Chapter Text
Hespera watched transfixed as Orion conjured another solid silver acorn necklace. She could feel the potency of the magic oozing out of the amulet. The Black Family Magic would protect the future owners of the necklaces as if they were full-blooded children of House Black.
She stepped closer and put an arm around his waist. “I can’t be left behind,” she said with an impish smile, brushing her lips against his smooth cheek. “And I believe that’s why you love me, Orion.”
He smirked. “I don’t need a reason to love you, Hespera. You are my perfect half,” he said, bending his head and kissing her. The feel of his mouth on hers was pleasant. All their kisses were promises of better things to come; good things she couldn’t wait to share with the man she treasured above all.
She moved the Elder Wand, and the temperature dropped slowly in the room. Dark wisps of magic stretched out of the tip and enfolded the acorns. They shone bright silver for a heartbeat as they absorbed the Peverell Magic.
Orion’s hot breath fanned her ear and stirred the silky strands of hair around it. “Perfect. Now, nothing will harm them.” His lips brushed the rim of her ear, expectantly soft and enticing
“Aren’t we the perfect match?” She turned her head, just a small movement, but it brought her mouth against the burning heat of his. He used his hand to urge her head to his shoulder, anchoring her firmly as his lips slanted over hers. The feel of his mouth was exquisite as he possessed her with slow, teasing kisses, using the tip of his tongue to entice her.
“And aren’t we the poor, lonely bystanders?” Cassiopeia said carelessly as she sauntered into the room uninvited. “It’s time. The guests are waiting for you.”
Orion groaned and withdrew his mouth from hers reluctantly. “I swear…”
“And I love you too.” Cassiopeia winked and left the room.
Hespera’s fingers slid gently to his cheek. “I promise I’ll look for some unassailable wards in the Peverell library.”
Orion snorted and put her hand gently on his arm. “I’ll gladly help. I want to make sure beforehand that my wedding night goes without incidents.”
Hespera’s cheeks immediately took on a glow that had nothing to do with the fire’s heat. She raised an eyebrow slightly. “I think part of you still wants to show your affection to the world, especially to any gentlemen that might wish to court me. You cannot fool me, Heir Orion Arcturus Black.”
He snorted and supplied silkily. “Why would I fear competition? It’s my ring you’re wearing on your fourth finger, Lady Peverell. You are irrevocably mine and mine alone.”
Hespera shook her head and followed him, murmuring under her breath. ‘Blacks and their possessiveness.’
Awash in boatloads of anticipation, she opened the glass door leading to the garden and smiled. Snowdrops and blooming white and lilac crocuses were everywhere. A small altar stood in the middle. It was decorated with glittering crystal snowdrops and bowls of different seeds. Candles floated everywhere, bringing with them a soft light and the promise of a better future.
Everyone seemed genuinely happy as they waited for Melania, Lycoris and Dorea to bring the children home. For their first trip, they opted to use the secret entrance behind the Leaky Cauldron. Hespera gave a wry smile when she remembered the first time she stepped into Diagon Alley. It was a memory she would cherish for the rest of her life.
Hespera wasn’t surprised when she found Arcturus talking to Cygnus and Regulus. As expected, he had not held him accountable for his father's and sister's mistakes.
As if reading her thoughts, Orion shrugged. “It’s been impressed on me since a very young age that family always comes first. Father’s greatest dream is to have House Black united. All of them. He can afford their hopes and mistakes as long as they do not abandon the family and the family magic. Most people don’t understand him. Yes, he’s cold, ruthless and vindictive, but he’d been hauling a hefty weight for decades. His title is one of the most powerful in Magical Britain. It carries with it weight and influence. Father would be vastly disappointed if he doesn't live up to his ancestors’ expectations.”
“I wouldn’t take Arcturus for a sentimental, but he values family above all,” she said dryly.
“He can do affection,” Orion protested playfully. “Occasionally.”
She shook her head, slipped her arm into his and led him to where Alphard stood alone.
“Merry Imbolc,” she grinned up at him. He seemed preoccupied.
Orion nudged him when he took his sweet time to answer.
“Oh, I apologise,” he said sheepishly as he executed a short bow, his face troubled. “Merry Imbolc to you, too.”
“Where is Eileen?” she asked. “I asked you to invite her.”
Alphard sighed. “I don’t know. I did as you asked. I—‘’ The silver-grey of his eyes held a chill of wariness. “Lord Prince has invited the Slughorns to celebrate Imbolc at their manor.”
“Oh,” she said, crestfallen, “I’m sorry to hear that, but don’t worry. You have to trust Eileen.”
“I do,” he assured her. “If he tries to force her to accept Slughorn’s proposal, I swear to Merlin…”
“I’ll help you bury the body.” Orion’s hand settled on his shoulder.
Alphard nodded and kept his face expressionless. Hespera guessed that inside, he was dissolving in a feeling he’d never known before.
Fleamont joined them, hand in hand with Euphemia. Harfang and Callidora followed after them.
“Where’s Charlus?” she frowned.
Fleamont rolled his eyes. “I was instructed by Dorea to keep him away as long as possible,” he scoffed. “He had purchased a dozen brooms and volunteered to teach the children Quidditch.”
Callidora blinked in surprise. “But they’re too young.”
“I know,” Fleamont looked wry and a bit sheepish. “You know how he is.”
“We’ll find something for him to do,” Hespera heaved a sigh. “Isn’t he a Transfiguration prodigy? He can help Master Berkely teach the children the subject.”
Harfang gave her a long-suffering look. “Please do. That man cannot remain idle for more than a few moments.”
Hespera stilled when she felt the ripples in the Peverell’s Manor wards. Orion trailed his finger along the palm of her hand and then up to the pulse at her wrist. She held his fingers firmly, taking the comfort he was offering. Dragging in a breath was suddenly very difficult, as though she’d laced her corset too tightly. Lifting her hand, he pressed a kiss to the centre of her palm. “They’ll love you.”
“They deserve a chance,” she replied with a tearful smile.
Orion decided to keep silent and wait for Hespera to savour the moment she’d been waiting for. This was her dearest dream: to give neglected and abused magical children the haven they’d been denied.
He knew they were far from realising that delightful dream, but they would get there. One day.
He looked down at her, and his heart swelled with love. Her dark beauty illuminated the night. She was wonderfully dressed in House Peverell’s heraldic colours: a black velvet dress and a matching hooded cloak trimmed with white fur. Her hair, so shiny it looked molten, had been pinned up in a complex mass of coils and topped with a diamond-encrusted hairclip. She looked like the powerful queen she was, her potent magic cloaking her and making every nerve in his body tingle.
“And so, it begins,’’ Cassiopeia said from behind them. “Why does it feel like I have several Apprentices at once?”
“I think it’s better if you do not interfere with the children’s education for now,” Arcturus turned his head to the side to give her a raised brow. “I doubt they’re ready for you.”
Cassiopeia glared at him, then gave her attention back to the children with an impatient roll of the eyes. “It doesn’t matter; only a select few can handle my intense methods. I admit they are a bit young and inexperienced.”
Orion sighed inwardly, hoping that wasn’t her third lie of the hour. “I’m perfectly certain that the Masters we found can introduce them properly to the basic branches of magic.”
“Don’t be obtuse,” she huffed indignantly. “My time is quite precious to waste here. I’ll merely supervise your so-called Masters until I make sure they’re trustworthy.”
“No living soul can meet your standards, Cassiopeia,” Callidora joined them. “At times, I wonder if you are even human.”
“I’m simply superior.”
“Orion,” Hespera heaved an excited breath and held out her hand for him to take when Melania, Lycoris and Dorea guided the children through the garden’s glass doors. Her feet quickened as she sped up her pace, her eyes fixed on the shy, wide-eyed young Wixen.
His father remained behind them. As he studied them, there was no pity or disapproval in his penetrating gaze. He was smiling as if he were glad to see the new occupants of the manor. He gave them a nod, a gesture of closeness and familiarity he usually reserved solely for family and allies.
“Aunt Melania?” A small blonde clutched his mother’s hand tightly. “Is this our new home? It looks like the castles in fairytales.”
“Every princess deserves to live in a castle,” Hespera kneeled in front of the girl and traced a gentle finger over her pale cheek. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Saoirse Finnigan,” the girl answered in a small voice. She was looking at Hespera with wonder-filled cobalt eyes. “A-are you Lady Hespera?”
“I am,” Hespera gave her a reassuring smile.
“Thank you for having us,” she averted her gaze.
A tall boy stepped forward, his brow furrowed in confusion. “I heard that you are the one who started this orphanage. Why? Are there really many freaks like us?”
“You are not a freak,” Hespera said softly. She paused a moment before clearing her throat and continuing in a harder voice, “Your family’s fears about your powers are unwarranted; do not let them concern you because their words do not shape who you are.” She lifted her head, her iridescent gaze capturing all the children’s attention at once. She gave them a wide smile as if she were blessing them. “You are special and gifted. All of us are, like Cygnus and the others had explained when they visited you first. We kept our existence a secret because people are greedy and scathing by nature. They fight what they do not understand,” she explained slowly. “Keeping boundaries between Muggles and us ended up being the best way to protect our kind and live in peace. I don’t expect you to understand everything at once. We’ll do our best to answer all your questions and help you use your powers and reach your full potential. I won’t live with you here, but you can reach me any time you require my assistance.”
Melania clapped her hands, her eyes twinkling with happiness as they travelled over the expectant small faces. “First things first. Tonight is Imbolc, so let’s pray together then enjoy a good feast afterwards.”
Some children squealed when Tally and Kreacher popped in. The faithful elf rushed to his mistress’ side, a wide grin on his face. “Mistress Hespera, Kreacher did as you instructed. He supervised the new House Elves and made sure they did everything to perfection. Mistress’ guests will enjoy the feast.”
Hespera skimmed her forefinger along his jaw, letting her magic comfort him. He closed his eyes and sighed. “I trust you did your best, my friend. Let’s give those children what they deserve.”
He nodded enthusiastically. “Mistress Hespera will protect them.”
Orion took Hespera’s hand in his, then stiffened. The Grim growled in annoyance, and awareness reverberated between him and the new guest like a crackle of lightning. He sensed the moment the wards welcomed the new guests. The Corner of Hespera’s mouth twitched, and he wondered if she was reading his mind.
“I invited them." She pressed her forehead to his neck. “They’re our friends.”
“And we are grateful for the sentiment, Lady Peverell. It’s always good to celebrate Imbolc with friends.”
Alpha Greyback sauntered inside, followed by Beta Caelan MacGriogair. Several children gasped when they noticed his height and strong build. He winked at them, his green eyes twinkling with mirth. “We brought some fresh fruits and flowers from the forest.”
“And we brought a batch of the medicinal herbs we’ve harvested, Master Regulus,” Caelan bowed when Regulus and Alphard strode toward them as if the smell of the herbs summoned them.
‘’That’s wonderful,” Regulus rubbed his hands in anticipation. “Luna Silva Forest’s herbs are the best.”
“We’re grateful, Caelan,” Alphard nodded.
“We welcome you, Alpha Greyback,” Arcturus offered Fenrir his hand. Greyback clutched it firmly and offered his father a nod of acknowledgement. “It’s our pleasure to celebrate Imbolc and the children’s inauguration with you. My pack is ready to offer any help you require. Children are the best hope for the future.”
“Indeed,” Arcturus agreed. “I’m afraid it is time to light the fire and pray. The auspicious time is upon us.”
Hespera looked around with a frown, and he wondered if she was waiting for more guests. Everyone who mattered was there. Granted, he wasn’t that pleased to have Greyback, but he was a family friend and an ally.
Melania, Lucretia and Lycoris asked the children to stand in a circle around the altar. They did as asked, their eyes lit with excitement.
“Let’s do the honours,” he summoned the necklaces and offered them to Hespera.
“Together, my love,” she put her arm around his waist, skimmed her hand up his back and burrowed closer.
One side of his mouth lifted. “As you wish.”
He could sense the children’s anticipation as they followed them with confused eyes.
“Imbolc is a Sacred Day that has been celebrated by Wixen for aeons,” Regulus explained. “It symbolises new beginnings. It’s traditional to offer the youngest acorn enchanted necklaces to keep them safe and purify them. As you can see, we’ve lit candles and brought fresh flowers, seeds and fruits, too.”
Hespera’s voice was thick when she added. “Tonight, you will be reborn. What happened before you stepped into the manor doesn’t matter.”
Tears filled a young brunette’s eyes, and his fiancée rushed to comfort her. Her thumb brushed her cheek, wiping the tears away before they could fall. The gentleness caught in Orion’s heart and wouldn’t let go.
He sensed Fenrir’s gaze on his back and wasn’t surprised when he heard his voice in his head. Again. “You’ve been blessed with a good woman, Black. Treasure her or else…”
The Grim growled and fought against his mental shields, asking for a way out. He’d been insulted. “I don’t need your concern, Greyback. She’s my everything.”
Fenrir arched a brow, looking calm and relaxed.However, a slight smirk played on his lips.
Orion could see the wheels spinning in Hespera’s head, trying to understand the situation.
Arcturus mentioned to the fire, and everyone stood silent as he whirled his wand and lit the fire.
“Blessed Mother Magic,” he closed his eyes and bowed his head in reverence. Everyone followed suit. “Please, bring your protection to this home. Bless this space and all who dwell here. Guard our hearts from despair and stir up hope within us. May your flame warm us where we have grown cold and hard.”
Hespera lifted her wand, and dark sparks erupted upwards. The air became cold, the alluring call of Death Magic making everyone shiver. “Mother Magic, keeper of the flame, blazing in the darkness of winter. We honour you, bringer of light, healer, exalted one. Bless those children now, that their lives may be as fruitful as the soil itself, and their spirits abundant and fertile."
Orion felt the sweetness of Hespera’s magic as she let it free. It flew leisurely, making everyone aware of the strongest witch in the manor. Her magic enwrapped around them like a warm blanket, offering an unconditional promise of eternal protection.
The children clutched their acorn necklaces and stared at her with teary eyes. Orion could practically see their little hearts brimming with love and gratitude.
He intertwined his fingers with Hespera’s, saying his own prayer. To the world, she was Lady Peverell, the most powerful witch in Magical Britain and his esteemed fiancée. But to him, she was the light in the darkness. She was his hope and his faith.
“Now, let’s have dinner!” Lucretia chirped happily.
His arm curled around her shoulders. With a sigh, she snuggled against him as they followed after his mother and his sister.