Chapter Three, Play Dates

~ Samhain (October 31st) 1982 ~

Persephone, her Daddy Sirius, and the four Lestranges have been in Auc France for exactly one year now. During that time Persephone had met some children her own age when she went to Place Cachée with Batsy, just after their first Yule in France, and she had also celebrated her second birthday, now however, the toddler despite watching her family get their château ready for Samhain; was feeling rather subdued. Clutching her stuffed dog and stag close to her chest the little quarter Veela brought her knees up to her chest, her breathing increasing as screams from her Mummy and Daddy plagued her mind along with flashes of bright sickly green light and a high, cold laugh.

Unbeknownst to her, her magic had picked up like a tornado, catching the attention of her family who rushed over to her calling her name only for their worry to increase when they received no response from the little girl. They had been trying to make it special for her and for them to mitigate the trauma they had all suffered the previous years, but it would seem all their efforts were for naught as the sweet little girl was trapped within her own mind, her magic wreaking havoc around them.
"Baby!" Sirius exclaimed, scooping his daughter - who was already becoming a beautiful little girl - up into his arms, pressing kisses to her head while rocking them back and forth as he tried to calm her down and bring her back to them.

They all loathed that she even remembered that horrific night to such an extent that it would leave such trauma on her young mind, but they shouldn't have been surprised, really. Both she and Sirius had suffered a great deal the previous year, in the span of months they had lost Mia, Monty, James and Lily. But thanks to their prayer and vow to Mother Magic nearly a year ago to the date, they swore that would be the extent of their loss.
"Shh, my little flower. Shh it's alright Daddy has you." Sirius soothed, rubbing his fingers through her curly dark chestnut locks, the soothing motion seemed to be doing more than their calming words ever could. "Daddy has you and I'm never going to let you go. You're safe, flower." Sirius whispered over and over, thankful their new friends hadn't arrived just yet.

~ Flashback January 1st 1982 ~

Yule was over for the family of six which meant they all had work to complete. Sirius, unfortunately had to go and sit on the French Wizengamot as Lord Black and proxy to House Potter with Falco Lestrange as Vinda was starting her new job at CPS Department (Child Protective Services) in the Ministry and couldn't take up her usual seat as proxy for both Houses and Rodo had an exam for his Defence Mastery (which Batsy had the following day), so it was down to Rabastan to take Persephone clothes shopping in Place Cachée.
"Ready to go, Petite étoile?" Rabastan asked, and he then repeated the question in English. "Ready to go, little star?"

They found that by doing it this way including saying good morning and goodnight like this, that Persephone was picking up on certain French words and they couldn't be prouder. Persephone looked up from her toys she was playing with and jumped to her feet wrapping her arms around his legs with a happy cry.
"Batsy!" She cried happily, her little arms squeezing his legs with all her might.
"I'll take that as a yes." Rabastan chuckled, picking her up and setting her on his hip. "Let's leave Prongs and Padfoot here so they don't get lost." He suggested, holding his hand out with a gentle smile as she kissed the heads' of the teddies.
"Au revoia Prong. Pa'foo'." Persephone bid to her two favourite teddies, mispronouncing slightly but she was getting there.

"Well done Sephy!" Rabastan praised, accepting the teddies and setting them down on the sofa while the toddler giggled and beamed with glee as they made their way to the Floo Network. Making sure he had a firm grip upon the toddler, Rabastan threw down the powder with a cry, "Griffon Buveur, Place Cachée!" Before they were whisked away. As soon as they had stopped spinning and Rabastan was sure he had his balance he stepped out of the fireplace feeling the magic around it syphoning the ashes from Persephone and himself, shaking his head at a giggling Persephone who seemed to have enjoyed the ride via Floo Network.

"Well, it seems someone liked the ride." A woman with a thick French accent commented from his left. Turning slightly so he was between Persephone and the woman, Rabastan's face remained neutral as he was faced by a woman around Sirius's age with light blonde hair and bright blue eyes with three children sitting around her - all girls. One was at least five years old who looked the splitting image of her mother, the second was Persephone's age with white-blonde hair and beautiful pale green eyes but looked nothing like either the girl or the woman, and the third was also around Persephone's age but it was clear she was of mixed heritage. Rabastan would hazard a guess that she was of Italian, African and French if her dark tannish-mocha skin tone with dark chocolate brown hair and light brown eyes were anything to go by.

Remembering his manners, Rabastan offered a genial but slightly tense smile.
"That she does." Rabastan chuckled.
"I'm Lady Apolline Delacour, this is my daughter and Heiress Fleur, and these are Heiress Camille Moreau and Heiress Océane Laurent." Apolline introduced, pointing to the eldest girl, then the pale blonde and brunette in turn before she held out her hand.
"Well Met." Rabastan greeted, placing a chaste kiss to her knuckles before he straightened up once more.

"I'm Master Rabastan Lestrange and this is Heiress Persephone Potter-Black." He introduced, turning fully to face her to show them Persephone. The elder girl, Fleur, his mind supplied, immediately took a shining to Persephone as she entertained the toddler. If Apolline was surprised she didn't show it, all she did was offer a kind smile as she returned the greeting.
"If her father or any of you needs help as Persephone grows feel free to send me an owl. I know from experience how tricky it can be and the girls must be prepared." Apolline stated idly, but with a firm undertone so Rabastan knew what she was talking about.

Persephone's Veela side and the Allure. Admittedly they had all been worrying about that as none of them had any idea of what they were dealing with and to be so kindly offered the help they desperately sought after, made some of the tension bleed from Rabastan's shoulders.
"Thank you." Rabastan sighed gratefully, a bone-deep relief filling him up as it chased away any and all doubt.
"You're welcome." Apolline returned, waving goodbye to Persephone as they went their separate ways.

~ End of Flashback ~

"Daddy." Persephone's tired and scared voice brought them all out of their musings of that day.
"I'm here sweetheart. I'm here." Sirius sighed in relief that his administration had pulled her from the trauma. "How about we go and have a nap together in Daddy's bed?" He suggested, feeling how wet his shirt had gotten with her tears and how tired she was now.
"Go on. We'll finish up here." Falco coaxed nodding towards the hall and stairway as Persephone nodded tiredly, clutching tightly to Sirius's shirt and her two teddies. "We will come get you just before the others arrive." He added firmly, stopping any and all arguments.
"Thank you." Sirius muttered gratefully, with one last kiss to her forehead he stood from the sofa, Persephone balanced on his hip as they made their way upstairs for a much needed nap.

***

~ Age Three: November 3rd 1983, Sirius's 24th birthday ~

"Shh little firecracker." Rodo laughed, pressing a finger to his lips as the little three year old copied him.
"Shh Rodo!" Persephone admonished giggling quietly, her bright emeralds glimmering with mischief. The pair of trouble makers had woken up early, before anyone else had risen, to prank her father on his birthday. It was currently six thirty in the morning and normally Rodo didn't get up before at least ten, if he wasn't working for 'The Defence As Good As It Gets: A Self-Guide to defending yourself against all magazine' - much to his parents' consternation. But the majority of the time he could work from home so he took it; besides it gave him more bonding time with Sephy, which was how they were able to plan this prank so successfully leaving everyone (especially Sirius) none the wiser.

Rodo knew that like all Blacks, Sirius loved his hair above all else; well nearly all. Sirius' first love (his black curly locks) came second to his beautiful daughter Sephy, who was the Grim Animagus' whole world. She was all of their worlds actually, from her wide, emerald doe eyes, to her button nose, dark chestnut curls, to her wide smile that could light up the entire room. But back to the point. Rodo knew that as Sirius loved his hair (a weakness of all Blacks) it was the perfect place to target which is why he brewed some Hair Changing potions to turn the black locks into bright luminous purple (Sephy's favourite colour at the moment). All they had to do was get Sephy to offer Sirius the glass of water upon waking him and it'll work as the kind he brewed was colourless, tasteless and it only takes a sip.

"Ready?" Rodo asked, smiling widely as Sephy tried to stifle her giggles as she nodded her head rapidly, literally vibrating on the spot.
"Sirius, wake up!" Rodo shouted, as he pushed the door open causing the man to start in bed jumping awake at the intrusion his wand pointed at them before he realised who it was.
"Not funny Rodo!!" Sirius grumbled, glaring at the man before a smile dawned on him once he spotted his beautiful daughter.
"Bonjour Perséphone. Good morning Persephone." Sirius greeted, smiling widely and taking the glass from her as she climbed onto the bed.
"Bonjour Daddy. Good morning Daddy." Persephone beamed, kissing her father's cheek as she wrapped her small arms around his neck, trying to hide her giggles as she heard him take a drink.

"Happy birthday Daddy." She said, pulling back quickly which confused Sirius until he saw the mischievous gleam in her emerald eyes and her lips twitching as she tried not to laugh.
"Thank you baby. Now, what have you been up to, my cheeky little flower?" He asked teasingly only to become confused as both Rodo and Persephone burst out laughing. "What did you do? Prank Batsy? Or Falco again? Or Vinda?" Sirius asked eagerly, remembering the previous times on Batsy and Falco. The only ones who haven't been pranked are Vinda and himself (or so he thought). She was a very bright little girl - getting her brains from all three of parents, as well as Lily's cheekiness and his and James's mischievousness; however, Sirius could fully admit without any qualms that she will be way smarter than either he or James were. It seemed his answer was given to him when Sephy held up a curly purple strand.

Wait....Purple?
Vaulting from the bed to Rodo's glee, Sirius ran into his walk-in closest to gaze upon his reflection in the mirror where he was gifted to the sight of him with luminous purple hair. Instead of being horrified that his hair had been messed with, like he would've been had anyone done that a few years ago, a wide smile stretched his face to the max looking like the Cheshire Cat as he ran back into his bedroom and scooped his daughter up howling with glee as the trio laughed raucously, attracting the other threes attention. The trio had only just entered the bedroom sleepily when Sirius declared for all to hear, "BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!!!" He crowed in delight to Rodolphus but especially Persephone's glee.
"It's too early for this!!" Falco and Rabastan grumbled before they headed back off to bed.

***

~ Age Four: April 7th 1984, Place Cachée ~

With Persephone's fourth birthday coming up in a few months Vinda and Falco had decided to take her to Baguettes Magiques de Cosme Acajor in Place Cachée to get a training wand due to her strong bouts of Accidental Magic and to start (lightly) on her Etiquette training. Which Sirius agreed to but had been forced to take a 'Me Day' by Vinda who - Sirius readily admitted - could be more than a little scary when she wanted to be, especially as she had taken her promise to both James and Lily to heart. But mostly Sirius's 'Me Day' would consist of ideas on how to introduce more ways and show gratitude to Mother Magic in ways that a nearly four year old child would understand.

But one thing that he never failed to do, no matter how busy he was, was to brush Persephone's hair and do a prayer to Mother Magic each morning and night, something on which Persephone now understands and joins in on a few words that she understands.
"Au revoir Daddy." Persephone bid, bestowing a kiss and big hug on her Daddy.
"Au revoir, my little flower." Sirius replied, kissing her forehead. "Be good for Falco and Vinda, alright?" He added firmly, before smiling once again when his daughter nodded. "Good girl. Off you go, Daddy, Rodo and Batsy will be here waiting for you." Sirius smiled, as she ran to Falco who picked her up and sat her on his hip, waving to her until she disappeared in the emerald flames.

"Excusez-moi Monsieur Acajor? Excusez-moi Monsieur Durmont?" Falco called for the assistance of the Wand-maker and Lord Consort Durmont who was training to be a wand-maker as they entered the wand shop, Persephone now holding his wife, Vinda's, hand. A moment later they heard double footsteps coming from the back room where the wands are made.
"Ahh, Lord Lestrange, Lady Lestrange and Heiress Potter-Black, too. Bienvenue. Welcome." A tall elderly man with pepper coloured hair that was turning more grey than anything, with kind azure eyes greeted them, smiling warmly. He was followed by another tall man who stood around 6"1 with an athletic build. This man also had blue eyes but darker than the other gentleman's and shaggy blonde hair.

Both men were also dressed impeccably in robes depicting their uniform for their work hours.
"Bonjour Monsieur Acajor and Lord Durmont." Vinda greeted.
"Bonjour." Persephone whispered shyly, hiding her face in Vinda's navy skirts as the shop owner and employee smiled endearingly to the young Heiress. Despite meeting Lord Durmont once with his husband and their daughter Dominique, she was still rather shy, especially as she's never met the Wand-maker before.
"What is it we can do for you today?" Monsieur Cosme Acajor asked, standing behind his front desk.
"Persephone has been having rather strong Accidental Magic so we think it is time, despite her young age, to give her a training wand." Falco informed them, smiling proudly.

"My word!" Monsieur Acajor gasped, it has been a time since he had heard - and felt - of such powerful magic and he could feel it coming off of her in waves. "Luca, as you 'ave met Heiress Potter-Black before you measure her, and I shall fetch zee Training Wands." Monsieur Acajor gasped excitedly, bustling away with renewed vigour. He loved a challenge and he knew that she would be even more of a challenge once she was eleven and he could not wait for it. Sending thanks to Mother Magic for such a powerful and challenging customer; he made a mental note to start creating more wands for different varieties, as he selected a range of different Training Wands. Ambling back over, Monsieur Acajor placed several prism shaped boxes on the desk all in different colours (orange, dark blue, purple, grey and black).

"Violet!" Persephone cried, spotting her favourite colour but using the French word for purple, causing everyone to chuckle.
"Now, Persephone. All you have to do is feel out with your magic as you hold your hand over each box, and when you feel a warm sensation that is your Training Wand." Luca Durmont explained. After a little encouragement from Falco and Vinda, Persephone slowly, and unsurely, approached the desk, doing as instructed she held her hand over each box until she found the perfect one (which to her delight was in the very last box on the desk and in the last purple box).
"Très bien! Well done!" Everyone cajoled happily, ecstatic that she'd found the perfect Training Wand - after an hour of searching - causing the young girl to flush with embarrassment and happiness.

"Merci." Persephone whispered, rosy cheeked but a happy smile upon her face.
"Oh, we will get great things from you. I'm sure of it!" Monsieur Acajor called, almost bouncing on the spot. "That wand is made of elderberry wood and Thestral tail hair." He informed them.
"Combien ça coûte, Monsieur Acajor?" Falco asked, pocketing the Training Wand into his robe pocket after returning it to its box.
"It means how much does it cost, sweetie." Vinda explained to Persephone noticing the little frown on her face.
"Thank you." Persephone replied happily, happy she'd got a wand and learnt some more French.
"That'll be seven Galleons, s'il vous plaît." Luca said, accepting the Gringotts card off of the other Lord.
"Salut." The little family bid once they had paid, the little girl waving excitedly as they left the shop.

***

~ Age Five: September 1985 ~

"Daddy." Persephone called, stifling her giggles as she held up the Colour Changing Potion that they were planning to put in Falco, Rodo and Batsy's coffees. The only one who didn't ever get pranked by Persephone was Vinda which she was rather smug about to her husband and her sons who would just grumble at her good naturedly.
"Thank you baby." Sirius acknowledged, kissing her forehead as he accepted the potions and poured them into the coffees that sat on the dining table waiting for the three male Lestranges under warming charms until they came down for breakfast.

Similarly to when Rodolphus and Persephone had pranked him on his birthday, Sirius wanted to get his own back on his friend, however, he had adjusted the potion slightly so they couldn't remove it until the sunset no matter what spells they cast it would just cause their hair and skin to change into a variety of colours.
"Now, when they come down we have to hide Princess and wait for them to drink it. Once they have then we can come out." Sirius explained quietly to his daughter, trying not to laugh as he imagined all the different colours the three male Lestranges would turn into.
"Okay Daddy." Persephone beamed, her wide smile showing off her missing baby teeth at the front making her look extra cute.

"When we jump out can we shout 'Boo!'?" She asked, bouncing on the spot. Excited to be pulling off some pranks with her Dad.
"Of course we can, Princess." Sirius agreed readily, he just loved seeing her smile and laugh. It was his favourite sound after all, and his memory for his Patronus Charm. Hearing footsteps coming down the grand staircase Sirius quickly hid them both in the corner beneath the Invisibility Cloak that once used to belong to the Potter ancestor Ignotus Peverell. "Stay quiet now, my flower." Sirius whispered, his finger pressed to his lips. Smiling as Persephone copied so she would stay quiet.

As the father-daughter duo watched on tender hooks beneath the Cloak the four Lestranges entered the family dining room only to pause in confusion for a moment upon noticing the lack of the father-daughter duo. However, after a moment they figured Sirius had taken Persephone to the toilet and sat down to eat their breakfast. The second they had gulped down their coffees with a satisfying sigh a loud 'pop' sounded throughout the room as Falco's hair turned silver and his skin pale blue with golden spots representing the Beauxbâtons' colours. Rodolphus's hair turned blood red and his skin now resembled black stripes showing the Durmstrang colours; and finally, Rabastan. His hair turned into a fluffy cloud of luminous purple with cream stripes while skin made him look like he had Dragon Pox if it weren't for the colour as he was covered in luminous orange spots.

Vinda blinked once. Twice. Three times before she burst out laughing infectiously, holding her side as she gasped for breath, her eyes watering.
"Boo!" Persephone and Sirius shouted, laughing as they threw off the Invisibility Cloak jumping out from their place in the corner.
"Sirius!!!" The three male Lestranges shouted, sounding annoyed, if only it weren't for the smiles upon their quivering lips.
"Fairs fair. You didn't think I'd forgotten about the prank on my birthday did you?" He asked rhetorically, chuckling as he couldn't take them seriously with the looks they were sporting.
"You all look silly." Persephone chuckled, her emerald eyes gleaming with tears of laughter as she held her teddies to her chest, almost bent over with the force of her infectious laughter which just made them all laugh. Even the three clowns otherwise known as Falco, Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange.

***

~ Age Six: April 1986 ~

"Now that you know some of our history and etiquette lessons," Vinda started, smiling reassuringly to the young girl who was literally thrumming with anticipation to learn her first spell. "I'm going to teach you a spell that'll not only come in handy while you're at Beauxbâtons with your friends, but also in social situations. Be it galas, balls or tea parties in the Sunroom with the fellow Ladies of the Sacred." She explained.
"Okay." Persephone retorted, wand in hand, ready to practice the wand movements.
"The incantation is 'Falsus Acclārō' which literally means liars reveal.

And the wand movement is a sharp diagonal line from left to right and then down into a u-shape." Vinda explained watching critically for a moment before a proud smile adorned her lips as the incantation and wand movements were done perfectly.
"Well done sweetheart. That was perfect." Vinda praised proudly, which earned her a bright beaming smile from Persephone.

***

~ Age Seven: July 31st 1987 (Persephone's birthday)~

"My little girl is growing up!" Sirius wailed tearfully. It was Persephone's seventh birthday and Sirius and the Lestranges had decided to hold her birthday party at home this year and invited all of the friends she's made including their parents. In attendance were the Delacours Armand and Apolline with ten year old Fleur and one year Gabrielle, also with them was Armand's sister, Gwenaëlle; the Laurents: Océane and her parents, Marie and Henri; the Moreaus: Camille and her mothers, Elise and Colette; and the Durmonts: Dominique and her fathers, Daniel and Luca.

While the elder children ran around the gargantuan gardens playing and screeching with laughter, the parents (and baby Gabrielle) were sitting on the patio beneath a large umbrella to block out the sun's scorching rays with Cooling Charms surrounding them, drinking ice cold butterbeer. The summer heat had well and truly hit this year. But Sirius didn't seem to be paying all that much attention to the conversations flowing around him as his tear-filled silver eyes were fixed upon his daughter. Who had truly come into her own after having meetings with Marie at Hôpital St Laurel pour Transformations et Maladies Magiques to help her recover from the trauma of losing her parents. Her loved ones hated she remembered such horrors and traumatic experience and after the first Samhain in their new home; where it became painfully apparent she remembered the deaths, they wanted to get her all the help she could possibly need.

Which is where they met Marie who became Persephone's Mind Healer.
"I know how you feel. It's hard but also rewarding and nostalgic seeing your eldest and only child grow into their own. But it's very clear to see that she is and will always be a Daddy's Girl. Every so often she looks up over here to make sure you're still here, I think." Armand commented, he was the Deputy Minister and on the French Wizengamot and was constantly having to deal with Dumbledore and his ilk. Those two little words seemed to cheer Sirius up more and just as he looked over at the children playing - true to Armand's words - Persephone looked over and beamed and waved empathetically when she noticed her father looking at them. Laughing Sirius smiled and waved back at his daughter just as manically which made her and all the other children laugh.

Sirius and the four Lestranges were glad to see Persephone happy and interacting with children her own age, despite her harsh start in life and the constant badgering of Dumbledore. Persephone was safe, happy, loved and could actually be a child and that was all that mattered to them.
"Don't worry we will not allow Dumblydoor to get ahold of that sweet little girl!" Armand interjected, accurately guessing where their (Sirius, Vinda, Falco, Rodo and Batsy's) thoughts were heading. With each information that Sirius's Great-great grandfather, Phineas Nigellus Black collected the more evidence they had against the bumbling old coot the better.
"Good." Was all that was said on the matter as they went back to enjoying Persephone's birthday, the old coot pushed to the edge of their minds (for now) as they revelled in the infectious joy of all of the children.

***

~ Age Eight: Imbolc Celebration ~

After watching over Persephone during her Purification bath - which was important for Imbolc, Sirius sat himself in the middle of her bedroom on the beige carpet with Persephone sat on his lap the Family Crest brush lay idle on the carpet as Sirius prepared for the very hard discussion he was about to have with his daughter.
"Flower?" Sirius asked nervously.
"Yes Daddy?" Persephone asked, tilting her head back curiously with wide and innocent emerald doe eyes.
"You know how we told you how your Daddy James and Mummy loved you so much that they saved you from two evil Wizards?" Persephone nodded her head. Sighing heavily Sirius started telling her the hard truth of what really happened to Lily and James and the real cause behind her nightmares.

They had spoken to Marie about this for weeks planning the best way to tell her the full truth of what happened; especially as she needed to know before she went to Beauxbâtons in a few years time. They had told her that they had died protecting her when she was baby when she asked when she was younger but nothing more, and as for her nightmares they had just said it was over now and she was safe. But the reality was both power hungry wizards were still out there, one still actively trying to get her under his thumb.
"We will not let anything happen to you I promise, Princess; but Marie told us we had to tell you before you started school and I didn't want anyone else other than me telling you. I'm sorry baby." Sirius explained sadly, holding her tight to him as he wiped away her tears.

"I understand Daddy. I love you." Persephone whispered.
"I love you too, baby. So much and Daddy will always be here to protect you and keep you safe." Sirius swore, kissing her forehead as he summoned her Prongs and Padfoot teddies.
"Thank you." Persephone whispered, as she turned around. With one last kiss to her head, Sirius attentively ran the brush gently through her locks working out the knots that had developed in her sleep and during the bath.

Slowly, Persephone's eyes closed; lulled into a state of relaxation from the three set of protective Magicks woven in and around her and the meditative repetitions of the brush running through her hair, the stag and black dog plushies still clutched in her hands but not as tightly anymore; it simply looked like she was hugging them now instead of them being her lifelines.
"Mother Magic," Sirius whispered, his eyes closing as he whispered his prayer but his hand never stopped running through his daughter's hair.

"Mother Magic, as we welcome in the Spring and celebrate the wellbeing of magic in the crops and babies. And acknowledge the renewal of life, energy, and strength. We thank thee for all the protections you have bestowed upon us these past few years. This is our promise to you and magic be our witness, as we offer Persephone's (my) strands in thanks for your gifts and protections so far, we will hold true to our words; so mote it be!" Sirius and Persephone uttered, their eyes flying open as they felt warmth suffuse them as a second golden glow surrounded the entirety of the estate causing Sirius's eyes to widen.

"Thank you." Sirius and Persephone whispered reverently, completing the ritual by throwing the strands into an open fire as golden and turquoise sparks emitted from the flames, a second warmth suffusing them. Offering Persephone the comfort she so desperately sought after the full truth of her parents demise was revealed to her. Snuggling into her Daddy she wrapped her thin arms around his neck and buried her face into the joint between neck and shoulder.
"I love you Daddy." Persephone whispered.
"I love you too Princess. So much." Sirius whispered, holding her tightly and kissing her forehead.

***

~ Age Nine: August 1st 1989, Ondarreta beach ~

"Eat up sweetheart as we have a surprise for you!" Sirius grinned as he watched Persephone slowly sip at her orange juice tiredly.
"What surprise, Daddy?" Persephone asked curiously, her head tilted to the side cutely.
"As you've been such a good girl with your studies and because it is so hot, we've all decided to head to Ondarreta beach." Sirius announced, smiling as she squealed and jumped from her seat knocking it over in her excitement as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
"Thank you Daddy. Thank you. Are Batsy, Rodo, Vinda and Falco coming too?" She asked hopefully.

"Of course we are, Sephy." Rabastan grinned, far too used to that nickname to care as he found it cute now.
"Oh no fair! My brother was put before me!" Rodolphus wailed, eliciting giggles from the nine year old Veela.
"Rodo be quiet and eat your breakfast." Vinda admonished, sending a wink to Persephone so she knew she was only teasing which just caused the Lestrange Heir to pout as everyone laughed at him.
"Oh yes, pick on Rodo Day." He grumbled petulantly, arms crossed across his chest but he winked anyway to show Sephy he wasn't upset as he righted her chair with a wave of his hand.

After everyone had gotten ready they were finally ready to leave for the beach for a nice day out, a fully stocked hamper rested over Falco's arm courtesy of Osrick and Kreacher.
"Ready?" Falco asked, as everyone appeared in the entryway. He was feeling excited to spend the day on the beach. He was forever thankful for the contract he and his wife had once drawn up with their dear, dear friends because since joining Sirius and Persephone's family they (he, his wife and sons) had become so much closer and actually felt like a family and not just strangers who shared a name. And it was all thanks to that sweet little girl.
"Right, let's go then." Falco requested, upon receiving excited nods from everyone. Picking up Persephone with his free arm he Apparated on the spot to the Wizard-only beach for a fun family day in the sun.

***

~ Age Ten: Lughnasadh Celebration ~

Persephone giggled as she and her family helped their house-elves with baking bread, and cakes to honour the harvest roots of the Lughnasadh celebration. During these holidays were the only time their house-elves allowed them into their kitchen. Unlike other families, this family allowed their elves to take part in all celebrations, treated them with kindness, love and respect as they would each other (which set a stellar example to Persephone), and made sure they had somewhere good to sleep, were warm and dressed impeccably in their uniforms with the triple crest embroidered upon their shirts and had food in their belly.

As was usual for all celebrations, Sirius started off the day by brushing his daughter's hair with the crest brush, the only brush he would use on her hair which showed in the length and thickness it had adorned over the years. However, like all holidays they each required a little something different. For this particular holiday it required them to collect in the harvest, bake and celebrate Lughnasadh by feasting, singing songs, and playing games. Although the baking did descend into a flour war between them all with team Persephone winning (considering it was made of herself and all the house-elves) it was little wonder they had won as they were all sneaky and quick on their feet. Plus, the elves could magic the flour onto whomever they so choose. It truly had been the best celebration any of them had had in a very long time.
_________________________________

Spell translation:

* Falsus = liar
* Acclārō = reveal