recovered from carving the latest array into my skin, I felt it was time to remove these pests from my lands. Kadic had been unhappy with my choice, not just for the inherent danger that a large enough group of the creatures might pose, but also that I was hunting them in winter. I was adamant about doing this now, however.

  At my side, Xenocrates moved slowly, his black fur still allowing him to remain hidden to some degree. While there was snow on the ground, thanks to the thickness of the coverage above us, it wasn’t complete, though it was present enough that I was being mindful of my steps even after casting a silencing charm on my body. So far, I’d not made any sound when I’d stepped into the snow, but I wasn’t about to risk giving myself away in these conditions. Particularly, as visibility was limited due to the low-lying sun and the shortened day at this time of the year, the combination of dimming light and long shadows would act as yet another layer to veil our presence.

  I paused as I heard a sound to my right, from where I remembered the paths the Redcaps had used when I’d hunted them last summer. Said paths were hard to spot because of the weather and light, but I was aware enough of my surroundings to be sure of the location where I’d previously ambushed a good number of the creatures.

  Crouching, I moved forward slowly, my wand at the ready as I scanned the area, trying to find the source of the sounds I’d just heard. I knew they came from Redcaps and could feel a slowly rising wave of excitement forming within me. In my life in another timeline, I’d never enjoyed the idea of stalking and hunting, yet in this life, I found myself taking pleasure in combat – be that hunting, duelling, or otherwise – in a way I’d never expected. There was a primal thrill at engaging others, be they man, beast, or creature, in battle. While a one-on-one with a Redcap was no challenge for Xeno, never mind me, with numbers, they presented a veritable threat.

  After perhaps a minute, the sounds became clearer, and as I slipped behind a tree large enough to shield my body, I knew I’d found my first targets for the day. Behind a root that had broken through the dirt, Xeno crouched low. Faint flickers of blue danced along his spine, indicating his readiness to hunt and kill Redcaps. As in the summer, the torc offered no warming, making clear that, as things stood, the group of Redcaps ahead of us, which numbered four, as with the groups I’d faced last summer, were not a direct threat. That, however, would change if the creatures were able to alert others before I could take them down.

  The forest was still today, most of the animals within it having settled down to hibernate for the winter. As I peeked around the corner of the tree I was using for cover, I saw a sack on the back of one of the Redcaps; blood soaking through the bottom and dripping onto the ground before, adding a slightly macabre pattern to the snow the group stood on.

  It seemed they were discussing something, though, as their language was one I had no interest in learning, I couldn’t tell if they were waiting for another hunting party or simply debating whether to return home or keep hunting. Regardless, it didn’t matter.

  I slipped from behind the tree, my wand spitting out quick-fire bolts as fast as I could cast them. Other spells could be used, but the incantation for them, even when silently cast, took a fraction longer, and, as I wanted this group taken down quickly, I relied on the basic bolt. This also let me test my speed of casting, as when I’d first engaged Redcaps last summer, I’d immobilised the initial group before assaulting them with quick-fire bolts. The biggest change with my bolts now compared to then was that the hints of purple that shimmered over the red centre of each bolt were controlled and focused.

  It had taken me a few months to get the hang of casting the bolt with hints of Destructive Magic, but I had figured out the key. While anger was needed, it had to be a colder, more focused anger if I wished to only use one partition of thought. When I allowed the more temperamental, and thus hot, form of anger to flow through me as I cast, I found myself losing control of my casting. To regain the accuracy, I wanted and regain a partition of thought that I might need in battle, I needed to temper my anger and draw from a cooler but ever-present well of emotions that wouldn’t see me lose control of myself in the heat of combat.

  The bolts from my wand raced out, striking the group almost perfectly. Each Redcap took two bolts in the initial assault, with me then adding two more bolts for each. Yet as that second wave of purple-tinted red globules of magic raced towards the Redcaps, I couldn’t help but smile. All four were down and, if not dead, then out of the battle with just two bolts each. That was an improvement upon my engagements with them over the summer and a clear indicator of my increased power and precision.

  Moving forward slowly, I advanced on the downed Redcaps, finding a few flickers of pleasure in seeing the quartet of creatures lying dead on the ground, none having managed to draw or raise a weapon against me before they fell. A quick transfiguration spell turned the bodies into pebbles. It wouldn’t shift the blood stains on the snow, but that was what I wanted. Redcaps would smell the blood and come to investigate, which was why, as soon as the first group was transfigured, I looked upwards at the nearby trees.

  A quick and silent casting of the Floating Charm, a variant of the basic Levitation Charm, had me rising into the air. It wasn’t a perfect method, but it allowed me to reach the branches I wished to settle in more easily. Once I was high enough, I used my free hand and pulled myself towards the trunk of one tree, and once settled on a thick branch, I looked down at Xeno. “You want me to lift you?” I asked softly after casting a temporary Sticking Charm on my boots so that I’d not fall from the branch while I waited.

  The raiju tilted his head and sniffed, dismissing the idea. Before I could ask him how he intended to get up, his body was engulfed in blue light. In front of my eyes, he streaked as the light to the base of the tree I was in and then up the trunk. The light faded as he came to a stop beside me, looking at me smugly.

  “Yeah, yeah, I know,” I muttered, using my free hand to pet him under his chin. He purred softly, pleased to be acknowledged for his improvement, though I stopped before the sound grew too loud.

  Xenocrates had, it seemed, unlocked the ability to travel rapidly, though not instantaneously, as I had observed as a bolt of light when I’d been attacked. The ability enabled him to cover the distance with incredible speed, though he was blocked when encountering a closed door or locked window. From what I’d read, in time, he’d be able to slip through any crack in such obstacles, at least where they weren’t magically sealed, such as was the case for my dorm room in the Slytherin Chamber or the exits from said chamber.

  Thanks to Finn Dalcassin and Bella, I’d been shown two other ways to slip from the Slytherin chambers. Normally, I wouldn’t have learnt them, but they and Asmodeus Wessex believed that I needed to know them on the chance that I was attacked again. Of the three, the only one I’d detailed my findings on the assault to was Bella, and through her, I had the first name to investigate.

  She wasn’t able to offer much help while we were at school, but I’d invited her over a few days after the break had begun and allowed her to view the memory through a pensive. Not the one in the Hall of Memories, but another pensive that my father had purchased a decade ago for when he needed to share memories with those outside the family. From the memory, Bella had deduced that the speaker was Colin Gilbert.

  The Gilberts were an Established House, one loyal to House Flint, and Colin was a known friend – well, butt-sniffer according to Bella – of Jason Flint. Flint was on my list of possible suspects, though choosing to attack me over Xeno dominating his kneazle seemed remarkably petty.

  Even though I had the name of one of my attackers, it didn’t place me any closer to learning who was the ringleader, nor did I have a way to convince Gilbert to reveal what he knew. Oh, I had a few ideas for how to make him speak, but the challenge was figuring out how to corner and overpower Gilbert while he was alone and then finding somewhere I could easily speak to him without others – particularly Dumbledore or the Hogwarts elves – learning of what I had done and would do. That issue could wait for another time, and as I heard the sounds of more Redcaps approaching, I pushed it to the back of my mind, returning my full focus to my active plan.

  Sitting still wasn’t a major issue, as I had learnt to be patient and controlled over the last few years, but doing so while crouching on a branch wasn’t fun. Nor was, as they passed underneath me, having to endure the smell generated by the group of four Redcaps that stepped slowly into my trap.

  My hand rested on Xeno, keeping him in place as I could sense his distaste. His sense of smell was far greater than mine, and I could only imagine how vile the Redcaps smelt to him when I was struggling not to gag at the fumes rising to my nostrils. Thankfully, Xeno knew to endure it, though I suspected I’d have to leave one of the creatures for him to kill so he could reward the creatures for their presence.

  I watched silently as the foursome moved onto the snow, their eyes down as they saw the droplets of blood on the ground below. A smirk came to my lips, though no sound escaped me, as one of them kicked a transfigured pebble, knocking the body of their compatriot away. As the group turned, each looking around in different directions, trying to locate their missing companions and the ones who’d attacked them, I waited patiently, seeking the ideal moment to strike.

  Once all four had their backs to me, I moved. My wand flicked to life, bolts racing down to strike the Redcaps. Two went down with perfect strikes to their backs, right where their necks met their bodies. They crumpled to the ground already defeated before the second bolt for each struck them. A third took the first bolt in the back of his head, the skull exploding rather spectacularly even as the second bolt struck its back.

  The fourth, however, was more alert. It wasn’t the one with the best angle to see me, yet it managed to shift such that my first bolt only struck its shoulder while the second blasted the ground where it had been standing. I grunted in annoyance, irritated that I’d missed what should’ve been an easy kill, yet I didn’t fire off another bolt to take the remaining Redcap down. Instead, as the blue blur that was Xeno raced down the trunk of the tree towards the creature, I struck it with a Silencing Charm so that it wouldn’t be able to call out to any other Redcaps that were nearby.

  I watched, my wand at the ready, as Xeno raced around the best. He encircled it in blue light, swirling around the angered Redcap even as it swung its axe. Part of me was enraged that this pathetic beast would dare try and strike Xeno, yet I didn’t react. I could feel Xeno’s enjoyment and knew the Redcap’s attacks had missed. Xeno’s strikes, however, didn’t, and after only a few seconds, I started to see splotches of red on the Redcap’s face and body.

  Before even a quarter of a minute had passed, during which it was engulfed in blue light, the Redcap fell to its knees. One clawed hand came to its throat, clutching in vain to stop the gushing of blood that poured from a wound. The blue lightning of Xeno moved away for a moment before rushing at the creature from behind. The Redcap fell face-first into the snow as Xeno swooped over it, and as my familiar came to a stop, I watched the beaten creature twitch its final breaths before going still, the snow around its face shifting to a deep red.

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  “Good boy,” I said as I hopped down from the branches, easily able to make the landing without having to use magic to slow my fall or strengthen my body. The latest fleshcarved array had granted me the increased durability such that a fall like I’d just had was child’s play to endure without pain, though I suspected that even without the new array, I’d have barely felt the landing, as it was only four or five metres. “Come on,” I added after transfiguring the new bodies into pebbles like the last lot.

  As much as I was enjoying the hunting today, taking out small groups of Redcaps wasn’t my goal. No, that was the removal of their Gathering. The path to it was harder to track at first, as the snow had hidden much of it, but as I moved deeper into the forest, it became easier to find. Redcaps came and went along it, travelling into my forest to hunt the other beasts and creatures that dwelled within it, and today was when I intended to end that threat.

  After perhaps a minute of movement down the path, mindful of my surroundings, I paused and slipped behind another tree. Ahead of us, seemingly guarding the path as it dropped lower, were a pair of Redcaps. This pair, unlike the ones I’d killed earlier today and over the summer, appeared slightly larger and carried weapons that looked to be in better condition than any I’d seen one of their number carrying before.

  It didn’t take much to determine that this pair were guards, and probably more senior members of the Gathering. Or at least they would be if the creatures used a societal structure that had even a passing resemblance to primitive Human societies. I felt I could take them down easily; however, without knowing what lay beyond them, I couldn’t be certain that I could take them out without alerting others.

  I didn’t fear Redcaps, but I was cautious enough to understand that in sufficient numbers, even these creatures could take down an adult wizard or witch. Yes, that likely only happened because that person was either an idiot who stumbled into Redcap territory without realising it, or already wounded in some way and thus unable to apparate away. I couldn’t escape that easily, though Kadic and Aien would arrive the moment I called for them. So long as I was smart, I would have neither the need nor the intention of stopping until the entire Redcap Gathering was reduced to dust.

  A quick look around let me see that the treeline seemed to end in a rough line where the two guards stood. Moving off the path, I headed to the east, mindful of where the guards were and the potential for there to be other Redcaps in the forest that I hadn’t yet located.

  It took only a few minutes, but I reached a position parallel to the Redcap guards and, dropping low to crawl forward, I peered forward unconcerned about getting dirt on my clothing. The treeline ended on a sharp incline, meaning any advancement forward would cost me cover; however, from my location, I could see the path beyond the guards.

  It wound down the incline, indicating that the creatures couldn’t manage a straight climb up it, before heading towards the base of a hill. The same hill Aien had been certain was where the Gathering was located. Given that the settlement, if I was being very generous to call it that, existed at the base of the hill, it was clear she’d been right.

  The path that led into this settlement continued into a cave, one with four Redcaps standing guard outside. Other creatures moved around the camp, dragging fresh kills to and from places or eating the raw meat. Several of them, much to my disturbed amusement, were fighting over some meat, knocking over others or crashing into dwellings that were little more than poorly crafted tents made of trees and leaves.

  I stayed where I was, watching the Gathering as it went about its business. Ideally, I’d be under a Disillusion Charm. However, that was a Fourth-Year spell here, and while I knew the incantation, it was one I hadn’t yet mastered. At least not enough to trust it entirely to work. Thankfully, I had other options if I wanted to get closer or observe the Gathering without being seen, though I was choosing not to enter the Fearann ????na Scáthanna. I’d rather not rely on it as a base option, as that might well see me display its usage in public, and thus reveal one of my hidden talents.

  As I watched the camp, it became clear that while there were only a few dozen Redcaps outside, with most inside the camp, there was enough regular movement into and out of the cave that I was all but certain the majority of the Redcaps were within. Given the weather, it made sense that the creatures would seek shelter from the elements, and whatever system they had for raising young ones would be better suited to keeping them insulated against the cold.

  With just the Redcaps outside, including two more pairs of guards holding position along other paths that until now I’d not been aware of, I knew I could take them all down with ease. The issue was the cave, and however many might be inside. Thankfully, as I’d been planning to destroy this Gathering and use it as a testbed for some of my more powerful magic, I already knew how I would be handling that.

  “Those two Redcaps to the west,” I whispered to Xenocrates, who had been crouched at my side ever since I’d moved into my observation point, “when I attack, I want you to take them out.”

  Xeno gave a quiet but excited hiss before moving away slowly, stalking towards his unprepared prey. Sending him off was a small risk, but he needed to learn how to fight without me right beside him. Plus, in the chaos that I was about to unleash, he would be able to cut loose as well, which would, if I saw it, allow me to see just what he was capable of in battle.

  I slipped back from the edge of the incline and then, once away from sight of any Redcaps, stood. Moving slowly in a half-crouch, I advanced on the first guard pair and, once closer, lined up my wand. “Accio Redcaps,” I whispered. The pair were dragged towards me, the sudden movement causing one to drop their makeshift weapon.

  Even as the pair came hurtling towards me, I was moving. A shift to one side, at the same time I ended the spell, saw them crash into the ground, tumbling painfully as they landed. When they bounced past me, my wand flicked, sending a flurry of quick-fire bolts into their bodies. Blood flew from the strikes, many not hitting centre mass, but that was fine. The volume of bolts I fired at them, combined with their crashed landing, meant that by the time the pair stopped, they were dead.

  I ignored the broken and sundered arm of one of the Redcaps and quickly transfigured the pair and limb into pebbles. Perhaps I didn’t need to do so, but I felt it was safer to hide the bodies for now, as there was a chance that more than two parties of Redcaps had been out hunting along the route I’d taken to approach the Gathering. The longer any returners remained unaware of how many of their tribe – if that was the right word – had already fallen, the more likely they were to think they had greater numbers than they did.

  With the remains transfigured, I moved down the path in the same half-crouch I’d been using throughout the forest. I wasn’t yet large enough to really stand out amongst the trees, but I felt it wiser to learn to move, hunt, and fight like this now so that when I was older and in far more harrowing situations, my body reacted instinctively to threats.

  When I reached the edge of the incline, I stopped and looked at the Gathering, relocating the targets I’d mentally marked earlier. With them all lined up, I pulled my school wand into my off-hand and smiled viciously.

  “Hasta Exitium!” The incarnation was half-shouted, which would at other times be an issue, as it would give away my position. However, since I wanted a massive overkill first strike, and the spells I planned to cast afterwards would reveal my location anyway, I saw no reason to hold back. Nor was there any issue with restraining myself. This was, beyond an extermination, a chance to see just what this spell could do when unleashed as fully as I was currently capable of doing.

  As the twin spears of Destructive Magic raced from my wand, the air turning a twisted purple as they dove towards the Redcap camp, I staggered back. While I’d practised casting the spell with both wands at once, this was the first time I’d not bothered to restrain myself, and the drain I’d felt from doing so was intense. More than anything I’d ever experienced with any spell so far.

  The spears moved so quickly that by the time the Redcaps saw them, they were already sailing over the camp. “Fuck me,” I muttered as the spears struck the hill, filling the air with a cloud that raced outwards. I barely had time to turn and shield myself from the debris before it reached me.

  The air around me whistled past my ear, and I gritted as my body was pelted with dirt, stone, wood, and whatever else had been driven from the impact point in the shockwave. As I endured the onslaught, my robes worked to negate much of the force of whatever struck me. I cursed internally. Not only had I used too much power, but to my surprise and annoyance, I’d failed to cast any sort of defensive spell that might protect me from the shockwave I was now enduring.

  There weren’t many charms or spells I could’ve cast that would’ve negated most of this blow black, but a simple wall of hardened earth crafted with transfiguration would’ve helped. As would’ve been diving behind a tree. The sound of thick wood groaning and cracking had me looking to my side, and I blinked in shock as several of the nearby trees had been damaged. Only the youngest, and thus thinnest ones had fallen over, but every tree around me was cracked with many leaning at angles that would see them fall the first time a major storm struck the forest.

  As the shockwave subsided, I turned back around, and my eyes widened at what I saw. The cave was gone, as was most of the hill.

  I couldn’t tell if the spell or the shockwave had been the main reason, but now that things were settling down, I could see that what remained of the hill was little more than an earthen mound, one that had seemingly moved a good twenty or thirty metres away from me.

  “Fuck me sideways,” I mumbled as my gaze shifted to the Redcap camp. Or at least what had been the camp.

  All that existed there now was dirt and stone. Every trace of the camp that had once been there, be it creature, dwelling, or supplies, was gone. In a few places, I could see a limb sticking out of the ground, bent unnaturally and unmoving, which left me in little doubt that the creature it belonged to was dead. Nothing was left alive in the blast zone.

  My eyes slipped down, looking at my hands and the wands within them. I’d known that Destructive Magic was powerful, so powerful in fact that it was all but a banned branch of magic, but to see the effects of the supposed weakest spell of that branch do this much damage…

  I don’t know what caused it, but I heard laughter slip from my lips. The sort of laughter that, if I heard it come from others, would send a chill down my spine. The type of laughter that would cause others to either back away slowly or run for the hills in terror.

  “I did this,” I whispered even as I slipped my school wand back into its disillusioned holster. “I’m not even close to my full power, but I just destroyed a hill and everything around it without even trying.”

  I’d know magic was powerful, and that the Spear of Destruction would unleash devastation, but this was incredible. And the insane part, I realised as I looked to my right, catching the flicker of blue as I felt Xeno moving, was that this spell would only get more powerful as I matured and gained experience.

  I wasn’t na?ve enough to think that just because I had access to Destructive Magic I’d be able to overpower others, and by that, I meant those on levels like Arcturus or Alasdair Moody, never mind Dumbledore and Voldemort. However, as a power that I kept hidden from all until I was forced to use it – in battles where I had no intention of allowing my opponents to escape – then it had the potential to be a game-changer. Particularly when I finally located and exterminated those responsible for the death of my family all those years ago.

  I felt a tug at my sleeve and turned around, my wand up and ready to cast to defend myself. “Kadic?” I asked as I saw my Head Elf standing before me, a concerned look on his face.

  His mouth opened, and I saw his lips form words, but I didn’t hear them. That was when I realised there was a ringing in my head, and I lifted my free hand to my brow.

  “I can’t hear you,” I said in what I hoped wasn’t a shout. “The explosion… It was bigger than I planned and caused some blowback.” He nodded and moved closer, offering his hand.

  Understanding what he was offering, I smiled. “We need to get Xeno first,” I said, and I pointed to where I sensed my familiar. He was fine, and from what I could tell, he was pleased with himself, which I assumed meant he’d taken care of the two Redcaps I’d sent him after. “But let’s go home.”

  Kadic nodded, and as I felt the familiar tug at the base of my stomach from apparition, I felt my smile return. While it hadn’t been exactly how I planned for it, I had achieved my goals for the day. The Redcap Gathering was gone through a few stragglers who had been elsewhere in the forest might remain, and I’d seen the power of Destruction Magic in action.

  That, however, didn’t mean I would rest on my laurels, nor would I not return to the forest. There were still many spells and charms in Vlidmar’s book that I had to learn and practice with, while other dangers no doubt lurked deeper in the woods around my home. At least now I had a better understanding of what I could do and could salivate a little at what I would one day achieve if I put my mind to it.

  … …

  … …

  I moved down the stairs slowly; my mind mulled over two matters. First, I was going over the various plans for the day, making sure that everything I’d thought of was taken care of for my birthday party/lunch in a few hours. As much as I would’ve preferred a smaller get-together, I had been sideswiped after departing the Hogwarts Express by Abraxas Malfoy, áine, and others. Now, what I had planned to be a group of maybe ten to fifteen people was looking at being over fifty, if not closer to a hundred, and that was just the children.

  While many were friends or family, a good number weren’t, but I’d been hoodwinked into letting them come. Part of me hated that I could be so easily manipulated by áine in particular, but that had always been the case. She didn’t look anything like my daughter in that other life I’d once led, but it seemed I was still a soft touch for young ladies. Something I was thankful that Vesta and others in my year hadn’t quite realised, as they’d abuse and exploit it to no end.

  The only lady I allowed to have that sort of influence over me was Bella, though if she realised it, she hadn’t yet tried to use it. I’d never been able to stand against her when she wanted something, but ever since that time when I’d passed out during one of her training sessions, I’d found it hard to even think of not helping her if she asked.

  The other matter that nagged at my thoughts was what awaited me in the kitchen when I entered. Each year, I had received a large number of letters offering congratulations for my birthday. Most didn’t amount to anything more than convention, with every member of the Wizengamot, along with certain department heads at the Ministry and the Minister himself, sending a letter, and I gave each a general response back. However, this year had the high potential to be worse. So much worse.

  I was thirteen now, and with the papers already being written and delivered, it would be quickly noted by many that there was no mention of me being betrothed. While I’d had a few offers brought to me over the years, most had been dismissed gently with words stating I wasn’t considering such a matter. Others likely believed that I already had an agreement with House Black through Arcturus. Since the daughters of Black were all older than me, the fact that there was nothing in the papers today would reveal that wasn’t the case for the entire country.

  I knew Arcturus did wish to discuss it, but he understood I hadn’t been willing to do so before. From today, I couldn’t keep dismissing such offers as quickly as I had before, which meant I was about to be assaulted with proposals over the next few days and weeks.

  A more cynical man might see which of the expected offers provided the best increase in power, prestige, or wealth, or seek to abuse the fact that I could claim multiple wives. My thoughts, while not ignoring the politics of the situation, were more open-minded on the matter. Or so I hoped.

  “Breakfast is ready for The MacLeod.”

  “Thank you, Kadic,” I replied, offering the elf a smile as he greeted me at the bottom of the stairs. “Are the preparations ready for today?”

  “Kadic has all things ready. Kadic not embarrass The MacLeod today.”

  “I’m sure you won’t. If you and Aien need help, speak with Lord Arcturus,” I said as I moved to the kitchen door, preferring as always to eat there instead of elsewhere in the castle. Having a meal by myself in the main study of the dining room always felt off, both because I was the only one here, and the memories that lingered there of my family.

  “Happy Birthday!”

  The call came from my ancestors; their portraits aligned around the table so I could see them all as I entered.

  “Thanks,” I replied, seeing the small cake on the table. Well, it wasn’t actually small compared to cakes I might’ve seen in the other timeline, but compared to some of the designs for events in the magical world, and ones I’d received for previous birthdays, it was small. No doubt the cake Kadic had arranged for my birthday would be downright huge.

  “How are you feeling today?” my grandfather asked as he stood in his portrait with his wife. The smile Cassiopeia wore was a little unnerving. Almost as if she expected something to happen that I wasn’t going to enjoy.

  “So far so good,” I replied as I slid into a seat at the table in the kitchen. “Though I suspect my mood’s going to drop because of that,” I finished, gesturing at the pile of letters waiting for me. The pile was larger than those from previous years, which only reaffirmed my concerns about today.

  “Are you telling me you don’t like the idea of girls throwing themselves at you?” my grandmother teased with a smile, her words making my great-grandmother giggle.

  “Not when they’re forced to or want to do so simply because of my title. I’d never given it any thought before… the Massacre, but thinking about it, I wish I wasn’t the Chief and further down the line so I could marry someone I liked instead of having options pushed on me by others.”

  “Even when you were the third son, you would still not have free rein in the matter, Dòmhnall,” my great-grandfather countered. “You were the son of the chief of Clan MacLeod. While you wouldn’t be expected to marry a first daughter of another Chief or Lord or of their heirs, you couldn’t simply pick someone to marry without approval. Traditions must be observed.”

  “Only those that make sense,” I countered, feeling another argument over this matter was brewing. “I know that as Chief I no longer have that freedom, but if… when I marry, I want it to be with someone I enjoy spending time with.”

  Deep down, I accepted that I had to marry for position over love, but the part of me that came from the other timeline, where I had married for love, and as such, that part of me still rebelled against being forced into marriage. That said, all of me had my eyes set on one particular witch, though much of that likely came from because she wasn’t a child like those my age.

  Bella wasn’t yet an adult, but at seventeen, she was the closest to one of those I would be willing to consider. The issue was that she was already betrothed. Yes, she was working to extract herself from that arrangement, but I wasn’t certain if she would be able to do so, nor that once she was free, she’d consider me a suitable partner. I suspected that she saw me more as the little brother she’d never had instead of a suitable partner.

  “Love comes in time,” my great-grandmother said gently, even as she placed a hand on my great-grandfather’s arm. “We attended Hogwarts in the same year and had grown up together. We were friends when we were told of our engagement. Love came later as we matured and understood that we complemented each other.”

  “The same is true of me and your grandfather,” Cassiopeia added, my grandfather smiling as she leaned against his shoulder. “However, I know not all pairings have that happen.”

  “And that is what I fear,” I said, using the opening to take control of the discussion. “Of the girls I know, they’re all friends at best. I.. I don’t know if I could see them as anything else.”

  “There is no requirement for you to arrange a betrothal today, Dòmhnall,” my great-grandmother stated gently. “However, the longer you delay in making a choice, the more many will question if you are suitable to lead our Clan. While I don’t think your cousins would challenge you for leadership, there are others who might.”

  She was, I assumed, referring to the head of the Cadet branches of the Clan along with Ruairi. My uncle had been cast out of the Clan after challenging and then losing to my father for the position of Chief. In theory, as he had been cast out of the Clan, he couldn’t come back to claim the title; however, if I, along with my cousins Magnus, Tegan, and Talulla, were dead, he would have the right to stand as a contender.

  “What about Magnus and Tegan?” I asked, shifting the topic because of the opening provided. “I’ve yet to receive any requests from them or others regarding betrothals?”

  “The matter is being handled by your aunts,” my grandfather responded. “Once something is agreed upon, the matter will be brought to you for approval. However, even though Magnus is your heir, few expect him to inherit the leadership of the Clan, nor is he the son of the former Chief. As such, the offers for him are more relaxed, and he will likely marry a minor daughter from another Clan or House.”

  “Meaning he and the others have more choice than me,” I grumbled.

  “Stop acting like a child, Dòmhnall,” my great-grandfather snapped without any real venom. “We all know you are far more mature than this and have been aware this day was coming for some time. Act as you are, not what others might think you are.”

  “If there’s one day a year where I can act my age, this is it,” I countered, though like him, there was no anger in my voice. “Especially because of what most, if not all of those letters contain,” I added, gesturing at the pile. “And because…” I stopped myself there and shook my head. “Never mind.”

  I picked up my spoon and moved to begin eating. There was no point in dwelling on Bella, nor would I make the mistake of mentioning my interest in her to my ancestors. Beyond the fact that she was engaged, I didn’t need my grandmother heading off and speaking with Arcturus about it, as that might end the tutoring agreement between myself and Bella, and strain my friendship with House Black. I wouldn’t let my feelings damage something that still appeared integral to my plans for the future.

  … …

  I choked on the butterbeer I was sipping and then started coughing. “What?” I managed to get out once I’d recovered and wiped my mouth. “I mean, forgive me, Lord Arcturus, but I was under the impression that Narcissa sought to be betrothed to Lucius Malfoy.”

  Arcturus, who sat opposite me in one of the smaller sitting rooms in Dunscaith, raised a single eyebrow. “What exactly gave you that impression?”

  “Generally, I see her near him at Hogwarts,” I explained, putting my drink down to reply while a partition of my mind could run through various scenarios while we spoke. “I am aware that Heir Malfoy is formally betrothed to Andromeda, but they do not seem… enthused with the agreement and had suspected you, or at least Narcissa, sought to alter the agreement."

  “Ah.” Arcturus lifted a hand to his chin, stroking his beard slowly. “I will not get into the private business of House Black, but for now, Andromeda is betrothed to Heir Malfoy. The agreement, however, is simply for a daughter of House Black, so there is room to alter the agreement, which I suspect is what young Narcissa is seeking to encourage.” He paused there for a moment. “It would be a similar arrangement I would wish to make with you regarding your betrothal to a daughter of House Black, though with Narcissa being the daughter of those still nominally not betrothed to another, I suspect it would she that you would eventually marry. Such vagueness is common among Ancient Houses and Clans where there is more than one daughter available.”

  I blinked, using the moment to quickly process the matter. There was logic in such an approach, as if the children did not find common ground, or in the case of Andromeda, with Ted Tonks in the other timeline, then the situation could be easily rectified without any major loss of public reputation.

  With Ursa, Lyra and Vega as extra daughters, Arcturus was covered if an issue arose with one of the trio of Bella, Andromeda, and Narcissa. It wasn’t exactly fair on the girls, but as they had little true say in the arrangements made for them – the same was true to a lesser extent with Sirius, Regulus, and the other sons of House Black – I could see the logic in doing things this way.

  That didn’t mean I entirely agreed with it; that was for certain, but it offered a potential avenue to gain the one Black daughter that I wanted.

  “Might I ask if this also applies to their sister, Bellatrix?” I asked, reminding myself to use her full name to avoid hinting at any change in the situation between me and Bella. Now, I had no idea if she genuinely liked me or had simply used our tutoring sessions as a way to connect with someone who didn’t care about House Lestrange and wouldn’t betray her trust. Regardless, I would work to help her gain her freedom from that moron Rodolphus.

  Arcturus’ eyes narrowed a touch, and for a moment I felt a probe linger at the edges of my mental defences. The probe didn’t attempt a breach, but it was clear Arcturus was curious about my interest in the eldest of his nieces. “Lord Reginald Lestrange was not as accommodating of my preference for an old-ending betrothal, and his eldest son was quite insistent on gaining Bellatrix.” He paused for a moment as if considering something before continuing. “In the end, I was able to, at her request, craft the agreement such that if she is able to defeat her betrothed several times in succession in recognised duels before they both turn twenty, I will allow her to extract herself from the betrothal. There are other conditions, but those are not a matter I wish to discuss with any bar myself, my wife, Bellatrix, and her parents. Might I ask why you are asking about your tutor?”

  “Might I ask that what I will say is not revealed to others unless Bellatrix can extract herself from her betrothal?” I countered, knowing that I might be breaking her confidence. However, if it helped her gain her freedom, and perhaps have her see me more than a younger cousin, then I was prepared to suffer the blowback if she became aware of it. I’d just have to ensure I had as many curse and hex antidotes and general healing potions as I could easily obtain, ready for the potential blowback.

  “Very well.”

  I’d have preferred something more concrete, but I knew there was no way he would give a vow on the matter. “During our tutoring sessions, Bellatrix has often spoken of her… distaste for Heir Rodolphus. Her choice of phrases to describe her betrothed was far more colourful than I would expect from a lady of her standing. However, based on the handful of direct interactions I have had with the two Lestrange sons and other anecdotal evidence, I have come to share Bellatrix’s concerns. As her friend, I would like to help her handle her predicament, though I understand that if I act openly, I might risk angering both you and House Lestrange, which is why, until now, I have remained silent about my desires.”

  Arcturus sat quietly opposite me, his eyes searching my face for something. A few years ago, such a piercing gaze would’ve unsettled me, but it no longer did. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that I didn’t allow my concerns to show on my features or anywhere near my surface thoughts. I was aware that, even within the safety of Dunscaith, if Arcturus truly wished to, he could potentially kill me before I was able to fully engage the castle’s protections. Of course, such an action would not only see him trapped within the castle, with little chance of escape, but result in him being brought before the Wizengamot – if the defences ever lowered so others might find him – on charges of attempted line extermination.

  “I see,” he said slowly, his tone devoid of any hint of his thoughts on the matter. “You were wise to keep your thoughts on the matter to yourself until now. If word had reached Lord Reginald, there is a chance it could have developed into a blood feud between House Lestrange and your Clan. Given your current condition, I would expect your Clan to lose such a feud in a rather rapid fashion.”

  I nodded, agreeing with the assessment. As much as I didn’t like it, a Clan that only had four direct members – children or first cousins of the Chief – and none having graduated Hogwarts stood no chance in a cloak-and-dagger war with any other Clan or House. Morgana, at this point, many of the Established Clans and Houses could likely destroy us if they wished.

  “That said,” Arcturus continued, drawing me from delving too deeply into concerns of the state of my Clan, “the fact you have expressed interest in helping her is… unexpected. I do not speak to my niece often, but from how she mentions you in passing, it is clear that she favours you. Perhaps more than she should, given her betrothal to another.”

  “Now, I cannot provide further information on the conditions that would allow her to end the betrothal, nor should you attempt to insert yourself into the matter. As you are, any attempt would not end well for you if you were forced to face Heir Rodolphus in a duel.” I felt my brow twitch, wondering if Arcturus was perhaps hinting at a way I could help in a few years. With Bella seemingly having until she turned twenty to escape the betrothal, it meant I had roughly three years to push so that I might be able to intercede in the matter. “However, I see no issue with you providing Bellatrix clandestine support to help her escape the betrothal. I would caution you that if she were able to do such a thing, then it would alter the betrothals for the other daughters of House Black. Andromeda would then be betrothed to Heir Lestrange, Narcissa to Heir Malfoy and one of Ursa, Lyra, or Vega to you.” He leaned forward, his lip twitching just a fraction. “Unless that is, you would wish to claim Bellatrix’s hand in place of the latter two?”

  I smirked, aware of what he was hinting at. “Beyond the fact that we are here to discuss the offer from House Black for a betrothal with myself, I will refrain from saying anything specific regarding your nieces.”

  “Indeed.” Arcturus leaned back in his chair; the twitch of his lips having shifted into a very slight smile. “I still find myself impressed with your maturity and deft way with words, Chief Dòmhnall. There are men four or five times your age who still lack such grace.”

  “It is simply a matter of the teaching from yourself, your wife, and my grandmother that I am who I am today, Lord Arcturus,” I replied, deflecting the praise back at him and his family.

  “I do not deny that we have had a hand in your evolution, as have your ancestors. However, the majority of the credit has to go to you. While I remain saddened by what cost you your childhood, and cannot begin to express my disappointment in the Ministry for having all but closed the matter, to see what you are now, and what you will no doubt become in the coming decades, I am sure that your parents are immensely proud of you.”

  I lowered my head in thanks. While I did so, my thoughts turned to the Ministry and what he was referring to.

  The DMLE had announced this morning that it had arrested, tried, and sentenced nearly three dozen witches and wizards in connection with the Summer Solstice Massacre. The names of those involved were listed in the paper, and honestly, a few of them had been a shock. Members of cadet branches of several Highland clans appeared to be the ringleaders, with reports claiming that they confessed that the attack had been an attempt to gain control of their Clans. The others had come from Cadet Clans who had hoped to improve their standing with the new Chiefs, unafflicted Clan and House members who simply sought money or chaos, or mercenaries from abroad who carried out the attack because they were paid to.

  Everything suggested the DMLE and the Ministry considered the matter closed, which made sense given most had been sentenced to death by Dementor or life in Azkaban. I, however, didn’t. Yes, the names and motives listed in the articles published today – which I had no doubt were done in an attempt to curry favour with me, since the other major headline on the front page of many of the papers was that it was my thirteenth birthday – made sense, but it felt too easy. Almost as if someone had given up many involved in the SSM to protect themselves and the more powerful figures who had backed the attack.

  I had no proof of this, nor would I be voicing my opinion to others, but I refused to accept an answer when it was handed to me seemingly without issue and all wrapped in a giant bow. I’d seen far too much of that approach in my life from another timeline to simply accept the words of the Ministry and their mouthpieces in the papers as the vast majority of people – some might call them sheep – who composed the magical population of the Isles.

  It was reassuring that it sounded as if Arcturus agreed with me; however, I wouldn’t be discussing the matter with him. No, that topic would remain between myself and my ancestors, with my grandmother under clear orders not to comment on the subject to Arcturus or other Blacks, even when asked.

  “Returning to the reason you wished to speak with me privately,” I said while one partition of my mind processed the matter of the SSM, “I am willing to consider it. However, as you are likely aware, I have already had several offers given to me today, some of which even openly state a preference for a second wife. I won’t be deciding on any offer today nor before the end of the Winter break.”

  “Understandable and acceptable.”

  I smiled in thanks for his consideration. “Truthfully, I expect it will take until at least the summer before I feel I’ll be in a position to discuss things properly. Being present at Hogwarts does heavily limit my ability to speak with you and others on this topic. Still, I can assure you that your offer will be one of those that I will give the most weight to.”

  Arcturus lowered his head in thanks. While he and his House had been some of those who helped educate me on the magical world, he had no certainty that I would grant him any preference in the matter of betrothals to myself. That said, I had no intention of denying his offer outright, and it would be one that would be given high consideration from me. House Black was one of the more powerful Houses in the Wizengamot, and keeping them, and many of those allied with them, from the clutches of Voldemort was high on my agenda. I’d like to do the same for those aligned with Dumbledore; however, it was unlikely that many would be willing to step over to my faction once war came for the Isles.

  “On a side matter,” I continued as an idea came to me, “regardless of my situation, perhaps we might consider seeing if any of your other nieces and nephews might be suitable choices for my cousins?” As much as I’d like to give Magnus, Tegan, and Talulla the freedom to choose a partner, there were still limits on their options. Magnus and Tegan were both in Fourth Year, and while they had not brought anything regarding marriage to my attention, if they found someone, they would need my approval. If no one had stood out to them yet, then I could consider options for them and discuss the matter with my aunts, who were looking after them and Talulla.

  … …

  “Chief Dòmhnall, on behalf of the Ancient house of Potter, I thank you for inviting me to your home today.”

  “Maggie Potter,” I began to reply, ignoring the way áine stood at my side, rolling her eyes and sighing at what she saw as unnecessary formality. “On behalf of the Ancient and Noble Clan MacLeod, I grant you, and those with you, safety and protection within my walls this day.”

  Maggie raised her head and offered me a smile. “Thank Merlin that’s over,” she said with a chuckle.

  “I don’t see why you have to do that,” áine commented as she moved to her friend’s side. “It’s not like you're from the main line of your family, nor does Dom care about such things.”

  I shook my head at my cousin, once again expressing her distaste for customs. She knew that they were needed, and obeyed them when needed, but if she could, she’d skip them and just enjoy herself. Hardly a surprise given her age, but if she didn’t change soon, it was going to become an issue. “That is true, áine; however, there are other guests here who do. It would reflect badly on myself and House Potter if custom was not obeyed.”

  “I’m glad you at least understand that,” Maggie said as she came closer. As she lifted her hand from her waist, I forced down an urge to roll my eyes as I saw an envelope in her grasp. “However, I have one other thing to do. On behalf of my Lord, Charlus, I have been instructed to present this proposal to you.”

  I took the envelope slowly, noting the hint of concern in her eyes as she spoke. As she, áine, and the others who had stepped through the Floor into the room watched, I cracked the wax seal and took out the letter. I barely managed to keep down my sigh of annoyance.

  “I thank you for relaying this to me, my lady,” I said to Maggie as I placed the letter and envelope into my pocket, planning to add it to the others that I’d received during the day and from a few other arrivals at my party. “Are you aware of the contents of the letter?”

  “I am, Chief Dòmhnall,” she replied, her gaze dropping to the floor. “I-if you accept, I would be h-honoured to stand beside you.”

  “Huh?” áine asked even as their friends, including the O’Conor twins and the irritating O’Sullivan girl, all looked at Maggie. That indicated they knew what was going on, and I saw Assa and Issa flinch slightly, suggesting they had a similar letter. Moira O’Sullivan, however, looked irritated, which, given the fact that she continued to be intrigued by me whenever I helped their group study at Hogwarts, wasn’t a shock.

  “Today is my thirteenth birthday, áine, and you understand what that means?”

  áine looked at me, her brow wrinkled as she thought about the topic. I waited quietly for my cousin to understand the issue, which occurred when her eyes widened and her gaze jumped between me and Maggie.

  “What? No!” Before I could stop her, áine had rushed towards me, wrapping her arms around me tightly. “I want to marry Dom!”

  I blinked, my mind taking a second to process what she’d said and then realised that she wasn’t so much hugging me as she was grasping on as if she’d lose me if she let go. Behind her, Assa giggled, hiding her mouth on her sister’s shoulder. Even as I shifted my gaze to my cousin, the others started chuckling. All save Moira O’Sullivan, whose eyes narrowed slightly concerningly as she stared a hole into the back of áine’s head.

  “áine,” I said gently, trying to peel my cousin from my chest, “I’m not choosing to marry Maggie.” I glanced at the girl. “No offence.” She smiled back and gave a small nod of understanding.

  “What do you mean?” áine asked, tilting her head to look up at me. She blinked back the tears that had gathered in her eyes. “Are you saying you're going to marry me?” she added, her lips lifting into a small grin.

  “I’m not marrying anyone today,” I explained. “It’s just that, as I am uncommitted and now at the age where such things can be announced, I am receiving offers of betrothal.”

  “But I want to be with you,” áine countered with childlike innocence that didn’t make her holding me so tightly any easier. “I love you.”

  “Oh dear.” I turned my head at the familiar but unexpected voice and saw Aunt Fiona walk into the room, a hand up to cover her mouth. The slight tightening around her eyes made clear she found the scene amusing, but was hiding her smile with her hand. “Have I interrupted a bout of young love?”

  “My dear cousin has taken the wrong impression over a letter given to me by one of her friends from Lord Potter,” I explained even as áine pushed her head into my chest again, almost as if trying to hide while not letting me go.

  “Ah, I see.” Fiona came closer and placed a hand on áine’s shoulder as she knelt. “áine, Dòmhnall isn’t getting married to anyone today. Nor will he for many years. However, like yourself, he is the head of an important Clan. It is only natural that others would try to gain influence with him through betrothals, but I assure you that he won’t be accepting any of them for some time.”

  “I want to marry Dom!” áine stated firmly, and I had to fight to avoid rolling my eyes. “I love him!”

  “I’m sure you do, just as I know he loves you.” áine looked up at me as Fiona spoke, and I couldn’t help but smile at my cousin. The way her eyes begged for my approval was something I was incredibly weak against. “However, now isn’t the time to say such things, nor talk on such matters.”

  Fiona held out her hand, offering a warm face to my cousin. “How about you and your friends come with me, and we can talk while Dòmhnall does the adult stuff that he needs to do as head of the castle?”

  áine looked at the hand and then at me. “It’s okay,” I said gently, patting her head, “I’ll make sure to save one of the seats next to me for you.”

  I knew she’d take that the wrong way, but it was also the only thing I could think of that would get her to release me from her grasp. As much as I might want to, I couldn’t force her away, not without causing a worse scene and thus embarrassing both of us.

  “You promise?” I nodded, which made her smile. Okay.” She turned and reached out to take my aunt’s hand. “I don’t like all those boring things anyway,” she added as she slowly freed me from her grasp.

  “Nor should you at your age,” Fiona replied as she stood, áine’s hand now in hers. “Now, come along, all of you.”

  I watched them head off, my hands working to pat down my robes before the next group of guests was due to arrive. At the same time, my mind was processing what had just happened. I knew áine had been clingy when we were younger, seeking comfort from my presence. However, I had thought she’d grown out of it enough that I wasn’t an issue. It seemed I was wrong, and now I had another issue to handle regarding a girl.

  Staring up at the ceiling, I sighed loudly. “Not how I expected this to go,” I muttered to myself, commenting more on having to deal with all this talk of betrothal and marriage and not the world in general. I’d known I was stepping into a world on the brink of war, and I had no regrets about that. However, having to deal with all this formality of arranged marriages, and the fact that all the options so far were girls, with many like Maggie not yet striking puberty, was simply exhausting.

  It almost made me wish Voldemort would start to show his hand so I could focus on that instead of the insanity of teenage girls and the magical nobility.

  … …

  … …

  ...

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